J^ ^ 



^=^ 





/ 



HISTOEY 






OF THE 



MINNESOTA VALLEY, 



INCLUDING THE 



EXPLORERS AM PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA, 



By Rev. Edward D. Neill, 



— AND- 



History of the Sioux Massacre, 



By Charles S. Bryant. 



MINNEAPOLIS : 

NORTH STAR PUBLISHING COMPANY, 

1882. 



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73056 



TKIIU"NI-: .luh KOUM.-- AMI HIN'DEHV, 
MlKNF.M'l I l.<, MINN. 



PREFACE. 



We live not alone in the present, but also in the past and future. We can never look 
out thouf>'htfully at our own immediate surroundings but a course of reasoning will start 
up. leading us to inquire into the causes that pi-oduced the development around us, and at 
the same time we are led to conjecture the results to follow causes now in operation. We 
are thus linked indissolubly with the past and the future. 

If, then, the pi^t is not simply a stepping-stone to the future, but a part of our very 
selves, we can not afford to ignore, or separate it from ourselves as a member might l)e 
lopped oif from our bodies; for though the body thus maimed, might perform many and per- 
haps most of its functions, still it could never again be called complete. 

We therefore present this volume to our patrons, not as something extrinsic, to which 
we would attract their notice and thus secure their favor, liut as a part of themselves, and a 
very important part, which it is the province of the historian to re-invigorate and restore to 
its rightful owner. Moreover, we can not but hope that we shall thus confer much pleas- 
ure. The recounting of events which have transpired in our own neighborhood is the most 
interesting of all history. There is a fascination in the study of the intermingled facts and 
fiction of the past, which is heightened by a familiarity with the iScalities described. "The 
river which flows through our native village, acquires a new interest, when, in imagination, 
we see the Indian canoe on its surface aud the skin-covered tepee on its Ijauks as in days of 
yore." Log cabins, bark roofs, aud the rude "betterments" of the hardy pioneer are the next 
changes on the scene, followed soon iK mushroom towns, some of which perish as quickly 
as they sprung up, while others astonish us by their rapid growth; cities are built, and moss 
and ivy, the evidences of age, accumulate. 

Our purpose is to present these pictures in their natural succession, arousing the en- 
thusiasm of the reader, if possible, and giving him a more vigorous enjoyment of the present 
by linking it with the past. The compass of the work is wide, extending over a king period 
of time, embracing the accounts of early explorers, also reaching back among the legends of 
the past, and, approaching the events of the day, almost undesignedly casting a prophetic 
glance forward at what must be the future after such a beginning. 

The Valley of the Minnesota River presents an exceptionally rich field for a work of 



rUEFACB. 



♦ 



this iharacter. Tin' iloniiiin of the Sioux Wiis on the banks of >this stream until the fatal 
(lav of their u|irisin^'. when thev forfeited all rii^ht to live aniony; eivili/.ed ])eo]ile. Kxiilnrer, 
missionary, voya^eur and trader have also left traces of their ocLUi)aney. 

To give in detail all the various sources from which the facts here given have heen olj- 
tained, would be tedious, if not imjn-aeticable. It may be sufficient to say that it fairly pre- 
sents the history of our remarkable develojiment, and a faithful picture of our ])resent con- 
dition. We must, however. exi)ressoiu' obligations to a host of living witnesses from wlioni 
a large portion of the facts have been obtained, and doubtful points verified; they have our 
hearty thanks. Material has been drawn largely from the columns of newspajiers, which 
have from time to time given a record (d' )iassing events. The contributions of Ivev. E. D. 
Neill will be of great permanent value and will be highly prized by historiographers every- 
where. The History of the Sioux Massacre, by ('. S. JJryant, is a faithful portrayal of the 
harrowing scenes incident to that never-to-be-forgotten event. 

In conclusion, we have an obligation to ex]iress to our patrons, and are jileased to ack- 
nowledge a liberal patronage and more than ordinary courtesy toward our employes; for all 
of whicli we tender our hearty thanks. Hoping that those who have subscribed for, and are 
about to receive this vohune, will favor it with a kind reception, and take as much interest 
in reading, as we have in cDUipiling the History of the Minnesota \'alley. we are. 

Verv respectfullv yours, 

GEORGE E. WARNER, 

CHARLES M. FOOTE. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 
PEEFAOE, - - - - iii 

CHAPTERS I— XXIII. 
Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota — Eev. 

Edward DuffieldNeiU, - - 1-128 

CHAPTERS XXIV— XXV. 
Outline History of the State of Minnesota, 129-140 

CHAPTERS XXVI— XXVIII. 
Early History of the Minnesota Valley — 

Rev. Edward DnffieldNeill, - 14K168 

CHAPTER XXIX. 
Geology of the Minnesota Valley — Prof. 

N. H. Winchell, State Geologist, - 169 -176 
CHAPTERS XXX— XLIII. 
The Sioux Massacre of 1862— Charles 

S. Bryant, - - - 177-257 

CHAPTER XLIV. 
Chronology, - - -' 257-262 

CHAPTER XLV. 
Ramsey County, - - - 263-274 

CHAPTER XLVI. 
Hennepin County, - - 274-283 

CHAPTER XL VII. 
Dakota County - - - 283-29.0 

CHAPTER XLVIII— LII. 
Scott County - - - 290-351 

CHAPTERS LIII— LVII. 
Carver County - - - 352-410 

CHAPTERS LVIII— LXI. 
Sibley County - - - 410-477 

CHAPTERS LXII— LXVII. 
LeSueur County - - - 477-437 



CHAPTERS LXVIII -LXXTII. 
Blue Earth County - - 537-637 

CHAPTERS LXXIV LXXVI. 
Nicollet County - - - 637-697 

CHAPTERS LXXVII— LXXX. 
Brown County - - - 698-762 

CHAPTERS LXXXI— LXXXII. 
Redwood County , . - - 762-798 

CHAPTERS LXXXIII— LXXXV. 
Renville County - - - 798-848 

CHAPTERS LXXXVI— LXXXVII. 
Lyon County . . . 848-882 

CHAPTERS LXXXVIII— LXXXIX. 
Yellow Medicine County - - 882-912 

CHAPTERS XC-XCI. 
Chippewa County - - - 913-937 

CHAPTERS XCII. 
Lac qui Parle County - - - 937-955 

CHAPTER XCIII. 
Swift County - - - 955-972 

CHAPTER XCIV. 
Big Stone County - - - 973-986 

CHAPTER XCV. 
Traverse County - - - 986-990 

CHAPTER XCVI. 
Grant County, Dakota - - - 990-999 

CHAPTER XCVII. 
Sisseton Indian Reservation - - 999-1000 

Index ... - 1001 



EXPLORERS 



AND 



PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



CHAPTER I. 



FOOTPRINTS OF CIVILIZATION TO'WARD THE EXTREMITY OF LAKK SUPERIOR. 



Minnesotii's Central Position.— D'Avagour's Prediction.— Nicolet's Visit to Green 
Bay. — First Wliite Men in Minnesota. — Notices of Groselliers and Radisson. — 
Uurons Flee to Minnesota. — Visited by Frenchmen. — Fattier Menard Disap- 
pears.— Groselliers Visits Hudson's Bay.— Father Allouez Describes the Sioux 
Mission «t Lrt Pointe.— Father Marquette. — Sioux at Sanit St. Marie. — Jesuit 
Missions Full.- Groselliers Visits Engliind.— Captain GiUani, of Boston, at Hud- 
son's Bay.— Letter of Mother Superior of Ursulines., at Quebec.— Death of 
Groselliers. 

The Dakotahs, called, by the Ojibways, Nado- 
■waysioux, or Sioux (Soos), as abbre-viated by the 
French, used to claim superiority over other peo- 
ple, because, their sacred men asserted that the 
mouth of the Jlinnesota Kiver ■nas immediately 
over the centre of the earth, and below the centre 
of the heavens. 

While tliis teaching is very different from that 
of the modern astronomer, it is certainly true, 
that the region west of Lake Superior, extending 
through the valley of the Mimiesota, to the ilis- 
souri River, is one of the most healthful and fer- 
tile regions beneath the skies, and may prove to 
be the centre of the republic of the United States 
of America. Baron D'Avagour, a brave officer, 
who was killed in fighting the Turks, while he 
was Governor of Canada, in a dispatch T;o;^the 
French Government, dated August 14th, 1663, 
after referring to Lake Huron, wrote, that beyond 
" is met another, called Lake Superior, the waters 
of which, it is believed, flow into Kew Spain, and 
this, according to general opinion, ought to he the 
centre of the country." 

As early as 1635, one of Champlain's intei-pre- 
ters, Jean Nicolet (Nicolay), who came to Cana 
da in 1618, reached the western shores of Lake 
Michigan. In the summer of 1634 he ascended 



the St. Lawrence, with a party of Hiu'ons, and 
probably during the next winter was trading at 
Green Bay, in Wisconsin. On the ninth of De- 
cember, 1635, he had returned to Canada, and on 
the 7th of October, 1637, was married at Quebec, 
and the next month, went to Three Rivers, where 
he lived imtil 1642, when he died. Of him it is 
said, in a letter written in 1640, that he had pen- 
etrated farthest into those distant countries, and 
that if he had proceeded " three days more on a 
great river which flows from that lake [Green 
Bay] he woidd have foiuid the sea." 

The first white men in Minnesota, of whom we 
have any record, were, according to Garneau, two 
persons of Huguenot attlnities, iledard Chouart, 
kno-WTi as Sieur Groselliers, and Pierre d'Esprit, 
called Sieur Radisson. 

Groselliers (pronounced Gro-zay-yay) was born 
near Ferte-sous-Jouarre, eleven miles east of 
Meaux, in France, and when about sixteen years 
of age, in the year 1641, came to Canada. The fur 
trade was the great avenue to prosperity, and in 
1646, he was among the Huron Indians, who then 
dwelt upon the eastern sliore of Lake Huron, 
bartering for peltries. On the second of Septem- 
ber, 1647, at- Quebec, he was married to Helen, 
the widow of Claude Etienne, who was the daugh- 
ter of a pilot, Abraham Martin, whose baptismal 
name is still attached to the suburbs of that city, 
the "Plains of Abraham," made famous by tlie 
death there, of General Wolfe, of the English 
army, in 1759, and of General Montgomery, of 
the Continental armv, in December, 177.5, at the 



•I 



EXVLOlimifi AND inuyEERS OF Ml.\\\KSOIA. 



commciipcnicnt of the " "War for Tiulciiendence." 
His sou, iI(Hlard, was bom in 1(537, and tlie next 
year liis mother died. The second wife of Gro- 
selliers was Marguerite IIay('t(nayay) Radisson, 
the sister of liis associate, in the exploration of 
the region west of Lake Superior. 

Eadisson was born at St. ilalo, and, wliile a 
boy, went to Paris, and from tlience to Canada, 
and in IGoG, at Tliree Hivcrs, married Elizabeth, 
the daughter of JIadeleine llainault, and, after 
her death, the daughter of Sir David Kirk or 
Kerkt, a zealous Huguenot, beeanie his wife. 

The Iroqi'ois of New York, al)oiit the year 1650, 
drove the Hurons from their villages, and forced 
them to take refuge with their friends the Tinon- 
tates, called by the French. I'etuus. because they 
cultivated tobacco. In time the Hurons and 
their allies, the Ottawas (Ottaw- waws), were 
again driven by the Iroquois, and after successive 
wanderings, were foinid on the west side of Lake 
Michigan. In time they reached the Mississippi, 
and as(;ending above the Wisconsin, they found 
the Iowa Kiver, on the west side, which they fol- 
lowed, and d\\elt for a time with the Ayoes 
(loways) who were very friendly ; but being ac- 
customed to a country of lakes and forests, they 
were not satisfied with the vast prairies. Return- 
ing to the Jlississippi, they ascended this river, 
in search of a better land, and were met by some 
of the Sioux or Dakotahs, and conducted to their 
villages, where they were well received. The 
Sioux, delighted with the axes, knives and awls 
of European manufacture, which had been pre- 
sented to them, allowed the refugees to settle 
upon an island in the Mississippi, below the 
mouth of the St. Croix River, called Bald Island 
from the absence of trees, about nine miles from 
the site of the i)resent city of Hastings. Possessed 
of firearms, the Hurons and Ottawas asserted 
their superiority, and determined to conquer the 
country for themselves, and having incurred the 
hostility of the Sioux, were obliged to flee from 
the isle in the Mississippi. Descending below 
Lake Pepin, they reached the Black River, and 
ascending it. found an unoccupied country around 
its sources and that of the Cliippeway. In this 
region the Hurons established themselves, while 
their allies, the Ottawas, moved eastward, till 
tlipy found the shores of Lake Superior, and set- 
tled at Chagouamikon (Sha - gah - wah - mik - ong ) 



near wliat is now Baylleld. In the year IWO, 
Groselliers and Radisson arrived at Chagouamik- 
on, and determined to visit the Hurons and Pe- 
tuns, with whom the former had traded wlien 
they resided east of Lake Huron. After a six 
days' journey, in a southwesterly direction, they 
reached their retreat toward the somx-es of the 
Black. Chippewa, and Wisconsin Rivers. From 
this iKiint they journeyed north, and passed the 
winter of 1059-60 among the " Xadouechiouec," 
or Sioux villages in the ilille Lacs (Mil Lak) re- 
gion. From the Hurons they learned of a beau- 
tiful river, wide, large, deep, and comparable with 
the Saint Lawrence, the great Mississippi, which 
flows through the city of Minneapolis, and whose 
sources are in northern Minnesota. 

Northeast of Mille Lacs, toward the extremity 
of Lake Superior, they met the "Poualak."or 
Assiniboines of the prairie, a separated band of 
the Sioiix, who, as wood was scarce and small, 
made lire with coal (charbon de terre) and dwelt 
in tents of skins ; although some of the more in- 
dustrious built cabins of clay (terre grasse), like 
the swallows build their nests. 

The spring and summer of 1660, Groselliers and 
Radisson ])assed in trading around Lake Superior. 
On the 19th of August they returned to Mon- 
treal, with three hundred Indians and sixty ca- 
noes loaded with " a wealth of skins." 

" Furs of bison and of beaver. 
Furs of sable and of ermine." 

The citizens were deeply stirred by the travelers' 
tales of the vastness and richness of the region 
they had visited, and their many romantic adven- 
tures. In a few days, they began their return to 
the far AVest, accompanied by six Frenchmen and 
two priests, one of whom was the Jesuit, Rene Me- 
nard. His hair whitened by age, and his mind 
ripened by long experience, he seemed the man 
for the mission. Two hours after midnight, of the 
day before departure, the venerable missionary 
penned at " Three Rivers," the following letter 
to a friend : 

'Rkvkkknd Fatheii : 
" The peace of Christ be with you : 1 ;\Tite to 
you probably the last, which I hope will be the 
seal of our friendship until eternity. Love whom 
the Lord Jesus did not disdain to love, though 
the greatest of sinners; for he loves whom be 



FATHER MENARD LOST IX WISCONSIN. 



loads with his cross. Let your friendsliip, my 
good Father, be useful to me by the desirable 
fruits of your daily sacrifice. 

" lu three or four mouths you may remember 
me at the memento for the dead, on accoimtof 
my old age, my weak constitution and the hard- 
ships 1 lay under amongst these tribes. Never- 
theless, I am in peace, for I have not been led to 
this mission by any temporal motive, but I think 
it was by the voice of God. I was to resist the 
grace of God by not coming. Eternal remorse 
would have tormented me, had I not come when 
1 had the opportimity. 

" We have been a little surprized, not being 
able to provide ourselves with vestments and oth- 
er things, but he who feeds the Utile birds, and 
clothes the Uhes of the fields, will take care of 
his servants ; and though it should happen we 
should die of want, we would esteem ourselves 
happy. I am burdened with business. 'Wliat I 
can do is to recommend our journey to your daily 
sacrifice, and to embrace you with the same sen- 
timents of heart as I hope to do in eternity. 
" My Reverend Father, 

Your most humble and affectionate 
servant in Jesus Christ. 

li. MENARD. 
"From the Three Rivers, this 26tli August, 2 

o'clock after midnight, 1660." 

On the loth of October, the party with which 
he journeyed reached a tiay on Lake Superior, 
where he found some of the Ottawas, who had 
fled from the Iroquois of New York. For more 
than eight months, surrounded by a few French 
voyageurs, he lived, to use his words, " in a kind 
of small hermitage, a cabin built of fir branches 
piled one on another, not so much to shield us 
from the rigor of the season as to correct my im- 
agination, and persuade me I was sheltered." 

During the summer of 1661, he resolved to visit 
the Hurons, who had fled eastward from the Sioux 
of Minnesota, and encamped amid the marshes of 
Northern Wisconsin. Some Frenchmen, who had 
been among the Hurons, in vain attempted to dis- 
suade him from the journey. To their entreaties 
he repUed, '• I must go, if it cost me my life. I 
can not suffer souls to perish on the ground of 
sa\'iDg the bodily hfe of a miserable old man like 
myself. What! Are we to serve God only when 
there is nothing to suffer, and no risk of Ufe?" 



Upon De risle"s map of Louisiana, pubUshed 
nearly two centuries ago, there appears the Lake 
of the Ottawas, and the Lake of the Old or De- 
serted Settlement, west of Green Bay, and south 
of Lake Superior. The Lake of the Old Planta- 
tion is supposed to have been the spot occupied 
by the Hurons at the time when Menard attempt- 
ed to visit them. One way of access to this seclu- 
ded spot was from Lake Superior to the head- 
waters of the Outanagon River, and then by a port- 
age, to the lake. It could also be reached from 
the headwaters of the Wisconsin, Black and Chip- 
pewa Rivers, and some. have said that Menard 
descended the Wisconsin and ascended the Black 
River. 

Perrot, who Uved at the same time, writes: 
"Father Menard, who was sent as missionary 
among the Outaouas [Utaw-waws] accompanied 
by certain Frenchmen who were going to trade 
viith that people, was left by all who were with 
him, except one, who rendered to him until death, 
all of the services and help that he could have 
hoped. The Father followed the Outaouas fUtaw- 
wawsjto the Lake of the Illinoets [IlUno-ay, now 
Michigan] and in their flight to the Louisianne, 
[Mississippi] to above the Black River. There 
this missionary had but one Frenchman for a 
companion. This Frenchman carefully followed 
the route, and made a portage at the same place 
as the Outaouas. He found himself in a rapid, 
one day, that was carrying him away in his canoe. 
The Father, to assist, debarked from his own, but 
did. not find a good path to come to him. He en- 
tered one that had been made by beasts, and de- 
su'iug to return, became confused in a labyrinth 
of trees, and was lost. The Frenchman, after 
having ascended the rapids with great labor, 
awaited the good Father, and, as he did not come, 
resolved to search for him. AVith all his might, 
for several days, he called his name in the woods, 
hoping to find him, but it was useless. lie met, 
however, a Sakis [Sauk] who was carrying the 
camp-kettle of the missionary, and who gave him 
some intelligence. He assured him that he had 
foimd his foot -prints at some distance, but that 
he had not seen the Father. He told him, also, 
that he had found the tracks of several, who were 
going towards the Scioux. He declared that he 
supposed that the Scioux might have killed or 
captured him. Indeed, several years afterwards, 



EXI'LOIiEIiS AND PIONEEBS OF MINNESOTA. 



there were found amonpr this tribe, his breviary 
aii<l cassock, whicli tliey exposed at their festivals, 
making oJTerings to tliem of food." 

In a journal of tlie Jesuits, Jlenard, about the 
seventh or eighth of August, lGGl,is said to have 
been lost. 

Groselliers (Gro-zay-yay), while Menard was 
endeavoring to reach the retreat of the llurons 
whicli he had made known to tlie autliorities of 
Canada, was piisliing through tlie country of the 
Assineboines, on the northwest shore of Lake 
Superior, and at length, probably by Lake Alem- 
pigou, or Nepigon, readied Hudson's Bay, and 
early in ilay, 1662, returned to Montreal, and 
surprised its citizens with his tale of new discov- 
eries toward the Sea of the iNorth. 

The Hurons did not remain long toward the 
sources of the Black Eiver, after Menard's disap- 
pearance, and deserting their jilantatious, joined 
their allies, the Ottawas, at La Pointe, now Bay- 
field, on Lake Superior. "While here, they deter- 
mined to send a war party of one himdred against 
the Sioux of Mille Lacs (Mil Lak) region. At 
length they met their foes, who drove them into 
one of the thousand marshes of the water-shed 
between Lake Superior and the Mississippi, where 
they hid themselves among the tall grasses. The 
Sioux, suspecting that they might attempt to es- 
cape in the night, cut up beaver skins into strips, 
and hung thereon little bells, which they had ob- 
tained from the French traders. The llurons, 
emerging from t'leir watery hiding place, stumbled 
over the unseen cords, ringing the bells, and the 
Sioux instantly attacked, killuig all but one. 

About the year 1065, four rrenchmen visited 
the Sioux of Miimesota, from the west end of 
Lake Siijierior, accompanied by an Ottawa chief, 
and ill tlie summer of the same year, a flotilla of 
canoes laden with peltries, came down to Mon- 
treal. Upon their return, on the eighth of Au- 
gust, the Jesuit Fatlicr, Allonez, accompanied the 
traders, and, by the first of October, reached Che- 
goimegon Bay, on or near the site of the modern 
town of Bayfield, on Lake Superior, w'liere he 
found the refugee llurons and Ottawas. "While 
on an excursion to Lake Alempigon, now Ne- 
pigon, this missionary saw, near the mouth of 
Saint Louis Eiver, in Miimesota, some of the 
Sioux. He writes : " There is a tribe to the west 
of this, toward the great river called Messipi. 



They are forty or fifty leagues from here, in a 
country of prairies, abounding in all khids of 
game. They have fields, in which they do not 
sow Indian com, but only tobacco. Providence 
has provided them with a species of marsh rice, 
which, toward tlie end of summer, they go to col- 
lect hi certain small lakes, that are covered with 
it. They presented me with some when I was at 
the e.vtreniity of I>ake Tracy [Superior], where I 
saw them. They do not use the gun, but only 
the bow and arrow with great dexterity. Their 
cabins are not covered with bark, but with deer- 
skins well dried, and stitclied together so that the 
cold does not enter. These people are above all 
other savage and warlike. In our presence they 
seem abashed, and were motionless as statues. 
They speak a language entkely unknown to us, 
and the savages about here do not miderstand 
them." 

The mission at La I'ouite was not encouraging, 
and AUouez, " weary of their obstinate unbelief," 
departed, but Marquette succeeded him for a brief 
period. 

The '' Bdations" of the Jesuits for 1670-71, 
allude to the Sioux or Dakotahs, and their attack 
upon the refugees at La Pointe : 

" Tliere are certain people called Nadoussi, 
dreaded by their neighbors, and although they 
only use the bow and arrow, they use it with so 
much skill and dexterity, that in a moment they 
fill the air. After the Parthian method, they 
turn their heads in flight, and discharge their ar- 
rows so rapidly that they are to be feared no less 
in their retreat than in their attack. 

"They dweU on the shores and around the 
great river Messipi, of which we shall speak. 
They number no less than fifteen populous towns, 
and yet they know not how to cultivate tlie earth 
by seeding It, contenting themselves with a sort 
of marsh rye, which we call wild oats. 

•• For sixty leagues from the extremity of the 
upper lakes, towards simset, and, as it were, in 
the centre of the western nations, they have all 
united their force by a general league, which has 
been made against them, as against a common 
enemy. 

" They speak a peculiar language, entirely dis- 
tinct from that of the Algoncinins and llurons, 
w-hom they generally suqiass in generosity, since 
they often content themselves with the glory of 



OBOSELLIERS AND RADISSON IN THE ENGLISH SEE VICE. 



having obtained the victory, and release the pris- 
oners they have talien in battle. 

" Our Outouacs of the Point of the Holy Ghost 
[La Pointe, now Bayfield] had to the present time 
kept up a kind of peace with them, but affairs 
Laving become embroiled during last winter, and 
some murders having been committed on both 
sides, our savages had reason to apprehend tliat 
the storm would soonburstupon them, and judged 
that it was safer for them to leave the place, which 
in fact they did in the spring." 

Marquette, on the 13th of September, 1669, 
writes : " The Kadouessi are the Iroquois of 'this 
country. * * * they lie northwest of the ^lission 
of the Holy Ghost [La Pointe, the modem Bay- 
field] and we have not yet ^'isited them, ha\'1ng 
confined ourselves to the conversion of the Otta- 
was." 

Soon after this, hostilities began between the 
Sioux and the Hurons and Ottawas of La Pointe, 
and the former compelled their foes to seek an- 
other resting place, toward the eastern extremity 
of Lake Superior, and at length they pitched 
their tents at Mackinaw. 

In 1674, some Sioux warriors came down to 
Sault Saint Marie, to make a treaty of peace with 
adjacent tribes. A friend of the Abbe de Galli- 
nee wrote that a council was had at the fort to 
which "the Nadouessioux sent twelve deputies, 
and the others forty. During the conference, 
one of the latter, knife in hand, drew near the 
breast of one of the Jv'adouessioux, who showed 
surprise at the movement ; when the Indian ^Ndth 
the knife reproached him for cowardice. The 
Kadouessioux said he was not afraid, wlien the 
other planted the knife in his heart, and killed 
him. All the savages then engaged in conflict, 
and the Nadouessioux bravely defended them- 
selves, but, overwhelmed by numbers, nine of 
them were killed. The two who survived rushed 
into the chapel, and closed the door. Here they 
found munitions of war, and fired guns at their 
enemies, who became anxious to burn down the 
chapel, but the Jesuits would not permit it, be- 
cause they had their skins stored between its roof 
and ceiling. In this extremity, a Jesuit, Louis 
Le Boeme, advised tliat a cannon should be point- 
ed at the door, which was discharged, and the two 
brave Sioux were killed." 

Governor Frontenac of Canada, was indignant 



at the occurrence, and in a letter to Colbert, one 
of the ilinisters of Louis the Fourteenth, speaks 
in condemnation of this discharge of a cannon by 
a Brother attached to the Jesuit Mission. 

From this period, the missions of the Church of 
Rome, near Lake Superior, began to wane. Shea, 
a devout historian of that church, writes: " In 
1680, Father Enjalran was apparently alone at 
Green Bay, and Pierson at Mackinaw ; the latter 
mission still comprising the two villages, Huron 
and Kiskakon. Of the other missions, neither 
Le Clerq nor Hennepin, the Recollect, writers of 
the West at this time, makes any mention, or in 
any way alludes to their existence, and La Hon- 
tan mentions the Jesuit missions only to ridicule 
them." 

The Pigeon River, a part of the northern boun- 
dary of Minnesota, was called on the French mapa 
Grosellier's River, after the first explorer of Min- 
nesota, whose career, with his associate liadisson, 
became quite prominent in connection with the 
Hudson Bay region. 

A disagreement occurrhig between Groselliers 
and his partners in Quebec, he proceeded to Paris, 
and from thence to London, where he was intro- 
duced to the nephew of Charles I., who led the 
cavalry charge against Fairfax and Cromwell at 
Naseby, afterwards commander of the English 
fleet. The Prince listened with pleasure to the 
narrative of travel, and endorsed the plans for 
prosecuting the fur trade and seeking a north- 
west passage to Asia. The scientific men of Eng- 
land were also full of the enterprise, in the hope 
that it would increase a knowledge of nature. 
The Secretary of the Royal Society wrote to Rob- 
ert Boyle, the distinguished philosopher, a too 
sanguine letter. His words were : " Surely I need 
not tell you from hence what is said here, with 
great joy, of the discovery of a northwest passage; 
and by two EngUshmen and one Frenchman 
represented to his Majesty at Oxford, and an- 
swered by the grant of a vessel to sail into Hud- 
son's Bay and channel into tlie South Sea." 

The ship Nonsuch was fitted out, in charge of 
Captain Zachary Gillam, a son of one of the early 
settlers of Boston; and in this vessel Groselliers 
and Radisson left the Tliames, in June, 1668, and 
in September reached a tributary of Hudson's 
Bay. The next year, by way of Boston, they re- 
turned to England, and in 1670, a trading com- 



EXPLOBERS AND PIONEEIiS OF MINNESOTA. 



paiiy was cliaite;'e(l, still known among veneriible 
English corporations as '• The Iliulson's B.ay 
Company.'' 

The Reverend Mother uf tlie Incarnation, Su- 
perior of the T'rsiilincs of ijuebec. in a letter of 
the 27lli of August, 1070, writes thus : 

" It was about this time that a Frenchman of 
our Touraine, named des Groselliers, married in 
this country, and as he had not been successful 
in making a fortune, was seized with a fancy to 
go to New Englaud to better his condition. He 
excited a hope among the English tliat he had 
found a passage to the Sea of the Xorth. With 
this expectation, he was sent as an envoy to Eng- 
land, where there was given to him, a vessel, 
with crew ami every thing lu'ccssary for the voy- 
age. AVith these advantages, he put to sea. and 
in place of the usual route, which others had ta- 
ken in vain, he sailed in another direction, and 
searched so wide, that he found the grand Bay of 
the Xorth. He found large population, and filled 
hisshiporships with peltries of great value. * * * 



He has taken possession of this great region for 
the King of England, and for his personal benefit 
A puVdication for the bcnelit of this Frencli ad- 
venturer, has been made in England. He was 
a youth when he arrived here, and his wife and 
children are yet here." 

Talon, Intendent of Justice in Canada, in a dis- 
patch to Colbert, Minister of the Colonial Depart- 
ment of France, wrote on the 10th of Xoveniber, 
1670, that he has received intelligence that two 
English vessels are approaching Hudson's Bay, 
and adds : " After reflecting on all the nations 
that iniglit have penetrated as far north as that, 
I can alight on only the Enghsh, who, under the 
guidance of a man named Des Grozellers, for- 
merly an inhabitant of Canada, might possibly 
have attempted that navigation.'' 

After years of service on the shores of Hudson's 
Bay, either with English or French trading com- 
panies, the old explorer died in Canada, and it has 
been said that his son went to England, where he 
was living in 1G06. in receipt of a pension. 



EAHLY MENTION OF LAKE HUPERIOB COPPER. 



CHAPTER II. 



EARLY MENTION OF LAKE SUPERIOK COPPER. 



•iagard, A. D. 1636, on Copper Mine5.— Boucher, A, D. 1640, Describes Lake Supe 
i-ior Copper,— Jesuit Relations, A. D, 1666-67.— Copper on Isle Royals.— Half- 
Breed Voyageur Goes to France with Talon.— Jolliet and Perrot Search for 
Copper.— St. Losson Plants the French Arms at Sault St. Marie.— Copper at 
Ontanagon and Head of Lake Superior. 

Before white men had explored the shores of 
Lake Superior, Indians had brought to tlie tra- 
ding posts of tlie St. Lawrence River, specimens of 
copper from that region. Sagard, in his History 
of Canada, puldislied in 1636, at Paris, writes : 
" There are mines of copper wliicli miglit be made 
profitable, if there were inhabitants and work- 
men who would labor faithfully. That would be 
done if colonies were established. About eighty 
or one hundred leagues from the Hurons, there 
is a mine of copper, from which Truchemont 
Brusle showed me an ingot, on his return from a 
voyage which he made to the neighboring nation." 

Pierre Boucher, grandfather of Sieur de la Ye- 
rendrye, the explorer of the lakes of the northern 
boundary of Minnesota, in a volume published 
A. D. 1640, also at Paris, writes : " In Lake Su- 
perior there is a great island, fifty or one hundred 
leagues in circumference, in which there is a very 
beautiful mine of copper. There are other places 
in those quarters, where there are similar mines ; 
so I learned from four or five Frenchmen, who 
lately returned. They were gone three years, 
without finding an opportunity to return; they 
told me that they had seen an ingot of copper all 
refined which was on the coast, and weighed more 
than eight hundred pounds, according to their es- 
timate. They said that the savages, on passing 
it, made a fire on it, after which they cut off pie- 
ces with their axes." 

In the Jesuit Relations of 1666-67, there is this 
description of Isle Royale : " Advancing to a 
place called the Grand Anse, we meet with an 
island, three leiigues from land, which is cele- 
lirated for the metal which is found there, and 
for the thunder which takes place there; for they 
say it always thunders there. 



" But farther towards the west on the same 
north shore, is the island most famous for copper, 
!Minong (Isle Royale). This island is twenty-five 
leagues in length; it is seven from the mainland, 
and sixty from the head of the lake. Nearly all 
around the island, on the water's edge, pieces of 
copper are found mixed with pebbles, but espe- 
cially on the side which is opposite the south, 
and principally in a certain bay, which is near 
the northeast exposure to the great lake. * * * 

" Advancing to the head of the lake (Ton du 
Lac) and returning one day's journey by the south 
coast, there is seen on the edge of the water, a 
rock of copper weighing seven or eiglit huntlred 
pounds, and is so hard that steel can hardly cut it, 
but when it is heated it cuts as easily as lead. 
Xear Point Chagouamigong [Sha - gah - wah - mik- 
ong, near Bayfield] where a mission was establish- 
ed rocks of copper and plates of the same metal 
were found. * * * Returning still toward the 
mouth of the lake, following the coast on the south 
as twenty leagues from the place last mentioned, 
we enter the river called Xantaouagan [Ontona- 
gon] on which is a hill where stones and copper 
fall into the water or upon the earth. They are 
readily found. 

"Three years smce we received a piece which 
was brought from this place, which weighed a 
hundred pounds, and we sent it to Quebec to ^Ir. 
Talon. It is not certain exactly where this was 
broken from. "We think it was from the forks of 
the river ; others, that it was from near the lake, 
and dug up." 

Talon, Intendent of Justice in Canada, visited 
France, taking a half-breed voyageur with him, 
and while in Paris, wrote on the 26th of Febru- 
ary, 1669, to Colbert, the Minister of the Marine 
Department, "that this voyageur had penetrated 
among the western nations farther than any other 
Frenchman, and had seen the copper mine on 
Lake Huron. [SuperiorV] The man offers to go 



8 



EXPLOJlEIiS AND PIONEMiS OF MINNESOIA. 



lo tliiit mine, and explore, eitlier by sea, or by 
lake and river, the communieation supposed to 
exist between Canada and the South Sea, or to 
the regions of Hudson's 15ay."' 

As soon as Talon returneil to Canada he com- 
missioned JoUiet and Pere [Perrot] to search for 
the mines of copper on the upper Lakes. JoUiet 
received an outlit of four hundred livres, and four 
canoes, and Perrot one thousand livres. Minis- 
ister Colbert wrote from Paris to Talon, in Feb- 
ruary, 1671, approvinjj of the search for copper, 
in these words • " The resolution you have taken 
to send Sienr de La Salle toward the south, and 
Sieur de St. Lusson to the north, to tliscover the 
South Sea passage, is very good, but tlic i)rincipal 
thing you ought to apply yourself in discoveries 
of this nature, is to look for the copper mine. 

" Were this mine discovered, and its utility 
evident, it would be an assured means to attract 
several Frenchmen from old, to New France." 

On the 14th of June, 1071, Saint Lusson at Sault 
St. Marie, planted tlie anus of France, in the pres- 
ence of Xicliolas Perrot, who acted as interpreter 
on the occasion ; the Sieur Jolliet ; Pierre Moreau 
or Sieur de la Taupine ; a soldier of the garriscm 
of (Juebec, and several other I'\eiichnien. 

Talon, in announcing Saint Lusson "s explora- 
tions to Colbert, on the 2d of November, 1071. 
wrote from (Juebec : " The copper which I send 
from Lake Superior and the river Xanlaouagan 
[Ontonagon] proves that there is a mine on tlie 
l)order of some stream, which produces tliis ma- 
terial as pure as one could wisli. More than 
twenty Frenchmen have seen one lump at the 
lake, which they estimate weighs more than eight 
hundred pounds. The Jesuit Fathers among the 
Outaouas [Ou-taw-wawsJ use an anvil of this ma- 
terial, which weighs about one himdred pounds. 
There will be no rest until the source from whence 
these detached lumps come is discovered. 

" The river Xaiitauuagau rOulouagonJ appears 



between two high hills, the plain above which 
feeds the lakes, and receives a great deal of snow, 
which, in melting, forms torrents which wash the 
borders of this river, composed of solid gravel, 
wliich is rolled down by it. 

"The gravel. at the bottom of this, hardens it- 
self, and assumes different sliai)es, such as those 
pebliles wliicli I send to Mr. liellin/.any. My 
opinion is that these pebbles, rounded and carried 
off by the rapid waters, then have a tendency to 
become copper, by the influence of the sun"s rays 
which they .ibsorb, and to form other nuggets of 
metal similar to those which I .send to Sieur de 
BelUnzany, found by the Sieur de Saint Luston, 
about fourhundred leagues, at some distance from 
the moutli of the river. 

" He hoped by the frequent journeys of the 
savages, and French who are beginning to travel 
by these routes, to discern the source of uroduc- 
tion." 

Governor Denonville. of Canada, sixteen years 
after the above circmnstauces, wrote : ■' The cop- 
per, a sample of which I sent M. ^Vniou, is foinid 
at the head of Lake Superior. The Iwdy of the 
mine has not yet been discovered. I have seen 
one of our voyageurs who ass\ires me that, some 
fifteen months ago he saw a lump of two hundred 
weight, as yellow as gold, in a river which falls 
into Lake Superior. "When heated, it could be 
cut with an axe ; but tlie superstitious Imliaus, 
regarding this boulder as a good spirit, would 
never permit him to take any of it away. His 
opinion is that tlie frost undermined this piece, 
and that the mine is in that river. lie has prom- 
ised to search for it on his way back." 

In the year 1730, there was some correspond- 
ence with the authorities in France relative to 
the discovery of copper at La Pointe, but, practi- 
cally, little was done by the French, in developing 
the mineral wealth of Lake Superior. 



BIT LUTH PLANTS THE FRENCH AEMS' IN MINNESOTA. 



CHAPTER ni. 



J>V LITTH PLANTS THE FRENCH AKMS IN MINNESOTA 



Du Luth's Relatives. — Randin Visits Extremity of Lake Superior. ~Du Luth 
Pljnts King's Arras. — Post at Kaministigoya. — Pierre MorcaF. alias La Taupine. 
—La Salle's Visit.— A Pilot Deserts to the Sioux Country.- uaffart, Du Liith's 
Interpreter.— Descent of the River St. Croix.— Meets Father Hennepin.— Crit- 
ieised hy La Salle. — Trades with New England.- Visits France. — In Command 
aC Mackinaw.— Frenchmen Murdered at Keweenaw. — Du Lulh Arrests and 
Shoots Murderers. — Builds Fort above Detroit. — With Indian Allies in the 
Seneca War.— Du Luth's Brother.— Cadillac Defends the Brandy Trade.— Du 
Luth Disapproves of Selling Brandy to the Indians. — In Command at Fort 
Frontenac. — Death. 

In the year 1678, several prominent merchants 
of Quebec and ^lontreal, 'wdth tlie support of 
Governor Frontenac of Canada, formed a com- 
pany to open trade witli the Sioux of Miimesota, 
and a nephew of Patron, one of these merchants, 
a brother- m-hiw of Sieur de Lusigny, an officer 
of the Governor's Guards, named Daniel Grey- 
solon Du Luth [Doo-loo], a native of St. Germain 
en Laye, a few miles from Paris, although Lahon- 
tan speaks of him as from Lyons, was made tlie 
leader of the expedition. At the battle of Seneffe 
against the Prince of Orange, he was a gendarme, 
and one of the King's guards. 

Du Luth was also a cousin of Henry Tonty, who 
had been in the revolution at Is'aples, to throw off 
the Spanish dependence. Du Lnth's name is va- 
riously spelled in the documents of liis day. Hen- 
nepin writes, "Du Luth;" others, "Dulhut," 
" Du Lhu," " Du Lut," " De Luth," " Du Lud." 

The temptation to procure valuable furs from 
the Lake Superior region, contrary to the letter 
of the Canadian law, was very gfSat ; and more 
than one Governor winked at the contraband 
trade. Randin, wlio vinited the extremity of 
Lake Superior, distributed presents to the Sioux 
and Ottawas in the name of Governor Frontenac, 
to secure the trade, and after his death, Du Luth 
was sent to complete what he liad liegun. With 
a party of twenty, seventeen Frenclimen and 
three Indians, be left Quebec on the first of 
September, 1678, and on the fifth of April, 1679, 
Du Luth writes to Governor Frontenac, that lie 
is in the woods, about nine miles from Sault St. 
Marie, at the entrance of Lake Superior, and 



adds that : he " will not stn- from the Jfadous- 
sioux, until further orders, and, peace being con- 
cluded, he wiU set up the King's Arms ; lest the 
EngUsh and other Europeans settled towards 
California, take possession of the country." 

On the second of .July, 1079, he caused his 
Majesty's Arms to be planted in the great village 
of the jS'adoussioux, called Kathio, where no 
Frencliman had ever been, and at Songaskicons 
and Houetbatons, one hundred and twenty leagues 
distant from the former, where he also set up the 
King's Arms. In a letter to Seignalay, published 
for the first time by Ilarrisse, he writes that it 
was in the village of Izatys [Issati]. Upon Fran- 
quelm's map, the Mississippi branches into the 
Tiatouha [Teeton Sioux] country, and not far from 
here, he alleges, 'was seen a tree upon which was 
this legend: " Arms of the King cut on this tree 
in the year 1679." 

He estabUshed a post at Kamanistigoya, which 
was tUstant fifteen leagues from the Grand Port- 
age at the western extremity of Lake Superior ; 
and here, on the fifteenth of September, he held 
a council with the Assenipoukiks [Assineboines] 
and other tribes, and urged them to be at peace 
with the Sioux. During this summer, he dis- 
patched Pierre Moreau, a celebrated voyageur, 
nicknamed LaTaupine, with letters to Governor 
Frontenac, and valuable furs to the merchants. 
His arrival at Quebec, created some excitement. 
It was charged that the Governor corresponded 
with Du Luth, and that he passed the beaver, 
sent by him, in the name of merchants iu his in- 
terest. The Intendant of Justice, Du Chesneau, 
wrote to the Jlinister of the Colonial Department 
of France, that " the man named La Taupine, a 
famous coureur des bois, who set out in the month 
of September of last year, 1678, to go to the Ou- 
tawacs, with goods, and who has always been in- 
terested with the Governor, having returned this 
year, and I, being advised that he had traded in 



10 



EXPLOBERS AND PIOKEEIiS OF MINNESOTA. 



two days, one huiulred ami fifty beaver robes in 
one vilhifte of this tribe, amoutitiii}; to nearly nine 
hundred l>eavers. wliic-h is a matter of public no- 
tt>riet\ ; and that he left with Du hut two men 
wliom he had with liini, considered myself boimd 
to have him ari'ested, and to interrogate him ; but 
haviiij; I>resented nie witli a license from the Gov- 
ernor, iicrniittiuij: him and his comrades, named 
Lamonilc and Diiiuiy. to repair tn the Dulawac, 
to execute his secret orders. I had him set at 
liberty : and immediately on his going out. Sieur 
Prevost. Town Mayor of Quebec, came at the head 
of some soldiers to force the prison, in case be 
was still there, pursuant to his orders from the 
tiovernor. in these teiins : •• Sieur I'revost. Mayor 
of (Quebec, is ordered, in case the Intendant arrest 
Pierre Moreau o/iV(,<! La Taupine. whom we have 
sent to (Quebec as bearer of our dispat<'li('s. upon 
pretext of his having been in the bush, to set him 
forthwith at liberty, and to employ every mean.s 
for this ])urpose. at his peril. Done at Montreal, 
tbe.")th September, 1(>T9." 

La Taupine. in due time returned to Lake Su- 
perior with another consiarnment of merchandise. 
The interi)reter of Du Luth. and trader with the 
Sioux, was Fatfart, who had been a soldier under 
La Salle at Fort Frontenac. and had deserted. 

I«i Salle was commissioned in IfiTS. by the 
Khig of France, to exjjlore the West, and trade in 
Cibola, or buH'alo skins, and on condition that he 
did not traflfic with the Ottauwaws. who carried 
tlieir l)eaver to Montreal. 

On the :27th of August. 1670, he arrived at 
Mackinaw, in the " (Jriffin." the first sailing ves- 
sel on the great Lakes of the AVest. and from 
thence went to Green Bay. where, in the face of 
his comnnssion, he traded for beaver. Loading 
his vessel with peltries, he sent it back to Niag- 
ara, while he, in canoes, proceeded with bis ex- 
pedition to the Illinois River. The ship was 
never beard of. and for a time supposed to be lost, 
but La Salle afterward learned from a Pawnee 
boy fdurtcen or fifteen years of age, who was 
brought prisoner to his fort on the Illinois by some 
Indians, that the pilot of the " Griffin " had been 
among the tribes of the Upper Missouri. lie had 
ascended the Mississippi with four others in two 
birch canoes with goods and some hand grenades, 
taken from the ship, with the intention of join 
lug Uu Luth, who had for months been trading 



with the Sioux ; and if their efforts were unsnc- 
cessfid. they expected to push on to the Fnglish, 
at Hudson's JJay. 'While ascending the Missis- 
sippi they were attacked by Indians, and the pilot 
and one other only survived, and they were sold 
to the Indians on the Missouri. 

In the month of June, 1680. Du Luth. accom- 
])anicd by Faffart, an interpreter, with four; 
Frenchmen, also a Chippeway and a Sioux, witlf 
two canoes, enteretl a river, the mouth of which 
is eight leagues from the head of Lake Superior 
on the South side, named Nemitsakouat. Reach- 
ing its head waters, by a short portage, of half a 
league, he reached a lake which was the source 
of the Saint Croix River, and l)y this, he and his 
companions were the first Europeans to journey 
in a canoe from Lake Superior to the Mississippi. 

La Salle writes, that Du Luth. fin<ling that 
the Sioux were on a hunt in the ilississippi val- 
ley, below the Saint Crouc, and that Accault, Au- 
gelle and Hennepin, who had come \ip from the 
Illinois a few weeks before, were with them, de- 
scended until he found them. In the same letter 
he disregards the truth in order to disparage his 
rival, and writes: 

" Thirty-eight or forty leagues above the Chip- 
peway they found the river by which the Sieur 
Du Luth did descend to the Mississippi; He had 
been three yeare, contrary to orders, with a com- 
pany of twenty " coureurs du bois" on Lake Su- 
perior; he had borne himself bravely, proclaiming 
everywhere that at the hea<l of his brave fellows 
he did not fear the Grand I'revost, and that he 
would compel an anniesty. 

" "While he was at Lake Superior, the Xadone- 
sioux, enticed by the presents that the late Sieur 
Randin had made on the part of Count Fronte- 
nac, and the Sauteurs [Ojibwaysl. who are the sav- 
ages who cany the peltries to ilontreal, and who 
dwell on Lake Superior, wishing to obey the re- 
peated orders of the Count, made a peace to 
miite the Sauteurs and French, and to trade with 
the Nadouesionx. situated about sixty leagues to 
the west of Lake Superior, Du Luth, to disguise 
his desertion, seized the opportimity to make 
some reputation for himself, sending two messen- 
gers to the Count to negotiate a truce, during 
wliich period their (Jomrades negotiated still bet- 
ter for beaver. 

Sevei-al conferences were held with the Na- 



FAFFART, DU LVTW8 INTEBPBETEB. 



n 



douessloux, and as he needed an interpreter, he led 
off one of mine, named Faffart, formerly a sol- 
dier at Fort Frontenac. During this period there 
were frequent visits between the Sautevirs [Ojib- 
ways] and Nadouesioux, and supposing that it 
might increase the number of beaver skins, he 
sent Faffart by land, with the Nadouesioiix and 
Santeurs [Ojibways]. The young man on his re- 
turn, ha\iug given an account of the qiiantity of 
beaver in that region, he wished to proceed thither 
himself, and, guided liy a Sauteur and a Nadoue- 
sioux, and four Frenchmen, he ascended the river 
Nemitsakouat, where, by a short portage, he de- 
scended that sti-eam, whereon he passed through 
forty leagues of rapids [Upper St. Croix River], 
■ and tindmg that the Nadouesioux were below with 
my men and the Father, who had come down 
again from the village of the Xadouesioux, he 
discovered them. They went up again to the 
village, and from thence they all together came 
dowii. They returned by the river Ouisconsing, 
and came back to Jilontreal, where Du Luth in- 
sults the commissaries, and the deputy of the 
'procureiu- general,' named d'Auteuil. Coimt 
Frontenac had him arrested and imprisoned in 
the castle of Quebec, with tlie intention of return- 
ing him to France for the amnesty accorded to 
the coureurs des bois, did not release him." 

At this very period, another party charges 
Frontenac as being Du Luth's particular friend. 

Du Lnth, during the fall of 1681, was engaged 
in the beaver trade at Montreal and Quebec. 
Du Chesneau, the Intendant of Justica for Can- 
ada, on the 13th of November, 1(381, wrote to the 
Marqius de Siegnelay, in Paris : " Xot content 
with the profits to be derived from the countries 
under the King's dominion, the desire of making 
money everywhere, has led the Governor [Fron- 
tenac], Boisseau, Du Lnt and Patron, his uncle, 
to send canoes loaded with peltries, to the En- 
ghsh. It is said sixty thousand livres' worth lias 
been sent thither ;" and he further stated that 
there was a very general report that within five 
or six days, Frontenac and his associates had di- 
vided the money received from the beavers sent 
to New England. 

At a conference in Quebec of some of the dis- 
tinguished men In that city, relative to difficulties 
with the Iroqucis, held on the loth of October, 
1682, Du Luth was present. From thence he went 



to France, and, early in IfiSH. consulted with the 
Minister of Marine at Versailles relative to the 
interests of trade in the Hudson's Bay and Lake 
Superior region. Upon Ids retimi to Canada, he 
departed for Mackinaw. Governor De la Barre, 
on the 9th of November, 1683, wrote to the French 
Government that the Indians west and north of 
Lake Superior, " when they heard by expresses 
sent them by Du Lhut, of his arrival at MissiU- 
makinak, that he was coming, sent him word to 
come qiuckly and they would unite with him to 
prevent others going thither. If I stop that pass 
as I hope, and as it is necessary to do, as the Eng- 
lish of the Bay [Hudson's] excite against us the 
savages, whom Sieur Du Lhut alone can quiet." 

While stationed at ^Mackinaw he was a partici- 
pant in a tragic occurrence. During the summer 
of 1683 Jacques le Maire and Colin Berthot, while 
on their way to trade at Keweenaw, on Lake Su- 
perior, were surprised by three Indians, robbed, 
and murdered. Du Luth was prompt to arrest 
and punish the assassins. In a letter from Mack- 
inaw, dated April 12, 1684, to the Governor of 
Canada, he writes: "Be pleased to know. Sir, 
that on the 2-tth of October last, I was told that 
Folle Avoine, accomplice in the murder and rob- 
bery of the two Frenchmen, had arrived at Sault 
Ste. Marie with fifteen families of the Sauteurs 
[Ojibways] who had fled from Chagoamigon [La 
Pointe] on account of an attack which they, to- 
gether with the people of the land, made last 
Spring upon the Xadouecioux [Dakotahs.] 

"He believed himself safe at the Sault, on ac- 
coiuit of the number of allies and relatives he had 
there. Eev. Father Albanel informed me that 
the French at the Saut, being only twelve in num- 
ber, had not arrested him, believing themselves 
too weak to contend with such numbers, espe- 
cially as the Sauteurs had declared that they 
would not allow the French to redden the land 
of their fathers with the blood of their brothers. 

" On receiving this information, I immediately 
resolved to take with me six Frenchmen, and em- 
bark at the dawn of the next day for Sault Ste. 
Marie, and if possible obtain possession of the 
murderer. 1 made known my design to tlie Kev. 
Father Engalran, and, at my request, as he had 
some business to arrange with Kev. Father Al- 
banel, he placed himself in my canoe. 

" Having arrived within a league of the village 



EXPLOnEIiS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



of the Saut, tlie Upv. Fatlier, the Chevalier de 
Foiircille. ranloniiienp, ami I (lisciubarked. I 
caused tlie canoe, in \vlii<'h weie IJuriliaud. Le 
Mere, La Fortune, and Macons. to proceed, while 
■\ve went across the wood to the house of the Kev. 
rather, feariii); lliat the savages, seeing me, might 
suspect the object of my visit, and cause Folic 
Avoine to escape. Finally, to cut the matter 
short, I arrested him, and caused him to be 
guarded day and night by six Frenchmen. 

" I then called a council, at which I requested 
all the savages of the place to be present, where 
I repeated what I had often said to the Ilurons 
and Ottawas since tlie departure of ^I. Fere[Per- 
rot], giving them the message you ordered me. 
Sir, that in case there should be among them any 
spirits so evil disposed as to follow the example 
of those who have nnirdered the French on Lake 
Superior and Lake Michigan, they must separate 
the guilty from the innocent, as I did not wish 
the whole nation to suffer, unless they protected 
the guilty. » * * The saVag(!s held several 
councils, to which I was invited, bT.t their only 
object seemed to be to exculpate the prisoner, in 
order that I might release him. 

" All united in accusing Achiganaga and his 
children, assuring themselves with the belief that 
M. Pere. [PerrolJ with his detachment would not 
be able to arrest them, and wishing to persuade 
me that they apprehended that all the Frenchmen 
might be killed. 

" I answered them, * * * ' As to the antici- 
pated death of M, Pere [Perrot], as well as of the 
other Frenchmen, that would not embarrass me, 
since I l)elieveil neitlier the allies nor the nation 
of Achiganaga would wish to have a war with us 
to sustain an action so diirk as that of which we 
were speaking. Having only to attack a few 
murderers, or, at most, those of their own family, 
I was certain that the French would have them 
dead or alive.' 

" This was the answer they liad from nie during 
the three days that the councils lasted ; after 
which 1 end)arked, at ten o'clock in the morning, 
sustaijied by only twelve Frenchmen, to show a 
few uimdy i)ersons who boasted of taking the 
prisoner away from me, that the French did not 
fear them. 

" Daily I received accounts of the number of 
savages that Achiganaga drew from his nation to 



Kiaonan [Keweenaw] under pretext of going to 
war in the spring against the Nadouecioux, to 
avenge the death of one of his relatives, son of Ou- 
enaus, but really to protect himself against us, 
in case we should become convinced that his chil- 
dren had killed the Frenchmen. This precaution 
placed me between hope and fear res|)ecthig the 
expetUtion which M. Pere [PerrotJ had under- 
taken. 

"On the 24tli of Xovember, [1083], he came 
across the wood at ten o'clock at night, to tell me 
that he had arrested Achiganaga and four of his 
children. He said they were not all guilty of the 
murder, but had thought proper, in this affair, to 
follow the custom of the savages, which is to seizg 
all the relatives. FoUe Avoine, whom I had ar- 
rested, he considered the most guilty, being with- 
out doubt the originator of the mischief. 

" I immediately gave orders that FoUe Avoine 
shoidd be more closely contined, and not allowed 
to speak to any one ; for I had also learned that 
he had a brother, sister, and uncle in tlie village 
of the Kiskakons. 

" M. Pere informed me that he had released the 
youngest son of Achiganaga, aged about thirteen 
or fourteen years, that be niiglit maki' known to 
their nation and the Sauteurs [Ojibways], who are 
at Xocke and in the neighborhood, the reason 
why the French had arrested his father and bro- 
thers. M. Pere bade him assure the savages that 
if any one wished to complain of what he had 
done, he M'ould wait for them with a firm step ; for 
he considered himself in a condition to set them 
at defiance, having found at Kiaonau [Keweenaw] 
eighteen Frenchmen who had wintered there. 

."On the 2oth. at daybreak, -M. Pere embarked 
at the Saidt, with four good men whom I gave 
him, to go and meet the prisoners. He left them 
four leagues from there, under a guard of twelve 
Frenchmen; and at two o'clock in tlie afternoon, 
they arrived. 1 had prepared a room in my house 
for the prisoners, in which they were placed under 
a strong guard, and were not allowed to converse 
with any one. 

"Onthe2fith, I commenced proceedings ; and 
this, sir, is the course I pui-sued. I gave notice 
to all the chiefs and others, to appear at the 
cowK'il which I had appointed, and gave to FoUe 
Avohie the privilege of selecting two of his rela- 



IWDIANS CONDEMNED TO BE SHOT. 



13 



tives to support his interests ; aud to the other 
prisoners I made the same offer. 

" The council being assembled, I sent for Folle 
Avoine to be interrogated, and caused his answers 
to be written, and afterwards they were read to 
him, and inquiry made whether they were not, 
word for W'ord, what he had said. He was then 
removed imder a safe guard. I used the same 
form with the two eldest sons of Achiganaga, and, 
as Polle Avoine liad indirectly charged the father 
with being accessory to the murder, I sent for 
him and also for Folle Avoine, and bringing them 
into the council, confronted the four. 

" FoUe Avoine and the two sons of Achiganaga 
accused each other of committing the murder, 
without denying that they were participators iu 
the crime. Achiganaga alone strongly mauitained 
that he knew nothing of the design of Folle 
Avoine, nor of his children, and called on them 
to say if he had advised tliem to kill the French- 
men. They answered, ' Xo.' 

" This confrontation, which the savages did not 
expect, suriirised them; and, seeing the prisoners 
had convicted themselves of the murder, the 
Chiefs said: 'It is enough; you accuse your- 
selves; the French are masters of your bodies.' 

" The next day I held anotlier council, iu wliicli 
I said there could be no doubt that the French- 
men had been mvu'dered, that the murderers were 
known, and that they knew what was the prac- 
tice among themselves upon such occasions. To 
all this they said nothuig, which obUged us on 
the following day to hold another cormcil in the 
cabin of Brochet, where, after having spoken, and 
seeing that they would make no decision, and that 
all my councils ended only in reducing tobacco to 
ashes, I told them that, since they did not wish to 
decide, I should take the responsibiUty, and that 
the' next day I would let them know the deter- 
mination of the French aud myself. 

" It is proper, Sir, you should know that I ob- 
served all these forms only to see if they would 
feel it their duty to render to us the same justice 
that they do to each other, having had lUvers ex- 
amples in which when the tribes of those who 
had committed the murder did not msh to go to 
war with the tribe aggrieved, the nearest rela- 
tions of the murderers killed them themselves; 
that is to say, man for man. 

" On the 29th of November. I gathered together 



the French that were here, and. after the interro- 
gations and answers of the accused had been read 
to them, the guilt of the three appeared so evi- 
dent, from their own confessions, that the vote 
was unanimous that all should die. But as the 
French who remained at Kiaonan to pass the win- 
ter had written to Father Engalran and to myself, 
to beg us to treat the affair with all possible len- 
iency, the savages declaring that if they made 
the prisoners die they would avenge themselves, 
I told the gentlemen who were with me in coun- 
cil that, this being a case without a precedent, I 
believed it was expedient for the safety of the 
French who would pass the winter in the Lake 
Superior country to put to death only two, as that 
of the third might brmg about grievous conse- 
quences, while the putting to death, man for 
man, could give the savages no complaint, since 
this is their custom. M. de la Tour, chief of the 
Fathers, who had served much, sustained my 
opinions by strong reasoiung, and all decided that 
two should be shot, namely, Folle Avome iind 
the older of the two brothers, while the younger 
should be released, and hold his life. Sir, as a gift 
from you. 

" I then returned to the cabin of Brochet with 
Messrs. Boisguillot, Pere, De Eepentigny, De 
]Mantliet, De la Ferte, and Macons, where were 
all the chiefs of the Outawas du Sable, Outawas 
Sinagos, Kiskakons, SauteiU'S, D'Achiliny, a part 
of the llurons, and Oumamens, the chief of the 
Amikoys. I informed tliem of our decision * 

* * tliat, the Frenchmen having been killed by 
the different nations, one of each must die, and 
tliat the same death they liad caused the French 
to suffer they must also suffer. * * * This 
decision to put the murderers to death was a hard 
stroke to them all, for none had believed that I 
would dare to undertake it. * * * i then left 
the comicil and asked the Rev. Fathers if they 
wished to baptize the prisoners, which they did. 

"An hour after, I put myself at the head of 
fortj-two Frenchmen, and, in sight of more than 
four hmidred savages, and within two hundred 
paces of their fort, I caused the two murderers 
to be shot. Tlie impossibility of keeping them 
until spring made me hasten their death. * * 

* "\nieu M. Pere made the airest, those who had 
committed the murder confessed it; and when he 
asked them what they had done with our goods, , 



14 



EXPLOliEliS AXn nOXEEIiS OF MIXyESOTA. 



they iiuswcieil that they were almost .ill con- 
cealed, lie inoceeded to the place of conceal- 
lueut, and was very much surprised, as were also 
the I'rench with him, to liiid thciii, in fifteen or 
twenty different places. J5y the carelessness of 
the savages, the tohacco and powder were entire- 
ly destroyed, having been placed in the pinery, 
under the roots of trees, ami being soaked in the 
water caused by ten or twelve days" contuiuous 
rain, which iiuindated all the lower country. 
The season for snow and ice havuig come, they 
had all tlie trouble in the world to get out the 
bales of cloth. 

" They then went to see the bodies, but could 
not remove them, these miserable wn'tclies hav- 
ing thrown them into a marsh, and thrust them 
down into holes which they had made. Xot sat- 
isfied with this, they had also piled branches of 
trees upon the bodies, to i)revent them from lloal- 
ing when the water should rise in the spring, 
hoping by this precaution the Frencli would find 
no trace of those who were killed, but would think 
them drowned; as they reported tliat they had 
found in tlie lake on tlie other side of the Portage, 
a boat with the sides all broken in, which they 
believed to be a French boat. 

" Tliose goods wliich the French were able to 
secure, they took to Kiaonau [Keweenaw], where 
were a number of Frenchmen who had gone there 
to pass the winter, who knew uotliiiigof the death 
of Colin Bertliot and Jacques le Maire. until M. 
Pere arrived. 

'■ The ten who foimed M. Pere's detachment 
having conferred togetlier concerning tlie means 
they should take to prevent a total loss, decided 
to sell the goods to the highest bidder. The sale 
was made for IKtO livres. which wna to be paid in 
beavers, to JI. de la Chesnaye, to whom I send 
the names of the purchsers. 

"The savages who were ji resent when Achiga- 
iiaga and his children were arrested wished to 
pass the calumet to M. Pere, and give him cap- 
tives to satisfy him for the murder committed on 
the two Frenchmen ; but he knew their inten- 
tion, and would not accc))! their olTer. He told 
them neither a hundred captives nor a himdred 
packs of beaver would give back the blood of his 
brotliers; that the murderers iiiiist be given up 
tome, and I would s( e what I would do. 

" I caused M. Pere to repeat these things in the 



council, that in future the savages need not think 
by presents to sjvve those who commit similar 
deeds. Besides, sir, M. Pere showed plauily by 
his conduct, that he is not strongly inclined to 
favor the .sa\ages, as was reported. Iiuleed. I do 
not know any one whom they fear more, yet who 
Hatters them less or knows them lietter. 

" The criminals being in two dill'erent jilaces, 
M. Pere being ol)liged to keep four of them, sent 
^lessrs. de Repentigny, ^lanthet, and six other 
Frenchmen, to arrest the two who were eight 
leagues in the woods. Among others, M. de Ue- 
])entigny and il. de Manthet showed that they 
feared nothing when their honor called them. 

" M. de la Chevrotiere has also seiTcd well in 
person, and by his advice, having pointed out 
where the prisoners were. Achiganaga, who had 
adopted liim as a son, had told liim where he 
should hunt during the winter. ***** 
It still remained for me to give to Achiganaga and 
his three children the means to return to his 
family. Their home from which they were taken 
was nearly twenty-six leagues from here. Know- 
ing their necessity, I told them you would not be 
satisfied in giving them life ; you wished to pre- 
serve it. by giving them all that was necessary to 
prevent them from dying with hunger and cold 
by the w:iy. and that your gift was made by my 
hands. 1 gave them blankets, tobacco, meat, 
hatchets, knives, twine to make nets for beavers, 
and two bags of corn, to supply them till they 
could kill game. 

" They departed two days after, the most con- 
tented creatures in the world, but God was not ; 
for when only two days" journey from here, the 
old Achiganaga fell sick of the quinsy, and died, 
and his children returned. AVhen the news of his 
death arrived, the greater part of the savages of 
this place [Mackinaw] attributed it to the French, 
saying we had caused him to die. I let them 
talk, and laughed at them. It is only about two 
months since the children of Achiganaga returi.e I 
to Kiaonan." 

Some of those opposed to Uu Luth and Fron- 
tenac, prejudiced the King of France relative to 
the transiictiou we have descriljcd, and in a letter 
to the Governor of Canada, the King writes : " It 
ai)pears to me that one of the principal causes of 
the war arises from one l)u Liith having caused 
two to be killed who had assassinated two French- 



ENGLISH TRADEIiS CAPTlUiED. 



lo 



men on Lake Superior ; and you sufficiently see 
now much this man's voyage, wliifh can not pro- 
duce any advantage to the colony, and which was 
permitted only in the interest of some private 
persons, has contributed to distract the peace of 
the colony." 

Du Luth and his young brother appear to have 
traded at the western extremity of Lake Superior, 
and on the north shore, to Lake Nipegon. 

In June, 1684, Governor De la Barre sent Guil- 
letand Ilebertfrom Montreal to request DuLuth 
and Durantaye to bring down voyageurs and In- 
dians to assist in an expedition against the Iro- 
quois of New York. Early in September, they 
reported on the St. LawTence, with one hundred 
and fifty coureurs des bois and three himdred and 
fifty Indians ; but as a treaty had just been made 
with the Senecas, they returned. 

De la Barre 's successor. Governor Denonville, 
in a dispatch to the French Government, dated 
November 12th, 1085, alludes to Du Luth being 
in the far West, in these words : " I likewise sent 
to ]SI. De la Durantaye, who is at Lake Superior 
under orders from M. De la Barre, and to Sieur 
Du Luth, who is also at a great distance in an- 
other direction, and all so far beyond reach that 
neither the one nor the other can hear news from 
me this year ; so that, not being able to see them 
at soonest, before next July, I considered it best 
not to think of undertaking any thing during the 
whole of next year, especially as a great number 
of our best men are among the Outaouacs, and 
can not return before the ensuing summer. * * * 
In regard to Sieur Du Luth, I sent him orders to 
repair here, so that I may learn the number of 
savages on whom I may depend. He is accredit- 
ed among them, and rendered great services to 
M. De la Barre by a large nimiber of savages he 
brought to Niagara, who would have attacked 
the Senecas, was it not for an exyiress order from 
M. De la Barre to the contrary." 

In 1686, while at Mackinaw, he was orderea to 
establish a post on the Detroit, near Lake Erie. 
A portion of the order reads as follows : " After 
having gi\en all the orders that you may judge 
necessary for the safety of this post, and having 
well secured the obedience of the Indians, you 
vsdll return to MichilLmackinac, there to await 
Rev. Father Engelran, by whom I will commu- 
nicate what I wish of you, there." 



The design of this post was to Ijlock the pas- 
sage of the Englisli to the upper lakes. Before 
it was established, in the fall of 1686, Thomas 
Eoseboom, a daring trader from Albany, on the 
Hudson, had found his way to the vicinity of 
Mackinaw, and by the proffer of Ijrandy, weak- 
ened the allegiance of the tribes to the French. 

A canoe coming to Mackinaw with dispatches 
for the French and their allies, to march to the 
Seneca comitry, in New York, perceived this New 
York trader and associates, and, giving the alarm, 
they were met by three hmidred coureurs du 
bois and captured. 

In the spring of 1687 Du Luth, Durantaye, 
and Tonty all left the vicinity of Detroit for Ni- 
agara, and as they were coasting along Lake Erie 
they met another English trader, a Scotchman 
by birth, and by name Major Patrick AlcGregor, 
a person of some influence, going with a number 
of traders to Mackinaw. Having taken him pris- 
oner, he was sent with Roseboom to 2*lontreal. 

Du Luth, Tonty, and Durantaye arrived at Ni- 
agara on the 27tli of June, 1687, with one hun- 
dred and seventy French voyageurs, besides In- 
dians, and on the 10th of July jouied the army of 
Denonville at the mouth of the Genesee Elver, 
and on the 13tli Du Luth and his associates had 
a skirmish near a Seneca village, now the site of 
the town of Victor, twenty miles southeast of the 
city of Eochester, New York. Governor Denon- 
ville, in a report, writes: " On the 13th, about 4 
o'clock in the afternoon, having passed through 
two dangerous defiles, we arrived at the third, 
where we were vigorously attacked by eight him- 
dred Senecas, two hundred of whom flred, wish- 
ing to attack our rear, while the rest would attack 
our front, but the resistance, made produced 
such a great consternation that they soon resolved 
to fly. * * * 'We witnessed the painful sight 
of the usual cruelties of the savages, who cut the 
dead into quarters, as is done in slaughter houses, 
in order to put them into the kettle. The greater 
number were opened while still warm, that the 
blood might be drunk. Our rascally Otaoas dis- 
tinguished themselves particularly by these bar- 
barities. * * * "We had five or six men killed 
on the spot, French and Indians, and about 
twenty wounded, among the first of whom was the 
Rev. Father Angelran, superior of all the Otaoan 
Missions, by a very severe gun-shot. It is a greal 



10 



EXPLOBERS AND PIOyEEIiS OF MINNESOTA. 



niisfortuno that tliis wound will ineveut him go- 
jiig bai'k again, for he is a nuiii of capacity." 

In the enter to Du Luth assigning him to duty 
»t the i)ost on the fiite of llie modern Fort Gra- 
tiot, above tlie city of Detroit, the (iovernor of 
Canada said: " If you can so arrange your affairs 
that your br.ither can be near you in the Spring. 
I shall be very glad. He is an iiUelligent lad. 
and might be a great assistance to you; he might 
also be very serviceable to us."' 

This lad, (ireysolon de la Tourette, during the 
winter of HiStj-7 was trading among tlie Assina- 
boines and other tribes at the west end of Lake 
Superior, but, upon receiving a dispatch, hastened 
to his brolher. journeying in a canoe without any 
escort from Mackinaw. He did not arrive until 
after the battle w'ith the Senecas. Governor Den- 
onville, on the i!.")th of August, 1H87, wrote: 

'■ Du Luth's brother, who has recently arrived 
fi'ora the rivers above the Lake of the Allempi- 
gons [Xipegon], assures me that he saw more than 
fifteen hundred persons come to trade with him, 
and they were very sorry he had not goods suffi- 
cient to satisfy them. They are of the tribes ac- 
customed to resort to the English at Port Nelson 
and Hiver Hourbon, where, they say. they did not 
go this year, through Sieur Du Lhu's inlluence." 
After the battle in the vicinity of Rochester, 
Xew York, Du Luth. with his celebrated cousin. 
Henry Tonty, returned together as far as the post 
above the present city of Detroit, Michigan, but 
this point, after KiSS, was not again occupied. 

From this period Du Luth becomes less prom- 
inent. At tlie time when the Jesuits attempted 
to exclude brandy from the Indian country a bit- 
ter controversy arose between them and the 
traders. Cadillac, a (iascon liy birth, command- 
ing Fort Buade, at Mackinaw, on August 3, 169-5, 
wrote to Count Frontenac: " Xow, what reason 
can we assign that the savages should not drink 
brandy bought with their own money as well as 
weV Is it prohibited to prevent them from be- 
coming int<ixicatrd'? Or is it because the use of 
brandy reduces them to extreme .misery. i)lacing 
it out of their power to make war by depriving 
them of clothing and arms? If^uch representa- 
tions in regard to the Indians have been made to 
the Count, they are very false, as every one knows 
who is ac(iuainted with the ways of the savages. 
* * * It is bad faith to represent to tlie (.^ount 



that the sale of brandy reduces the savage tu a 
state of luulity, aifd by that means places it out 
of his power to make war, since he never goes to 
war in any other condition. » » » I'erliapsit 
will be said that the sale of brandy makes the 
labora of the missionaries unfruitful. It is neces- 
sary to examine this proposition. If the mission- 
aries care for only the extension of commerce, 
pursuing the course they have hitherto, I agree 
to it; but if it is the use of brandy that hindei-s 
the advancement of the cause of God, I deny it, 
for it is a fact which no one can deny that there 
are a great number of savages who never drink 
brandy, yet who are not, for that, better Chris- 
tians. 

"All the Sioux, the most numerous of all the 
tribes, who inhaliit the regicm along the shore of 
Lake Superior, do not even like the .smell of 
brandy. Are they more advanced in religion for 
that? They do not wish to have the subject men- 
tioned, and when the missionaries address them 
they only laugh at the foolishness of preaching. 
Yet these priests boldly lling before the eyes of 
Europeans, whole volumes filled witli glowing 
descriptions of the conversion of souls by thou- 
sands in this country, causing the poor missiona- 
ries from Europe, to run to inaityrdom as flies to 
sugar and honey."' 

Du Luth, or Du Lhut. as he wrote his name, 
during this discussion, was found upon the side 
of order and good morals. His attestation is as 
follows : " I certify that at different periods I 
have lived about ten years among the Ottawa 
nation, from the time that 1 made an exploi-ation 
to the Nadouecioiix people until Fort Saint Jo- 
seph was established by order of the Monsieur 
Manjuis Denoiiville. (iovernor General, at the 
head of the Detroit of Lake Erie, which is in the 
Iroquois coimtry, and which I had the honor to 
command. During this i)eriod. I have seen that 
the trade in eau-de-vie (brandy) produced great 
disorder, the father killing the son. and the son 
throwing his mother into the liie; and I mahitain 
that, morally speaking, it is impossible to export 
brandy to the woods and distant missions, with- 
out danger of its leading to misery." 

Governor Frontenac, in an expedition against 
the Oneidas of New York, arrived at Fort Fron- 
tenac. on the I'.ttli of July, lliOo, and Captain Du 
Luth was left in command vrith forty soldiers, 



DU LUTH AFFLICTEB WITH GOUT. 



17 



and masons ancT carpenters, with orders to erect 
new bnildings. In about four weeks lie erected 
a building one hundred and twenty feet in length, 
containing ofTicers' quarters, store-rooms, a bakeiy 
and a cliapel. Earlj' in 1697 he was slill in com- 
mand of the post, and in a report it is mentioned 
that " everybody was then in good health, except 
Captain Dulhut the commander, who was unwell 
of tlie gout." 

It was just before this period, that as a member 
of the Koman Catholic Churcli, he was firmly 
impressed that he had been helped by prayers 
wliicli he addressed to a deceased Iroquois girl, 
wlio liad died in the odor of sanctity, and, as a 
thank olt'ering, signed tlie following certificate : 
"I, tlie subscriber, certify to all whom it may 
conceiTi, that havhig been tormented by the gout, 
for the space of twenty-three years, and witli such 



severe pains, that it gave me no rest for the spac 
of three months at a time, I addressed myself to 
Catherine Tegahkouita, an Iroquois virgin de- 
ceased at the Sault Saint Louis, in the reputation 
of sanctity, and I promised her to ^•isit her tomb, 
if God should give me health, through her inter- 
cession. I have been as perfectly cured at the 
end of one novena, which I made in her honor, 
that after five months, I have not perceived the 
slightest touch of my gout. Given at Fort Fron- 
tenac, tliis 18th day of August, 1696."' 

As soon as cold weather returned, his old mal- 
ady again appeared. He died early in A. D. 1710. 
Marquis de Vaiidreuil, Governor of Canada, un- 
der date of first of May of that year, wrote to 
Count Pontcharlrain, Colonial Minister at Paris, 
" Captain Du Lud died this winter. He was a 
very honest man." 



18 



EXPLOEEES AND PIONEEES OF MIN^KESOTA, 



CHArTER IV. 



FIRST WHITE ^UCN AT FALLS OF SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA. 



Falls of St. Anthony VislteJ ».y Wiitc Mcn.-U Salle Oivcstlic First ncscription 
of Vi-pcr MiMi»ai|il»i Valley.— Accault, tho U'lulor, Accompanied by AiigcUc 
uiid Hennc|iin, at Kails of Saint Anthony.— Hennepin Declared Unrcliiihlo by 
La Salic— His EJirly Life— His >'im Book Criticised by Abbo Bornou and 
Tronson. —Deceptive Map. — First McetinK with Sioux.;— Astonishment at 
Reading HLi Breviary,— Sii<iu Name lor Ouns.— Acciiult and Hennepin at 
Lake Pepin.— Leave llie Uivor Bi'low Soint Paul. —At Mille Lues.— A Sweating 
Cabin.— Sioux Wonder at Mariner's Compass.— Fears of an Iron Pot.— Making 
a Dictionary.— Infant Baptised.— Route to the Pacific— Uonnopiu Descends 
Rum River.— First Visit to Falls of Saint Anthony.— On a Buffalo Hunt.— Meets 
DuLuth. -Returns to Mille Ucs.— With Dii Luth at Falls of St. Anthony.— 
Returns to France.— Subsequent Life.— His Books Fx.iniincl.— Denies in First 
Book His Deuce nt to the Gulf of Mexico.— Dispute with Du Luth at Falls of St, 
Anthony.— Patronage of Du Luth.— Tribute to Du Luth.— Hennepin's Answer 
to Criticisms.— Denounced by DIberviU: and Father Gravier.- Resideuco in 
Rome. 

In the summer of 1680, mchael Accault (^Vko), 
Ileimcpin, the Franciscan missionary, Augelle, 
Du Luth, and FafEart all visited the Falls of 
Saint Antliony. 

The first description of the valley of the upper 
;Mississippi was written by La Salle, at Fort 
Frontenac. on Lake Ontario, on tlie 22d of Au- 
gust, 1682, a month before Hennepin, in Paris, 
obtained a license to print, and some time before 
tlie Franciscan's first work, was issued from the 
press. 

La Salle's knowledge must have been received 
from ilichael Accault, the leader of tlie expedi- 
tion, Augelle, his comrade, or the clerical attache, 
the Franciscan, Hennepin. 

It differs from Ilennepm's narrative in its free- 
dom from bombast, and if its statements are to 
be credited, the Franciscan must be looked on as 
one given to exaggeration. The careful student, 
however, soon leanis to be cautions in receivhig 
the statement of any of the early explorers and 
ecclesiastics of the Northwest. The Franciscan 
depreciated the Jesuit niissionaiy, and La Salle 
did not hesitate to misrepresent Du Luth and 
others for his own exaltation. La Salle makes 
statements which we deem to be wide of the 
truth when his prejudices are aroused. 

At the very time that the Inteiidant of .Justice 
in Canada is complaining tliat Govenior Fronte- 
nac is a friend and correspondent of Du Luth, 



La Salle writes to his friends in Paris, thatDu 
Luth is looked upon as an outlaw by the governor. 

AVhile olllcial documents prove that Du Luth 
was in ^Minnesota a year before Accault and asso- 
ciates, yet La Salle writes: " Moreover, the Na- 
donesioux is not a region wliich he has discov- 
ered. It is known that it w;is discovered a long 
time before, and that the Eev. Father Hennepin 
and Michael Accault were there before him," 

La Salle in this counnunicatiou describes Ac- 
cault as one weU acquainted with the language 
and names of the Indians of the Illinois region, 
and also " cool, brave, and prudent," and the head 
of the party of exploration. 

We now proceed with the first description of 
the country above the Wisconsin, to which is 
given, for the first and only time, by any writer, 
the Sioux name, Meschetz Odeba, perhaps in- 
tended for Meshdeke Wakpa, Eiver of the Foxes. 

He describes the T'ppor Mississippi in these 
words : '■ Following the windings of the ^lissis- 
sippi, they found the river Ouisconsing, Wiscon- 
sing, or Meschetz Odeba, which flows between 
Bay of Puans and the ( Jrand river. * * * About 
twenty-three or twenty-four leagues to the north 
or northwest of the mouth of the Ouisconsing. 
* * * they found the Black river, called by the 
Nadouesioux, Chabadeba [Cliapa Wakpa, Beaver 
river] not very large, the mouth of which is bor- 
dered on the two shores by alders, 

" Ascending about thirty leagues, almost at the 
same point of the compass, is the Bufl'alo river 
[Chippewa], as large at its mouth as that of the 
Hlinois. They follow it ten or twelve leagues, 
where it is deep, small and without rapids, bor- 
dered by hills which widen out from time to time 
to form prairies." 

About three o'clock in the afternoon of the llth 
of April. 1680, the ti-avelers were met by a war 
party of one lumdred Sioux in thirty-three birch 
baik canoes. "Alichael Accaidt, who was the 



HENNEPIN CRITICISED BY LA SALLE. 



19 



leader," says La Salle, " presented the Cahimet." 
The Indians were presented by Accault wth 
twenty knives and a fathom and a half of tobacco 
and some goods. Proceeding with the Indians 
ten days, on the 22d of April the isles in the Mis- 
sissippi were reached, where the Sioux had killed 
some Maskontens, and they halted to weep over 
the death of two of their own number ; and to 
assuage their grief, Accault gave them in trade a 
box of goods and twenty-four hatchets. 

When they were eight leagues below the Falls 
of Saint Anthony, they resolved to go by land to 
their village, sixty leagues distant. They were 
well received ; the only strife among the villages 
was that which resulted from the desire to have 
a Frenchman in their midst. La Salle also states 
that it was not correct to give the impression that 
Du Luth had rescued his men from captivity, for 
they could not be properly called prisoners. 

He continues: "In going up the Mississippi 
again, twenty leagues above that river [Saint 
CroixJ is found the falls, which those I sent, and 
who passing there first, named Saint Anthony. 
It is thirty or forty feet high, and the river is nar- 
rower here than elsewhere. There is a small 
island in the midst of the chute, and the two 
banks of the river are not bordered by high hills, 
which gradually diminish at this point, but the 
country on each side is covered with thin woods, 
such as oaks and other hard woods, scattered wide 
apart. 

" The canoes were carried three or four hun- 
dred steps, and eight leagues above was found 
the west [east?] bank of the river of the Xad(.)ue- 
sioux, ending in a lake named Issati, which ex- 
pands into a great marsh, where the wild rice 
grows toward the mouth." 

In the latter part of his letter La Salle uses the 
following language relative to his old ehaplam: 

" I believed that it was appropriate to make for 
you tlie narrative of the adventures of this canoe, 
because I doubt not that they will speak of it, and 
if you wish to confer with the Father Louis Hen- 
nepin, IlecoUect, who has returned to France, you 
must know him a little, because he will not fail 
to exaggerate all things; it is his character, and 
to me he has written as if he were about to be 
burned when he was not even in danger, but he 
believes that it is honorable to act in this mamier. 



and he speaks more conformably to that which 
he wishes than to that which he knows." 

Hennepin was born in xVth, an inland to^Ti of 
the ^Netherlands. From boyhood he longed to 
visit foreign lands, and it is not to be wondered 
at that he assumed the priest's garb, for next to 
the soldier's life, it suited one of wandering pro- 
pensities. 

At one time he is on a begging expedition to 
some of the towns on the sea coast. In a few 
months he occupies the post of chaplain at an 
hospital, where he shrives the dying and admin- 
isters extreme unction. From the quiet of the 
hospital he proceeds to the camp, and is present 
at the battle of Seneffe, which occurred in the 
year 1674. 

His whole mind, from the time that he became 
a priest, appears to have been on " things seen 
and temporal," rather than on those that are " un- 
seen and eternal." While on duty at some of the 
ports of the Straits of Dover, he exhibited the 
characteristic of an ancient Athenian more than 
that of a professed successor of the Apostles. 
He sought out the society of strangf.rs " who 
spent their time in nothing else but either to tell 
or to hear some new thing." With perfect non- 
chalance he confesses that notwithstanding the 
nauseating fumes of tobacco, he used to sUp be- 
hind the doors of sailors' taverns, and spend days, 
without regard to the loss of his meals, listening 
to the adventures and hair-breadth escapes of the 
mariners in lands beyond the sea. 

In the year 1676, he received a welcome order 
from his Superior, requiring him to embark for 
Canada. Unaccustomed to the world, and arbi- 
trary in his disposition, he rendered the cabin of 
the ship in which he sailed any thing but heav- 
enly. As in modern days, the passengers in a 
vessel to the new world were composed of hete- 
rogeneous materials. There were young women 
going out m search for brothers or husbands, ec- 
clesiastics, and those engaged in the then new, 
but profitable, commerce in furs. One of his 
fellow passengers was the talented and enterpri- 
prising, though unfortunate, La Salle, with whom 
he was afterwards associated. If he is to be 
credited, his intercourse with La Salle was not 
very pleasant on ship-board. The young women, 
tired of being cooped up in the narrow accommo- 
dations of the ship, when the evening was fair 



20 



EXPLOEEBS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOIA. 



sought Uie deck, aiid engajjed in tlio nulo dances 
of till' Fii'iicli peasaiitiy of tliat ago. Hennepin, 
feeling that it was improper, began to assume 
the air of the priest, and forbade the sport. La 
Salle, feeling that his interference was uncalled 
for, called him a pedant, and took the side of the 
girls, and during the voyage there were stormy 
discussions. 

Good humor appears to liave been restored 
when tliey left tlie ship, for Hennepin would oth- 
erwise have not been the companion of La Salle 
in his great western journey. 

Sojourning for a short period at Quebec, the 
adventure-loving Franciscan is permitted to go 
to a mission station on or near the site of tiie 
present town of Kingston, Canada West. 

Here there was mucii to gratify his love of 
novelty, and he passed considerable time in ram- 
bling among the Iroquois of New York. In 1678 
he returned to Quebec, and was ordered to join 
the expedition of Robert La Salle. 

On the Hth of December Father Hennepin and 
a portion of the exploring party had entered the 
Niagara river. In the vicinity of the Falls, the 
winter was passed, and while the artisans were 
preparing a ship above tlie Falls, to navigate the. 
great lakes, the Recollect whilcd away the hours. 
in studying the manners and customs of the Sen- 
eca Indians, and in admiring the sublimest han- 
diwork of God on the globe. 

On the 7th of August, 1679, the ship behig 
completely rigged, unfurled its sails to the breezes 
of Lake Erie. The vessel was named tlie " Grif- 
fin," in honor of the arms of Frontenac, Governor 
of Canada, the first ship of European construc- 
tion that liad ever ploughed the waters of the 
great inland seas of N(U-lh America. 

After encountering a violent and dangerous 
storm on one of the lakes, during which they had 
given up all hope of escaping sliipwreck, on tlie 
27tii of the month, they were safely moored in 
the liarbor of " Missilimackinack."' From thence 
the party proceeded to Green Bay, where they 
left the ship, procured canoes, and continnetl 
along tlie coast of Lake Michigan. By the mid- 
dle of Januai-y, KiSO, La Salle had conducted his 
expedition to tlie Illinois River, and, on an emi- 
nence near Lake I'eoria, he commenced, with 
much heaviness of lieart, tlie erection of a fort, 



which he called Crevecoeur, on account of the 
many disappointments he had experienced. 

On tlie last of February, Accault, Augelle. and 
Hennepin left to a.scend the Mississippi. 

The first work bearing the name of the Rev- 
erend Fatlier Louis Hennepin, Franciscan Mis- 
sionary of the Recollect order, was entitled, " De- 
scription de la Louisiane," and in 1683 published 
in Paris. 

As soon as the book appeared it was criticised. 
Abbe Bernou, on the liOth of February, 1684, 
writes from Rome about the " paltry book" (mes- 
licant livre) of Father Hennepin. Alwut a year 
before the pious Tronson,' under date of March 
13, 1683, wrote to a friend: " I have interviewed 
the P. Recollect, who jji-f;«i(?.s' to have descended 
the Mississippi river to the Gulf of Mexico. I do 
not know that one tcill believe what he speaks any 
more than that which is in the printed relation of 
P. Louis, which I send you that you may make 
jour own retlections." 

On the map accompanying his first book, he 
boldly marks a Recollect Mission many miles 
north of the ])oint he had visited. In the Utrecht 
edition of 16',»7 tliis deliberate fraud is erased. 

Throughout the work he assumes, that he was 
the leader of the expedition, and magnifies trifles 
into tragedies. F(jr instance, !Mr. La Salle writes 
that Michael Accault, also written Ako, wiio was 
the leader, presented the Sioux with the calu- 
met;"' but Hennepin makes the occurrence more 
formidable. 

lie writes : " Our prayers were heard, wlien on 
the 11th of April, 1680, about two o'clock in the 
afternoon, we suddenly perceived thirty- three 
bark canoes manned liy a hundred and twenty 
Indians coming do'wn with very great speed, on a 
war party, against the Miauils. Illinois and Maro- 
as. These Indians surrounded us, and while at 
a dist^mce, discharged some arrows at us, but as 
they approached our canoe, the old men seeing us 
with the calumet of peace in our hands, lueveut- 
ed the young men from killing us. These sava- 
ges leaping from their canoes, some on land, 
others into the water, with frightful cries and 
yells approached us, and as we mad6 no resist- 
ance, being only three against so great a number, 
one of them wrenched our caltimet from our 
hands, while our canoe anil theirs were tied to 
the shore. We first presented to them a jiiece of 



HENJ^EPIN'S DIFFICULTY WITH PBAYEB-BOOK. 



21 



Frencli tobacco, better for smoking than theirs* 
and the eldest among them uttered the words' 
" Miamiha, Miamiha." 

"As we did not understand their language, we 
took a little stick, aud by signs whicli we made 
on the sand, showed them that their enemies, the 
Miamis, whom they sought, had fled across the 
river Colbert [ilississippi] to join the Isliiiois ; 
when they saw themselves discovered and unable 
to surprise their enemies, three or four old men 
layijig theh' hands on my head, wept in a mourn- 
fid tone. 

" With a spare handkerchief I had left I wiped 
away their tears, but they would not smoke our 
Calumet. They made us cross the river witli 
great cries, ^Ahile all shouted with tears in their 
eyes; they made us row before them, and we 
heard yells capable of striking the most resolute 
with terror. After landing our canoe and goods, 
part of which had already been taken, we made a 
fire to boil our kettle, and we gave them two large 
wild turkeys which we had killed. These Indians 
ha^'ing called an assembly to deliberate what they 
were to do with us, the two head chiefs of the 
party approaching, showed us by signs that tlie 
warriors wished to tomahawk us. This com- 
pelled me to go to the war chiefs with one young 
man, leaving the other by our property, and 
throw into theii- midst six axes, fifteen knives 
and six fathom -of our black tobacco ; and then 
brmging down my head, I showed them with an 
axe that they miglit kill me, if they thouglit 
proper. This present appeased many individual 
members, who gave us some beaver to eat, put- 
ting the three first morsels into our mouths, accor- 
ding to the custom of the country, and blowing on 
the meat, which was too hot, before putting the 
bark dish before us to let us eat as we hked. We 
spent the night in anxiety, because, before reti- 
ring at night, they had retruned us our peace 
calumet: ^ 

" Our two boatmen were resolved to sell their 
lives dearly, and to resist if attacked ; their arms 
and swords were ready. As for my own part, I 
determined to allow myself to be killed without 
any resistance ; as I was going to amioimce to 
them a God who had been foully accused, un- 
justly condemned, and cruelly crucified, witliout 
showuig the least aversion to those who put him 
to death. We watched in turn, in our anxiety, 



so as not to be surprised asleep. The next morn- 
ing, a chief named Narrhetoba asked for the 
peace calumet, filled it with willow bark, and all 
smoked. It was then signified that the white 
men were to return with them to their villages." 

In his naiTative the Franciscan remarks, "I 
found it difficult to say my oflQce before these 
Indians. Many seeing me move my lips, said in 
a fierce tone, ' Ouakanehe.' Michael, all out of 
comitenance, told me, that if I continued to say 
my breviary, we should all three be kiUed, and 
the Picard begged me at least to pray apart, so as 
not to iirovoke them. I followed the latter's 
advice, but the more I concealed myself the more 
I had the Indians at my heels ; for when I en- 
tered the wood, they thought I was going to hide 
some goods under groimd, so that I laiew not on 
what side to turn to pray, for they never let me 
out of sight. This obliged me to beg pardon of 
my canoe -men, assuring them I could not dis- 
pense with sayuig my office. By the word, ' Ou- 
akanehe,' the Indians meant that the book I was 
reading was a spirit, but by their gesture they 
nevertheless showed a kuid of aversion, so that 
to accustom them to it, I chanted the litany of 
tlie Blessed Virgm in the canoe, with my book 
opened. They thought that the breviary was a 
spirit which taught me to sing for their diversion ; 
for these people are naturally fond of singing." 

This is the first mention of a Dahkotah word 
in a European book. The savages were amioyed 
rather than em'aged, at seeing the white man 
reatUng a book, and exclaimed, "Wakan-del" 
this is wonderful or supernatiu-al. The war 
party was composed of several bands of the M'de- 
wahkantouwan Dahkotahs, and there was a di- 
versity of opinion in relation to the disposition 
that should be made of the wliite men. The 
relatives of those who had been killed by the 
Miamis, were in favor of taking their scalps, but 
others were anxious to retain the favor of the 
French, and open a trading Intercourse. 

Perceiving one of the canoe-men shoot a wild 
turkey, they called the gmi, " Manza Ouackange," 
iron that has understandmg ; more correctly, 
" Maza Wakande," this is the supernatural metal. 

Aquipaguetin, one of the head men, resorted 
to the following device to obtam merchandise. 
Says the Fatlier, " This wily savage had the 
bones of some distinguished relative, wliich he 



22 



EXPLORERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



presened with gresit care in some skins dressed 
and adorned with several rows of Mack and red 
porcupine (piills. From time to time lie assem- 
bled his men to give it a smoke, and made us 
come several days to cover the bones with goods, 
and by a present wipe away the tears he had shed 
for him. and for liis own son killed by the Miamis. 
To appease this captious man, we threw on the 
bones several fathoms of tobacco, axes, knives, 
beads, and some black and white wampum brace- 
lets. » * * We slept at the point of tlie Lake 
of Tears [Lake Pepin], which we so called from 
the tears which this chief shed all night long, or 
by one of his sons whom he caused to weep when 
he grew tired." 

Tlie next day. after four or five leagues' sail, a 
chief came, and telling them to leave their canoes, 
he pulled up three piles of grass for seats. Then 
taking a piece of cedar full of little holes, he 
placed a stick into one, which he revolved between 
the palms of liis hands. >nitil he kindled a lire, 
and informed the Frenchmen that they would be 
at !Mille Lac in six days. On the nineteenth day 
after their captivity, they arrived in the vicinity 
of Saint I'aul. not far, it is probable, from the 
marshy ground on whiih the Kaposia band once 
lived, and now called l'ig"s Eye. 

The journal remarks. •■ Having arrived on the 
nineteenth day of our navigation, five leagues 
below St. Anthony's Falls, these Indians landed 
us in a bay. broke our canoe to nieces, and se- 
creted their own in the reeds." 

They then followed the trail to !Mille Lac, sixty 
leagues distant. As they approached their vilLi- 
ges. the various Viands began to show their spoils. 
The tobacco was highly i>ri/.ed, and led to some 
contention. The chalice of the Father, which 
ghstened in the sun, they were afraid to touch, 
supposing it was "wakan." After live days" 
walk they reached the Issati [Dahkotah] settle- 
ments in the valley of the Riun or Knife river. 
The (lifTereiit bantls each coiuluctcd ;i Frenchman 
to their village, the chief Aqinpiiguetin taking 
charge of Hennepin. After marching through 
the marshes towards the sources of Hum river, 
five wives of the chief, m three bark canoes, met 
them and took them a short league to an island 
where their cabins were. 

An aged Indian kindly rubbed down the way- 
worn Franciscan; placing him on a bear- skin 



near the fire, he anointed his legs and the soles 
of his feet with wildcat oil. 

The son of the chief took great pleasure in car- 
rying xipon his bare back the priest's robe with 
dead men's bones enveloped. It was called I'ere 
Louis Chinnen. In the Dahkotah language Shin- 
na or Shinnan signifies a buffalo robe. 

Ilemiepin's description of his life on the island 
is in these words : 

'• The day after our arrival. Aquipaguetin, who 
was the head of a large family, covered me with 
a robe made of ten large dressed beaver skins, 
trimmed with porcupine quills. This Indian 
showed me five or six of his wives, telling them, 
as I aftenvards learned, that they shoid'' in fu- 
ture regard me as one of their children. 

" He set before me a bark dish full of fish, and 
seeing that I could not rise from the ground, he 
had a small sweating-cabin made, in which he 
made me enter with four Indians. This cabm he 
covered with buffalo skins, and inside he put 
stones red-hot. He made me a sign to do as the 
others before beginning to sweat, but I merely 
concealed my nakedness with a handkerchief. 
As soon as these Indians had several times 
breathed out quite violently, he began to sing vo- 
ciferously, the others puttuig their hands on me 
and rubbing me while they wept bitterly. I be- 
gan to faint, but I came out and could scarcely 
take my habit to put on. "U'hen he made me 
sweat thus three times a week. I felt as strong as 
ever." 

The mariner's compass was a constant source 
of wonder and amazement. Aquipaguetin hav- 
ing assembled the braves, would ask Hennepin 
to show his compass. Perceiving that the needle 
turned, the chief hai'angued his men, and told 
them that the Europeans were spirits, capable of 
doing any thing. 

In the Franciscan's possession was an iron pot 
with feet like lions', which the Indians would not 
touch unless their hands were wrapped in buffalo 
skins. The women looked upon it as " wakau," 
and would not enter the cabin where it was. 

" The chiefs of these savages, seeing that I was 
desiroiis to learn, frequently made me write, 
naming all the i)arts of the human body ; and as 
I would not put on paper certain indeUcate words, 
at which they do not blush, they were heartily 
amused." 



HENNEPIN'S VISIT TO FALLS OF SAINT ANTHONY. 



23 



They often asked the Franciseau questions, to 
answer which it was necessary to refer to his lex- 
icon. Tliis appeared very strange, and, as they 
had no word for paper, tliey said, " Tliat wliite 
thing must be a spirit which tells Pere Louis all 
we say." 

Ilennepui remarks : " These Indians often 
asked me how many wives and cliildreu I had, 
and how old I was, that is, how many winters ; 
for so these natives always count. Never illu- 
mined by the Ught of faith, they were surprised 
at my answer. Pointing to our two Frenchmen, 
whom I was then visiting, at a point three leagues 
from our village, I told them that a man among 
us could only have one wife ; that as for me, I 
had promised the Master of life to live as they 
saw me, and to come and live with them to teach 
them to be Uke the French. 

" But that gross people, till then lawless and 
faithless, turned all I said into ridicule. ' How,' 
said they, ' would you have these fr«-o men with 
thee have wives? Ours would not live with them, 
for they have hair all over their face, and we have 
none there or elsewhere.' In fact, they were 
never better pleased with me than when I was 
shaved, and from a complaisance, certainly not 
criminal, I shaved every week. 

" As often as I went to visit the cabins, I foimd 
a sick child, whose father's name was Mamenisi. 
Michael Ako would not accompany me ; the 
Picard du Gay alone followed me to act as spon- 
sor, or, rather, to witness the baptism. 

"I christened the child Antoinette, in honor of 
St. Anthony of Padua, as well as for the Picard's 
name, which was Anthony Auguelle. lie was a 
native of Amiens, and nephew of the Procurator- 
General of the Premonstratensians both now at 
Paris. Having poured natui'al water on the head 
and uttered these words : ' Creature of God, I 
baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of 
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,' I took half an 
altar cloth which I had wrested from the hands 
of an Indian who had stolen it from me, and put 
it on the body of the baptized child ; for as I 
could not say mass for want of wine and vest- 
ments, this piece of linen could not be put to bet- 
ter use than to enshroud the first Christian child 
among these tribes. I do not know whether the 
softness of the linen had refreshed her, but she 
was the next day smiling in her mother's arms, 



who believed that I had cured the child ; but she 
died soon after, to my great consolation. 

" During my stay among them, there arrived 
four savages, who .said they were come alone five 
hundred leagues from the west, and had been four 
months upon the way. They assured us there 
was no such place as the Straits of Anian, and 
that they had traveled without resting, except to 
sleep, and had not seen or passed over any great 
lake, by which phrase they always mean the sea. 

" They fm-ther informed us that the nation of 
the Assenipoulacs [Assiniboines] who lie north- 
east of Issati, was not above six or seven days' 
journey ; that none of the nations, withm their 
knowledge, who lie to the east or northwest, had 
any great lake about their comitries, which were 
very large, but only rivers, which came from the 
north. They further assured us that there were 
very few forests in the countries through which 
they passed, insomuch that now and then they 
were forced to make fires of buffaloes' dung to 
boil their food. All tliese circumstances make it 
appear that there is no such place as the Straits 
of Anian, as we usually see them set down on the 
maps. And whatever efforts have been made for 
many year;< past by the English and Dutcli, to 
find out a passage to the Frozen Sea, they have 
not yet been able to effect it. But by the help of 
my discovery and the assistance of God, I doubt 
not but a passage may stUl be found, and that an 
easy one too. 

" For example, we may be ti'ansported mto the 
Pacific Sea by rivers which are large and capable 
of carrymg great vessels, mid from thence it is 
very easy to go to China and Japan, without cross- 
ing the equinoctial line; and, in all probability, 
Japan is on the same continent as America.'^ 

Ileimepin in his first book, thus describes liis 
first visit to the Falls of St. Anthony : "In the 
begmning of July, 1680, we descended the [Rum] 
River in a canoe southward, with tlie great chief 
Ouasicoude [Wauzeekootay] that is to say Pierced 
Pine, with about eighty cabins composed of more 
than a himdred and thirty families and about 
two hundred and fifty warriors. Scarcely would 
the Indians give me a place in their little flotilla, 
for they had only old canoes. They went four 
leagues lower down, to get birch bark to make 
some more. Having made a hole in the ground, 
to hide our silver chalice and our papers, till our 



EXPLORERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



return from the hunt, aud keeping only our bre- 
viary, so as not to lie loaded, I stood on the hank 
of llic lako foiineil l)y llie river we liad callod St. 
Francis [now Rum] and stretched out my hand 
to the canoes as they rapidly passed in succession. 

'•0\ir Frenihnien also had one for themselves, 
which the Indians had given them. Tliey would 
not take me in, ^Michael Ako saying that he had 
taken me long enough to satisfy him. I was hurt 
at lliis answer, seeing myself thus abandoned by 
Christians, to whom I had always done good, as 
they both often acknowledged; but (iod never 
having abandoned me on that painful voyage, in- 
spired two Indians to take me in their little 
canoe, where I had no other employment than to 
bale out with a little bark tray, the water which 
entered by little holes. This 1 tlid not do with- 
out getting all wet. Tliis boat might, indeed, be 
called a death box, for its lightness aud fragility. 
These canoes do not generally weigh over fifty 
pounds, the least motion of the body upsets them, 
unless you are long accustomed to that kind of 
navigation. 

" On disembarking in the evening, the Picard, 
as an excuse, told me that their canoe was half- 
rotten, and that had we been three in it, we 
should have nm a great risk of remaining on the 
way. * * * Four days after our departure for 
the buffalo hunt, we halted eight leagues above 
St. Anthony of Padua's Falls, on an eminence 
opposite the mouth of the Kiver St. Francis [Rum] 
* * * The Picard and myself went to look for 
haws, gooseberries, and little wild fruit, which 
often did us more harm than good. This obliged 
us to go alone, as Jlichael Ako refused, in a 
^\Tetched canoe, to Ouisconsin river, which was 
more than a hundred leagues off, to see whether 
the Sienr de la Salle had sent to that place a re- 
inforcement of men, Milh powder, lead, and 
other munitions, as he had promised us. 

" The Indians woidd not ha\e suffered this 
voyage had not one of the three remained with 
them. They wished me to stay, but Michael 
Ako absolutely ref nsed. As we were making the 
portage of our canoe at St. Anthony of Padua's 
Falls, ^\c perceived live or six of our Indians who 
had taken the start; one of them was np in an 
oak opposite the great fall, weeping bitterly, with 
a rich dressed beaver robe, whitened inside, and 
trimmed with porcupine quills, which he was 



offering as a sacrifice to the falls; which is, in it- 
self, admirable and frightful. I heard him while 
.shedding copious tears, say as he .spoke to the 
great cataract, 'Thou who art a ^irit, grant that 
our nation may pass here quietly, without acci- 
dent; may kill bnfl'alo in abundance ; conquer 
our enemies, aud bring in slaves, some of whom 
we will put to death before thee. Tlie Messenecqz 
(so they call the ti-ibe named by the French Outa- 
gamis) have killed our kindred ; grant that we 
may avenge them.' This robe ottered in sacrilice, 
served one of our Frenchmen, who took it as we 
returned."' 

It is certainly wonderful, that Hennepin, who 
Icnew nothing of the Sioux language a few weeks 
before, should understand the prayer offered at 
the Falls without the aid of an interpreter. 

The narrator continues : " A leagne beyond 
St. Anthony of Padua's Falls, the Picard was 
obliged to land and get his powder horn, which he 
had left at tlie Falls. * * * As we descended 
the river Colbert [Mississippi] we found some of 
our Indians on the islands loaded with buffalo 
meat, some of which they gave us. Two hours 
after lauding, iifteen or sixteen warriors whom we 
had left above St. Anthony of Padua's Falls, en- 
tered, tomakawk in hand, iqiset the cabin of those 
who had invited us, took all the mc^at and bear 
oil they found, and greased themselves from head 
to foot," 

Tliis was done because the others had violated 
the rules for the buffalo hunt. A\"ith tlie Indians 
Ilemiepm went down the river sixty leagues, and 
then went up the river again, and met buffalo. 
He continues : 

"While seeking the Ouisconsin lUver, that 
savage father, Aquipaguetin, whom I had left, 
and who I believed more tlian two hundred 
leagues off, on the lltli of July, ICSO, appeared 
witli the warriors." After this, Hennepin and 
Picard continued to go up the river almost eighty 
leagues. 

There is great confusion here, as the reader 
will see. "When at the mouth of the Rum River, 
he speaks of the M'isconsin as more than a hun- 
dred leagues off. He lloats down the river sixty 
leagues ; then he ascended, but does not stiite the 
distance; then he ascends eighty leagues. 

He continues : " The Indians wlioni he had left 
with ilichael Ako at Buffalo [Chippeway] River, 



HENNEPIN MEETS SIEUB BU LUTH. 



25 



with the flotilla of canoes loaded witli meat, came 
down. * * * All the Indian women had their 
stock of meat at the month of Buffalo River and 
on the islands, and again we went dovni the Col- 
bert [jSIississippi] about eighty leagues. * * * 
AVe had another alarm in our camp : the old men 
on duty on the top of the mountams announced 
that they saw two warriors in the distance ; all 
the bowmen hastened there with speed, each try- 
ing to outstrip the others ; but they brought back 
only two of their enemies, who came to tell them 
that a party of their people were hunting at the 
extremity of Lake Conde [Superior] and had found 
four Spirits (so they call the French) who, by 
means of a slave, had expressed a wish to come 
on, knowing us to be among them. * * * On 
the 25th of July, 1680, as we were ascending the 
river Colbert, after the buffalo hunt, to the In- 
dian villages, we met Sieur du Luth, who came 
to the Nadouessious with ttve French soldiers. 
They joined us about two hundred and twenty 
leagues distant from the coimtry of the Indians 
who had taken us. As we had some knowledge 
of the language, they begged us to accompany 
them to the villages of these tribes, to which I 
readily agreed, knowing that these two French- 
men had not approached the sacrament for two 
years." 

Here again the number of leagues is confusing, 
and it is impossible to believe that Du Luth and 
his interpreter Faffart, who had been trading 
with the Sioux for more than a year, needed the 
help of Ilemiepin, who had been about three 
months witli these people. 

We are not told by what route Hemiepin and 
Du Luth reached Lake Issati or Mille Lacs, but 
Hennepin says they arrived there on the 11th of 
August, 1680, and he adds, " Toward the end of 
September, having no implements to begin an 
establishment, we resolved to tell these people, 
that for tlieir benefit, we would have to return to 
the French settlements. Tlie grand Chief of the 
Issati or Kadouessiouz consented, and traced in 
pencil on paper I gave him, the route I should 
take for four hundred leagues. "With this chart, 
we set out, eight Frenchmen, in two canoes, and 
descended the river St. Francis and Colbert [Rum 
and ^Mississippi]. Two of our men took two liea- 
ver robes at St. Anthony of Padua"s Falls, wliich 
the Indians had hung in sacrifice on the trees." 



The second work of Hennepin, an enlargement 
of the first, appeared at Utrecht in the year 1697, 
ten years after La Salle's death. Dming the in- 
terval between the publication of the first and 
second book, lie had passed three years as Super- 
intendent of the Recollects at Reny in the province 
of Artois, when Father Hyacinth Lefevre, af riend 
of La Salle, and (Commissary Provincial of Recol- 
lects at Paris, wished him to return to Canada. 
He refused, and was ordered to go to Rome, and 
upon his coming back was sent to a convent at 
St. Omer, and there received a dispatcli from the 
iMinister of State in France to return to the coun- 
tries of the King of Spain, of which he was a 
subject. This order, he asserts, he afterwards 
learned was forged. 

In the preface to the English edition of the 
New Discovery, published in 1698, in London, he 
writes : 

" The pretended reason of that violent order 
was because I refused to return into America, 
where I had been already eleven years ; though 
the particular laws of our Order oblige none of us 
to go beyond sea agamst his will. I would have, 
however, returned very willingly had I not known 
the malice of M. La Salle, who would have ex- 
posed me to perish, as he did one of the men who 
accompanied me in my discovery. God knows 
that I am sorry for his unfortunate death ; but 
the judgments of the Almighty are always just, 
for the gentleman was killed by one of his own 
men, who were at last sensible that he exposed 
them to visible dangers without any necessity and 
for his private designs." 

After this he was for about five years at Gosse- 
lies, in Brabant, as Confessor ui a convent, and 
from thence removed to his native place, Ath, in 
Belgium, where, according to his narrative in the 
preface to the " Nouveaix Decouverte," he was 
again persecuted. Then Father Payez, Grand 
Commissary of Recollects at Lou vain, being in- 
formed that the King of Spain and the Elector of 
Bavaria recommended the step, consented that 
he should enter the service of WilUam the Thu-d 
of Great Britain, who had been very kind to the 
Roman Catholics of Ketherlands. By order of 
Payez he was sent to Antwerp to take the lay 
habit in the convent there, and subsequently 
went to Utrecht, where he finished liis second 
book known as the New Discovery. 



26 



EXPLOBERS AND PIOXEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



His fii-st volunip. piintpd in 1(>K3. contains 312 
pages, with an appendix of 107 pages, on tlie 
Cnstoins of tlie Savages, while the Utrecht book 
of Ui!i7 contains oOit iwges without an ajipendix. 

On page ii4U of llie Xew Discovery, he begins 
an account of a voyage alleged to have been made 
to the month of the Mississippi, and occupies 
over sixty pages in the narrative. The opening 
sentences give as a rea.son for concealing to this 
time his discovery, that La Salle would have re- 
jHuted him to his Superiors for presuming to go 
down instead of ascending tlie stream toward the 
north, as had been agreed ; and that the two with 
him threatened that if he did not consent to de- 
scend the river, tliey would leave liim on shore 
during tlie night, and pursue their own course. 

He asserts that he left the Gulf of Mexico, to 
return, on the 1st of April, and on the 24th left 
the Arkansas ; but a week after this, he declares 
he landed with the Sioux at the marsh about two 
miles below the city of Saint Paul. 

The account has been and is still a puzzle to 
the historical student. In our review of his first 
book we have noticed that as early as 1683. he 
claimed to have descended the Mississippi. In 
the I'trecht publication he declares that while at 
Quebec, upon his return to France, he gave to 
Father Valentine Roux, Commissai-y of Recol- 
lects, his journal, upon the promise that it would 
be kept secret, and that this Father made a copy 
of his whole voyage, including the visit to the 
(Julf of ^Mexico ; but in his Description of Louis- 
iana, Ileiiiiepiu wrote, " We had some design of 
going to the mouth of the river Colbert, which 
more probably empties into the Gulf of ^lexico 
than into the Red Sea. but the tribes tliat seized 
us gave us no time to sail up and down the river." 

The additions in his LTtreclit book to magnify 
his importance and detract from others, are 
many. As Sparks and I'arkinan have pointed 
out the plagiarisms of this edition, a reference 
here is umiecessary. 

Du Luth. who left Quebec in 1H7K. and had 
been in northern Minnesota, with an interpreter, 
for a year, after he met Ako and Hennepin, be- 
comes of secondary importance, in the eyes of 
the Franciscan. 

In the Description of Louisiana, on page 289, 
Hennepin .speaks of passing the Falls of Saint 
Anthony, upon his return to Canada, in these 



few words : " Two of our men seized two beaver 
robes at the Falls of St. Anthony of ra<lua, 
which the Indians had in s<icrifice, fastened to 
trees." IJut in the I'trecht edition, commencing 
on page 41(i, there is much added concerning ]>u 
Luth. After using the language of the edition 
of 1683, already qudted it adds: '■Hereupon 
there arose a dispute lietween Sieur du Luth and 
myself. I commended what they had done, say- 
ing. 'The savages might judge by it that they 
disliked the superstition of these people.' The 
Sieur du Luth,. on the contrary, said that tliey 
ought to have left the robes where the savages 
placed them, for they would not fail to avenge 
the insult we had put nixm them by this action, 
and that it was feared that they would attack us 
on this journey. I confessed he had some foun- 
dation for what he said, and that he spoke accor- 
ding to the rules of prudence. 15ut one of the 
two men flatly replied, the two robes suited them, 
and they cared nothing for the savages and their 
superstitions. The Sieurdu Luth at these words 
was so greatly enraged that he nearly sti-uck the 
one who uttered them, but I intervened and set- 
tled the dispute. The Picard and Michael Ako 
ranged themselves on the side of those who had 
taken the robes in question, wliich might have 
resulted badly. 

" I argued \\\i\\ Sieur du Luth that the savages 
would not attack us, because I was persuaded 
that their great chief Ouasicoude would have our 
interests at heart, and he had great credit with 
his nation. The matter terminated pleasantly. 

" When we arrived near the liver Ouisconsin, 
we halted to smoke the meat of the buffalo we 
had killed on the journey. During our stay, three 
savages of the nation we had left, came by the 
side of our canoe to tell us that their great chief 
Ouasicoude. having learned that another chief of 
these people wished to pursue and kill us, and 
that he entered the cabin where he was consult- 
ing, and had struck lum on the head with such 
violence as to scatter his brains upon his associ- 
ates ; thus preventing the executing of this inju- 
rious project. 

" AVe regaled the three savages, liaving a great 
abundance of food at that time. The Sieur du 
Luth, after the savages had left, was as enraged 
as before, and feared that they would pureue and 
attack us on our voyage. He would have pushed 



TRIBUTE TO DANIEL GBEYSOLON BU LUTII. 



27 



the matter further, but seeing that one man ^^•onkl 
resist, and was not in the liumor to be imposed 
upon, he moderated, and I appeased them in the 
end with the assurance that God would not aban- 
don us in distress, and, provided we conlided in 
Ilim, lie would deliver ns from our foes, because 
He is the protector of men and angels." 

After describing a conference with the Sioux, 
he adds, "Thus the savages were very kind, 
without mentioning the beaver robes. The chief 
Ouasicoude told me to offer a fathom of Marti- 
nico tobacco to the chief Aqiupaguetin, who had 
adopted me as a son. This had an admirable 
effect upon the barbarians, who went off shoutmg 
several times the word ' Louis,' [Ouis or We] 
which, as he said, means the sun. Without van- 
ity, I must say that my name will be for a long 
time among these people. 

"The savages having left us, to go to war 
against the Messorites, the Maroha, the Illinois, 
and other nations which live toward the lower 
part of the Mississippi, and are irreconcilable foes 
of the people of the North, the Sieur du Luth, 
who upon many occasions gave me marks of his 
friendship, could not forbear to tell our men that 
I had all the reason in the world to believe that 
the Viceroy of Canada would give me a favorable 
reception, should we arrive before winter, and 
that he wished with all his heart that he had been 
among as many natives as myself." 

The style of Louis Hennepin is unmistakable 
in this extract, and it is amusing to read his pa- 
tronage of one of the fearless explorers of the 
Northwest, a cousin of Tonty, favored by Fron- 
tenac, and who was in Minnesota a year before 
his arrival. 

In 1691, six years before the Utrecht edition of 
Hennepin, another Recollect Franciscan had pub- 
Ushed a book at Paris, called " The First Estab- 
lishment of the Faith in New France," in which 
is the following tribute to Du Luth, whom Hen- 
nepin strives to make a subordinate : " In the last 
years of M. de Frontenac's administi-ation, Sieur 
DuLuth,a man of talent and experience, opened 
a way to the missionary and the Gospel in many 
different nations, turnmg toward the north of 
that lake [Superior] where he even built a fort, 
he advanced as far as the Lake of the Issati, 
called Lake Buade, from the family name of M. 



de Frontenac, planting the anns of his Majesty 
in several nations on the right and left." 

In the second volume of his last book, which is 
called " A Continuance of the New Discovery of 
a vast Country in America," etc., Heiuiepin no- 
ticed some criticisms. 

To the objection that his work was dedicated 
to William the Third of Great Britain, he replies : 
" My King, his most Catholic Majesty, his Elec- 
toral Highness of Bavaria, the consent hi writing 
of the Superior of my order, the integrity of my 
faith, and the regular observance of my vows, 
which his Britannic Majesty allow's me, are the 
best warrants of the uprightness of my mten- 
tions." 

To the query, how he coidd travel so far upon 
the Mississippi in so little time, he answers with 
a bold face, " That we may, with a canoe and a 
pair of oars, go twenty, twenty-five, or thirty 
leagues every day, and more too, if there be oc- 
casion. And though we had gone but ten leagues 
a day, yet in thirty days we might easily have 
gone three hundred leagues. If during the time 
we spent from the river of the Illinois to the 
mouth of the Meschasipi, in the Gulf of Mexico, 
we had used a little more haste, we might have 
gone the same twice over." 

To tlie objection, that he said, he nad passed 
eleven years in America, when he had been there 
but about four, he evasively replies, that " reck- 
oning from the year 1674, when I first set out, to 
the year 1688, when I printed the second edition 
of my ' Louisiana,' it appears that I have spent 
fifteen years either in travels or printhig my 
Discoveries." 

To those who objected to the statement in his 
first book, in the dedication to Louis the Foiu-- 
teenth, that the Sioux always call the sun Louis, 
he writes : " I repeat what I have said before, 
that being among the Issati and Nadouessans, by 
whom I was made a slave in America, I never 
heard them call the sun any other than Louis. 
It is true these savages call also the moon Louis, 
l)ut with this distinction, that they give the moon 
the name of Louis Bastache, which in their lan- 
guage signifies, the sun that shines in the night." 

The Utrecht edition called forth much censure, 
and no one in France doubted that Hennepin 
was the author. DTberville, Governor of Lou- 
isiana, while in Paris, wrote on July 3d 1699, to 



28 



EXPLOBERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



the Minister of Mai-iiie and Colonies of France, 
in lliese words : " \'ery much vexed at the Rec- 
ollect, whose false narratives had deceived every 
one, and caused our suffering and total failure of 
our enterprise, liy the time consumed in the 
search of things which alone existed in his imag- 
ination."' 

The llev. Father James liravier, in a letter 
from a fort on the Gulf of Mexico, near the Mis- 
sissippi, dated Fehruary ICth. 1701, expressed the 
.sentiment of his times wlien he speaks of Hen- 
nepin " who presented to King William, the Rela- 
tion of the Mississippi, where lie never was. and 
after a thousand falsehoods and ridiculous boasts, 



* * * he makes Mr. de la Salle appear in his 
Relation, woiuided with two balls in the head, 
turn toward the Recollect Father Anastase, to 
ask him for absolution, having been killed in- 
stiintly, without nltering a word • and oilier like 
false stories." 

Ilcmieiiin gradually faded out of sight. Bra- 
net mentions a letter written liy J. 15. Dubos, 
from Rome, dated March 1st, 1701, which men- 
tions that Hennepin was living on the Capitoline 
Hill, in the celebrated convent of Ara C(eli, and 
was a favorite of Cardinal Spada. 'Die time and 
place of his death has not been ascertained. 



NICHOLAS PEIiliOT, FOUNDER OF FIRST POST ON LAKE PEPIN. 



29 



CHAPTER V. 



NICHOLAS PEEROT, FOUNDER OF FIRST POST ON LAKE PEPIN. 



Early Life.— Searches for Copper.— Interpreter at Sault St. Marie, Employed Ijy 
La S-ille.- Bwilds Stockade at L.ike Pepin. — Hostile Indians Rebuked, —A 
Silver Ostensorium Given to a Jesuit Chapel.— Perrot in the Battle against 
Senecas, in New York.— Second Visit to Sioux Country.— Taking Possession by 
"Proces Verhal," — Discovery of Lead Mines. — Attends Council at Montreal. — 
Establishes a Post near Detroit, in Michigan.— Perrot's Death, and his Wife. 



Nicholas Perrot, sometimes written Pere, was 
cue of the most energetic of the class in Canada 
known as " coureurs des bois," or forest rangers. 
Bom in 1644, at an early age he was identified 
with the fur trade of the great inland lakes. As 
early as 1665, he was among the Outagamies 
[Foxes], and in 1667 was at Green Bay. lu 1669, 
he was appointed by Talon to go to the lake re- 
gion in search of copper mines. At the formal 
taking possession of that country in the name of 
the King of France, at Sault St. Marie, on the 
14th of May, 1671, he acted as interpreter. In 
1677, he seems to have been employed at Fort 
Frontenac. La SaUe was made very sick the 
next year, from eating a salad, and one Nicholas 
Perrot, called Joly Cceiu' (Jolly Soul) was sus- 
pected of having mingled poison with the food. 
After this he was associated with Du Lutli in 
the execution of two Indians, as we have seen. 
In 1684, he was appointed by De la Barre, the 
Governor of Canada, as Commandant for the 
West, and left Montreal with twenty men. Ar- 
riving at Green Bay in Wisconsin, some Indians 
told him that they had visited countries toward 
the setting sun, where they obtained the blue 
and green stones suspended from their ears and 
noses, and that they saw horses and rnen like 
Frenchmen, probably the Spaniards of New Mex- 
ico ; and others said that they had obtained hatch- 
ets from persons who lived in a house that walked 
on the water, near the mouth of the river of the 
Assiniboines, alluding to the English established 
at Hudson's Bay. Proceeding to the portage be- 
tween the Fox and Wisconsin, thirteen Unions 
were met, who were bitterly opposed to the es- 
tablishment of a post near the Sioux. After the 



Mississippi was reached, a party of Winnebagoes 
was employed to notify the tribes of Northern 
Iowa that the French had ascended the river, 
and wished to meet them. It was further agreed 
that prairie fires would be kindled from time to 
time, so that the Indians could follow the French. 

After entering Lake Pepin, near its mouth, on 
the east side, Perrot foimd a place suitable for a 
post, where there was wood. The stockade was 
built at the foot of a bluff beyond which was a 
large prairie. La Potherie makes this statement, 
which is repeated by Penicaut, who writes of 
Lake Pepm : "To the right and left of its shores 
there are also prairies. In that on the right on 
the bank of the lake, there is a fort, which was 
built by Nicholas Perrot, whose name it yet [1700] 
bears." 

Soon after he was estabhshed, it was announced 
that a band of Aiouez [loways] was encamped 
above, and on the way to visit the post. The 
French ascended in canoes to meet them, but as 
they drew nigh, the Indian women lan up the 
bluffs, and hid in the woods ; but twenty of the 
braves mustered courage to advance and greet 
Perrot, and bore him to the chief's lodge. The 
chief, bending over Perrot, began to weep, and 
allowed the moisture to fall upon his visitor. 
After he had exhausted himself, the principal 
men of the party repeated the slabbering process. 
Then buffalo tongues were boiled in an earthen 
pot, and after being cut into small pieces, the 
chief took a piece, and, as a mark of respect, 
placed it in Perrot's mouth. 

During the winter of 1684-8.5, the French tra- 
ded in ^Minnesota. 

At the end of the beaver hiuit, the Ayoes 
[loways] came to the post, but Perrot was absent 
visiting the Nadouaissioux. and they sent a chief 
to notify him of their arrival. Four Illinois met 
him on the way, and were anxious for the return 
of four children held by the French. When the 



30 



EXPLORERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



Sioux, who were at war with the Illinois, per- 
ceived them, they wished to seize their canoes, 
but the French voviiKevirs who were RuardinK 
them, pushed into the middle of the river, and 
the French at the post coming to theii' assistance, 
a reconciliation was effected, and four of the 
Sioux look the Illinois upon their shoulders, and 
bore them to the shore. 

An order having been received from Dcnon- 
ville, Governor of Canada, to bring the Miamis, 
and other tribes, to the rendezvous iit Niagara, 
to go on an expedition against the Senecas, Per- 
rot entrusting the post at Lake I'epin to a few 
Frenchmen, visited the Miamis, who were dwel- 
ling below on the Mississippi, and with no guide 
but Indian camp fires, went sixty miles into the 
country beyond the river. 

Upon his return, he perceived a great smoke, 
and at tjrst thought that it was a war party pro- 
ceeding to the Sioux country. Fortunately he 
met a Maskouten chief, who had Ix'cn at tlie post 
to see him, and he gave the intelligence, that the 
Outagamies [Foxes], Kikapous [Kickapoos], and 
Mascoutechs [Maskoutens]. and t>thprs. frt)m the 
region of Green Bay, had determined to pillage 
the post, kill the French, and then go to war 
against the Sioux. Hurrying on, he reached the 
fort, and learned that on that very day three 
spies had been there and seen that there were 
only six Frenchmen in charge. 

The next day two more spies appeared, but 
I'errot had taken the precaution to put loaded 
guns at the door of each hut, and caused his men 
frequently to change their clothes. To the query, 
■ How many French were there?" the reply was 
given, '• Forty, and that more were daily expected, 
who had been on a buffalo hunt, and that the 
guns were well loaded and knives well shan)eued." 
They were then told to go back to their camp 
and bring a chief of each nation represented, and 
that if Indians, in large numbers, came near, they 
would be fired at. In accordance with this mes- 
sage six chiefs presented themselves, After their 
bows and arrows were taken away they were in- 
vited to Perrot's cabin, who gave something to 
eat and tobacco to smoke. Looking at I'errofs 
loaded guns they asked, '• If he was afraid of his 
children?" He replied, he was not. They con- 
tinued, " You are displeased." He answered, 
" I have good reason to be. The Spirit lias warned 



me of your designs; you will take my things 
away and put me in the kettle, and i)roceed 
against the Nadouaissioux, The Spirit told me 
to be on my guard, and he would help me." At 
this they were astonished, and confessed that an 
attack was meditated. That night the chiefs 
slept in the stockade, and early the next morn- 
ing a part of the hostile force was encamped in 
the vicinity, and wished to trade. Perrot had 
now only a force of fifteen men, and seizing the 
chiefs, he told them he would l)n'ak their heads 
if they did not disperse the Indians. One of the 
chiefs then stood up on the gate of the fort and 
said to the warriors, ■■ Do not advance, young 
men, or yon are dead. The Spirit has warned 
Metaminens [Perrot J of your designs." They fol- 
lowed the advice, and afterwards Perrot present- 
ed them with two guns, two kettles, and some 
tt)bacco, to close the door of war against the Na- 
douaissioux, and the chiefs were all permitted to 
make a brief visit to the post. 

Returning to Green Bay in IGSti, he passed much 
time in collecting allies for the expedition against 
the Iroquois in New York. During this year he 
gave to the Jesuit chapel at Depere, five miles 
above Green Bay, a church utensil of silver, fif- 
teen inches high, still in existence. The stand- 
ard, nine inches in height, supports a radiated 
ckclet closed with glass on both sides and sur- 
mounted with a cross. Tliis vessel, weighing 
about twenty ounces, was intended to show the 
consecrated wafer of the mass, and is called a 
soleil, monstrance, or ostensorium. 

Around the oval base of the ilm is the follow- 
ing inscription: 



,,BM8Nrcao^ 



% 



\ 



\. 






** 



■V, 



''ff y^ as aaiN'*"^ 



^' 



In 1802 some workmen in digging at Green 
Bay, \\'isconsin, on the old Langlade estate dis- 



A CUP OF BEANDY AND WATFE DETECTti A THIEF. 



31 



covered this relic, wliicli is now kept in the vault 
of the Konian Catholic bishop of that diocese. 

During the spring of 1687 Perrot, with De Lu- 
th and Tonty, was with the Indian allies and the 
French in the expedition against the Seuecas of 
the C4enessee Valley in New York. 

The next year Denon\ille, Governor of Canada, 
again sent Perrot with forty Frenchmen to the 
Sionx who, says Potherie, " were very distant, 
and who would not trade with us as easily as 
the other tribes, the Outagamis [Foxes] having 
boasted of having cut off the passage thereto." 

When Perrot arrived at Mackinaw, the tribes 
of that region were much excited at the hostility 
of the Outagamis [Foxes] toward the Sauteurs 
[Cliippeways]. As soon as Perrot and his party 
reached Green Bay a deputation of the Foxes 
sought an interview. He told them that he had 
nothing to do with this quarrel with the Chippe- 
ways. In justification, they said that a party of 
their yoimg men, in going to war against the 
Nadouaissioux, had found a young man and three 
Chippeway girls. 

Perrot was silent, and continued his journey 
towards the Nadouaissioux. Soon he was met by 
five chiefs of the Foxes m a canoe, who begged 
him to go to their village. Perrot consented, and 
when he went into a chiefs lodge they placed be- 
fore him broiled venison, and raw meat for the 
rest of tiie French. He refused to eat because, 
said he, " that meat did not give him any spirit, 
but he would take some when the Outagamis 
[Foxes] were more reasonable." He then chided 
them for not having gone, as requested by the 
Governor of Canada, to the Detroit of Lake 
Erie, and diuing the absence of the French fight- 
ing with the Chippeways. Having ordered them 
to go on their beaver hunt and only fight against 
the Iroquois, he left a few Frenchmen to trade 
and proceeded on his journey to the Sioux coun- 
try. Arriving at the portage between the Fox and 
Wisconsin Rivers they were impeded by ice, but 
with the aid of some Pottawattomies they trans- 
ported their goods to the Wisconsin, which they 
found no longer frozen. The Chippeways were 
informed that their daughters had been taken 
from the Foxes, and a deputation came to take 
them back, but being attacked by the Foxes, who 
did not know their errand, they fled without se- 
curing the three girls. Perrot then ascended the 



Mississippi to the post which in 1684 he haa 
erected, just above the mouth, and on the east 
side of Lake Pepin. 

As soon as the rivers were navigable, the Na- 
douaissioux came down and escorted Perrot to 
one of their villages, where he was welcomed 
with much enthusiasm. He was carried upon a 
beaver robe, followed by a long hue of warriors, 
each bearing a pipe, and singing. After taking 
him around the village, he was borne to the chief's 
lodge, when several came in to weep over his head, 
with the same tenderness that the Ayoes (loways) 
did, when Perrot several years before arrived at 
Lake Pepin. " These weepmgs," says an old 
chronicler " do not weaken their souls. They are 
very good warriors, and reported the bravest in 
that region. They are at war with all the tribes 
at present except the Saulteurs [Chippeways] and 
Ayoes [loways], and even with these they have 
quarrels. At the break of day the Nadouaissioux 
bathe, even to the youngest. They have very fine 
forms, but the women are not comely, and they 
look upon them as slaves. They are jealous and 
suspicious about them, and they are the cause 
of quarrels and blood-shedding. 

" The Sioux are very dextrous with their ca- 
noes, and they fight unto death if surrounded, 
Their country is full of swamps, which shelter 
them in summer from being molested. One must 
be a Nadouaissioux, to find the way to their vil- 
lages." 

While Perrot was absent in New York, fight- 
ing the Senecas, a Sioux chief knowing that few 
Frenchmen were left at Lake Pepin, came with 
one hundred warriors, and endeavored to pillage 
it. Of this complaint ^\•as made, and the guilty 
leader was near being put to death by his associ- 
ates. Amicable relations having been formed, 
preparations were made by Perrot to return to 
his post. As they were going away, one of the 
Frenchmen complained that a box of his goods 
had been stolen. Perrot ordered a voyageur to 
bring a cup of water, and into it he poured some 
brandy. He then addressed the Indians ajid told 
them he would dry up their marshes if the goods 
were not restored; and then he set on fire the 
brandy in the cup. The savages were astonished 
and terrified, and supposed that he possessed su- 
pernatural powers ; and in a little vtule the goods 



32 



EXPLOBEliS AND I'lUXEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



were found and restored to tlie owner, and the 
French descended to tlieir stockade. 

The Foxes, while Perrot was in the Sioux 
country, changed their vilhige. and settled ou tlie 
Missi.ssiiipi. Coming up to visit I'errot, tliey 
asked him to establish friendly relations between 
them and tlic Sioux. At tlie time some Sioux 
were at the imst trading furs, and at first they 
supposed the French were plotting witli tlie 
Foxes. I'errot. however, eased them by present- 
ing the calumet and saying that the French con- 
sidered the Outaganiis [Foxes] as brotliers, and 
then adding: "Smoke in my pipe; tliis is tlie 
manner witli which Onontio [Governor of Can- 
ada] feeds liis children. ■■ Tlie Sioux replied that 
tliey wished the Foxes to smoke lirst. This was 
reluctantly done, and the Sioux smoked, but 
would not conclude a definite peace until they 
consulted their diiefs. This was not conchuled. 
because I'errot, before tlie chiefs came down, 
received orders to return to Canada. 

About this time, in the i)resence of Father Jo- 
seph James Marest, a Jesuit missionary. Uoisguil- 
lot, a trader on the Wisconsin and Mississipjii. Le 
Sueur, who afterward built a po.st below the Saint 
Croix Eiver. about nine miles from Hastings, the 
followLUg document was prepared: 

" Nicholas Perrot, commanding for the King at 
the post of tlie Nadonessionx, commissioned by 
the Marquis Deiionville, (iovernor and Lieuten- 
ant Governor of all New France, to manage the 
interests of commerce among all the Indian tribes 
and people of the Bay des Puants [(ireen Hay], 
Xadouessioux, ilascoutens, and other western na- 
tions of the Upper ilississippi. and to take pos- 
session in the King's name of all the places where 
he has heretofore been and whither he will go: 

" We this day, the eighth of JMay, one tliousand 
six hundred and eighty-nine, do, in the presence 
of the Reverend Father Marest, of the Society of 
Jesus, Missionary among the Nadouessioux, of 
Monsieur de Boisguillot, commanding the French 
in the neighborhood of the Oiiiskonclie. on tlie 
Mississippi, Angiistin Legardeur, Fsqiiire, Sieur 
de Caumont, and of Messieurs Le Sueur, llebert, 
Leniire and Dlein. 

'■ Declare to all whom it may concern, that, be- 
ing come from the Bay des Puants, and to the 
Lake of the Ouiskonches, we did transport our- 
selves to the country of llie Nadonessionx, on the 



border of the river St. Croix, and at the mouth 
of the river St. Pierre, on the bank of which were 
the Mantantans, and further up to the interior, 
as far as the ^lenchokatonx [Med-ay-wah-kawn- 
twawn], with whom dwell the majority of the 
Songeskitons [Se-see-twawnsJ and other Xadou- 
essioux who are to the northwest of the Missis- 
sippi, to take possession, for and in tlie name of 
the King, of the countries and rivers inhabited by 
tlie said tribes, and of which they are jnoprietors. 
The present act done in our presence, signed with 
our hand, and subscribed." 

The three Chippeway girls of whom mention 
has been made were still with the Foxes, and 
Perrot took them with him to ^lackinaw. niion 
his return to Canada. 

AVhile there, the Ottawas held some prisoners 
upon an island not far from the mainland. The 
Jesuit Fathers went over and tried to save the 
captives from harsh treatment, but were unsuc- 
cessful. The canoes appeared at length near each 
other, one man paddling in each, w liile the war- 
riors were answering the shouts of the prisoners, 
who each held a white stick in his hand. As 
they neared the shore the chief of the party made 
a speech to the Indians who lived on the shore, 
and giving a history of the campaign, told them 
that they were masters of the prisoners. The 
warriors then came on land. and. according to 
custom, abandoned the spoils. An old man then 
ordered nine men to conduct the prisoners to a 
separate iilace. The women and the young men 
formed a line with big sticks. The young pris- 
oners soon found their feet, but the old men were 
so badly used they spat blood, and they were con- 
demned to be burned at the Mamilioii. 

Tl)e Jesuit Fathers and the French officers 
were much embarrassed, and feared that the Iio- 
quois would complain of the little care which had 
been used to prevent cruelty. 

I'errot, in this emergency, walked to tlie pla(;e 
where the prisoners were singing the death dirge, 
in expectation of being burned, and told them to 
sit down and be silent. A few Ottauwaws rudely 
told llieiii to sing on. but Perrot forbade. He 
then went back to the Council, where the old men 
had renilered judgment, and ordered one prisoner 
to be burned at Mackinaw, one at Sault St. Marie 
and another at fireen Bay. Undaunted he spoke 
as follows : '■ I come to cut the strings of the 



PERROT VISITS THE LEAD MINES. 



33 



dogs. I will not suffer them to be eaten . I have 
pity on them, since my Father, Onontio, has com- 
manded me. You Outaouaks [OttawawsJ are 
like tame bears, who will not recognize them who 
has brought them up. You have forgotten Onon- 
tio 's protection. When he asks your obedience, 
you want to rule over him, and eat the flesh of 
those cliildren he does not wish to give to you. 
Take care, that, if oyu swallow them, Onontio 
will tear them with violence from between your 
teeth. I speak as a brother, and I think I am 
showing pity to your children, by cutting the 
bonds of your prisoners." 

Ilis boldness had the desired effect. The pris- 
oners were released, and two of them were sent 
with him to Montreal, to be returned to the Iro- 
quois. 

On the 22nd of May, 1690, with one hundred 
and forty-three voyageurs and six Indians, Per- 
rot left Montreal as an escort of Sieur de Lou- 
vigny La Porte, a half-pay captain, appointed to 
succeed Durantaye at Mackinaw, by Frontenac, 
the new Governor of Canada, who in October of 
the previous year had arrived, to take the place 
of Denonville. 

Perrot, as he approached Mackinaw, went in 
advance to notify the French of the coming of 
the commander of the post. As he came in siglit 
of the settlement, he hoisted the white flag with 
the fleur de lis and the voyageurs shouted, " Long 
live the king! "' Louvigny soon appeared and was 
received by one hmicked " coureur des bois '' 
imder arms. 

From Mackinaw, Perrot proceeded to Green 
Bay, and a party of Miamis there begged him to 
make a trading establishment on the Mississippi 
towards the Ouiskousmg (Wisconsin.) The chief 
made him a present of a piece of lead from a 
mine which he had found in a small stream which 
flows into the Mississippi. Perrot promised to 
visit him within twenty days, and the chief then 
returned to his village below the d'Ouiskonche 
(iWsconstn) River. 

Having at length reached his post on Lake 
Pepin, he was informed that the Sioux were 
forming a large war party against the Outaga- 
mis (Foxes) and other allies of the French. He 
gave notice of his arrival to a party of about four 
hundred Sioux who were on the Mississippi. 



They arrested the massengers and came to the 
post for the purpose of plunder. Perrot asked 
them why they acted in tins manner, and said 
that the Foxes, Miamis, Kickapoos, IlUnois, and 
Maskoutens had united in a war party agamst 
them, but that he had persuaded them to give it 
up, and now he wished them to return to their 
families and to their beaver. The Sioux declared 
that they had started on the war-path, and that 
they were ready to die. After they had traded 
their furs, they sent for Perrot to come to their 
camp, and begged that he would not hinder them 
from searching for their foes. Perrot tried to dis- 
suade them, but they insisted that the Spirit had 
given them men to eat, at three days' journey 
from the post Then more powerful influences 
were used. After giving them two kettles and 
some merchandise, Poerrt spoke thus: " I love 
your life, and I am sure you will be defeated. 
Your Evil Spirit has deceived you. If you kill 
the Outagamis, or their allies, you must strike me 
first; if you kill them, you kill me just the same, 
for I hold them under one wing and you under 
the other." After this he extended the calumet, 
which they at first refused; but at length a chief 
said he was right, and, making invocations to the 
sun, wished Perrot to take him back to his arms. 
This was granted, on condition that he would 
give up his weapons of war. The chief then tied 
them to a pole in the centre of the fort, turning 
them toward the sun. He then persuaded the 
other chiefs to give up the expedition, and, send- 
ing for Perrot, he placed the calumet before him, 
one end in the earth aud the other on a small 
forked twig to hold it firm. Then he took from 
his own sack a pair of his cleanest moccasins, and 
takmg off Perrofs shoes, put on these. After he 
had made him eat, presenting the calumet, he 
said: " We listen to you now. Do for us as you 
do for our enemies, and prevent them from kill- 
ing us, and we will separate for the beaver hunt. 
The sun is the witness of our obedience." 

After this, Perrot descended the Mississippi 
and revealed to the ]\Iaskoutens, vii\o had come to 
meet him, how he had pacified the Sionx. He, 
about this period, in accordance with his prom- 
ise, visited the lead mines. He found the ore 
abmidant " but the lead hard to work because it 
lay between rocks which required blowing up. 
It had very little dross and was easily melted." 



34 



EXPLORERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



Pt'iiiciut, wlio ascended the Mississippi in 1700, 
wrote tliat twenty leagues below the AVisconsin, 
on both sides of the Mississippi, were mines of 
lead called " Xicolas IVnot's." Early Frencli 
maps indicate as the locality of lead mines tlie 
site of modern towns, Galena, in lULnois, and l>n- 
liiKlue. in Iowa. 

Ill Aujiust, 1(593, about two hundred French- 
men from ilackinaw, with delegates from the 
tribes of the West, arrived at Montreal to at- 
tend a fjraud council called liy (Jovenior I'ronte- 
nac, and among these was Perrot. 

On the lirst Sunday in September the governor 



gave the Indians a great feast, after which they 
and the traders began to return to the wilder- 
ness. Perrot wiis ordered by Frontenac to es- 
tablish a new post for the Miamis in ^lichigan, 
in the neighborhood of the Kalamazoo River. 

Two years later he is present again, in August, 
at a council in Montreal, then returned to the 
AVest.andin !(>!)!) is re<-alle(l from Green Bay. 
In 1701 he was at Montreal acting as interpreter, 
and api)ears to liave died before 1718: his wife 
was Aladeline Kaclos, and liis residence was in 
the Seigneury of Uecancourt, not far from Tliree 
llivers, ou the St. Lawrence. 



ji^a^js LA ii'js^ij^ji a #> 



K. 






« ■iMti..i«iMii >r Kin. . -la<y l^-tairjrbt ^ r<« ai^ »iiin«ii 



Jlii- 



7""'' wae <<bh»-- 



je 



***'**" "-^•'-'" •'■ ' ;-• ..^..■. '•■jrnmiWBt irlurc 

J>a HuuUl, ji 'xai»'.-'^ ifj- WfttL and ill «tj'te trf t3ueaf iitstHJrt aud jbm« <*!u:viffljiBui ya««g* J« 1^ 

Tilt laudfe ij»- ■=^- 

».uiiO«l -oitiiout ♦; "- 

J^iM.. Vrw'as^ JSTia^acii. «ui4 trjttialiKi lit lilt lUctXkt V^^iiE. iAsnat. taiQ < '^u 

'*. 

■ ■ ' ■ ' m 

-,r tlit lilte vf ¥vn Omiif/L | taste ttear oBtwau aufl '^uumi^^aci'jh lyr me. ^ 

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■ »isi, n^-gt murinng. i -»f 



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•M tilt I>««^ mv^ac^ int vi^it«t: 



;r;ai to «hjg aud dioiee. is a aaaains llkat I '■iD 



• »mUj gtKiat Iw tiuf lii- vHj* v^ttK 
„^. ^ .. -ig*- »jf a juyrtii ■w'iiid- and ia»d iut v^r^. -j... ^ 



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tii»l Itej- 'rfVMu riw; aud laU lij«jfe I«Jl in i»-«)v* 



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■-rt; 

iJay «f tilt i-'yut*<jual»- tiitar i*4«;tori»!k. Tl»ej •:;uiiiiii>3Uf»d In.' yiitem^ 

•r dMitc • .- - ■ •xa«uia»sd <rf two 

■.j»e IibL f!.' , . - -■'^ Tti"- vr.'iif 

V .'da 1*8^* '■;■ 

:^:. .ukaiboc;-- > >..-"j, 

oiitdt out i]t litt luai^k lose, 'i'lit i«at>i MtOMi i>-«k> 



36 



EXPLOBERS AND PIONEERS OF yflNXESOTA. 



lio\irs, after wliich, I requested a chief of the 

n.atioii lo sing for inc ; for it is the custom, when 
we liavt' Imsiness with them, to employ an inferior 
for self in all the ceremonies they perform. I 
gave him several pieces of tobacco, to oblige him 
to keep the party till ilark. The next clay and the 
day following, I attended the feasts of the other 
nations, where I observed the same formalities." 

lie alleges that, on the 23d of October, he 
reached the Mississippi River, and, ascending, on 
the 3d of November he entered into a river, a 
tributary from the west, that was almost without 
a cm-rent, and at its mouth filled with rushes. 
He then describes a journey of five hundred miles 
up this stream. - He declares he found upon its 
banks three great nations, the Eokoros, Kssa- 
napes. and Unacsitares, and because he ascended 
it for sixty days, he named it Long River. 

For years his wondrous story was believed, and 
geographers hastened to trace it upon their maps. 
But in time the voyage up the Long River was 
discovered to be a fabrication. There is extant 
a letter of Bobe, a Priest of the Congregation of 
the Mission, dated Versailles, March lo, 1716, and 
addressed to l)e L"Isle, the geographer of the 
Academy of Sciences at Paris, which exposes the 
deception. 

He writes: " It seems to me that you might 
give the name of Bourbonia to these vast coun- 
tries which are between the Missouri. Mississippi, 
and the Western Ocean. "Would it not be well to 
efface that great river which La Hontan says lie 
discoveredy 

'• All the Canadians, and even the Governor 
General, have told me that this river is iniknown. 
If it existed, the French, who are on the Illinois, 
and at Ouabaehe, would know of it. The last 
volume of the 'Lettres Edifiantes' of the Jesuits. 
in which there is a very fine relation of the Illinois 
Country, does not speak of it, any more than the 
letters which I received this year, which tell won- 
ders of the beauty and goodness of the country. 
They send me some quite pretty work, made by 
the wife of one of the principal chiefs. 

•' Tljey tell me, that among the Scioiix, of the 
Mississippi, there are always Frenchmen trading; 
that the course of the Mississippi is from north 
to west, and from west to south; that it is knowii 
that toward the sourco of the .Mississippi there is 
a river in the highlands that leads to the western 



ocean; that the Indians say that they have seen 
bearded men with caps, who gather gold-dust on 
the seashore, but that it is very far from this 
country, and tlial they pass through many nations 
unknown to the French. 

•■ I have a memoir of La Motte Cadillac, form- 
erly Governor of ^lissiliniackinack, who says that 
if St. Peters [Minnesota] River is ascended to its 
source they will, according to all appearance, find 
in the highland another river leading to the West- 
ern Ocean. 

" For the last two years I have tormented 
exceedingly the Governor-General, il. Baudot, 
and M. Duche, to move them to discover this 
ocean. If I succeed, as I hope, we shall hear 
tidings before three years, and 1 sliall have the 
pleasure and the consolation of having rendered 
a good service to Geography, to Religion and to 
the State.-' 

Charlevoix, in liis History of New France, al- 
luding to La Ilontan's voyage, writes: " The 
voyage up the Long River is as fabulous as the 
Island of Barrataria, of which Sancho Pauza was 
governor. Nevertheless, in France iuid else- 
where, most people have received these memoirs 
as the fruits of the travels of a gentleman who 
wrote badly, although quite lightly, and who had 
no religion, but who described i)retty smcerely 
what he had seen. The consequence is that the 
compilers of historical and geographical diction- 
aries have almost always followed and cited them 
in preference to more faithful records."' 

Even in modem times, Nicollet, employed by 
the United States to explore the Upper Mississ- 
ippi, has the following in his report: 

"Having procured a copy of La Ilontan's 
book, in which there is a roughly made map of 
his Long River, I was struck with the resem- 
lilance of its course as laid do«Ti with that of 
Cannon River, which I had previously sketched 
in my own lield-book. I soon con\inced myself 
that the principal statements of the liaron in ref- 
erence to tlie coimtry and the few details he gives 
of the physical character of the the river, coin- 
cide remarkably with what I had laid down as 
belonging to Cannon River. Then the lakes and 
swamps corresponded; traces of Indian villages 
mentioned by him might be found by a growth 
of Milil grass that propagates itself around all old 
Indian settlements."' 



LE SUEUB, EXPLORER OF THE MINNESOTA RIVER. 



37 



CHAPTER Vn. 



LE SUETJR, EXPLORER OF THE MnOTESOTA RIVER. 



Le Sueor Visits Lake Pepm. — Stalioned at La Pointe. — Establishes a Post on an 
Islar.d Ahove Lake Pepin. — Island Deseribed by Penicaiit.— Pirst Stoux Chief" 
at Montreal. — Ojibway Chiefs* Speeches. — Speech of Sioux Chief. — Teeoskah- 
lay's Death. — Le Sueur Goes to France. — Posts West of Mackinaw Abandoned 
— Le Sueur's License Revoked.— Second Visit to France. — Arrives in Gulf of 
Mexico with D'lberville. — Ascends the Mississippi.— Lead Mines. — Canadians 
Fleeing from the Sioux. — At the Mouth of the Wisconsin. — Sioux Robbel^, — Elk 
Hunting. — Lake Pepin Described. — Rattlesnakes. — La Place Killed. — St. Croix 
River Named After a Frenchman. — Le Sueur Reaches St. Pterre, now Minne' 
sota River. — Enters Mankahto, or Blue Earth, River. — Sioux of the Plains. — 
Fort L'Huillier Completed. — Conferences with Sioux Bands — Assinaboines a 
Separated Sioux Band. — An Indian Feast. — Names of the Sioux Bands. — Char- 
levoix's Account. — Le Sueur Coes with D'lberville to France. — D'lberviUe's 
Memorial.— Early Census of Indian Tribes.— Penicaut's Account of Fort L'Huil 
lier.— Le Sueur's Departure from the Fort. — D'Evaqe Left in Charpe. — Return' 
to Mobile. — Juchereau at Mouth of Wisconsin. — Bondor a Montreal Merchant. — 
Sioux Attack Miarais.— Boudor Robbed by the Sioux. 



Le Sueur was a native of Canada, and a rela- 
tive of D'lberville, the early Governor of Louis- 
iana. He came to Lake Pepin in 1683, -with 
Nicholas Perrot, and his name also appears at- 
tached to the document prepared in May, 1689, 
after Perrot had re-oecupied his post just above 
the entrance of the lake, on the east side. 

In 1692, he was sent by Governor Frontenac of 
Canada, to La Pointe, on Lake Superior, and in a 
dispatch of 1693, to the French Government, is 
the following : "Le Sueur, another voyageur, is 
to remain at Chagouamagon [La Pointe] to en- 
deavor to maintain the peace lately concluded be- 
tween the Saulteurs [Chippeways] and Sioux. 
This is of the greatest consequence, as it is now 
the sole pass by which access can be had to the 
latter nation, whose trade is very profitable ; the 
country to the south being occupied by the Foxes 
and ^laskoutens, who several times plundered the 
French, on the ground they were carrying ammu- 
nition to the Sioux, their ancient enemies." 

Entering the Sioux country in 1694, he estab- 
lished a post upon a prairie island in the Missis- 
sippi, about nine miles below the present town of 
Hastings, according to Bellin and others. Peni- 
caut, who accompanied him in the exploration of 
the Minnesota, -writes, " At the extremity of the 
lake [Pepin] you come to the Isle Pelee, so called 
because there are no trees on it. It is on this island 



that the French from Canada estabUshed their 
fort and storehouse, and they also winter here, 
because game is very abundant. In tlie month of 
September they bring their store of meat, obtained 
by huntuig, and after having skinned and cleaned 
it, hang it upon a crib of raised scaffolding, in 
order that the extreme cold, which lasts from 
September to ISIarch, may preserve it from spoil- 
ing. During the whole winter tliey do not go out 
except for water, when they have to break the ice 
every day, and tlie Ccibin is generally built upon 
the bank, so as not to liave far to go. "WTien 
spring arrives, tlie savages come to the island, 
bringing their merchandize." 

On the fifteenth of July, 1695, Le Sueur arrived 
at Montreal with a party of Ojibways, and the 
first Diikotah brave that had ever visited Canada. 

The Indians were much impressed with the 
power of France by the marching of a detach- 
ment of seven hundred picked men, under Chev- 
alier Cresafi, who were on their way to La Chine. 

On the eighteenth, Frontenac, in the presence 
of Callieres and other persons of distinction, gave 
them an auilience. 

Tlie first speaker was the chief of the Ojibway 
band at La Pointe, Shingowahbay, who said: 

" That he was come to pay his respects to Onon- 
tio [the title given the Governor of Canada] in the 
name of the young warriors of Point Cliagouami- 
gon, and to thank him for having given them 
some Frenchmen to dwell with them; to testify 
their sorrow for one Jobin, a Frenchman, who 
was killed at a feast, accidentally, and not ma- 
liciously. AVe come to ask a favor of you, which 
is to let us act. We are allies of the Sciou. Some 
Outagamies, or Mascoutins, liave been killed. 
The Sciou came to mourn with us. Let us act, 
Father; let us take revenge. 

'■Le Suem- alone, who is acquainted with the 
language of the one and the oilier, can serve us. 
We ask that he return with us." 



38 



EXPLORERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



Another speaker of tlie Ojibways was Le Bro- 
chet. 

Teeoskalitay, tlip ]>alikotah chief, before he 
spoke, spread out a V)eaver robe, aiul, laying an- 
other with a tobacco pouch and otter skin, began 
to weep bitterly. After drying his tears, he said: 

•• All of the nations had a father, who afforded 
them protection; all of tlicni have iron. But he 
was a bastard iii quest of a father; he was come 
to see him. and hopes that he will take pity on 
him.'' 

lie then placed upon the beaver robe twenty- 
t«-o aiTows. at each arrow naming a Dahkotah 
village that desired Froiilenac's protection. Re- 
suming his speech, he remarked: 

•It is not on accoimt of what I bring that I 
hope him who rules the earth will have pity on 
me. I learned from the Sauteurs that he wanted 
nothing; that he was the Master of the Iron; that 
he had a big heart, into which he could receive 
all the nations. This has induced me to abandon 
my people and come to seek his protection, and 
to beseech bim to receive me among the number 
of his children. Take courage. Great Captain, 
and reject me not; despise me not, though I ap- 
pear poor in your eyes. Ail the nations here 
present know that I am rich, and the little they 
offer here is taken from my lands." 

Count Frontenac in reply told the chief tlijit he 
would receive the Dahkotahs as his children, on 
cf)ndition that they would be obedient, and that 
he would send back Le Sueur with him. 

Teeoskalitay, taking hold of the governor's 
knees, wept, and said: "Take pity on us; we 
are well aware tliat we are not able to sjieak, be- 
ing children; but Le Sueur, who understands our 
language, and has seen all our villages, will next 
year inform yo\i what will have been achieved by 
the Sioux nations represented by those arrows be- 
fore you." 

Having finished, a Dahkotah woman, the wife 
of a great chief whom Le Sueur had purchased 
from captivity at ilackinaw, approached those in 
authority, and, with downcast eyes, embraced 
their knees, weeping and saying: 

" I thank thee. Father; it is by thy means I 
have been liberated, and am no longer caiitivc." 

Then Teeoskahtay resumed: 

" I speak like a man penetrated with joy. The 
Great Captain; he who is the blaster of Iron, as- i 



sures me of his protection, and I jiromise him that 
if he condescends to restore my children, now 
prisoners among the Foxes, Ottawas and Ilurons, 
I will return hither, and bring with me the twen- 
ty-two villages whom he has just restored to life 
by promising to send them Iron." 

On the 1 4th of August, two weeks after the 
Ojibway chief left for his home on Lake Superior, 
Nicholas Perrot arrived with a deputation of 
Sauks, Foxes, Menomonees, Mamis of Maramek 
and Pottowatomies. 

Two days after, they had a coxmcil with the 
governor, who thus spoke to a Fox brave: 

" 1 see that you are a young man; your nation 
has quite turned away from my wishes; it has 
pillaged some of my young men, whom it has 
treated as slaves. I know that yoiu" father, who 
loved the French, had no hand in the indignity. 
You only imitate the example of your father 
who had sense, when you do not co-operate 
with those of your tribe who are wishing to go 
over to my enemies, after they grossly insulted 
me and defeated the Sioux, whom I now consider 
my son. I pity the Sioux; I pity the dead whose 
loss I deplore. Perrot goes up there, and he will 
speak to your nation from me for the release of 
their prisoners; let them attend to him." 

Teeoshkahtay never returned to his native land. 
^Miile in ilontreal he was taken sick, and in 
thirty-three days he ceased to breathe; and, fol- 
lowed by white men, his body was Interred m the 
white man's grave. 

Le Sueur instead of going back to Miimesota 
that year, as was expected, went to France and 
received a license, in 1697, to open certain mines 
supposed to exist in JSIinnesota. The ship in 
which he was retiu'ning was captured by the Eng- 
lish, and he was taken to England. After liis 
release he went back to France, and, in 1G9S, ob- 
tiiined a new commission for miniug. 

While Le Sueiu: was in Europe, the Dahkotas 
waged war against the Foxes and Miamis. In 
retaliation, the latter raised a war party and en- 
tered the land of the Dahkotahs. Fuuling their 
foes intrenched, and assisted by " coureurs des 
bois," they were indignant; and on their return 
they had a skirmish with some Frenchmen, who 
were carrying goods to the Dahkotahs. 

Shortly after, they met Perrot, and were about 
to bum him to death, when prevented by some 



LE SVJSUR ASCENDS THE MISSISIPPI EI FEB. 



39 



friendly Foxes. The Miamis, after this, were 
disposed to be friendly to the Iroquois. In 1696, 
the year previous, the authorities at Quebec de- 
cided that it was expedient to abandon all the 
posts west of Mackinaw, and withdraw the French 
from Wisconsin and Minnesota. 

The voyageurs were not disposed to leave the 
country, and the governor WTOte to Pontehar- 
train for instructions, in October, 1698. In his 
dispatch he remarks: 

" In this conjuncture, and under all these cir- 
cmnstances, we consider it our duty to postpone, 
until new instnictions from the court, the execu- 
tion of Sieur Le Sueur"s enterprise for the mines, 
though the promise had already been given him 
to send two canoes in advance to Missilimackinac, 
for the pui-pose of purchasing there some pro- 
visions and other necessaries for his voyage, and 
that he would be permitted to go and join tliem 
early in the spring with the rest of his hands. 
Wliat led us to adopt this resolution has been, 
that the French who remained to trade off with 
the Five Nations the remamder of their merch- 
andise, might, on seeing entirely new comers 
arriving there, consider themselves entitled to 
dispense ■with coming do\\ii, and perhaps adopt 
the resolution to settle there; whilst, seemg no 
arrival there, with permission to do what is for- 
bidden, the reflection they will be able to make 
during the winter, and the apprehension of being 
guilty of crime, may oblige them to return in the 
spring. 

" This would be very desirable, in consequence 
of the great difficulty there will be in constraining 
them to it, should tliey be inclined to lift the mask 
altogether and become buccaneers ; or should 
Sieur Le Sueur, as he easily could do, furnish 
them with goods for their beaver and smaller 
peltry, which he might send down by the retiu-n of 
other Frenchmen, whose sole desire is to obey, and 
who have remained only because of the impossi- 
bility of getting their effects down. This would 
rather induce those who would continue to lead a 
vagabond life to remain there, as the goods they 
would receive from Le Sueur's people would afford 
them the means of doing so." 

In reply to this communication, Louis XI \'. 
answered that — 

" His majesty has approved that the late Sieur 
de Frontenac and De Champigny suspended the 



execution of the license granted to the man named 
Le Sueur to proceed, with fifty men, to explore 
some mines on the banks of the Mississippi. He 
has revoked said license, and desires that the said 
Le Sueur, or any other person, be prevented from 
leaving tlie colony on pretence of going in search 
of mines, without his majesty's express permis- 
sion." 

Le Sueur, midaunted by these drawbacks to the 
prosecution of a favorite project, again visited 
France. 

Fortunately for Le Sueur, D'lberville, who was 
a friend, and closely connected by maiTiage, was 
appointed governor of the new territory of Louis- 
iana. In the month of December he arrived from 
France, wth thirty workmen, to proceed to the 
supposed mines in Minnesota. 

On the thirteenth of July, 1700, with a felucca, 
two canoes, and nineteen men, having ascended 
the Mississippi, he had readied the mouth of the 
Missouri, and six leagues above this he passed the 
Illinois. He there met three Canadians, who 
came to join him, with a letter from Father ISIar- 
est, who had once attempted a mission among the 
Dahkotahs, dated July 13, Mission Immaculate 
Conception of the Holy Virgin, in Illinois. 

" I have the honor to write, in order to inform 
you that the Saugiestas have been defeated by the 
Scioux and Ayavois [lowas]. The people have 
formed an alliance with the Quincapous [Kicka- 
poos], some of the Mecoutins, Renards [Foxes], 
and Metesigamias, and gone to revenge them- 
selves, not on the Scioux, for they are too much 
afraid of them, but perhaps on the Ayavois, or 
very likely upon the Paoutees, or more probably 
upon the Osages, for these suspect nothing, and 
the others are on their guard. 

" As you will probably meet these alUed na- 
tions, you ought to take precaution against their 
plans, and not allow tliem to board yoiu- vessel, 
since they are traitors, and utterly faithless. I pray 
God to accompany you in all your designs." 

Twenty-two leagues above the Illinois, he passed 
a small stream which he called the River of Oxen, 
and nine leagues beyond tliis he passed a small 
river on the west side, where he met four Cana- 
dians descending the Mississippi, on their way to 
the Illinois. On the 30th of July, nine leagues 
above the last-named river, he met seventeen 
Scioux, in seven canoes, who were going to re- 



40 



JCXPLOIiUBS AND FIONEEliti OF MINNESOTA. 



veiiRO t)ip fleath of lliree Sdoux. one of wliom liad 
been biinicd, and tlie others killed, at Tamaiois, 
a few daj's before bis arrival in that village. As 
he liad promised the chief of the Illinois to ap- 
pease the Scioux wlio should go to war against 
his nation, he made a present to the cliief of tlie 
party to engage him to tuni Ixick. He told them 
the King of J" ranee did not wish them to make 
this river more bloody, and that he was sent to tell 
them that, if they obeyed the king's word, tliey 
would receive in future all things necessary for 
them. The cliief answered that he accepted the 
present, that is to say, tliat he would do as had 
been told him. 

From the 80th of July to the 25th of August, Le 
Sueur advanced lifty-three and one-fourth leagues 
to a small river which he called the Kiver of the 
Mine. At the mouth it runs from the north, but 
it turns to the northeast. On the right seven 
leagues, there is a lead mine in a prairie, one and 
a half leagues. The river is only navigable in 
liigh water, that is to say, from early sprmg till 
the month of June. 

From the 25th to the 27th he made ten leagues, 
passed two small rivers, and made himself ac- 
quainted with a mme of lead, from whicli he took 
a supply. From the 27th to the 30th he made 
eleven and a half leagues, and met five Canadians, 
one of whom had been dangerously wounded in 
the head. They were naked, and had no ammu- 
nition except a miserable gun, with five or six 
loads of powder and balls. They said they were 
descending from the Scioux to go to Tamarois. 
and, when seventy leagues above, they perceived 
nine canoes in the Mississippi, in which were 
ninety savages, who robbed and cruelly beat them. 
This party were going to war against the Scioux. 
and were composed of four different nations, the 
Outagamies [Foxes], Poutouwatamis [I'ottowatta- 
mies], and Puans [Winnebagoes], who dwell in a 
comitry eighty leagues east of the Mississippi 
from where Le Sueur then was. 
' Tlie Canadians determined to follow tlie detach- 
ment, which was comjiosed of twenty-eight men. 
This day they made seven and a half leagues. 
On the 1st of September he passed the Wisconsin 
river. It nins into the Mississippi from tlie north- 
east. It is nearly one and a half miles wide. At 
about seventy-five leagues up this river, on the 
right, ascending, there is a portage of more than 



a league. The half of this portage is shaking 
ground, and at the end of it is a small river which 
descends into a bay called "Winnebago Bay. It is 
inhabited by a great number of nations who carry 
tlieir furs to Canada. Monsieur Le Sueur came 
by the "Wisconsin river to the Mississippi, for the 
first time, in 1683, on his way to the Scioux coun- 
try, where he had already passed seven years at 
different periods. The Mississippi; opposite the 
mouth of the Wisconsin, is less than half a mile 
wide. From the 1st of September to the -ith, our 
voyageur advanced fourteen leagues. lie passed 
the river " Aux Canots," which comes from the 
northeast, and then the Quineapous, named from 
a nation which once dwelt upon its banks. 

From the 5th to the 9th he madi' ten and a half 
leagues, and passed the rivers Cachee and Anx 
Ailes. The same day he perceived canoes, filled 
with savages, descending the river, and tlie five 
('anadians recognized tliem as the party who had 
robbed tliem. They placed sentinels in tlie wood, 
for fear of being surprised by land, and when 
they had approached within hearing, they cried to 
them that if they approached farther they would 
fire. They then drew up by an island, at half the 
distance of a gun shot. Soon, four of the jirinci- 
jial men of the band ap]iii>ached in a canoe, and 
asked if it was forgotten that they were our 
lirethren, and with wliat design we had taken 
arms when we perceived them. Le Sueur replied 
that he had cause to distnist them, since they had 
robbed five of his party. Nevertheless, for the 
surety of his trade, being forced to be at peace 
with all the tribes, he demanded no redress for 
the robbery, but added merely that the king, their 
master and his, wished that his subjects should 
navigate that river without insult, and that they 
had better beware how they acted. 

The Indian who had spoken was silent, but an- 
otlier said they Iwid been attacked by the Scioux, 
and that if they ilid not have pity on them, and 
give them a little powder, they should not be able 
to reach their villages. The consideration of a 
missionary, who was to go ui) among the Scioux, 
and whom these savages might meet, induced 
them to give two pounds of powder. 

M. Le Sueur made the same day three leagues; 
passed a stream on the west, and afterward an- 
other river on the east, which is navigable at aU 
times, and wliich the Indiiuis call Ued Kiver. 



RATTLESNAKES ON SHOBES OF LAKE PEPIN. 



41 



On the lOtli, at daybreak, they heard an elk 
whistle, on the other side of the river. A Cana- 
dian crossed in a small Scioux canoe, which they 
had found, and shortly returned witli the body of 
the animal, ^\llich was very easily killed, "qiiand 
il est en rut,'' that is, fi'om the beginning of Sep- 
tember luitil the end of October. The hunters at 
this time made a whistle of a piece of wood, or 
reed, and when they hear an elk whistle they an- 
swer it. The animal, beUeving it to be another 
elk, approaches, and is killed with ease. 

From the 10th to the 14th, M. Le Sueur made 
seventeen and a half leagues, passing the rivers 
Raisin and Paquilenettes (perhaps the Wazi Ozu 
and Buffalo.) The same day he left, on the east 
side of the Mississippi, a beautiful and large river, 
which descends from the very far north, and 
called Bon Secours (Chippeway), on accomit of the 
great quantity of buffalo, elk, bears and deers 
which are found there. Three leagues up this 
river there is a mine of lead, and seven leagues 
above, on the same side, they found another long 
river, in the vicinity of which there is a copper 
mine, from which he had taken a lump of sixty 
poxmds in a former voyage. In order to make 
these mines of any accoimt, peace must be ob- 
tained between the Scioux and Ouatagamis (Fox- 
es), because the latter, who dwell on the east side 
of the jSIississippi, pass this road continually when 
going to war against the Sioux. 

Penicaut, in his journal, gives a brief descrip- 
tion of the Mississippi between the Wisconsin 
and Lake Pepin. He writes: "Above the Wis- 
consin, and ten leagues higher on the same side, 
begins a great prairie extending for sixty leagues 
along the bank; this prairie is called Aux Ailes. 
Opposite to Aux Ailes, on the left, there is 
another i)rairie facing it called Paquilanet which 
is not so long by a great deal. Twenty leagues 
above these prairies is foimd Lake Bon Secours " 
[Good Help, now Pepin.] 

In this region, at one and a half leagues on the 
northwest side, commenced a lake, which is six 
leagues long and more than one broad, called 
Lake Pepin. It is bounded on the west by a 
chain of mountains; on the east is seen a prairie; 
and on the northwest of the lake there is another 
prairie two leagues long and one -vvide. In the 
neighborhood is a chain of mountains quite two 
hundred feet high, and more than one and a half 



miles long. In these are found several caves, ta 
which the bears retire in winter. Most of the 
caverns are more than seventy feet in extent, and 
two hundred feet high. There are several of 
which the entrance is very narrow, and quite 
closed up with saltpetre. It would be dangerous 
to enter them in summer, for they are filled with 
rattlesnakes, the bite of which is very dangerous. 
Le Sueur saw some of these snakes which were 
six feet in length, but generally they are about 
four feet. They have teeth resembling those of 
the pike, and their gums are full of small vessels, 
in which their poison is placed. The Scioux say 
they take it every morning, and cast it away at 
night. They have at the tail a kind of scale which 
makes a noise, and this is called the rattle. 

Le Sueur made on this day seven and a half 
leagues, and passed another- river, called Hiam- 
bouxecate Ouataba, or the River of Flat Rock. 
[The Sioux call the Cannon river Inyanbosndata.] 

On the 15th he crossed a small river, and saw 
in the neighborhood several canoes, filled with 
Indians, descending the Mississippi. He sup- 
posed they were ScioiLx, because he could not dis- 
tinguish whether the canoes were large or small. 
The arms were placed in readiness, and soon they 
heard the cry of the savages, which they are ac- 
customed to raise when they rush upon their en- 
emies. He caused them to be answered in the 
same manner; and after having placed all the 
men behmd the trees, he ordered them not to fire 
until they were commanded. He remained on 
shore to see what movement the savages would 
make, and perceiving that they placed two on 
shore, on the other side, where from an eminence 
they coidd ascertain the strength of his forces, he 
caused the men to pass and repass from the shore 
to the wood, in order to make them believe that 
they were numerous. This ruse succeeded, for 
as soon as the two descended from the eminence 
the chief of the party came, bearing the calumet, 
which is a signal of peace among the Indians. 
They said that having never seen the French navi- 
gate the river with boats like the felucca, they had 
supposed them to be English, and for that reason 
they had raised the war cry, and arranged them- 
selves on the other side of the Mississippi; but 
having recognized their flag, they had come with- 
out fear to inform them, that one of their num- 
ber, who was crazy, had accidentally killed a 



12 



EXPLORERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



Frenchman, and tluat tliey wonlil go and bring his 
comrade, who would tell how the mischief had 
hajtpened. 

The Frenchman they brought was Denis, a Ca- 
nadian, and he reported tliat liis companion was 
accidentally killed. His name was Laplace, a de- 
serting soldier from Canada, who had taken ref- 
uge in this country. 

Le Sueur replied, that Onontio (the name they 
give to all the governors of Canada), being their 
father and his, they ought not to seek justification 
elsewhere than before him; and he advised them 
to go and see him as soon as possible, and beg 
him to wipe off the blood of this Frenchman from 
their faces. 

The party was composed of forty-seven men of 
different nations, who dwell far to the east, about 
the forty-fourth degree of latitude. Le Sueur, 
discovering who the chiefs were, said the king 
whom they had spoken of in Canada, had sent 
him to take possession of the north of the river; 
and that he wished the nations who dwell on it, 
as well as those under his protection, to live in 
peace. 

lie made this day three and three-fourths 
leagues; and on the 16th of September, he left a 
large river on the east side, named St. Croix, he- 
cause a Frenchnian of that name teas nhiptrreclced 
at its mouth. It comes from the north-northwest. 
Four leagues higher, in going up, is found a small 
lake, at the mouth of which is a very large mass 
of copper. It is on the edge of the water, in a 
small ridge of sandy earth, on the west of this 
lake. [One of La Salle's men was named St. 
Croix.] 

From the 16th to the 10th, he advanced thir- 
teen and three-fourths leagues. After having 
made from Tamarois two hundred and nine and a 
half leagues, he left the navigation of the Missis- 
sippi, to enter the river St. Pierre, on the west 
side. By the 1st of October, he had made in this 
river forty-four and one-fourth leagues. After he 
entered Blue river, thus named on accoinit of the 
mines of blue earth found at its mouth, he found- 
ed his post, situated in forty-four degrees, thir- 
teen minutes north latitude. He met at this 
place nine Scioux, who told him that the river 
belonged to the Scioux of the west, the Ayavois 
(lowas) and Otoctatas (Ottoes), who lived a little 
farther off; that it was not thek custom to himt 



on ground belonging to others, unless invited to 
do so by the owners, and that when they would 
come to the fort to obtain provisions, they would 
be in danger of being killed in ascending or de- 
scending the rivers, which were narrow, and that 
if they would show their pity, /i€ must (stablish 
Jtintst'tf on the Jlississipjii, near the mouth nf the St. 
Pierre, where the Ayavois, the Otoctatas, and the 
other Scioux could go as well as they. 

Having finished their speech, they leaned over 
the head of Le Sueur, according to their custom, 
crying out, '"Ouaechissou ouaepanimanabo," that 
is to say, " Have pity upon us." Le Sueur had 
foreseen that the establishment of Blue Earth 
river would not please the Scioux of the East, 
who were, .so to speak, masters of the other Sciotix 
and of the nations which will be hereafter men- 
tioned, because they were the first with irhnm trade 
was commenced, and in consequence of which they 
had already quite a number of guns. 

As be had commenced his operations not only 
with a view to the trade of beaver but also to 
gain a knowledge of the mmes which lie had pre- 
viously discovered, he told them that he was .sor- 
ry that he had not known their intentions sooner, 
and that it was just, since he came expressly for 
them, that he should establish himself on their 
land, but that the season was too far advanced 
for him to return. He then made them a present 
of powder, balls and knives, and an armful of to- 
bacco, to entice them to assemble, as soon as pos- 
sible, near the fort he was about to construct, 
that when they should be all assembled he might 
tell them the intention of the king, their and his 
sovereign. 

The Scioux of the West, according to the state- 
ment of the Eastern Scioux, have more than a 
thousand lodges. They do not use canoes, nor 
cultivate the earth, nor gather wild rice. Tbey 
remain generally on the prairies which are be- 
tween the Upper Mississippi and Missouri rivers, 
and live entirely by the chase. The Scioux gen- 
erally say they have three souls, and that after 
death, that which has done well goes to the warm 
country, that which has done evil to the cold 
regions, and the other guards the body. Poly- 
gamy is common among tliem. Tliey are very 
jealous, and sometimes tight in duel for their 
wives. They manage the bow admirably, and 
have been seen several times to kill ducks on the 



BLUE EARTH ASSAYED BY LHULLIER IK PABIS. 



43 



wing. They make their lodges of a number of 
buffalo skins interlaced and sewed, and carry 
them wherever they go. They are all great smo- 
kers, but their manner of smoking differs from 
that of otlier Indians. There are some Scioux 
who swallow all the smoke of the tobacco, and 
others who, after having kept it some time in 
their mouth, cause it to issue from the nose. In 
each lodge there are usually two or three men 
with their families. 

On the third of October, they received at the 
fort several Scioux, among whom was Wahkan- 
tape, chief of the vUlage. Soon two Canadians 
arrived who had been hunting, and who had been 
rol)bed by the Scioux of the East, who had raised 
their guns against the establishment which M. 
Le Sueur had made on Blue Earth river. 

On the fourteenth the fort was finished and 
named Fort L"Huillier, and on the twenty-second 
two Canadians were sent out to invite the Aya- 
vois and Otoctatas to come and establish a vil- 
lage near the fort, because these Indians are in- 
dustrious and accTistomed to cultivate the earth, 
and they hoped to get provisions from them, and 
to make them work in the mines. 
• On the twenty-fourth, six Scioux Oujalespoi- 
tons wished to go into the fort, but were told 
that they did not receive men who had killed 
Frenchmen. This is the term used when they 
have insulted them. The next day they came to 
the lodge of Le Sueur to beg him to have pity on 
them. They wished, according to custom, to 
weep over his head and make him a present of 
packs of beavers, which he refused. He told 
them he was surprised that people who had rob- 
bed should come to him ; to which they replied 
that they had heard it said that two Frenchmen 
had been robbed, but none from their village had 
been present at that wicked action. 

Le Sueur answered, that he knew it was the 
Mendeoucantons and not the Oujalespoitons ; 
" but," continued he, "you are Scioux; it is the 
Scioux who have njbbed me, and if I were to fol- 
low your manner of acting I should break your 
heads ; for is it not true, that when a stranger 
(it is thus they call the Indians who are not 
Scioux) has insulted a Scioux, Mendeoucanton, 
Oujalespoitons, or others — all the villages revenge 
upon the first one they meetV" 

As they had nothing to answer to what he said 



to them, they wept and repeated, according to 
custom, " Ouaechissou ! ouaepanimanabo !" Le 
Sueur told them to cease crying, and added that 
the French had good hearts, and that they had 
come into the country to have pity on them. At 
the same time he made them a present, saying to 
them, •' Carry back your beavers and say to aU 
the Scioux, that they will have from me no more 
powder or lead, and they will no longer smoke 
any long pipe imtil they have made satisfaction 
for robbing the Frenchman. 

The same day the Canadians, who had been 
sent off on the 22d, arrived without having found 
the road which led to the Ayavois and Otoctatas. 
On the 2oth, Le Sueur went to the river with 
three canoes, which he filled with green and blue 
earth. It is taken from the hills near which are 
very abimdant mines of copper, some of which 
was worked at Paris in 1696, by E'lluitlier. one 
of the chief collectors of the king. Stones were 
also :^und there which would be curious, if 
worked. 

On the ninth of November, eight jNIantanton 
Scioux arrived, who had been sent by their chiefs 
to say that the Mendeoticantons were stiU at their 
lake on the east of the Mississippi, and they could 
not come for a long time ; and that f i )r a single 
village which had no good sense, the others ought 
not to bear the punishment ; and that they were 
willing to make reparation if they knew how. 
Le Sueur replied that he was glad that they had 
a disposition to do so. 

On the loth the two Mantanton Scioux, who 
had been sent expiessly to say that all of the 
Scioux of the east, and part of those of the west, 
were Joined together to come to the French, be- 
cause they had heard that the Christianaux and 
the Assinipoils were making war on them. 
These two nations dwell above the fort on the 
east side, more than eighty leagues on the I'pper 
Mississippi. 

The Assinipoils speak Scioux, and are certainly 
of that nation. It is only a few years since that 
they became enemies. The eiunity thus origi- 
nated: The Christianaux, having the use of arms 
before the Scioux, through the English at Hud- 
son's Bay, they constantly warred upon the As- 
suiipoils, who were their nearest neighbors. 
The latter, being weak, sued for peace, and to 
render it more lasting, married the Christianaux 



44 



EXPLORERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



women. The other Scioux, who hail not made 
the eompaet, continued tlie war; and, seeing some 
Christianaux with the Assinipoils, broke their 
hea<ls. The Christianaux furnished the Assini- 
poils witli arms and meruliandise. 

On the 16th the Scioux returned to tlieir vil- 
lain', and it was reported that the Ayavois and 
Oloi'tatas were gone to estal)Hsh tliemselves to- 
wards the ilissouri River, near the Maha, wlio 
dwell in tlial region. On the 2(>th the ilautan- 
tons and Oujalespoitons arrived at the fort; and, 
after they had encamped in the woods, Wah 
kantape came to heg Le .Sueur to go to his 
lodge, lie there found sixteen men with women 
and children, with their faces daubed with black. 
In the middle of the lodge were several buffalo 
skins which w^ere sewed for a carpet. After mo- 
tioning him to sit down, tliey wept for the fourth 
of an hour, and the chief gave him some wild 
rice to eat {as was their custom), putting the 
first three .spoon.sful to his mouth. After^vhich, 
he sai<l all present were relatives of Tioscate, 
whom Le Sueur took to Canada in 1695, and who 
died tliere in 1696. 

At the mention of Tioscate they began to weep 
again, and wipe their tears and heads upon the 
shoulders of Le Sueur. Then Wahkantape agaui 
spoke, and said that Tioscate begged him to for- 
get the insult done to the Frenchmen by the 
Meudeoucantons, and take pity on his brethren 
by giving them powder and balls wliereby they 
could defend themselves, and gain a living for 
their wives and children, who languish in a coun- 
try full of game, because they had not the means 
of killing them. " Look," added the chief, " Be- 
hold thy children, thy brethren, and thy sisters; 
it is to thee to see whether thou wishest them to 
die. They will live if thou givest them powder 
and ball; they will die if thou refusest.'' 

Le Sueur granted them their request, but as 
the Scioux never answer on the spot, especially 
in matters of importance, and as he had to speak 
to tliem about his establislmient he went out of 
the lodge willmut saying a word. The chief and 
all those within followed him as far as the door 
of the fort; and when he had gone in. they went 
around it three times, crying with all their 
strength, " Atheouanan! " that is to.say, " Father, 
have pity on us." [Ate unyanpi, means Our 
Father.] 



The next day, he assembled in the fort the 
principal men of both villages; iind as it is not 
possible to subdue the Scioux or to hinder them 
from going to war, unless it be by inducing them 
to cultivate the earth, he said to them that if 
they wished to render tliemselves worthy of the 
protection of the king, they must abandon their 
erring life, and form a village near his dwelling, 
where they would be shielded from the insults of 
of their enemies; and that they might be happy 
and notlunigry, he would give them all the corn 
necessary to plant a large piece of ground; that 
the king, their and his chief, in sending him, had 
forbidden him to purchase beaver skins, knowing 
that this kind of hunting separates them and ex- 
poses them to their enemies; and that in conse- 
quence of this he had come to establish himself 
on Blue Kiver and vicinity, where they had many 
times assured him were many kinds of beasts, 
for the skins of which he would give them all 
things necessary; that they ought to reflect that 
they could not do witlioul French goods, and that 
the only way not to w'ant them was. not to go to 
war with our allied nations. 

As it is customary witli tlie Indians to accom- 
pany tlieir word with a present proportioned to 
the affair treated of, he gave them fifty pounds of 
powder, as many balls, six guns, ten axes, twelve 
armsful of tobacco, and a hati-liet pipe. 

On the first of December, the ilantanlons in- 
vited Le Sueur to a great feast. Of four of their 
lodges they had made one. in which were one 
hundred men seated around, and every one his 
dish before him. After tlie meal, AValikantape, 
the chief, made them all smoke, one after anotlier, 
in the hatchet pipe which had been given them. 
He then made a present to Le Sueur of a slave 
and a sack of wild rice, and said to him, showing 
him liis men: " Behold the remains of this great 
village, which thou hast afm-etimes seen so nu- 
merous! All the others have been killed in war; 
and the few men whom thou seest in this lodge, 
accept the present thou hast made them, and are 
resolved to obey tlie great chief of all nations, of 
whom thou liast spoken to us. Thou oughtest 
not to regard us as Scioux, but as French, and in- 
stead of saying the Scioux are miserable, and have 
no mind, and are fit for nothing but to rob and 
steal from the FreiMjh, thou shalt Siiy my breth- 
ren are miserable and have no mind, and we must 



D' IBERVILLE'S MEMOIR OK THE MISSISSIPPI TRIBES. 



45 



try to procure some for them. They rob lis, but 
I will take care that they do not lack iron, that is 
to say, all kinds of goods. If thou dost this, I as- 
sure thee that in a little time the Mantantons will 
become Frenchmen, and they will have none of 
those vices, with which thou reproachest us." 

Having finished his speech, he covered his face 
with his garment, and the others imitated him. 
They wept over their companions who had died 
in war, and chanted an adieu to their country in 
a tone so gloomy, that one could not keep from 
partaking of tlieir sorrow. 

Wahkantape theu made them smoke again, and 
distributed the presents, and said that he was go- 
ing to the Mendeoucantons, to inform them of the 
resolution, and invite them to do the same. 

On the twelfth, three Mendeoucauton chiefs, 
and a large number of Indians of the same vil- 
lage, arrived at the fort, and the next day gave 
satisfaction for robbing the Frenchmen. They 
brought four hundred pounds of beaver skins, and 
promised that the summer following, after their 
canoes were built and they had gathered their 
wild rice, that they would come and establish 
themselves near the French. The same day they 
returned to their village east of the Mississippi. 

NAMES OF THK BANDS OF SCIOUX OF THE 
EA.ST, WITH THEIR SIGNIFICATION. 

Mantantons— That is to say. Village of the 
Great Lake which empties into a small one. 

Mendeouacantons — Village of Spirit Lake. 

Quiofetons— Village of the Lake with one 
River. 

PsiouMANiTONS— Village of WUd Eice Gath- 
erers. 

Ouadebatons— The River Village. 

Ouaetemanetons — "\^illage of the Tribe who 
dwell on the Point of the Lake. 

SONGASQUITONS— The Brave Village, 

the scioux of the we.st. 

■ToucHOUAEsiNTONs— The Village of the Pole. 

PsiNCHATONs— Village of the Red Wild Rice. 

OujALEspoiTONS— Village divided into many 
small Bands. 

PsiNOUTANHiNHiNTONS — The Great Wild 
Rice Village. 

TiNTANGAOUGHiATONS — The Grand Lodge 
Village. I 



OuAEPETONS — Village of the Leaf. 

OuGHETGEODATONS — Dimg A^illage. 

OuAPEONTETONS — Village of those who shoot 
in the Large Pine. 

HiNHANETONS — Village of the Red Stone 
Quarry. 

The. above catalogue of villages concludes the 
extract that La Ilarpe has made from Le Sueur's 
journal. 

In the narrative of Major Long's second expe- 
dition, there are just as many villages of the Gens 
du Lac, or M'dewakantonwan Scioux mentioned, 
though the names are different. After leaving 
the Mills Lac region, the divisions evidently were 
different, and the villages knowii by new names. 

Charlevoix, who visited the valley of the Lower 
Mississippi in 1722, says that Le Sueur spent a 
winter in his fort on the banks of the Blue Earth, 
and that in the following April he went up to the 
mine, about a mile above. In twenty-two days 
they obtained more than thirty thousand pounds 
of the substance, four thousand of which were se- 
lected and sent to France. 

On the tenth of February, 1702, Le Sueur came 
back to the post on the Gulf of Mexico, and found 
D'Iberville absent, who, however, arrived on the 
eighteenth of the next month, with a ship from 
France, loaded with supplies. After a few weeks, 
the Governor of Louisiana sailed again for the 
old country, Le Sueur being a fellow passenger. 

Onboard of the sliip, DTberville wrote a mem- 
orial upon the Mississippi valley, with sugges- 
tions for carrying on commerce therein, which 
contains many facts furnished by Le Sueiu-. A 
copy of the manuscript was in possession of the 
Historical Society of Minnesota, from which are 
the following extracts: 

"If the Sioux remain in their owa coimtry, 
they are useless to us, being too distant. We 
could have no commerce with them except that 
of the beaver. M. Le Sueur, who goes to France 
to give an account of this country, is the proper per- 
son to make these movements. He estimates the 
Sioux at four thousand families, who could settle 
upon the Missouri. 

"He has spoken to me of another which he 
calls the Mahas, composed of more than twelve 
hundred families. The Ayooues (loways) and the 
Octoctatas, their neighbors, are about three 
hundred families. They occupy the lands be- 



46 



EXPLORERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



twcpii tlie Mississippi and tlie Missouri, about 
one bundled leagues from the Illinois. Tliese 
savages do not know the use of arms, and a de- 
scent niiglit lie made u]iou tlieni in a river, which 
is beyond the ^\■abash on the west. » « * 

"The Assinibouel, Qiienistinos, and people of 
the north, who are upon the rivers which fall into 
the ^lississiiipi, and trade at Fort Nelson (Hud- 
son Bay), are about four hundred. We could 
prevent them from going there if we wish." 

" In four or live >ears we can establish a com- 
merce with these savages of sixty or eighty thou- 
sand buffalo skins; more than one hundred deer 
skins, which will produce, delivered in France, 
more than two million four hundred tliousand 
livres yearly. One might obtain for a buffalo 
skin four or five pounds of wool, which sells for 
twenty sous, two poimds of coarse haii' at ten 
.sous. 

'• IJesides, from smaller peltries, two hundred 
thousand livres can be made yearly." 

In the third vohmie of the " History and Sta- 
tistics of the Indian Tribes," prepared under the 
direction of the Commissioner of Indian affairs, 
by ^Ir. iSchoolcraft, a maiuiscriiit, a copy of which 
was in possession of tJeneral Cass, is referred to as 
containing the first enumeration of the Indians of 
the Mississippi Valley. The following was made 
thirty-four years earlier by D'Iberville: 

••The Sioux, Families. 1,000 

Mahas, 12,000 

Oclata and Ayoues 300 

Causes [Kansas], 1,500 

Missouri, 1,500 

Akansas. &c., 200 

.Manton [Mandan], 100 

Pauls [Pawnee] 2,000 

Illinois, of the great village and Cama- 

roua [Tamaroa], 800 

Meosigamea [Metchigamias], .... 200 
Kikapous ajid 2tIascoutens, .... 450 

Miamis, . , 500 

Chactas, 4,000 

Chicachas, 2,000 

Mobiliens and Chohomes, 350 

Concacpii's [Conchas], 2,000 

Ouma [Hounias] 150 

Colapissa, 250 

IJayogoula, 100 

People of the Fork, 200 



Counica, &c. [Toiucas], 300 

Nadeches 1,500 

IJelochy, [Biloxi] Pascoboula, .... 100 

Total, 23,850 

'• The savage tribes located in the places I have 
marked out, make it necessary to establish three 
posts on the ^lississippi, one at the Arkansas, 
another at the Wabash (Ohio), and the third at 
the Jlissouri. At each post it would be proper 
to have an ollicer with a detachment of ten sol- 
diers with a sergeant and corporal. All French- 
men should be allowed to settle there witli their 
families, and trade with the Indians, and they 
might establisli tanneries for properly dressing 
the bulfalo and deer skins for transportation. 

" No Frenchman shall he allowed to follow the 
Indians on their hunts, as it tends to keep them 
himtcrs, as is seen in Canada, and when they are 
in the woods, they do not desire to become tillers 

of the soil. ■:;***«»* 

'• I have said nothing in this memoir of which 
I have not personal knowledge or the most relia- 
ble sources. The most of what I propose is 
founded upon personal reflection in relation to 
what might be done for the defence and advance- 
ment of the colony. ***** 
* * * It will be absolutely necessary 
that the king slionld deliiie the limits of this 
coimtry in relation to the government of Canada. 
It is important that the commandant of the 
Mississippi should have a report of those who 
inhabit the rivers that fall into the Mississippi, 
and principally those of the river Illinois. 

'• The Canadians intimate to the savages that 
they ought not to listen to us but to the governor 
of Canada, who always speaks to them with large 
presents, that the govei-nor of ^lississippi is mean 
and never sends them any thuig. This is true, 
and what I cannot do. It is imiirudeiit to accus- 
tom the savages to be spoken to by presents, for, 
with so many, it would cost the king more than 
the revenue derived from the trade. When they 
come to us, it will be necessary to bring tliem in 
subjection, make them no presents, and compel 
them to ilo what we wish, as if tin y irere French- 
men. 

•' The Spaniards have divided the Indians into 
parties on this point, and we can do the same. 
'Wlien one nation does wrong, we can cease to 



PENIdAUT DESCBIBES LIFE AT FORT VHVILLIER. 



47 



trade wth them, and threaten to draw do^vii the 
hostility of other Indians. We rectify the diffi- 
culty by having missionaries, who will bring 
them into obedience secrelhj. 

" Tlie Illinois and JNIascoutens have detained 
the French canoes they find upon the Mississippi, 
saying that the governors of Canada have given 
them permission. I do not know whether this is 
so, but if true, it follows that we have not the 
liberty to send any one on the Mississippi. 

"M. Le Sueur would have been taken if he 
had not been the strongest. Only one of the 
canoes he sent to the Sioux wasplmidered." * * * 

Penicaut's account varies in some particulars 
from that of La Harpe's. lie calls the Mahkahto 
Green River instead of Blue and writes: '• We 
took our route by its mouth and ascended it forty 
leagues, when we found another river falling in- 
to the Saint Pierre, which we entered. We 
sailed this the Green River because it is of that 
color by reason of a green earth which loosening 
itself from from the copper mines, becomes dis- 
solved and makes it green. 

" A league up this river, we found a point 
of land a quarter of a league distant from the 
woods, and it was upon this point that M. Le 
Sueur resolved to build his fort, because we could 
not go any higher on account of the ice, it being 
the last day of September. Half of our people 
went hunting whilst the others worked on the 
fort. We killed fom' hundred buffaloes, which 
were our provisions for the vrinter, and which we 
placed upon scaffolds in our fort, after havmg" 
skinned and cleaned and quartered them. We 
also made cabins in the fort, and a magazine to 
keep our goods. After having drawn up our 
shallop within the inclosure of the fort, we spent 
the winter in our cabins. 

" When we were working in our fort in the 
beginning seven French traders from Canada 
took refuge there. They had been pillaged and 
stripped naked by the Sioux, a wandering nation 
living only by hunting and plundering. Among 
these seven persons there was a Canadian gen- 
tleman of Le Sueur's acquamtance, whom he rec- 
ognized at once, and gave him some clothes, as 
he did also to aU the rest, and whatever else was 
necessary for them. They remained with us 
during the entire wnter at our fort, where we 
had not food enough for all, except buffalo meat 



which we had not even salt to eat with. We had 
a good deal of trouble the first two weeks in ac- 
customing ourselves to it, having fever and di- 
arrhoea and becoming so tired of it as to hate the 
smell. But by degrees our bodies became adapt- 
ed to it so well that at the end of six weeks there 
was not one of us who could not eat six pounds 
of meat a day, and drink four bowls of broth. 
As soon as we were accustomed to this kind of 
living it made us very fat, and then there was no 
more sickness. 

" When spring arrived we went to work in the 
copper mine. This was the begiiming of April of 
this year [1701.] We took with us twelve labor- 
ers and four hunters. This mine was situated 
about three-quarters of a league from our post. 
We took from the mine in twenty days more than 
twenty thousand pounds weight of ore, of which 
we only selected four thousand pounds of the 
finest, which M. Le Sueur, who was a very good 
judge of it, had carried to the fort, and which has 
since been sent to France, though I have not 
learned the result. 

'•This mine is situated at the beginning of a 
very long mountain, which is upon the bank of 
the river, so that boats can go right to the mouth 
of the mine itself. At this place is the green 
earth, which is a foot and a half in tliickness, 
and above it is a layer of earth as firm and 
hard as stone, and black and burnt like coal by 
the exhalation from the mine. The copper is 
scratched out with a knife. There are no trees 
upon this mountain. * * * After twenty-two 
days' work, we returned to our fort. When the 
Sioux, who belong to the nation of savages who 
pillaged the Canadians, came they brought us 
merchandize of furs. 

'• They had more than four hundred beaver 
robes, each robe made of nine skins sewed to- 
gether. M. Le Sueur purchased these and many 
other skins which he bargained for, in the week 
he traded with the savages. * * * » 
We sell in return wares which come very dear to 
the buyers, especially tobacco from Brazil, in the 
proportion of a hundred crowns the pound; two 
little horn-handled knives, and four leaden bul- 
lets are equal to ten cro^vns in exchange for 
skins ; and so with the rest. 

" In the beginning of l*Iay, we lamiched our 
shallop in the water, and loailed it with green 



48 



EXPLORERS AND PIOXEERS OF MIXXESOTA. 



earth that had been taken 1111 1 of the river, and 
with the furs we had traded for, of wliicli we liad 
three canoes full. M. Le Sueur before suing 
held council with M. D'Evatjue [or Eraque] the 
Canadian gentleman, and the three great chiefs 
of the Sioux, tluee brolliers, and lohl Ihcin that 
as he had to return to the sea, he desired them 
to live in peace with M, D'Evaque, whom he left 
in command at Fort L'lluillier, with twelve 
Frenclimen. M. Le Sueur made a considerable 
present to the three brothers, chiefs of the sava- 
ges, desiring them to never abandon the French. 
Afterward we tlie twelve men whom he had chosen 
to go dowii to the sea with him embarked. In set- 
ting out, M. Le Sueur promised to M. I)"Eva(iue 
and the twelve Frenclniien who remained willi 
him to guard tlie fort, to send up muiutions of 
war from the Illinois country as soon as he should 
arrive there ; wliich he did, for on getting there 
he sent off to him a canoe loaded with two thou- 
sand poimds of lead and powder, witli three of 
our people in charge."' 

Le Sueur arrived at tlie French fort on the 
Gulf of Mexico in safety, and in a few weeks, in 
the spring of 1701, .sailed for France, with his 
kinsman, DTberville, the first governor of Lou- 
isiana. 

In the spring of the next year (1702) D'f2va<iue 
came to Mobile and reported to D'Iberville, who 
had come back from France, that he had l>eeu 
attacked by the Fo.kcs and Maskoutens, who killed 
three Frenchmen who were working near Fort 
L"IIuilUer, and that, being out of powder and 
lead, he had been obliged to conceal the goods 
which were left and abandon the post. At the 
Wisconsin Kiver he had met Juchereau, formerly 
criminal judge in Montreal, with thirty-five 
men, on his way to establish a tannery for buffalo 
skins at the Wabash, and that at the Illinois he 
met the canoe of supplies sent by Bienville, 
D'lbenille's brother. 

La Motte Cadillac, in command at Detroit, in 
a letter written on August 31st, 1703, alludes to 
Le Sueur's expedition in these words: " Last 
year they sent Mr. IJoudor, a Montreal merchant, 
into the country of the Sioux to join Le Su- 
eur. He succeeded so well in that journey he 
transported thither twenty-five or thirty thous- 
and pounds of merchandize willi wliicli to trade 
in all the countrj' of the Outawas. Tliis proved 



to him an unfortunate investment, as he has 
been robbed of a part of the goods by tlie Outa- 
gainies. The occasion of the robbery by one of 
our own allies was as follows. I speak with a 
full knowledge of the facts as they occurred while 
I was at Michillimackianc. From time inunemo- 
rial our allies have been at war with the Sioux, 
and on my arrival there in conformity to the or- 
der of M. Frontenac, the most able man who has 
ever come into Canada, I attenii)ted to negotiate 
a truce between the Sioux and all our allies. 
Succeeding in this negotiation I took the occa- 
sion to turn their arms against the Iroquois with 
whom we were then at war, and soon after I ef- 
fected a treaty of peace between the Sioux and 
the French and their allies which lasted two years. 

"At the end of tha time the Sioux came, in 
great numbers, to the villages of the Miamis, un- 
der pretense of ratifying the treaty. They were 
well received Ijy the .Miamis, and. after spending 
several days in their villages, departed, apparent- 
ly perfectly siitisfied with their good reception, as 
they certainly had every reason to be. 

'' The Miamis, believing them already far dis- 
tant, slept quietly; but the Sioux, who had pre- 
meditated the attack, returned the same night to 
the principal village of the Miamis, where most 
of the tribe were congregated, and, taking them 
by surprise, slaughtered nearly three thousand(?) 
and put the rest to flight.. 

•• This perfectly infuriated all tne nations. 
They came with their complaints, begging me to 
join with them and exterminate the Sioux. But 
the war we then had on our hands did not permit 
it, s(j it became necessary to play tlie orator in a 
long harangue. In conclusion I advised them to 
' weep their dead, and wrap them up, and leave 
them to sleep coldly till the day of vengeance 
sliould come;' telling tliem we must sweep the 
land on this side of the Iroquois, as it was neces- 
sary to extinguish even tlieir memory, after whicli 
the allied tribes could more easily avenge the 
atrocious deed that the Sioux had just committed 
upon them. In short, I managed them so well 
that the affaii' was settled in the manner that I 
proposed. 

"But the twenty-live permits sUU existed, and 
the cjipidity of the French induced them to go 
among the Sioux to trade for beaver. Our allies 
complained bitterly of this, sjiying it was injust- 



TBADE FOUBIUBEN WITH THE SlUUX. 



49 



ice to them, as they had taken up arms iu our 
quarrel against the Iroquois, wliile the Freucli 
traders were carrying munitions of war to tlie 
Sioux to enable them to kill the rest of our allies 
as they had the Miamis. 

" I immediately informed M. Frontenac, and M. 
Champigny havhig read the commiuiication, and 
commanded tliat an ordinance be pub! ished at Mon- 
treal forbidding the traders to go into tlie country 
of the Sioux for the purpose of traffic under penalty 
of a thousand francs fine, the confiscation of the 
goods, and other arbitrary penalties. The ordi- 
nance was sent to me and faithfully executed. 
The same year [1699] I descended to Quebec, 
having asked to be relieved. Since that time, in 
spite of this prohibition, the French have con- 
tinued to trade with the Sioux, but not without 
being subject to affronts and indignities from our 
allies themselves which bruig dishonor on the 
French name. * * * I do not consider it best 
any longer to allow the traders to carry on com- 
merce with the Sioux, under any pretext what- 



ever, especially as M. Boudor has just been 
roljbed by the Fox nation, and il. Jucheraux has 
given a thousand crowns, in goods, for the right 
of passage tlu'ough the country of the allies to 
his habitation. 

" The allies say that Le Sueur has gone to the 
Sioux on the Mississippi; tliat they are resolved 
to oppose him, and if he offers any resistance they 
will not be answerable for the consequences, 
it would be well, therefore, to give Le Sueur 
warning by the Governor of Mississippi. 

•• The Sauteurs [Chippeways] being friendly 
with the Sioux wislied to give passage through 
their country to M. Boudor and others, permit- 
ting them to carry arms and other munitions of 
war to this nation; but the other nations being 
opposed to it, differences have arisen between 
them which have resulted in the robbery of M. 
Boudor. Tills has given occasion to the Sau- 
teurs to make an outbreak upon the Sacs and 
Foxes, kilUng thirty or forty of them. So there 
is war among the people." 



60 



EXPLORERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



CHAl'TKI! Yin. 



EVENTS WlIU 11 LKIJ TO HUILDING FORT llKAl^nARNOIS ON LAKE I'El'IN. 



Re-EstabIiHlinici\t of Miwkinaw.— Sioir d« Louvigny iit Mfti-kiiiiiw.^-Do LiKiicry 
«t Mackinaw.— Louvigny Attiwks the Foxra. — l>u Luth's Post Kcocfupii'd.— 
Saint Pierre at l.a Pointo on Lake SiiiRTior.— Prrparntiona for a Jeauit Mission 
among the Sioux.— La Pcrriore Boucher's Expedition to Lake Pepin.- He 
Oonor and Gui^uas. Jesuit Mijiaionariea.— Viait to Foxes and Winnebanoe^.— 
Wisconsin Uiver Desrnl'cd. — Fort Heauharnois Built. — Fireworks DiH[)liiyed.— 
High Water at Lake Pepin. — De (Jonor Visits Mackinaw. — Bouchervillo, Mont- 
hmn and Ouiguaa Captured by Indians.— Montlirun's Escape.— Boucherville's 
Presents to Indians.— Exaggerated Account of Fatlier Ouiguas" Capture.--I»is* 
patchr-s Concerning Fort Beanhiu-nuis.— .Sieur de la Jemeraye. — Saint Pierre at 
Fort Heauharnois.— Trouble between Sioux and Foxes — Sioux Visit <iuebec.— 
De Li.signan Visits the SioUX Country.— Saint Pierre Noticed in the Travels 
of Jonathan Carver and Lieutenant Pike. 

After the Fox liuliaiis diuve away Le Sueiii's 
men, in 1702, from the Makalito, or Blue Eartli 
river, tlie inercliaiits of Montreal and Quebec did 
not eneourage trade with tlie tribes ijeyond .Mack- 
inaw. 

D'.-\igreult, a French officer, sent to inspect 
that post, in tlie summer of 1708, reported that 
he arrived there, on the 19th of August, ami 
found there but fourteen or fifteen Frenchmen. 
He also wrote: " Since there are now only a few 
wanderers at Michilimackiiiack, the greater part 
of the furs of the savages of the north goes to the 
English trading posts on Hudson's Bay. The 
Outawas are unable to make this trade by them- 
selves, because the northern savages are timid, 
and will not come near them, as they have often 
been plundered. It is, therefore, necessary that 
the French be allowed to seek these northern 
tribes at the mouth of their own river, which 
empties into Lake Superior." 

Louis de la Porte, the Sieur De Louvigny, in 
1690, accompanied by Nicholas I'errot, with a de- 
tachment of one hundred and seventy Canadians 
and Indians, came to Mackinaw, and until 1694 
was in command, when he was recalled. 

In 1712, Father Joseph J. Marest the Jesuit 
missionary wrote, " If this country ever needs 
U. Louvigny it is now, the savages say it is ab- 
solutely necessary that he should come for the 
safety of the country, to unite the tribes and to 
defend those whom the war has caused to return 
to Micliiliiiiaciiiac. ****** 



I do not know what course the Pottawatomies 
will take, nor even what course they will pursue 
wild are here, if M. Louvigny does not come, es- 
liecially if the Fo.xes were to attack them or us." 
The next July, M. Lignery urged upon the au- 
thorities the establishment of a garrison of trained 
soldiers at Mackinaw, and the Iiitendanl of Can- 
ada wrote to the King of France : 

■• Michilimackinae might be re-established, 
without expense to his Majesty, either by sur- 
renilering the trade of the post to such individu- 
als as will oliligate themselves to pay all the e.x- 
jieiises of twenty-two soldiers and two officers; to 
furnish munitions of war for the defense of the 
fort, and to make presents to the savages. 

" Or the expenses of the post might be paid liy 
the sale of permits, if the King should not think 
))roi)er to grant an exclusive commerce. It is a\y 
solutely necessary to know the wishes of the King 
concerning these two propositions: and as M. 
Lignery is at Michilimackinac. it will not be any 
greater injury to the colony to defer the re-estab- 
nieiit of this post, than it has been for eight or 
ten years past." 

The war with England ensued, and in April. 
1713, the treaty of Utrecht was ratified. France 
had now more leisure to attend to the Indian 
tribes of the West. 

Early in 1714, Mackinaw was re-occupied, and 
on the fourteenth of March, 1716, an expedition 
under Lieutenant Louvigny, left Quebec. His 
arrival at Mackinaw, where he had been long ex- 
pected, gave conlidence to the voyageurs, anil 
friendly Indians, and with a force of eight hun- 
dred men, he proceeded against the Foxes in 
Wisconsin. lie brwight with him two pieces of 
cannon and a grenade mortar, and besiegetl tlie 
fort of the Foxes, which he stated contained five 
hundred warriors, and three thousand men, a 
declaration which can scarcely be credited. After 



BUSIBE FOB A NOBIHEUN ROUTE 10 THE PACIFIC. 



51 



three days of skirmishing, he prepared to mine 
the fort, when the Foxes capitulated. 

The paddles of the birch bark canoes and the 
gay songs of the voyageurs now began to be heard 
once more on the waters of Lake Superior and its 
tributaries. In 1717, the post erected by Du 
'Luth, on Lake Superior near the uortliern boun- 
dary of Mmnesota, was re-occupied by Lt. Ro- 
bertel de la Noue. 

In view of the troubles among tlie triljes of the 
northwest, in the month of September, 1718, Cap- 
tain St. Pierre, who had great influence with the 
Indians of Wisconsin and JMinnesota, was sent 
with Ensign Linctot and some soldiers to re-oc- 
cupy La Pointe on Lake Superior, now Bayfield, 
in the northwestern part of Wisconsin. The 
chiefs of the band there, and at Keweenaw, 
had threatened war against the Foxes, who had 
killed some of their number. 

When the .Jesuit Charlevoix returned to France 
after an examination of the resources of Canada 
and Louisiana, he urged that an attempt should 
be made to reach the Pacific Ocean by an inland 
route, and suggested that an expedition should 
proceed from the mouth of the Missiuiri and fol- 
low that stream, or that a post should be estab- 
lished among the Sioux which should be the point 
of departure. The latter was accepted, and in 
1722 an allowance was made by the French Gov- 
ernment, of twelve hundred livres, for two Jes- 
uit missionaries to accompany those who should 
establish the new post. D'Avagour, Superin- 
tendent of Missions, in May, 1723, requested the 
authorities to grant a separate canoe for the con- 
veyance of the goods of the proposed mission, 
and as it was necessary to send a commandant 
to persuade the Indians to receive the mission- 
aries, he recommended Sieur Pachot, an officer of 
experience. 

A cUspatch from Canada to the French govern- 
ment, dated October 14, 1723, amiounced that 
Father de la Chasse, Superior of the Jesuits, ex- 
pected that, the next spring. Father Guymoneau, 
and another missionary from Paris, would go to 
the Sioux, but that they had been hindered by the 
Sioux a few montlis before killing seven French- 
men, on their way to Louisiana. The aged 
Jesuit, Joseph J. Marest, who had been on Lake 
Pepin in 1689 with Perrot, and was now in Mon- 
treal, said that it was the wandering Sioux who 



had killed the French, but he thought the sta- 
tionary Sioux would receive Christian instruction. 

The hostility of the Foxes had also prevented 
the establishment of a fort and mission among the 
Sioux. 

On the seventh of June. 1726, peace was con- 
cluded by De Lignery with the Sauks, Foxes, and 
Winnebagoes at Green Bay; and Linctot, who 
had succeeded Saint Pierre in command at La 
Pointe, was ordered, l)y presents and the promise 
of a missionary, to endeavor to detach the Daii- 
kotahs from their alliance with the Foxes. At 
this time Linctot made arrangements for peace 
between the Ojibways and Dahkotas, and sent 
two Frenchmen to dwell in the villages of the 
latter, with a promise that, if they ceased to fight 
the Ojibways, they should have regular trade, 
and a "black robe" reside in their country. 

Traders and missionaries now began to prepare 
for visiting the Sioux, and in the spring of 1727 
the Governor of Canada wrote that the fathers, 
appointed for the Sioux mission, desired a case of 
mathematical instruments, a universal astro- 
nomic dial, a spirit level, chain and stakes, and a 
telescope of six or seven feet tube. 

On the sixteenth of June, 1727, the expedition 
for the Sioux country left Montreal in charge of 
the Sieur de la Perriere wlio was son of the dis- 
tinguished and respected ('anadian, Pierre Bou- 
cher, the Governor of Three Rivers. 

La Perriere had served in Newfoundland and 
been associated with Ilertel de Rouville in raids 
into New England, and gained an inienviable no- 
toriety as the leader of the savages, while Rou- 
ville led the French in attacks upon towns like 
Haverhill, Massachusetts, where the Indians ex- 
ultingly killed the Puritan pastor, scalped his 
loving wife, and dashed out his uif ant's brains 
against a rock. He was accompanied by his 
brother and other relatives. Two Jesuit fathers, 
De Gonor and Pierre Michel (iuignas, were also 
of the party. 

In Shea's " Early French Voyages" there was 
printed, for the first time, a letter from Father 
Guignas, from the Brevoort manuscripts, written 
on May 29, 1728, at Fort Beauharnois, on Lake 
Pepin, which contains facts of much interest. 

He writes: " The Scioux convoy left the end 
of Montreal Island on the 16th of the month of 
June last year, at 11 A. 3i., and reached Michili- 



52 



EXl'LORERti AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



niaokinac the 22d of the month of July. This 
post is two hundred and fifty-one leafjiies from 
Montreal, almost due west, at 45 degrees 46 min- 
utes north latitude. 

" AVe spent the rest of the month at lliis post, 
in the hope of receiving from day to day some 
news from Montreal, and in the design of 
strengthening ourselves against the alleged ex- 
treme dillicnlties of getting a free passage through 
the Foxes. At last, seeing notliing, we set out 
on our march, the first of the nioiitli of August, 
and. after seventy-three leagues quite pleasant 
sail along the northerly side of Lake Michigan, 
running to the southeast, we rea(;hed the Bay 
[Green] on the 8tli of the same month, at 5:30 p. 
M. This post is at 44 degrees 43 minutes north 
latitude. 

" We stopped there two days, and on the 11th 
in the morning, we embarked, in a very great 
impatience to reach the Foxes. On the third day 
after our departure from the bay, quite late in 
the afternoon, in fact somewhat in the night, the 
chiefs of the Puans [Winnebagoes] came out three 
leagues from their village to meet tlie French, 
with their peace calumets and some bear meat as 
a refreshment, and the next day \\e were received 
by that small nation, amid several discharges of 
a few guns, and willi great demonstrations, 

" They asked us with so good a grace to do 
them the honor to stay some time with them that 
we granted them the rest of the day from noon, 
and the following day. There may be in all the 
village, sixty to eighty men, but all the men and 
women of very tall stature, and well made. They 
are on the bank of a very pretty little lake, in a 
most agreeable spot for its situation and the 
goodness of the soil, nineteen leagues from the 
bay and eight leagues from the Foxes. 

" Early the next morning, tlie loth of the month 
of August, the convoy preferred to continue its 
route, with quite pleasant weather, but a storm 
comuig on in the afternoon, we arrived quite wet, 
stUlinthe rain, at the cabins of the Foxes, a nation 
so much dreaded, and really so little to be dreaded. 
From all that we could see, it is composed of 
two hundred men at most, but there is a perfect 
hive of chiULren, especially boys from ten to 
fourteen years old, well formed. 

'• They are cabined on a little eminence on the 
bank of a small river that bears their name, e.\- 



tremely tortuous or winding, so that you are con- 
stantly boxing the compass. Yet it is apparently 
(piite wide, with a chain of hills on both sides, 
but there is only one miserable little channel 
amid this extent of apparent bed, which is a kind 
of marsh full of rushes and wild rice of almost 
impenetrable tliickness. They have notliing but 
mere bark cabins, w'ithout any kindof pali.sadeor 
other fortification. As soon as the French ca- 
noes touched their .shore they ran down with 
their peace calumets, lighted in spite of the rain, 
and all smoked. 

" "We stayed among them the rest of this day, 
and all the next, to know what were their designs 
and ideas as to the French post among the Sioux. 
The Sieur Reaume, interi'reter of Indian lan- 
guages at the Bay. acted elliciently there, and 
with devotion to the King's service. Even if my 
testimony. Sir, should be deemed not impartial, I 
must have the honor to tell you that Rev. Father 
Chardon, an old missionary, was of very great as- 
sistance there, and the presence of three mission- 
aries reassured these cut-throats and assassins of 
the French more than all the speeches of the best 
orators could have done, 

" A general council was convened in one of the 
cabins, they were addressed in decided friendly 
terms, and they replied in the same way, A 
small present was made to them. On their side 
they gave some quite handsome dishes, lined with 
dry meat. 

On the following Sunday, 17th of the month 
of August, very early in the morning, Father 
Chardon set out, with Sieur Reaume, to return 
to the Bay, and the Sioux expedition, greatly re- 
joiced to have so easily got over this difficulty, 
which had everywhere been represented as so in- 
surmountable, got under way to endeavor to 
reach its journey's end, 

" Never was navigation more tedious than 
what w'e subsequently made from uncertainty as 
to our couree. No one knew it, and we got 
astray every moment on water and on land for 
Wcant of a guide and pilots, AVe kept on, as it 
were feeling our way for eight days, for it was 
only on the ninth, about three o'clock ]>. m,, that 
we arrived, by accident, believing ourselves still 
far off, at the portage of the Ouisconsin, whiih is 
forty-five leagues from the Foxes, counting all 
tlie twists and turns of this abominable river. 



SITUATION AND DESCRIPTION OF FOBT BEAUHABNOIS. 



53 



This portage is half a league in length, and half 
of that is a kind of marsh full of mud, 

" The Ouisconsin is quite a handsome river, 
but far below what we had been told, apparently, 
as those who gave the description of it in Canada 
saw it only m the high waters of spring. It is a 
shallow river on a bed of quicksand, which forms 
bars almost everywhere, and these often change 
place. Its shores are either steep, bare mountains 
or low points with sandy base. Its course is from 
northeast to southwest. From tlie portage to its 
mouth in the Mississippi, I estimated thirty-eight 
leagues. The portage is at 43 deg. 24 miu. north 
latitude. 

" The Mississippi from the mouth of the Ouis- 
consin ascending, goes northwest. This beauti- 
ful river extends between two chains of high, 
bare and very sterile mountains, constantly a 
league, three-quarters of a league, or where it is 
narrowest, half a league fvpart. Its centre is oc- 
cupied by a chain of well wooded islands, so that 
regarding from the heights above, you would 
think you saw an endless valley watered on the 
right and left by two large rivers ; sometimes, too, 
you could discern no river. These islands are 
overflowed every year, and would be adapted to 
raising rice. Fifty-eight leagues from the mouth 
of the Ouisconsin, according to my calculation, 
ascending the Mississippi, is Lake Pei>in, which 
is nothing else but the river itself, destitute of 
islands at that point, where it may be half a 
league wide. This river, in what I traversed of 
it, is shallow, and has shoals in several places, be- 
cause its bed is moving sands, like that of the 
Ouisconsin. 

"On the 17th of September, 1727, at nooii, we 
reached this lake, which had been chosen as the 
bourne of our voyage. We planted ourselves on 
the shore about the middle of the north side, on 
a low point, where the soil is excellent. The 
wood is very dense there, but is akeady tlunned 
in consequence of the rigor and length of the 
whiter, which has been severe for the climate, 
for we are here on the parallel of 43 deg. 41 min. 
It is true that the difference of the winter is 
great compared to that of Quebec and Montreal, 
for all that some poor judges say. 

" From the day after our landing we put our 
axes to the wood: on the fourth day following 
the fort was entirely finished. It is a square plat 



of one hundred feet, surrounded by pickets twelve 
feet long, with two good bastions. For so small 
a space there are large buildings quite distinct and 
not huddled together, each thirty, thirty-eighty 
and twenty-five feet long by sixteen feet wide. 

'• All would go well there if the spot were not 
inundated, but this year [1728], on the 1.5th of 
the month of April, we were obUged to camp out^ 
and the water ascended to the height of two feet 
and eight inches in the houses, and it is idle to 
say that it was the quantity of snow that fell 
this year. The snow in the vicinity had melted 
long before, and there was only a foot and a half 
from the 8th of February to the 15th of March; 
you could not use snov^'-shoes. 

" I have great reason to think that this spot is 
inundated more or less every year; I have always 
thought so, but they were not obliged to believe 
me, as old people who said that they had lived in 
this region fifteen or twenty years declared that 
it was never overflowed. AVe could not enter 
our much-devastated houses until the 30th of 
April, and the disorder is even now scarcely re- 
paired. 

" Before the end of October [1727] all the houses 
were finished and furnished, and each one found 
himself tranqiully lodged at home. They then 
thought only of going out to explore the hills and 
rivers and to see those herds of all kinds of deer 
of which they tell such stories in Canada. They 
must have retired, or dimuiished greatly, since 
the time the old voyageurs left the country; they 
are no longer in such great numbers, and are 
kiUed with diflicidty. 

" After beating the field, for some time, all re- 
assembled at the fort, and thought of enjoying a 
little the fruit of their labors. (_)n the 4th of Js'o- 
vember we did not forget it was the General's 
birthday. Mass was said for him [Beaiduxrnois, 
Governor-General of Canada] in the moruuig, 
and they were well disposed to celebrate the day 
in the evening, but the tardmess of the pyro- 
technists and the inconstancy of the weather 
caused them to postpijne the celebration to the 
14th of the same mouth, when they set otf some 
very fine rockets and made the air ring with an 
hundred shouts of VU-c le Roy! aud Vive Charles 
de Bemdiarnoi.f! It was on this occasion that the 
wine of the Sioux was broached; it was par ex- 



54 



EXPLORERS AXn PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



cellence, altlioiigli there are no wines liere finer 
tlian in Canada. 

•' Wliat c-ontriliuted niucli to tlie amusement, 
was the terror of some caliius of Indians, \vlio 
•were at tlie time around the fort. Wlieii tliese 
poor people saw tlie fireworks iu the air, and the 
stars fall from heaven, the women and children 
began to take llight, and the most courageous of 
the men to cry mercy, and implore ns very earn- 
estly to stop the surprising play of that wonder- 
ful medicine. 

" As soon as we arrived among them, they as- 
sembled, in a few days, around the French fort to 
the number of ninety-live caljins, which might 
make in all one hundred and lifty men; for there 
are at most two men in their portable cabins of 
dressed skins, and in many there is only one_ 
This is all we have seen except a band of about 
sixty men, who came on the 26111 of the month of 
February, who were of those nations called Sioux 
of the Prairies. 

" At the end of Xovember. the Indians set out 
for their winter quarters. They do not, indeed, 
go far, and we saw some of them all through the 
winter; but from the second of the month of 
April last, when some cabins repassed here to go 
in search of them. l\\e] sought them in vain, du- 
ring a week, for more than sixty leagues of the 
Mississippi . 1 1 c [ La PerriereV] arrived yesterday 
without any tidings of them. 

" Although I said above, that the Sioux were 
alarmed at the rockets, wliich they took for new 
phenomena, it must not be supposed from that 
they were less intelligent than other Indians we 
know. They seem to me more so ; at least they 
are much gayer and open, apparently, and far 
more dextrous thieves, great dancers, and great 
medicine men. The men are almost all large and 
well made, but the women are very ugly and dis- 
gusting, which does not, however, check debauch- 
ery among them, and is perhai)s an effect of it." 

In the summer of 1T2K the Jesuit l)e (Joiior 
left the fort on Lake Pepin, and, by way of Mack- 
inaw, returned to Canada. The Foxes had now 
become very troublesome, and l)e Ligiiery and 
Beaujeu marched against their stronglmlil. to find 
they had retreated to the Mississippi Uiver. 

On the 12th of October. Boucherville, his bro- 
ther Montbrun. a youiif, .adet of enterprising 
spirit, the Jesuit Ciuignas, and other Frenchmen, 



eleven in all, left Fort Pepin to go to Canada, by 
way of the Illinois River. They were caiiliired 
by the Mascoutens and Kickapoos, and detained 
at the river " Au Boeuf ," which stream was prob- 
ably the one mentioned by Le Sueur as twenty- 
two leagues above the Illinois River, although the 
same name was given by Ileniiepin to the Chii)- 
pewa River, just below Lake Pepin. They were 
held as prisoners, with the view of delivering 
them to the Foxes. The night before the deliv- 
ery the Sieur Montbrun and his brother and an- 
other Frenchman escaped. Montbnin, leaving 
his sick brother in the Illinois country, jom'neyed 
to Canada and infcirmed the authorities. 

Boucherville and (Juignas remained prisoners 
for several nKiuths, and the former did not reach 
Detroit until June. 1729, The account of expen- 
ditures made during his captivity is interesting as 
showing the value of merchandize at that time. 
It reads as follows: 

" Memorandum of the goods that JMonsieur de 
Boucherville was obliged to furnish hi the ser- 
vice of the King, from the time of his detention 
among the Kickapoos. on the 12th of October. 
1728, until his return to Detroit, in tlie year 1729, 
in the month of June. On arriving at the Kick- 
apoo village, he made a present to the young men 
to secure their opposition to some evil minded 
old warriors — 
Two barrels of powder, each fifty pounds 

at Montreal price, valued at the sum of loO liv. 
One hmidred pounds of lea<l and balls 

making the sum of -50 liv. 

Four pounds of Vermillion, at 12 francs 

the pound 48 fr. 

Four coats, braided, at twenty francs. . . 80 fr. 
Six dozen knives at four francs the dozen 24 ft-. 
Four hundred Hints, one hundred gun- 
worms, two hundred ranirods and one 
hundred and lifty files, the total at the 

makers prices 90 liv. 

After the Kickapoos refused to deliver them to 
the Renards [Foxes] they wished some favors, and 
1 was obliged to give them the following which 
would allow them to weep over and cover their 
dead: 

Two braided coals (a 20 f r. each 40fr. 

Two w-oolen blankets (g) 15 fr 30 

Onehundred iiouuds of powder (>( .SO sons 75 
One hundred pounds of lead (a, 10 sous. . 25 



BOVCHEBVILLE'S PRESENTS WHILE IN CAPTIVITY. 



m 



Two pounds of veimillion @ 12 fr 24fr. 

Moreover, given to the Eeuards to cover 
their de.icl and prepare them for peace, 

fifty pounds of powder, makmg 75 

One hundred pounds of lead @ 10 sous. 50 

Two pounds of vermillion @ 12 fr 24 

During the winter a considerable party was 
sent to strike hands with the Illinois. Given at 
that time : 

Two blue blankets @ 15 fr 30 

Four men's shirts (3) 6 f r 24 

Four pairs of long-necked bottles @ 6 f r 24 

Four dozen of knives (w \tv 16 

Gun-worms; files, ramrods, and flints, es- 
timated 40 

Given to engage tlie Kickapoos to establish 
themselves upon a neighboring isle, to protect 
from the treachery of the Renards — 

Four blankets, (a) 15f 60f 

Two pairs of bottles, 6f 24 

Two pounds of vermillion, 12f 24 

Four dozen butcher knives, 6f 24 

Two w-oolen blankets, (3) 15f 30 

Four pairs of bottles, @ 6f 24 

Four shirts, @ 6f '. 24 

Four dozen of knives, @ 4f 16 

The Renards having betrayed and killed their 
brothers, the Kickapoos, I seized the favorable 
opportunity, and to encourage the latter to avenge 
themselves, I gave — 
Twenty-five pounds of powder, @ 30sous 37f.l0s. 

Twenty-five pounds of lead, @ 10s I2f.l0s. 

Two guns at 30 livres each 60f 

One lialf pound of vermillion 6f 

Flints, guns, worms and knives 20f 

The Illinois commg to the Kikapoos vil- 
lage, I supported them at my expense, 
and gave them powder, Ijalls and shirts 

valued at oOf 

In departing from the Kikapoos village, I 
gave them the rest of the goods for 
their good ti'eatment, estimated at. . . . 80f 
In a letter, written by a priest, at New Orleans, 
on July 12, 1730, is the following exaggerated ac- 
count of tlie capture of Father Guignas: " We 
always felt a distrust of the Fox Indians, although 
they did not longer dare to midertake anything, 
since Father Guignas has detached from their al- 
liance the tribes of the Kikapous and Maskoutins. 
You knt)w, my Reverend Father, that, being in 



Canada, he had the courage to penetrate even to 
the Sioux near the sources of the Mississippi, at 
the distance of eight hundred leagues from Xew 
Orleans and five hundred from Quebec. ObUged 
to abandon this important mission by the unfor- 
tunate result of the enterprise against the Foxes, 
he descended the river to repair to the Illinois. 
On the 15th of October in the year 1728 he was 
arrested when half way by the Kickapous and 
Maskoutins. For four months he was a captive 
among the Indians, where he had much to suffer 
and everything to fear. The time at last came 
when he was to be burned alive, when he was 
adopted by an old man whose family saved his 
life and procured his liberty. 

" Our missionaries wlio are among the Illinois 
were no sooner acquainted with the situation 
than they procured him all the alleviation they 
were able. Everything which he received he em- 
ployed to conciliate the Indians, and succeeded 
to the extent of engaging them to conduct him to 
the IlUnois to make peace with the French and 
Indians of this region. Seven or eight months 
after this peace was concluded, the Maskoutins 
and Kikapous returned again to the Illinois coun- 
try, and took back Father Guignas to spend the 
winter, from whence, in all probabiUty, he will 
return to Canada." 

In dispatches sent to France, in October, 1729, 
by the Canadian government, the following refer- 
ence is made to Fort Beaidiarnois : " They agree 
that the fort built among the Scioux, on the bor- 
der of Lake Pepin, appears to be badly situated 
on account of the freshets, but the Indians assure 
that the waters rose higher in 1728 than it ever 
did before. When Sieur de Lapeniere located it 
at that place it was on the assurance of the In- 
dians that the waters did not rise so liigh." In 
reference to the absence of Indians, is the fol- 
lowing : 

"It is very tme tliat these Indians did leave 
shortly after on a hunting excursion, as they are 
in the habit of doing, for their o\mi support and 
that of their families, who have only that means 
of livelihood, as they do not cultivate the soil at 
all. M. de Beauharnois has just been informed 
that their absence was occasioned only by havmg 
fallen in while huntmg with a number of prairie 
Scioux, by whom they were invited to occompany 
them on a war expedition against the Mahas, 



56 



EXI'LOHKlifi AND I'lOXEKHS OF MINXEHOTA. 



wiiicli invitation they accepted, and returnetl 
only in tlie luontli of July following. 

'• The interests of relif^ion, of the service, and 
of the colony, are involved in the maintenance of 
this establishment, which has been the more nec- 
essary as there is no dotiht but the Foxes, when 
roiiti'il, would have found an asylum amoiii; the 
Scioux had not the French been settled there, 
and the docility and submission manifested by 
the Foxes can not be attributed to any cause ex- 
cept the attention entertained l)y the Scioux for 
the French, and the offers which the former 
made the latter, of which the Foxes were fully 
cognisant. 

" It is necessary to retain the Scioux in these 
favorable dispositions, in order to keep the Foxes 
in check and counteract the measures they might 
adopt to gain over the Scioux, who will invaria- 
bly reject their propositions so long as the French 
remain in tlie country, and their trading post 
shall continue there. Hut, despite all these a<l- 
Viintages and tlie importance of preserving that 
establislmient, M. de Heauharnois camiot take 
any steps imtil he has news of the French who 
asked his penuissiou this summer to go up there 
with a canoe load of goods, and until assured that 
those who wintered there have not dismantled 
the fort, and that the Scioux continue ui the same 
sentiments. Besides, it does not seem very easy, 
in the present conjuncture, to maintain that post 
unless there is a solid peace with the Foxes; on 
the other hand, the greatest portion of the tra- 
ders, who applied in 1727 for the establishment 
of that post, have withdrawn, and will not send 
thither .any more, as the rupture with the Foxes, 
through whose country it is necessary t« pass in 
order to reach the Scioux in canoe, has led them 
to abandon the idea. But the one and the other 
case might be remedied. The Foxes will, in all 
Ijrobability, come or send next year to sue for 
peace; therefore, if it be granted to them on ad- 
vantageous conditions, there need be no appre- 
hension when going to the Sioux, and another 
company could be formed, less numerous than 
the first, through whom, or some responsible mer- 
chants able to affoid the outfit, a new treaty 
could be made, whcieby these dillicidties would 
be soon obviated. One only trouble remains, and 
that is. to send a commanding an<l sub-officer, 
and some soldiers, up there, which are absolutely 



necessary for the maintenance of good order at 
that post; the missionaries would not go there 
without a commandant. Tins article, which re- 
gards the service, and the expense of which must 
be on liis majesty's account, obliges them to ap- 
ply for orders. They will, as far as lies hi their 
power, induce the traders to meet that expense, 
which will possibly amount to 11)00 livres or 
1500 livres a year for the commandant, and in 
proportion for the officer under him; but, as in 
the bcgiimliig of an establishment the expenses 
exceed the profits, it is improbable that any com- 
p.any of merchants will assume the outlay, and 
in this case they demand orders on this point, as 
well as his majesty's opinion as to the necessity 
of preserving so useful a post, and a nation which 
has already afforded proofs of its fidelity and at- 
tachment. 

" These orders could be sent them by the way 
of He Royale, or by the first merchantmen that 
will sail for Ciuehec. The time re(iuired to re- 
ceive iiitflligenceof tlieoccunences in the Scioux 
country, will admit of their waiting for these 
orders before doing anything." 

Sieur de la Jemeraye, a relative of Sieur de la 
Feniere Boucher, with a few French, during the 
troubles remained in the Sioux country. After 
peace was established with the Foxes. Legardeur 
Saint Pierre was in command at Fort Beauhar- 
nois, and Father Guignas again attempted to es- 
tablish a Sioux mission. In a communication 
date<l 12th of October. 173(i. Ity the Canadian au- 
thorities is the following: "In regard to the 
Scioux, Saint Pierre, who commanded at that 
post, and Father Guignas. the missionary, have 
written to Sieur de Beauliarnois on the tenth and 
eleventh of last April, that these Indians ap- 
peared well intentioned toward the Frencli, and 
had no other fear than that of being abandoned 
by them. Sieur de Beauliarnois annexes an ex- 
tract of these letters, and although the Scioux 
seem very friendly, the result only can tell whether 
this fidelity is to be absolutely depended upon, 
for the unrestrained andhiconsistent spirit which 
composes the Indian character may easily change 
it. They have not come over this summer as yet, 
but .\I. de la St. Pierre is to get them to do so 
next year, and to have an eye on their proceed- 
ings." 

The reply to this commmiication from Louis 



DE LUSIGNAN VISITS THE SIOUX COUNTRY. 



S7 



XV. dated Versailles, May Kith, 1737, was in 
these words : " As respects the Scioux, according 
to what the commandant and missionary at that 
post liave wTitten to Sieur de Beauhaniois rela- 
tive to the disposition of these Indians, nothing 
appears to be wanting on that point. 

" But their delay in coming down to Montreal 
since the time they have promised to do so, must 
render their sentiments somewhat suspected, and 
nothing but facts can determine whether their 
fidelity can be absolutely relied on. But what 
must still further increase the uneasiness to be 
entertained in their regard is the attack on the 
convoy of M. de Verandrie, especially if this officer 
has adopted the course he had informed the 
Marquis de Beauharnois he should take to have 
revenge therefor." 

The particulars of the attack alluded to will be 
found in the next chapter. Soon after this the 
Foxes again became troublesome, and the post on 
Lake Pepin was for a time abandoned by the 
French. A dispatch in 1 741 uses this language : 
" The ilarquis de Beauharnois' opinion respect- 
ing the war against the Foxes, has been the more 
readily approved by the Baron de Longeuil, 
Messieurs De la Cbassaigne, La C'orne, de Lig- 
nery, LaNoue, and Duplessis - Fabert, whom he 
had assembled at his house, as it appears from 
all the letters that the Count has writ n for sev- 
eral years, that he has notbing so much at heart as 
the destruction of that Indian nation, which can 
not be prevailed on by the presents and the good 
treatment of the French, to live in peace, not- 
withstanding all its promises. 

"Besides, it is notorious that the Foxes have a 
secret imderstanding with the Iroquois, to secvire 
a retreat among the latter, in case they be obliged 
to abandon their villages. They have one already 
secured among the Sioux of the prairies, with 
whom they are aUied ; so that, should they be 



advised beforehand of the design of the French 
to wage war against them, it would be easy for 
them to retire to the one or the other before their 
passage could be intersected or themselves at- 
tacked in their villages." 

In the summer of 1743, a deputation of the 
Sioux came down to Quebec, to ask that trade 
might be resumed. Three years after this, four 
Sioux chiefs came to Quebec, and asked that a 
commandant might be sent to Fort Beauharnois ; 
which was not granted. 

During the winter of 1745-6, De Lusignan vis- 
ited the Sioux country, ordered by the govern- 
ment to hunt up the "coureurs des bois," and 
withdraw them from the country. They started 
to return with him, but learning that they would 
be arrested at Mackinaw, for violation of law, 
they ran avs^ay. While at the villages of the Sioux 
of the lakes and plains, the chiefs brought to 
this officer nineteen of their young men, bound 
with cords, who had killed three Frenchmen, at 
the Illinois. While he remained with them, they 
made peace with the Ojibways of La Pointe, 
with wliom they had been at war for some time. 
On his return, four chiefs accompanied him to 
Montreal, to solicit pardon for their young braves. 

The lessees of the trading-post lost many of 
their peltries that winter in consequence of a fire. 

Reminiscences of St. Pierre's residence at Lake 
Pepin were long presei-ved. Carver, in 1766, "ob- 
served the ruins of a French factory, where, it 
is said. Captain St. Pierre resided, and carried on 
a great trade with the Nadouessies before the re- 
duction of Canada." 

Pike, in 1805, wrote in his journal: "Just be- 
low Pt. Le Sable, the French, who had driven the 
llenards [Foxes] from Wisconsin, and chased 
tliem up the Mississippi, built a stockade on this 
lake, as a barrier against the savages. It became 
a noted factory for the Sioux." 



58 



EXPLORERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



CHAPTER IX. 

VERENDKYE, THE EXPLORER OF NORTHERN MINNESOTA, AND DISCOVERER OF THE ROCKY 

MOUNTAINS. 



Conversation of Verendrye with Father De Gonor. — Parentafte and Early Life.— 
old Indian Map Preserved. — Wrendrye's Son anil Ne|.Iiew Kxplore ^'i^■^■on 
River and Keaeh Kainy Ijike. — Father Messayera Companion.— Fort St. Pierre 
Established.— Lake of the Woods Renehod and Fort St. Charles Built.— D« la 
Jeiuevaye's Map. —Fort on the Assinalioino River. — Verendrye's Son, Father 
Ouneau and Associates Killed by Sioux, on Massacre Isle, in Lake of the Wmxis^ 
— Fort La Reine. — Verendrye's Eldest Son, with Othem. Reaches the Missouri 
River. — Discovers the Rocky Mountains. — Returns to Lake of the Woods.— 
Exploration of Saskatchewan River. — Sieur de la Vcrendrye Jr.— Terendrye 
the Father, ni-ade Captain of the Order of St. Louis.— His Death.- The Sweilisli 
Traveler, Kalni, Notices Verendrye. — Bougainville Describes Verendrye's Ex- 
plorations. — Legardeur de St, Pierre at Fort I,a Reine.— Fort Jonquicre Estab- 
lished. — De la Corne Succeeds St. Pierre. — SI. Pierre Meets Washington at 
French Creek, in Pennsylvania. — Killed in Battle, near Lake George. 



Early in tlie year 1728. two travelers met at 
the secliiiled post of Mackinaw, one was iiamefl 
De Gonor, a Jesuit Father, who with Guignas, 
had gone \\ith the expedition, that the September 
liefore had Imilt Fort Heanharnois on the shores 
of Lake I'ciiin. the oilier was Pierre Gualtier Va- 
reiiiies. the Sieur ile hi ^'l'reIl(lrye the commander 
of tlie post oil Lake Xeiiigon of the north shore 
of Lake Superior, and a relative of the Sieur de 
la Perriere, the commander at Lake Pepin. 

"N'erendrye was the son of Rene Gaaltier \'a- 
rennes who for twenty-two years was the chief 
magistrate at Three Kivers, whose ■wife was Ma- 
rie Boucher, the daughter of his predecessor 
whom lie had married when she was twelve years 
of age. He became a cadet in lbS)7, and in 1704 
accompanied an expedition to New England. 
The next year he was in Newfoundland and the 
year following he went to France, joined a regi- 
ment of Brittany and was in the conflict at Mal- 
platiuet when the French troops were defeated 
by the Duke of ilarlborongh. 'Wlien he returned 
to Canada he was obli.ged to accp])! the position 
of ensign notwithstanding tlie gallant manner in 
which he had behaved. In time he became iden- 
tified with the Lake Superior region. Mliile at 
Lake Nepigon the Indians assured him tliat there 
was a communication largely by water to the 
Pacific Ocean. One, named Ocliagachs, drew a 
rude map of the country, which is still i)reser\-ed 
among the French archives. Pigeon lUver is 



marked thereon Mantohavagane. and the River 
St. Louis is marked K. fond du L. Superior, and 
the Indians appear to have passed from its head- 
■waters to Rainy Lake. Upon the western ex- 
tremity is marked the River of the West. 

De Gonor conversed much upon tlie route to 
the Pacific with Verendrye, and promised to use 
his influence with the Canadian authorities to 
advance the project of exploration. 

Charles De Beauharnois, the Governor of Can- 
ada, gave Verendrye a respectful hearing, and 
carefully examined the map of the region west of 
the great lakes, which had been drawn by Ocha- 
gachs (Otchaga), the Indian guide. Orders were 
soon given to fit out an expedition of fifty men. 
It left -Montreal in 1731, under tlie conduct of his 
sons and nephew De la Jemeraye. he not joining 
the party till 1733, in consequence of the deten- 
tifins of busine.ss. 

In the autumn of 1731, the party reached Rainy 
Lake, by the Nantouagan, or Groselliers river, 
now called Pigeon. Father ilessayer. who had 
been stationed on Lake Superior, at the Grosel- 
liers river, was taken as a spiritual guide. At 
the foot of Rainy Lake a post was erected and 
called Fort St. Pierre, and the next year, having 
crossed ^linittie, or Lake of the Woods, they es- 
tablished Fort St. Charles on its southwestern 
bank. Five leagues from Lake Winnipeg they 
established a post on the Assiiiaboine. An un- 
published map of these discoveries by De la Jem- 
eraye still exists at Paris. The river Winnipeg, 
called by them Maurepas, in honor of the minis- 
ter of France in 1734, was protected by a fort of 
the same name. 

About this time their advance was stopped by 
the exhaustion of supplies, but on the 12th of 
April, 1735, an arrangement was made for a sec- 
ond equipment, and a fourth son joined the expe- 
dition. 

In June, 1736, while twenty-one of the expedi- 



DISCOVERY OF THE BOCKY MOUNTAINS. 



59 



tion were camped upon an isle Ib the Lake of the 
Woods, they were surprised by a band of Sioux 
hostile to the Prench allies, the Cristuiaux, and 
all killed. The island, upon thi*i account, is 
called Massacre Island. A few days after, a 
party of Ave Canadian voyageurs discovered their 
dead bodies and scalped heads. Father Ouneau, 
the missionary, was found upon one knee, an ar- 
row in his head, his breast bare, his left hand 
touching the ground, and the right hand raised. 

Among the slaughtered was also a son of Ver- 
endrye, who had a tomahawk in his back, and his 
body adorned with garters and bracelets of porcu- 
pine. The father was at the foot of the Lake of 
the Woods when he received the news of his son's 
murder, and about the same time heard of the 
death of his enterprising nephew, Dufrost de la 
Jemeraye, the son of his sister Marie Reme de 
Varemies, and brother of Madame Youville, the 
foundress of the Hospitallers at ^Montreal. 

It was under the guidance of the latter that 
the party had, in 1731, mastered the difficulties 
of the Xantaouagon, or Groselliers river. 

On the 3d of October, 1738, they built an ad- 
vanced post, Fort La Reine, on the river Assini- 
boels, now Assinaboine, which they called St 
Charles, and beyond was a branch called St. 
Pierre. These two rivers received the baptismal 
name of Verendrye, which was Pierre, and Gov- 
ernor Beauhaniois, which was Charles. The post 
became the centre of trade and point of departure 
for explorations, either north or south. 

It was by ascending the Assinaboine, and by 
the present trail from its tributary, JSIouse river, 
they reached the coimtry of the jNIautanes, and in 
1741, came to the upper Missouri, passed the Yel- 
low Stone, and at length arrived at the Rocky 
Mountains. The party was led by the eldest son 
and his brother, the chevalier. They left the 
Lake of the Woods on the 29th of April, 1742, 
came in sight of the Rocky Mountams on the 1st 
of January, 1743, and on the 12th ascended them. 
On the route they fell iu with the Beaux Hom- 
mes, Pioya, Petits Kenards, and Arc tribes, and 
stopped among the Snake tribe, but could go no 
fartlier in a southerly direction, owing to a war 
between the Arcs and Snakes. 

On the 19th of May, 1744, they had returned to 
the upper ^Missouri, and, in the country of the 
Petite Cerise tribe, they planted on an eminence 



a leaden plate of the arms of France, and raised 
a monument of stones, which they called Beau- 
hamois. They returned to the Lake of the Woods 
on the 2d of .July. 

North of the Assiniboine they proceeded to 
Lake Dauphin, Swan's Lake, explored the riv- 
er "Des Biches," and ascended even to the 
fork of the Saskatchewan, which they called Pos- 
koiae. Two forts were subsequently established, 
one near Lake Dauphin and the other on the 
river " des Biches," called Fort Bourbon. The 
northern route, by the Saskatchewan, was thought 
to have some advantage over the 'Missouri, be- 
cause there was no danger of meeting with the 
Spaniards. 

Governor Beauhamois having been prejudiced 
against Verendrye by envious persons, De Noy- 
elles was appointed to take command of the 
posts. During these difficulties, we find Sieur de 
la Verendrye, Jr., engaged in other duties. In 
August, 1747, he arrives from Mackinaw at Mon- 
treal, and in the autumn of that year he accom- 
panies St. Pierre to ilackinaw, and brings back 
the convoy to Montreal. In February, 1748, with 
five Canadians, five Cristenaux, two Ottawas, and 
one Sauteur, he attacked the ]SIohawks near 
Schenectady, and returned to Montreal with two 
scalps, one that of a chief. On June 20th, 1748, 
it is recorded that Chevalier de la Verendrye de- 
parted from ;Montreal for the head of Lake Supe- 
rior. Margry states that he perished at sea in 
November, 1764, by the wreck of the " Auguste." 

Fortunately, Galissioniere the successor of 
Beauhamois, although deformed and insignifi- 
cant in appearance, was fair minded, a lover of 
science, especially botany, and anxious to push 
discoveries toward the Pacific. Verenchye the 
father was restored to favor, and made Captain 
of the Order of St. Louis, and ordered to resume 
explorations, but he died on December Gth, 1749. 
while planning a tour up the Saskatchewan. 

The Swedish Professor, Kalm.methimin Can- 
ada, not long before his decease, and had inter- 
estmg conversations with him about the furrows 
on the plains of the Missouri, which he errone- 
ously conjectured indicated the former abode of 
an agricultural people. These ruts are familiar 
to modem travelers, and may be only buffalo 
trails. 

Father Coquard, wno had been associated with 



60 



EXPLOBERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



Verenilrye, says that they first met the Mantanes, 
ami next tlie Brochets. After tliese were the 
Gros X'cntres, tlie Crows, the Fhvt Heads, the 
Hhick Feet, and Dog Feel, who were estahlished 
on the Missouri, even up t« tlie falls, and that 
about thirty leagues beyond they fouiid a narrow 
nass in the mountains. 

Bougainville gives a more full account: he says: 
■'He who most advanced this discovery was 
the Sieur de la Veranderie. He went from Fort 
la Heine to the Missouri. lie met on the banks 
of this river the Mandans, or White Beards, who 
had seven villages with pine stockades, strength- 
ened by a ditch. Next to these were the Kinon- 
gewiiuris. (U- the Brochets, in three villages, and 
toward the upper part of the river were three 
villages of the Mahantas. All along the mouth 
of the AVabeik, or Shell River, were situated 
twenty-three villages of the I'anis. To the south- 
west of this river, on the banks of the Ouanarade- 
ba, or La Graisse. are the Hectanes or Snake 
tribe. They extend to the base of a chain of 
mountains which runs north northeast. South 
of tills is the river Karoskiou, or Cerise Pelee, 
which is supposed to How to California. 

•' He found in the immense region watered by 
the Missouri, and in the vicinity of forty leagues, 
the Mahantiis, the Owiliniock, or Beaux Hom- 
mes, four villages: opposite the Brochets the Black 
Feet, three villages of a hundred lodges each; op. 
posite the Mandans are theOspekakaei-enousques, 
or Flat Heads, four villages; opposite tliri Panis 
are the Arcs of Cristiiiaux, and I'tasibaoutcliatas 
of Assuiiboel, three villages; following these the 
Makesch, or Little Foxes, two villages; the Pi- 
wassa. or great talkers, three villages; the Ka- 
kokoschena, or Gens de la Pie, live villages; the 
Kiskipisounouini,, or the Garter tribe, seven vil- 
lages." 

(Talassoniere was succeeded by .lomiuiere in 
the governorship of Canada, who innved to be a 
grasping, jieevish, and very miserly person. For 
the sons of ^>reIldrye lie had no sympathy, and 
forming a clique to prolit hj their lather's toils. 



he determined to send two expeditions toward 
the Pacific Oceiin, one by the Missouri iind the 
other by the Saskatchewan. 

Father Co(iuard, one of the companions of Ve- 
rendrye, was consulted as to the probability of 
finding a pass in the Eoeky Mountains, through 
which they might, in canoes, reach the great 
lake of salt water, perhaps I'ugefs Soinid. 

The enterprise was at length confided to two 
experienced officers, Lamaniue de Marin and 
Jacques Legardeiir de Saint Pierre. The former 
was assigned the way, by the Jilissouri, and to 
the latter was given the more northern route; 
but Saint Pierre in some wfiy excited the hostil- 
ity of the Cristiiiaux, who attempted to kill him. 
and burned F(ut la Heine. His lieutenant, Bou- 
cher de Kiverv'ille, wlio had been sent to establish 
a post toward the source of the Saskatchewan, 
failed on account of sickness. Some of his men, 
howe\er, pushed on t« the Eocky Mountains, 
and ill 175;^ established Fort Jonquiere. Henry 
says St. Pierre established Fort Bourbon. 

In 1753, Saint Pierre was succeeded in the 
command of the posts of the West, by de la 
Corne, and sent to French Creek, in Pennsylva- 
nia. He had been but a few days there when he 
received a visit from A\'asliington, just entering 
upon maidiood, bearing a letter from Governor 
Dinwiddle of A'irginia, complaining of the en 
croachments of the French. 

Soon the clash of arms between France and 
England began, and Saint Pierre, at the head of 
the Indian allies, fell near Lake George, hi Sep- 
tember, 1755, in a battle with the English. After 
the seven years' war was concluded. l)y the treaty 
of Paris, the French reliiupiished all their posts 
in the Xorthwest, and the work begun by Yeren- 
drye, was, in 1S()5, completed by Lewis and 
Clarke; and the Xorthern Pacific Railway is fast 
approaching the passes of the Ilocky Moiiiit;iiiis. 
through the valley of the Yellow Stone, and from 
thence to the great land-locked bay of the ocean, 
Pugefs Sound. 



EFFECT OF THE ENGLItiU AND FRENCH WAR. 



61 



CHAPTER X. 



EFFECT OF THE ENGLISH AND FKENCH WAR. 



English Influence Inereasing, — Lo Due Robbed at Lake Superior. — St. Pierre at 
Mackinaw. — Escape ol Indian Prisoners.— L.i Ronde and Verendrye. — Influence 
of Sieur Marin. — St. Pierre Recalled from Winnipeg Region.— Interview with 
Washington. — Langlade Urges Attack Upon Troops of Braddock.— Saint Pierre 
Killed ill Battle. — Marin's Boldness. — Rogers, a Partisan Ranger, Commands at 
Mackinaw. — At Ticonderoga. — French Deliver up the Posts in Canada. — Capt, 
Balfour Takes Possession of Mackinaw and Green Bay. — Lieut. Gorrell in Com, 
raand at Green B,ay.— Sioux Visit Green Bay, — Fennensha a French Trader 
Among the Sioux. — Treaty of Paris. 



English influence produced increasing dissatis- 
faction among the Indians that were beyond 
Mackinaw. Xot only were the voyageurs rolibed 
and maltreated at Sault St, Marie and other points 
on Lake Superior, but even the commandant at 
Mackinaw was exposed to insolence, and there 
was no security anywdiere. 

On the twenty-third of August, 1747, Philip Le 
Due aiTived at Mackinaw from Lake Superior, 
stating tliat he had been robbed of his goods at 
Kamanistigoya, and that the Ojibways of the 
lake were favorably disposed toward the English. 
The Dahkotahs were also becomuig unruly in the 
absence of Prench oflBcers. 

In a few weeks after Le Due's robbery, St. 
Pierre left Montreal to become commandant at 
Mackinaw, and Vercheres was appointed for the 
post at Green Bay. In the language of a docu- 
ment of the day, St. Pierre was •' a very good 
oflicer, much esteemed among all the nations of 
those parts ; none more loved and feared." On 
his arrival, the savages were so cross, that he ad- 
vised that no Frenchman should come to trade. 

By promptness and boldness, he secured the 
Indians who had murdered some Frenchmen, 
and obtained the respect of the tribes. While 
the three murderers were being conveyed in a 
canoe down the St. Lawrence to Quebec, in charge 
of a sergeant and seven soldiers, the savages, with 
characteristic cunning, though manacled, suc- 
ceeded in killing or drowning the guard. Cutting 
their irons with an axe, they sought the woods, 
and escaped to their own country. "Thus," 
writes Galassoniere, in 1748, to Count Maurepas, 



was lost in a great measure the fruit of Sieur St. 
Pierre's good management, and of all the fatigue 
I endured to get the nations who surrendered 
these rascals to listen to reason." 

On the twenty-first of June of the next year, 
La Ronde started to La Pointe, and Verendrye 
for West Sea, or Fon du Lac, Minnesota. 

Under the influence of Sieur Marin, who was 
in command at Green Bay in 1753, peaceful re- 
lations were in a measure restored between the 
French and Indians. 

As the war between England and France deep- 
ened, the oflicers of the distant French posts 
were called in and stationed nearer the enemy. 
Legardeur St. Pierre, was brought from the Lake 
Winnipeg region, and, in December, 1753, was in 
command of a rude post near Erie, Pennsylvania. 
Langlade, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, arrived early 
in July, 1755, at Fort Duquesne. With Beauyeu 
and De Lignery, who had been engaged in fight- 
ing the Fox Indians, he left that fort, at nine 
o'clock of the morning of the 9th of .July, and, a 
Uttle after noon, came near the English, who had 
halted on the south shore of the Monongahela, 
and were at dinner, with their arms stacked. By 
the urgent entreaty of Langlade, the western 
half-breed, Beauyeu, the otticer in command or- 
dered an attack, and Braddock was overwliehned, 
and Washington was obliged to say, " We have 
been beaten, shamefully beaten, by a handful of 
Frenchmen." 

Under Baron Dieskau, St. Pierre commanded 
the Indians, in September, 1755, duruig the cam- 
paign near Lake George, where he fell gallantly 
fighting the English, as did his commander. 
The Rev. Claude Coquard, alluding to the French 
defeat, rn a letter to his brotlier, remarks: 

" We lost, on that occasion, a brave officer, M. 
de St. Pierre, and had his advice, as well as that 
of several other Canadian officers, been followed, 
Jonckson [Johnson] was irretrievably destroyed. 



62 



EXPLORERS A\D I'lOXEERS OF MINXEHOTA. 



and we slioiilil have been spared the trouble we 
have luul tliis year." 

Other otEcers wlio had been stationed on the 
borders of Minnesota also distinguislied tliera- 
selves during tlie Freneli war. The JManjuis 
Montcalm, in camp at Ticonderoga, on the twen- 
ty-seventh of July, 17.57, writes to Vaudrenil, 
Governor of Canada: 

'• Lieutenant Marin, of tlie Colonial troops, who 
has exhibited a rare audacity, did not consider 
himself bound to halt, although his detachment 
iif about four liuudred men was reduced to about 
two hundred, the balance havuig been sent back 
on account of inability to follow. He carried off 
a patrol of ten men, and swept away an ordinary 
guard of fifty lilce a wafer; went up to tiie en- 
emy's camp, under Fort Lydias (Edward), where 
he was exposed to a severe fire, and retreated like 
a warrior. lie was unwilling to amuse himself 
making prisoners; he brought in only one, and 
thirty-two scalps, and must have killed many men 
of the enemy, in the midst of whose ranks it was 
neither wise nor prudent to go in search of scalps. 
The Indians generally all behaved well. * * * 
The Outaouais, who arrived with me, and whom 
I designed to go on a scouting party towards the 
lake, had conceived a project of administering a 
corrective to the EngUsh barges. * * * On 
the day bef(ue yesterday. y(uu' brother formed a 
detachment to accomjiauy them. I anived at his 
camp on the evening of the same day. Lieuten- 
ant de Corbiere, of the Colonial troops, was re- 
turning, in consequence of a misunderstanding, 
and as I laiew the zeal and intelligence of that 
officer, I made him set out with a new insti'uc- 
tion to join Messrs de Langlade and Hertel de 
Chantly. They remained in ambush all day and 
night yesterday; at break of day the English ap- 
peared on Lake St. Sacrament, to the number of 
twenty-two barges, under the command of Sieur 
Parker. The whoops of our huhaiis impressed 
them with such terror that they made but feeble 
resistance, and only two barges escaped." 

After De Corl)iere's victory on Lake Cham- 
plain, a large French army was collected at Ti- 
conderoga, with which there were many Indians 
from the tribes of the Xorthwest, and the loways 
appearerl for the first time in the east. 

It is an interesting fact that tlie Knglish offi- 
cers who were in frequent engagements with St. 



Pierre, Lusignan, Marin, Langlade, and otliers. 
became the pioneers of tlie British, a few yeai-s 
afterwards, in the occupation of the outposts of 
the lakes, and in the exploration of Minnesota. 

Rogers, the celel)rated captain of rangers, sub- 
sequently commander of Mackinaw, and Jona- 
than Carver, the first British explorer of Minne- 
sota, were both on duly near Lake Cliamplaiu, the 
latter narrowly escaping at the battle of Fort 
(ieorge. 

On Christmas eve, 17.J7. Rogers approached 
Fort Ticonderoga, to lire the outhouses, but was 
prevented by discharge of the cannons of the 
French. 

He contented himself with killing fifteen beeves, 
on the horns of one of which he left tliis laconic 
and amusing note, addressed to the commander 
of the post: 

•• I am obliged to you, Sir, for the repose you 
have allowed me to take; I thank you for tlie fresh 
meat you hare sent iiif, I request you to present 
my compliments to the Marquis du ^lontcalm." 

On the thirteenth of March, 17-58, Durantaye, 
formerly at Mackinaw, had a skirmish with Rog- 
ers, Both had been trained on the frontier, and 
they met " as Greek met Greek." The conflict 
was fierce, and the French victorious. The In- 
dian allies, finding a scalp of a chief imderneath 
an ofiicer"s jacket, wee furious, and took one 
hundred and fourteen scalps in return. A\l)en 
the French returned, they supposed that Captain 
Rogers was among the killed. 

At Quebec, when ilontcalm and Wolfe fell, 
there were Ojibways present assisting the French 

The Indians, returning from the expeditions 
against the f^nglish, were attacked with small- 
pox, and many died at Mackinaw. 

On tlie eighth of September. 17tjO, the French 
delivered up all their posts in Canada, A few 
days after the capitulation at Montreal, ihijor 
Rogers was sent with Englisli troops, to garrison 
the posts of the distant Northwest. 

On the eightli of September, 1761, a year after 
the surrender. Captain llalfour, of the eightieth 
regiment of the British army, left Detroit, wltli 
a detacliment to tiike possession of the French 
forts at Mackinaw and (Ti-een Bay. Twenty-five 
soldiers were left at Mackinaw, in command of 
Lieutenant Leslie, and the rest sailed to Green 
Bay, under Lieutenant Gorrell of the Royal 



PENNENSHA WRITES A LETTER FOR THE SIOUX. 



63 



Americans, where they arrived on tlie twelfth of 
October. The fort had been abandoned for sev- 
eral years, and was in a dilapidated condition. 
In charge of it there was left a lieutenant, a cor- 
poral, and fifteen soldiers. Two English traders 
arrived at the same time, ilcKay from Albany, 
and Goddard from ^Montreal. 

Gorrell in his journal alludes to the Minnesota 
Sioux. He writes — 

" On March 1, 1763, twelve warriors of the Sous 
came here. It is certainly the greatest nation of 
Indians ever yet found. Not above two thousand 
of them were ever armed with firearms ; the rest 
depending entirely on bows and arrows, which 
they use with more skill than any other Indian 
nation in America. They can shoot the wUdest 
and largest beasts in the woods at seventy or one 
hundred yards distant. They are reinarkable for 
their dancing, and the other nations take the 
fashions from them. ***** This nation 
is always at war with the Chippewas, those who 
destroyed Mishamakinak. They told me with 
warmth that if ever the Chippewas or any other 
Indians wished to obstruct the passage of the 
tiarters coming up, to send them word, and they 
would come and cut them off from the face of 
the earth ; as all Indians were their slaves or dogs. 
I told them I was glad to see them, and hoped to 
have a lasting peace with them. They then gave 
me a letter WTOte in French, and two belts of 
wampimi from their king, in which he expressed 
great joy on hearing of there being English at 
his post. The letter was WTitten by a French 
trader whom I had allowed to go among them 
last fall, with a promise of his behaving well ; 
which he did, better than iiny Canadian I ever 
knew. * * * • * "With regard to traders, I 
would not allow any to go amongst them, as I 



then understood they lay out of the government 
of Canada, but made no doubt they would have 
traders from the Mississippi in the spring. They 
went away extremely well pleased. June llth, 
1763, the traders came down from the Sack coun- 
try, and confirmed the news of Landsing and his 
son being killed by the French. There came with 
the traders some Puans, and four young men with 
one chief of the Avoy [loway] nation, to demand 
traders. ***** 

" On the nineteenth, a deputation of Winneba- 
goes. Sacs, Foxes and Menominees arrived with 
a Frenchman named Pennensha. This Pennen- 
sha is the same man who wrote the letter the 
Sous brought with tliem in French, and at the 
same time held council with that great nation In 
favour of the English, by which he much promo- 
ted the Interest of the latter, as appeared by the 
behaviour of the Sous. He brought with hun a 
pipe from the Sous, desiring that as the road is 
now clear, they would by no means allow the 
Chippewas to obstr>ict it, or give the English any 
disturbance, or prevent the traders from comuig 
up to them. If they did so they would send all 
their warriors and cut them off." 

In July, 1763, there arrived at Green Bay. 
Bruce, Fisher; and Koseboom of Albany, to en- 
gage in the Indian trade. 

By the treaty of Paris of 1763, France ceded to 
Great Britain all of the country east of the Mis- 
sissippi, and to Spain the whole of Louisiana, so 
that the latter power for a time held the whole 
region between the ^Mississippi River and the Pa- 
cific Ocean, and that portion of the city of ^Im- 
neapolis known as the East division was then 
governed by the British, wliilc the West Division 
was subject to the Spanish code. 



64 



KXI'LOUKIIS ASL) i'lOSEEUS Ob' MiyyKSiHA. 



CHAPTER XI. 

JONATHAN CAKVEK, THE FIRST ISlIITISll TUAVKLUK AT lAl.LS OK SAINT ANTnuNY. 



Carver's Eiirly Life— In the Bitllr near I-ikc George,— Arrives ftt Mackiniiw.— 
Ol.l Fort at Green Btiy.- Winnel)ai:o VillBge.— Dcscriiilion of I'rairic du Chieu. 
Enrihworits on Hanks of Lake Peiiin.— Sioux Bands Described. — Cave and 
Burial Plaee in Suburbs of SI. Paul. -The Kails of Saint Anthony.— Burial 
Rites of tLo Sioux. — Speech of a Sioux Chief.— Schiller's Poem o( the Death 
Song. — Sir John Herschel's Translation. —Sir E. Bulwer Lytton's Version. •-- 
Corrcspondcnco of Sir Willi.uii .lohnsoii. •••Carver's Pnijcct lor Opening a Route 
to the Pacit)c..^^Suppo«cd Origin of the Sioux.— Carver's Claim to I^nds Ex- 
amined. ---Alleged Deed. "-Testimony of Itev. Samuel Peters. ---Communication 
from Cen. Leavenworth. .--Report of U. S. Senate Committee. 



Jonathan Carver was a native of Connecticut 
His graiult'ather, \\'illiam Carver, was a native of 
Wigan, Lancashire, England, and a captain in 
King William's army during the campaign in 
Irehuid, and for meritorious services rei'ei\ ed an 
appointment as an officer of the colony of Con- 
necticut. 

His father was a justice of the peace in the 
new world, and in 1732, the subject of this sketch 
was born. At the early age of fifteen he was 
called to mourn the death of his father. He then 
commenced the study of medicine, but his roving 
disposition could not bear the confines of a doc- 
tor's office, and feeling, perhaps, that his genius 
would be cramiied by pestle and mortar, at the 
age of eighteen he purchased an ensign's commis- 
sion in one of the regiments raised during the 
French war. He was of medium stature, and of 
strong mind and quick perceptions. 

In the year 1757, he was captain under Colonel 
AVilliams in the battle near Lake George, where 
Saint I'ierre was killed, and narrowly escaped 
with liis life. 

After the peace of 1763, between France and 
England was declared, Carver conceived the pro- 
ject of exploring the Xortliwest. Leaving Boston 
in the month of June, 1760, he arrived at Macki- 
naw, then the most distant British post, in the 
month of August. Having obtained a credit on 
some French and English tradeis from .Major 
Rogers, the officer in command, he started with 
them on the third day of Sei)teiiil)er. Pursuing 
the usual route to (Jreeu Bay, they arriveil lliere 
on the eighteenth. 



The French fort at that time was standing, 
though much decayed. It was, some years pre- 
vious to his arrival, garrisoned for a short time 
by an officer and thirty English soldiers, but they 
having been captured by the Menominees, it was 
abandoned. 

In comjiany with the traders, he left Green 
Bay on the twentieth, and ascending Fox river, 
arrived on the twenty-fifth at an island at tlie 
east end of Lake Winnebago, containing about 
fifty acres. 

Here he found a Winnebago village of fifty 
houses. He asserts that a woman was in author- 
ity. In the month of October the party was at 
the portage of the Wisconsin, and descending 
that stream, they arrived, on the ninth at a town 
of the Sauks. AVhile here he visited some lead 
mines about fifteen miles distant. An almndance 
of lead was also seen in the village, that had been 
brought from the mines. 

On the tenth they'amved at the first village of 
the " Ottigaumies" [Foxes] about five miles lie- 
fore the Wisconsin joins the Mississijipi, he per- 
ceiveil the remnants of another village, and 
learned that it had been deserteil about thirty 
years before, and that the inhabitants soon after 
their removal, built a town on the Mississippi, 
near the mouth of the " Ouisconsin." at a ]>lace 
called by the French La Prairie les Chiens, wliieli 
signified the Hog Plains. It was a large town, 
and contained about three hundred families. 
The houses were built after the Indian manner, 
and pleasantly situated on a dry rich soil. 

He saw here many houses of a good size and 
shape. This town was the great mart where all 
the adjacent tribes, and where those who iidiabit 
the most remote liranches of the Mississippi, an- 
nually assemble about the latter end of May, 
bringing with them their furs to dispose of to the 
tradeis. But it is not always that they conclude 
tlieir sale here. This was determined by a gen 



SUPPOSED FORTIFICATIONS NEAR LAKE PEPIN. 



65 



eral coimcil of the chiefs, who consulted whether 
it would be more conducive to their interest to 
sell their goods at this place, or to carry them 
on to Louisiana or Mackinaw. 

At a small stream called Yellow Kiver, oppo- 
site Prairie du Chieu, the traders who had thus 
far accompanied Carver took up their residence 
for the winter. 

From this pomt he proceeded in a canoe, with 
a Canadian voyageur and a Mohawk Indian as 
companions. Just before reaching Lake Pepin, 
while his attendants were one day preparing din- 
ner, he walked out and was struck with the pecu- 
liar appearance of the surface of the country, and 
thought it was the site of some vast artificial 
earth-work. It is a fact worthy of remembrance, 
that he was the first to call the attention of the 
civilized world to the existence of ancient monu- 
ments in the Mississippi valley. We give his own 
description : 

" On the first of November I reached Lake 
Pepin, a few miles below which I landed, and, 
whilst the servants were preparing my dinner, I 
ascended the bank to view the coiuitry. I had 
not proceeded far before I came to a fine, level, 
open plain, on which I perceived, at a little dis- 
tance, a partial elevation that had the appearance 
of entrenchment. On a nearer inspection I had 
greater reason to suppose that it had really been 
intended for this many centuries ago. Kotwith- 
standing it was now covered with grass, I could 
plauily see that it had once been a breastwork of 
about four feet in height, extending the best part 
of a mile, and sufficiently capacious to cover five 
thousand men. Its form was somewhat circular 
and its flanks reached to the river. 

" Though much defaced by time, every angle 
was distinguishable, and appeared as regular and 
fashioned wth as much military skill as if planned 
by Vaubau himself. The ditch was not visible, 
but I thought, on examining more curiously, that 
I could perceive there certainly had been one. 
From its situation, also, I am convinced that it 
must have been designed for that purpose. It 
fronted the coimtry, and the rear was covered by 
the river, nor was there any rising ground for a 
considerable way that commanded it; a few 
straggling lakes were alone to be seen near it. 
In many places smaJl tracks were worn across it 
by the feet of the elks or deer, and from the depth 



of the bed of earth by which it was covered, I was 
able to draw certain conclusions of its gieat anti- 
quity. I examined all the angles, and every part 
with great attention, and have often blamed my- 
self since, for not encamping on the spot, and 
drawing an exact plan of it. To show that tliis 
description is not the offspring of a heated imag- 
ination, or the chimerical tale of a mistaken trav- 
eler, I find, on inquiry since my return, that 
Mons. St. Pierre, and several traders have at dif- 
ferent times, taken notice of similar appearances, 
upon which they have formed the same coujec- 
tm'es, but without examining them so minutely 
as I did. How a work of this kind could exist in 
a counti'y that has hitherto (according to the gen- 
erally received opinion) been the seat of war to 
untutored Indians alone, whose whole stock of 
military knowledge has only, till within tu'o cen- 
turies, amounted to drawmg the bow, and whose 
only breastwork even at present is the thicket, I 
know not. I have given as exact an account as 
possible of this singular appearance, and leave to 
future explorers of those distant regions, to dis- 
cover whether it is a production of nature or art. 
Perhaps the hints I have here given might lead 
to a more perfect investigation of it, and give us 
very different ideas of the ancient state of realms 
that we at present believe to have been, from the 
earliest period, only the habitations of savages." 

Lake Pepin excited his admiration, as it has 
that of every traveler since his day, and here he 
remarks : " I observed the nuns of a French fac- 
tory, where it is said Captain St. Pierre resided, 
and carried on a very great trade with the Nau- 
dowessies, before the reduction of Canada." 

Carver's first acquaintance with the Dahkotahs 
commenced near the river St. Croix. It would 
seem that the erection of trading posts on Lake 
Pepiji had enticed them from their old residence 
on Bum river and Mille Lacs. 

He says: "Near the river St. Croix reside 
bands of the Naudowessie Indians, called the 
River Bands. This nation is composed at pres- 
ent of eleven bands. They were originally 
twelve, but the Assinipoils, some years ago, re- 
volting and separating themselves from the oth- 
ers, there remain at tliis time eleven. Those I 
met here are termed the River Bands, because 
they chiefly dwell near the banks of this river; 
the other eight are generally distinguished by the 



66 



EXPLORERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOIA. 



title of 2<adowessies of the Plains, and inhabit a 
country more to the westward. Tlie names of 
the former are Mehogatawonalis, the ^lawtaw- 
bauntowahs, and Sliashweentowahs. 

Arriving at what is now a suburb of the cap- 
ital of Miimesota, he continues: "About thir- 
teen miles below the Falls of St. Anthony, at 
which 1 arrived the tenth day after 1 left Lake 
Pepin, is a remark.able cave, of an amazing depth. 
The Indians term it AVakon-teebe [AVakan-lipi|. 
Tlic entrance into it is about ten feel wide, the 
height of it five feet. The arch witlun is fifteen 
feet liigli and about thirty feet broad; the bottom 
consists of line, clear sand. About thirty feet 
from the entrance begins a lake, the water of 
which is transparent, and extends to an imsearch- 
able distance, for the darkness of the cave pre- 
ents all attempts to acquire a knowledge of it.] 
I threw a small pebble towards the nterior part 
of it with my utmost strength. I could hear that 
it fell into the water, and, notwithstanding it was 
of a small size, it caused an astonishing and ter- 
rible noise, that reverberated through all those 
gloomy regions. I found in this cave many In- 
dian hieroglyphics, which appeared very ancient, 
for time had nearly covered them with moss, so 
that it was with difFicidty I could trace them. 
They were cut in a rude maimer upon the inside 
of the wall, which was comi)osed of a stone so ex- 
tremely soft that it might be easily penetrated 
•with a knife; a stone everywhere to be found 
near the Mississippi. 

" At a little distance from this dreary cavern, 
is the burying-place of several bands of the Nau- 
dowessie Indians. Though tliese peo]>le have no 
lixed residence, being in tents, and seldom but a 
few months in one spot, yet they always bring 
the bones of the dead to this place. 

" Ten miles below the Falls of St. Anthony, 
the river St. Pierre, called by the natives Wada- 
paw Menesotor, falls into the Mississippi from the 
west. It is not mentioned by Father Hennepin, 
tliough a large, fair river. Tliis oinissi(>n, I con- 
sider, must have proceeded from a small island 
[Pike's] that is situated exactly in its entrance." 

AVlien he reached the ilinnesota ri\er. the ice 
became so troublesome that he left his canoe in 
the neighborhood of what is now St. Anthony, 
imd walked to St. Anthony, in company with a 
yomig Wimiebago chief, who had never seen the 



curling waters. The chief, on reaching the emi- 
nence some distance below Cheever"s. began to 
invoke his gods, and offer oblations to the spirit 
in the waters. 

'■ In the middle of the Falls stands a small 
island, about forty feel broad and somewhat lon- 
ger, on which grow a few cragged hemlock and 
spruce trees, and about half way between this 
island and the eastern shore is a rock, lying at 
the very edge of the Falls, in an oblique position, 
that appeared to be about live or six feet broad, 
and thirty or forty long. At a little distance be- 
low the Falls stands a small island of about an 
acre and a half, on which grow a great number of 
oak trees." 

From this description, it would appear that the 
little island, now some distance below the Falls, 
was once in the very midst, and shows that a con- 
sUmt recession has been going on. and that in 
ages long past they were not far from the Minne- 
sota river. 

No description is more glowing than Carver's 
of the country adjacent: 

" The country around them is extremely beau- 
tiful. It is not an uninterrupted plahi. where the 
eye finds no relief, but composed of many gentle 
ascents, which in the summer are covered with 
the finest verdure, and interspersed with little 
groves that give a pleasing variety to the pros- 
pect. On the whole, when the Falls are inclu- 
ded, which may be seen at a distance of four 
miles, a more pleasing and picturesque view. I 
believe, cannot be foimd throughout the uni- 
verse." 

" lie arrived at the Falls ou the seventeenth of 
November, 17(jG, and appeare to have ascended as 
far as Elk river. 

On the twenty-fifth of November, he had re- 
turned to the jilace opposite the Minnesota, where 
he had left his canoe, and this stream as yet not 
being obstructed with ice, he commenced its as- 
cent, with the colors of Great Britain Hying at 
the stern of his canoe. There is no doubt tlial 
he entered this river, l)ut how far he explored it 
cannot be ascertained, lie speaks of the Kapids 
near Shakopay. and asserts that he went as far as 
two hundred miles beyond ^lendota. He re- 
marks: 

'■ On the seventh of December. I arrived at the 
utmost of my travels towards the West, where I 



SIOUX BURIAL ORATION VERSIFIED BY SCHILLER. 



67 



met a large party of the Naudowessie Indians, 
among whom I resided some months." 

After speaking of the upper bands of the Dah- 
kotahs and their allies, he adds that he " left the 
habitations of the hospitable Indians the latter 
end of April, 1767, but did not part from them 
for several days, as I was aeeompanied on my 
journey by near three hundred of them to the 
mouth of the river St. Pierre. At this season 
these bands annually go to the great cave (Day- 
ton's Bluff) before mentioned. 

Wlien he arrived at the great cave, and the In- 
dians had deposited the remains of their deceased 
friends m the burial-place tliat stands adjacent 
to it, they held their great council to which he 
was admitted. 

When the Naudowessies brought their dead for 
interment to the great cave (St. Paul), I attempted 
to get an insight into the remaining burial rites, 
but whether it was on account of the stench 
which arose from so many dead bodies, or whether 
they chose to keep this part of their custom secret 
from me, I could not discover. I found, however, 
that tliey considered my ciu'iosity as ill-timed, 
and therefore I withdrew. * * 

One formality among the Naudowessies in 
mourning for the dead is very different from any 
mode I observed in the other nations through 
which I passed. The men, to show how great 
tlieir sorrow is, pierce the flesh of their arms 
above the elbows with arrows, and the women 
cut and gash their legs with broken flints till the 
blood flows very plentifully. * * 

After the breath is departed, the body is 
dressed in the same attire it usually wore, his 
face is pamted, and he is seated in an erect pos- 
tiu-e on a mat or skin, placed in the middle of the 
hut, with his weapons by his side. His relatives 
seated around, each in turn liarangues the de- 
ceased; and if he has been a great warrior, re- 
counts his heroic actions, nearly to the foUowmg 
purport, which in the Indian language is extreme- 
ly poetical and pleasing 

'• Yon still sit among us, brother, yovu- person 
retains its usual resemblance, and continues sim- 
ilar to ours, without any visible deficiency, ex- 
cept it has lost the power of action! But whither 
is that breath flown, which a few hom's ago sent 
up smoke to the Great Spirit? Why are those 
lips silent, that lately delivered to us expressions 



and pleasing language? Why are those feet mo- 
tionless, that a few hours ago were fleeter than 
the deer on yonder mountains? "\\Tiy useless 
hang those arms, that could climb the tallest tree 
or draw the toughest bow? Alas, every part of 
that frame wliich we lately beheld with admira- 
tion and wonder has now Ijecome as inanimate as 
it was three hundred years ago! We will not, 
however, bemoan thee as if thou wast forever 
lost to us, or that thy name woidd be buried in 
oblivion; thy soul yet lives in the great country 
of spirits, with those of thy nation that have gone 
before thee; and though we are left behmd to 
pei-petuate thy fame, we will one day join thee. 

" Actuated by the respect we bore thee whilst 
living, we now come to tender thee the last act of 
kindness in our power; that thy body might not 
lie neglected on the plain, and become a prey to 
the beasts of the field or fowls of the air, and we 
will take care to lay it with those of thy predeces- 
sors that have gone before thee; hoping at the 
same time that thy spirit will feed with their 
spirits, and be ready to receive ours when we 
shall also arrive at the great country of souls." 

For this speech Carver is principally indebted 
to his imagination, but it is well conceived, and 
suggested one of Schiller's poems, which Gcethe 
considered one of his best, and wished " he had 
made a dozen such." 

Sir E. Lytton Bulwer the distinguished novelist, 
and Sir John Herschel tlie eminent astronomer, 
have each given a translation of Schiller's " Song 
of the Xadowessee Chief." 

SIR E. L. BULWER'S TRANSLATION. 

See on his mat — as if of yore. 

All life-like sits he here ! 
With that same aspect winch he wore 

When light to him was dear 

But where the right hand's strength ? and where 

Tlie breath that loved to lireathe 
To the Great Spirit, aloft in air. 

The peace pipe's lusty vreeath ? 

And where the hawk-like eye, alas ! 

That wont the deer pm-sue. 
Along the waves of rippling grass. 

Or fields that shone with dew ? 



68 



EXPLORERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



Are these the limber, bounding feet 
That swept the winter's snows ? 

Wiiat stateliest stag so fast and lleet ? 
Their speed outstripped the roe's ! 

These arms, that then the steady bow 

Could sujiple from it's pride, 
How stark and helpless hang they now 

Adown the stifTened side 1 

Yet weal to him— at peace he stays 

Wherever fall the snows ; 
AVhere o'er the meadows springs the maize 

That niortid never sows. 

Where birds are blithe on every brake — 
Wliere orests teem with deer — 

Where glide the fish through every lake — 
One fhase from year to year ! 

With spirits now he feasts alx)ve ; 

All left us to revere 
Tlie deeds we honor witli mir love, 

The dust we bury licre. 

Here bring the last gift ; loud and slirill 
Wail death dirire for the brave ; 

What pleased liiin most in life, may still 
Give pleasure in the grave. 

We 1 ly the axe beneath his head 

Ue swung when strengtli was strong — 

The bear on which liis banepiets fed. 
The ^vay from earth is long. 

jVuiI here, new sharpened, place the knife 

That severed from the clay. 
From wliich tlie axe had spoiled the Ufe, 

Tlie conquered scali) away. 

The paints that di-ck the dead, bestow ; 

Yes, place thcni in liis liand. 
That red the kingly shade may glow 

Amid the spirit land. 

SIK JOHX IIKKSCUEL'S TRANSLATION. 

See, where upon the mat lie sits 

Erect, before his door. 
With just the same majestic air 

That once in life he wore. 



But where is fled his strength of limb. 

The whirlwind of his breath. 
To the Great Spirit, when he sent 

The peace pipe's mounting wreath"? 

AVliere are those falcon eyes, which late 

Along the plain could trace. 
Along the grass's dewy waves 

Tlie reindeer's printed pace'i' 

Those legs, whicli once with matcliless speed, 

I'lew through the drifted snow, 
Snniassed the stag's unwearied course, 

Outran the mountain roe':* 

Tliose anus, once used witli might and main, 

Tlie stubborn bow to twang'? 
See, see, their nerves are slack at last, 

All motionless tliey hang. 

'Tis well with him, for he is gone 

Where snow no more is found, 
AATiere the gay thorn's perpetual 1)loom 

Decks all tlie field around. 

AMiere wild birds sing from every spray. 

Where deer come sweeping by. 
Where lish from every lake afford 

A plentiful supply. 

With spirits now he feasts above. 

And leaves us here alone. 
To celebrate his valiant deeds. 

And round his grave to moan. 

Sound tlie death song, bring forth the gifts. 

The last gifts of the dead,— 
Let all wliich yet may yield him joy 

AVitliin his grave be laid. 

The liatchet place beneath his head 

Still red with hostile blood; 
Anil add, beca\ise the way is long, 

Tlie bear's fat limbs for food. 

The scalpiug-kntfe beside him lay, 

With paints of gorgeous dye. 
That in tlie laud of souls his form 

May sliine triumphantly. 

It appears from other sources that Carver's 
visit to the Dalikotalis was of some effect in bring- 
ing about friendly intercourse between them and 
the commander of the English force at Mackinaw. 



CABVEE'S PROJECT FOB A BOUTE TO THE PACIFIC. 



69 



The earliest mention of the Dahkotahs, in any 
public British documents that we know of, is in 
the correspondence between Sir William Johnson, 
Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Colony 
of New York, and General Gage, in command of 
the forces. 

On the eleventh of September, less than six 
months after Carver's speech at Dayton's Bluff, 
and the departure of a number of chiefs to the 
English fort at Mackinaw, Johnson writes to 
General Gage: "Though I wrote to you some 
days ago, yet I would not mind saying something 
again on the score of the vast expenses incurred, 
and, as I understand, still incurring at Michili- 
mackinac, chiefly on pretense of making a peace 
between the Sioux and Chippeweighs, with which 
I think we have very little to do, in good policy 
or otherwise." 

Sir William Johnson, in a letter to Lord Hills- 
borough, one of his Majesty's ministers, dated 
August seventeenth, 1768, again refers to the 
subject : 

"Much greater part of those who go a trading 
are men of such circumstances and disposition as 
to venture their persons everywhere for extrava- 
gant gains, yet the consequences to the public 
are not to be slighted, as we may be led into a 
general quarrel through their means. The In- 
dians in the part adjacent to Michillmackinac 
have been treated with at a very great expense 
for some time previous. 

"Major Kodgers brings a considerable charge 
against the former for mediating a peace between 
some tribes of tlie Sioux and some of the Chippe- 
weighs, which, had it been attended with success, 
woiild only have been interesting to a very few 
French, and others that had goods in that part 
of the Indian countiy, but the contrary has hap-, 
pened, and they are now more violent, and war 
against one another." 

Though a wilderness of over one thousand 
miles intervened between the Falls of St. An- 
thony and the white settlements of the English, 
Carver was fully impressed with the idea that the 
State now organized under the name of Minne- 
sota, on account of its beauty and fertility, would 
attract settlers. 

Speaking of the advantages of the country, he 
says that the futiu-e population -will be "able to 
convey their produce to the seaports with great 



facility, the current of the river from its source 
to its entrance into the Gulf of Mexico being ex- 
tremely favorable for doing this in small craft. 
This might also in time be facilitated by canah or 
shorter cuts, and a communication opened by water 
with New York by way of the Lakes." 

The subject of this sketch was also confident 
that a route would be discovered by way of the 
Minnesota river, which would open a passage 
to China and the Engliah settlements in the East 
Indies." 

Carver having returned to England, interested 
Wbitworth, a member of parliament, in the 
northern route. Ilad not the American Revolu-^ 
tion commenced, they proposed to have built a 
fort at Lake Pepin, to have proceeded up the 
Minnesota until they found, as they supposed 
they could, a branch of the Iilissouri, and from 
thence, journeying over the summit of lands un- 
til they came to a river which they called Ore- 
gon, they expected to descend to the Pacific. 

Carver, in common with other travelers, had 
his theory in relation to the origin of the Dahko- 
tahs. He supposed that they came from Asia. 
He remarks: "But this might have been at dif- 
ferent times and from various parts — from Tar- 
tary, China, Japan, for the inhabitants of these 
places resemble each other. * ♦ * 

"It is very evident that some of the names and 
customs of the American Indians resemble those 
of the Tartars, and I make no doubt but that in 
some future era, aud this not far distant, it wiU 
be reduced to certainty that during some of the 
wars between the Tartars and Chinese a part of 
the inhabitants of the northern provinces were 
driven from their native country, and took refuge 
in some of the isles before mentioned, and from 
thence found their way into America. * * * 

"Many words are used both by the Chinese and 
the Indians which have a resemblance to each 
other, not only in their sound, but in their signi- 
fication. The Chinese call a slave Shungo; and 
the Noudowessie Indians, whose language, from 
their little intercourse with the Europeans, is 
least corrupted, term a dog Shungush [Shoan- 
kah.J The former denominate one species of their 
tea Shoushong; the latter call their tobacco Shou- 
sas-sau [Chanshasha.] Many other of the words 
used by the Indians contain the syllables che, 
chaw, and chu, after the dialect of the Chinese." 



70 



EXI'LOIiEUa AND riuyEEUS OF MiyyEHOTA. 



Tlio comparison of Iangiiaf,'t's lias become a rich 
source of liistoriciil knowledge, yet many of the 
analogies traced are fanciful. The remark of 
IliimboU in " Cosmos" is worthy of remembrance. 
"As the striielure of American idioms appears 
remarkably strange to nations speaking the mod- 
ern languages of Western Europe, and who readily 
sulTer themselves to he led away by some acci- 
dental analogies of sound, theologians have gen- 
erally believed that they could trace an affinity 
with the Hebrew, Spanish colonists with the 
15as(pie and the English, or French settlers with 
tJaelic, Erse, or the Bas Breton. I one day met 
on the coast of Peru, a Spanish naval officer and 
an English whaling captain, the fontier of whom 
declared that he had heard Basque spoken at Ta- 
hiti; the other, Gaelic or Erse at the Sandwich 
Islands." 

Carver became very poor while in England, 
and was a clerk in a lottery-office. He died in 
1780, and left a widow, two sons, and five daught- 
ers, in New England, and also a child by another 
wife that he had married in (Treat Britain 

^Vfter his death a claim was urged for the land 
upon which the capital of ^Minnesota now stands' 
and for many miles a<ljacent. As there are still 
many persons who believe that they have some 
right through certain deeds pmiJorting to be from 
the heirs of Carver, it is a matter worthy of an 
investigation. 

Carver says nothing in his book of travels In re- 
lation to a grant from the Dahkotahs, but after 
he was buried, it was asserted that there was a 
deed belonging to him in existence, couveyhig 
valuable lands, and that said deed was executed 
at tlie cave now in the eastern suburbs of Saint 
Paul. 

DKED rUKPOKTING TO HAVE BEEN GIVEN AT 
THE CAVE IN THE BLUFF BELOW ST. PAUL. 
" To .Jonathan Carver, :, chief mider the most 
mighty and potent George the Tliird, King of the 
English and other nations, the fame of whose 
warriors has reached our ears, and has now been 
fully told us by our (jiiad brotlier JunullKnt, afore- 
siiid, whom we rejoice to have come among us, 
and bring us good news from his country. 

"We, chiefs of the Naudowessies, who have 
hereunto set our seals, do by these presents, for 
ourselves and heirs forever, in return for the aid 
and other good sei-vices done by the said Jona- 



tlian to ourselves and allies, give grant and con- 
vey to him, the said .Jonathan, an<l to his heirs 
and assigns forever, the whole of a certain tract 
or territory of land, bounded as follows, viz: from 
the Falls of St. Anthony, running on the east 
bank of the Mississippi, nearly southeast, as far 
as Lake Pepin, where the Chi))pewa joins the 
Mississippi, and from thence eastward live days 
travel, accounting twenty English miles per day; 
and from thence again to the Falls of St. Anthony, 
on a direct straight line. We do for ourselves, 
heirs, and assigns, forever give luito the said Jo- 
nathan, his heirs and assigns, with all the trees, 
rocks, and rivers therein, reserving the sole lil)- 
erty of hunting and fishing on land not planted 
or improved by the said Jonathan, his heirs and 
assigns, to which Ave have affixed our respective 
seals. 

" At the Great Cave, May 1st, 176". 

"Signed, II A "WXOPA W J ATIX . 

OTOIITGNGOOMLISIIEAW. " 

The original deed was never exhibited by the 
assignees of the heirs. By his iMiglish wife Car- 
ver had one child, a daughter Martha, who was 
cared for by Sir Kichard and Lady Pearson. In 
time she eloped and married a sailor. A mercan- 
tile iirm in London, thinking that money could 
be made, induced the newly married couple, the 
day after the wedding, to convey the grant to 
them, with the understandbig that they were to 
have a tenth of the profits. 

The merchants despatched an agent by the 
name of Clarke to go to the Dahkotahs, and ob- 
tain a new deed; but on his way he was murdered 
in the state of New York. 

In the year 1794, the heirs of Carver's Ameri- 
can wife, in consideration of fifty thousand pounds 
sterling, conveyed their interest in the Carver 
grant to Edward Houghton of Vermont. In the 
year ls06, Sanuiel I'eters, who had been a tory 
and an Episcopal minister during the Revolu- 
tionary war, alleges, in a petition to Congress, 
that he had also purchased of the heirs of Carver 
their rights to the grant. 

Before the Senate committee, the same year, 
he testified as follows: 

" In the year 1771, 1 anived there (London), 
and met Captain CaiTer. In 177.5, Carver had a 
hearing before the king, praying his majesty's 
approval of a deed of land dated May fli-st, 1767, 



UNITED STATES BEJECT CARVEB'S CLAIM. 



71 



and sold and granted to liim by tlie Naudowissies. 
The result was liis majesty approved of the exer- 
tions and bravery of Captain Carver among the 
Indian nations, near the Falls of St. Anthony, in 
the Mississippi, gave to said Carver 1371L 13s. 8tZ. 
sterling, and ordered a frigate to be prepared, 
and a transport ship to carry one hundred and 
.fifty men, under command of Captain Carver, with 
four others as a committee, to sail the next June 
to ;N"e\v Orleans, and then to ascend the Missis- 
sippi, to take possession of said territory conveyed 
to Captain Carver ; but the battle of Bunker Hill 
prevented." 

In 1821, General Leavenworth, having made 
inquiries of the Dahkotahs, in relation to the 
alleged claim, addressed the following to the 
commissioner of the land office : 

" Sir: — Agreeably to your request, I have the 
honour to inform you what I have understood 
from the Indians of the Sioux Nation, as well as 
some facts within my own knowledge, as to what 
is connnonly termed Carver's Grant. The grant 
purports to be made by the chiefs of (lie Sioux 
of the Plains, and one of the chiefs uses the sign 
of a serpent, and the other of a turtle, purport- 
ing that their names are derived from those ani- 
mals. 

"The land lies on the east side of the Mississ- 
ippi. The Indians do not recognize or acknowl 
edge the grant to be valid, and they among others 
assign the following reasons: 

"1. The Sioux of the Plains never owned a 
foot of land on the east side of the Mississippi. 
The Sioux Xation is divided into two grand di- 
visions, viz: The Sioux of the Lake; or perhaps 
more literally Sioux of the River, and Sioux of 
the Plain. The former subsists by hunting and 
fishing, and usually move from place to place by 
water, in canoes, durmg the summer season, and 
travel on the ice in the winter, when not on 
their hunting excursions. The latter subsist en- 
tirely liy huntuig, and have no canoes, nor do 
they know but little about the use of them. They 
reside in the large prairies west of the Mississippi, 
and follow the buffalo, upon which they entirely 
subsist; these are called Sioux of the Plain, and 
never owned land east of the Mississippi. 

" 2. The Indians say they have no knowledge 
of any such chiefs as those who have signed the 
grant to Carver, either amongst the Sioux of the 



River or the Sioux of the Plain. They say that 
if Captain Carver did ever obtain a deed or 
grant, it was signed by some foolish young men 
who were not chiefs and who were not author- 
ized to make a grant. Among the Sioux of the 
lliver there are no such names. 

" 3. They say the Indians never received any- 
thing for the land, and they have no intention to 
part with it without a consideration. From my 
knowledge of the Indians, I am induced to think 
they would not make so considerable a grant, and 
have it to go into full effect without receiving a 
substantial consideration. 

'• -t. They have, and ever have had, the pos- 
session of the land, and intend to keep it. I 
know that they are very particular in making 
every person who wishes to cut timber on that 
tract obtain their permission to do so, and to ob- 
tain payment for it. In the month of May last, 
some Frenchmen brought a large raft of red cedar 
timber out of the Chippewa River, wliich timber 
was cut on the tract before mentioned. The In- 
dians at one of the villages on the Mississippi, 
where the principal chief resided, compelled the 
Frenchmen to land the raft, and would not per- 
mit them to pass until they had received pay for 
the timber, and the Frenchmen were compelled 
to leave their raft with the Indians until they 
went to Prairie du Chien, and obtained the nec- 
essary articles, and made the payment required." 

On the twenty-third of January, 182;^, the Com- 
mittee of Public Lands made a report on the 
claim to the Senate, which, to every disinterested 
person, is entirely satisfactory. After stating 
the facts of the petition, the report continues: 

" The Rev. Samuel Peters, in his petition, fur- 
ther states that Lefei, the present Emperor of 
the Sioux and Jfaudowessies, and Red AVing, a 
sacliem, the heirs and successors of the two grand 
chiefs who signed the said deed to Captaui Car- 
ver, have given satisfactory and positive proof 
that they allowed their ancestors' deed to be gen- 
uine, good, and valid, and that Captain Carver's 
heirs and assigns are the ovniers of said territory, 
and may occupy it free of all molestation. 

The committee have examined and considered 
the claims thus exhibited by the petitioners, and 
remark that the original deed is not produced, nor 
any competent legal evidence offered of its execu- 
tion ; nor is there any proof that the persons, who 



72 



EXPLOBERS AND FJONEERIS OF MIXXESOTA. 



it is allt'geil made the deed, were the chiefs of 
said tril)e, nor tliat (if cliiefs) they had autliority 
U< grant and give away the land belonging to their 
tribe. The jiaper annexed to the pelition, as a 
copy of said deed, has no subscribing witnesses ; 
and it would seem impossible, at this remote pe- 
riod, to ascertain tlie important fact, that the per- 
sons who signed the deed comprehended and 
xmderstood the meaning and effect of their act. 

" Tlie want of proof as to these facts, would 
interpose in the waj of the claimants insuperable 
difficulties. But, in the opinion of the committee, 
the claim is not such as tlie United States are 
under any obligation to allow, even if the deed 
were proved in legal form. 

'■ The British government, before the time when 
the alleged deed bears date, had deemed it pru- 
dent and necessary for the preservation of peace 
with the Indian tribes under their sovereignty, 
protection and doniinion, to prevent British sub- 
jects from purchasing lands from the Indians, 
and this rule of jxilicy was made known and en- 
forced by the proclamation of the king of Great 
Britain, of seventh October, 1763, wliich contains 
an express prohibition. 

" Captain Carver, aware of the law, and know- 
ing that such a contract could not vest the legal 
title in him, applied to the British government to 
ratify and coulirm the Indian grant, and, though 
it was competent for that government then to 
confirm the grant, and vest the title of said land 



in him. yet. from some cause, that government 
did not think proper to do it. 

" The territory has since become the property 
of the United States, and an Indian grant not 
good against the British government, would ap- 
pear to be not binding uuon the United States 
government. 

" What benefit the British government derived 
from the services of Captain Carver, by his trav- 
els and residence among the Indians, that gov- 
ernment alone could determine, and alone could 
judge what remuneration those services dcsened. 

" One fact appears from the declaration of Mr. 
Peters, in his statement in writing, among the 
papers exliiljited, namely, that the British gov- 
ernment did give Captain Carver the sum of one 
thousand three hundred and seventy-flve pomids 
six shillings and eight pence sterling. To the 
United States, liowever. Captain Carver rendered 
no services wliich could be assumed as any equit- 
able ground for the support of the petitioners' 
claim. 

" The committee being of opinion that the 
United Slates are not bound in law and equity to 
confirm the said alleged Indian grant, recom- 
mend the adoption of the resolution: 

" ' liesolved. That the prayer of the petitioners 
ought not to be granted." ' 

Lord ralmcrston stated in 1839, that no trace 
could be foimd in the records of tlie British 
office of state papers, showing any ratification of 
the Carver grant. 



EXPLORATIONS BY LIEUTENANT Z. M. PIKE. 



73 



CHAPTER Xir. 

EXPLORATION BY THE FIRST UNITED STATES ARMY OFFICER, LIEUTENANT Z. 31. TIKE. 



Trading Posts at the beginning of Nineteentli Century.— Sandy Latte Fort. — 
I,eeeli Lake Fort.— William Morrison, before Schoolcraft at It.i^ca Lalte.— Divi- 
sion of Northwest Territory.— Organization of Indiana, Michigan and Upper 
Louisiana.— Notices of Wo.i'], Frazer, Fisher, Cameron, Faribault.— Early 
Traders.— Pike's Council at Mouth of Minnesota River.— Grant for Military 
Posts.— Encampment at Falls of St. Anthony.— Block House near Sw-an River. 
—Visit to Sandy and Leech Lakes.— British Flag Shot at and Lowered.— 
Thompson, Topographer of Northwest Company. — Pike at Dickson's Trading 
Post. — Returns to Mendota. — Fails to find Carver's Cave. — Conference with 
Little Crow. —Cameron sells Liquor to Indians. 

At the beginning of the present century, the 
region now known as ^linnesota, contained no 
white men, except a few engaged in tlie fur trade. 
In the treaty effected by Hon. John Jay, Great 
Britain agreed to withdraw her troops from all 
posts and places withiu certain bonndary lines, 
on or before the first of June, 1796, but all Brit- 
ish settlers and traders might remain for one 
year, and enjoy all their former privileges, with- 
out being obliged to be citizens of the United 
States of America. 

In the year 1800, the trading posts of Minnesota 
were chiefly held by the Northwest Company, 
and their chief traders resided at Sandy Lake, 
Leech Lake, and Ton du Lac, on St. Louis Eiver. 
In the year 1794, this company built a stockade 
one hundred feet square, on the southeast end of 
Sandy Lake. There were bastions pierced for 
small arms, in the sontheast and in the northwest 
corner. The pickets which surrounded the post 
were thirteen feet high. On the nortli side tliere 
was a gate ten by uuie feet ; on the west side, one 
six by five feet, and on the east side a third gate 
six by five feet. Travelers entering the main 
gate, saw on the left a one story building twenty 
feet square, the residence of the superintendent, 
and on the left of the east gate, a building twenty- 
five by fifteen, the quarters of the voyageni;s. 
Entering the western gate, on the left was a stone 
house, twenty by thirty feet, and a house twenty 
by forty feet, used as a store, and a workshop, 
and a residence for clerks. On the south sliore 
of Leech Lake there was another establishment, 
a little larger. The stockade was one hundred 



and fifty feet square. The main building ■was 
sixty by twenty-five feet, and one and a half story 
In height, where resided the Director of the fur 
trade of the Fond du Lac department of the North- 
west Company. In the centre was a small store, 
twelve and a half feet stjuare, and near the main 
gate was flagstaff fifty feet in height, from 
which used to float the flag of Great Britain. 

William Jlorrison was, in 1802, the trader at 
Leech Lake, and in 1804 he was at Elk Lake, the 
source of the Mississippi, thirty-two years after- 
wards named by Schoolcraft, Lake Itasca. 

The entire force of the Northwest Company, 
west of Lake Superior, in 1805, consisted of three 
accountants, nineteen clerks, two interpreters, 
eighty-five canoe men, and with them were 
twenty-nine Indian or half-breed women, and 
about fifty cliildren. 

On the seventh of May, 1800, the Northwest 
Territory, which included all of the western 
country east of the Mississippi, was di'vided. 
The portion not designated as Oliio, was organ- 
ized as the Territory of Indiana. 

On the twentieth of December, 1803, the 
province of Louisiana, of which that portion of 
Minnesota west of the Mississippi was a part, 
was ofiicially delivered up by the French, who 
had just obtained it from the Spaniards, accord- 
ing to treaty stipulations. 

To the transfer of Louisiana by France, after 
twenty days' possession, Spain at first objected; 
but in 1804 witlidrew all opposition. 

President Jefferson now deemed it an object 
of paramount importance for the United States 
to explore the couuti'y so recently acquired, and 
make the acquaintance of the tribes residing 
therein ; and steps were taken for an expedition 
to the upper Mississippi. 

Early in March, 1804, Captain Stoddard, of the 
United States army, arrived at St. Louis, the 
agent of the French Eepublic, to receive from 



74 



EXl'LOliKltS AM) VIOSKEHS OF MiyAJiiiOrA. 



the Spanish aiithd-.itii's the possession of tlie 
country, wiiich lie immediately trausfened to the 
United States. 

As the old settlers, on the tenth of March, saw 
the ancient (lag of Spain displaced by that of the 
United States, the tears coursed down their 
cheeks. 

On the twentieth of the same month, the terri- 
tory of Upper Lonisiana was constituted, com- 
prising the present states of Arkansas, Missouri, 
Iowa, and a large portion of Minnesota. 

On the eleventh of January, 1805, the terri- 
tory of Michigan was organized. 

The first American ofTicer who visited Minne- 
sota, on business of a jtublic nature, was one who 
was an ornament to his profession, and in energy 
and endurance a true representative of the citi- 
zens of the United States. AVe refer to the 
gallant Zebulou ^Montgomery Pike, a native of 
New Jersey, who afterwards fell in battle at 
York. Upper Canada, and whose loss was justly 
mourned by the whole nation. 

AVhen a young lieutenant, he was ordered by 
General AVilkinson to visit the region now known 
as ilinneso'ta, and expel the British traders who 
were found violating the laws of the United 
States, and form alliances with the Indians. 
With only a few common soldiers, he was obliged 
to do the work of several men. At times he 
would precede his party for miles to reconnoitre, 
and then he wmilil do the duty of hunter. 

During the day he would perform the part of 
surveyor, geologist, and astronomer, and at night, 
though hungry and fatigued, his lofty enthu- 
siasm kept him awake until he copied the notes, 
and plotted the coui-ses of the day. 

On the 4th day of September, 1805, Pike ar- 
rived at Prairie du Chien, from St. Louis, and 
was politely treated by three traders, all born un- 
der the flag of the ITnited States. One was named 
Wood, anotlier Frazer, a native of Vermont, 
who, when a young man became a clerk of one 
Blakely, of Montreal, and thus became a fur 
trader. The third was Henry Fisher, a captain 
of the ^Militia, and Justice of the Peace, whose 
wife was a daughter of Goutier de Yerville. 
Fisher was said to have been a nephew of Pres- 
dent Monroe, and later in life traded at the 
sources of the :Minnesota. One of his daughters 
was the mother of Joseph Rolette, Jr., a mem- 



ber of the early ilinnesota Legislative assem- 
blies. On the eightli of the month Lieutenant 
Pike left Prairie du Chien, in twobatteaux, with 
Sergeant Henry Kennerman, Corporals AVilliam 
K. Mack and Samuel IJradley, and ton privates. 
At La Crosse, Frazer, of Prairie du Chien, 
overtook him, and at Sandy point of Lake Pepin 
he found a trader, a Scotchman by the name of 
^Murdoch Cameron, with his son, and a yoinig 
man named John Rudsdell. On the twenty- 
first lie breakfasted with the Kaposia band of 
Sioux, who then dwelt at the marsh below Day- 
ton's lilulY, a few miles below St. Paul. The 
same day he passed three miles from Mendota 
the encampment of ,J. B. Faribault, a trader and 
native of Lower Canada, then about thirty years 
of age, in w-hich vicinity he continued for more 
than fifty years. He married Pelagic the daugh- 
ter of Francis Kinnie by an Indian woman, 
and liis eldest son, Alexander, bom soon after 
I'iko's visit, was the founder of the town of 
Faribault. 

Arriving at the confluence of the Minnesota 
and the Mississippi Rivers, Pike and his soldiers 
encamped on the Northeast point of the island 
which still bears his name. The next day was 
Siniday, and he visited Cameron, at his trailing 
post on the Minnesota River, a short distance 
above Mendota. 

On Monday, the 23d of September, at noon, 
he held a Council with the Sioux, imder a cover- 
ing made by suspendhig sails, and gave an ad- 
mirable talk, a portion of which was as follows : 
I. " Brothers, I am happy to meet you here, at 
this council fire which your father has sent me to 
kindle, and to take you by the hands, as our chil- 
dren. We having but lately acquired from the 
Spanish, the extensive territory of Louisiana, our 
general lias thought proper to send out a number 
of his warriors to visitall his red children ; to tell 
them his will, and to hear what reijuest they may 
have to make of their father. I am happy the 
choice fell on me to come this road, as I find 
my brothers, the Sioux, ready to listen to my 
words. 

" Brothers, it is the wish of oin- government to 
establish military iwsts on the L'pper Mississippi, 
at such places as might be thought expedient. I 
have, therefore, examined the country, and have 
pitched on the mouth of the river St. Croix, tliis 



GRANT OF LAND FROM THE SIOUX. 



75 



lilace, and the Falls of St. Anthony ; I therefore 
wish you to grant to the United States, nine 
miles square, at St. Croix, and at this place, from 
a league below the confluence of the St. Peter's 
and Mississippi, to a league above St. Anthony, 
extending three leagues on each side of the river ; 
and as we are a people who are accustomed to 
have all our acts written down, in order to have 
them handed to our cliildren, I have drawn up a 
form of an agreement, which we will both sign, 
in the presence of the traders now present. After 
we know the terms, we will fill it up, and have it 
read and interpreted to you. 

" Brothers, those posts are intended as a bene- 
fit to you. The old chiefs now present must see 
that theu' situation improves by a communication 
with the whites. It is the intention of the Unfiled 
States to establish at those posts factories, in 
which the Indians may procure all their things 
at a cheaper and better rate than they do now, or 
than your traders can afford to sell them to you, 
as they are single men, who come from far in 
small boats; but your fathers are many and 
strong, and will come with a strong arm, in large 
boats. There will also be chiefs here, who can 
attend to the wants of their brothers, without 
thek sending or going all the way to St. Louis, 
and will see tlie traders that go up your rivers, 
and know that they are good men. * * * * 

"Brothers, I now present you with some of 
your father's tobacco, and some other trifling 
things, as a memorandum of my good will, and 
before my departure I w^ill give you some liquor 
to clear your throats." 

Tlie traders, Cameron and Frazer, sat with 
Pike. His interpmter was Pierre Eosseau. 
Among the Chiefs present were Le Petit Cor- 
beau (Little Crow), and Way-ago Enagee, and 
L'Orignal Leve or Rising Moose. It was with 
difficulty that the chiefs signed the following 
agreement; not that they objected to the lan- 
guage, but because they thought tlieir word 
should be taken, witliout any mark ; but Pike 
overcame their objection, by saying that he wished 
them to sign it on his account. 

""Wliereas, at a conference held between the 
United States of America and the Sioux na- 
tion of Indians, Lieutenant Z. M. Pike, of the 
army of the United States, and the chiefs and 
warriors of said tribe, have agreed to the follow- 



ing articles, which, when ratified and approved of 
by the proper authority, shall be binding on both 
parties : 

Art. 1. Tliat the Sioux nation gi'ant unto the 
United States, for the purpose of establishment 
of mihtary posts, nine miles square, at the mouth 
of the St. Croix, also from below the confluence 
of the Mississippi and St. Peter's, up the Jlissis- 
sippi to include the Falls of St. Anthony, extend- 
ing nine miles on eaclr side of the river ; that the 
Sioux Nation grants to the United States the full 
sovereignty and power over said tUstrict forever. 
Art. 2. That m consideration of the above 
grants, the United States shall pay [filled up by 
the Senate with 2,000 dollars]. 

Art. 3. The United States promise, on their 
part, to permit the Sioux to pass and repass, himt, 
or make other use of the said districts, as tliey 
have formerly done, without any other exception 
than those specified in article first. 

In testimony whereof, we, the undersigned, 
have hereiuito set our hands and seals, at the 
mouth of the river St. Peter's, on the 23d day of 
September, 1805. 

Z. M. PIKE, [L. S.] 
1st Lieutenant and agent at the above conference. 

his 

LE PETIT CORBEAU, X [L. S.] 

mark 

his 

WAY-AGO ENAGEE, X [L. S.] 

mark " 

The following entries from Pike's .Journal, des- 
criptive of the region around the city of ]SIinne- 
apolis, seventy-five years ago, are worthy of pres- 
ervation: 

"Sept. 26th, IVmrsdaj/.— Embarked at the usual 
hour, and after much labor in passing through 
the rapids, arrived at the foot of the Falls about 
three or four o'clock ; unloaded my boat, and had 
the prmcipal part of her cargo carried over the 
portage. With the other boat, however, full 
loaded, they were not able to get over the last 
slioot, and encamped about six yards below. I 
pitclied my tent and encamped aliove the shoot. 
The rapids mentioned in this day's march, might 
properly be called a continuation of the Falls of 
St. Anthony, for they are equally entitled to this 
appellation, with the Falls of the Delaware and 



76 



EXPLORERS AND PIONEERS OF MIKXEHOTA. 



Sus(iiiehaiiiia. Killed one deer. Distance nine 
miles 

Sept. 27tli, J-'n'iZn.y. liroiifrlil overthe residue 
of my loading Uiis inoniing. Two men arrived 
from Mr. Frazer, on St. I'eters, lor my dispatches. 
This busmess, closing and sealing, appeared like 
a last adien to the civilized world. Sent a large 
packet to the tJeneral, and a letter to Mrs. I'ike, 
with a short note to Mr. Frazer. Two young 
Indians brought my flag across by land, who ar- 
rived yesterday, just as we came in sight of the 
Fall. I made them a present for their punctual- 
ity and expedition, and the danger they were ex- 
posed to from the journey. Carried our boats out 
of the river, as far as the bottom of the bill. 

Sept. 28th, <S'aYuid((y.— Jirought my barge over, 
and put her in the river above the Falls. While 
we were engaged with her three-fourths miles 
from camp, seven Indians painted black, appeared 
on the heights. We had left our gmis at the 
camp and were entirely defenceless. It occurred 
tome that they were the small party of Sioux who 
were obstinate, and would go to war, when the 
other part of the bands came in ; these they 
proved to be ; they were better armed tlian any I 
had ever seen ; having guns, bow^s, arrows, clubs, 
spears, and some of them even a case of pistols. 
I was at that time giving my men a dram ; and 
giving the cup of liquor to the first, he clrank it 
off ; but 1 was more cautious with the remainder. 
I sent my interpreter to camp with them, to wait 
my coming ; wishing to purchase one Oi their war 
clubs, it being made of elk horn, and decorated 
with Inlaid work. This and a set of bow-s and 
arrows I wished to get as a curiosity. But the 
liquor I had given him began to operate, he came 
back for me, but refusing to go till I brought my 
boat, he returned, and (I suppose being offended) 
borrowed a canoe and crossed the river. In the 
afternoon got the other boat near the top of the 
hill, when the props gave way, and she slid all the 
way down to the bottom, but fortiniately without 
injuring any person. It raining very hard, we 
left her. Killed one goose and a racoon. 

Sept. 29th, Sunday.— I killed a remarkably 
large racoon. Got our large boat over the port- 
age, and put her in the river, at the upper land- 
ing; this night the men gave sufficient proof of 
their fatigue, by all throwing themselves down to 
sleep, preferrmg rest to supper. This day I had 



but fifteen men out of twenty-two ; the others 
were sick. This voyage could have been per- 
formed with great convenience, if we had taken 
our departure in June. IJut the proper time 
would be to leave the Ilhnois as soon as the ice 
would permit, when the river would be of a good 
height. 

Sept. 30th, Monday. — Loaded my boat, moved 
over and encamped on the Island. The large boats 
loading likewise, we went over and put on Vioard. 
In the mean time, I took a survey of the Falls, 
Portage, etc. If it be possible to pass the Falls 
in high water, of which I am doubtful, it must 
be on the East side, about thirty yards from 
shore : as there are three layers of rocks, one be- 
low- the other. The pitch off of either, is not 
more than five feet ; but of this I can say more 
on my rehmi. 

On the tenth of October, the expedition 
reached some 'arge island below Sauk Kapids, 
where in 1797, Porlier and Joseph Renville had 
wintered. Six days after this, he reached the 
Rapids in Morrison county, which still bears his 
name, and he writes: "When we arose in the 
morning, found that snow had fallen during the 
night, the ground was covered and it continued 
to snow. This, indeed, was but poor encourage- 
ment for attacking the Rapids, in which we were 
certain to wade to our necks. I was determined, 
however, if possible to make la riviere de Cor- 
beau, [Crow Wing River], the highest point was 
made by traders in their bark canoes. We em- 
barked, and after four hours work, became so 
benumbed with cold that our limbs were perfectly 
useless. We put to shore on the opposite side of 
the river, about two-thii'ds of the way up the 
rapids. Built a large fire ; and then discovered 
that our boats were nearly half full of water; 
both having sprung large leaks so as to oblige me 
to keep three hands bailing. My sergeant (Ken- 
nerman) one of the stoutest men I ever knew, 
broke a blood-vessel and vomited nearly two 
quarts of blood. One of my corporals (Hradley) 
also evacuated nearly a pint of blood, when he 
attemjited to void his urine. These unhappy 
circumstances, in addition to the inability of 
four other men whom we were obliged to leave 
on shore, convinced me, that if I had no regard 
for my own health and constitution. I should 
have some for those poor fellows, who were kill- 



PIKE'S BLOCK MOUSE JSEAR SWAN RIVER. 



77 



ing tliemselves to obey my orders. After we had 
breakfast and refreshed ourselves, we went down 
to our boats on the rocks, where I was obliged to 
leave them. I then informed my men that we 
would return to the camp and there leave some 
of the party and our large boats. This informa- 
tion was pleasing, and the attempt to reach the 
camp soou accomplished. !My reasons for this 
step have partly been already stated. The nec- 
essity of imloading and refitting my boats, the 
beauty and convenience of the spot for building 
huts, the fine pine trees for pproques, and the 
quantity of game, were additional inducements. 
Weimmediately rmloaded our boats and secured 
their cargoes. In the evening I went out upon a 
small, but beautiful creek, which emptied into 
the Falls, for the purjjose of selecting pme trees 
to make canoes. Saw five deer, and killed one 
buck weighing one hundred and thirty-seven 
poiuids. By my leaving men at this place, and 
from the great quantities of game in its vicinity, 
I was ensiu'ed plenty of provision for my return 
voyage. In the party left beliind was one himter, 
to be continually employed, who would keep our 
stock of salt provisions good. Distance two 
hundred and thirty-three and a half miles above 
tlie Falls of St. Anthony. 

Ilaving left his large boats and some soldiers 
at this point, he proceeded to the vicinity of 
Swan River where he erected a block house, and 
on the thirty-flrst of October he writes: "En- 
closed my little work completely with pickets. 
Hauled up my two boats and turned them over 
on each side of tlie gateways ; by which means 
a defence was made to the river, and had it not 
been for various poUtical reasons, I would have 
laughed at the attack of eight hundred or a 
thousand savages, if all my party were witliiu. 
For. except accidents, it would only have afford- 
ed amusement, the Indians having no idea of 
taking a place by storm. Found myself power- 
fully attacked with the fantastics of the brain, 
called ennui, at the mention of which I had 
hitherto scoffed ; but my books being packed up, 
I was like a person entranced, and could easily 
conceive why so many persons who have been 
confined to remote places, acquire the habit of 
drinldng to excess, and many other vicious prac- 
tices, which have been adopted merely to pass 
time. 



During the next month he himted the buffalo 
which were then in that vicinity. On the third 
of December he received a visit from Robert 
Dickson, afterwards noted in the history of the 
country, who was then trading about sixty miles 
below, on the Mississippi. 

On the tenth of December witli some sleds he 
continued his journey northward, and on the last 
day of the year passed Pine River. On the third 
of January, 1806, he reached the trading post at 
Red Cedar, now t'ass Lake, and was quite indig- 
nant at finding the British flag floating from the 
staff. The night after this his tent caught on 
fire, and he lost some valuable and necessary 
cli thing. On the evening of the eighth he reach- 
ed Sandy Lake and was hospitably received by 
Grant, the trader in charge. He writes . 

"Jan. 9th, Thursday. — Marched the corporal 
early, in order that our men should receive 
assurance of our safety and success. He carried 
with him a small keg of spirits, a present from 
Mr. Grant. The establishment of this place was 
formed twelve years smee, by the North-west 
Company, and was formerly under the charge of 
a Mr. Charles Brusky. It has attained at present 
such regularity, as to permit the superintendent 
to live tolerably comfortable. They have horses 
they procured from Red River, of the Indians ; 
raise plenty of Irish potatoes, catch pike, suckers, 
pickerel, and white fish in abundance. They 
have also beaver, deer, and moose ; but the pro- 
vision they chiefly depend upon is wild oats, of 
which they purchase great quantities from the 
savages, giving at the rate of about one dollar 
and a half per bushel. Btit flour, pork, and salt, 
are almost interdicted to persons not principals 
in the trade. Flour sells at half a dollar ; salt a 
dollar; pork eighty cents; sugar half a dollar; 
and tea four dollars and fifty cents per pound. 
The sugar is obtained from the Indians, and is 
made from the maple tree." 

He remained at Sandy Lake ten days, and on 
the last day two men of the Northwest Company 
arrived with letters from Fon du Lac Superior, 
one of which was from Alhapuscow, and had 
been since May on the route. 

On the twentieth of January began his journey 
to Leech Lake, which he reached on the first of 
February, and was hospitably received by Hugh 



EXPLOSERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



Mpflillis, tlie liead of the Northwest Company at 
this post. 

A Mr. Anderson, in the employ of Robert 
Dickson, was residing at the westend of tlielalve. 
"While liere he hoisted tlie American Hag in the 
fort. Tlie English yacht still flying at the top of 
the llagstatT, he directed tlie Indians and his sol- 
diers to shoot at it. They soon broke the iron 
pin to which it was fastened, and it fell to the 
ground, lie was infcnined by a venerable old 
Ojibway chief, called Sweet, that the Sioux dwelt 
there when he was a youth. On the tenth of 
February, at ten o'clock, he left Leech Lake with 
CoHKH-al Bradley, the trader McGillis and two of 
his men, and at sunset arrived at Ked Cedar, now 
Cass Lake. At this place, in 1798, TlKjmpson, 
emi)loyed by the Northwest Company for three 
years, in topographical surveys, made some ob- 
servations. He believed that a line from the 
Lake of the Woods would touch the sources of 
the Mississippi. Pike, at this point, was very 
kindly treated by a Canadian named Roy, and his 
Ojibway squaw. On his return home, he reached 
Clear River on the seventh of April, where he 
found his canoe and men, and at night was at 
Grand Rapids, Dickson's trading post, lie talked 
imtil four o'clock the next morinng witli this 
person and another trader named I'orlier. lie 
forbade while there, the traders Greignor [Grig- 
non] and La Jennesse, to sell any more licpior to 
Indians, who had become very drunken and un- 
ruly. On the tenth he again reached the Falls 
of Saint iVnthouy. ile writes iu his journal as 
follows : 

Aruii, 11th, Frid'iii. — Although it snowed very 
hard we brought over both boats, and descended 
the river to the island at the entrance of the St. 
Peter's. I sent to the chiefs and informed them 
I had something to communicate to them. The 
Fils de Pinclio immediately waited on me, and 
informed me that he woidd provide a place for 
the puiiiose. About sundown I was sent for and 
introduced into the coinicil-house, where I found 
a great many chiefs of the Sussitongs, (Jens de 
Feuilles, and the Gens du Lac. The Yanctongs 
had not yet come down. They were all awaiting 
for my an-ival. Tliere were about one hundred 
lodges, or six hundred people; we were saluted 
on our crossing the river with ball as usual. The 
council-house was two large lodges, capable of 



containing three hundred men. In the upper 
were forty chiefs, and as many pipes set against 
the poles, alongside of which I had the Santeur's 
pipes arranged. I then informed thciu in short 
detiiil, of my transactions with the Santeui-s; but 
my intenireters were not capiible of makuig them- 
selves understood. I was therefore obliged to 
omit mentioning every particular relative to llie 
rascal who lircdon my sentinel, and of the scoun- 
drel who broke the Fols Avoins' canoes, and 
threatened my life; the interpreters, however, in- 
formed them that I wanted some of their princi- 
pal chiefs to go to St. Louis; and that those who 
thought proper might descend to the prairie, 
where we would give them more exiilicit infor- 
mation. They all smoked out of the Santeur's 
pipe, excepting three, who were painted black, 
and were some of those who lost their relations 
last winter. I invited the Fils de I'inchow, and 
the son of tlic Killeur Rouge, to come over and 
sup with me: wlien ^Ir. Dickson and myself en- 
deavored to exiilain what 1 intended to have said 
to them, could 1 have made my.self imderstood; 
that at the prairie we would have all things ex- 
plained; that 1 was desirous of making a belter 
report of them than Captain Lewis coxdd do from 
their treatment of him. Tlie former of those 
savages was the person who remained around my 
post all last winter, and treated my men so well; 
they endeavored to excuse their people. 

"Ai'KiL 12th, Snturday. — Embarked early. Al- 
though my interpreter had been frecpiently up the 
river, he could not tell me where the cave (spoken 
of by Carver) could be foimd ; we carefidly 
sought for it. but in vain. At the Indian village, 
a few miles below St. Peter's, we were about to 
pass a few lodges, but on receiving a very partic- 
ular invitation to come on shore, we landed, and 
were received in a lodge kindly; they presented 
us sugar. I gave the proprietor a dram, and was 
about to depart when he demanded a kettle of 
liquor; on being refused, and after 1 had left the 
shore, he told me he did not like the aiTange- 
ments, and that he woidd go to war this summer. 
I directed the interpreter to tell him that if I 
returned to St. Peter's with the troops. I would 
settle that affair with him. On our arrival at the 
St. Croix, I found the Pettit Corbeau with his 
people, and Jlessrs. Frazer and "Wood. AVe had 
a conference, when the Pettit Corbeau mad- 



CAMERON SELLS LIQUOB TO INDIANS. 



many apologies for the misconduct of his people; 
he represented to us the different manners in 
which the young warriors had been inducing him 
to go to war; that he had lieen much blamed for 
dismissing his party last fall; but that he was de- 
termined to adhere as far as lay in his power to 
our instructions; that he thought it most prudent 
to remain here and restrain the warriors. He 
then presented me with a beaver robe and pipe, 
and his message to the general. That he was 
determined to preserve peace, and make tlie road 
clear; also a remembrance of his promised medal. 
I made a reply, calculated to confirm him iu his 
good intentions, and assured him that he should 
not be the less remembered by his father, although 
not present. I was informed that, notwithstand- 
ing the instruction of his license, and my par- 
ticular request, ilurdoch Cameron had taken 
liquor and sold it to the Indians on tlie river St. 
Peter's, and that his partner below had been 



equally imprudent. I pledged myself to prose- 
cute them according to law; for they have been 
the occasion of great confusion, and of much 
injury to the other traders. Tliis day met a 
canoe of Mr. Dickson's loaded with provisions, 
under the charge of Mr. Anderson, brother of 
the :Mr. Anderson at Leech Lake. He politely 
offered me any provision he had on board (for 
which Mr. Dickson had given me an order), but 
not now being in want, I did not accept of any. 
This day, for the first time, I observed the trees 
beginning to bud, and indeed the climate seemed 
to have changed very materially since we passed 
the Falls of St. .zVnthony." 

The strife of political parties growing out of 
the French Eevolution, and the declaration of 
war against Great Britain in the year 1812, post- 
poned the military occupation of the Upper 
ilississippi by the United States of America, for 
several years. 



80 



EXPLORERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



ClIAPTEll XIII. 

TIIK TALT.KY OF THK UPPER MISSISSIPPI DUliINO SECOND AVAK WITH (iRKAT liRir^UN. 



Dickson nnd otlirr trnjora Iioslil-^ -Aiiicricnn utockiwie at Prairie du Chiou — Fort 
Shelby snrrcnd.n to Lt. Co], William McKiiy— Loyal traders Provencallo and 
Faribault— UisiiiK Moose or One-eyed Sioux— Cayt. Bulger evacuates Fort 
McKny— UtoUij.nce of Toaco. 



Notwithstaiuling the professions of frieudsliip 
made to Pike, in tlie second war witli (ireat Brit- 
ain, Dickson and otliers were found bearing arms 
against tlie Republic. 

A year after I'ike left Praii-ie du Cliien, it was 
evident, that muler some secret influence, the 
Indian tribes were combining against the United 
States. In the year 1809, Xicholas Jarrot declared 
that tlie I'.ritish traders were furnishmg the sav- 
ages with ginis for hostile purposes. On the first 
of May, 1812, two Indians were apprehended at 
Chicago, who were on their way to meet Dickson 
at Green Bay. They had taken the precaution 
to hide letters ui their moccasins, and bury them 
in the ground, and were allowed to proceed after 
a brief detention. Frazer, of Prairie du Chien, 
who had been with Pike at the Council at the 
moulh of the Minnesota Elver, was at the port- 
age of the Wisconsin when the Indians delivered 
these letters, \\hich stated that the British flag 
would soon be llyuig again at Mackinaw. At 
Green Bay, the celebrated warrior. Black Hawk, 
was placed in charge of the Indians who were to 
aid the British. Tlie American troops at iSIacki- 
naw were obliged, on the seventeenth of July, 
1812, to capitulate without tiring a single gun. 
One who was made prisoner, writes from Detroit 
to the Secretary of War : 

" The persons who commanded the Indians are 
Eobert Dickson, Indian trader, and John Askin, 
Jr., Indian agent, and his son. The latter two 
were painted and dressed after the manner 
of the Indians. Those who commanded the 
Canadians are John Johnson. Crawford, Pothier, 
Armitinger, I..a Croix, Rolette, Franks, Living- 
ston, and other traders, some of whom were lately 
concerned in smuggling British goods into the 



Indian country, and, in conjunction with others, 
have been ushig their utmost efforts, several 
months before the declaration of war, to excite 
the Indians to take up arms. The least resist- 
ance from the fort would have been attended 
with the destiii(;tion of all the persons who fell 
uito the hands of the British, as I liave been as- 
sured by some of the British traders." 

On the first of May, 1814, Governor Clark, 
with two hundred men, left St. Louis, to build a 
fort at the junction of the Wisconsin and Mis.sis- 
sipiii. Twenty days before he arrived at Prairie 
du Cliicn, Dickson had started for Mackinaw 
with a band of Dahkotahs and Winnebagoes. 
The place was left in command of Captain Deace 
and the Mackinaw Fencibles. The Dahkotahs 
refusing to co-operate, when the Americans made 
their appearance they fled. The Americans look 
possession of the old Mackinaw house, in which 
they found nine or ten trunks of papers belong- 
ing to Dickson. From one they took the follow- 
ing extract : 

"'Arrived, from below, a few Wimicbagoes 
with scalps. C;a\e them tobacco, six pounds 
powder and six pounds ball.' " 

A fort \Aas immediately commenced on the 
site of the old residence of the late II. L. Dous- 
man, which was composed of two block-houses 
in the angles, and another on the bank of the 
river, with a subterranean communication. In 
honor of the governor of Kentucky it was named 
"Shelby." 

The fort was in charge of Lieutenant Perkins, 
and sixty rank and file, and two gunboats, each 
of wliicli carried a six-pounder; and several 
howitzers were commanded by Captains Yeiser, 
Sulli\aii, and Aid-de-camp Kennerly. 

The traders at Mackinaw, learning that the 
Americans had built a fort at the Prairie, and 
knowing that as long as they held possession 
they would be cut off from the ti^ade with the 



LOYALTY OF FARIBAULT AND THE ONE-EYED SIOUX. 



8] 



Dahkotahs, immediately raised an expedition to 
capture tlie garrison. 

The captain was an old trader by the name of 
McKay, and imder him was a sergeant of ar- 
tillery, with a brass sLx-poimder, and three or 
four volimteer companies of Canadian voyageurs, 
officered by Captains Griguon, Kolette and An- 
derson, with Lieutenants Brisbois and Duncan 
Graham, all dressed in red coats, with a number 
of Indians. 

The Americans had scarcely completed their 
rude fortification, before the British force, guid- 
ed by Joseph Kolette, Sr., descended in canoes 
to a point on the Wisconsin, several miles from 
the Prairie, to which they marched in battle 
array. JSIcKay sent a Hag to the Fort demanding 
a surrender. Lieutenant Perkins replied that he 
would defend it to the last. 

A fierce encounter took place, in which the 
Americans were worsted. The officer was 
wounded, several men were killed and one of 
their boats captured, so that it became necessary 
to retreat to St. Louis. Fort Shelby after its 
capture, was called Fort McKay. 

Among the traders a few remained loyal, es- 
pecially Provencalle and J. B. Faribault, traders 
among the Sioux. Faribault was a prisoner 
among the British at the time Lieut. Col. Wm. 
McKay was preparing to attack Fort Shelby, and 
he refused to perform any service, Faribault's 
wife, who was at Prairie du Chien, not knowing 
that her husband was a prisoner in the hands of 
the advancing foe, fled with others to the Sioux 
village, where is now the city of Winona. Fari- 
bault was at length released on parole and re- 
turned to his trading post. 

Pike writes of his flag, that " beuig in doubt 

whether it had been stolen by the Indians, or had 

fallen overboard and floated away, I sent for my 

friend the Orignal Leve.'' He also calls the 

Chief, Rising ^loose, and gives his Sioux name 

Tahamie. He was one of those, who in 1805, 

signed the agreement, to surrender land at the 

jimction of the Minnesota and ]\Iississippi Rivers 

to the United States. He had but one eye, 

having lost the other when a boy, belonged to 

the Wapasha band of the Sioux, and proved 

true to the flag which had waved on the day he 

sat in council with Pike. 

In the fall of 1814, with another of the same 
6 



nation, he ascended the Missouri under the pro- 
tection of the distinguished trader. Manual Lisa, 
as far as the Au Jacques or James River, and 
from thence struck across the country, enlisting 
the Sioux in favour of the United States, and at 
length arrived at Prairie du Chien. On his arri- 
val, Dickson accosted him, and inquired from 
whence he came, and what was his business ; at 
the same time rudely snatclung his bundle from 
his shoulder, and searching for letters, The 
"one-eyed warrior"' told him that he was from 
St. Louis, and that he had promised the white 
chiefs there that he would go to Prairie du Chien, 
and that he had kept his promise 

Dickson then placed him in confinement in 
Fort McKay, as the garrison was called by the 
British, and ordered him to divulge what infor- 
mation he possessed, or he would put him to 
death. But the faithfid fellow said he would 
impart nothing, and that he was ready for death 
if he wished to kill him. Findmg that confine- 
ment had no effect, Dickson at last liberated him. 
He then left, and visited the bands of Sioux on 
the Upper Mississippi, with which he passed the 
winter. When he returned in the spring, Dick- 
son had gone to Mackinaw, and Capt. A. Bulger, 
of the Royal New Foundland Regiment, was In 
command of the fort. 

On the twenty-third ot May, 1815, Capt. Bul- 
ger, wrote from Fort McKay to Gov. Clark at St. 
Loms : " Official Intelligence of peace reached 
me yesterday. I propose evacuating the fort, 
taking with me the guns captured in the fort. * 
* * * I have not the smallest hesitation in 
declaring my decided opinion, that the presence 
of a detachment of British and United States 
troops at the same time, would be the means of 
embroiling one party or the other in a fresh rup- 
ture with the Indians, which I presmne it is the 
wish of both governments to avoid." 

The next month the " One-Eyed Sioux," with, 
three other Indians and a squaw, visited St. Louis, 
and he informed Gov. Clark, that the British 
commander left the camions in the fort when he 
evacuated, but in a day or two came back, took 
the cannons, and fired the fort with the American 
flag flying, but that he rushed in and saved it 
from being burned. From this time, the British 
flag ceased to float in the Valley of the Missis- 
sippi. 



82 



EXPLOREBS AND nONEERS OF MIXXESOTA. 



CUAPTER XIV. 



long's expedition, a. D. i817, IN A SIX-OAUKD SKIKF, TO THK FALLS OF SAIXT AXTIIOXY. 



CUTOra Grandsons.— Roque, Sioux Intfrprct«r.— Wapashaw's Villapo anj Its 
Vicinity.— A Sacred Dance— Indian ViUiiso Bolow D«>'ton*s Bluff.— (.■iir%cr's 
Cave— fountain Cave.— FiJ Is of St. Anthony Described.— Site or a Fort. 

Major Stephen II. Long, of the Engineer Corps 
of tlie United States Army, learning that there 
was little or no danger to be apprehenthnl from 
the Indians, determiued to ascend to the Falls of 
Saint Anthony, in a sLx-oared skiff presented to 
him hy Governor Clark, of Saint Lonis. His 
party consisted of a Mr. Hempstead, a native of 
New London, Connecticut, who had been living 
at Prairie du Chien, seven .soldiers, and a half- 
breed interpreter, named Uoqne. A bark canoe 
accompanied them, containing Messrs. Gun and 
King, grandsons of the celebrated traveler, Jona- 
than Carver. 

On the ninth ot -luly, 1817, the expedition left 
Prairie du Chien, and on the twelfth arrived at 
" Trempe a I'eau." lie writes : 

" "When we stopped for breakfast, Mr. Hemp- 
stead and myself ascended a high peak to take a 
view of the country. It is known by the name 
of the Kettle Hill, having obtained this appella- 
tion from the circumstance of its having numer- 
ous piles of stone on its top, most of them 
fragments of the rocky stratifications which 
constitute the principal part of the hill, but some 
of them small piles made by the Indians. These 
at a distance have some similitude of kettles; 
arranged along upon the ridge and sides of tlie 
hill. From this, or almost any other eminence in 
its neighborhood, the beauty and grandeur of the 
prospect would bailie the skill of the most inge- 
nious pencil to depict, and that of the most ac- 
toini)lishcd pen to describe. Hills marslialed 
into a variety of agreeable shapes, some of them 
towering into lofty peaks, while others present 
broad summits embellished with contours and 
slopes in the most pleasing manner; champaigns 
and waving valleys; forests, lawns, and parks 
alternating with each other; tlie humble Missis- 



sippi meandering far below, and occasionally 
losing itsel- in numberless islands, give variety 
and beauty to the picture, while rugged cliffs and 
stupendous precipices here and tliere present 
themselves as if to add boldness and majesty to 
the scene. In the midst of this beautiful scenery 
is situated a village of the Sioux Indians, on an 
extensive lawn caUed the Aux .iVisle Prairie ; at 
which we lay by lor a short time. On our arrival 
the Indians hoisted two American Hags, and we 
returned the comliliment by discliarging our 
blunderbuss and pistols. Tlicy then tired several 
guns ahead of us by way of a salute, after which 
we landed and were received with much friend- 
ship. The name of their chief is Waiippaushaw, 
or the Leaf, commonly called liy ;i name of the 
same import in French, La Feuille, or La Fye, 
as it is pronoimced in English. He is considered 
one of the most honest and honorable of any of 
the Indians, and endeavors to inculcate into the 
minds of his people the sentiments and principles 
adopted by himself. He was not at home at the 
time I called, and I had no opportunity of seeing 
him. The Indians, as I suppose, with the ex- 
pectation that I had something to communicate 
to them, assembled themselves at the place 
where I landed and seated themselves upon the 
grass. I inquii-ed if their chief was at home, ' 
and was answered in the negative. I then told 
them I should be very glad to see him, but as he 
WIS absent I would call on him again in a few 
d.ays when I should return. I further told them 
tliat cur father, the new President, wished to ob- 
tain some more information relative to his red 
children, and that I was on a tour to acquire any 
intelligence he might stand in need of. A\'ith 
this they appeared well satisfied, and permitted 
Mr. Hempstead and myself to go through tlieir 
village. "Wliile.T Wiis in the wigwam, one of tiie 
subordinate chiefs, whose name was '\Vazzecoota 
or Shooter from the Pino Tree, voluuteered to 



INITIATION OF A WARBIOR BY A SACRED DANCE. 



83 



accompany me up the river. I accepted of his 
services, and. he was ready to attend me on the 
tour in a very short time. When we hove in 
^iglit tlie Indians v^'ere engaged in a ceremony 
called the Bear Dance; a ceremony which they 
are in the habit of performing when any young 
man is desirous of bringing himself into particu- 
lar notice, and is considered s, kind of initiation 
into the state of manhood. I went on to the 
ground where they had their performances, 
which were ended sooner than usual on account 
of our arrival. There was a kind of flag made 
of fawu skin dressed with the hair on, suspended 
on a pole. Upon the flesh side of it were drawn 
certain rude figures indicative of tlie dream 
which it is necessary the young man should have 
dreamed, before he can be considered a proper 
candidate for this kind of initiation; with this a 
pipe was suspended by way of sacrifice. Two 
arrows were stuck up at the foot of the pole, 
and fragments of painted feathers, etc., were 
strewed about the ground near to it. These per- 
tained to the religious rites attending the cere- 
mony, which consists in bewailing and self-mor- 
tification, that the Good Spirit may be induced 
to pity them and succor their undertaking. 

" At the distance of two or three hundred 
yards from the flag, is an excavation which they 
call the bear's hole, preparecT for the occasion. 
It is about two feet deep, and has two ditches, 
about one foot deep, leading across it at riglit an- 
gles. The young hero of the farce places himself 
in this hole, to be hunted by the rest of the young 
men, all of whom on this occasion are dressed in 
their best attire and pamted in their neatest style. 
Tiie hunters approach the hole in the direction of 
one oi the ditches, and discharge their guns, 
wJucii were previously loaded for the purpose 
with blank cartridges, at the one who acts the 
part of the bear; whereupon he leaps from his 
den, Jiaviiig a hoop in each hand, and a wooden 
lance ", the hoops serving as forefeet to aid him 
in characterizmg his part, and his lance to defend 
him from his assailants. Thus accoutred he 
dances round the place, exhibiting various feats 
of activity, while the other Indians pursue him 
and endeavor to trap him as he attempts to re- 
turn to liis den, to effect whiili he is privileged to 
use any violence he pleases with impunity against 



his assailants, and even to taking the life of any 
of them. 

" This part of the ceremoiiy is performed three 
times, that the bear may escape from his den 
and retin-n to it again through three of the ave- 
nues communicating with i'-. On being hunted 
from the fourth or last avenue, the bear must 
make his escape through all lii^ pursuers, if pos- 
sible, and flee to the woods, whei li^. t j remain 
through the day. This, however, is seldom or 
never accomplished, as all the young men exert 
themselves to the utmost in order to trap him. 
When caught, he must retire to r lodge erected for 
his reception in the field, where he is to be se- 
cluded from all society through the day, except 
one of his particular friends whom he is allowed 
to take with him as an attendant. Here he 
smokes and performs various other rites which 
superstition has led the Indian;' to believe are sa- 
cred. After this ceremon:, is ended, the young 
Indian is considered qualified to act any part as 
an eflicient member of their community. The 
Indian who has the good fortune to catch the 
bear and overcome him when endeavoring to 
make his. escape to tlie woods, is considered a 
candidate for preferhlent, and is on the first suit- 
able occasion appointed the leader of a small war 
party, in order that he may further have an op- 
portunity to test his prowess and perform more 
essential service tii behalf of his nation. It is 
accordingly expected that he will kill some of 
their enemies and return with their scalps. I re- 
gretted very much that I had missed the oppor- 
tunity of witnessing this ceremony, which is 
never performed except wlien prompted by the 
particular dreams of one (u- other of the young 
men, who is never complimented twice in the 
same manner on account of Iiis dreams." 

On the sixteenth he approached the vicuiity of 
where is now the capital of Minnesota, and 
writes : " Set sail at half past four this morning 
with a favorable breeze. Passed an Indian bury- 
ing ground on our left, the first that I have seen 
surrounded by a fence. In the centre a pole is 
erected, at the foot of which religious rites are 
performed at the burial of an Indian, by the 
particular friends and relatives of the deceased. 
Upon the pole a flag is suspended when any per- 
son of extraordinary merit, or one who is very 
much beloved, is buried. In the enclosure were 



B4 



EXPLOREIiS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



two scaffolds erected also, about six feet high 
and six feet square. I'ikhi one of them were two 
coffins containing dead bodies. Passed a Sionx 
village on our right containing fourteen cabins. 
The name of the chief is tlie Petit Corheau, or 
Little Kaven. The Indians were all absent on a 
hunting party up tlie River St. Croix, which 
is but a little distance across the country from 
the village. Of this we were very glad, as this 
band arc said to be the most notorious beggars 
of all the Sioux on the Mississippi. One of their 
cabins is furnished with loop holes, and is sit- 
uated so near the water that the opposite side 
of the river is within musket-shot range from 
the building. By this means the Petit Corbeau 
is enabled to exercise a command over the pass- 
age of the river and has in some instances com- 
pelled traders to land with their goods, and in- 
duced them, probably through fear of oflfending 
him, to bestow presents to a considerable amount, 
before he would sutler them to pass. Tlie cabins 
are a kind of stockade buildings, and of a better 
appearance than any Indian dwellings I have 
before met with. 

" Two miles above the vill.ige, on the same 
side of the river, is Carver's Cave, at which we 
stopped to breakfast. However interesting it 
may have been, it does not possess tliat character 
in a very high degree at present. We descend- 
ed it with lighted candles to its lower exti-emity. 
The entrance is very low and about eight feet 
broad, so that a man in order to enter it must be 
completely prostrate. The angle of descent 
witliin the cave is about 2o deg. The flooring 
is an inclined plane of quicksand, formed of the 
rock in which the cavern is formed. The dist- 
ance from its entrance to its inner extremity is 
twenty-f<inr paces, and tlie width in the broadest 
part about nine, and its greatest height about 
seven feet. In shape it resembles a bakers 's oven. 
Tlie caveni was once probably much more ex- 
tensive. My interpreter informed nic that, since 
his rememljrance, the entrance was not less 
than ten feet high and its length far greater than 
at present. The rock in whicli it is formed is 
a verj' white sandstime, so friable that the frag- 
ments of it will almost crumble to sand when 
taken into the hand. A few yards below the 
mouth of the cavcni is a very copious spring of 
fine water issuing from the bottom of the clilT. 



" Five miles above this is the Foimtain Cave, 
on the same side of the river, formed in the sjime 
kind of sandstone but of a more pure and tine 
quality. It is far more curious and interesting 
than the former. The entrance of the cave is a 
large winding hall about one hundred and fifty 
feet ill length, fifteen feet in width, and from 
eight to sixteen feet m height, finely arched 
overhead, and nearly perpendicular. Next suc- 
ceeds a narrow passage and ditlicnlt of entrance, 
which opens into a most beautiful circular room, 
finely arched above, and about forty feet in di- 
ameter. The cavern then continues a meander- 
ing course, expanding occasionally into small 
rooms of a circular form. We penetrated about 
one hundred and fifty yards, till our candles 
began to fail us, when we returned. To beauti- 
fy and embellish the scene, a fine crystal stream 
flows through the cavern, and cheers the lone- 
some dark retreat with its enlivening murmurs. 
The temperature of the water in the cave was 
46 deg., and that of the air 60 deg. Entering 
this cold retreat from an atmosphere of 89 deg., 
I thought it not prudent to remain in it long 
enough to take its several dimensions and me- 
ander its courses ; particularly as we had to wade 
in water to our knees in many places in order to 
penetrate as far as we went. The fountain sup- 
plies an abundance of water as fine as 1 ever 
drank. This cavern I was informed by my 
interpreter, has been discovered but a few years. 
That the Indians formerly li\'ing in its neighbor- 
hood knew nothuig of it till within six years 
past. Tliat it is not the same as that described 
l)y Carver is evident, not only from this circum- 
stance, but also from the circumstance that in- 
stead of a stagnant pool, and only one accessible 
r<)i>m of a very different form, this caveni has 
a brook running through it, and at least four 
rooms in succession, one after the other. Car- 
ver's Cave is fast filling up with sand, so that 
no water is now foiuid in it, whereas this, from 
the very nature of the place, must be enlarging, 
as the fountain will carry along with its current 
all the sand tliat falls into it from the roof and 
sides of the cavern." 

On the night of the sixteenth, he arrived at the 
Falls of Saint Anthony and encamped on the east 
shore just below the cataract. He writes in his 
journal : 



DESCRIPTION OF FALLS OF SAINT ANTHONY. 



85 



"The place where we encamped last night need- 
ed no embellishment to render it romantic in the 
highest degree. The banks on both sides of the 
river are about one hundred feet high, decorated 
with trees and shrubberj- of various kinds. The 
post oak, hickory, walnut, linden, sugar tree, 
white birch, and the American box ; also various 
evergreens, such as the pine, cedar, jmiiper, 
etc., added their embellishments to the scene. 
Amongst the shrubery were the prickly ash, 
plum, and cherry tree, the gooseberry, the black 
and red raspberry, the chokeljerry, grape vine, 
etc. There were also various kinds of herbage 
and flowers, among which were the wild parsley, 
rue, spikenard, etc., red and white roses, morning 
glory and various other handsome flowers. A 
few yards below us was a beautiful cascade of 
fine spring water, pouring down from a project- 
ing precipice about one hiuidred feet bight. On 
our left was the Mississippi hurrying through its 
channel with great velocity, and about three 
quarters of a mile above us, in plain view, was 
the majestic cataract of the Falls of St. Anthony. 
The murmuring of the cascade, the roaring of the 
river, and the thunder of the cataract, all contrib- 
uted to render the scene the most interesting and 
magnificient of any I ever before witnessed."' 

"The perpendicular fall of the water at the 
cataract, was stated by Pike in his journal, as six- 
teen and a half feet, which I found to be true by 
actual measurement. To this height, however, 
four or five feet may be added for the rapid des- 
cent which immediately succeeds to the perpen- 
dicular fall within a few yards below. Immedi- 
ately at the cataract the river is divided into two 
parts by an island which extends considerably 
above and below the cataract, and is about five 
hundred yards long. The channel on the right 
side of the Island is about three times the width 
of that on the left. The quanity of water pass- 
ins through them is not, however, in the same 
proportion, as about one-third part of the whole 
passes through the left channel. In the broadest 
channel, just below the cataract, is a small island 
also, about fifty yards in length and thirty in 
breadth. Both of these islands contain the same 
kind of rocky formation as the banks of the river, 
and are nearly as liigh. Besides these, there are 
immediately at the foot of the cataract, two 
islands of very inconsiderable size, situated in 



the right channel also. The rapids commence 
several hundred yards above the cataract and 
continue about eight miles below. The fall of 
the water, beginning at the head of the rapids, 
and extending two hundred and sixty rods down 
the river to where the portage road commences, 
below the cataract is, according to Pike, fifty- 
eight feet. If this estimate be coiTect the whole 
fall from the head to the foot of the rapids, is not 
probably much less than one hundred feet. But 
as I had no instrument sufficiently accurate to 
level, where the view must necessarily be pretty 
extensive, I took no pains to ascertain the extent 
of the fall. The mode I adopted to ascertain 
the height of a cataract, was to suspend a line 
and plummet from the table rock on the south 
side of the river, which at the same time had 
very little water passing over it as the river was 
unusually low. The rocky formations at this 
place were arranged in the following order, from 
the surface downward. A coarse kind of Ume- 
stone in thin strata containing considerable silex; 
a kind of soft friable stone of a greenish color 
and slaty fracture, probably contauiing lime, 
aluminum and silex ; a very beautiful satratifica- 
tion of shell limestone, in thin plates, extremely 
regular in its formation and containing a vast 
number of shells, all apparently of the same 
kind. This formation constitutes the Table Rock 
of the cataract. The next in order is a white or 
yellowish sandstone, so easily crumbled that it 
deserves the name of a sandbank rather than that 
of a rock. It is of various depths, from ten to 
fifty or seventy-flve feet, and is of the same char- 
acter with that found at the caves before des- 
cribed. The next in order is a soft friable sand- 
stone, of a greenish color, similar to that resting 
upon the shell limestone. These stratifications 
occupied the whole space from the low water 
mark nearly to the top of the bluft's. On the east, 
or rather north side of the river, at the Falls, are 
high grounds, at the distance of half a mile from 
the river, considerably more elevated than the 
bluffs, and of a hilly aspect. 

Speaking of the bluff at the confluence o^ Jie 
Mississippi and Minnesota, he writes: "A military 
work of considerable magnitude might be con- 
structed on the point, and might be rendered 
sufliciently secure by occupying the commanding 
height in the rear in a suitable manner, as the 



86 



BXPLOBERS AND PIONEERS OF iflNNESOTA. 



latter would control not only the point, but all 
tlie neiiihliorinfr licights, to the full extent of a 
twelve pounder's range. The work on tlie point 
would be necessary to control the navigation of 
tlie two rivers. But without the connnanding 
work in the rear, would be liable to be greatly 
annoyed from a height situated directly opposite 



on llie other side of the Mississippi, which is 
liere no more than about two hundred and lifly 
yards wide. This latter heiglit, liovvever, would 
not be eligible for a permanent post, on account 
of the numerous ridges and ravines situated im- 
mediately iu its rear." 



EARLY HISTOBY OF RED lilVEH VALLEY. 



87 



CHAPTER XV. 



TH03IAS DOTTGLAS, EARL OF SELKIRK, AND THE RED RIVER VALLEY. 



Early travelers to Lake Winnipeg — Earliest Map liy tlie Indian Otchaga — Benin's 
allusion to it — Vercndrye's Map— De la Jcmeraye's Map — Fort La Reine— Fort 
on Red River abandoned — Origin of name Red Lake — Earl of Selkirk— Ossini- 
boia described— Scotch immigrants at Pembina— Strife of trading companies- 
Earl of Selkirk \Tsits America— Governor Seniplc Killed— Romantic life of John 
Tanner, and his son James— Letter relative to Selkirk's tour through Minne- 
sota. 

The valley of the Eed River of the North is 
not only an important portion of Minnesota, but 
has a most interesting history. 

AVliile there is no evidence tliat Groselliers, the 
first ■white man "who explored Minnesota, ever 
visited Lake "Winnipeg and the Red River, yet he 
met the Assineboines at the head of Lake Supe- 
rior and at Lake Nepigon, while on his ■way by a 
northeasterly trail to Hudson's Bay, and learned 
something of this region from them. 

The first person, of whom we have an account, 
■who visited the region, was an Englishman, who 
came m 1692, by way of York River, to Winni- 
peg- 

Ochagachs, or Otchaga, an intelligent Indian, in 
1728, assured Pierre Gualtierde Varenne, known 
in history as the Sieur Verendrye, while he was 
stationed at Lake Nepigou, that there was a 
communication, largely l)y water, west of Lake 
Superior, to the Great Sea or Pacific Ocean. The 
rude map, drawn by this Indian, was sent to 
France, and is still preserved. Upon it is marked 
Kamanistigouia, the fort first established by Du 
Luth. Pigeon River is called ^Mantohavagane. 
Lac Sasakanaga is marked, and Rainy Lake is 
named Tecamemiouen. The river St. Louis, of 
Minnesota, is R. fond du L. Superior. The 
Prench geographer, Bellin, in his "Remarks 
upon the map of North America," published in 
175.5, at Paris, alludes to this sketch of Ochagachs, 
and says it is the earliest drawing of tlie region 
west of Lake Superior, in the Depot de la Marine. 

After this Verendrye, in 1737, drew a map, 
which remains unpublished, which shows Red 
Lake in Northern ilinnesota, and tlie pomt of 
the Big Woods in the Red River Valley. There 



is another sketch in the archives of France, 
dra\\'n by De la .Jemeraye. He was a nephew of 
Verendrye, and, under his uncle's orders, he was 
in 1731, the first to advance from the Grand 
Portage of Lake Superior, by way of the Nalao- 
uagan or Groselliers, now Pigeon River, to Rainy 
Lake. On this appears Fort Rouge, on the south 
bank of the Assmeboine at its j miction ■with the 
Red River, and on the Assineboine, a post estab- 
lished on October 3, 1738, and called Fort La 
Reine. Bellin describes the fort on Red River, 
but asserts that it was abandoned because of its 
vicinity to Fort La Reine, on the north side of 
the Assimieboine, and only about nine miles by 
a portage, from Swan Lake. Red Lake and Red 
River were so called by the early French explo- 
rers, on account of the reddish tint of the waters 
after a storm. 

Thomas Douglas, Earl of Selkirk, a wealthy, 
kind-hearted but visionary Scotch nobleman, at 
the commencement of tlie present century formed 
the design of planting a colony of agriculturists 
west of Lake Superior. In the year 1811 he 
obtained a grant of land from the Hudson Bay 
Company called Ossiniboia, which it seems 
strange has been given up by the people of Man- 
itoba. In the autumn of 1812 a few Scotchmen 
vith their families arrived at Pembina, in the 
Red River Valley, by way of Hudson Bay, where 
they passed the winter. In the winter of 1813-14 
they were again at Fort Daer or Pembma. The 
colonists of Red River were rendered very un- 
happy by the strife of rival trading companies. 

In the spring of 1815, ^IcKenzie iind Morrison, 
traders of the Northwest company, at Sandy 
Lake, told the Ojibway chief there, that they 
would give him and liis band all the goods and 
rum at Leech or Sandy Lakes, Jf they would an- 
noy the Red River settlers. 

The Earl of Selkirk hearing of the distressed 
condition of his colony, sailed for America, and 



8S 



EXPLORERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



in the fall of 1815, ai-rived at New York City. 
Proceeding to ilontreal he found a messenger 
who liad traveled on foot in mid-winter from the 
Red Kiver by way of lied Lake and Fon du Lac, 
of Lake Superior, lie sent back by this man, 
kind messages to the dispirited settlei-s, but one 
niglil lie was way-laid near Fon du Lac, and 
robbed of his canoe and disi)atches. An Ojib- 
way chief at Sandy Lake, aftei-wards testifled 
tliat a trader named Grant offered him rum' and 
tobacco, to send persons to intercept a bearer of 
dispatches to lied River, and soon tlie messenger 
■was brought in by a negro and some Indians. 

Failing to obtain military aid from the 
Britisli authorities in Canada, Selkirk made an 
engagement with four officers and eighty privates, 
of the discharged Meuron regiment, twenty of 
the De Watteville, and a few of the Glengary 
Fencibles, which had served in the late war with 
the United States, to accompany liim to Red 
River. They were to receive monthly wages for 
navigating the boats to lied Iliver, to have lands 
assigned them, aud a free passage if they wished 
to return. 

"When he reached Sault St. Marie, he received 
the intelligence that the colony had again been 
destroyed, aud that Semple, a mild, amiable, but 
not altogether judicious man, the chief governor 
of the factories and territories of tlie Hudson 
Bay company, residing at Red River, had been 
killed. 

Schoolcraft, in 1832, says he saw at Leech 
Lake, Majegabowi, the man who had killed Gov. 
Semple, after he fell woimded from his horse. 

Before he heard of the deatli of Semple, the 
Earl of Selkirk had made arrangements to visit 
his colony by way of Fon du Lac, on the St. Louis 
River, and Red Lake of iSIinnesota, but he now 
changed his mind, and proceeded with his force 
to Fort AVilliam, tlie chief trading post of the 
Xorthwest Company on Lake Superior ; and ap- 
prehending the principal partners, warrants of 
commilnienl were issued, aud they were forward- 
ed to the Attorney-General of T'pper Canada. 

While Selkirk was engaged at Fort 'WiUiam, 
a party of emigrants in charge of Jliles McDon- 
nel, Governor, and Captain D"Orsomen, went 
forward to reinftrce the colony. At Rainy 
Lake they obtained the guidance of a man who 
had all the characteristics of an Indian, and yet 



had a bearing which suggested a different origin. 
By his efficiency and temperate habits, he had se- 
cured the respect of his employers, and on the Earl 
of Selkirk's arrival at Red Iliver, his attention was 
called to him, and in his welfare he became 
deeply interested. By repeated conversations 
with him. memories of a different kind of exist- 
ence were aroused, and the light of other days 
began to brighten. Though he liad forgotten his 
father's name, he furnislied sufficient data for 
Selkirk to proceed with a search for his relatives. 
Visiting the United States in 1817, he published 
a circular m the papers of the Western States, 
which led to the identification of the man. 

It appeared from his own statement, ami 
those of liis friends, tliat his name was John 
Tanner, the son of a minister of the gospel, who, 
about the year 17W, lived on the Ohio river, near 
the Miami. .Shortly after his location there, a 
band of rovmg Indians passed near the house, 
and found John Tanner, then a little hoy, fillmg 
his hat with wahiuts from under a tree. They 
seized him and fled. The party was led by an 
Ottawa whose wife had lost a son. To compen- 
sate for his deatli, the mother begged that a boy 
of the same age might be captured. 

Adopted by the band, Tanner grew up an 
Indian in his tastes and habits, and was noted 
for bravery. Selkirk was successful in finduig 
his relatives. -Vfler twenty-eight years of sepa- 
ration, John Tanner in 1818, met his brother 
Edward ni'ar Detroit, and went with him to his 
home in Missouri. He soon left his brother, and 
went back to the Indians. For a time he was 
interpreter for Henry 11. Schoolcraft, but became 
lazy and ill-natured, and m ISSii, skulking behind 
some bushes, he shot and killed Schoolcraft's 
brother, and fled to the wilderness, where, in 
1847, he died. His son, James, was kindly treats- 
ed by the missionaries to the Ojibways of ^liune- 
sota; but he walked in the footsteps of his father. 
In the year 1851, he attempted to impose upon 
the Presbyterian minister in Saint Paul, and, 
when detected, called upon the Baptist minister, 
who, beUeving him a penitent, cut a hole in the 
ice, and received him into the clnuvh by immer- 
sion. In time, the Baptists found liim out, wlien 
he became an I'nitarian missionary, and, at last, 
it is said, met a death by violence. 

Lord Selkirk was in the Red River \'alley 



EAnL OF .SELKIBK VISITS SAINT LOUIS. 



89 



during the summer of 1817, and on the eighteenth 
of July concluded a treaty with the Crees and 
Saulteaux, for a tract of land beginning at the 
mouth of the Red Eiver, and extending along 
the same as far as the Great Forks (now Grand 
Forks) at the mouth of Red Lake Eiver, and 
along the Assinniboiue River as far as JSIusk Eat 
River, and extending to the distance of six miles 
from Fort Douglas on every side, and likewise 
from Fort Daer (Pembina) and also from the 
Great Forks, and in other parts extendLng to the 
distance of two miles from the banks of the said 
rivers. 

Having restored order and confidence, attend- 
ed by three or four persons he crossed the plains 
to the Minnesota River, and from thence pro- 
ceeded to St. Louis. The Indian agent at 
Prairie du Chien was not pleased with Selkirk's 
trip through ^Minnesota ; and on the sixth of 
February, 1818, wrote the Governor of Illinois 
under excitement, some groundless suspicions : 

•' What do you suppose, sir, has been the re- 
sult of the passage through my agency of this 
British noblemanV Two entire bands, and part 
of a third, all Sioux, have deserted us and joined 
Dickson, who has distributed to them large quan- 
tities of Indian presents, together with flags, 
medals, etc. Knowing this, what must have been 
my feelings on hearing that his lordship had met 
with a favourable reception at St. Louis. The 
newspapers announcing his arrival, and general 
Scottish appearance, all tend to discompose me ; 
believing as I do, that he is plottuig with his 
friend Dickson our destruction — sharpening the 
savage scalping knife, and colonizing a tract of 
country, so»remote as that of the Red Riv«r, for 
the pui-pose, no doubt, of monopolizuig the fur 
and peltry trade of this river, the Itlissouri and 
their waters ; a trade of the first importance to 
our Western States and Territories. A courier 
who had aiTived a few days since, confirms the 
belief that Dickson is endeavouring to mulo what 
I have done, and secure to the British govern- 
ment the affections of the Sioux, and subject the 
Northwest Company to his lordship. * '• *' 



Dickson, as I have before observed, is situated 
near the head of the St. Peter's, to wliich place 
he transports his goods from Selkirk's Red River 
establishment, in carts made for the pmpose. 
The trip is performed in live days, sometimes 
less. He is directed to buDd a fort on the high- 
est land between Lac du Traverse and Red River, 
which he supposes will be the established lines. 
, This fort will be defended by twenty men, with 
two small pieces of artillery." 

In the year 1820, at Berne, Switzerland, a cir- 
cular was issued, signed, R. May D'Uzistorf, 
Captaui, iu his Britannic Majesty's service, and 
agent Plenipotentiary to Lord Selkirk. Like 
many documents to induce emigration, it was so 
highly colored as to prove a delusion and a 
snare. The climate was represented as " mild 
and healthy." " Wood either for building or 
fuel in the greatest plenty," and the country 
supplying " m profusion, whatever can be re- 
quired for the convenience, pleasm-e or comfort 
of life." Remarkable statements considering 
that every green thing had been devoured the 
year before by grasshoppers. 

Under the influence of these statements, a num- 
ber were induced to embark. In the spring of 
1821, about two hundred persons assembled on 
the banks of the Rhine to proceed to the region 
west of Lake Superior. Having descended the 
Rhine to the vicinity of Rotterdam, they went 
aboard the ship '' Lord Wellington," and after a 
voyage across the Atlantic, and amid the ice- 
floes of Hudson's Bay, they reached York Fort. 
Here they debarked, and entering batteaux, as- 
cended Nelson River for twenty days, when they 
came to Lake Winnipeg, and coasting along the 
west shore they reached the Red River of the 
North, to feel that they had been deluded, and 
to long for a milder clime. If they did not sing 
the Switzer's Song of Home, they appreciated its 
sentiments, and gradually these immigrants re- 
moved to the banks of the ilississippi Rivei". 
Some settled in Minnesota, and were the first to 
raise cattle, and till the soil. 



90 



EXTLOBEBH AXD PIOyEEIiS OF MIXXESOTA. 



CIL-VPTER XYI. 



FOET SNELLIKG DTJKING ITS OCCTJPANCY BY COMPANIES OF THE FIFTH HEGniENT V. S. rNTANTKY. 

A. D. 1819, TO A. D. 1827. 



Orders for militAry occupation of Upp«r Mississippi— Lcavenworili nnd For*j-th 
nt Prturio du Cliicn— Birth In Civmp— Troops nrrivo at Mondota— Caiitoument 
Estaldished— Wh.at carricl to rc-mltina— Notice of Dovotion, Prpscolt, aii'l 
Major Taliaferro— Camp Cold Water Established— Col. Snelling takes coiiininnd 
— Impressive Scene— OfHcers in 1820— Condition of the Fort in 1821— Saint 
Anthony Mill— Alexis Baitly takes cattle to rembina— Notice of Beltrami— 
Arrival of lirst SteanilMjat— Major Voug's Expedition to Northern Boundary- 
Beltrami visits the northern sources of the Mississippi— First flour mill— First 
Sunday School— Great flood in IS-JO. African slaves at the Fort— Stearahoat 
Arrivals — Duels — Notice of William Joseph Snelling — Indian fight at the Fort— 
Attick upon keel boats — (icneral Gaiues' report— Removal of Fifth Ucinment — 
Death of Colonel Snelling. 

The rumor tliat Lord Selkirk was founding a 
colony on the bonlers of the I'liited States, and 
that the British trading companies within the 
boundaries of what beciune the territory of Min- 
nesota, convinced the antliorities at AVaslmigton 
of the importance of a military occupation of the 
valley of the Upper :Mississippi. 

By direction of ilajor General Brown, the fol- 
lowing order, on the tenth of February, 1819, was 
issued : 

"Major General Macomb, commander of the 
Fifth Military dcpiirtnient, will without delay, 
concentrate at J>etioit tlie Fifth Begiment of In- 
fantry, excepting the recruits otherwiso directed 
by the general order herewith transmitted. As 
soon as tlie navigation of the lakes will admit, he 
will cause the regiment to be transported to Fort 
Howard; from thence, by the way of the Fox 
and Wisconsin Rivers, to I'rairie du Cliien, and, 
after detaching a sutlicient number of companies 
to garrison Forts Crawford and Armstrong, the 
remainder will proceed to the mouth of the River 
St. Peter's, where they will establish a post, at 
which the headquartei-s of the regiment will be 
located. Tlie regiment, previous to its depar- 
ture, will receive the necessary suiiplics of cloth- 
ing, provisiiins, arms, andaminunition. linnie- 
diate application will be made to Brigadier Gen- 
eral Jesup, Quartermaster General, for fmids 
necessary to execute the movements reiiuired by 
this order." 

On the thirteenth of April, this additional order 
was issued, at Detroit : 



" The season having now aiTived when the 
lakes may be navigated with safety, a detach- 
ment of the Fifth Regiment, to consist of Major 
Marston's and Captain Fowle's companies, under 
the command of Major ^Miihlenburg. will proceed 
to Green Bay. Surgeon's Mate, R. M. Byrne, of 
the Fifth Regiment, will accompany the detach- 
ment. The Assistant Deputy Quartermaster 
General will funiish the necessary transport, and 
will send by the same opportunity two hundred 
barrels of provisions, which he will di-aw from the 
contractor at this post. The provisions must be 
examined and inspected, and properly jiut Tip for 
transportation. Colonel Leavenworth will, with- 
out deliiy. prepare his regiment to move to tlie 
post on the ^lississiyipi, agreeable to the Divi- 
sion order of the tenth of February. The Assist- 
ant Deputy Quartermaster General will furnish 
the necessary tiansptirtation. to lie ready by the 
first of May next. The Colonel will make i-equi- 
sitioii for such stores, ammunition, tools and 
implements as may be required, and he be able to 
take with him on the expedition. Particular in- 
structions will be given to the Colonel, explaining 
the objects of his expedition." 

EVENTS OF THE YEAR 1819. 

On Wednesday, the last day of June, Col. Leav- 
enworth and troops arrived from Green Bay, at 
I'rairie du Chien. Scarcely had they reached 
this point when Charlotte Seymour, the wife of 
Lt. Xatiian Clark, a native of Hartford, Ct., 
gave bu-th to a daughter, whose fii-st baptismal 
name was Charlotte, after her mother, and the 
second Ouisconsin, given by the otlicers in \iew 
of the fact that she was bom at the junction of 
that stream with the Mississippi. 

In time Charlotte Ouisconsin married a young 
Lieutenant, a native of Princeton. Xew Jersey, 
anrl a graduate of AVest Point, and still resides 
with her husband. General II. P. Van Cleve, in 



COL. LEAVENWORTH ARBIVES AT MENDOTA 



91 



the city of Minneapolis, living to do good as she 
has opportimity. 

In June, under instructions from the War 
Department, IMajor Thomas Forsyth, connected 
with the office of Indian affairs, k>ft St. Louis 
with two thousand dollars worth of goods to he 
cUstrihuted among the Sioux Indians, hi accor- 
dance with the agreement of 1805, already re- 
ferred to, by the late General Pike. 

About nine o'clock of the morning of the fifth 
of July, he jomed Leavenworth and his command 
at Frame du Chien. Some time was occupied by 
Leavenworth awaiting the arrival of orchiance, 
provisions and recruits, but on Sunday morning, 
the eighth of August, about eiglit o'clock, the 
expedition set out for the pohit now known as 
Mendota. The flotilla was quite imposing; there 
were the Colonel's barge, fourteen batteaux with 
ninety-eight soldiers and officers, two large canal 
or Mackmaw boats, filled with various stores, and 
Forsyth's keel boat, containing goods and pres- 
ents for the Indians. On the twenty-third of 
August, Forsyth reached the mouth of the Min- 
nesota mth his boat, and the next morning Col. 
Leavenworth arrived, and selecting a place at 
Mendota, near the present railroad bridge, he 
ordered the soldiers to cut down trees and make 
a clearmg. On the next Saturday Col. Leaven- 
worth, Major Vose, Surgeon Purcell, Lieutenant 
Clark and the wife of Captain Gooding ivited 
the Falls of Saint Autjiony with Forsyth, in 
his keel boat. 

Early in September two more boats and a bat- 
teaux, with officers and one hundred and twenty 
recruits, arrived. 

During the winter of 1820, Laidlow and others, 
in behalf of Lord Selkirk's Scotch settlers at 
Pembina, whose crops had been destroyed by 
grasshoppers, passed the Cantonment, on their 
way to Prairie du Cliien, to purchase wheat. 
Upon the fifteenth of April tliey began their 
return with their Mackinaw boats, each loaded 
with two himdred bushels of wheat, one hundred 
of oats, and tliirty of peas, and reached the mouth 
of the ;Minnesota early in ISIay. Ascending tliis 
stream to Big Stone Lake, the boats were drawn 
on rollers a mile and a half to Lake Traverse, 
and on the third of June arrived at Pembina and 
cheered tlie desponduig and needy settlers of the 
Selkirk colony. 



The first sutler of the post was a Mr. Devotion. 
He brought with him a yoimg man named Phi- 
lander Prescott, who was born in 1801, at Phelps- 
town, Ontario county, New York. At first they 
stopped at ^lud Hen Island, in the Mississippi 
below the mouth of the St. Croix River. Coming 
up late in the year 1819, at the site of the pres- 
ent towii of Hastings they found a keel-boat 
loaded with supplies for the cantonment, m charge 
of Lieut. Ohver, detained by the ice. 

Amid all the changes of the troops, Mr. Pres- 
cott remained nearly all his life in the vicinity of 
the post, to which he came when a mere lad, and 
was at length killed in the Sioux Massacre. 

EVENTS OF THE YEAR 1820 

In the spring of 1820, Jean Baptiste Faribault 
brought up Leavenworth's horses from Prairie 
du Chien. 

The first Indian Agent at the post was a former 
army officer, Lawrence Taliaferro, pronounced 
Toliver. As he had the confidence of the Gov- 
ernment for twenty-one successive years, he is 
deserving of notice. 

His family was of Italian origin, and among 
the early settlers of Virginia. He was born in 
1794, in King William county in that State, and 
when, in 1812, war was declared against Great 
Britain, with four brotliers, he entered the army, 
and was commissioned as Lieutenant of the 
Thirty-fifth Infantry. He behaved gallantly at 
Fort Erie and Sackett's Harbor, and after peace 
was declared, he was retained as a First Lieuten- 
ant of the Third Infantry. In 1810 he was sta- 
tioned at Fort Dearborn, now the site of Chicago. 
"WTiile on a furlough, he called one day upon 
PresidentMonroe. who told him that a fort would 
be built near the Falls of Saint ^Vnthony, and an 
Indian Agency established, to which he offered 
to appoint him. His commission was dated 
March 27th, 1819, and he proceeded hi due time 
to his post. 

On the fifth day of May, 1820, Leavenworth 
left his winter quarters at Mendota, crossed the 
stream and made a summer camp near the 
present miUtary grave yard, wliich in consequence 
of a fine spring has been called " C;unp Cold 
Water." The Indian agency, under Taliaferro, 
remained for a time at the old cantonment. 

The commandhig officer established a fine 



92 



EXPLOREBS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



garden in the bottom lands of the Minnesota, 
and ou the fifteenth of June the earliest gariien 
peas were eaten. The lust dislinfruislied visitors 
at the new encampment were (;o\eruor Le\\is 
Cass, of Michigan, and Henry .Schoolcraft, who 
arrived in July, by way of Lake Superior ajid 
Sandy Lake. 

The relations between Cul. Leavenworth and 
Indian Agent Taliaferro were not entirely har- 
monious, growing out of a disagreement of views 
relative to the treatmentof the Indians, and on 
the day of the arrival of Governor Cass, Te!- 
iaferro writes to Leavenworth : ^ 

" As it is now understood that I am agent for 
Lidian affairs in tliis country, and you are about 
to leave the upper Mississippi, in all probability 
in the coiurse of a month or two, I beg leave to 
suggest, for the sake of a general understandLiig 
with the Indian tribes in this country, that any 
medals, you may possess, would by being turned 
over to me, cease to be a topic of remark among 
the different Indian tribes uudei- my direction. 
I will pass to you any voucher that may be re- 
quired, and I beg leave to obsei-ve that any pro- 
gress in influence is much impeded in conse- 
quence of this frequent intercourse with the gar- 
rison." 

lu a few days, the disastrous effect of Indians 
mingling with the soldiers was exhibited. On 
the third of August, the agent wrote to Leaven- 
worth: 

" His Excellency Governor Cass duiing his 
visit to this post remarked to me that the Indians 
jD. this quarter were spoiled, and at the same 
time said they should not be permitted to enter 
the camp. An unpleasant alTair has lately taken 
place ; I mean the stabbing of the old chief 
Mahgossau by his comrade. This was caused, 
doubtless, by an anxiety to obtain the cliief's 
whiskey. I beg, therefore, that no wliiskey 
whatever be given to any Indians, unless it be 
through theii- iiroper agent. A\'hile an overplus 
of whiskey thwai-ts the benificent and humane 
policy of the government, it entails misery upon 
the Indians, and endangers their lives." 

A few days after this note was written Josiah 
Snelling, who had been recently promoted to the 
Colonelcy of the i'ifth Regiment, arrived with 
his family, relieved Leavenworth, and infused 
new life and energy. A little while before Ids 



arrival, the daughter of Captain Gooding was 
married to Lieutenant Green, the Adjutant of 
the regiment, the fust marriage nf white pei-sons 
ui Minnesota. Mrs. Snelling, a few days after 
her arrival, gave birth to a daughter, the first 
white child born in Minnesota, and after a brief 
existence of thirteen months, she died and was 
the lirst interred in the military grave yard, and 
for years the stone which marked its resting 
place, was visil)le. 

The earliest manuscript in iliimesota, wnitten 
at the Cantonment, is dated October 4, 1820, and 
is in the handwTiting of Colonel Snelling. It 
reads : "In justice to Lawrence Taliaferro, Esq., 
Indian Agent at this post, we, the undersigned, 
officers of the Fifth Kegimcnt here stationed, 
have presented him this paper, as a token, not 
only of our individual respect and esteem, but as 
an entire approval of his conduct and deportment 
as a public agent in this quarter. Given at St. 
Peter, this 4th day of October, 1820. 



J. Snelling, 

Col. 5th Inf. 

S. BURBANK, 

Br. Major. 
David Pekuy, 

Captain. 
D. Gooding, 

Brevet Captain. 
J. Plympton, 

Lieutenant. 
R. A. McCabe, 
Lieutenant. 



X. Clakk, 

Lieutenant. 
Jos. Hare, 

Lieutenant. 
Ed. Pubcell, 

Surgeon, 
P. R. Green, 

Lieut, and Adjt. 
W. (i. Cajip, 

Lt. and Q. M. 
II. Wilkins, 

Lieutenant." 



Diuing the summer of 1.S20, a party of the 
Sisseton Sioux killed on the Missouri, Isadore 
Poupon, a half-breed, and Joseph Andrews, a 
Canadian engaged in the fur trade. The Indian 
Agent, through Colin Campbell, as interpreter, 
notified the Sissetons that tuule would cease 
with tliem, until the murderers were delivered. 
At a council held at Big Stone Lake, one of the 
murderers, and the aged father of another, agreed 
to surrender themselves to the commanding 
officer. 

On the twelfth of November, accompanied by 
their friends, they aiiproached the encampment 
in solemn procession, and marched to the centre 
of the parade. Firet appeared a Sisseton bear- 
ing a British flag; tlien the murderer and the de- 
voted father of another, their arms pinioned. and 



ABBIVAL OF THE FIRST STEAMBOAT. 



93 



large wooden splinters thrust through the flesh 
above the elbows indicating their contempt for 
pain and death ; in the rear followed friends and 
relatives, with them chanting the death dirge. 
Having arrived in front of the guard, fire was 
kindled, and the British flag burned ; then the 
murderer delivered up his medal, and both prison- 
ers were surroiuided. Col. Snelling detained tlie 
old chief, while the murderer was sent to St. 
Louis for trial. 

EVENTS OF THE YEAR 1821. 

Col. Snelling built the fort in the shape of a 
lozenge, in view of the projection between the 
two rivers. The first row of baiTacks was of 
hewai logs, obtained from the pine forests of Bum 
River, but the other buildings were of stone. 
Mrs. Van Cleve, the daughter of Lieutenant, 
afterwards Captain Clark, writes : 

" In 1821 the fort, although not complete, was 
fit for occupancy. My father had assigned to 
him the quarters next beyond the steps leading 
to the Commissary's stores, and during the year 
my little sister Juliet was born there. At a later 
period my father and Major Garland obtained 
permission to build more commodious quarters 
outside the walls, and the result was the two 
stone houses afterwards occupied by the Indian 
Agent and interpreter, lately destroyed." 

Early in August, a young and intelligent mixed 
blood, Alexis Bailly, in after years a member of 
the legislature of Minnesota, left the cantonment 
with the first drove of cattle for the Selkirk Set- 
tlement, and the next winter returned with Col. 
Robert Dickson and Messrs. Laidlow and Mac- 
kenzie. 

The next month, a party of Sissetons visited 
the Indian Agent, and told him that they had 
started with another of the murderers, to which 
reference has been made, but that on the way he 
had, through fear of being hung, killed himself. 

This fall, a mill was constructed for the use of 
the garrison, on the west side of St. Anthony 
Falls.under the supervision of LieutenantMcCabe. 
Duruig the fall, George Gooding, Captain liy 
brevet, resigned, and became Sutler at Prairie du 
Chien. He was a native of Massachusetts, and 
entered the army as ensign in 1S08. In 1810 he 
became a Second Lieutenant, and the next year 
was womided at Tippecanoe. 



In the middle of October, there embarked on 
the keel-boat " Saucy Jack," for Prairie du Chien, 
Col. Snelling, Lieut. Baxley, Major TaUaferro, 
and Mrs. Gooding, 

EVENTS OF 1822 AND 1823. 

Early in January, 1822, there came to the Fort 
from the Red River of the North, Col. Robert 
Dickson, Laidlow, a Scotch farmer, the superin- 
tendent of Lord Selkirk's experimental farm, and 
one Mackenzie, on their way to Prairie du Chien. 
Dickson returned with a drove of cattle, but 
owing to the hostility of the Sioux his cattle were 
scattered, and never reached Pembina. 

During the winter of 1823, Agent Taliaferro 
was in Washington. While returning in March, 
he was at a hotel in Pittsburg, when he received 
a note signed G. C. Beltrami, who was an Italian 
exile, asking permission to accompany him to the 
Indian territory. He was tall and commanding 
in appearance, and gentlemanly in bearing, and 
Taliaferro was so forcibly impressed as to accede 
to the request. After reaching St. Louis they 
embarked on the first steamboat for the L'pper 
Mississippi. 

It was named the Virginia, and was built in 
Pittsburg, twenty-two feet in width, and one 
hundred and eighteen feet in length, in charge of 
a Captain Crawford. It reached the Fort on the 
tenth of May, and was saluted by the discharge 
of caimon. Among the passengers, besides the 
Agent and the Italian, were jSIajor Biddle, Lieut. 
Russell, and others. 

The arrival of the Virginia is an era in the 
history of the Dahkotah nation, and will proba- 
bly be transmitted to their posterity as long as 
they exist as a people. They say their sacred 
men, the night before, dreamed of seeing some 
monster of the waters, which frightened them 
very much. 

As the boat neared the shore, men, women, 
and children beheld with silent astonishment, 
supposing that it was some enormous water-spirit, 
coughing, puffing out hot breath, and splashing 
water in every direction. "Wlien it touched the 
landing their fears prevailed, and they retreated 
some distance; but when the blowing off of 
steam commenced they were completely un- 
nerved : mothers forgetting theii- children, with 
streaming haii-, sought hiding-places ; chiefs, re- 



94 



EXPLORERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



nouncing their stoicism, scampered away like 
aflrighted animals. 

Tlie peace agieement beteeu the Ojibways and 
Dahkotahs, made Ihrough the inlhience of (iov- 
ernor Cass, was of brief duration, the latter be- 
ing the first to violate the provisions. 

On the fourth of .Tune, Taliaferro, the Indian 
agent among the J)ahkotahs, took advantage of 
the presence of a large number of Ojibways to 
renew the agreement for tlio cessation of hostili- 
ties. The coiuicil hall of the agent was a large 
room of logs, in which waved conspicuously the 
flag of the United States, surrounded by British 
colors and medals that had been delivered up 
from time to time by Indian chiefs. 

Among the Dahkotah chiefs present were 
Wapashaw, Little Crow, and Penneshaw ; of the 
Ojibways there were Kendouswa. Moshomene. 
and J'asheskonoei)e. After mutual accusations 
and excuses concerning the infraction of (lie pre- 
vious treaty, the Dahkotahs lighted the calumet, 
they having been the hrst to /nfiinge upon tlie 
agreement of 1S20. After smoking and passing 
the pipe of peace to the Ojibways, who passed 
through the same formalities, they all shook 
hands as a pledge of renewed amity. 

The morning after the council. Flat Mouth, 
the distinguished Ojibway chief, arrived, who 
had left his lodge vowing that he would never be 
at peace with the Dahkotahs. As he stepped from 
his canoe, Penneshaw held out his hand, but was 
repulsed with scorn. The Daidiolah warrior 
immediately gave the alarm, and in a moment 
runners were on their way to the neighboring 
villages to raise a war party. 

On the sixth of June, the Diihkotahs had assem- 
bled, stripped for a fight, and surrounded the 
Ojibways. The latter, fearing the worst, con- 
cealed their women and children behind the old 
barracks w hich ha<l been used by the troops wliilo 
the fort was being erected. At the solicitation of 
the agent and commander of the fort, the Dahko- 
tahs desisted trom an attaikand retired. 

On the seventh, the Ojil)ways left for their 
homes; but, in a few hours, while they were 
making a portage at Falls of St. Anthony, they 
were again approached by the Dahkotahs, who 
would have attacked them, if a detachment of 
troops had not arrived from the fort. 

A rumor reaching I'emieshaw's village that he 



had been killed at the falls, his mother seized an 
Ojibway maideii, who had been a captive from 
infancy, and, with a tomahawk, cut her in two. 
Upon £lie return of the son in safety he was much 
gratified at what he considered the prowess of 
his parent. 

On the third of .Inly, 182.3, Major Long, of the 
engineers, arrived at the fort in command of an 
expedition to explore the Minnesota River, and 
the region along the northern bomidary line of 
the United States. Beltrami, at the reijuest of 
Col. Snelling, was permitted to be of the party, 
and IMajor Taliaferro kindly gave him a horse 
and equipments. 

The relations of the Italian to Major Long were 
not pleasant, and at I'embina Beltrami left the 
expedition, and with a " bois brule "', and two 
Ojibways proceeded and discovered the northern 
sources of the ^lississippi, and suggested where 
the western sources would be found ; which was 
verifie<l by Sehoolcraft nine years later. About 
the second week in September IJeltranii returned 
to the fort by way of the Mississippi, escorted by 
forty or fifty Ojibways, and on the 2oth departed 
for New Orleans, where he published his discov- 
eries in the French language. 

The mill which was constructed in 1821, for 
sawing lumber, at the Falls of St. Anthony, stood 
upon the site of the Holmes and Sidle Mill, in 
^Minneapolis, and in 1S23 was fitted up for grind- 
ing flour. The following extracts from corres- 
pondence addressed to Lieut. Clark, Commissary 
at Fort Snelling, will be read with interest. 

Under the date of August 5th, 1823, General 
Gibson writes : '■ From a letter addressed by 
Col. Snelling to the Quartermaster General, 
dated the 2d of April, I learn that a large quan- 
tity of wheat woidd be raised this summer. The 
assistant Commissary of Subsistence at St. Louis 
has been instructed to forward sickles and a pair 
of millstones to St. Peters. If any flour is manu- 
factured from the wheat raised, be pleased to let 
nie know as early as practicable, that I may deduct 
the quantity manufactured at the post from the 
(juantity advertised to be contracted for." 

In another letter. General Gibson writes : 
" Below you will find the amount charged on the 
books against the garrison at Ft. St. Anthony, 
for certain articles, and forwarded for the use of 
the troops at that post, which you will deduct 



FIBST FLOUR MILL IN MINNESOTA. 



95 



from the pajTiients to be made for flour raised 
and tiu-ned over to you for issue : 

One pair buhr millstones $250 1 1 

337 pounds plaster of Paris 20 22 

Two dozen sickles 18 00 

Total f28S 33 

Upon the 19th of January, 182-t, the General 
writes: " The mode suggested by Col. Snelling, 
of fixing the price to be paid to the troops for the 
flour furnished by them is deemed equitable and 
just. You will accordingly pay for the flour 
$3.33 per barrel." 

Charlotte Ouisconsm Van Cleve, now the oldest 
person living who was connected \\ith the can- 
tonment in 1819, in a paper read before the De- 
partment of American History of the Minnesota 
Historical Society in January, 1S80, wrote : 

" In 1823, Mrs. Snelliug and my mother estab- 
lished the first Sunday School in the Northwest. 
It was held in tlie basement of the commanding 
officer's quarters, and was productive of much 
good. Many of the soldiers, with their families, 
attended. Joe. Brown, since so well know in 
this country, then a drummer boy, was one of 
tlie pupils. A Bible class, for the officers and 
their wives, was formed, and all became so inter- 
ested in the history of the patiiarchs, that it fur- 
nished topics of conversation for the week. One 
day after the Sunday School lesson on the death of 
Moses, a member of the class meeting my mother 
on the parade, after exchanging the usual greet- 
ings, said, ill saddened tones, ' But don't you feel 
sorry that piloses is dead V ' 

Early in the spring of 1824, the Tully boys 
were rescued from the Sioux and brought to the 
fort. They were children of one of the settlers 
of Lord Selkirk's colony, and with their parents 
and others, were on their way from Red River 
Valley to settle near Fort Snelling. 

The party was attacked by Indians, and the 
parents of these children murdered, and the boys 
captured. Through the influence of Col. Snell- 
ing the children were ransomed and brought 
to the fort. Col. Snelling took John and 
my father Andrew, the younger of the two. 
Everyone became interested in the orphans, and 
we loved Andrew as if he had been our own lit- 
tle brother. John died some two yeai's after his 
arrival at the fort, and ilrs. Snelling asked me 



when I last saw her if a tomb stone had been 
placed at his grave, she as requested, during a 
visit to the old home some years ago. She said 
she received a promise that it should be done, 
and seemed quite disappointed when I told her it 
had not been attended to." 

Andrew Tully, after being educated at an 
Orphan Asylum in New York City, became a 
carriage maker, and died a few years ago in that 
vicinity. 

EVENTS OF THE YEAH A. D. 1824. 

In the year 1824 the Fort was visited by Gen. 
Scott, on a tour of inspection, and at his sug- 
gestion, its name was changed from Fort St. 
Anthony to Fort Snelluig. The followuig is an 
extract from his report to the War Department : 

" This work, of which the War Department is 
in possession of a plan, reflects the highest credit 
on Col. Snelling, his oflicers and men. The de- 
fenses, and for the most part, the public store- 
houses, shops and quarters being constructed of 
stone, the whole is likely to endure as long as the 
post shall remain a frontier one. The cost of 
erection to the government has been the amount 
paid for tools and iron, and the per diem paid 
to soldiers employed as mechanics. I wish to 
suggest to the General in Chief, and through him 
to the War Department, the propriety of calling 
this work Fort Snelling, as a just compliment 
to the meritorious officer imder whom it has 
been erected. The present name, (Fort St. An- 
thony), is foreign to all our associations, and is, 
besides, geographically incorrect, as the work 
stands at the junction of the Mississippi and 
St. Peter's [ISIinnesota] Rivers, eight miles be- 
low the great falls of the Mississippi, called 
after St. Anthony." 

In 1824, Major Taliaferro proceeded to Wash- 
ington with a delegation of ChippewaysandDah- 
kotahs, headed by Little Crow, the grand father 
of the chief of the same name, who was engaged 
in the late horrible massacre of defenceless 
women and children. The objectof the visit, was 
to secure a convocation of all the tribes of tlie 
Upper Mississippi, at Prairie du Cliein, to define 
their boundary lines and establish friendly rela- 
tions. When they reached Prairie du Chein, 
Wahnatali, a Yankton chief, and also Wapashaw, 
by the whisperings of mean traders, became dis- 



96 



EXPLOBEBS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



affected, and wished to turn back. Little Crow, 
perceiving this, stopped all hesitancy by the fol. 
lowing speech: "My friends, you can do as you 
please. I am no coward, nor can my ears be 
pulled about by evil counsels. AVe are here and 
should go on, and do some good for our nation. 
I have taken our Fatlier here (Taliaferrfi) by the 
coat tiiil, and will fiillow him until I take by the 
hand, our great American Father." 

While on board of a steamer on the Ohio 
Kiver, Marcjiee or the Cloud, in consequence of a 
bad dream, jumped from tlie stern of the boat, 
and was supposed to bo drowned, but he swam 
ashore and made his way to St. Charles, JIo.. 
there to be murdered by some Sacs. The re- 
mainder safely arrived in ■Washington and ac- 
complished the object of the visit. The Dahko- 
tahs returned by way of New York, and while 
there were anxious to pay a visit to certain par- 
ties with Wm. Dickson, a half-breed son of Col 
Kobert Dickson, tlic trader, who in the war of 
ISI2-I0 led the Imiians of the Northwest against 
the I'nited States. 

^Vfler this visit Little Crow carried a new 
douUe-barreled gnu, and .said that a uiediciut' 
man by the name of Peters gave it to him for 
signing a certain i)aper, and that he also i)rom- 
ised he would send a keel-bout full of goods to 
them. The medicine man referred to was the 
Kev. Samuel Peters, an Episcopal clergyman, 
who had made himself obnoxious during the 
Revolution by his lory sentiments, and was sub- 
sequently nominated as Bishoii of "Wnmont. 

Peters asserted that in 1806 he had purchased 
of the heirs of Jonathan Carver the right to a 
tract of land on the upper iMississippi, embracing 
St. Paul, alleged to have been given to Carver by 
the Dahkotahs, in 1707. 

The next year there arrived, in one of the keel- 
boats from Prairie du Chien, at Fort Snellmg a 
box marked Col. Robert Dickson. On opening, it 
was found to contain a lew presents from Peters 
to Dickson's Indian wife, a long letter, and a 
copy of Carver's alleged grant, written on parch- 
ment. 

EVENTS OF TIIK YEARS 1825 AND 1826. 

On the 30th of October, 1825, seven Indian 
women in canoes, were drawn into the rai)ids 
above the Falls of St. Anthony. All were saved 



but a lame girl, who was dashed over the cata- 
ract, and a month later her body was found at 
Pike's Island in front of the fort. 

Forty years ago, the means of communication 
between Fort Snelling and the civilized world 
were very limited. The mail in winter was usu- 
ally carried by soldiers to Prairie du Chien. On 
the 26th of January, 1826, there was great joy in 
the fort, caused by the return from furlough of 
Lieutenants Baxley and Russell, who brought 
with them the lirst mail received for live months. 
About this period there was also another excite- 
ment, cause by the seizure of liquors in the trad" 
iiig house of Alexis Bailey, at New Hope, now 
Mendota. 

During the months of February and ilarch, in 
this year, snow fell to the depth of two or three 
feet, and there was great suffering among the 
Indians. On one occasion, thirty lodges of Sisse- 
ton and other Sioux were overtaken by a snow 
storm on a large prairie. The storm continued 
for three days, and provisions grew scarce, for 
the party were .seventy in number. At last, the 
stronger men, with the few pairs of snow-shoes 
ill their possession, started for a trading post one 
hundred miles distant. They reached their des- 
tination half alive, and the traders sympathizing 
sent four Canadians with supplies for those left 
behind. After great toil they reached the scene 
of distress, and foiuid many dead. and. what was 
more horrible, the living feeding on the corpses 
of their relatives. A motlier had eaten her dead 
child and a portion of her own father's arms. 
The shock to her nervous system was so great 
that she lost her reason. Her name was Pasli- 
uno-ta, and she was both young and good look- 
ing. One day in September, while at Fort Snell- 
ing, she asked Captain Jouett if he knew which 
was the best portion of a man to eat, at the .same 
time taking him by the collar of his coat. He 
replied with great astonishment, "No!" and she 
then said, ''The arms." She then asked for a 
piece of his servant to eat, as she was nice and 
fat. A few days after this she dashed herself 
from the bluffs near Fort Snelling, into the river. 
Her body was found just aliove the mouth of the 
Minnesota, and decently interred by the agent. 

The spring of 1826 was very backward. On 
tlie 20th of March snow fell to the depth of one 
or one and a half feet on a level, and drifted in 



NEGBO SLAVES AT FORT SNELLINO. 



97 



heaps from six to fifteen feet in height. On the 
otli of April, early iu the day, there was a violent 
storm, and the ice was still thick in the river. 
During the storm flashes of lightning were seen 
and thunder heard. On the 10th, the thermome- 
ter was four degrees above zero. On the 14th 
there was rain, and on the next day the St. Peter 
river broke up, but the ice on tlie Mississippi re- 
mained firm. On the 21st, at noon, the ice began 
to move, and carried away Mr. Faribanlfs houses 
on the east side of the river. For several days 
the river was twenty feet above low water mark, 
and all the houses on low lauds were swept off. 
On the second of May, the steamboat TiawTence, 
Captain Eeeder, arrived. 

Major Taliaferro had Inherited several slaves, 
which he used to hire to officers of the garrison. 
On the 31st of March, his negro boy, WilUam, 
was employed by Col. Snelling, the latter agree- 
ing to clothe him. About this time, William at- 
tempted to shoot a hawk, but instead shot a small 
boy, named Henry Cullum, and nearly killed him. 
In Jlay, Captain Plympton. of the Fifth Infantry, 
wished to purchase his negro woman, Eliza, but 
he refused, as it w^as his intention, ultimately, to 
free his slaves. Another of his negro girls, Har- 
riet, was married at the fort, the Major perform- 
ing the ceremony, to the now historic Dred Scott, 
who was then a slave of Surgeon Emerson. The 
only person that ever purchased a slave, to retain 
in slavery, was Alexis Bailly, wlio bought a man 
of Major Garland. The Sioux, at first, had no 
prejudices against negroes. They called them 
" Black Frenchmen," and placing their hands on 
their woolly heads would laugh heartily. 

The following is a list of the steamboats that 
had arrived at Fort Snelling, up to ]May 26, 1826 : 

1 Virgmia, May 10, 1823; 2 Seville; 3 Put- 
nam, April 2, 1825 ; 3 Mandan ; 5 Indiana ; 6 Law- 
rence, May 2, 1826; 7Sciota;8 Eclipse; 9 Jo- 
sephine; 10 Fulton; 11 Eed Rover; 12 Black 
Eover; 13 Warrior; 14 Enterprise; 15 Volant. 

Life within the walls of a fort is sometimes the 
exact contrast of a paradise. In the year 1826 a 
Pandora box was opened, among the officers, and 
dissensions began to prevail. One young officer, 
a graduate of West Point, whose father had been 
a professor in Princeton College, fought a duel 
v.ith, and slightly wounded, "\\'illi;im .Tosejih, the 
talented son of Colonel SneUing, who was then 
7 



twenty-two years of age, and had been three years 
at West Point. At a Court Martial convened to 
try the officer for violating the Articles of War, 
the accused objected to the testimony of Lieut. 
^Mlliam Alexander, a Tennesseean, not a gradu- 
ate of the Military Academy, on the ground that 
he was an mfldel. Alexander, hurt by this allu- 
sion, challenged the objector, and another duel 
was fought, resulting only in sUght injuries to 
the clothing of the combatants. Inspector Gen- 
eral E. P. Gaines, after this, visited the fort, and 
in his report of the inspection he wrote : " A 
defect in the disciiiline of this regiment has ap- 
oeared in the character of certain personal con- 
troversies, between the Colonel and several of his 
young officers, the particulars of which I forbear 
to enter into, assured as I am that they will be 
developed in the proceedings of a general court 
martial ordered for the trial of Lieutenant Hun- 
ter and other officers at Jefferson Barracks. 

" From a conversation with tlie Colonel I can 
have no doubt that he has erred in the course 
pursued by him in reference to some of the con- 
troversies, inasmuch as he has intimated to Ills 
officers his willingness to sanction in certain cases, 
and even to participate in personal conflicts, con- 
trary to the twenty-fifth. Article of War.'' 

The Colonel's son, William Joseph, after this 
passed several years among traders and Indians, 
and became distinguished as a poet and brUliant 
author. 

His ''Tales of the Xorthwest," published in 
Boston in 1820, by Hilliard, Gray, Little & Wil- 
kins, is a work of great literary ability, and Catlin 
thought the book was the most faithful pictiu'eof 
Indian life he had read. Some of his poems were 
also of a high order. One of his pieces, deficient 
in dignity, was a caustic satire upon modern 
American poets, and was published wider the 
title of " Truth, a Gift for Scribblers." 

Natlianiel P. Willis, who had winced under 
the last, wrote the following lampoon : 
" Oh, smelling Joseph 1 Thou art like a cur. 

I'm told thou once did live by hunting fur : 

Of bigger dogs thou smellest, and, in sooth. 

Of one extreme, perhaps, can tell the truth. 

'Tis a wise shift, and shows thou know'st thy 
powers. 

To leave the 'North West tales," and take to 
smelUng ours." 



08 



EXPLOJiERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



In 1832 a second edition of " Trntli "' appeared 
■with additions and oniondations. In tliis ap- 
peared the followiiij; pasiiuinade upon Willis : 
"I live by hunting f ui , thou say'st, so let it be, 
But tell me. Natty ! Had I hunted thee, 
Had not my time been throw n away, young sir, 
And eke my powder V Puppies have no fur. 

Our tails ? Thou ownest thee to a tail, 
I've scanned thee o'er and o'er 
But. though 1 guessed the species right, 
I was not sure before. 

Our savages, authentic travelers say, 
To natural fools, religious homage pay, 
Kadst thou been born in wigwam's smoke, and 

died in, 
Nat ! thine apotheosis had been certain." 

Snelling died at Chelsea, Mass., December six- 
teenth, 1848. a victim to the appetite which en- 
enslaved Robert Burns. 

In the year 1826, a small party of Ojibway? 
(Chippeways) came to see the Indian Agent, 
and three of them ventured to visit the Colum- 
bia Fur Company's trading house, two miles 
from the Fort. While there, they became 
aware of their danger, and desired two of the 
white men attached to the establishment to 
accompany them back, thinking that their pres- 
ence might be some protection. They were in 
error. As they passed a little copse, three Dah- 
kotahs sprang from behind a log with the speed of 
light, tired their pieces into the face of the fore- 
most, and then fled. The guns must have been 
double loaded, for the man's head was literally 
blown from his shoulders, and his white com- 
panions were spattered with brains and blood. 
The survivors gained the Fort without further 
molestation. Their comrade was btu'ied on the 
spot where he fell. A staff was set up on his 
grave, wMch became a landmark, and received 
the name of The Murder Pole. The murderers 
boasted of their achievement and with impunity. 
They and their tribe thought that they had struck 
a fair blow on their ancient enemies, in a becom- 
ing manner. It was only said, 'hat Toopiuikah 
Zeze of the village of tlic Ilaltiire mix Ftrrref, 
and two others, had each acquired a right to 
wear skunk skins on their heels and war-eagles' 
feathers on theii heads. 



EVENTS OF A. D. 1827. 

On the twenty-eighth of May, 1827. the Ojib- 
way chief at Sandy Lake, Kee-wee-zais-hisli 
called by the English, Flat Mouth with seven 
warriors and some women and cliililren. in all 
amounting to twenty-four, arrived about sunrise 
at Fort Snelling. AValking to the gates of the 
gaiTison, they asked the i)rotection of Colonel 
Snelling and Taliaferro, the Indian agent. They 
were told, that as long as they remained under 
the United States flag, they were secure, and 
were ordered to encamp within musket shot of 
the high stone walls of the fort. 

During the afternoon, aDalikotah, Toopunkah 
Zeze, from a village near the first rapids of the 
Jlinnesota, visited the Ojibway camp. They 
were cordially received, and a feast of meat and 
com and sugar, was soon made ready. The 
wooden plates emptied of their contents, they 
engaged in conversation, and whilTed the peace 
pipe. 

That night, some officers and their friends were 
spending a pleasant evening at the head-quarters 
of Captain Clark, which was in one of the stone 
houses which used to stand outside of the walls 
of the fort. As Captain Cruger was walking on 
the porch, a bullet whizzed by, and rapid firing 
was heard. 

As the Dahkotahs, or Sioux, left the Ojibway 
camp, notwithstanding their friendly talk, they 
tunned and discharged their guns with deadly aim 
upon their entertainers, and ran off with a sliout 
of satisfaction. The report was heard by the 
sentinel of the fort, and he cried, repeatedly, 
"Corporal of the guard !" and soon at tlu! gates, 
were the Ojibways, with their women and the 
wounded, telling their tale of woe in wild and in- 
coherent language. Two had been killed and six 
wounded. Among others, was a little girl about 
seven years old. who was pierced through both 
thighs with r, bullet. Surgeon Mc.Mahon made 
every effort to .save her life, but witliout avail. 

Flat Mouth, the chief, reminded Colonel Snel- 
ling that he had been attacked while under the 
protection of the United States flag, and eaily tlie 
next morning. Captain Clark, with one l!Uiulre<l 
soldierr, proceeded towards Land's End, a tra- 
ding-post of the Columbia Fur Company, on the 
I Minnesota, a mile above the former residence of 



TRAGIC SCENE UNDER THE WALLS OF THE FORT. 



99 



Franklin Steele, where the Dahkotahs were sup- 
posed to be. The soldiers had just left the large 
gate of the fort, when a party of Dahkotahs, in 
battle array, appeared on one of the prairie 
hills. After some parleying tliey turned their 
backs, and being pursued, thirty-two were cap- 
tured near the trading-post. 

Colonel Suelliug ordered the prisoners to be 
brought before the Ojibways, and two being 
pointed out as participants in the slaughter of the 
preceding wight, they were delivered to the 
aggrieved party to deal with in accordance with 
their customs. They were led out to the plain 
in front of the gate of the fort, and when placed 
nearly without the range of the Ojibway guns, 
they were told to run for tlieir lives. With the 
rapidity of deer they bounded away, but the Ojib- 
way bullet Uew faster, and after a few steps, they 
fell gasping on the ground, and were soon lifeless. 
Then the savage natme displayed itself in all its 
hideousness. Women and children danced for 
joy, and placing their fingers in the bullet holes, 
from which the blood oozed, they licked tliem 
with delight. The men tore the scalps from the 
dead, and seemed to luxuriate in the privilege of 
plunging their knives through the corpses. After 
the execution, the Ojibways returned to the fort, 
and were met by the Colonel. He had prevented 
all over whom his authority extended from wit- 
nessing the scene, and had done his best to con- 
fine the excitement to the Indians. The same 
day a deputation of Dahkotah warriors received 
audience, regi'etting the violence tliat had been 
done by their young men, and agreeing to deliver 
up the ringleaders. 

At the time appointed, a son of Flat Mouth, 
witli those of tlie Ojibwa party that were not 
wounded, escorted by United States troops, 
marched forth to meet the Dahkotah deputation, 
on the prame just beyond the old residence of 
the Indian agent. With much solemnity two 
more of the guilty were handed over to the 
assaulted. One was fearless, and with firmness 
stripped himself of his clotliing and ornaments, 
and distributed them. Tlie other could not face 
death with composure. He was notfd for a hid- 
eous hare-Up, and had a bad reputation among 
his fellows. In the spirit of a coward he prayed 
tor life, to the mortilication of his tribe. Tlie 
same opportunity was presented to them as to the 



first, of running for their lives. At the first fire 
the cow^ird fell a corpse; but his brave compan- 
ion, though wounded, ran on, and had nearly 
reached tlie goal of safety, when a second bullet 
killed him. The body of the coward now became 
a common object of loathing for both Dahkotahs 
and Ojibways. 

Colonel Snelling told the Ojibways that the 
bodies must be removed, and then they took the 
scalped Dahkotahs, and dragging them by the 
heels, threw tliem off the bluff into the river, a 
hundred and fifty feet beneath. The dreadful 
scene was now over ; and a detachment of troops 
was sent with the old chief Flat Mouth, to escort 
him out of the reach of Dahkotali vengeance. 

An eyewitness wrote : " After tins catastrophe, 
all the Dahkotahs quitted the vicinity of Fort Snel- 
ling, and did not return to it for some months. 
It was said that they formed a conspiracy to de- 
mand a comicil, and kill the Indian Agent and 
the commanding officer. If this was a fact, they 
had no opportunity, or wanted the spuit, to exe- 
cute their purpose. 

" The Flat Mouth's band lingered in tlie fort 
till their wounded comrade died. He was sensi- 
ble of his condition, and bore his pauis with great 
fortitude. When he felt his end approach, he 
desired that his horse might be gaily caparisoned, 
and brought to the hospital window, so that he 
might touch the animal. He then took from his 
medicine bag a large cake of maple sugar, and held 
it forth. It may seem strange, but it is true, that 
the beast ate it from his hand. His features 
were radiant with delight as he fell back on the 
pillow exhausted. His horse had eaten the sugar, 
he said, and he was sure of a' favorable reception 
and comfortable quarters in the other world. 
Half an hour after, he breathed his last. We 
tried to discover the details of his superstition, 
but could not succeed. It is a subject on which 
Indians unwilUngly discourse." 

In the fall of 1826, all the troops at Prairie du 
Chien had been removed to Fort Snelling, the 
commander taking with him two Wimiebagoes 
that had been confined in Fort Crawford. After 
the soldiers left the Prairie, the Indians in the 
vicinity were quite insolent. 

In June. 1827, two keel-boats p?ssed Prairie du 
Chien on the way to Fort Snelling with provis- 
ions. ^Vhen they reached Wapashaw \illage, on 

Lore. 



100 



EXPLOHEKS AND PIONEERS OF 3IINNES0TA.. 



the site of the present town of Winona, the crew 
were ordered to come .ashore by the Dahkotahs. 
Coniiilyiii};, tliey found tlieniselves surrounded by 
Indians with hostile intentions. The boatmen 
had no fire-arms, but assuming a bold mien and a 
defiant voice, llie captain of the keel-boats ordered 
the savages to leave the decks ; which was suc- 
cessful, The boats pushed on, and at Red Wing 
and Kaposia the Indians showed that they were 
not friendly, though they did not molest the 
boats. Eeft)re they started on their return from 
Fort Snelling, the men on board, amounting to 
thirty-two, were all provided with nuiskets and a 
barrel of ball cartridges. 

When the descending keel-boats passed Wapa- 
shaw, the Dahkotas were engaged in the war 
dance, and menaced them, but made no attack. 
Below this point one of the boats moved in ad- 
vance of the other, and when near the mouth of 
the Bad Axe, the half-breeds on board descried 
hostile Indians on the banks. As the channel 
neared the shore, the sixteen men on the first 
boat were greeted with the war whoop and a vol- 
ley of rifle balls from the excited Winnebagoes. 
killing two of the crew. Rushing into their ca- 
noes, the Indians made the attempt to board the 
boat, and two were successful. One of these 
stationed himself at the bow of the boat, and 
fired with killing effect on the men below deck. 
An old soldier of the last war with Great Britain, 
called Saucy Jack, at last despatched him. and 
began to rally the fainting spirits on board. Du- 
ring the fight the boat had stuck on a sand-bar. 
With four companions, amid a shower of balls 
from the savages, he plunged into the water and 
pushed off the boat,'and thus moved out of reach 
of the galling shots of the Winnebagoes. As 
they floated down the river during the night. 
they heard a wail in a canoe bahind them, the 
voice of a father mourning the death of the son 
who had scaled the deck, and was now a corpse 
in possession of the white men. The rear boat 
passed the Bad Axe river late in the night, and 
escaped an attack. 

The first keel-boat arrived at Prairie du Chein, 
with two of their crew dead, four wounded, and 
the Indian that had been killed on the boat. The 
two dead men had been residents of the Prairie, 
and now the panic was increased. On the morn- 
ing of the twenty-eighth of June the second 



keel -boat appeared, and among her passengers 
was Joseph Snelling, the talented son of the 
colonel, who wrote a story of deep interest, based 
on the facts narrated. 

At a meeting of the citizens it was resolved to 
repair old Fort Crawford, and Tlionias ^IcXair 
was appointed captain. Dirt was thrown around 
the bottem logs of the fortification to prevent its 
being fired, and young Snelling was put in com- 
mand of one of the block-houses. On the next 
day a voyageur named Loyer, and the well-known 
trader Duncan Graham, started through the in- 
terior, west of the Mississippi, with intelligence 
of the murders, to Fort Snelling. Intelligence 
of this attack was received at the fort, on the 
evening of the ninth of July, and Col. Snelling 
started in keel boats with four conqianies to Fort 
Crawford, and on the seventeenth four more 
companies left under Major Fowle. After an 
absence of six weeks, the soldiers, without firing 
a gun at the enemy, returned. 

A few weeks after the attack upon the keel 
boats General Gaines inspected the Fort, and, 
subsecpiently in a communication to the War 
Department wrote as follows ; 

" The main points of defence against an enemy 
aiipear to have been in some respects sacrificed, 
in the effort to secure the comfort and conven- 
ience of troops in peace. These are important 
considerations, but on an exposed frontier the 
primary ol)ject ought to be security against the 
attack of an enemy. 

" The buildings are too large, too numerous, 
and extending over a space entirely too great, 
enclosing a large parade, five times greater than 
is at all desireable in that climate. The build- 
ings for the most part seem well constructed, of 
good stone and other materials, and they contain 
every desirable convenience, comfort and securi- 
ty as barracks and store houses. 

" The work may ))e rendered very strong and 
adapted to a garrison of two hundred men by re- 
moving one-half the buildings, and with the ma- 
terials of which they are constructed, building a 
tower sufliciently high to command the hill be- 
tween the Alississippi and St. Peter's [Minnesota], 
and by a block house on the extreme point, or 
brow of the cliff, near the commandant's cpiarters, 
to secure most effectually the banks of the river, 
and the boats at the landing. 



DEATH OF COL. JOSIAH SNELLING. 



101 



" Much credit is due to Colonel Snelling, his 
officers and men, for their immense labors and 
excellent workmanship exhibited in the construc- 
tion of these barracks and store houses, but this 
has been effected too much at the expense of the 
discipline of the regiment." 

From reports made from 1823 to 1826, the health 
of the troops was good. In the year ending Sep- 
tember thirty, 1823, there were but two deaths ; 
in 182-1 only six, and in 1825 but seven. 

In \S26 there were three desertions, in 1824 
twenty-two, and in 1825 twenty-nine. Most of 
the deserters were fresh recruits and natives of 
America, Ten of the deserters were foreigners, 
and five of these were l)orn in Ireland. In 1826 
there were eight companies numbering two hun- 



dred and fourteen soldiers quartered in the Fort- 
During the fall of 1827 the Fifth Regiment was 
relieved by a part of the First, and the next year 
Colonel Snelling proceeded to Washington on bus- 
iness, where he died with inflammation of the 
brain. Major General Macomb announcing his 
death in an order, wrote : 

" Colonel Snelling joined the army in early 
youth. In the battle of Tippecanoe, he was 
distinguished for gallantry and good conduct. 
Subsequently and during the whole late war with 
Great Britain, from the battle of Brownstown to 
the termination of the contest, he was actively 
employed in the field, with credit to himself, and 
honor to his country." 



102 



EXl'LOUEIiS AXn P10a\Ej!:US of MINNESOTA. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



OCCURRENCES IN Tni', VICINITY OF FORT SNELLINO, CONTINTTED. 



Arrival of J N. Niiollcl— M«rriM!c of Jiutict W«ll«— HIcollot's letter from Fullj- 
of St. Anthony -Perils of Martin M.-I..-o<l— Cliipitewaj- trcAchcr>-— Sioux Re 
veni:*^— Ruui River and Stillwater Imltli-N— Grojt shops near the Port. 

On the second of July 1836, the steamboat 
Saint Peter landed suiiiilies, and among its 
passengers was the distinguished French as- 
tronomer, Jean N. Nicollet (Nicokiy). Major 
Taliaferro on the twelfth of July, wrote; 
"ilr. Nicollet, on a visit to the post for scientific 
research, and at present m my family, has showii 
me the late work of Henry H. Schoolcraft on the 
discovery of the source of the ^lississippi ; which 
claim is ridiculous in the exti-eme." On the 
twentj'-seventh, Nicollet ascended the Mississippi 
on a tour of observation. 

James AVells, a trader, who afterwards was a 
member of the legislature, at tlie liouse of Oliver 
Cratte, near the fort, was married on the twelfth 
of September, by Agent Taliaferro, to Jane, a 
daiigliter of Duncan Graham. Wells was killed 
in 1862, by the Sioux, at the time of the massacre 
in the ^Minnesota Valley. 

Nicollet in September retunied from his trip 
to Leech Lake, and on the twenty-seventh wrote 
the following to Major Taliaferro the Indian 
Agent at the fort, which is supposed to be the 
earliest letter extant written from the site of the 
city of Minneapolis. As the principal hotel and 
one of the finest avenues of that city bears his 
name it is worthy of preservation. lie spelled 
his name snnielimes Nicoley, and the pronuncia- 
tion in English, would be Nicolay, the same as 
if written Nicollet in French. The letter shows 
thai lie had not mastered the English language : 
" St. Anthony's Falls, 27tli September, 1836, 

Dear FriEnd :— I arrived last evening about 
dark; all well, nothing lost, nothing broken, 
liappy and a very successful journey. But I 
done exhausted, and notliing can relieve me, but 
the iileasure of meeting you again under your 
hospitable roof, and to see all tlie iriends of the 
garrisou who ha\e been so kind to me. 



" This letter is more particularly to give yo\i 
a very ex.traordiiiai y tide. Flat Mouth, the chief 
of Leech Lake and suite, ten in number are viith 
me. The day before yesterday I met them again 
at Swan river where tliey detained me one day. 
I had to bear a new harangue and gave answer. 
All terminated by their own resolution that they 
ought to give you the hand, as well as to the 
Guinas of the Fort { Colonel Davenport. ) I 
thought it my duty to acquaint you with it be- 
forehand. Peace or war are at stake of the visit 
they pay you. Please give them a good welcome 
mitil 1 have reported to you and Colonel Daven- 
poit all that has taken place during my stay 
among the Pillagers. But be assured I have not 
trespassed and tliat I have behaved as would 
have done a good citizen of the I*. S. As to 
Schoolcraft's statement alluding to you, you will 
have full and complete satisfaction from Flat 
Mouth himself. In haste, your friend. J. N. 
Nicoley." 

e^':ents of a. d. 1837. 

On the seventeenth of March, 1837, there ar- 
rived Martin ^IcLeod, who became a prominent 
citizen of Minnesota, and tlie legislature has 
given his name to a county. 

He left the Red River country on snow shoes, 
with two companions, one a Polander and the 
other an Irishman named Hays, and Pierre Bot- 
tineau as interpreter. Being lost in a violent 
snow storm the Pole and Irishman perished. He 
and his guide. Bottineau, lived for a lime on the 
tlesh of one of their dogs. After being twenty- 
six days without seeing any one, tlie survivors 
reached tlie trading ]xist of Joseph R. Brown, at 
Lake Travei-se, and from thence they came to 
the fort. 

EVENTS OF A. D. 1838. 

In tlie month of April, eleven Sioux were slain 
in a dastard!) maimer, by a party of Ojibways, 



INDIAN BATTLES AT BUM RIVER AND STILLWATER. 



103 



under the noted and elder Hole-in-the-Day. The 
Chippeways feigned the warmest friendship, and 
at dark lay Aovm in the tents by the side of the 
Sioux, and in the night silently arose and killed 
them.- The occurrence took place at the Chippe- 
way River, about thirty miles from Lac qui Parle, 
and the next day the IJev. G. H. Pond, the Indian 
missionary, accompanied by a Sioux, \.ent out 
and buried the mutikited and scalpless bodies. 

On the second of August old IIole-in-the-Day, 
and some Ojibways, came to the fort. They 
stopped first at the cabin of Peter Quinn, whose 
wife was a half-breed Chippeway, about a mile 
from the fort. 

The missionary, Samuel W. Pond, told the 
agent that the Sioux, of Lake Callioun were 
aroused, and on their way to attack the Chippe- 
ways. The agent quieted them for a time, but 
two of the relatives of those slain at Lac qui Parle 
in April, hid themselves near Quinn's house, and 
as IIole-in-the-Day and his associates were pass- 
ing, they fired and killed one Chippeway and 
wounded another. Obequette, a Chippeway from 
Eed Lake, succeded, however, in shooting a 
Sioux whUe he was in the act of scalping his 
comrade. The Chippeways were brought within 
the fort as soon as possible, and at nine o'clock 
a Sioux was contined in the guard-house as a 
hostage. 

Not^Nathstanding the murdered Chippeway had 
been buried in the graveyard of the fort for safety, 
an attempt was made on the part of some of the 
Sioux, to dig it up. On the evening of the sixth, 
Major Plympton sent the Chippeways across the 
river to the east side, and ordered them to go 
home as soon as possible. 

EVENTS OF A. D. 1839. 

On the twentieth day of June the elder Hole- 
in-the-Day arrived from the Upper Mississippi 
with several hundred Chippeways. Upon their 
return homeward the Mississippi and lilille Lacs 
band encamped the first night at the Falls of Samt 
Anthony, and some of the Sioux visited them and 
smoked the pipe of peace. 

Ou the second of July, about sunrise, a son-in- 
law of the chief of the Sioux band, at Lake Cal- 
houn, named Meekaw or Badger, was killed and 
scalped by two Chippeways of the Pillager band, 
relatives of him who lost his life near Patrick 



Quinn's the year before. The excitement was 
intense among the Sioux, and immediately war 
parties started in pirrsuit. Hole-in-the-Day 's 
band was not sought, but the Mille Lacs and 
Saint Croix Chippeways. The Lake Calhoun 
Sioirx, with those from the villages on the 
Minnesota, assembled at the Palls of Saint 
Anthony, and on the morning of the fourth 
of July, came up with the Mille Lacs 
Cliippeways on Rum River, before sunrise. Not 
long after the war whoop was raised and the 
Sioux attacked, killing and wounding ninety. 

The Kiiposia band of Sioux pursued the Saint 
Croix Chippeways, and on the third of July found 
them in the Penitentiary ravine at Stillwater, 
under the influence of whisky. Aitkin, the old 
ti'ader, was with them. The sight of the 
Sioux tended to make them sober, but in the fight 
twenty-one were killed and twenty-nine wei* 
wotmded. 

"Whisky, durmg the year 1839, was freely in- 
troduced, in the face of the law prohibiting it. 
The first boat of the season, the Ariel, came to 
the fort on the fourteenth of April, and brouglit 
twenty barrels of whisky for Joseph It. Brown, 
and on the twenty-first of May, the Glaucus 
brought six barrels of liquor for David Faribault. 
On the thirtieth of June, some soldiers went to 
Joseph E. Browii's groggery on the opposite side 
of the ilississippi, and that night forty -seven 
were in the guard-house for drunkeimess. The 
demoralization then existing, led to a letter by 
Sturgeon Emerson on duty at the fort, to the Sur- 
geon General of the United States army, in which 
he writes : 

" The whisky is brought here by citizens who 
are pouring in upon us and settling themselves 
on the opposite shore of the Mississippi river, 
in defiance of our worthy commanding officer, 
Major J. Plympton, whose authority they set 
at naught. At this moment there is a 
citizen named Brown, once a soldier in 
the Fifth Infantry, who was discharged at 
this post, while Colonel Snelling commanded, 
and who has been since employed by the Ameri- 
can Fur Company, actually building on the land 
marked out by the land officers as the reserve, 
and witliui gunshol distance of the fort, a very 
expensive whisky shop." 



104 



EXPLORERS AND PIONEERS OF MIXXEHOTA. 



CHAPTER XYIII. 



INDIAN TRIBES IN MINNESOTA AT THK TIME OF ITS ORGANIZATION. 



Sioux or Dalikolali I'ropio— Mt>anlii;;or\v<irda Sioux and Daliltotjiii— Early villn(;es 
— Bfljiiilcncc of Sioux in I84y— Tlie Winiu-l>acoC'i-Tho Ojibways or Cliippeways. 

The three Indian nations who dwell in tliis 
region after the orf,'aniy.ation of Minnesota, were 
the Sioux or Dahkotahs ; the Ojibways or Chip- 
peways; and the Ilo-tchun-graws or Winneba- 
goes. 

SIOUX OU DAHKOTAHS. 

They are an entirely different group from the 
Algonquin and Iroquois, who were found liy tlie 
early settlers of the Atlantic States, on the banks 
of the Connecticut, Mohawk, and Susquehanna 
Rivers. 

"When the Dahkotahs were first noticed by the 
Euroj)ean ad\ enturers, large numbers were occu- 
pying the Mille Lacs region of country, and appro- 
priately called by the voyageur, "People of the 
Lake," "Gens du Lac." And tradition asserts that 
here was the ancient centre of tliis tribe. Though 
we have tracesof their warring and limiting on the 
shores of Lake Superior, there is no satisfactory 
evidence of their residence, east of the Mille Lacs 
region, as they have no name for Lake Superior. 

The word Dahkotah, by which they love to be 
designated, signifies allied or joined together in 
friendly compact, and is ecpiivalent to " E pluri- 
bus imum," the motto on the seal of the United 
States. 

In the history of the mission at La Pointe, 
AVisconsin, published nearly two centuries ago, a 
a writer, referring to the Dahkotahs, remarks : 

" For sixty leagues from the extremity of the 
Upper Lake, toward siniset; and, as it were in 
the centre of the western nations, they have all 
imiled their force by a general league."'' 

Tlie Dahkotahs in the earliest documents, and 
even until the present day , are called Sioux, Scioux, 
or Soos. The name originated with the early voy- 
ageurs. For centuries the Ojibways of Lake 
Superior waved war against the Dahkotahs; and, 



whenever they spoke of them, called them Xado- 
waysioux, which signifies enemies. 

The French traders. Id avoid exciting the atten- 
tion of Inilians, while conversing in their pres- 
ence, were accustomed to designate them by 
names, which would not be recognized. 

The Dahkotahs were nicknamed Sioux, a word 
composed of the two last syllables of the Ojibway 
word for foes 

Under the influence of the French traders, the 
eastern Sioux began to wander from tlie Mille 
Lacs region. A trading post at 0-ton-we-kpa- 
dau. or Rice Creek, above the Falls of Saint 
Anthony, induced some to erect their summer 
dwellings and plant corn there, which took the 
place of wild rice. Those who dwelt here were 
called Wa-kpa-a-ton-we-dan Those v.ho dwell on 
the creek. Another division was known as the 
^la-tan-ton-wan. 

Less than a hundred years ago, it is s;iid that 
the eastern Sioux, pressed by the Chippeways, 
and influenced by traders, moved seven miles 
above Fort Snelling on the Minnesota River. 

JIED-DAY-WAII-KAWX-TWAWNS. 

In 1840 there were seven villages of Med-day- 
wah-kawn-twawn Sioux. (1) Below Lake Pepin, 
where the city of Winona is, was the village of 
Wapashaw. This band was called Kee-yu-ksa, 
because with them blood relations intermarried. 
Bounding or Whipping Wind was the chief. (2) 
At the head of Lake Pepin, imder a lofty bluff, 
was the Red Wing village, called Ghay-mni-chan 
Hill, wood and water. Shooter was the name 
of the chief. (:?) Opposite, and a little below tlie 
Pig's Eye Marsh, was the Kaposia band. The 
word, Kapoja means light, given because these 
people are quick travelers. Ilis Scarlet People, 
better known as Little Crow, was the chief, and 
is notorious as the leader in the massacre of 1862. 

On the Minnesota River, on the south side 



NOTICE OF THE HOTCHUNGBA WS, OB WINNEBAGOES. 



105 



a few miles above Fort Snelling, was Black Dog 
village. The inhabitaEts were calleil, Ma-ga-yu- 
tay-shnee. People who do not a geese, be- 
cause they found it profitable to sell game at Fort 
Snelliug. Grey Iron was the chief, also known 
as Pa-ma-ya-yaw, My head aches. 

At Oak Grove, on the north side of the river, 
eight miles above the fort, was (5) Hay-ya-ta-o- 
ton-wan, or Inland Village, so called because 
they formerly lived at Lake Calkoun. Contigu- 
ous was (6) 0-ya-tay-sliee-ka, or Bad People, 
Known as Good Roads Band and (7) the largest 
village was Tin-ta-ton-wan, Prairie Village ; 
Shokpay, or Six, was the chief, and is now the 
site of the towii of Shakopee. 
West of this division of the Sioux were— 

WAR-PAY-KU-TAY. 

The "VVar-pay-ku-tay, or leaf shooters, who 
occupied the country south of the Minnesota 
around the sources of the Cannon and Blue Earth 
Rivers. 

■WAE-PAY-TWAWNS. 

North and west of the last were the War-pay- 
twawns, or People of the Leaf, and their princi- 
pal village was Lac qui Parle. They numbered 
about fifteen hundred. 

SE-SEE-TWAWNS. 

To the west and southwest of these bands of 
Sioux were the Se-see-twawns (Sissetoans), or 
Swamp Dwellers. This band claimed the land 
west of the Blue Earth to the James River, and 
the guardianship of the Sacred Red Pipestone 
Quarry. Their principal village was at Traverse, 
and the number of the band was estimated at 
thirty-eight hundred. 

HO-TCHUN-GRAWS, OR WINNEBAGOES. 

The Ho-tchun-graws, or Winnebagoes, belong 
to the Dahkotah family of aborigines. Cham- 
plain, although he never visited them, mentions 
them. Nicollet, who had been in his employ, 
visited Green Bay about the year 1635, and an 
early Relation mentions that he saw the Ouiui- 
pegous, a people called so, because they came 
from a distant sea, which some French erron- 
eously called Puauts. Another writer speak- 



ing of these people says : " This people are 
called ' Les Puants ' not because of any bad odor 
peculiar to them, but because they claim to have 
come from the shores of a far distant lake, 
towards the north, whose waters are salt. They 
call themselves the people ' de I'eau puants,' of 
the putrid or bad water." 

]?y the treaty of 1837 they were removed to 
Iowa, and by another treaty in October, 1846, 
they came to Minnesota in the spring of 1848, 
to the country between the Long Prairie, 
and Crow Wing Rivers. The agency was located 
on Long Prairie River, forty miles from the 
Mississippi, and in 1849 the tribe numbered 
about twenty-five hundred souls. 

In February 1855, another treaty was made 
with them, and that spring they removed to lands 
on the Blue Earth River. Owing to the panic 
caused by the outbreak of the Sioux in 1862, Con 
gress, by a special act, without consulting them, 
in 1863, removed them from their fields in ilin- 
nesota to the Missouri River, and in the words 
of a missionary, "they were, like the Sioux, 
diunped in the desert, one hundred miles above 
Fort Randall" 

OJIBWAY OR CHIPPEWAY NATION. 

The Ojibways or Leapers, when the French 
came to Lake Superior, had their chief settlement 
at Sault St. Marie, and were called by the French 
Saulteurs, and by the Sioux, Ilah-ha-tonwan, 
Dwellers at the Falls or Leaping Waters. 

When Du Luth erected his trading post at the 
western extremity of Lake Superior, they had not 
obtained any foothold in Minnesota, and were 
constantly at war with their hereditary enemes, 
the Nadouaysioux. By the middle of the 
eighteenth century, they had pushed in and occu- 
pied Sandy, Leech, Mille Lacs and other points 
between Lake Superior and the Mississippi, which 
had been dwelling places of the Sioux. In 1S20 
the principal villages of Ojibways in Minnesota 
were at Fond du Lac, Leech Lake and Sandy 
Lake. In 1837 they ceded most of their lands. 
Since then, other treaties have been made, until 
in the year 1881, they are confined to a few res- 
ervations, in northern Minnesota and vicinity. 



Klli 



EXrLOBERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



EAULY MISSIONS A3I0NG TIIK OJIIiWAYS AND DAIIKOTAns OF JtTITNESOTA. 



Jesuit MRsions not pormaiicnt— rrcsliylorian Mission at Muokinnw— Visit of Rev, 
A. Uoe am! J D. Stevens to Fort Stii-lling— Notice of Ayers. Hall, ajid Boutwell 
— Forination ol the word ItajiCa— The Brotlien ToDd— Arrival of Dr. Williain' 
son -Presliyti'rian Church at Fort Snolling— Mission at I^ake Harriet— Mourn, 
injf for the Dead — Church at Lac-cjui i)arie — Father Ravoux — Mission at iJilcc 
FoltcKunia—Attack l>y the Sioux — t'hippeway attack at Pig's Eye— Deatli of 
Rev, Sherman Hall— Methodist Missions Rev. S, W. Pond prepares a Sioux 
Onunmax and Dictionary Swiss Presbyterian Mission. 



Bancroft the distinguished historian, catchmg 
the enthusiasm of tlie narratives of tlie early 
Jesuits, depicts, in laiienuige wliieli glows, tlieir 
missions to the XorUiwest ; yet it is erroneous 
to suppose that the Jesuits exercised any perma- 
nent influence on the Aborigines. 

Shea, a devoted meuila'i- of tlie Roman Catho- 
lic Church, in his History of American CathoUc 
Missions writes : " In l(i8() Father Engalran was 
apparently alone at Green Bay. and Pierson at 
Mackinaw. Of the other missions neither Le- 
Clerq nor Hennepin, the Recollect writers of the 
West at this time, make any mention, or in any 
way allude to their existence."' He also says 
that "Father JSlenard had projected a Sioux 
mission ; Marquette, Allouez, Druilletes, all en- 
tertained hopes of realizing it, and had some 
intercourse with that nation, but none of them 
ever succeeded in establishing a mission." 

Father Hennepin wrote: '■ Can it be possible, 
that, that pieiended prodigious amountof savage 
converts could escape the sight of a multitude 
of French Canadians who travel every year ? 
* * * * How comes it to pass that these 
churches so devout and so numerous, should be 
invisible, " when I passed through so many 
countries and nations ? " 

After the American Fur Company was formed, 
the i.sland of Mackinaw became the residence of 
the principal agent for the Northwest, Robert 
Stuart a Scotchman, and devoted Presbyterian. 

In the month of June, 1820, the Rev. Dr. 
Morse, father of the distinguished inventor of 
the telegraph, visited and preached at Mackinaw, 
and in consequence of statements published b> 



him, upon his return, a Presbyterian Jfissionary 
Society in the state of New York sent a graduate 
of Union College, the Rev. "\V. M, Ferry, father 
of the present United States Senator from ilichi- 
gan, to explore the field. In 1823 he had estab- 
lished a large boarding school composed of 
children of various tribes, and here some were 
educated who became wives of men of intelU- 
gence and influence at the capital of Minnesota. 
After a few years, it was determined by the 
Mission Board to modify its plans, and in the 
place of a great central station, to send mission- 
aries among the several tribes to teach and to 
preach. 

In pursuance of this policy, the Rev. Alvan 
Coe, and J. D. Stevens, then a licentiate who 
had been engaged in the ^lackinaw Mission, 
made a tour of exploration, and arrived on 
September 1, 1829, at Fort Snelling. In the 
journal of Major Lawrence Taliaferro, which 
is in possession of the Minnesota Historical 
Society, is the follo\\ing entry : " The Rev. 
Mr. Coe and Stevens reported to be on their way 
to this post, members of the Presbyterian church 
looking out for suitable places to make mission- 
ary establishment for the Sioux and Cbiiipeways, 
I'ouud schools, and iustnict in the arts and agi'i- 
cnlture." 

The agent, although not at that time a commu- 
nicant of the Church, welcomed these visitors, 
and afforded them every facility in visiting the 
Indians. On Sunday, the Gth of September, the 
Rev. lilr. Coe preached twice in the fort, and the 
next night held a prayer meeting at tht; iiuartere 
of tlie commancliiig ollicer. On the next Suntlay 
he preached again, and on the lltli, with Mr. 
Stevens and a hired guide, returned to Mackinaw 
by way of tlie St. Croix river. During this visit 
the agent offered for a Presbyterian mission the 
mill which then stood on the site of Minneapolis, 
and had been erected by the government, as well as 



FORMATION OF THE WOBD ITASKA. 



107 



the farm at Lake Calhoun, which was begun to 
teach the Siovix agricultm-e. 

CUIPPEWAY 3IISSI0NS. 

In 1830, F. Ayer, one of the teachers at Mack- 
inaw, made an exploration as far as La Pointe, 
and returned. 

Upon the 30th day of August, 1831, a Macki- 
naw boat about forty feet long arrived at La 
Pointe, bringing fi'om Mackinaw tlie principal 
trader, Mr. AVarren, Kev. Sherman Hall and wife, 
and Mr. Frederick Ayer, a catechist and teacher. 

Mrs. HaU attracted great attention, as she was 
the first white woman who had visited that 
region. Sherman Hall was born on April 30, 
1801, at Wethersfield, Vermont, and in 1828 
graduated at Dartmouth College, and completed 
his theological studies at Andover, ilassachu- 
setts, a few weeks before he journeyed to the 
Indian country. 

His classmate at Dartmouth and Andover, the 
Eev W. T. Boutwell still living near Stillwater, 
became his yoke-fellow, but remained for a time 
at Mackinaw, which they reached about the mid- 
dle of July. In June, 1832, Henry R. School- 
craft, the head of an exploring expedition, invited 
Mr. Boutwell to accompany him to the sources of 
the Mississippi. 

"When the expedition reached Lac la Biche or 
Elk Lake, on July 13, 1832, Mr. Schoolcraft, who 
was not a Latin scholar, asked the Latin word for 
truth, and was told "Veritas." He tlien wanted 
the word which signified head, and was told 
"caput." To the astonishment of many, School- 
craft struck off the first sylable, of the word 
ver-i-tas and the last sylable of ca-put, and thus 
coined the word Itasca, which he gave to the 
lake, and which some modem writers, with all 
gravity, tell us was the name of a maiden who 
once dwelt on its banks. Upon Mr. Boutwell's 
return from this expedition he was at first asso- 
ciated with Mr. Hall in the mission at La Pointe. 

In 1833 the mission Viand which had centered 
at La Pointe diffused their infiuence. In Octo- 
ber Rev. Mr. Boutn'ell went to Leech Lake, Mr. 
Ayer opened a school at YeUow Lake, Wiscon- 
sin, and Mr. E. F. Ely, now in California, became 
a teacher at Aitkin's trading post at Sandy Lake. 

SIOUX MISSIONARIES. . 

Mr. Boutwell, of Leecli Lake Station, cm the 



sixth of Jlay, 1834, happened to be on a %isit to 
Fort Snelhng. AVhile there a steamboat arrived, 
and among the passengers were two young men, 
brothers, natives of Washuigton, Connecticut, 
Samuel AV. and Gideon II. Pond, who had come, 
constrained by the love of Christ, and without con- 
fening with flesh and blood, to try to improve 
the Sioux. 

Samuel, the older brother, the year before, had 
talked with a liquor seller in Galena, Illinoi-s, who 
had come from the Red River country, and the 
desire was awakened to help the Sioux ; and he 
^^Tote to his brother to go with him. • 

The Rev. Samuel Vf. Pond still lives at Shako- 
pee, in the old mission house, the first building of 
sawed lumber erected in the valley of the jSIinne- 
sota, above Fort SneUing. 

MISSIONS AMONG THE SIOUX A. D. 1835. 

About this period, a native of South Carolina, 
a graduate of Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, 
the Rev. T. S. Williamson, M. D., who previous 
to his ordination had been a respectable physi- 
cian in Ohio, was appointed by the American 
Board of Foreign Missions to visit the Dahkotahs 
with the view of ascertaining what could be done 
to introduce Christian instruction. Having made 
inquiries at Prairie du Chien and Fort SnelUng, 
he reported the field was favorable. 

The Presb5i:erian and Congregational Churches, 
through their joint Missionary Society, appointed 
the following persons to labor in Minnesota : 
Rev. Thomas S. Williamson, JI. D., missionary 
and physician; Rev. J. D. Stevens, missionary; 
Alexander Huggins, farmer ; and their wives ; 
Miss Sarah Poage, and Lucy Stevens, teachers; 
who were prevented diu-ing tlie year 1834, by the 
state of navigation, from entering upon their 
work. 

During the whiter of 1834-3.5, a pious officer 
of the army exercised a good infiuence on his 
fellow officers and soldiers under his command. 
In the absence of a chaplam of ordained minis- 
ter, he, like General Havelock, of the Britisli 
army in India, was accustomed not only to drill 
the soldiers, but to meet them in bis own quar- 
ters, and reason with them "of righteousness, 
temperance, and judgment to come." 

In the month of ilay, 183.5, Dr. Williamson 
laicl mission band arrived at Fort Snelling, and 



108 



EXPLOBEBS AND PIONEEBS OF MINNESOTA. 



were hospitably received by the officers of tlie 
garrison, tlie Indian Agent, ami Mr. Sililey. Agent 
of the ('(inii)aiiy at .Mendota, wlio had been in 
the country a few montlis. 

On the twenty-seventh of this month the Uev. 
Dr. Williamson iniited in marriage at the Fort 
Lieutenant Edward A. Ogden to Eliza Edna, tlie 
daughter of Captain (i. A. Loomis, the first 
marriage service in which a clergyman ofliciated 
in tlie present State of Minnesota. 

On the eleventh of June' a meeting was held 
at the Fort to organize a Presbyterian Church, 
sixteen persons wlio had been fommunicants, 
and six who made a profession of faith, one of 
whom was Lieutenant Ogden, were enrolled as 
members. 

Four elders were elected, among whom were 
Capt. Gustavus Loomis and Samuel W, Pond, 
The next day a lecture preparatory to administer- 
ing the communion, was delivered, and on Sun- 
day, the 14th, the first organized church in the 
"N'alley of the Upper Mississippi assembled for 
the first time in one of the Company rooms of the 
Fort. The services in the morning were conducted 
by I)r, "Williamson. The afternoon service com- 
menced at 2 o'clock. The sermon of Mr, Stevens 
was upon a most appropriate text, 1st Peter, ii:2o ; 
" For ye were as slM'ep going astray, but are now 
returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of yoiu' 
souls." After the discourse, the sacrament of the 
Lord's supper was administered. 

At a meeting of the Session on the thirty-first 
of July, Rev. J. D. Stevens, missionary, was in- 
vited to preach to the church, " so long as the 
duties of his mission will permit, and also to pre- 
side at all the meetings of the Session," Captain 
Gustavus Loomis was elected Stated Clerk of the 
Session, and they resolved to observe the monthly 
concert of prayer on the first Monday of each 
month, for the conversion of the world. 

Two points were selected by the missionaries 
as proper spheres of labor. Mr. Stevens and 
family proceeded to Lake Harriet, and Dr. Wil- 
liamson and family, in June, proceeded to Lac 
qui Parle. 

As there liad never been a chaplain at Fort 
Snelling, the Rev, J. D. Stevens, the missionary 
at Lake Harriet, preached on Sundays to the 
Presbyterian church, there, recently organized. 



Writing on January tw^enty-seventh, 1836, he 
says, in relation to his field of labor : 

" Yesterday a portion of thisl)and of Indians, 
who had been some time absent from this village, 
returned. One of the number (a woman) was 
informed that a brother of here had died during 
her alisence. lie was not at tliis village, but 
with another band, and the information had just 
reached here. In the evening they set up a most 
piteous crying, or rather wailing, whicli con- 
tinued, with some little cessations, during the 
night. The sister of the deceased brotherwould 
repeiit, times vrithout number, words which may 
be thus translated into English : ' Come, my 
brother, I shall see you no more for ever.' The 
night was extremely cold, the thermometer 
standing from ten to twenty below zero. About 
sunrise, next morning, preparation was made for 
performing the ceremony of cutting their flesh, 
ill order to give relief to their grief of mind. 
Tlie snow was removed from tlie frozen ground 
over about as large a space as would be required 
to place a small Indian lodge or wigwam. In the 
centre a very small fire was kindled up, not to 
give warmth, apparently, but to cause a smoke. 
The sister of the deceased, who was the chief 
mourner, came out of her lodge followed by 
three other women, who rejiaired to the place 
prepared. They were all barefooted, and nearly 
naked. Here they set up a most bitter lamenta- 
tion and crying, mingling their wailings with the 
words before mentioned. The principal mourner 
commenced gashing or cutting her ankles and 
legs up to the knees with a sharp stone, until her 
legs were covered with gore and flowmg blood ; 
then in like maimer her arms, shoulders, and 
breast. The others cut themselves in the same 
way, but not so severely. On this poor infatuated 
woman I presume there were more than a hun- 
dred long deep gashes in the flesh. I saw the 
operation, and the blood instantly followed the 
instrument, and flowed down upon the flesh. She 
appeared frantic with grief, Tlirough the pain 
of her wounds, the loss of blood, exhaustion of 
strength by fasting, loud and long-continued and 
bitter groans, or the extreme cold upon her al- 
mt)st naked and lacerated body, she soon sunk 
upon the frozen ground, shaking as with a violent 
fit of the ague, and writhing in apparent agony. 
•Surely," I exclaimed, as I beheld the bloody 



A SOMAN CATHOLIC MISSIOXABY. 



109 



scene, 'the tender mercies of the heathen are 
cruelty 1' 

'' The Uttle church at the fort begins to mani- 
fest something of a missionary spirit Their con- 
triljutions are considerable for so small a nimiber. 
I hope they will not only be willing to contribute 
liberally of thek substance, but will give them- 
selves, at least some of them, to the missionary 
work. 

" The surgeon of the miUtary post. Dr. .Jarvis, 
has been very assiduous in his attentions to us in 
our sickness, and has very generously made a do- 
iiiUion to our board of twenty-five dollars, beuig 
the amount of his medical services in our family. 

" On the nineteenth instant we commenced a 
school with six full Indian children, at least so m 
all their habits, dress, etc.; not one coidd speak a 
word of any language but Sioux. The school has 
since increased to the number of twenty-flve. I 
am now collecting and arranging words for a dic- 
tionary. Mr. Pond is assiduously employed in 
preparing a small spellhig-book, which we may 
forward next mail for printing. 

On the fifteenth of September, 1836, a Presby- 
terian church was organized at Lac-qui-Parle, a 
branch of that in and near Port Snelliiig, and 
Joseph Renville, a mixed blood of great influ- 
ence, became a communicant. He had been 
trained in Canada by a Roman Catholic priest, 
but claimed the right of private judgment. Mr. 
Renville's wife was the first pure Dahkotah of 
whom we have any record that ever joined the 
Church of Christ. This church has never become 
extinct, although its members have been neces- 
sarily nomadic. After the treaty of Traverse des 
Sioux, it was removed to Hazlewood. Driven 
from thence by the outbreak of 18(52, it has be- 
came the parent of other cluu-ches, in the valley 
of the upper Missouri, over one of which John 
Renville, a descendant of the elder at Lac-qui- 
Parle, is the pastor. 

EOMAK CATHOLIC MISSION ATTEMPTED. 

Father Ravoux, recently from France, a sin- 
cere and earnest priest of tlie Church of Rome, 
came to Mendota in the autumn of 1841, and 
after a brief sojourn with the Rev. L. Galtier, 
who had erected Saint Paul's chapel, which has 
given the name of Saint Paul to the capital of 
Minnesota, he ascended the ^linnesota River 
and visited Lac-qui-Parle. 



Bishop Loras, of Dubuque, wrote the next year 
of his visit as follows : " Our yoimg missionai-y, 
M. Ravoux, passed the whiter on the banks of 
Lac-qui-Parle, viithout any other support than 
Providence, without any other means of conver- 
sion than a burning zeal, he has wrought m the 
space of six months, a happy revolution among 
the Sioux. From the time of his arrival he has 
been occupied night and day in the study of their 
language. ***** When he instructs 
the savages, he speaks to them with so much fire 
whilst showing them a large copper crucifix which 
he carries on his breast, that he makes the strong- 
est impression upon them." 

The impression, however was evanescent, and 
he soon retired from the field, and no more efforts 
were made in this direction by the Church of 
Rome. This young Mr. Ravoux is now the highly 
respected vicar of the Roman Catholic diocese of 
Minnesota, and justly esteemed for his simpUcity 
and unobtrusiveness. 

CHIPFEWAY MISSIONS AT POKEQTJMA. 

Pokegiima is one of the " Mille Lacs," or thou- 
sand beautiful lakes for which Minnesota is re- 
markable. It is about four or five miles in extent, 
and a mile or more in width. 

This lake is situated on Snake River, about 
twenty miles above the junction of that stream 
with the St. Croix. 

In the year 1836, missionaries came to reside 
among the Ojibways and Pokeguma, to promote 
their temporal and spiritual welfare. Their mis- 
sion house was built on the east side of the lake ; 
but the Indian village was on an island not far 
from the shore. 

In a letter written in 1837, we find the fol- 
lowing: "The young women and girls now 
make, mend, wash, and iron after oiu- man- 
ner. The men have learned to build log houses, 
drive team, plough, hoe, and handle an American 
axe with some skill in cutting large trees, the 
size of which, two years ago, would have afforded 
them a sufficient reason why they should not med- 
dle with them." 

In May, 1841, Jeremiah Russell, who was In- 
dian farmer, sent two Chippeways, accompanied 
by Elam Greeley, of Stillwater, to the Falls of 
Saint Croix for suppUes. On Saturday, the 
fifteenth of the month they arrived there, and 



Ill) 



JiiXl'LOUEliS AM) I'lOSKEUS OF Ml.WESOTA. 



the next day a stpamboat ranie up with the 
goods. The captain said a war party of Sioux, 
headed by Little Crow, was advancing, an<l tlie 
two Cliipix'ways prepared to go back and were 
their I'riends. 

They had hardly left the Falls, on their re- 
turn, before they saw a party of Dahkotahs. The 
sentinel of the enemy had not noticed tin- ap- 
proach of the young men. In the twinkling of 
an eye, these two young Ojibways raised their 
giuis, fired, and killed two of Little Crow's sons. 
The discharge of the ginis revealed to a sentinel, 
that an enemy was near, and as the Ojibways 
■were retreating, he lired, and mortally wounded 
one of the two. 

According to custom, the corpses of the chief's 
sons were dressed, and then set up with their 
faces towards the country of their ancient ene- 
mies. The wounded Ojibway was horribly 
mangled by the infuriated party, and his limbs 
strewn about in every direction. His scalped 
head was iilaced in a kettle, and suspended in 
front of the two Dahkolahcoiiises. 

Little Crow, disheartened by the loss of his two 
boys, returned with his party to Kaposia. But 
other parties were in the field. 

It was not till Friday, the twenty-tirst of May, 
that the death of one of the young Ojibways 
sent l)y Mr. Russell, to the Falls of Saint Croix, 
was known at Pokeguma. 

Mr. Russell on the next Sunday, accompanied 
by Captain AVilliam Jlolcomb and a half-breed, 
went to the mission station to attend a religious 
service, and while crossing the lake in returning, 
the half-lireed said that it was rutnored that the 
Sioux were approaching. On ^londay, the twen- 
ty-fourth, three young men left in a canoe to go 
to the west shore of the lake, and from thence to 
ilille Lacs, to give intelligence to the Ojibways 
there, of the skirmish that had already occurred. 
They took with them two Indian giiis, about 
twelve years of age, who were pupils of the mis- 
sion school, for the purpose of bringing the canoe 
back to the island. Just as the three were land- 
ing, twenty or thirty Dahkotah warriors, with a 
war whoop emerged from their concealment be- 
hind tlie trees, and lired into the canoe. The 
young men instantly sprang into the water, whicli 



was shallow, returned the lire, and ran into tlie 
woods, escaping without material injury. 

Tlie little girls, in their fright, waded into the 
lake ; but were pursued. Their parents upon 
the island, heard tlie death cries of tlieir children'. 
Some of the Indians around the mi.ssion-house 
jumped into their canoes and gained the island. 
Others went into some forlilied log huts. The 
attack upon the canoe, it was afterwanls learned, 
was premature. The party upon that side of the 
lake were ordered not to fire, until the party 
stationed in the woods near the mission began. 

There were in all one hundred and eleven 
Dahkotah waiTiors, and all the light was in the 
vicinity of the mission-house, and the Ojibways 
mostly engaged in it were those who had been 
mider religious instruction. The rest were upon 
the island. 

The fathers of the murdered girls, burning for 
revenge, left the island in a canoe, and drawing 
it up on the sliore, hid behind it, and fired upon 
the Dahkotahs and killed one. The Dahkotahs 
advancing upon them, they were obliged to 
escape. The canoe was now launched. One lay 
on his back in the bottom ; the other plunged 
into the water, and, holding tlie canoe witli one 
hand, and swininiiiig with the other, he towed 
his friend out of danger. The Dalikotahs. in- 
furiated at their escape, fired volley after volley 
at the swimmer, but he escaped the balls by 
putting his head under water whenever he saw 
them take aim, and waiting till he heard the 
discharge, he would then look up and breathe. 

After a fight t)f two hours, the Dahkotahs re- 
treated, with a loss of two men. At the request 
of the parents, Mr. E. F. Ely, from whose 
notes the writer has obtained these facts, be- 
ing at that time a teacher at the mission, 
went across the lake, with two of his friends, to 
gather the remains of his murdered pupils. He 
found the corpses on the shore. The heads cut 
olT and scalped, with a tomahawk buried in the 
brains of each, were set up in the .sand near the 
bodies. The bodies were pierced in the brea.st, 
and the right arm of one was taken away. Re- 
moving the tomahawks, the bodies were brought 
back to the island, and in the afternoon were 
buried in accoiilaiice w ith the simple but solemn 
rites of the Church of t'hrist, by members of th'^ 
mission. 



SIOUX MISSIONAEIES BEFORE THE TREATIES. 



Ill 



The sequel to this story is soon told. The In- 
dians of Pokeguma, after the fight, deserted their 
village, and went to reside with their countrymen 
near Lake Superior. 

In July of the following year, 1842, a war party 
was formed at Fond du Lac, about forty m num- 
ber, and proceeded towards the Dahkotah coimtry. 
Sneakuig, as none but Indians can, they arrived 
umioticed at the Uttle settlement below Saint 
Paul, commonly called " Pig's Eye," which is 
opposite to what was Kaposia, or Little Crow's 
village. Finding an Indian woman at work in 
the garden of her husband, a Canadian, by the 
name of GameUe, they killed her ; also another 
woman, with her infant, whose head was cut off. 
The Dahkotahs, on the opposite side, were mostly 
intoxicated ; and, flying across in their canoes but 
half prepared, they were worsted m the en- 
coimter. They lost thirteen warriors, and one of 
their number, known as the Dancer, the Ojib- 
ways are said to have skinned. 

Soon after this the Chippeway missions of the 
St. Croix Valley were abandoned. 

In a little while Rev. ilr. Boutwell removed to 
the vicinity of Stillwater, and the missionaries, 
Ayer and Spencer, went to Eed Lake and other 
points in Minnesota. 

In 18.53 the Rev. Sherman Hall left the Indians 
and became pastor of a Congregational church at 
Sauk Eapids, where he recently died. 

METHODIST MISSIONS. 

In 1837 the Rev. A. Bnmson commenced a 
Methodist mission at Kaposia, about four miles 
below, and opposite Saint Paul. It was afterwards 
removed across the river to Red Rock. He was 
assisted by the Rev. Thomas W. Pope, and the 
latter was succeeded by the Rev. J. Ilolton. 

The Rev. Mr. Spates and others also labored 
for a brief period among the Ojibways. 

PBESBTTERIAil MISSIONS CONTINTTED. 

At ihe stations the Dahkotah language was dil- 
igently studied. Rev. S. W. Pond had prepared 
a dictionary of three thousand words, and also a 
small grammar. The Rev. S. R. Riggs, who 
joined the mission in 1837, in a letter dated 
February 24, 1841, writes: "Last summer 
after returning from Fort Snelling. T spent live 
weeks in copying again the Sioux vocabulary 
which we had collected and arranged at this sta- 



tion. It contained then about 5500 words, not 
including the various forms of the verbs. Suice 
that time, the words collected by Dr. Williamson 
and myself, have, I presume, increased the num- 
ber to six thousand. ***** in this con- 
nection, I may mention that during the winter of 
1839-40, Mrs. Riggs, with some assistance, wrote 
an English and Sioux vocabulary containing 
about three thousand words. One ot Mr. Ren- 
ville's sons and three of his daughters are en- 
gaged in copying. In committing the grammati- 
cal principles of the language to vmting. we have 
done something at this station, but more has been 
done by Mr. S. AV. Pond." 

Steadily the number of Indian missionaries 
increased, and in 1851, before the lands of the 
Dahkotahs west of the Mississippi were ceded to 
the whites, they were disposed as follows by the 
Dahkotah Presbjftery. 

Lac-qtd-parle, Rev. S. R. Riggs, Rev. M. IV. 
Adams, Missionaries, Jonas Pettijohn, Mrs. 
Fanny Pettijohn, ]\Irs. Mary Ann Riggs, Mrs. 
Mary A. M. Adams, Miss Sarah Rankin, As- 
sistants. 

Traverse des Sioux, Rev. Robert Hopkins, 3Iis- 
sionanj ; Mrs. Agnes Hopkins, Alexander G. 
Huggins, Mrs. Lydia P. Iluggins, Assistants. 

Shalijjay, or Shol-pay, Rev. Samuel W. Pond, 
Missionary ; Mrs. Sarah P. Pond, Assistant. 

Oak Grove, Rev. Gideon H. Pond and wife. 

Kaposia, Rev. Thomas Williamson, M. D., 
Missionai-y and Physician ; ilrs. ilargaret P. 
Williamson, Miss Jane S. WilUamson, Assistants. 

Red Wi7ig, Rev. John F. Alton, Rev. .Joseph 
W. Hancock, Missionaries; Mrs. Nancy 11. Alton, 
Mrs. Hancock, Assistants. 

The Rev. Daniel Gavin, the Swiss Presbjlie- 
rian Missionary, spent the winter of 1839 in Lac- 
qm-Parle and was afterwards married to a niece 
of the Rev. J. D. Stevens, of the Lake Harriet 
Mission. Mr. Stevens became the farmer and 
teacher of the Wapashaw band, and the first 
white man who lived where the city of AMnoiia 
has been buUt. Another missionary from Switz- 
erland, the Rev. Mr. Denton, manied a Miss 
Skinner, formerly of the Mackinaw mission. 
During a portion of the year 1839 these Swiss 
missionaries lived with the American mission- 
aries at camp Cold Water near Fort SnelUng, 
but their chief field of labor was at Red Wing. 



112 



EXVLORKia^i AM) VloyKEliti OF MINJVJiliiOTA.. 



CHAPTER XX. 



THUAD OF PIONEERS IN THE SAINT C'llOIX VALLEY AND ELSEWHEUE. 



Origin of the namo Suint Croix— Dn Liitli, first Kxplorcr— Frcncli Post on Ihp St. 
Croix— Pitt, iin early pioneer— Kiirly settler* at Saint Croix Falli— First women 
there — Marine Settlement — .losepti R. Brown's town site— Saint Croix County 
orjtonired— Proprietors of Stillwafrr— A dead Negro woman — Pig's Eye, orii:in 
of name- Uiso of Saint Paul— Dr. Williamson secures tlrst school te.tclier for 
Saint Paul — Description of flntt school room— Saint Croix County rd.organized 
— Rev. W. T. Hotitwell, pioneer clergyman. 

The Saint Croix river, arcordiiip; to Le Sueur, 
named afler a Freiiclimaii who was drowned at 
its mouth, was one of the earliest througlifares 
from Lake Superior to the ilississippi. The first 
■wliite man who directed canoes upon its waters 
■was Du Luth, wlio had in 1679 explored Minne- 
sota. He thus descrihes his tour in a letter, first 
published by Ilarrisse : " In June, 1680. not be- 
ing satisfied, witli having made my discovery by 
land, I took t\\o canoes, with an Indian ■who was 
my interpreter, and four Frenchmen, to seek 
means to make it by water. Witli tliis view I 
entered a river wliicli empties eiglit leagues from 
the extremity ot Lake Superior, on the south 
side, where, alter having cut some trees and 
broken al)out a hundred beaver dams, I reached 
the upper waters of the said river, r.nd then I 
made a portage of half a league to reach a lake, 
the outlet of which fell into a very fine river, 
which took me down into the Mississippi. There 
I learned from eight cabins of Xadouecioux that 
the llev. Father Louis Hennepin, Recollect, now 
at the convent of Saint (iermain, with two otlier 
Frenchmen had lieeu roblied, and carried oil as 
slaves for more than three hundred leagues by 
the Nadouecioux themselves." 

He then relates how he left two Frenchmeu 
with his goods, and went with his interiJieter and 
two Frenchmen in a canoe down tlie lilississiiipi, 
and after two days and two nights, found Henne- 
pin, Accault and Augelle. He told Hennepin 
that he nuist retmn with him through the country 
of the Fox tribe, and writes : •' I preferred to re- 
trace my steps, manifesting to them [the Sioux] 
the just indignation I felt against them, rather 
than to remain after the violence they had done 



to the Rev. Father and the other two Freuclimen 
with him, whom I put in my canoes and brought 
them to Michilimackinack." 

After tliis, tlie Saint Croix river became a chan- 
nel for counnerce, and Bellin writes, that before 
17.J.5, the French had erected a fort forty leagues 
from its mouth and twenty from Lake Superior. 

The pine forests between the Saiut Croix and 
Minnesota had been for severiil years a tempta- 
tion to energetic men. As early as November. 
1836, a ^Ir. I'itt went with a boat and a party of 
men to the Falls of Saint Croix to cut pine tim- 
ber, with the consent of the Chippeways but the 
dissent of the United Slates aiitliorities. 

In 1837 while the treaty was being made by Com- 
missioners Dodge and Smith at Fort Snelling, on 
one Sunday Franklin Steele, Dr. Fitch, Jeremiah 
Russell, and a Mr. Maginuis left I'ort Snelling 
for the Falls of Saint Croix in a birch bark canoe 
paddled by eight men. and reached that point 
about noon on Monday and commenced a log 
cabin. Steele and Maginuis remained here, 
while the others, dividing into two parties, one 
under Fitch, and the other mider Russell, search- 
eil for i)ine land. Tlic first stopped at Sun llise, 
while Russel went on to the Snake River. About 
the same time Robbinet and Jesse B. Taylor 
came to the Falls in the interest of B. F. Raker 
who had a stone trading house near Fort Snelling, 
since destroyed by fire. On the fifteenth of July, 
1838, the Palmyra, ('ai)t. Holland, arrived at 
the Fort, witli the oflicial notice of the ratifica- 
tion of the treaties ceding the lands between the 
Saint Croix and ^Mississippi. 

She had on board C. A. Tuttle. L. W. Stratton 
and otliers. with the machinery for the projected 
mills of the Northwest Lumber Company at the 
Falls of Saiut Croix, and reached that point on 
the seventeenth, tlie first steamboat to disturb tlie 
waters above Lake Saint Croix. The steamer 
Gypsy came to the fort on the twenty-first of 



WOMEN IN THE VALLEY OF THE ti^UNT CROIX. 



113 



October, with goods for the Chippeways, and was 
chartered for four huiicked and fifty dollars, to 
carry them up to the Falls of Saint CroLx. In 
passing through the lake, the boat grounded near 
a projected town called Stambaughville, after S. 
C. Stambaugh, the sutler at the fort. On the 
afternoon of the 26th, the goods were landed, as 
stipulated. 

The agent of the Improvement Company at the 
falls was Washington Libbey, who left in the fall 
of 1838, and was succeeded by Jeremiah KusseU, 
Stratton acting as millwright in place of Calvin 
Tuttle. On the twelfth of December, Kussell and 
Stratton walked downi the river, cut the first tree 
and built a cabin at Marine, and sold their claim. 

The first women at the Falls of Saint Croi.x were 
a Mrs. Orr, Mrs. Sackett, and the daughter of a 
Mr. Young. During the winter of 1838-9, Jere- 
miah Kussell married a daughter of a respectable 
and gentlemanly trader, Charles H. Oakes. 

Among the first preachers were the Kev. W. T. 
Boutwell and Mr. Seymour, of the Chippeway 
Mission at Pokeguma. The Kev. A. Brunson, of 
Prairie du Chieu, who visited this region in 1838, 
wrote that at the mouth of Snake Kiver he fomid 
Franklin Steele, with twenty-five or thirty men, 
cutting timber for a mill, and when he offered to 
preach Mr. Steele gave a cordial assent. 

On the sixteenth of August. Mr. Steele, Living- 
ston, and others, left the Falls of Saint Croix in a 
barge, and went around to Fort Snelling. 

The steamboat Fayette about the middle of 
May, 1839, landed sutlers' stores at Fort Snell- 
ing and then proceeded with several persons of 
intelligence to the Saint Croix river, who s 'tiled 
at Marine. 

The place was called after Marine in Madison 
county, Illinois, where the company, consisting 
of Judd, Hone and others, was formed to biiild 
a saw miU in the Saint Croix Valley. The mill 
at Marine commenced to saw lumber, on August 
24, 1839, the first in Minnesota. 

Joseph K. Brown, who since 1838, had lived at 

Chan Wakan, on the west side of Grey Cloud 

Island, this year made a claim near the upper 

end of the city of Stillwater, which he called 

Dalikotah, and was the first to raft lumber down 

the Saint Croix, as well as the first to represent 

the citizens of the valley in the legislature of 

Wisconsin. 
8 



Until the year 1841, the jurisdiction of Craw- 
ford county, Wisconsin, extended over the delta 
of country between the Saint Croix and Missis- 
sippi. Joseph R. Brown having been elected as 
representative of the county, in the territorial 
legislature of Wisconsin, succeeded in obtairung' 
the passage of an act on November twentieth, 
1841, organizing the county of Saint Croix, with 
Dahkotah designated as the county seat. 

At the time prescrilied for holding a court in 
the new county, it is said that the judge of the 
district arrived, and to his surprise, found a 
claim cabin occupied by a Frenchman. Speedily 
retreating, he never came again, and judicial 
proceedings for Saint Croix county ended for 
several years. Phineas Lawrence was the first 
sheriff of this county. 

On the tenth of October, 1843, was commenced 
a settlement which has become the town of Still- 
water. Tlie names of the proprietors were John 
McKusick from Elaine, Calvin Leach from Ver- 
mont, Elam Greeley from Maine, and Elias 
McKean from Pennsylvania. They immediately 
commenced the erection of a sawmill. 

John II. Fonda, elected on the twenty-second 
of September, as coroner of Crawford county, 
Wisconsin, asserts that he was once notified that 
a dead body was lying in the water opposite Pig's 
Eye slough, and immediately proceeded to the 
spot, and on taking it out, recognized it as the 
body of a negro woman belonging to a certain 
captam of the United States army then at Fort 
Crawford. The body was cruelly cut sind bruised, 
but no one appearing to recognise it, a verdict of 
" Found dead," was rendered, and the corpse was 
buried. Soon after, it came to light that the 
woman was whipped to death, and thrown into 
the river during the night. 

The year that the Dahkotahs ceded their lands 
east of the Mississippi, a Canadian Frenchman 
by the name of Parrant, the ideal of an Indian 
whisky seller, erected a shanty in what is now 
the city of Saint Paul. Ignorant and overbear- 
ing he loved money more than liis own soul. 
Destitute of one eye, and the other resembUng 
that of a pig, he was a good representative of 
Caliban. Some one writmg from Ms groggery 
designated it as " Pig's Eye." The reply to the 
letter was directed in good faith to " Pig's Eye " 



114 



EXPLORERS AND PIONEEBS OF MINNESOTA. 



Some years ago the editor of the Saint Paul 
Press descril)eil the occasion in these words: 

" Edmund Ihisette, a clerkly Frencluuan for 
those days, wlio lives, or did live a little while 
ago, on Lake Harriet, was one day sealed at a 
table in I'arranfs cabin, with pen and paiicr 
about to write a letter for Parrant (for Parrant, 
like Charlemagre. could not write) to a friend 
of the latter in Canada. Tlie question of geog- 
raphy puzzled Brissette at the outset of the 
epistle; where should he date a letter from a 
place without a name V He looked up inciuir- 
ingly to Parrant, and met the dead, cold glare of 
the Pig's Eye lixed upon him, with an irresist- 
ible suggestiveuess that was inspiration to 
Brisctte."' 

Ill 1842, the late Henry Jackson, of ^lahkahto. 
settled at the same spot, and erected the lirst 
store on the height just above the lower landing. 
Roberts and SinipsDii followed, and opened 
small Indian trading shops. In 1S4(), the site of 
Saint Paul was chiefly occupied by a few shanties 
owned by " certain lewd fellows of the baser 
sort," who sold rum to tlie soldier and Indian. 
It was despised by all decent white men, and 
known to the Dahkotahs by an expression in 
their tongue which means, the place where the}' 
sell minne-wakan [supernaaual water]. 

The chief of the Kaposia band in lH4f), was shot 
by his own brother in a drunken revel, but sur- 
viving the wound, and apparently ahurmed at the 
deterioration under the influence of the modern 
hansies at Saint I'aul. went to Mr. Bnice, Indian 
Agent, at Fort Snelling, and requested a mis- 
sionary. The Indian Agent in his report to gov- 
ernment, says : 

"The chief of the Little Crow's band, who re- 
sides below tills place (Fort Snelling) about nine 
miles, in the immediate neighbourhood of the 
whiskey dealers, has requested to have a school 
established at his village. He says they are de- 
termined to reform, and for the future, will try 
to do better. I wrote to Doctor Williamson soon 
after the request was ma<le, desiring him to take 
charge of the school. He has had charge of the 
mission school at Lac qui Parle for some years ; 
is well qualified, and is an excellent iihysician." 

In November, lS4t), Dr. 'Williainson came from 
Lac qui Parle, as requested, and became a resi- 
dent of Kaposia. While disapproving of their 



practices, he felt a kindly interest in the whites 
of I'ig's Eye. which ]>lace was now beginning to 
be called, after a little log chapel which had been 
erected at the suggestion of Rev. L. Galtier, and 
called Saint Paul's. Though a missionary among 
the Dahkotahs, he was the lirst to take steps to 
promote tlie education of the whites and half- 
breeds of Minnesota. In the year 1S47. he wrote 
to ex-Governor Slade, President of the National 
Popular Education Society, in relation to the 
condition of what has subseciuently become the 
capital of the state. 

In accordance with his request, Jliss II. E. 
Bishop came to his mission-house at Kapo.sia, 
and, after a short time, was introduced by liim 
to the citizens of Saint Paul. The lirst school- 
house in ilinnesota besides those connected with 
the Indian missions, stood near the site of the 
old 15ri(k Presliyterian church, corner of Saint 
Peter and Third street, and is thus described liy 
the teacher : 

•'The school was commenced in a little log 
hovel, covered with l)aik, and chinked with mud, 
previously used as a blacksmith shoii. On three 
sides of the interior of this humble log cabin, 
pegs were driven into the logs, upon which boards 
were laid for scats. Another seat was made by 
l>hiciiig one end of a plauk between the cracks 
of the logs, and the other uyion a chair. This 
was for visitors. A rickety cross-legged table in 
the centre, and a hen's nest in one corner, com- 
pleted the furniture," 

Saint Croix county, in the year 1847, was de- 
tached from CraW'ford county, Wisconsin, and 
reorganized for judicial purposes, and Stillwater 
made the county .seat. In the month of, June 
the I'nited States District Court held its session 
in the store-room of Mr. John McKusi<'k ; Judge 
Charles Dunn presiding. A large number of 
lumbermen had been attracted by the pineries 
in the upper portion of the valley of Saint Croix, 
and Stillwater was looked upon as the center of 
the lumbering interest. 

The llev. Mr. Boutwell. feeling that he ci)uld 
be more useful, left the Ojibways, and took up 
his residence near Stillwater, preaching to the 
luml)ermpn at the Falls of Saint Croix, Marine 
Mills. Stillwater, and Cottage Grove. In a letter 
speaking of Stillwater, he says, " Here is a little 
village sprung up like a gourd, but whether it is 
to perish as soon, God only knows." 



NAMES PROPOSED FOR MINNESOTA TERRITORY. 



ll.j 



CHAPTER XXI. 



EVENTS PRELIJIINARY TO THE ORGANIZATION OF THE MINNESOTA TERRITORY, 



Wiscousin State Boundaries— First bill for ttie Organization of Minnesota Terri- 
tory, A. D. 1846 — Change of Wisconsin Boundary — Memorial of Saint Croix 
Valley citizens — Various names proposed tor the New Territory — Convention at 
Stillwater — H. H. Sibley elected Delegate to Congress. — Derivation of word 
Mninesota. 

Three years elapsed from the time that the 
territory of Minnesota was proposed in Congress, 
to the final passage of tlie organic act. On the 
sixth of August, 1846, an act was passed by Con- 
gress authorizing the citizens of Wisconsin Ter- 
ritory to frame a constitution and form a state 
government. The act fixed the Saint Louis river 
to the rapids, from thence south to the Saint 
Croix, and thence down that river to its junction 
with the Mississippi, as the western boundary. 

On the twenty -third of December, 1846, the 
delegate from Wisconsin, Morgan L. Martin, in- 
troduced a bill in Congress for the organization 
of a territory of Minnesota. This bill made its 
western boundary the Sioux and Red River of 
the North. On the third of March, 1847, per- 
mission was granted to Wisconsin to change her 
boimdary, so that the western limit would pro- 
ceed due south from the first rapids of the Saint 
Louis river, and fifteen miles east of the most 
easterly point of Lake Saint CroLx, thence to the 
Mississippi. 

A number in the constitutional convention of 
Wisconsin, were anxious that Rum river should 
be a part of her western boundary, while citizens 
of the valley of the Saint Croix were desirous 
that the Chippeway river should be the limit of 
Wisconsin. The citizens of Wisconsin Territory, 
in the valley of the Saint Croix, and about Fort 
Snelling, -wished to be included in the projected 
new territory, and on the twenty-eiglith of jSIarch, 
1848, a memorial signed by 11. H. Sibley, Henry 
M. Rice, Franklin Steele, William R. Marshall, 
and others, was presented to Congress, remon- 
strating against the proposition before the con- 
vention to make Rum river a part of the bound- 
ary line of the contemplated state of Wisconsin. 



On the" twenty-ninth of May, 1848, the act tn 
admit Wisconsin changed the boundary line to 
the present, and as first defined in the enabling 
■act of 1846. After the bill of Mr. Martin was 
mtroduced into the House of Representatives ui 
1846 it was referred to the Committee on Terri- 
tories, of which Jsix. Douglas was chairman. On 
the twentieth of January, 1847, he reported In 
favor of the proposed territory with the name 
of Itasca. On the seventeenth of February, be- 
fore the bill passed the House, a discussion arose 
in relation to the proposed name. Mr. Win- 
throp of Massacliusetts proposed Chippewa as a 
substitute, alleging that this tribe was the prin- 
cipal in the proposed territory, which was not 
correct. Mr. J. Thompson of Mississippi disliked 
all Indian names, and hoped the tenitory would 
be called Jackson. Mr. Houston of Delaware 
thought that there ought to be one territory 
named after the " Father of his country," and 
proposed Washington. All of the names pro- 
posed were rejected, and the name in the original 
bill inserted. On the last day of the session, 
March third, the bill was called up in the Senate 
and laid on the table. 

When Wisconsin became a state the query 
arose whether tlie old territorial government diil 
not contmue m force west of the Sfiint Croix 
river. The first meeting on the subject of claim- 
ing teiTitorial privileges was held in tlie buikling 
at Samt Paul, known as Jackson's store, near the 
corner of Bench and Jackson streets, on the 
bluff. This meeting was held in July, and a 
convention was proposed to consider their posi- 
tion. The first public meeting was held at Still- 
water on August fourth, and Messrs. Steele and 
Sibley w^ere the oidy persons present from the 
west side of the Mississippi. This meeting is- 
sued a call for a general convention to take steps 
to secure an early territorial organization, to 
assemble on the twenty-sixth of the month at 



llli 



EXPLOnEn.S AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



the same place. Sixty-two delegates answered 
the call, and among those present, were W. 1). 
l'liilli|)s. J. V. Uass. A. I.arpenteiir, J. M. ISoal. 
and others fioni Saint I'aul. To the convention 
a letter was presented from Mr. Catlin, who 
claimed to be acting governor, givinfj his opinion 
that the Wisconsin territorial organization was 
still in force. Tlie ineetiiii^ also appointed Mr. 
Sibley to visit Washiniitoii and represent their 
views; but the lion. .lolm JI. Tweedy having 
resigned his oilice of delegate to ("iingrcss on 
September eighteenth, 1848, Mr. Catlin, who had 
made Stillwater a temporary residence, on the 
ninth of October issued a i>roclamati<)n ordering 
a special election at Stillwater on the thirtieth, 
to lill a vacancy occasioned by the resignation. 
At this election llenry 11. Sibley was elected as 
delegate of the citizens of the remaining portion 
of AVisconsin Territory. His credentials were 
presented to the House of Representatives, and 
the committee to whom the matter ^^■as referred 
presented a majority and minority report ; but 
the resolution introduced by the majority passed 
and Mr. Sibley took his seat as a delegate from 
Wisconsin Territory on the lifteentli of .January, 
18W. 

Mr. II. M. Kice, and other gentlemen, visited 
"Washington during the winter, and, uniting with 
Mr. Sibley, used all their energies to obtain the 
organization of a new territory. 

Mr. Sibley, in an interesting communication to 
the Minnesota Historical Society, writes : " When 
my credentials as Delegate, were presented by 
Hon. James Wilson, of Xew Hampshire, to the 



House of Ilepresentatives, there was some curi- 
osity manifested among the members, to see what 
kind of a i)erson had been elected to represent the 
distant and wild territory claiming re|)resentation 
in Congress. I was told by a New England mem- 
ber with whom I became subsequently (piite inti- 
mate, that there was some disapiHiintnient when 
I made my api>earance, for it was expected that 
the delegate from this remote region would make 
hi.s debut, if not in full Indian costume, at least, 
with some jieculiarities of dress and manners, 
characteristic of the rude and semi-civilized peo- 
ple who had sent him to the Capitol." 

The territory of Minnesota was named after 
the largest tributary of the Mississippi within its 
limits. The Sioux call the Missouri Minnesho- 
shay, muddy water, but the stream after which 
this region is named, ^linne-sota. Some say that 
Sota means clear ; others, turbid ; Schoolcraft," 
bluish green. Xicollet wrote. " The adjective 
Sotah is of difficult translation. The Canadians 
translated it by a pretty etjuivalent word, brouille, 
perhaps more properly rendered into Knglish by 
blear. I have entered upon this explanation be 
cause the word really means neither clear nor 
turbid, as .some authors have assei'ted, its true 
meaning being found in the Sioux expression 
Ishtah-solah, blear-eyed.'' From the fact that the 
word signifies neither blue nor white, but the 
peculiar appearance of the sky at certain times, 
by some, Minnesota has been defined to mean the 
sky tinted water, which is certainly poetic, and the 
late Rev. Gideon II. I'onil thought quite correct. 



MINNESOTA IN THE BEGINNING. 



117 



CHAPTER XXII. 

3SmraJES0TA FROM ITS OKGANIZATION AS A TERRITORY, A. D. 1849^ TO A. D. 1854. 



Appearance of the Country, A. D. 1S49 — Avriviil of first Editor — Governor 
Ramsey ari'ives — Giirst of H. H. Sibley — Proclamation issued — Governor 
Ramsey and H. M. Kice move to Saint Paul— Fourth of July Celebration — 
First election— Early aewspapers— First Courts— First Legislature — Pieneer 
Mews Carrier's Address — Wedding at Fort Snelling— Territorial Seal — Scalp 
Dance at Stillwater— First Steamboat at Falls of Saint Anthony— Presbyterian 
Chapel burned — Indian council iit Fort Snelling — First Steamboat above Saint 
Anthouy— Fiftt boat at the Blue Earth Kiver— Congressional election— Visit.of 
Fredrika Bremer — Indian newspaper — Other newspapers — Second Legislature 
— University of Minnesota — Teamster killed by Indians— Sioux Treaties — Third 
Legislature— Land slide at Stillwater— Deatli of first Editor— Fourth Legislature 
Bald%vin School, now Macalester College — Indian light in Saint Paul, 

On the third of ISIarch, 1849, the bill was passed 
by Congress for organizing the territory of 
Minnesota, whose boundary on the west, extended 
to the ^Missouri River. At this time, the region was 
little more than a wilderness. The west bank of 
the Mississippi, from the Iowa line to Lake 
Itasca, was Tuiceded by the Indians. 

At Wapashaw, was a trading post in charge of 
Alexis Bailly, and here also resided the ancient 
voyageur, of fourscore years, A. Rocque. 

At the foot of Lake Pepin was a st(n-e house 
kept by Mr. F. S. Richards. On the west shore of 
the lake lived the eccentric Wells, whose wife 
was a bois brule. a daughter of the deceased 
trader, Duncan Graliam. 

The two unfinished buildings of stone, on 
the beautiful bank opposite the renowned 
]Maiden"s Rock, and tlie surroiuiding skin lodges 
of his wife's relatives and friends, presented a 
rude but pictm-esque scene. Above the lake was 
a cluster of bark wig^wams, the Dahkotah village 
of Raymneecha, now Red Wing, at which was a 
Presbyterian mission house. 

The next settlement was Kaposia, also an In- 
dian village, and the residence of a Presbyterian 
missionary, the Rev. T. S Williamson. M. D. 
On the east side of the Mississippi, the hrst set- 
tlement, at the mouth of the St. Croix, was Point 
Douglas, then as now, a small hamlet. 

At Red Rock, the site of a former Methodist 
mission station, there were a few farmers. Saint 
Paul was just emerging from a collection of In- 
dian wliisky shops and birch roofed cabins of 



half-breed voyageurs. Here and there a frame 
tenement was erected, and, under the auspices of 
tlie Hon. 11. M. Rice, who had obtained an inter- 
est in the town, some warehouses were con- 
stnicted, and the foinulations of the American 
House, a frame hotel, which stood at Third and 
Exchange street, were laid. In 1849, the popu- 
lation had increased to two hundred and fifty 
or three hundred inhabitants, for rumors had 
gone abroad that it might be mentioned in the 
act, creating the territory, as the capital 
of JMinnesota. More than a month after 
the adjournment of Congress, just at eve, 
on the ninth of April, amid terrific peals of 
thunder and torrents of rain, the weekly steam 
packet, the first to force its way through the icy 
barrier of Lake Pepin, rounded the rocky point 
whistling loud and long, as if the bearer of glad 
tidings. Before she was safely moored to the 
landing, the shouts of the excited villagers were 
heard announcing that there was a territory of 
Minnesota, and that Saint Paul was the seat of 
government. 

Every successive steamboat arrival poured out 
on the landing men big with hope, and anxious 
to do something to mould the future of the new 
state. 

Nine days after the news of the existence of the 
territory of Minnesota was received, there arrived 
James M. Goodhue witli press, type, and printing 
apparatus. A graduate of Amherst college, and 
a lawyer by profession, he wielded a sharp peri, 
and wrote editorials, which, more than anj'thing 
else, perhaps, induced immigration. Though a 
man of some faults, one of the counties properly 
bears his name. On the twenty-eighth of April, 
he issued from his press the first number of the 
Pioneer. 

On the twenty - seventh of May, Alexander 
Ramsey, the Governor, and family, airived at 
Saint Paul, but owing to the crowded state of pub- 



Il.s 



EXPLORERS AND PlOHEEBa OF MINNESOTA. 



lie houses, immediately proceeded in tlie steamer 
to tlie estalilislimeiit of tlie Fur Company, known 
as Mendota, ;it tlie junction of the Minnesota and 
Mississippi, and became the guest of the lion. II. 
II. Sibley. 

On the first of June, Governor Ramsey, by pro- 
clamatiim. declared the territory duly organized, 
with the following ollicers : Alexander Ramsey, 
of Pennsylvania, Governor ; C". K. Smith, of Ohio, 
Secretary ; A. Goodrich, of Tennessee. Chief 
Justice ; D. Cooper, of I'ennsylvania, and 15. B. 
Jleeker, of Kentucky, Associate Judges ; Joshua 
L. Taylor, Marshal ; II. L. Moss, attorney of the 
United States. 

On the eleventh of June, a second proclama- 
tion was issued, dividing the territory into three 
temporary judicial districts. The first comprised 
the county of St. Croix ; the county of La Pointe 
and the region north aiul west of the Mississippi. 
and north of the Minnesota and of a line running 
due west from the headwaters of the Minnesota 
to the Missouri river, ('(instituted the second ; 
and the coinitry west of the Mississippi and south 
of the Mmnesota, formed the third district. 
Judge Goodrich was assigned to the first, ]Sleeker 
to the second, and (hooper to the third. A court 
was ordered to be held at Stillwater on the second 
Jlonday, at the Falls of St. Anthony on the third, 
and at Mendota on the fointli Monday of August. 

Until the twenty-sixth of June, Governor 
Ramsey and family had been guests of Hon. II. 
II. Sibley, at Mendota. On the afternoon of 
that day they arrived at St. Paid, in a birch-bark 
canoe, and became permanent residents at the 
capital. The liouse first occupied as a guber- 
natorial mansion, was a small frame building that 
stood on Third, between Robert and Jackson 
streets, formerly known as the New England 
House. 

A few days after, the Hon. H. M. Rice and 
family moved from Mendota to St. Paul, and oc- 
cupied the house he had erected on St. Anthony 
street, near the corner of .Market. 

On the first of Jidy, a land o (lice was estab- 
lished at Stillwater, and A. Van Vorhes, after a 
few weeks, became the register. 

The anniversary of our National Independence 
was celebrated ui a becoming manner at the cap- 
ital. The place selected for the address, was a 
grove that stood on the sites of the City Hall and 



the I'.aUhvin School building, and the late Frank- 
lin Steele was the marshal of the day. 

On the seventh of July, a proclamation was is- 
sued, dividing the territory into seven coimcil 
districts, and ordering an election to be held on 
the first day of August, for one delegate to rep- 
resent the jieople in the House of Representatives 
of the United States, for nine councillors and 
eighteen representatives, to constitute the Legis- 
lative Assembly of Minnesota. 

In this month, the Hon. H. M. Rice despatch- 
ed a boat laded with Indian goods from the 
the Falls of St. .Vntliony to Crow AVing, which 
was towed by horses after the mamier of a canal 
boat. 

Tlie election on the first of August, passed off 
■with little excitement, Hon. H, H. Sibley being 
elected delegate to Congress without opposition. 
David Lambert, on what might, perhaps, be 
termed the old settlers' ticket, was defeated in 
St. Paul, by James M. Boal. The latter, on the 
night of the election, was honored with a ride 
through town on the axle and fore-wheels of an 
old wagon, which was drawn by his admiring 
but somewhat undisciplined friends. 

J. L. Taylor having declined the oflice of 
United States Marshal; A. M. Mitchell, of Ohio, 
a graduate of AVest Point, and colonel of a regi- 
ment of Ohio volunteers in the ^lexican war. was 
appointed and arrived at the capital early in 
August. 

There were three papers published in the ter- 
ritory soon after its organization. The first was 
the Pioneer, issued on April twenty-eighth. 1849, 
under most discouraging circumstances. It was 
at first the intention of the witty and reckless 
editor to have called his paper " The Epistle of 
St. Paul." About the same time there was issued 
in Cincinnati, under the auspices of the late Dr. 
A. Randall, of California, the first number of 
the Register. The second number of the paper 
was printed at St. Paul, in July, and the oflice 
was on St. Anthony, between AVashington and 
Market Streets, About the first of Jime, James 
Hughes, afterward of Hudson, AVisconsin, amved 
with a press and materials, and established the 
Minnesota Chronicle. After an existence of a 
few weeks two papers were discontinued ; and, 
in their place, was issued the " CIu:onicIe and 



DSSCBIPTION OF THE TEMPOBABY CAPITOL. 



119 



Register," edited by Nathaiel McLean and John 
P. Owens. 

The first courts, pursuant to proclamation of 
the governor, were held in the mouth of August. 
At Stillwater, the court was organized on the 
thirteenth of the month, Judge Goodrich pre- 
siding, and Judge Ciioper l)y courtesy, sitting on 
the bench. On the twentietlu the second iudi- 
cial district held a coiut. The room used was 
the old government mill at Minneapolis. The 
presiding judge was B. B. Meeker; the foreman 
of the grand jury, Franklin Steele. On the last 
Monday of the month, the court for the third 
judicial district was organized in the large stone 
warehouse of the fur company at ilendota. The 
presiding judge was David Cooper. Governor 
Eamsey sat on the right, and Judge Goodrich on 
the left. Hon. II. II. Sibley was the foreman of 
the grand jury. As some of the jurors could not 
speak the English language, W. H. Forbes acted 
as interpreter. The charge of Judge Cooper was 
lucid, scholarly, and dignified. At the request 
of the grand jury it was afterwards published. 

On Monday, the third of September, the first 
Legislative Assembly convened in the " Central 
House,'" in Saint Paul, a building at the corner 
of Minnesota and Bench streets, facmg the 
Mississippi river which answered the double 
purpose of capitol and hotel. On the first 
floor of the main building was the Secreta- 
ry's office and Representative chamber, and in 
the second story was the library and Council 
chamber. As the flag was run up the staff iu 
front of the house, a number of Indians sat on a 
rocky bluff in the vicinity, and gazed at what to 
them was a novel and perhaps saddeuhig scene ; 
for if the tide of immigration sweeps in from the 
Pacific as it has from the Atlantic coast, they 
must soon dwindle. 

The legislatiu'e havmg organized, elected the 
following permanent officers: David Olmsted, 
President of Council ; Joseph R. Brown, Secre- 
ary; H. A. Lambert, Assistant. In tlie House 
of Representatives, Joseph W. Fiirber was elect- 
ed Speaker : W. D. Pliillips, Clerk : L. B. Wait, 
Assistant. 

On Tuesday afternoon, both houses assembled 
in the dining hall of the lu)lel, and after prayer 
was offered by Rev. E. D. Neill, Governor Ram- 
sey delivered his message. The message was ably 



written, and its perusal afforded satisfaction at 
home aud abroad. 

The first session of the legislature adjourned on 
the first of November. Among other proceed- 
ings of interest, was the creation of the following 
counties: Itasca, Wapashaw, Dahkotah, Wah- 
nahtah, Mahkahto, Pembina Washhigton, Ram- 
sey and Benton. The three latter counties com- 
prised the country that up to that time had been 
ceded by the Indians on the east side of the Mis- 
sissippi, Stil'water was declared the county seat 
of Washington, Saint Paul, of Ramsey, and '• the 
seat of justice of the county of Benton was to be 
within one-quarter of a mile of a point on the east 
side of the ^lississippi, directly opposite the mouth 
of Sauk river." 

EVENTS OF A. D 18-50. 

By the active exertions of the secretary of th* 
territory, C. K. Smith, Esq., the Historical 
Society of Minnesota was incorporated at the 
first session of the legislatuie. Tlie opening an- 
nual address was delivered in the then Methodist 
(now Swedenborgi'.in) church at Saint Paul, on 
the first of January, 1850. 

The following account of the proceedings is 
from the Chronicle and Register. " The first 
pubUc exercises of the Minnesota Historical 
Society, took place at the Methodist church. Saint 
Paul, on the first inst., and passed off hjglily 
creditable to all concerned. The day was pleasant 
and the attendance large. At the appointed 
hour, the President and both Vice-Presidents of 
the society being absent ; on motion of Hon. C. 
K. Smith, Hon. Chief Justice Goodrich was 
called to the chair. The same gentleman then 
moved that a committee, eonsistuig of Messrs. 
Parsons K. Johnson, John A. Wakefield, and B. 
W. Bnmson, be appointed to wait upon the 
Orator of the day, Rev. Mr. Neill, and inform 
him that the audience was waiting to hear his 
address. 

"Mr. Xeill was shortly conducted to the pulpit: 
and after an eloquent aud approriate prayer by 
the Rev. Mr. Parsons, and music by the bund, he 
proceeded to deliver his discourse upon the early 
French missionaries and Voyageurs mto Minne- 
sota. We hope the society will provide for its 
publication at an early day. 

"After some brief remarks by Rev. Mr 



uO 



EXi'LOUMlits AM) 2^IOi\Ji!JiHS 0^ MINNJiSOTA. 



Ilobart, upon the objects and ends of histor>-, the 
ceremonies were coiiclinlcil A\itli a pr;i>or by 
that gentleman. The aiiiiicncc clispeised highly 
delighted with all that occmred.'- 

At this early period the Minnesota Pioneer 
issued a Canier's New Year's Address, which 
was amusing doggerel. Tlie reference to the 
future greatness and ignoble origin of the capital 
of Minnesota was as follows : — 

The cities on this river must be three, 
Two that an built and one that is to be. 
One, is the mart of all the tropics yield, 
The cane, the orange, and the cotton-fle!d, 
And sends her sliips abroad and boasts 
Her trade extended to a thousand coasts; 
The other, central for the temperate zone, 
Garners the stores that on the plains are gro'mi, 
A place where steamboats from all cpiarters. 

range, 
To meet and speculate, as "twere on 'change. 
The third rvill U, where rivers confluent How 
From the wide spreading north through plains 

of snow ; 
The mart of all that boundless forests give 
To make mankind more comfortably live, 
The land of manufacturing industry, 
Tlie workshop of the nation it shall be. 
Pro])elled by this wide stream, you'll see 
A thousand factories at Sauit Anthony : 
And the Saint Croix a hundred mills shall drive, 
And all its smiling villages shall thrive ; 
]5ut then my town— remember that high bench 
■\Vith cabins scattered over it, of French ? 
A man named Ilenry Jackson's livuig there, 
Also a man— why every (me knows L. Kobaii-, 
Below Fort Snelling, seven mi'.es or so. 
And three above the village of Old Crow ? 
Pig's Eye V Yes ; Pig's Eye ! That's the spot ! 
A very funny name ; is't not 'f 
Pig's Eye's the spot, to plant my city on. 
To be remembered by, when I am gone. 
Pig's Eye converted thou shalt be, like Satd : 
Thy name henceforth !<hull be Saint Paul. 

On the evening of New Year's day, at Fort 
Snelling, there was an assemblage which is only 
seen on the outjiosts of civilization. In one of 
the stone editices, outside of the wall, belonging 
to the United Slates, there resided a gentleman 
who had dwelt in Minnesota since the year ItilO, 



and for many years had been in the employ of 

the government, as Indian interi)reter. In youth 
he had been a member of the Columbia Fur Com- 
pany, and conforming to the habits of traders, 
had purchased a Dahkotah wife who was wholly 
ignorant of the Knglisli language. As a family 
of children gathered aromid him he recognised 
the relation of husband and father, and consci- 
entiously discharged his duties as a parent. Ilia 
daughter at a proper age was sent to a boarding 
school of some celebrity, and on the night re- 
feiTed to was married to an intelligent yomig 
American fanner. Among the guests jiresent 
were the oHicers of the garrison in full uniform, 
with their wives, the United States Agent for 
the Dahkotalis, and family, the bois brules of 
the neighborhood, and the Indian relatives of the 
mother. The mother did not make her appear- 
ance, but, as tlie minister proceeded v.'ith the 
ceremony, the Dahkotah relatives, wrapjiiMl in 
their blankets, gathered in the hall and looked 
in through the dcwr. 

The marriage feast was worthy of tlie occa- 
sion. In consequence of the numbers, the 
officers and those of European extraction partook 
Urst ; then the bois brules of Ojibway and Dah- 
kotah descent ; and, Anally, the native Ameri- 
cans, who did ample justice to the plenlifiU sup- 
ply spread before them. 

Governor Eamsey, Hon. II. 11. Sibley, and the 
delegate to Congress devised at Washington, tliis 
winter, the territorial seal. Thedesign wasFalls 
of St. Anthony in the distance. An inuuigraut 
ploughing the land on the borders of the Indian 
comitry, full of hope, and looking forward to the 
possession of the hunting grounds beyond. An 
Indian, amazed at the sight of the plough, and 
fleeing on horseback towards the settmg sim. 

The motto of the Earl of Dunraven, "Quse 
sursuni volo videre". (I wish to see what is above) 
was most approjiriately selected by ^Ir. Sibley, 
but by the bkmder of an engraver it appeared on 
the territorial seal, "Quo sursum velo videre," 
which no scholar could translate. At length was 
substituted, "L' Etoile du Xord," "Star of the 
North," wliile the device of the setting sun 
remained, and this is objectionable, as the State 
of Maine had already pl.-iced the Xortli Star on 
her escutcheon, with the motto "Dirigo," "I 
guide." Perhaps some future legislature may 



SCALP DANCE IN STILLWATEB. 



121 



direct the first motto to be restored and correctly 
engraved. 

In the montn of April, there was a renewal of 
hostilities between the Dalikotahs and Ojibways, 
on lands that had been ceded to the United States. 
A war prophet at Red Wing, dreamed that he 
onght to raise a war party. Annonncing the fact, 
a number expressed their willingness to go on such 
an expedition. Several from the Kaposia village 
also joined the party, nnder the leadership of a 
worthless Indian, who had been confined in the 
guard-house at Fort Snelling, the year previous, 
for scalping his wife. 

Passing up the valley of the St. Croix, a rew 
miles above Stillwater the party discovered on the 
snow the marks of a keg and footprints. These 
told them that a man and woman of the Ojibways 
had been to some whisky dealer's, and were re- 
turning. Following their trail, they found on 
Apple river, about twenty miles from Stillwater, 
a l)and of Ojibways encamped in one lodge. Wait- 
ing till daybreak of Wednesday, Aiiril second, the 
Dahkotahs commenced firing on tlie unsuspecting 
inmates, some of whom were drinking from the 
contents of the whisky keg. The camp was com- 
posed of fifteen, and all \\ere murdered and scalp- 
ed, wdth the exception of a lad, who was made a 
captive. 

On Thnrsday, the victors came to Stillwater, 
and danced the scalp dance around the captive 
boy, in the heat of excitement, striking him in the 
face with the scarcely cold and bloody scalps of 
his relatives. The child was then taken to Ka- 
posia, and adopted by the chief. Governor Ram- 
sey immediately took measures to send the boy to 
his friends. At a conference held at the' Gov- 
ernor's mansion, the boy was delivered up, and, 
on being led out to the kitchen by a little son of 
the Governor, since deceased, tb receive refresh- 
ments, he cried bitterly, seemuigly more alarmed 
at being left with the whites than he had been 
while a captive at Kaposia. 

From the first of April the waters of the Mis- 
sissippi began to rise, and on the thirteenth, the j 
lower floor of the warehouse, then occupied by 
WiUiam Constans, at the foot of Jackson street, 
St. Paul, was submerged. Taking advantage of 
the freshet, the steamboat Anthony Wayne, for a 
purse of two hundred dollars, ventured through 
the swift current above Fort Snelling, and reached 



the Falls of St. Anthony. The boat loft the fort 
after dinner, with Governor Ramsey and other 
guests, also the band of the Sixth Regiment on 
board, and reached the falls between three and 
four o'clock in the afternoon. The whole town, 
men, women and children, lined the shore as the 
boat approached, and welcomed this first arrival, 
with shouts and waving liandkerchiefs. 

On the afternoon of May fifteenth, there might 
have been seen, huiTying thnnigh the streets of 
Saint Paul, a ninuber of naked and painted braves 
of the Kaposia band of Dahkotahs, ornamented 
with all the attire of war, and panting for the 
scalps of their enemies. A few hours before, the 
warlike head chief of the Ojibways, young Ilole- 
in-the-Day , having secreted his canoe in the retired 
gorge which leads to the cave in the upper sub- 
urbs, with two or tliree associates had crossed the 
river, and, almost in sight of the citizens of the 
town, had attacked a small party of Dahkotahs, 
and murdered and scalped one man. On receipt 
of the news, Governor Ramsey granted a parole 
to the thu-teen Dalikotahs confined in'Fort Snell- 
ing, for participating m the Apple river massacre. 

On the morning of the sixteenth of May, the 
first Protestant church edifice completed in the 
white settlements, a smpU frame building, built 
for the Presbyterian church, at Saint Paul, was 
destroyed by fire, it being the first conflagration 
that had occurred since the organization of the 
territory. 

One of the most interesting events of the year 
1850, was the Indian council, at Fort Snelling. 
Governor Ramsey had sent rinmers to the differ- 
ent bands of the Ojibways and Dahkotahs, to 
meet him at the fort, for the purpose of en- 
deavouriuff to adjust their difficulties. 

On Wednesday, the twelfth of June, after 
much talking, as is customary at Indian councils, 
the two tribes agreed as they had frequently done 
before, to be friendly, and Governor Ramsey 
presenting to each party an ox. the council was 
dissolved. 

On Thursday, the Ojibways visited St. Paul 
for the first time, young Hole-in-the-Day being 
dressed in a coat of a captain of United States 
infantry, which had been presented to him at the 
fort. On Friday, they left in the steamer Gov- 
ernor Ramsey, which had been built at St. An- 
thony, and just commenced running between 



EXPLORERS AND rJOA'EERS OF MINNEHOTA. 



that point and Sauk Rai)ids, for their liomes in 
the wilderness of the Upper Mississi|))ii. 

The summer of 1850 was the couuuencement 
of tlie mivigation of llic JNIinnesota River by 
. steamlioats. With tlie exception of a steamer 
that made a jileasure excursion as far as Sliokpay, 
in 1841, no large vessels had ever disturbed the 
waters of this stream. In June, the "Anthony 
AVayne," which a few weeks before had ascended 
to the P'alls of St. Anthony, made a trip. On 
the eighteenth of July she made a second trip, 
going almost to Mahkahto. The " Nominee " 
also navigated the stream for some distance. 

On the twenty-second of July the officers of 
the " Yankee," taking advantage of the high 
water, determined to navigate the stream as far 
as possible. The boat ascended to near the Cot- 
tonwood river. 

As the time for the general election in Septem- 
ber approached, considerable excitement was 
manifested. As there were no political issues 
before the people. i)arties were formed liased on 
personal preferences. Among those nominated 
for delegate to Congress, by various meetings, 
were II. II. Sibley, the former delegate to Con- 
gress, David Olmsted, at that time engaged in 
the Indian trade, and A. M. Mitchell, the United 
States marshal. Mr. Olmsted withdrew his 
name before election day, and the contest w-as 
between those interested in Sibley and Mitchell. 
The friends of each betrayed the greatest zeal, 
and neither pains nor money were sjjared to in- 
sure success. ;Mr. Sibley was elected by a small 
majority. For the (irst time in the territory, 
soldiers at the garrisons voted at this election, 
and there was considerable discussion as to the 
propriety of such a course. 

Miss Fredrika Bremer, the well known Swedish 
novelist, visited Minnesota in the month of 
October, and was the guest of Governor Kamsey. 

During November, the Dahkotah Tawaxitku 
Kin, or the Dahkotah Friend, a monthly paiier. 
was commenced, one-half in the Dahkotah and 
one-half in the English language. Its editor was 
the Rev. Gideon II. Pond, a Presbyterian mis- 
sionary, and its i>laceof puldication at Saint Paul. 
It was published for nearly two years, and, though 
it failed to attract the attention of the Indian 
mind, it conveyed to the English reader much 



correct information in relation to the habits, the 
belief, and superstitions, of the Dahkotahs. 

On the tenth of December, anew i)aper, owned 
and edited by Daniel A. Robertson, late United 
States marshal, of Ohio, and called the Minne- 
sota Democrat, made its api)earance. 

During the summer there had been changes in 
the editorial supervision of the " Chronicle and 
Register."' For a brief period it was edited by 
L. A. Rabcock, Esq., who was succeeded by "W. 
G. Le Due. 

About the time of the issuuig of tlie Demo- 
crat, C. J. Ilenni.ss, formerly rejiorter for the 
I'nited States Gazette, Philadelphia, became the 
editor of the Chronicle. 

The first proclamation for a thanksgiving day 
was issued in ]8o() by the governor, and the 
twenty-sixth of December was the time appointed 
and it was generally observed. 

EVENTS OF A. D. ISol. 

On Wednesday, January firet, 18-51, the second 
Legislative Assembly assembled in a three-story 
brick building, since destroyed by lire, that stood 
on St. Anthony street, between Washington and 
Franklin. D. 15. Loomis was chosen Speaker of 
the Council, and M. E. Ames Speaker of the 
House. This assembly was characterized by 
more bitterness of feeling than any that has 
since convened. The precedmg delegate election 
had been based on personal preferences, and 
clicpies and factions manifested themselves at an 
early period of the session. 

The locating of the penitentiary at Stillwater, 
and the capitol building at St. Paul gave some 
dissatisfaction. By the etTorts of J. W. North, 
Esq., a bill creating the I'niversity of Minnesota 
at or. near the Falls of St. Anthony, was jiassed, 
and signed by the Governor. This institution, 
by the State Constitution, is now the State Uni- 
versity. 

During the session of this Legislature, the pub- 
lication of the " Chronicle and Register" ceased. 
About the middle of ilay.a war party of Dah- 
kotahs discovered near Swan River, an Ojibway 
with a keg of whisky. The latter escaped, with 
the loss of his keg. Tiie war parly, drhiking the 
contents, became intoxicated, and, tiring upon 
some teamrters they met driving their wagons 
with goods to the Indian Agency, killed one of 



LANDS WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI CEDED. 



123 



them, Andrew Swaitz, a resident of St. Paul. 
The news was conveyed to Fort Kipley, and a 
party of soldiers, with Hole-m-the-Day as a guide, 
started in pursuit of the murderers, but tlid not 
succeed in capturing them. Through the influ- 
ence of Little Six the Dahkotah chief, whose vil- 
lage was at (and named after him) Shok- 
pay, five of the offienders were arrested and 
placed in the guard-house at Fort Suelling. On 
Monday, Jime nintli, they left the fort in a wagon, 
guarded by twenty-five dragoons, destined for 
Sauk Kapids for trial. As they departed they all 
sang their death song, and the coarse soldiers 
amused themselves by making signs that they 
were going to be hiuig. On the first evening of 
the journey the five culprits encamped with the 
twenty-five dragoons. Handcuffed, they were 
placed in the tent, and yet at midnight they all 
escaped, only one being wt)unded by the guard. 
What was more remarkable, the woimded man 
was the first to bring the news to St. Paul. Pro- 
ceeding to Kaposia, his wound was examined by 
the missionary and physician. Dr. AVilliamson ; 
and then, fearing an arrest, he took a canoe and 
paddled up the Minnesota. The excuse offered 
by the dragoons was, that all the guard but one 
fell asleep. 

The first paper published in Minnesota, beyond 
the capital, was the St. Anthony Express, which 
made its appearance during the last week of 
April or May. 

The most important event of the year 1851 
was the treaty with tlie Dahkotahs, by wliich the 
west side of the Mississippi and the valley of the 
Minnesota Kiver were opened to the hardy immi- 
grant. The commissioners on the part of the 
United States were Luke Lea, Commissioner of 
Indian Affairs, and Governor llamsey. The 
place of meeting for the upper bands was Trav- 
erse des Sioux. The commission arrived there 
on the last of June, but were obliged to wait 
many days for the assembling of the various bands 
of Dahkotahs. 

On the eighteenth of July, all those expected 
having arrived, the Sissetoaus and Wahpaytoan 
Dahkotahs assembled in grand comicil with the 
United States commissioners. After the usual 
feasttngs and speeches, a treaty was conchuled 
ou Wednesday, July twenty-third. The pipe 
having been smoked by the commissioners, Lea 



and Ramsey, it was passed to the chiefs. The 
paper containing the treaty was then read in 
English and translated into the Dahkotah by the 
Rev. S. R. Riggs. Presbyterian Missionary among 
this people. This finished, the chiefs came up 
to the secretary's table and touched the pen; the 
white men present then witnessed the document, 
and nothing remained but the ratification of the 
United States Senate to open that vast country 
for the residence of the hardy i mm igrant. 

During* the first week in August, a treaty was 
also concluded beneath an oak bower, on Pilot 
Knob, Mendota, with the jSI'dewakantonwan and 
AVahpaykootay bands of Dahkotahs. About sixty 
of the chiefs and principal men touched the pen, 
and Little Crow, who had been in the mission- 
school at Lac qui Parle, signed his owTi name. 
Before they separated, Colonel Lea and Governor 
Ramsey gave them a few words of advice on 
various subjects coimected with their futme well- 
being, but particularly on the subject of educa- 
tion and temperance. The treaty was interpret- 
ed to them by the Rev. G. H. Pond, a gentleman 
who was conceded to be a most correct speaker 
of the Dahkotah tongue. 

The day after the treaty these lower bands 
received thirty thousand dollars, which, by the 
treaty of 183", was set apart for education ; but, 
by the misrepresentations of interested half- 
breeds, the Indians were made to believe that 
it ought to be given to them to be employed as 
they pleased. 

The next week, with their sacks filled with 
money, they thronged tlie streets of St. Paul, 
piu'chasing whatever pleased their fancy. 

On the seventeenth of September, a new paper 
was commenced in St. Paul, xnider the auspices 
of the ""WTrigs,'' and John P. Owens became 
editor, which relation he sustained until the fall 
of 18.57. 

The election for members of the legislature 
and coimty officers occun-ed on the fourteenth of 
October ; and, for the first time, a regular Demo- 
cratic ticket was placed before the people. The 
parties called themselves Democratic and Anti- 
organization, or CoaHtion. 

In the month of November Jerome Fuller ar- 
rived, and took the place of Judge Goodrich as 
Chief Justice of ilinnesota, who was removed ; 
and, about the same time, Alexander Wilkin was 



12-1 



BXPLOBERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



appointed secretary of the lenitory in place of 
C. K. Smith. 

The eigliteeiith of December, pursuant to 
pniilamation, was observed as a day of Thanks- 
giving. 

KVENTS OF A. D. IS.^2. 

The third Legislative Asseiiihly cnnnncncfd its 
sessions in one of the edifices on Third below 
Jackson street, ■whicli bpcame a portion of the 
^Merchants' Hotel, on the seventh of January, 
1852. 

This session, compared with the previous, 
foimed a contrast as great as tliat between a 
boisterous day in March and a calm June morn- 
ing. The minds of the population were more 
deeply interested in tlie ratilication df the treaties 
made with the i:)ahkotahs, than in political dis- 
cussions. Among otlier legislation of interest 
was the creation of Hennepin coinitj'. 

On Saturday, the fouiteenth of Februai-y, a 
dos-train aiTived at St. Paul from the north, 
with the distinguished Arctic explorer, Dr. Rae. 
lie had l)een in search of llie long-missing Sir 
Jiilm Franklin, by ^^•ay of tlie ilackenzie river, 
and was now on his way to Europe. 

On tlie fourteenth of May, an interesting lusus 
naturse occurred at Stillwater. On the prairies, 
beyond the elevated bluffs which encircle the 
business portion of the town, there is a lake which 
discharges its waters through a ravine, and sup- 
plied McKusick's mill. Owuig to heavy rains, 
the hills became saturated with water, and the 
lake vei7 fidl. Before daylight the citizens heard 
the " voice of many waters," and looking out, saw 
rushing down through the ravine, trees, gravel 
and diluvium. Nothing impeded its course, and 
as it issued from the ravine it siiread over the 
town site, covering up barns and small tenements, 
and, continuing to the lake shore, it materially 
improved the landing, by a deposit of many tons 
of earth. One of the editors of the day, alluding 
to the fact, quaintly remarked, that " it was a 
very extraordinary movement of real estate." 

During the summer, Elijah Terry, a young 
man who had left St. Paul the previous ilarch, 
and went to I'embina, to act as teacher to the 
mixed bloods in that vicinity, was murdered un- 
der distressing circumstances. "VVith a bois bnile 
he had started to the woods on the morning of 



his ileath, to liew timber. Wliile there he was 
fired upon by a small parly of Dahkotahs; a ball 
broke his arm, and he was pierced with arrows. 
His scalp was wrenched from liis head, and was 
afterwards seen among Sisseton Dahkotahs, near 
Big Stone Lake. 

About the last of August, the pioneer editor 
of Minnesota, James M. (Joodhue. died. 

At the November Term of the United States 
District Court, of Kamspy comity, a Dahkotah, 
named Yu-ha-zee, was tried for the murder of a 
German woman. AVilh others she was travel- 
ing above Sliokpay, when a party of Indians, of 
whom the i)risoner was one, met them; and, 
gathering about the wagon, were much excited. 
The prisoner punched the woman firet with his 
gmi. and. being threatened l)y one of the party, 
loaded and lired. killhig the woman and wound- 
ing one of the men. 

On the day of his tiMal he was escorted from 
EortSuelliugby a company of mounted dragoons 
in full dress. 11 was an impressive scene to 
witness the poor Indian lialf hid in his blanket, 
in a buggy with the civil ollicer. surrounded with 
all the pomp and circumstance of war. The jury 
foimd him guilty. On bemg asked if he liad 
anything to .say why sentence of death should 
not bo passed, he replied, through the interpreter, 
that the band to which he belonged woidd remit 
their annuities if he could be released. To tins 
Judge Hayner, the successor of Judge Fuller, 
reiilied, that he bad no authority to release 
hun; and, ordering him to rise, after some 
aiiprf)i)riate and impressive remarks, he ])ro- 
nounced the first sentence of death ever pro- 
noimced by a judicial ollicer in JMinnesota. The 
prisoner trembled while the judge spoke, and 
was a piteous spectacle. J5y the statute of Min- 
nesota, then, one convicted of murder could not 
be executed until twelve months had elapsed, and 
he was contined luilil the governor of the ter- 
orrity should by warrant oider his e.xecution. 

KYENTS OF A. U. 1S53. 

The fourth Legislative Assembly convened on 
the fifth of January. 18.53. in tlie two story brick 
edillce at the corner of Third and ^linnesota 
streets. The Council chose Martin McLeod as 
presiding ollicer, and the House Dr. David Day, 



INDIAN FIGHT IN STBEEIS OF ST. PAUL. 



125 



Speaker. Governor Ramsey's message was an 
interesting document. 

The Baldwin school, now known as Macalester 
College, was incorporated at this session of the 
legislatin-e, and was opened the following Jime. 

On the ninth of April, a party of Ojibways 
killed a Dalikotah. at the village of Shokpay. A 
war party, from Kaposia, then proceeded up the 
valley of the St. Croix, and killed an Ojibway. 
On the morning of the twenty-seventh, a band 
of Ojibway warriors, naked, decked, and fiercely 
gesticulating, might have been seen in the busiest 
street of the capital, in search of their enemies. 
Just at that time a small party of women, and 
one man, who had lost a leg m the battle of Still- 
water, arrived in a canoe from Kaposia, at the 
Jackson street landing. Perceiving the Ojib- 
ways, they retreated to the building then kno\\ni 
as the " Pioneer" ofiice, and the Ojibways dis- 
charging a volley through the windows, wounded 
a Dahkotah woman, who soon died. For a short 
time, the infant capital presented a sight 
similar to that witnessed in ancient days in 
Hadley or Deerfield, the then frontier towns of 
Massachusetts. Messengers were despatched to 
Fort Snelling for the dragoons, and a party of 
citizens mounted on horseback, were quickly in 
pursuit of those who with so much boldness had 
sought the streets of St. Paul, as a place to 
avenge their wrongs. The dragoons soon fol- 
lowed, with Indian gnoides scenting the track of 
the Ojibways, like bloodhounds. The next day 
they discovered the transgressors, near the Falls 
of St. Croix. The Ojibways manifestmg what 
was supposed to be an insolent spirit, the order 
was given by the lieutenant in command, to fire, 
and he whose scalp was afterwards daguerreo 



tjrped, and which was engraved for Graham's 
Magazine, wallowed in gore. 

During the siunraer, the passenger, as he stood 
on the hurricane deck of any of the steamboats, 
might have seen, on a scaffold on the bluffs in 
the rear of Kaposia. a square box covered witli a 
coarsely fringed red cloth. Above it was sus- 
pended a piece of the Ojibway's scalp, whose 
death had caused the affray in the streets of St. 
Paul. AVithin, was the body of the woman who 
had been shot in the "Pioneer" buildmg, while 
seeking refuge. A scalp suspended over the 
corpse is supposed to be a consolation to the soul, 
and a great protection m the journey to the spirit 
land. 

On the accession of Pierce to the presidency of 
the United States, the officers appointed under 
the Taylor and Fillmore administrations were 
removed, and the following gentlemen substitu- 
ted : Governor, AV. A. Gorman, of Indiana ; Sec- 
retary, J. T. Rosser, of Virginia ; Chief Justice, 
W. H. Welch, of Minnesota ; Associates, Moses 
Sherburne, of Maine, and A. G. Chatfleld, of 
Wisconsin. One of the first official acts of the 
second Governor, was the making of a treaty 
with the Winnebago Indians at Watab, Benton 
county, for an exchange of country. 

On the twenty-ninth of June, 1). A. Robertson, 
who by his enthusiasm and earnest advocacy of 
its principles had done nuich to organize the 
Democratic party of Minnesota, retired from the 
editorial chair and was succeeded by David Olm- 
sted. 

At the election held in October, Henry M. 
Rice and Alexander A\'ilkiu were candidates 
for deUgate to Congress. The former was elect- 
ed by a decisive majority. 



126 



EXPLOREUfi ASD PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

EVENTS FR03t A. D. 1854 TO TIIK ADMISSION OF StlNNESOTA TO THE UNION. 



Fifth LeKislatiirc— Execution of Yiihalcc— Sixth Lccillature- First hridpe ovfr th« 
Mississii>jti— Arctic Exploror— Scvpnth l^trislature — Indiim tnrl killed near 
Rlo<iniington Fefry — KiitUth l^>'is1iiluro— Attf'mpt to Remove the t'jipitiil— 
Special Session of the l>efri»ltiture — CoDvontion to frame aStat« Coostitutiou— 
Admission of Miuuesota to the Union. 

The fifth session of the legislature was com- 
menced in the building just completed as the 
Capitol, on .January fourth, 18-54. The President 
of the Council was S. 15. Olnistead, and the Speak- 
er of the House of Representatives was N. C. I). 
Taylor. 

Governor Gonnan delivered his first annual 
message on the tenth, and as his predecessor, 
urged the importance of railway communications, 
and dwelt upon the necessity of fostering the in- 
terests of education, and of the lumbermen. 

Tlie exciting bill of the session was the act iii- 
coi-poratiug the Minnesota and Northwestern 
Railroad Company, introduced by Joseph R. 
Brown. It was passed after the hour of midnight 
on the last day of the session. Contrary to the 
expectation of his friends, the Governor signed 
the bill. 

On the afternoon of December twenty-seventh, 
the first public execution in Minnesota, in accord- 
ance with (he forms of law. took place. Yu-ha- 
zee, the Dahkotah who liad been convicted in 
November, 18.52, for the miu'der of a Gemian 
woman, above Shokpay, was the individual. 
The scaffold was erected on the open space be- 
tween an inn called the Franklin House and the 
rear of the late Mr. J. W. Selby's enclosure 
m St. Paul. About two o'clock, the prisoner, 
dressed in a white shroud, left the old log pris- 
on, near the court house, and entered a carriiige 
with the officers of the law. Being assisted tip 
the steps that ltd to the scaffold, he niiidc a few- 
remarks in his own language, and was then exe- 
cuted. Numerous ladies sent in a petition to 
the governor, asking the pardon of the Indian, 
to which that officer in declining made an appro- 
priate reply. 



EVENTS OF A. D. 1855. 

The sixth session of the legislature convened 
on the third of January, ISo-j. W. 1'. Murray 
was elected President of the Council, and James 
S. Norris Speaker of the House. 

About the last of January, the two houses ad- 
journed one day, to attend the exercises occa- 
sioned by the opening of the first bridge of 
any kind, over the mighty Mississii>pi. from 
Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. It was at 
Falls of Saint Anthony, and made of wire, and 
at the time of its opening,' the patent for the 
land on which the west piers were built, had not 
been issued from the Laud Office, a striking o\i- 
dence of the rapidity with which the city of 
Minneapolis, wliich now surrounds the Falls, has 
developed. 

On the twenty-ninth of ilarch, a convention 
was held at Saint Anthony, which led to the 
formation of the Republican party of Minnesota. 
This body took measures for the holding of a 
tenitorial convention at St. Paul, which con- 
vened on the twenty-fifth of July, and 'William 
R. ilarshall was nominated as delegate to Con- 
gress. Shortly after the friends of Mr. Sibley 
nominated David Olmsted and llenry M. Rice, 
the former delegate was also a candidate. The 
contest was animated, and resulted in the elec- 
tion of .Mr. Rice. 

About noon of December twelfth, 1855. a four- 
horse vehicle was seen dri\'iiig rapidly through 
St. Paul, and deep was the interest when it was 
announced that one of the Arctic exploring party, 
Mr. James Stewart, was on his way to Canada 
with relics of the world - renowned and world- 
mourned Sir John Franklin. Gathering together 
Hie ])iecious fragments found on Montreal Island 
and vicinity, the party had left the region of ice- 
bergs on the ninth of August, and after a con- 
tinned land jouniey fi-om that time, had reached 



PBOPOSED BEMO VAL OF THE SEAT OF GO VEUNMEJST. 



Sairit Paul on that day, en route to the Hudson 
Bay Company's quarters in Canada. 

EVENTS OF A. D. 1856. 

The seventh session of the Legislative Assem- 
bly was begun on the second of January, I806, 
and again the exciting question was the Minne- 
sota and Xorthwestern Kailroad Company. 

John B. Erisbin was elected President of the 
Council, and Charles Gardner, Speaker of the 
House. 

This year was comparatively devoid of Laterest. 
The citizens of the territory were busily engaged 
in making claims La newly organized coimties, 
and in enlargmg the area of civilization. 

On the twelfth of June, several Ojibways 
entered the farm house of !Mr. AVhallon, who re- 
sided in Hennepin county, on the banks of the 
Mimiesota, a mile below the Bloomington ferry. 
The\^■ife of the farmer, a friend, and three child- 
ren, besides a little Dahkotah girl, who had been 
brought up ill the mission-house at Kaposia, and 
so changed in manners that her origin was 
scarcely perceptible, were sitthig in the room 
when the Indians came in. Instantly seizing 
the little Indian maiden, they threw her out of 
the door, killed and scali)ed her, and fled before 
the men wlio were near by, in the field, could 
reach the house. 

EVENTS OF A. D. 1857. 

The procurement of a state organization, and 
a grant of lands for railroad purposes, were the 
topics of poUtical interest during the year 1857. 

The eighth Legislative Assembly convened at 
the capitol on the seventh of January, and J. B. 
Brisbin was elected President of the Council, and 
J. W. Furber, Speaker of the House. 

A bill changing the seat of government to 
Saint Peter, on the Minnesota River, caused 
much discussion. 

On Saturday, February twenty -eighth, Mr. 
Balcombe offered a resolution to report the bUl 
for the removal of the seat of government, and 
shoidd Mr. Kolette, chairman of the committee, 
fail, that W. AV. Wales, of said committee, report 
a copy of said bill. 

Mr. Setzer, after the reading of the resolution, 
nidved a call of the Council, and Mr. Kolette was 
fouiul to be .ibsent. The chair ordered the ser- 
geant at aims to report Mr Kolette ui Ms seat. 



Mr. Balcombe moved that further proceedings 
under the call be di'^jjensed with ; which did not 
prevail. From that time until the next Thursday 
afternoon, March the fifth, a period of one hun- 
dred and twenty-three liours, the Coimcil re- 
mained in their chamber without recess. At that 
time a motion to adjourn prevailed. On Friday 
another motion was made to dispense with the 
call of the Coiuicil, whicli did not prevail. On 
Saturday, the Council met, the president declared 
the call still pending. At seven and a half p. m., 
a committee of the House was announced. The 
chair ruled, that no communication from the 
House could be received while a call of the Coun- 
cil was pending, and the committee withdi'ew. 
A motion was again made during the last night 
of the session, to dispense with all fm-ther pro- 
ceedings under the call, which prevailed, with 
one vote only in the negative. 

Mr. Ludden then moved that a committee be 
appointed to wait on the GovenKU', and inquire if 
lie had any further communication to make to 
the Comicil. 

ilr. Lowry moved a call of the Council, wluch 
was ordered, and the roll being called, Messrs. 
Rolette, Thompson and Tillotson were absent. 

At twelve o'clock at night the president re- 
sumed the chair, and announced that the time 
limited by law for the continuation of the session 
of the territorial legislature had expired, and he 
tlierefore declared the Council adjourned and the 
seat of government remauied at Saint Paul. 

The excitement on the capital question was m- 
tense, and it was a strange scene to see members 
of the Covuicil, eatmg and sleeping in the hall of 
legislation for days, waiting for the sergeant-at- 
arms to report an absent member in his seat. 

On the twenty-third of February, 1857, an act 
passed the United States Senate, to authorize 
the people of Minnesota to form a constitution, 
preparatory to their admission into the Union 
on an equal footing with the original states. 

Governor Gorman called a special session 
of the legislatme, to take mto consideration 
measures that would give efficiency to the act. 
The extra session convened on April twenty- 
seventh, and a message was transmitted by Sam- 
uel ^Sledary, who had been appointed governor 
in place of AV. A. Gorman, whose term of office 



y^s 



BX PLOUGHS AND r 10 NEE US OF MINNESOTA. 



liail expired. The extra session ailjiuinieil mi 
the tweiity-lliini of May ; and in accordance 
witli tlie provisions of tlie enabling act of Con- 
gress, an election was lield on the lirsl Monday 
in June, for delegates to a convention wliicli was 
to asseml)le at tlie cajiitol on the second ^londay 
in .July. The election resulted, as was thought, 
in giving a majority of delegates to tlie Reinibli- 
can i)arty. 

At niidniiiht lucvious to the day fixed for the 
meeling of the convention, the IJcpiililicaiis pro- 
ceeded to tlie capitol, because tlie eiialiliiig act 
liad not lixcd at what hour on the second Mon- 
day tlie convention should assemble, and fear- 
ing that the l);mocrati(; delegates niigiit antici- 
pate tlieni, and elect the officers of tlie body. 
A little before twelve, a. m., on Monday, the 
secretary of the territory entered the speaker's 
rostrum, and began to call the body to order; 
and at the same time a delegate, J. 'W. North, 
who liad ill liis possession a written request from 
tlie majority of the delegates present, proceeded 
to do the same tiling. The secretary of the ter- 
ritory imt a motion to adjourn, and tlie Demo- 
cratic memlicrs present voting in tlie allirniative, 
they left the hall. Tlie Keimblicans. feeling that 
they were in the majority, remained, and in due 
time organized, and proceeded with the business 
specified in the enabling act, to form a constitu- 
tion, and. take all necessary steps for tlie estab- 
lishment of a state government, in conformity 
with the Federal Constitution, subject to the 
approval and ratification of the people of the 
proposed state. 

After several days the Deniociatic wing also 
ori^anized in the .Senat(! chamber at the capitol, 
and, claiming to be the true body, also (iroceeded 
to form a constitution, lioth parties were re- 
markably orderly and intelligent, and everything 
was marked by perfect ilecorum. After they had 
been in session some weeks, moderate counsels 



prevailed, and a committee of conference was 
appointed from each body, which resulted in 
both adojiliiig the constitution franieil liy the 
Dcniocralic wing, mi tlic twcnt>-iihitli of Aug- 
giist. .Vccording to the i>rovision of the consti- 
tution, an election was held for stale officers 
and the adoption of the constitution, on the 
second Tuesday, the thirteenth of October. The 
constitution was adopted by almost a imanimous 
vote. It provided that the territorial officers 
should retain their offices until the state was ad- 
mitted into the Union, not anticipating the 
long delay which was experienced. 

The first session of the state legislature com- 
menced on the first Wednesday of December, at 
the capitol, in the city of Sahit Paul; and during 
the month elected Henry M. llice and James 
Shields as their Kepresentatlves in the United 
States Senate. 

EVENTS OF A. D. 18.5«. 

On the twenty-innth of .January, 1S.58, Mr. 
Douglas submitted a bill to the United States 
Senate, for the admission of ^Minnesota into the 
Union. On the first of February, a discussion 
arose on the bill, in which Senators Douglas. 
Wilson, Gwin, Hale, Mason, Green, Urown, and 
Crittenden participated. Brown, of Mississippi, 
was opposed to the admission of Jliiiuesota, un- 
til the Kansas question was settled, ilr. Crit- 
tenden, as a Southern man, could not endorse i'll 
that was Siiid by the Senator from !Mississip)i: 
and bis words of wisdom and moderation duriig 
this day's discussion, were worthy of reme n- 
brance. On Aiuil the seventh, the bill passed 
the Senate with only three dissenting votes ; and 
in a short time the House of Hepresentatives 
concurred, and on May the elevcnlli, the I'rcsi- 
deiit ai)pidved, and .Minnesota was fully rec- 
ognized as one of the United States of America. 



FIRST STATE LEGISLATUIiE. 



120 



OUTLINE IlISTOPvY 



OS THE 



STATE OF MINNESOTA. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

FIRST STATE LEGISLATUKE STATE RAILWAY BONDS 

MINNESOTA DUBING THE CIVIIi WAJi-BEGIMENTS 

— THE SIOUX OUTBREAK. 

The transition of Minnesota from a territorial 
to a state organization occurred at the period when 
the whole republic was suffering from tiuancial em- 
barrassments. 

By an act of congress approved by the president 
on the 5th of Blarch, 1857, lands had been granted 
to Minnesota to aid in the construction of railways. 
During an extra session of the legislature of Min- 
nesota, an act was passed in May, 1857, giving 
the congressional grant to certain corporations to 
build railroads. 

A few months after, it was discovered that the 
corporators had neither the money nor the credit 
to begin and complete these internal improve- 
ments. In the winter of 1858 the legislature. again 
listened to the siren voices of the railway corpora- 
tions, until their words to some members seemed 
like "apples of gold in pictures of silver," and an 
additional act was passed submitting to the people 
an amendment to the constitution which provided 
for the loan of the public credit to the land grant 
railroad companies to the amount of $5,000,000, 
u25on condition that a certain amount of labor on 
the roads was performed. 

Some of the citizens saw in the proposed meas- 
ure "a cloud no larger than a man's hand," which 
would lead to a terrific storm, and a large public 
meeting was convened at the capitol in St. Paul, 
and addressed by ex-Governor Gorman, D. A. 
Eobertson, William E. Marshall and others depre- 

9 



elating the engrafting of such a peculiar amend- 
ment into the constitution; but the jieople were 
poor and needy and deluded and would not lis- 
ten; their hopes and happiness seemed to depend 
upon the plighted faith of railway corporators, and 
on April the 15th, the appointed election day, 
25,023 votes were deposited for, while only 6,733 
votes were oast against the amendment. 

FIEST STATE LBGISLATUBE. 

The election of October, 1857, was carried on 
with much partisan feeling by democrats and re- 
publicans. The returns from wilderness jirecincts 
were unusually large, and in the counting of votes 
for governor, Alexander Ramsey appeared to have 
received 17,550, and Henry H. Sibley 17,796 bal- 
lots. Governor Sibley was declared elected by a 
majority of 246, and duly recognized. The first 
legislature assembled on the 2d of December, 
1857, before the formal admission of Minnesota 
into the Union, and on the 25th of March, 1858, 
adjourned until June the 2d, when it again met. 
The next day Governor Sibley delivered Ms mes- 
sage. His term of office was arduous. On the 
4th of August, 1858, he expressed his determina- 
tion not to deliver any state bonds to the railway 
companies unless they would give first mortgages, 
with priority of lien, upon their lands, roads and 
franchises, in favor of the state. One of the com- 
panies applied for a mandamus fi'om the supreme 
court of the state, to compel the issue of the 
bonds without the restrictions demanded by the 
governor. 

In November the court. Judge Flandrau dis- 
senting, directed the govern^' to issue state bonds 
as soon as a railway company delivered their first 



130 



OUTLINE HISTORY OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA. 



mortgage bonib, ns provided by the amomlmciit 
to the constitution. But, ns was to be expected, 
bonds sent out under sucli peculiar circumstances 
were not sought after hy capitalists. Moreover, 
after over two milUon dollars iu bonds had been 
issued, not an iron rail liad been laid, and only 
about two hundred and firty miles of grading had 
been completed. 

In his last message Governor Sibley in refer- 
ence to the law in regard to state credit to railways, 
says: "I regret to be obliged to state that the 
measure has proved a failure, and has by no means 
accomplished what was hojied from it, either in 
providing means for the issue of a safe currency 
or of aiding the companies in the completion of 
the work upon the roads." 

ACT ron NORMAL scnooi-s. 

Notwithstanding the pecuniary complications of 
the state, during Governor Sibley's administra- 
tion, the legislature did not entirely forget that 
there were some interests of more importance than 
railway construction, and on the 2d of August, 
1858, largely tlirough the influence of the late 
John D. Ford, M. D., a public spirited citizen of 
Winona, an act was passed for the establishment 
of three training schools for teachers. 

FIRST STEAMBOAT ON THE RED BIVEB OF THE 
NORTH. 

In the mouth of June, 1859 an important route 
was opened between the Mississippi and the Red 
River of the Xortli. The then enterprising firm 
of J. C. Burbank & Co., of St. Paul, having se- 
cured from the Hudson Bay Company the trans- 
portation of their supplies by way of the Missis- 
sippi, in place of the tedious and troaohorous routes 
through Hudson's Bay or Lake Superior, they 
purchased a little steamboat on the Red River of 
the North which had b?en built by Anson Nortli- 
rup, and commenced the carrying of freight and 
passengers by laud to Breckenridge and by water 
to Pembina. 

This boat had been the first steamboat which 
moved on the Mississippi above the falls of St. 
Anthony, to which there is a reference made upon 
the 12l8t page. 

Mr. Northrup, after he purchased the boat, with 
a large number of wagons carried the boat and 
machinery from Crow Wing on the Mississippi 
and on the 8th of April, 1859, reached the Red 
River not far from the site of Fargo. 

SECOND STATE LEQISLATURB. 

At an election held in October, 21,335 votes were 



doijositod for Alexander Ramsey as governor, and 
17,532 for George L. Becker. Governor Ramsey, 
in an inaugural delivered on the second of Jan- 
uary, 1860, devoted a large space to the discus- 
sion of the difTiculties arising from the issue of 
the railroad bonds. He said: "It is extremely 
desirable to remove as speedily as possible so vex- 
ing a question from our state politics, and not al- 
low it to remain for years to disturb our elections, 
possibly to divide our people into bond and anti- 
bond parties, and introduce, annually, into our 
legislative halls an element of discord and possi- 
bly of corruption, all to end just as similar compli- 
cations in other states have ended. The men who 
will have gradually engrossed the posession of all 
the bonds, at the cost of a few cents on the dollar, 
will knock year after year at the door of the legisla- 
ture for their payment in full, the press will be 
sulisidized; the cry of repudiation will be raised; 
all the ordinary and extraordinary means of pro- 
curing legislation in doubtful cases will be freely 
resorted to, until finally the bondholders will pile 
up almost fabulous fortunes. * * * * It is 
assuredly true that the present time is, of all 
others, alike for the present bondholder and the 
people of tlie state, the very time to arrange, ad- 
just and settle tliese unfortunate and deplorable 
railroad and loan complications." 

The legislature of this year passed a law sub- 
mitting an amendment to the constitution which 
would prevent the issue of any more railroad bonds. 
At an election in November, 1860, it was voted on, 
and reads as follows; "The credit of the state 
shall never be given on bonds in aid of any in- 
dividual, association or corporation; nor shall there 
be any furtheV issue of bonds denominated Min- 
nesota state railroad bonds, under what purports 
to be an amendment to section ten, of article nine, 
of the constitution, adopted April 14, 1858, which 
is hereby expunged from the constitution, saving, 
excepting, and reserving to the state, nevertheless, 
all rights, remedies and forfeitures accruing under 
said amendment." 

FIRST WHITE PERSON EXECUTED. 

On page 126 there is a notice of the first In- 
dian hung under the laws of Minnesota. On 
March 23, 1860 the first white person was executed 
and attracted considerable attention from the fact, 
the one who suUered the penalty of the law was a 
woman. 

Micliacl Bilansky died on the 11th of March, 
1859, and upon examination, he was found to have 



THE FIRST REGIMENT INFANTRY. 



131 



been poisoned. Anna, his fourtli wife, was tried 
for the offence, found guilty, and on the 3d of De- 
cember, 1859, sentenced to be hung. The oppo- 
nents to capital punishment secured the passage of 
an act, by the legislature, to meet her case, but it 
was vetoed by the governor, as unconstitutional. 
Two days before the execution, the unhappy wo- 
man asked her spiritual adviser to write to her 
parents in North Carolina, but not to state the 
cause of her death. Her scaffold was erected 
within the square of the Eamsey county jail. 

THIBD STATE LEGISLATURE. 

The third state legislature assembled on the 8th of 
January, 1861, and adjourned on the Sth of March. 
As Minnesota was the first state which received 
1,280 acres of land in each township, for school 
purposes. Governor Eamsey in his annual message 
occujiied several pages, in an able and elaborate 
argument as to the best methods of guarding and 
selling the school lauds, and of protecting the 
school fund. 

His predecessor in office, whUe a member of the 
convention to frame the constitution, had spoken 
in favor of dividing the school funds among the 
townships of the state, subject to the control of 
the local officers. 

MINNESOTA DURING THE CIVIL WAR. 

The people of Minnesota had not been as excited 
as the citizens of the Atlantic states on the ques- 
tion which was discussed before the presidential 
election of November, 1860, and a majority had 
calmly declared tlieir preference for Abraham Lin- 
coln, as president of the republic. 

But the blood of her quiet and intelhgent popu- 
lation was stirred on the morning of April 14, 
1861, by the intelligence in the daily newspapers 
that the day before, the insurgents of South Caro- 
lina liad bombarded Port Sumter, and that after a 
gallant resistance of thirty-four hours General 
Robert Anderson and the few soldiers of his com- 
mand had evacuated the fort. 

Governor Kamsey was in Washington at this 
period, and called upoa the president of the repub- 
lic with two other citizens from Minnesota, and 
was the first of the state governors to tender the 
services of his fellow citizens. The offer of a regi- 
ment was accepted. The first company raised un- 
der the call of Minnesota was composed of ener- 
getic young men of St. Paul, and its captain was 
the esteemed "William H. Acker, who afterwards 
fell in battle. 

On the last Monday of April a camp fur the 



First regiment was opened at Fort Snelling. 
More companies having offered than were necessary 
on the 30th of May Governor Eamsey sent a tele- 
gram to the secretary of war, offering another 
regiment. 

TUB FIRST REGIMENT. 

On the 14th of June the First regiment was or- 
dered to Washington, and on the 21st it embarked 
at St. Paul on the steamboats War Eagle and 
Northern Belle, with the following officers: 

Willis A. Gorman, Colonel — Promoted to be 
brigadier general October 7, 1861, by the advice 
of Major General Wintield Scott. 

Stephen Miller, Lt. Colonel — Made colonel of 7th 
regiment August, 1862. 

William H. Dike, Major — Resigned October 22, 
1861. 

William B. Leach, Adjutant— M.sidie captain and 
A. A. G. February 2.3, 1862. 

Mark W. Downie, Quartermaster — Captain 
Company B, July 16, 1861. 

Jacob H. Stewart, Surgeon — Prisoner at Bull 
Run, July 21, 1861. Paroled at Richmond, Vir- 
ginia. 

Charles W. Le Boutillier, Assistant Surgeon — 
Prisoner at Bull Eun. Surgeon 9th regimeut. 
Died April, 1863. 

Edward D. Neill, Chaplain — Commissioned July 
13, 1862, hospital chaplain U. S. A., resigned in 
1864, and appointed by President Lincoln, one 
of his secretaries. 

After a few days in Washington, the regi- 
iment was sent to Alexandria, Virginia, where 
until the ICtli of July it remained. On the 
morning of that day it began with other 
troops of Franklin's brigade to movetoward 
the enemy, and that night encamped in the val- 
ley of Pohick creek, and the next day marched 
to Sangster's station on the Orange & Alexandria 
railroad. The third day Centreville was reached. 
Before daylight on Sunday, the 21st of July, the 
soldiers of the First regiment rose for a march to 
battle. About three o'clock in the morning they 
left camp, and after passing through the hamlet of 
Centreville, halted for General Hunter's column to 
pass. At daylight the regiment again began to 
move, and after crossiug a bridge on the Warren- 
ton turnpike, turned into the woods, from which at 
about ten o'clock it emerged into an open coun- 
try, from which could be seen an artillery engage- 
ment on the left between the Union troops under 
Hunter, and the insurgents commanded by Evans. 



132 



OUTLINE UIST0R7 OF TUB STATE OF MINNESOTA. 



An hour .nfter this the regiment reached a branch 
of Bull Kun, and, as the men were thirsty, began 
to fill their empty canteens. While thns occu- 
j)ied, and as the St. Paul company under Captain 
AVilkins was crossing the creek, an order came 
for Colonel Gorman to hurry up the regiment. 

The men now moved rapidly through the wood- 
land ot a hillside, stejiping over some of the dead 
of Burnside's command, and hearing the cheers 
of victory caused by the pressing back of the in- 
surgent troops. At lengtli the regiment, passing 
Sudley church, reached a clearing in the woods, 
and halted, while other troops ot Franklin's brig- 
ade passed up the Sudley church road. Next 
they passed through a narrow strip of woods and 
occupied the cultivated field from which Evans and 
Bee of the rebel army had been driven by the 
troops of Burnside, Sykes and others of Hunter's 
division. 

Crossing the Sudley road, Eickett's battery un- 
limbered and began to tire at the enemy, whose 
batteries were between the Kobinson and Henry 
house on the south side ot the Warrenton turn- 
pike, while the First Minnesota passed to the right. 
After firing about twenty minutes the battery was 
ordered to go down the Sudley road nearer the 
■ enemy, where it was soon disabled. The First 
Minnesota was soon met by rebel troops advancing 
under cover of the woods, who supposed the reg- 
iment was a part of the confederate army. 

Javan B. Irvine, then a private citizen af St. 
Paul, on a visit to the regiment, now a captain in 
the United States army, wrote to his wife: "We 
had just formed when we were ordered to kneel 
and fire upon the rebels who were advancing under 
the cover of the woods. We fired two volleys 
through the woods, when we were ordered to rally 
in the woods in our rear, which all did except the 
fixst platoon of our own comjjany, which did not 
hear the order and stood their ground. The 
rebels soon came out from their shelter between 
us and their battery. Colonel Gorman mistook 
them for friends and told the men to cease firing 
upon them, although they had three secession 
Hags directly in front of their advancing columns. 
This threw our men into confusion, some declaring 
they are friends; others that they are enemies. I 
called to our boys to give it to them, and fired 
away myself as rapidly as possible. The rebels 
themselves mistook us for Georgia troops, and 
waved their hands at us to cease firing. I had 
just loaded to give them another charge, when a 



lieutenant-colonel of a Mississippi regiment rode 
out between us, waving his hand for us to stop 
firing. I rushed up to him and asked 'If he was a 
secessionist?' He said 'He was a Mississippian.' 
I presented my bayonet to his breast and com- 
manded him to surrender, which he did after some 
hesitation. I ordered him to dismount, and led 
him and his horse from the field, in the meantime 
disarming him of his sword and pistols. I led him 
off about two miles and placed him in charge of 
a lieutenant with an escort of cavalry, to be taken 
to General McDowell. He requested the officer to 
allow me to accompany him, as he desired my pro- 
tection. The officer assured him that he would 
be safe in their hands, and he rode off. I retained 
his pistol, but sent his sword with him." In an- 
other letter, dated the 25th of July, Mr. Irvine 
writes from Washington: "I have just returned 
from a visit to Lieutenant- Colonel Boone, who is 
confined in the old Capitol. I foimd him in a 
pleasant room on the third story, surrounded by 
several southern gentlemen, among whom was 
Senator Breckenridge. He wr.s glad to see me, 
and appeared quite well after the fatigue of the 
battle of Sunday. There were with me Chaplain 
NeUl, Captains WUkiu and Cohille, and Lieuten- 
ant Coates, who were introduced." 

The mistake of several regiments of the Union 
troops in supposing that the rebels were friendly 
regiments led to confusion and disaster, which was 
followed by panic. 

SECOND BEGIMENT. 

The Second Minnesota Regiment which had 
been organized in July, 1861, left Fort SucUing 
on the eleventh of October, and proceeding to 
Louisville, was incorporated with the Army of the 
Ohio. Its officers were: Horatio P. Van Cleve, 
Colonel. Promoted Brigader General March 21, 
1802. James George, Lt. Colond. Promoted 
Colonel; resigned June 29, 1864. Simeon Smith, 
Major. Appointed Paymaster U. S. A., Septem- 
ber, 1861. Alexander Wilkin, Major. Colonel 
9th Minnesota, August, 1802. Eeginald Bingham, 
Surgeon. Dismissed May 27, 1862. M. C. Toll- 
man, AtiH Surgeon. Promoted Surgeon. Timothy 
Cressey, Chaplain. Kesigned October, 10, 1863. 
Daniel D. Heaney, Adjutant. Promoted Captain 
Company C. WiUiam S. Grow, Quarter Master. 
Eesigned, January, 1863. 

SH.\EP SHOOTEUS. 

A comjiany of Sharp Shooters under Captain 
F. Peteler, proceeding to Washington, on the 11th, 



MINNESOTA DURING THE REBELLION. 



133 



of October -was assigned as Go., A, 2d Regiment 
TJ. S. Sliarp Shooters. 

THIRD REQIMEKT. 

On the 16th of November, 18C1, the Third Eeg- 
iment left the State and went to Tennessee. Its 
oiBcers were : Henry 0. Lester, Colonel. Dismissed 
Decmber 1, 1862. Benjamin F. Smith, Lt. Colonel. 
Eesigned May 9, 1862. John A. Hadley, Major. 
Resigned May 1, 1862. E. C. Olin, Adjutant.— 
Eesigned. C. H, Blakely, Adjutant. Levi Butler. 
Surgeon. — ^Resigned September 30, 1863. Francis 
Millipan, AssH Sun/eon. — Eesigned April 8, 1862. 
Chauncey Hobart, Chaplain. — Eesigned June 2, 
1863. 

ARTILLERY. 

In December, the First Battery of Light Artil- 
lery left the State, and reported for duty at St. 
Louis, Missouri 

CAVALRY. 

During the fall, three comjjanies of cavalry 
■were organized, and proceeded to Benton Barracks, 
Missouri. Ultimately they were incorporated 
with the Fifth Iowa Cavalry. 

MOVEMENTS OF MINNESOTA TROOPS IN 1862. 

On Sunday the 19th of January, 1862, not far 
from Somerset and about forty miles from Danville, 
Kentucky, about 7 o'clock in the morning, Col. 
Van Cleve was ordered to meet the enemy. In 
ten minutes the Second Minnesota regiment was 
in line of battle. After supporting a battery for 
some time it continued the march, and pro- 
ceeding half a mile found the enemy behind the 
fences, and a hand to hand fight of thirty minutes 
ensued, resulting in the flight of the rebels. Gen. 
Zollicoffer and Lieut. Peyton, of the insurgents 
were of the killed. 

BATTLE OF PITTSBURG LANDING. 

On Sunday, the 6th of April occurred the battle 
of Pittsburg Landing, in Tennessee. Minnesota 
was there represented by the First Minnesota bat- 
tery, CajDtain Emil Munch, which was attached to 
the division of General Prentiss. Captain Munch 
was severely wounded. One of the soldiers of his 
command WTote as foUows: "Sunday morning, 
just after breakfast, an oiEcer rode up to our Cap- 
tain's tent and told him to prepare for action. * 
* * * * We wheeled into battery and opened 
upon thom. * * * The first time we wheeled 
one of our drivers was killed; his name was Colby 
Stinson. Haywood's horse was shot at almost the 
same time. The second time we came into bat- 
tery, the captain was wounded in the leg, and his 



horse shot uuder him. They charged on our guns 
and on the sixth platoon howitzer, but they got 
hold of the wrong end of the gun. We then lim- 
bered up and retreated within the line of battle. 
While we were retreating they shot one of our 
horses, when we had to stop and take him out, 
which let the rebels come up rather close. When 
within about six rods they fired and wounded 
Corporal Davis, breaking his leg above the ankle." 
As the artillery driver was picked up, after be- 
ing fatally wounded, at the beginning of the fight 
he said, 'Don't stop with me. Stand to your guns 
like men,' and expired. 

FIRST REGIMENT AT YORKTOWN SIEGE. 

Early in April the First regiment as a 
23art of Sedgwick's division of the Army 
of the Potomac arrived near Yorktown, 
Virginia, and was stationed between the 
Warwick and York rivers, near Wynnes' mill. Dur- 
ing the night of the 30th of May, there was a con- 
tinual discharge of cannon by the enemy, but just 
before daylight the next day, which was Simday, 
it ceased and the pickets cautiously apjjroaching 
discovered that the rebels had abandoned their 
works. The next day the regiment was encamped 
on the field where Cornwallis surrendered to Wash- 
ington. 

BATTLE OF FAIR OAKS. 

While Gorman's brigade was encamped at 
Goodly Hole creek, Hanover county, Virginia, an 
order came about three o'clock of the afternoon of 
Saturday, the thirty-first day of May to 
to cross the Chicahominy and engage in 
the battle which had been going on for a few- 
hours. In a few minutes the First Minnesota was 
on the march, by a road which had been cut 
through the swamp, and crossed the Chicahominy 
by a rude bridge of logs, with both ends com- 
pletely submerged by the stream swollen by re- 
cent rains, and rising every hour. 

About 5 o'clock in the afternoon the First Min- 
nesota as the advance of Gorman's brigade reached 
the scene of action, and soon the whole brigade 
with Kirby's battery held the enemy in check at 
that point. 

The next day they were in line of battle but not 
attacked. Upon the field around a country farm 
house they encamped. 

BATTLE OF SAVAGE STATION. 

Just before daylight on Sunday, June the 29th, 
Sedgwick's, to which the First Minnesota belonged, 
left the position that had been held since the bat- 



134 



OUTLINE niSrORT OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA. 



tie of Fair Oaks, and had not proceeded more than 
two miles before they met the enemy in a peach 
orchard, and after a sharp conflict compelled 
them to retire. At about 5 c 'clock the afternoon 
of the same day they again met the enemy at 
Savage Station, and a battle lasted till dark. Bur- 
gess, the color sergeant who brought ofif the flag 
from the Bull Kun battle, a man much respected, 
was killed instantly. 

On Monday, between White Oak swamp and 
Willis' church, the regiment had a skirmish, and 
Captain Colville was sligiitly wounded. Tuesday 
was the 1st of July, and the regiment was drawn 
up at the dividing line of Henrico and Charles 
City county, in sight of James river, and although 
much exposed to the enemy's batteries, was not 
actually engaged. At midnight the order was 
given to move, and on the morning of the 2d of 
July they tramped upon the wheat fields at Har- 
rison's Landing, and in a violent rain encamped. 

MOVEMENTS OP OTHEU TliOOPS. 

The Fourth regiment left Fort Snelling for Ben- 
ton barracks, Missoiu-i, on the 2l8t of April, 1862, 
with the following officers: 

John B. Sanborn, Colonel — Promoted brigadier 
general. 

Minor T. Thomas, Lt. Colond — Made colonel of 
8th regiment August 24, 1862. 

A. Edward Welch, Major — Died at Nashville 
February 1, 1861. 

John M. Thompson, Adjutant — Captain Com- 
pany E, November 20, 1862. 

Thomas B. Hunt, Quartermaster — Made captain 
and A. Q. M. April 9, 1863. 

John H. Murj>hy, Surgeon — Resigned July 9, 
1863. 

Elisha W. Cross, Assistant Surgeon — Promoted 
July 9, 1863. 

Asa S. Fiske, Chaplain — Eesigned Oct. 3, 1864. 

FIFTH REGIMENT. 

The Second Minnesota Battery, Captain W. A. 
Hotchkiss, left the same day as the Fourth regi- 
ment. On the 13tli of May the Fifth regiment 
departed from P'ort Snelling with the following 
officers: Eudolph Borgesrode, colonel, resigned 
August 31, 1862; Lucius F. Hubbard, Ueutenant- 
colonel, promoted colonel Augu.st 31, 1862, elected 
governor of Minnesota 1881; William B. Gere, 
major, promoted lieutenant-colonel; Alpheus R. 
French, adjutant, resigned March 19, 1863; W. 
B. SIcGrorty, quartermaster, resigned September 
15, 1861; F. B. Etheridge, surgeon, resigned Sep- 



tember 3, 1862; V. B. Kennedy, assist-ant surgeon, 
promoted surgeon; J. F. Chaffee, chaplain, re- 
signed June 23, 1862; John Ireland, chaplain, re- 
signed April, 1863. 

Before the close of May the Second, Fourth and 
Fiftli regiments were in conflict with the insur- 
gents, near Corinth, Mississippi. 

BATTLE OF lUKA. 

On the 18th of September, Colonel Sanborn, 
acting as brigade commander in the 'JJiird divis- 
ion of the Army of the Mississippi, moved his 
troops, including the Fourth Minnesota regiment, 
to a position on the Tuscumbia road, and formed 
a line of battle. 

BATTLE or CORINTH. 

In a few days the contest began at luka, culmi- 
nated at Corinth, and the Fourth and Fifth regi- 
ments and First Minnesota battery were engaged. 

On the 3d of October, about five o'clock, Colo- 
nel Sanborn advanced his troops and received a 
severe fire from the enemy. Captain Mowers 
beckoned with his sword during the firing, as it 
he wished to make an important communication, 
but before Colonel Sanborn reached his side he 
fell, having been shot through the head. Before 
daylight on tlie4:thof October the Fifth regiment, 
under command of Colonel L. F. Hubbard, was 
aroused by the discharge of artillery. Later in 
the day it became engaged with the enemy, and 
drove the rebels out of the streets of Corinth. A 
private writes: "When we charged on the enemy 
General Eosecrans asked what little regiment that 
was, and on being told said 'The Fifth Minnesota 
had saved the towrn.' Major Coleman, General 
Stanley's assistant adjutant- general, was Avith us 
when he received his buUet-wound, and his last 
words were, "Tell the general that the Fifth Min- 
nesota fought nobly. God bless the Fifth.' " 

OTHEB MOVEMENTS. 

A few days after the fight at Corinth the Sec- 
ond Minnesota battery. Captain Hotch.dss, did 
good service with Buell's ariny at Perryville, Ky. 

In the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., on the 
13th of December, the Fh-st Minnesota regiment 
supported Kirbey's battery as it had done at Fair 
Oaks. 

THmD BEGIMENT HUMTLIATED. 

On the morning of the 13th of July, nearMur- 
freesboro, Ky., the Third regiment was in the pres- 
ence of the enemy. The colonel called a council 
of officers to decide whether they should fight, 
and the first vote was in the aflirmative, but an- 



TEE SIOUX OUTBREAK. 



135 



other vote being taken it was tleciJeJ to surrender. 
Lieutenant-Colonel C. W. Griggs, Captains An- 
drews and Hoyt voteii each time to fight. In 
September the regiment returned to Minnesota, 
humiliated by the want of good judgment upon 
the part of their colonel, and was assigned to duty 
in the Indian country. 

THE SIOTJX OTJTBBEAK. 

The year 1862 will always be remembered as the 
period of the uprising of the Sious, and the 
slaughter of the unsuspecting inhabitants of the 
scattered settlements in the Minnesota valley. 
Elsewhere in this work will be found a detailed ac- 
count of the savage cruelties. In this place we 
only give the na'rrative of the events as related by 
Alexander Eamsey, then the governor of Min- 
nesota. 

"My surprise may therefore be judged, when, on 
August 19th, while busy in my office, Mr. Wm. H. 
Shelley, one of our citizens who had been at the 
agency just before the outbreak, came in, dusty 
and exhausted with a fifteen hours' ride on horse- 
back, bearing dispatches to me of the most start- 
ling character from Agent Galbraith, dated Au- 
gust 18th, stating that the same day the Sioux at 
the lower agency had risen, murdered the settlers, 
and were plundering and burning all the build- 
ings in that vicinity. As I beUeve no particular's 
regarding the manner in which the news were first 
conveyed to me has been piiblished, it might be 
mentioned here. Mr. Shelley had been at Eed- 
wood agency, and other places in that vicinity, 
with the concurrence of the agent, recruiting men 
for a company, which was afterwards mustered into 
the Tenth regiment under Captain James O'Gor- 
man, formerly a clerk of Kathan Myriok, Esq., a 
trader at Kedwood, and known as the Kenville 
Bangers. He (Shelley) left Redwood, he states, 
on Saturday, August 16tb, with forty-five men, 
bound for Fort Snelling. Everything was quiet 
there then. It may be well to note here that one 
of the supposed causes of the outbreak was the 
fact that the Indians had been told that the gov- 
ernment needed soldiers very badly, that many 
white men had been killed, and that all those in 
that locality were to be marched south, leaving 
the state unprotected. Seeing the men leave on 
Saturday may have strengthened this belief. Stop- 
ping at Fort Eidgely that night, the Benville 
Bangers the next day continued their march, and 
on Monday afternoon arrived at St. Peter. Gal- 
braith was with them. Here he was overtaken by 



a messenger who had ridden down from Red- 
wood that day, hearing the news of the terrible 
occurrences of that morhing. This messenger was 
Mr. — Dickinson, who formerly kept a hotel at 
Henderson, but was living on the reservation at 
that time. He was in great distress about the 
safety of his family, and returning at once was 
killed by the Indians. 

"When Agent Galbraith received the news, Mr. 
Shelley states, no one would at first beUeve it, 
as such rumors are frequent in the Indian country. 
Mr. Dickinson assured him of the truth with such 
earnestness, however, that his account was finally 
credited and the Renville Rangers were at once 
armed and sent back to Port Ridgely, where they 
did good service in protecting the post. 

"Agent Galbraith at once prepared the dispatches 
to me, giving the terrible news and calling for aid. 
No one could be found who would volunteer to 
carry the message, and Mr. Shelley offered to 
come himself. He had great diificulty in getting 
a horse; but finally secured one, and started for 
St. Paul, a distance o£ about ninety miles, about 
dark. He had not ridden a horse for some years, 
and as may be well supposed by those who have 
had experience in amateur horseback-riding, suf- 
fered very much from soreness; but rode all night 
at as fast a gate as his horse could carry him, 
spreading the startling news as he went down the 
Minnesota valley. Reaching St. Paul about 9 A. 
M., much exhausted he made his way to the capitol, 
and laid before me his mcFsage. The news soon 
spread through the city and created intense ex- 
citement. 

"At that time, of course, the full extent and 
threatening nature of the outbreak could not be 
determined. It seemed s3rious, it is true, but in 
view of the riotous conduct of the Indians at 
Yellow Medicine a few days before, was deemed a 
repetition of the emeute, which would be simply 
local in its character, and easily quelled by a small 
force and good management on the part of the 
authorities at the agency. 

"But these hopes, (that the outbreak was a local 
one) were soon rudely dispelled by the arrival, an 
hour or two later, of another courier, George C. 
Whitcomb, of Forest City, bearing the news of 
the murders at Acton. Mr. Whitcomb had ridden 
to Chaska or Carver on Monday, and came down 
from there on the small steamer Antelope, reaching 
the city an hour or two after Mr. Shelley. 

"It now became evident that the outbreak was 



136 



OUTLINE U I STORY OF TUB STATE OF MINNESOTA. 



more general than had at first been creJiteil, and 
that pronijat and vigorous measures would be le- 
quired for its suppression and the protection of 
the inhabitants on the frontier. I at once pro- 
ceeded to Fort Suelhng aud consulted with the 
authorities there (who had already received dis- 
patches from Fort Ridgely) regarding the out- 
break and the best means to be used to meet the 
danger. 

"A serious difficulty met us at the outstart. The 
only troops at Fort Snelling were the raw recruits 
•who had been hastily gathered for the five regi- 
ments. Most of them were without arms or suit- 
able clothing as yet; some not mustered in or 
properly officered, and those who had arms had 
no fixed ammunition of the proper calibre. We 
were without transportation, quartermaster's or 
commissary stores, and, in fact, devoid of anything 
with which to commence a campaign against two 
or three thousand Indians, well mounted and 
armed, with an abundance of ammunition and 
provisions captured at the agency, and flushed 
with the easy victories they had just won over the 
unarmed settlers. Finally four companies were 
fully organized, armed aud uniformed, and late at 
night were got off on two small steamers, the An- 
telope and Pomeroy, for Shakopee, from which 
point they would proceed overland. It was ar- 
ranged that others should follow as fast as they 
could be got ready. 

"This expedition was placed imder the manage- 
ment of H. H. Sibley, whose long residence in the 
country of the Sioux had given him great influ- 
ence with that people, and it was hoped that the 
chiefs and older men were still sensible to reason, 
and that with his diplomatic ability he could bring 
the powers of these to check the mad and reck- 
less disposition of the "young men," and that if 
an opportunity for this failed that his knowledge 
of Indian war and tactics would enable him to 
overcome them in battle. And I think the result 
indicated the wisdom of my choice. 

•'I at once telegraphed all the facts to President 
Lincoln, and also telegraphed to Governor Solo- 
mon, of Wisconsin, for one hundred thousand cart- 
ridges, of a calibre to fit our rifles, and the requi- 
sition was kindly honored by tliat patriotic officer, 
and the ammunition was on its way next day. 
The governors of Iowa, Illinois and Michigan wore 
also asked for arms and ammunition. 

During the day other messengers arrived from 
Fort Kidgely, St. Peter and other poiuts on 



the upper Minnesota, with intelligence of the 
most painful character, regarding the extent and 
ferocity of the massacre. The messages all pleaded 
earnestly for aid, and intimated that without 
speedy reinforcements or a supply of arms. Fort 
Kidgely, New Ulm, St. Peter and other points 
would undoubtedly fall into the hands of the 
savages, and thousands of persons be butchered 
The principal danger seemed to be to the settle- 
ments in that region, as they were in the vicinity 
of the main body of Indians congregated to await 
the payments. Comers arrived from various 
points every few hours, and I spent the whole 
night answering their calls as I could. 

"Late that night, probably after midnight, Mr. 
J. Y. Branham, Sr., arrived from Forest City, after 
a forced ride on horseback of 100 miles, bearing 
the following message: 

"Forest City, Aug. 20, 1862, 6 o'clock a. m. 

His Excellency, Alexander Kamsoy, Governor, 
etc. — Sir: In advance of the news from the Min- 
nesota river, the Indians have opened on us in 
Meeker. It is war! A few propose to make a 
stand here. Send us, forthwith, some good guns 
and ammunition to match. Yours truly, 

A. C. Smith. 

Soventy-five stands of Springfield rifles and sev- 
eral thousand rounds of ball cartridges were at 
once issued to George C. Whitcomb, to be used in 
arming a company which I directed to be raised 
and enrolled to use these arms; and Gen. Sibley 
gave Mr. Whitcomb a captain's commission for 
the company. Transportation was furnished him, 
and the rifles were in Forest City by the morning 
of the 23d, a portion having been issued to a 
company at Hutchinson on the way up. A com- 
pany was organized and the arms jilaced in their 
hands, and I am glad to say they did gocid service 
in defending the towns of Forest City and Hutch- 
inson on more than one occasion, and many of the 
Indians are known to have been killed with them. 
The conduct and bravery of the courageous men 
who guarded those towns, and resisted the assaults 
of the red savages, are worthy of being commemo- 
rated on the pages of our state history." 

MOVEMENT OF MINNESOTA REGIMENTS 1863. 

On the 3d of April, 1863, the Fourth regiment 
was opposite Grand Gulf, Mississippi, and in a 
few days they entered Port Gibson, and here Col. 
Sanborn resumed the command of a brigade. On 
the 14th of May the regiment was at the battle 



BATTLE OF OETTTSBUIiG. 



137 



of Raymoncl, and on the 14th participated in the 
battle of Jackson. A newspaper correspondent 
writes: "Captain L. B. Martin, of the Fourth 
Minnesota, A. A. G. to Colonel Sanborn, seized the 
flag of the 59th Indiana infantry, rode rapidly be- 
yond the skirmishers, (Co. H, Fourth Minnesota, 
Lt. Geo. A. Clark) and raised it over the dome of 
the capitol" of Mississippi. On the 16th the regi- 
ment \yas in the battle of Champion Hill, and four 
days later in the siege of Vicksburg. 

FIFTH KEGIMENT. 

The Fifth regiment reached Grand Gulf on the 
7th of May and was in the battles of Raymond 
and Jackson, and at the rear of Vicksburg. 

BATTLE OP GETTSSBDRG. 

The First regiment reached Gettysburg, Pa., 
on the 1st of July,, and the next morning Han- 
cock's corps, to which it was attached, moved to a 
ridge, the right resting on Cemetery HiU, the left 
near Sugar Loaf Mountain. The line of battle 
was a semi-ellipse, and Gibbon's division, to 
which the regiment belonged occupied the 
center of the curve nearest the enemy. On the 
2d of July, about 5 o'clook in the afternoon, Gen- 
eral Hancock rode up to Colonel Oolville, and 
ordered him to charge upon the advancing foe. 
The muzzles of the opposing muskets were not far 
distant and the conflict was terrific. When the 
sun set Captain Jluller and Lieutenant Farrer were 
killed; Captain Periam mortally wounded; Colonel 
Colville, Lieut-Colonel Adams, Major Downie, 
Adjutant Peller, Lieutenants Sinclair, Demerest, 
DeGray and Boyd, severely wounded. 

On the 3d of July, about 10 o'clock in the morn- 
ing, the rebels opened a terrible artillery fire, 
which lasted until 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and 
then the infantry was suddenly advanced, and 
there was a fearful conflict, resulting in the defeat 
of the enemy. The loss on this day was also very 
severe. Captain Messick, in command of the 
First regiment, after the wounding of ColviUe, 
and Adams and Downie, was killed. Captain Farrell 
was mortally wounded, and Lieutenants Harmon, 
Heffelfinger, and May were wounded. Color-Ser- 
geant E. P. Perkins was wounded on the 2d of 
July. On the 3d of July Corporal Dehn, of the 
color guard was shot through the hand and the 
flag staff cut in two. Corporal H. D. O'Brien 
seized the flag with the broken staff and waving 
it over his head rushed up to the muzzles of the 
enemy's muskets and was wounded in the hand, 
but Corporal W. N. Irvine instantly grasped the 



flag and held it up. Marshall Sherman of com- 
pany E, captured the flag of the 28th Virginia 
regiment. 

THE SECOND KEGIMENT. 

The Second regiment, under Colonel George, 
on the 19th of September fought at Chicamauga, 
and in the first day's fight, eight were killed and 
forty-one wounded. On the 25th of November, 
Lieutenant-Colonel Bishop in command, it moved 
against the enemy at Mission Ridge, and of the 
seven non-commissioned oliicers in the color guard, 
six were killed or wounded. 

The Fourth regiment was also in the vicinity of 
Chattanooga, but did not suffer any loss. 

EVENTS OF 1864. 
The Third regiment, which after the Indian ex- 
pedition had been ordered to Little Rock, Arkan- 
sas, on the 30th of March, 1864, had an engage- 
ment near Augusta, at Fitzhugh's Woods. Seven 
men were killed and sixteen wounded. General 
C. C. Andrews, in command of the force, had hia 
horse kiUed by a buUet. 

FIEST REGIMENT. 

The First regiment after three year's service 
was mustered out at Fort Snelling, and on the 
28th of April, 1864, held its last dress parade, in 
the presence of Governor Miller, who had once 
been their lieutenant-colonel and commander. In 
May some of its members re-enlisted as a battal- 
ion, and again joined the Army of the Potomac. 

SIXTH, SEVENTH, NINTH AND TENTH REGIMENTS. 

The Sixth regir^ent, which had been in the ex- 
pedition against the Sioux, in June, 1864, was as- 
signed to the 16th army corps, as was the Seventh, 
Ninth and Tenth, and on the i3th of July, near 
Tupelo, Mississippi, the Seventh, Ninth and Tenth, 
with portions of the Fifth, were in battle. Dur- 
ing the first day's fight Surgeon Smith, of the 
Seventh, was fatally wounded through the neck. 
On the morning of the 14th the battle began in 
earnest, and the Seventh, under Colonel W. R. 
Marshall, made a successful charge. Colonel Al^ 
exander Wilkin, of the Ninth, was shot, and fell 
dead from his horse. 

THE FOUBTH REGIMENT. 

On the 15th of October the Fourth regiment 
were engaged near Altooua, Georgia. 

THE EIGHTH REGIMENT. 

On the 7th of December the Eighth was in bat- 
tle near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and fourteen 
were killed and seventy-six wounded. 



138 



OUTLINE BISTORT OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA. 



BAXriiE Ol' NASUVILLC. 

During the mouth of December the Fifth, 
Seventh, Ninth and Tenth regiments did good ser- 
vice before Nashville. Colonel L. F. Hubbard, of 
the Fifth, commanchng a brigade, after he had 
been knocked olT his horse by a ball, rose, and on 
foot led his command over the enemy's works. 
Colonel W. E. Marshall, of the 'Seventh, in com- 
mand of a brigade, made a gallant charge, and 
Lieutenant-colonel S. P. Jennison, of the Tenth, 
one of the first on the enemy's parapet, received a 
severe wound. 

MINNESOTA TROOPS IN 1865. 

In the spring of 1865 the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, 
Ninth and Tenth regiments were engaged in the 
siege of Mobile. The Second and Fourth regi- 
ments and First battery were with General Sher- 
man in his wonderful campaign, and the Eighth 
in the month of March was ordered to North Car- 
olina. The battalion, the remnant of the First, 
was with the Army of the Potomac untd Lee's sur- 
render. 

Arrangements were soon perfected for disband- 
ing the Union army, and before the close of the 
summer all the Minnesota regiments that had been 
on duty were discharged. 

LiST OF MINNESOTA BEGIMENTS AND TROOPS. 

First, Organized April, 1851, Discharged May .'i, 1301. 

Second " July " " July 11, 18C3. 

Third " Oct. " " Sept. 

Fourth " Dec. " " Aug. " 

Fifth " May, 18G2, " Sept. 

Sixth " Aug. " " Aug. 

Seventh " " 

Kighth " " 

Ninth " " " " " " 

Tenth " 

Kleventh '* " liWl 

ARTILLERY. 

First Regiment, Heavy, May, 1831. Discharged Sept. 1805. 

BATTERIES. 

Firet, October, 1881. Discharged June. 1805. 
Second, Hec. " " July " 

Third, Feb. 1803 " Feb. 1860. 

CAVALRY. 

Rangers, March, 1883. Discharged Dec. 1803. 
Urackett's, Oct. 1R61. " June 1800. 

2dReg't, July, 1863. " " 

SHARP.SHO0TBRS. 

Company A, organized in 1801. 
" B, " " 1662. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

STATE APFAIia FROM A. D. 18C2 to A. D. 1882. 

In consequence of the Sioux outbreak, Gov- 
ernor Ramsey called an extra session of the legis- 
lature, which on the 9th of September, 1862, as- 
sembled. 

As long as Indian hostilities continued, the flow 
of immigration was checked, and the agricultural 
interests suB'ered; but notwithstanding the dis- 
turbed condition of affairs, the St. Paul & Pacific 
Railroad Company laid ten miles of rail, to the 
Falls of St. Anthony. 

ril'Tn STATE LEGISLATURE. 

During the fall of 1862 Alexander Ramsey had 
again been elected governor, and on the 7th of 
January, 1863, delivered the annual message before 
the Fifth state legislature. During this session he 
was elected to fill the vacancy that would take 
place in the United States senate by the expira- 
tion of the term of Henry M. Rice, who had been 
a senator from the time that ^liunesota was organ- 
ized as a state. After Alexander Ramsey became a 
senator, the lieutenant-governor, Henry A. Swift, 
became govenior by constitutional provision. 

GOVT3UNOB STEPHEN A. MILLER 

At the election during the fall of 1863, Stejjhen 
A. Miller, colonel of the Seventh regiment, was 
elected governor by a majority of about seven 
thousand votes, Henry T. Welles lieing his com- 
petitor, and representative of the democratic party. 
During Governor Miller's administration, on the- 
10th of November, 1865, two Sioux chiefs. Little 
Six and Medicine Bottle, were hung at Fort Suel- 
ling, for i^articipation in the 1862 niassacra 

GOVERNOR W. E. MARSHALL. 

In the fall of 1865 William R. Marshall, who 
had succeeded his predecessor as colonel of the 
Seventh regiment, was nominated by the republi- 
can party for governor, and Henry M. Rice by the 
democratic party. The former was elected by 
about five thousand majority. In 1867 Governor 
Marshall was again nominated for the office, and 
Cliarles E. Flandrauwas the democratic candidate, 
and he was again elected by about the same major- 
ity as before. 

GOVERNOR HORACE AUSTIN. 

Horace Austin, the judge of tlie Sixtli judicial 
district, was in 1869 the republican candidate for 
governor, and received 27,238 votes, and George 
L. Otis, the democratic candidate, 25,401 votes. 
In 1871 Governor Austin was again nominated, 



ROOKY MOUNTAIN LOCUST. 



139 



and received 45,883 votes, while 30,092 ballots 
were cast for Winthrop Young, the democratic 
candidate. The important event of his adminis- 
tration was the veto of an act of the legislature 
giving the internal improvement lands to certain 
railway corporations. 

Toward the close of Governor Austin's adminis- 
tration, WiUiam Seeger, the state treasurer, was im- 
peached for a wrong use of public funds. He 
plead guilty and was disqualified from holding 
any office of honor, trust or profit in the state. 

GOVERNOR OnSHMAN K. DAVTS. 

The republicans in the fall of 1873 nominated 
Cushman K. Davis for governor, who received 
40,741 votes, while 35,245 ballots were thrown for 
the democratic candidate, Ara Barton. 

The summer that he was elected the locust 
made its ajJi^earance in the land, and in certain 
regions devoured every green thing. One of the 
first acts of Governor Davis was to relieve the 
farmers who had suffered from the visitation of 
locusts. The legislature of 1874 voted relief, and 
the people of the state voluntarily contributed 
clothing and provisions. 

During the administration of Governor Davis the 
principle was settled that there was nothing in the 
charter of a railroad company limiting the power 
of Minnesota to regulate the charges for freight 
and travel. 

WOMEN ALIiOWED TO VOTE FOR SCHOOL OFFICERS. 

At the election in November, 1875, the peoj^le 
sanctioned the following amendment to the con- 
stitution: "The legislature may, notwithstanding 
anything in this article, [Article 7, section 8] pro- 
vide by law that any woman at the age of 
twenty-one years and upwards, may vote at any 
election held for the purpose of chosing any officer 
of schools, or upon any measure relating to schools, 
and may also provide that any such woman shall 
be eligible to hold any office solely pertaining to 
the management of schools." 

GOVERNOR J. S. PmLSBUET. 

John S. Pillsbiu-y, the republican nominee, at 
the election of November, 1875, received 47,073 
for governor while his democratic competitor, D. 
L. Buell obtained 35,275 votes. Governor Pillsbury 
in his inaugural message, deHvered on the 7th of 
January, 1876, urged upon the legislature, as his 
predecessors had done, the importance of provid- 
ing for the jjaymeut of the state railroad bonds. 

RAID ON NOETHFIELD BANK. 

On the 6th of September, 1876, the quiet citi- 



zens of Minnesota were excited by a telegraphic 
announcement that a band of outlaws from Mis- 
souri had, at mid-day, ridden into the town of 
Northfield, recklessly discharging firearms, and 
proceeding to the bank, killed the acting cashier 
in an attempt to secure its funds. Two of the 
desperadoes were shot in the streets, by firm resi- 
dents, and in a brief period, parties from the 
neighboring towns were in pursuit of the assassins. 
After a long and weary search four were sur- 
rounded in a swamp in Watonwan county, and one 
was killed, and the others captured. 

At the November term of the fifth district court 
held at Faribault, the criminals were arraigned, 
and under an objebtionable statute, by pleading 
guilty, received an imprisonment for life, instead 
of the merrited death of the gallows. 

THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN LOCtjST. 

As early as 1874 in some of the counties of 
Minnesota, the Kocky Mountain locust, of the 
same genus, but a different species from the Eu- 
rope and Arctic locust, driven eastward by the 
failure of the succulent grasses of the upjjer Mis- 
souri valley appeared as a short, stout-legged, d3- 
vouring army, and in 1875 the myriad of eggs 
deposited were hatched out, and the insects bom 
within the state, flew to new camping grounds, to 
begin their devastations. 

In the spring the locust appeared in some coun- 
ties, but by an ingenious contrivance of sheet 
iron, covered with tar, their numbers were speedily 
reduced. It was soon discovered that usually 
but one hatching of eggs took place in the same 
district, and it was evident that the crop of 1877 
would be remunerative. When the national 
Thanksgiving was observed on the 26th of No- 
vember nearly 40,000,000 bushels of wheat had 
been garnered, and many who had sown in tears, 
devoutly thanked Him who had given plenty, and 
meditated upon the words of the Hebrew Psalm- 
ist, "He maketh peace within thy borders and 
fiUeth thee with the finest of the wheat." 

GOVERNOR PILLSBDRV'S SECOND TEEM. 

At the election in November, 1877, Governor 
Pillsbury was elected a second time, receiving ' 
59,701, while 39,247 votes were cast for Wilham L. 
Banning, the nominee of the democratic party. 
At this election the people voted to adopt two im- 
portant amendments to the constitution. 

BIENNIAL SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE. 

One provided for a biennial, in place of the an- 
nual session of the legislature, in these words: 



140 



OUTLINE niSTORT OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA. 



"The legislature ot the state shall consist of a 
Bonato and house of representatives, who shall 
nioct biennially, at the seat ot government ot the 
state, at such time as shall be prescribed by law, 
but no session shall exceed the term ot sixty 
days." 

CnmSTI.VN INSTRUCTION EXCLUDED FROM SCHOOLS. 

The other amendment excludes Christian and 
other religious instructions from all of the edu- 
cational institutions of MinnBsota in these words: 
"But in no case, shall the moneys derived as afore- 
said, or any portion thereof, or any public moneys, 
or property be approjjriated or used tor the sup- 
port of schools wherein the distinctive doctrines, 
or creeds or tenets of any particular Christian or 
othei; religious sect, are promulgated or taught." 
iMPE.\rn>rENT or judge page. 

The personal unpopularity ot Sherman Page, 
judge of the Tenth judicial district, culminated by 
the house of representatives ot the legislature of 
1878, presenting articles, impeaching him, for con- 
duct unbecoming a judge: the senate sitting as a 
court, examined the charges, and on the 22d of 
Jime, he was ac quitted. 

GOVERNOR PILLSBURY'S THIRD TERM. 

The republican party nominated John S. Pills- 
bury for a third term as governor, and at the elec- 
tion in November, 1879, he received 57,471 votes, 
while 42,444 were given tor Edmund Rice, the rep- 
resentative ot the democrats. 

With a persistence which won the respect of the 
opponents of the measure, Governor Pillsbury con- 
tinued to advocate the payment of the state rail- 
road bonds. The legitilaturo ot 1870 submitted an 
amendment to the constitution, by which the "in- 
ternal improvement lands" were to be sold and the 
proceeds to be used in cancelling the bonds, by the 
bondholders agreeing to purchase tlie lands at a 
certain sum per acre. The amondineut was 
adopted by a vote ot the people, but few of the 
bondholders accepted the provisions, and it failed 
to effect the proposed end. The legislature of 
1871 passed an act for a commission to make an 
equitable adjustment of the bonds, but at a special 
election in May it was rejected. 

The legislature of 1877 passed an act for calling 
in the railroad bonds, and issueiug new bonds, 
which was submitted to the people at a sj)ecial 
election on the 12th ot June, and not accepted. 

The legislature ot 1878 proposed a constitu- 
tional amendment offering the internal improve- 
ment lands in exchange for railroad bonds, and the 



people at the November election disapjiroved of the 
proposition. Against the proposed amendment 
45,(jC9 votes were given, and only 26,311 in favor. 

rin.ST BIENNIAL SESSION. 

The first biennial session of the legislature con- 
vened in January, 1881, and Governor Pillsbury 
again, in his message of the 6th ot January, held 
up to the view ot the legislators the dishonored 
raih'oad bonds, and the duty ot providing for their 
settlement. In his argument he said: 

"The liability having been voluntarily incurred, 
whether it was wisely created or not is foreign to 
the present question. It is certain that the obli- 
gations were fairly given for which consideration 
was fairly received; and the state having chosen 
foreclosure as her remedy, and disposed of the 
property thus acquired unconditionally as her own, 
the conclusion seems to me irresistible that slie 
assumed the payment of the debt resting upon 
such property by every principle ot law and 
equity. And, moreover, as the state promptly 
siezed the railroad projierty and franchises, ex- 
pressly to indemnify her for payment ot the bonds, 
it is difficult to see what possible justification there 
can be tor her refusal to make that payment." 

The legislature in March passed an act for the 
adjustment ot these bonds, which being brought 
before the supreme court of the state was declared 
void. The court at the same time declared the 
amendment to the state constitution, which 2)ro- 
hibited the settlement ot these bonds, without the 
assent ot a popular vote, to be a violation of the 
clause in the constitution of the United States of 
America prohibiting the impairment of the obliga- 
tion ot contracts. This decision cleared the way 
for final action. Governor Pillsbury called an 
extra session ot the legislature in October, 1881, 
which accepted the offer of the bondholders, to be 
satisfied with a partial payment, and made provis- 
ions for cancelling bonds, the existence ot which 
for more than twenty years had been a humiliation 
to a large majority of the thoughtful and intelli- 
gent citizens of Minnesota, and a blot upon the 
otherwise fair name ot the commonwealth. 

aOVEBNOR HUBBARD. 

Lucius F. Hubbard, who had been colonel of 
the Fifth Regiment, was nominated by the repub- 
lican party, and elected in November, 1881, by a 
large majority over the democratic nominee, R. 
W. Johnson. He entered upon his duties in Jan- 
uary, 1882, about the time of the present chapter 
going to press. 



EABLY NOTICES OF MINNESOTA lifVEIi. 



141 



EARLY HISTORY 



OF THE 



MIIsTISrESOTA VALLEY 



T 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

EARLIEST NOTICES OF MINNESOTA KIVER — ADDI- 
TIONAL FACTS ABOUT LE SUEUB — ANECDOTES OF 

PINCHON on PENNESHA A PEENOH TKADEK WAPA- 

SHAH, HEAD CHIEF OF SlOtJS EARLY TKADEKS 

JOHN MARSH, FIRST SCHOOL TEACHER —THE SIOUX 

CHIEF WAHNATAH NOTICES OP CHARLES HESS — ■ 

JOSEPH RENVILLE A METEORITE — DEATH OF SUR- 
GEON PURCELL. 

In a letter of La Salle, ■written at Fort Fronte- 
nac, now Kingston, Canada, on the 22(1 of August, 
1682, be mentions that the only two large rivers 
on the west side of the Mis8issi25pi above the Il- 
linois river were the Otontantas Paote and Mas- 
koutens, supposed to be what we now know as the 
Des Moines and Minnesota rivers. There is no 
mention of the Minnesota river in Hennepin's book 
of travels, and no trace of it upon the map ac- 
companying his ''Description of Louisiana," which 
in 1683 was printed in Paris. 

The earliest tracing of the river is upon a map, 
still unprinted, in the archives of the French gov- 
ernment, supposed to have been drawn by the engi- 
neer Franquelin, and the name given to it upon 
this sketch is "Les Mascoutens Nadouessioiix," 
the river of the Sioux of the plains. 

When Nicholas Perrot in A. D. 1683 established 
"Fort St. Antoine," on the eastern bank of Lake 
Pepin, a short distance above Ohij^iewa river, the 
Minnesota river was designated as the St. Pierre, 
and after Le Sueur returned from the post he es- 
tablished, on a tributary of the Blue Earth river, 
De 1 'Isle, of the Royal Academy of Sciences, pub- 
lished in Paris, a "Carte de la Louisiane et du 



cours du Mississippi,'' on which the river is marked 
as the "S. Pierre ou Mini Sota." 

GroselUers, the first explorer of Minnesota, 
called the Hayes river of Hudson's Bay St. 
Theresa, in compliment to his wife, whose bap- 
tismal name was Theresa, and Verendrye named 
the Assinaboine river, a tributary of the Red River 
of the North, St. Charles, in honor of Charles 
Beauharnois, who at the time of its discovery was 
the governor general of Canada. The historiog- 
rapher of Major Long's expedition to the sources 
of the St. Peter writes: "The St. Peter is men- 
tioned in an incidental manner by Charlevoix in 
his Journal Historique, but he attempts no descrip- 
tion of it. We have sought in vain for the origin 
of the name, but we can find no notice of it; it ap- 
pears to us at present not unlikely that the name 
may have been given by Le Sueur, in 1695, in 
honor of M. St. Pierre de Repantigni, to whom 
Lahontan incidentally alludes, as in the year 
1689 being in Canada." 

The name appears for the first time in the doc- 
ument prepared by Nicholas Perrot in 1689, com- 
memorating the formal taking possession of the 
country, among whose associates on that occasion 
was Le Sueur. 

About the time when Le Sueur established a post 
in 1695 on the island in the Mississippi, nine 
miles below the river St. Croix, he made the first 
exr)loration of the St. Pierre or Minnesota river. 
The seventh chapter of this volume contains a full 
aocoimt of his second ascent of the river, and the 
buUding of a fort in A. D. 1700 upon a tributary 
of the Blue Earth river, and named after one of 
his partners in the city of Paris, L'HuilHer, and it 



142 



EARLY HISTORY OP THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



is therefore onlv necessary to mention a few facts 
concoming bim not there recorded. 

The following letter from the minister of marine, 
written on the 26th of August, 1699, nt Versailles, 
and directed to D'lberville, appointed to establish 
a colony near the mouth of tlie Mississippi, has 
never before been printed in English. "The Sieur 
Le Sueur, of Canada, having induced certain per- 
sons in Paris to take an interest with him in the 
seeking for certain mines which he claims to have 
discovered in the Siowx country, his majesty per- 
mitted him two years ago to go thither, and take 
with liim someCaniiilians; but his majesty having 
thought fit to revoke this pormit, the Sieur Le 
Sueur requested to go to the mouth of the Missis- 
sipi, and to ascend it as far as the Sioux country. 
His majesty very williugly acceded to him his re- 
quest, and it is his wish that you receive him on 
the ship, which you command, with the men re- 
quired for the equipment of two canoes, some 
laborers, and some necessary munitions, and in 
case he should not have enough men with him for 
the two canoes, he desires that he be allowed to 
have some of the Canadians wliich you take along 
with you." The same day the minister of marine 
wrote this letter to Sieur du Guay, an officer of 
the vessel: "The king has given permission to 
Sieur Le Sueur, of Canada, to embark with eight 
or ten men on the vessel which goes to the Mis- 
sissippi. I have written to Sieur d'lberville to re- 
ceive him with the tilings which are necess:iry, to 
go up to the Sious country." 

Early in January, 1700, D'lberville arrived in 
the Gulf of Mexico in the Fame, a ship of fifty 
guns, and his relative, Le Sueur, was a pas- 
senger. He immediately made arrangements to 
visit the tribes of the Mississippi. By the 19th 
of February Le Sueur had also reached the Mis- 
sissippi by a short portage from Lake Pontchar- 
train, and stopped there to construct pirogues, 
(log canoes) for the ascent to the Sioux country. 
Tonty, the companion of La Salle, was at this 
point at this time, having descended the river 
from the Illinois country, and as the Illinois and 
other tribes were enemies of the Sioux, he thought 
Le Sueur would not reach their country with ease, 
and mentioned that eleven Frenchmen returning 
from the Sioux with beavor skins valued at 33,000 
livres had been robbed. D'lberville on the 2Gth 
of February left 'a "felouque," a long boat with 
sails, for the use of the Siou.\ expedition, and on 
the 24th of March on his return from a visit to 



the Natchez tribe, D'lberville found Le Sueur sis 
leagues above the Oumas village with the felucca 
be bad presented him, and there be also gave him 
a large birch bark canoe, in which some Canadians 
had descended the river, and left with hiin live men 
and the master of the felucca. Penicaut, a ship 
carpenter who was one of Le Sueur's party, and 
extracts from whose works will be found on the 
forty-sixth page of this volume, was a native of 
Kochelle, and when a boy sailed in one of the 
ships which left Brest in October, 1698, carrying 
Bienville with an expedition to take possession of 
Louisiana for the king of France. Ho was recom- 
mended to join Le Sueur's expedition. Ho writes: 
"Because being a ship carpenter in his majesty's 
service, my services would be necessary in build- 
ing and repairing boats and from this circum- 
stance I was an eye witness of what I have related. 
After Le Sueur had laid in provisions and all the 
necessary mining implements at the end of 
April he took his departure with one long boat in 
which were twenty -five men." 

Very slowly Le Sueur went up the river in the 
first boat that the Indians of the Upper Missis- 
sippi had ever seen with sails. It was not until 
the 13th of July, that with the felucca, two canoes 
and nineteen persons, he reached the mouth 
of the Missouri, and on the first of September he 
bad only reached the mouth of the Wise jnsin, and 
then, nineteen days passed before be entered the 
Minnesota river. The narrative of bis residence in 
the Blue Earth valley has been given on the 
forty-third and forty-fourth pages of this volume. 
Penicaut came back with Le Sueur in the spring 
of 1701 to Fort Biloxi. 

During the summer Le Sueur visited France 
with D'lberville. Penicaut writes: "The ore we 
brought with us from the mines, we placed on 
board the 8hi|)s for the purpose of being assayed 
in Franco, but we never afterward discovered what 
became of it." As the assay showed that the blue 
or green earth contained no copper Le Sueur's 
partners felt the force of the adage, "The least said 
the better." 

During the summer of 1702 Le Sueur and 
D'lberville were both in Paris, and Count Pout- 
chartrain wrote: "One need not be surprised it 
M. d'lben'ille proposes the appointment of Le 
Sueur to go among the natives, [Illinois and 
Sioux], having married bis first cousin, and he is 
also one of the most active, from CauaJa, in 



PING HON, FRENCH rHADMIi. 



143 



the trade in the woods, having been occupied 
therein for fourteen years." 

D'Iberville was at this time appointed comman- 
der in chief for the Mississippi, and he requested 
that Le Sueur might be made lieutenant-general 
of justice, with a yearly salary of five hundred 
"ecus." The minister of marine on the loth of 
February, 1703, replied, that he did not think the 
king would approve of the salary, but that if em- 
ployed among the Illinois ahd Sioux he would be 
paid for his services. But D'IbervUle at length 
was successful in his applications, and on the 17th 
of June, 1703, the minister of marine again wrote: 
"If you think that the Sieur Le Sueur the proper 
person to hold the office of lieutenant-general of 
the jurisdiction of Mobile his majesty will furnish 
him maintenance." 

The mouth of the Minnesota river was on the 
"road of war," and not the dwelling place of any 
Indians, and the valley of the river was claimed by 
the Sious of the plains, the Ottoes and Ayoues or 
loways. 

The Tetona, called by Hennepin "Thintonha," 
were dwelling west of the Mississippi near Sauk 
Eapids, and Le Sueur places the "Hinhanneton" 
or Yankton Sioux, at the Ked Stone quarry. 

The bands of Sioux at Mille Lacs and east of 
the Mississippi were desirous that Le Sueur 
should establish a post at the mouth of the 
Minnesota, where they could trade without being 
exposed to attack from their enemies as has been 
mentioned on the forty-second page, but he pre- 
ferred to ascend to the Blue Earth river, and erect 
Fort L'Huillier, which was however, soon aban- 
doned on account of the hostility of the Indians. 
Fort Beauharuois was twenty -five years afterwards 
erected on the shores of Lake Pepin, and was con- 
venient to both the eastern and western Sioux. 

Gradually the Sioux of the Mille Lacs region 
sought the Mississippi near the mouth of the Min- 
nesota river. About the time that the French de- 
livered up their posts in Canada to the English, 
Pennensha, sometimes written Penueshon and Pin- 
chon, was a prominent Canadian trader residing 
with the Sioux on the banks of the Minnesota 
river. 

PENNESHA on PINCHON, FKENCH TRADER. 

In October, 1762, an English officer with a few 
soldiers arrived at Green Bay, and the English 
ilag floated for the first time over the old French 
stockade. A party of Sioux arrived at this post 
the next spring with a letter in French, written by 



Pennesha, exjaressing their desire to be on friendly 
terms. Lt. Gorell, the officer m command, writes : 
"On Blarch 1, 1763, twelve warriocs of the Sioux 
came here. It is certainly the greatest nation of 
Indians ever yet found. Not above two thousand 
of them were ever armed with firearms, the rest 
depending entirely upon bows and arrows, wliich 
they use with more skill than any other Indian 
natives in America. They can shoot the wildest 
and largest beasts in the woods at seventy or one 
hundred yards distance. They are remarkable for 
their dancing, and the other nations take the fash- 
ions from them. This nation is always at war 
with the Chippeways, those who destroyed Mis- 
hamakinak. They told me with emphasis that it 
ever the Chippeways or any other Indians wished 
to obstruct the passage of the traders coming up, 
to send them word, and they would come and cut 
them off from the face of the earth, as all Indians 
were their slaves or dogs. I told them I was glad 
to see them, and ho2:)ed to have a lasting peace 
with them. 

"They then gave me a letter in French, and two 
belts of wampum from their king, in which he 
expressed great joy on hearing of there being 
English at this post. The letter was written by a 
French trader, whom I had allowed to go among 
them last fall, with a promise of his behaving well, 
which he did better than any Canadian I ever 
knew." 

On the 19th of June the trader Pennesha came 
to Green Bay, and, writes Gorell, "brought with 
him a pipe from the Sioux, desiring that as the 
road is now clear, they would by no means allow 
the Chippeways to obstruct it, or give the English 
any disturbance, or prevent the traders from com- 
ing up to them." 

Grignon, in his Eecollections published by the 
Wisconsin Historical Society, speaks of Gregore 
Pennesha, who before A. D. 1784 had a trading 
post with one Le Due at Little Rapids, among the 
Sioux, and at points in the Chippeway country. 
One day Pennesha wished to hunt, but Le Due 
objected, because he had a dream that they would 
be attacked. Pennesha laughed and went alone. 
Le Due began to prepare tor defense, by making 
portholes in the trading-house, bringing in a canoe 
filled with water for drinking, and opening a box 
of guns and loading them. At length Pennesha 
came running and cried out, "We are dead men." 
"Not yet," was the reply of his companion. As 
the C^hippeways approached, Pennesha fired a gun 



u-t 



EARLY IIISTOUY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



loaded with ball and broke the jaw of one of his 
pursuers; LeDuc killed <nnd scalped two Indians, 
and then the two packed up their goods and- has- 
tened to the Sioux, where the two scalps secured 
them a friendly reception. 

W. Joseph Snelling, in his Tales of the North- 
west, gives several anecdotes of Pinchon, or Penue- 
sha. He relates that he and Le Due were in the 
employ of a Monsieur Provencalle, probably the 
ancestor of Louis Provencalle, known to many still 
living as an old trader in the Minnesota valley. 
On one occasion Provencalle, Pinchon and Le 
Duo were at the '-Grand Encampment" below Lake 
Pepin, so named as early as A. D. 1688, where 
they found a great number of Dakotas, who had 
so large a quantity of furs that M. Provencalle 
thought it worth his while to stop and collect 
them. 

TRICKS OF THE TRADE. 

Snelling, writes : "When M. Provencal had made 
the most of his market at the grand encampment,the 
boat moved up the river and in due time arrived at 
Eocher Blanc, on the St. Peter, where the voyageurs 
erected buildings for the winter. Towards the 
spring Piuchon and his friend judging from the 
deportment of M. Provencal, that ho intended to 
withhold their wages, and consciotis that their be- 
havior had deserved it, broke into his apartment 
one day when all the rest were absent. Holding 
a cocked pistol to his breast, Pinchon compelled 
him to write and sign a certificate that they were 
the two best men he ever had under him, as also 
a document recommending Pinchon as a person de- 
serving the trust and confidence of all persons 
concerned in the Indian trade, and also comisetent 
to manage an outfit. Possessed of these papers 
the two friends stole a canoe and deserted, leaving 
their wives, for they had not failed to take unto 
themselves wives, to console themselves as they 
might. They reached the Michilimacinac, subsist- 
ing themselves, on the way, by their guns. On 
the strength of M. Provencal's recommendation, 
the superintendent of the department furnished 
Pinchon with an assortment of Indian goods, a 
boat and men to take it into the Indian country. 
Le Due was also engaged as an interpreter, with 
a handsome salary. 

A SEVERE JOKE. 

"Yet he could not depart from Michilimacinac 
without playing a prank that had nearly deprived 
him of the fruits of his villainy. 

"In spite of the remonstrances of his interpreter, 



he resolved to personate a priest who was expected 
from Montreal. Having procured a cassock, he 
caused it to be given out that the Kev. M. Badin 
had arrived; as indeed, he was expected before 
night. In his disguise our hero heard ihe confes- 
sions of all the voyageurs who were not in the se- 
cret. He possessed himself of their private his- 
tories, assigned them penance and received fees. 
Yet was he not content without playing a practi- 
cal joke on the priest himself. 

"There was in the settlement a mangeur de lard 
or pork eater, as the raw engages are called, just 
arrived from Quebec. This poor fellow, as ignor- 
ant as his class in general, and being none of the 
brightest, applied to the confessional of the sup- 
posed clergyman. The sham apostle magnified 
some peccadilloes that he confessed into mortal 
sins, and read him a sharp and severe lecture. This 
edifying discourse he seasoned with scraps of Latin 
which he had picked up at mass, and which simk 
the deeper into the penitent's mind, that he did 
not comprehend a syllable of them. Finally ad- 
dressing the simpleton by the title of vile sinner, 
he allotted him a penance. It was to go into the 
fur magazine and sit on the top of the packs till 
midnight. While there Pinchon told him that 
the devil would appear in the disguise of a priest, 
and entice him to come down. 'But mind, my 
son,' said Pinchon, 'that you do not consent ; for 
if you do you will be torn in pieces.' The fellow 
assured him that no consideration shoidd induce 
him to descend, and having received his blessing, 
departed. In the evening the real Simon Pure, 
the true priest, arrived. 

Having divested himself of his disguise, Pinchon 
called on him, paid his respects, and informed liim 
that there was a man in the fur store who apjiearcd 
to be troubled in mind on account of his sins, and 
it was feared that he would lay violent hands on 
himself. Very willing to do a good action M. Ba- 
din repaired to the spot. The following dialogue 
ensued : 

Priest. What is the matter my good friend? Do 
you not know me? 

Voijagetir. Ye — yes. I know y — you — we — 
well enough. God be merciful un — unto me, a 
sinner. For my sins, I — I know you. 

Priest. If you know mo come down, and tell 
what alls you. 

Vo;/ai)rur. No, no. I know better than that. Good 
M. Badin told me what to do, blessings on him! 



SIOUX VILLAGE AT MOUTH OF JIJNNESOTA RIVER. 



145 



Priest. Why, my good man my name is Badiu ; 
I am sure I never told you anything. 

Voijatjeur. Ay, ay, just so. I was told how it 
would be. Bah! How hot it is; how it smells of 
brimstone. 

Priest. Is the man mad ? Do you smell brim- 
stone, already? Come down; put yourself into 
my hands, and it may be I can save you from it. 

Voyagcur. Put myself into your hands! No 
doubt you would be glad to carry me off, but I 
don't choose such company. Come down; thank 
you Monsieur Devil, they call me a fool, but I'm 
not so simple as that. Sanota Maria, ora pro 
nobis. 

Priest. Come down you wretch; I lose all pa- 
tience with you. Do you call a servant of the 
Holy Catholic church a devil? Come down I say, 
come down. 

Voyaffeiir {crossing himself). St. Thomas be 
good to me! St. Peter hear me! Pray, sir, if it 
is not too much trouble let me see your foot. 

Priest {holds out his foot'). There is my foot, 
youfooUsh fellow; what do you want to see it for. 

Voyayeur. The cloven hoof may be concealed 
in that leather, as the tail is under the cassock no 
doubt. Please to take off your boots and 
stockings. 

Priest (pullinrj off boots). There, wretch, are 
both my feet. Do you take me for the devil still, 
you irreverent knave ? Will you come do\vn ? 

Voiiageur. No, I will not, if you stay there till 
morning. The long and the short of it is. Mon- 
sieur Satan, I know you, and I will not be per- 
.tuaded. So you may as well be off, for here I am 
resolved to stay. O, for a little holy water to throw 
upon you. 

Priest. Then I'll fetch you down. 

Voyageur {seising a fish spear). Mount not 
here at your peril ; stand off, I say. lu the name 
of our Saviour, stand off. 

M. Badin left him to the enjoyment of his ima- 
ginary triumph. A short inquiry served to ex- 
plain the matter. The other voyageurs who had 
been tricked had discovered who the rogue was 
that had tricked them of their money. Some 
laughed, but more were highly indignant at the 
deception. The superintendent of the post, a strict 
Catholic, was greatly scandahzed at the treatment 
of all he held sacred, and he told M. Badui he 
would deprive Pinchon of the outfit he had fur- 
nished, being convinced that heaven would never 
prosper the labors of such a sasreligious wretch. 

10 



With this sentiment the priest agreed, but it 
had been better not expressed so loudly. Joe Le 
Due was passing under the window, and hearing 
the name of his comrade stopped to listen, and 
learned the intention of the superintendent, which 
he immediately communicated to Pinchon. The 
wind being fair that gentleman assembled his men, 
embarked and set sail. * * * In less than a 
month Pinchon arrived at Lake Pepin and set up 
his winter quarters at "Point aux Sables," the 
sandy point, opposite Maiden's Eock. 

In 1805 a Sioux chief met Lt. Pike at Mendota, 
who was known as Fils de Pinchon, the son of 
Pinchon. 

FIRST SIODX VILLAGE NEAR MOUTH OP MINNESOTA 

urvER. 
One hundred years ago there were no Sioux 
villages below the fall of St. Anthony, on the 
banks of the Mississippi. The Med-day-wah-kan- 
ton Sioux, when they retired from the Mille Lacs 
region to the vicinity of Pinchon's or Pennensha's 
trading post, which was a few miles above the 
mouth of the Minnesota. The leading chief at 
that time was Wapashah. During the " War for 
Independence," this chief \isited DePeyster, the 
British officer in command at Mackinaw. Upou 
the day of his arrival, tl±e 6th of July, 1779. a 
number of Choctpws, Chicksaws .''nd Ojibways 
were at the fort, and they were greatly surprised 
when they beheld balls discharged from the can- 
nons of the fort flying over the canoes, and the 
Dahkotah or Sioux braves lifting their paddles to 
strike them and crying out '• Taya, Taya." De 
Peyster composed the following rude song : 

'"Hail to the chief! who his buffalo's back straddles; 
When in his own country, far, far, from this fort; 
Whose brave youn<;r <-anoe men here hold up their paddles, 
In hopes that the whizzins balls m-:<y give them sport. 
Hail to great Wapashaw I 
He conies, beat drums, the Sioux chief comes. 

'* They now strain their nerves, till the canoe runs bounding?, 
As swift as the Solen tfoose skims o're the wave; 
While on the lake's border, a guard is surrouudins 
A space, where to land the Sioux, so brave. 
Hail to great Wapashaw! 
Soldiers! your triggers draw. 
G.ard! save the colors, and give him the drum. 
Choctaw and Chicksaw.-' 
Whoop for great Wapashaw! 

Raise the portcullis, the King's friend's come." 

• 

In Jtme, 1780, the traders of the Upper Missis- 
sippi, had brought their fur.s to Prairie du Chieii, 
where the trader Langlade was then in charge. 

Wapash:!h, who appears to have been at Mack- 
iu.iw, and a friend of tlie English, on the request 



U6 



EARLT IIISTOUY OF THE l/rXXESOTA V ALLEY. 



of the commanding officer, went with Long and a 
party of Cauadiiius to ol)tain those furs. At a 
council with the Foxes in the valley of the Wis- 
consin river, Wapashah said: "It is true, my 
children, our Great Father has sent me this way to 
take the skins and furs that are in the Dog's 
Field (Praiiie du Chieu) under Captain Lang- 
lade's charge, lest the Great Knives ( Americans) 
should plunder them. I am come with the white 
men to give you wherewithal to cover you, and 
ammunition to himt." 

After the troaty of peace of 1783 between Eng- 
land and the United States, Prairie du Chieu in- 
creased in importance as a trading post, and Wap- 
ashah estublished a residence upon the beautiful 
prairie where the city of Winona now is, and an- 
other village grew up at Ked Wing, and another 
at the marsh, below the eastern suburbs of St. 
Paul, on the banks of tlie Mississippi. 

EAELY TB.iDERb IN HINNISOTA VALLEY. 

At the close of the last century the principal 
traders among the Sioux were Cameron, Dickson, 
Campbell, Aird and Crawford. 

Murdoch Cameron was a native of Scotland and 
of British sympathies. He traded throughout the 
Minnesota valley. Lt. Pike m 1805 found him 
encamped on the sandy promontory in Lake 
Pepin opi)osite Maiden's Kock, with his son, and a 
young man named John KudsdeU, on his way to 
his trading post at the Sioux village' just above 
the mouth of the Minnesota river. Although 
Pike had told the traders that the United States 
would punish any who sold intoxicating li((uors to 
the Indians, yet Cameron persisted. A Yankton 
Sioux chief, Red Thunder, told Pike in April, 
1806, "That white blood had never been sheJ in 
the village of the Yanetongs, even when rum was 
permitted; that Mr. Murdoch Cameron arrived at 
his village last autumn; that he invited him to eat, 
and gave him corn as a bird; that Cameron in- 
formed him of the prohibition of rum, and was 
the only pcson who afterward sold it in the 
village." 

One of the voyageurs of Cameron was Milor, 
who within the memory of some was in the employ 
of Mr. Sibley at Mendota. While at one of the 
outposti of Cameron, on a tributary of Minnesota, 
the winter suddenly set in and it was impossible to 
use the canoe. In the hope of a thaw, ho and his 
companions waited from day to day until their 
provisions were exhausted. The weather remain- 
ing cold, their only alternative was to jilace their 



packs of furs beneath the upturned canoe and seek 
the shelter of the woods, in the hope that Came- 
ron would send relief. 

With their last meal in their pockets they began 
their journey through the deep snow. When they 
encamped on the second night tliey were com- 
jielled to eat the bark of a tree to satisfy the gnaw- 
ings of hunger. On the third day two of the lit- 
tle party began to lose their strength and wished 
to halt, but Milor would not listen to their en- 
treaties, but jjushod ahead, and at dusk came to a 
place sheltered from the piercing wind, and there 
beside the remnants of a fire found an Indian 
frozen to deat'.i. Frightened by the sight, the 
weak meiiil)ers of the party were willing to travel 
until late at night. When they halted Milor was 
fortunate in catching two muskrats, and buUdiug 
a fire tho party feasted on one, and then went to 
sleep until morning. Breakfasting upon the re- 
maining rat, the party resumed their march 
toward Traverse des Sioux. For several days 
they secured but one muskrat, but on the eighth 
day Milor, ascending a hill, saw a column of 
smt)ke three miles distant. Haptening on, he met 
two men, each with a pack of pork and biscuits, 
who had been sent to their relief from Traverse des 
Sioux by Cameron. 

In 1811 Cameron died, and the place of his 
burial on the banks of the Mimiesota was called 
for years Cameron's grave. 

CAMPBELL KFLLED IN A DUEL. 

At the commencement of the jiresent century a 
man by tho name of Campbell, who in 1803 acted 
as Indian agent at Prairie du Chien, was a trader 
among the Sioux, and had two sons, John and 
Duncan. While sojourning at Mackinaw he was 
killed in a duel with Crawford, u fellow trader. 

In 1836, on the 18th of June, Duncan Camp- 
bell, Sr., arrived from the foot of Lake Pepin at 
Fort Snelling. 

J. H. I.OOKWOOD. 

In 1816, congress passed a law, that no Brit- 
ish subjects should be licensed to trade with the 
Indians, and that all persons who were employed 
by American traders,- should be bonded for good 
behavior. John Jacob .\stor, then went to Mon- 
treal and liought tho interests and posts of the old 
North West Company, south of the British bound- 
ary line. To retain the agents and traders who 
were British subjects, he engaged young Ameri- 
cans from Vermont and New Y^ork, to engage in 
the fur trade, in whose names, under the law, 



FIRST JSCUOOL TEACUEB IN MINNESOTA. 



147 



licenses were taken out, while the boatmen were 
the voyageurs of the old regime, who were such, 
bonded for $500. 

Ajiiong the first traders of American birth in 
the Minnesota valley, was J. H. Lockwood. He 
was born in 1793, at Peru, Clinton county. New 
York. During the second war with Great 
Britain, he was a sutler's clerk. In the fall of 
1810, he left Prairie du Chieu to trade with the 
Sioux. Among those in the boat with him, was a 
Sioux brave who had sustained the Americans at 
Prairie du Chien, when attacked by the British, 
and had retreated with Captain Yeiser, in a keel 
boat to St. Louis. In the first of December, 
Lockwood's boat reached Lac qui Parle. Four 
Indians, uncles of the young Sioux, were on shore. 
Although he had been absent two and one-half 
years, he reached the shore without uttering a 
word, Imt after a pipe was lighted he then shook 
hands with his relations. 

J. B. FARIBAULT. 

Jean Baptiste Faribault was born in 1774, in 
Canada, and about the begining of the present 
century began to trade in the valley of the Min- 
nesota river. Lieutenant Pike, in his journal 
under date of September 21, 1805, writes: "Passed 
the encampment of Mr. Ferreliault, who had 
broken his peroque, and had encamped on the 
west side of the river, about three miles below St. 
Peter." 

During the war of 1812, with Great Britain 
he was residing at Prairie du Chien, and avowed 
himself as friendly to the United States. At the 
time that Fort Shelby surrendered to the British, 
of which an account will be found on page eighty- 
one, Faribault was held as a prisoner of war, in 
sight of his home, and he was robbed of thous- 
ands of dollars worth of merchandize by the 
Winnebagoes, who also destroyed his house. 

In the spring of 1820, he brought up to Prairie 
du Chien, Col. Leavenworth's horses, and through 
his influence lived on Pike's Island, at the mouth 
of the Minnesota, imder a quasi grant from the 
Sioux, dated August 9, 1820, which read as follows: 
" Also we do hereby reserve, give, grant and con- 
vey to Pelagi Faribault, wife of John Baptist 
Faribault, and their heirs forever, the island at the 
mouth of the river St. Pierre, being the large 
island containing by estimation, three hundred 
and twenty acres, * * * * the said 
Pelagi Faribault being the daughter of Francois 
Kinie, by a woman of our nation," 



The grant could not be recognized by the 
United States because the laud had already been 
ceded by the Sioux, and for other reasons. In 
1826 he was residing upon the east side of the 
Mississippi, opposite Fort Snelling. For years lie 
was at Mendota, and on August 20, 1860, he died, 
at the residence of his son Alexander, at Faribault. 

JOHN MAESH, FIBST SCHOOL TEACHEE. 

The first school teacher in Minnesota was John 
Marsh. He is said to have been a college grad- 
uate, and accompanied the first troops that en- 
camped at Mendota, at the mouth of the Minne- 
sota river. He continued as post instructor for 
some time, and then became a trader's clerk, but 
at length by the friendship of Governor Cass was 
made a sub-Indian agent, and justice of the peace 
for Crawford county, Wisconsin. In 1832, during 
the Black Hawk war, he ascended the Mississippi, 
and secured the services of about eighty Sioiis, 
who were placed under Col. W. S. Hamilton, the 
son of the first secretary of the treasury, and Marsh 
accompanied them as interpreter to the army of 
General Atkinson. 

WHEAT FOR SELKIEK SETTLEMENT. 

The Scotch in Selkirk's settlement, near Lake 
Winnipeg, during the winter of 1820 sent a depu- 
tation under Laidlaw, a Scotch faiTuer, to Prairie 
du Chien, the nearest farming settlement in the ■ 
United States, to procure seed wheat. The men 
were three months making the journey, and pur- 
chased two hundred bushels for about five hundred 
dollars. Leaving the Wisconsin river with three 
Mackinaw boats on the 15th of April on their re- 
turn, until the 30th of May they were detained at 
Lake Pepin by the ice. After reaching the Min- 
nesota river they ascended to Lake Traverse, and 
from thence on rollers the boats were drawn a 
mile and a half to Big Stone lake. Crossing this 
lake to Sioux Wood river, they at length came to 
the Red River, which they descended, and arrived 
at Pembina about the middle of June. The pur- 
chase of this wheat and its delivery is said to have 
cost the Earl of Selkirk several thousand dollars. 

HOSTAGES DETAINED AT FORT SNELLING. 

The following letter of Major Taliaferro, Indian 
agent at the Fort, dated October 1, 1820, and ad- 
dressed to Gov. Wm. Clark, superintendent of In- 
dian affairs, St. Louis, and never before printed, 
gives some facts relative to the murder mentioned 
upon the ninety-second page of this volume. "I 
beg leave to say to your excellency that by a re- 
turning party from the Council Bluffs, on the lf)th 



148 



EARLY UIsrORT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



ol last month, I received a cominunicatiou from 
Geuoral Atkinson of that post on the subject of 
two persons being killeil, viz: Isadore Poupon, a 
half-breed, and Joseph F. Andrews, a Canadian of 
the American Fur Company, and that two mules 
and two horses were taken from them, and that 
five public horses were also stolen, supposed b_y the 
Sioux of the White Kook of the River St. Peters. 
On the 2l3t of September I started a young In- 
dian to the villages of Sussitongs and Wahpato- 
ans to invite the chiefs to see the agent at this 
post. They have done so, and without suspecting 
my views. 

"The council was held yesterday, in presence of 
Colonel Snelling, and it was argued that as the 
murderers were not to be had, we would detain 
two of their principal yoimg men as hostages for 
a speedy obtaining of the murderers of the two 
men on the Missouri. They will be possibly at 
this for fifteen or twenty days. They are not at 
all pleased with the prompt measures adopted 
toward them, but left us without doing mischief. 
I will further mention that the Sussitongs ac- 
knowledge that a party from each band was ac- 
tniilly concerned in the affair, and killed the two 
men before mentioned, but they deny stealing or 
bringing to their respective villages more than 
two mules and one horse." 

MEDITATED ATTACK ON FORT SNELLING. 

Soon after Colonel Snelling had sufBciently 
completed the fort so that it could be occupied, 
Wahnatah, a celebrated Sioux warrior from Lake 
Traverse, appeared with a number of his braves, 
with the intention of surprising the garrison. 
Henry H. Snelling, a younger son of the colonel, 
writes; "He presented himself before the gates, 
demanding an interview for the purpose of hav- 
ing a talk with the white father. The vigilance 
of my father had for some time noticed evident 
Bigns of jealousy at the invasion of their territory 
by a military force, as also a disposition to turbu- 
lence among the Indians, and when Wahnatah 
arrived at the gate of the fort he found it closed 
against him, and instead of surprising the fort, he 
was himself surprised to find himself and body- 
guard marching to the council chamber between 
files of bristling bayonets. In the council cham- 
ber his treachery of purpose was fully revealed to 
the sutisfaction of the whole garrison, and being 
deprived of his implements of war, and badg s of 
honor presented to him by the United Statoj and 
British government, which were burned to ashes 



before his eyes upon the parade ground, he was 
dismissed in disgrace. I shall never forget the 
scene whicli followed tliis summary and deserved 
punishment of this great chief, who, together with 
his warriors forming his body-guard, still more 
severely punished themselves for the failure of 
their plan by fearfully gashing their liml)s witli 
their knives." 

After this, he continues, Wahnatah "was one of 
Colonel Snelling's most unwavering Indian 
friends, and never after did he attempt hostile 
demonstrations against the fort." 

Major Long's expedition reached Lake Traverse 
on the 22d of July, 1823, and Prof. W. H. Keat- 
ing thus describes Wahnatah or Wanotan: 

"The principal interest which we experienced in 
the neighborhood of Lake Traverse was from an 
acquaintance with Wanotan, the most distin- 
guished chief of the Yanktoanan tribe, which, as 
we were informed, is subdivided into six bands. 
He is one of the greatest men of the Dahkotah 
nation, and although but twenty-eight years of 
age, he has already acquired great renown as a 
warrior. At the early age of eighteen he exhib- 
ited much valor in the war against the Americans, 
and was wounded several times. He was then in- 
experienced and served under his father, who was 
chief of his tribe, and bore a mortal enmity to the 
Americans. Wanotan has since learned to form a 
better estimate of our nation. He is aware that it 
is to the interest of his people to remain at peace 
with us, and would, probably, in case of another 
war between the United States and England, tjke 
part with the former. Those who know him well 
commend his sagacity and judgment, as well as 
valor. He is a tall man, being upwards of six feet 
high; his countenance would be esteemed hand- 
some in any country, his features being regular 
and well-shaped. There is an intelligence which 
beams through his eye which is not the usual con- 
comitant of Indian features. His mannei-s are 
dignified and reserved; his attitudes are graceful 
and easy, though they appear to be somewhat 
studied. When speaking of the Dahkotahs, we 
purposely postponed mentioning the frequent vows 
which they make, and their strict adherence to 
them, because one of the best evidences which wo 
have collected on this point connects i\.si\i with the 
character of Wanotan, and may give a favorable 
idea of his extreme fortitude in enduring pain. 
In the summer of 1822 he undertook a journev, 
from which, appreheudiug much danger on tue 



SUN DANCE BT CHIEF WANOTAN. 



149 



part of the Chippewas, he made a vow to the sun 
that if he returned safe he would abstain from all 
food or drink for the space of four successive days 
and nights, and that he would distribute among 
his people all the property which he possessed, in- 
cluding all his lodges, horses, dogs, etc. On his 
return, which happened without accident, he cele- 
brated the dance of the Sun; this consisted in 
making three cuts through his skin, one on his 
breast and one on each of his arms. The skin was 
cut in the manner of a loop, so as to permit a rope 
to pass under the strip of skin and flesh which was 
thus divided from the body. The ropes being 
passed through, their ends were seciu'ed to a tall 
vertical pole, planted at about forty yards from 
his lodge. He then began to dance round this 
pole, at the commencement of his fast, frequently 
swinging himself in the air, so as to be supported 
merely by the cords which were secured to the 
strips of skin cut off from his arms and breast. 
He continued this exercise with few intermissions 
during the whole of his fast, until the fourth day 
about ten o'clock A. M., when the strip of skin 
from his breast gave way. Notwithstanding 
which he interrupted not his dance, although 
supported merely by his arms. At noon the strip 
from his left arm snapped off. His uncle then 
thought he had suffered enough; he drew his 
knife and cut off the skin from his right arm, upon 
which Wanotan fell to the ground and swooned. 
The heat at the time was extreme. He was left 
exposed in that state to the sun until night, when 
his friends brought him some provisions. After 
the ceremony was over he distributed to them the 
whole of his ijroperty, among which were five fine 
horses, and he and his two squaws left his lodge, 
abandoning every article of their furniture. 

"As we appeared upon the brow of the hill 
which commands the company's fort, a salute was 
fired from a number of Indian tents which were 
pitched in the vicinity, from the largest of which 
the American colors were flying. And as soon as 
we had dismounted from our horses we received 
an invitation to a feast which Wanotan had pre- 
pared for us. The gentlemen of the party informed 
us that as soon as the Indians had heard of our 
contemplated visit they had commenced their 
preparations for a festival, and that they had 
killed three of their dogs. We repaired to a sort 
of pavilion which they had erected by the union 
of several skin lodges. Fine buffalo robes were 
scattered all around, and the air was perfumed by 



the odor of sweet scenting grass which had been 
burned in it. On entering the lodge we saw the 
chief seated near the further end of it, and one of 
his principal men pointed out to ufi the place which 
was destined for our accommodation; it was at the 
upper end of the lodge; the Indians who were in 
it taking no further notice of us. These consisted 
of the chief, his son, a lad about eight years old, 
and eight or ten of the principal warriors. The 
chief's dress presented a mixture of the European 
and aboriginal costume; he wore moccasins and 
leggins of splendid scarlet cloth, a blue breech- 
cloth, a fine shirt of printed muslin, over this a 
frock coat of fine blue cloth with scarlet facings, 
somewhat similar to the undress uniform coat of a 
Prussian officer; this was buttoned and secured 
round his waist by a belt. Upon his head he wore 
a blue cloth cap, made like a German fatigue cap. 
A very handsome Mackinaw blanket, shghtly or- 
namented with paint, was thrown over his person. 
His son, whose features strongly favored tho.se of 
his father-, wore a dress somawhat similar, except 
that his coat was parti-colored, one-half being 
made of blue and the other half of scarlet cloth. 
He wore a round hat with a plated silver band and 
a large coclcade. From his neck were suspended 
several silver medals, doubtless presents to his 
father. This lad appeared to be a great favorite 
of Wanotan's, who seemed to indulge him more 
than is customary for the Indians to do. As soon 
as we had taken our seats the chief passed his pipe 
round, and while we were engaged in smoking, 
two of the Indians arose and uncovered the large 
kettles which were standing over the fire, emptying 
their contents into a dozen of wooden dishes which 
were placed all round the lodge. These consisted 
of buffalo meat boiled with tepsin, also the same 
vegetable boiled without the meat, in buffalo 
grease, and finally the much esteemed dog meat, 
all of which were dressed without salt. In com- 
pliance with the established usage of travelers to 
taste of everything, we all partook of the latter 
with a mixed feeling of curiosity and reluctance. 
Could we have divested ourselves entirely of the 
prejudices of education, we should doubtless have 
unhesitatingly acknowledged this to be among the 
best meat that we liad ever eaten. It was remark- 
ably fat, and sweet and palatable." 

OOLDMBIA FDlt COMPANT. 

In 1822 the Columbia Fur company was organ- 
ized with its central post at Lake Traverse. The 
principal members were Jeffries, Laidlaw, Renville 



150 



EARLY UlaTonr of the MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



and Presoott. After a few years it united with 
the American Fur Company. Jeffries whs a 
Scotchman, and was buried iit Lac qui Parle. 

OHAHLES HESS. 

Charles Hess had been in the employ of (he 
North West Company, of Canada, but after this 
was merged into the Hudson Bay Company, he 
remained a trapper at Pembina. After the Col- 
umbia Fur Company was formed he entered its 
service, and with two carts and horses with his fam- 
ily, consisting of eight persons, and goods, started 
for Lake Traverse. When he had traveled half 
that distance a herd of buffalo a])pp:u'ed, and Hess 
mounted his horse, and for a long distance pursued 
them. 

A roving band of Sioux having observed Hess, 
leaving his wife, who was a Chippcway, and chil- 
dreu, to hunt the buffalo, attacked them. Wlien 
the trader returned at sunset he found the bodies 
of liis wife and children were naked and had been 
thrown into the fire; their heads were divested of 
their natural covering, and their bodies bristled 
with arrows. Five of his children's corpses were 
there, but his oldest daughter was missing. The 
trader told his tale to Joseph Snelliug, who has 
given his words as follows: "I dug their graves 
with the knife I wore in my belt. I had no fear 
that the wolves would disturb them, for the car- 
casses of the buffalo covered the prairie. The 
work occupic.l me all night. I took one last em- 
brace of her, who although her hue was dark, had 
been my faithful partner in twenty years of joy 
and sorrow. With a weak and trembling heart I 
laid my family in the earth." 

He then began to think of the recovery of his 
daughter. After a four day's journey he reached 
Lake Traverse and was kin<lly received by Mc- 
Kenzie, Laidlaw and other traders of the Columbia 
Fur Company. The next day he was taken ill, 
and before he recovered he was told that the Sioux 
who had captured his daughter had taken her as 
his wife. Snelling writes: "As force could avail 
him nothing, Hess determined to go alone, and 
unarmed, in quest of his daughter. When he ar- 
rived at the camp another dreadful spectacle was 
prepared for him. The scalps of his family were 
himg upon a pole and the savages were dancing 
around them in triumph. He presented himself 
before liis daughter's husband or master, and im- 
covering his breast, said, 'I am worthy of pity. 
This is mv only child; restore her, or strike me as 



you struck her mother. I am alone on earth; ho! 
here is a ransom.' 

"The Sioux captor replied : 'The ransom is little, 
but you are old and need some one to make your 
clothes and moccasins, and to take care of you. 
Tarry and partake of our cheer before you de])art. 
Then take your chUd and none shall molest you.' " 

In safety he returned to Lake Traverse, and the 
daughter afterward became the wife of an Indian 
trader. 

In the year 1824 Hess went to Washington with 
Maj. Taliaferro, the Indian agent, in the capacity 
of intt^rpreter to Wahnatah and other Sioux In- 
dians. To use the words of Snelling: "He had 
not dwelt in anything like a town before. He 
was tall and thin to emaciation, but a life of con- 
stant exercise had indurated his muscles almost 
to the hardness of iron. He was straight and stioug 
and for his age active. His eye had lost none of its 
quickness or brilliancy, and he stole along the 
streets with the noiseless Indian step; if a carriage 
rattled behind him he would start and feel for his 
knife, as he used to do in the wilderness. On his 
return to the north-west he died of a complication 
of diseases, and his bones lie on the bank of St. 
Peters, now known as the Minnesota river. 

JOSEPH EENVILLE. 

Joseph Renville was of mixed descent, and his 
history forms a link between the past and the 
pr.sent history of Minnesota. His father was a 
French trader of much reputation. His mother 
was a Dakota, connected with some of the princi- 
pal men of the Kaposia band. He was born be- 
low the Uivra of St. Paul, on the east side, about 
the year 1779, during the war of the American 
revolution. 

Accustomed to see no European countenance 
but that of his father, in sports, habits and feeling 
he was a full Dakota youth. As often happens his 
mother deserted her husband and went to live 
with one of her own blood. The father noticing 
the activity of his son's mind, took him to Canada 
before ho was ten years of age, and placed him un- 
der the tuition of a priest of Home. His instruc- 
tor appears to have been both a kind and good 
man. and from him he received a slight knowledge 
of the French language, and elements of the Chris- 
tian religion. Before he attained to manhood he 
was brought back to the Dakota land, and was 
call?d to mourn the death of his father. 

At that time there was a British officer by the 
name of Dickson, who lived in what is now Miii- 



JOSEPH RENVILLE. 



151 



nesota, and was in the employ of an English Fur 
Company. Knowing that youDg Renville was en- 
ergetic he employed him as a "coureur des bois." 

In 1797 he wintered, in company with a Mr. 
Porlier, near Sauk Rapids, The late General Pike 
was introdncted to him at Prairie du Chien, and 
was conducted by him to the Falls of St. Anthony. 
This officer was pleased with him and recom- 
mended him for the jjost of United States inter- 
preter. In a letter to General Wilkinson, written 
at Mendota, Sept. 8, 1803, he says: "I beg leave 
to recommend for that appointment a Mr. Joseph 
Renville, who has served as interpreter for the 
Sioux last spring at the Illinois, and who has acted 
gratuitously and willingly as my interpreter in all 
my conferences with tl e Sioux. He is a man re- 
spected by the Indians, and I believe an hon- 
est one." 

At the breaking out of the last war with Great 
Britain, Col. Dickson was employed by that gov- 
ernment to hire the warlike trilies of the north- 
west to fight against the United States. RenviUe 
received from them an appointment and rank of 
captain in the British army, and ivith warriors 
from Kaposia and other bands of Dakotas, marched 
to the American frontier. In 1813 he was present 
at the seige of Fort Meigs. One afternoon, while 
he was seated with Wapasha and the renowned 
Petit Corbeau, the grandfather of the present chief 
of the Kaposia band, an Indian presented himself 
and told the chiefs that they were wanted by the 
head men of the other nations that were there con- 
gregated. When they arrived at the rendezvous 
they were surprised to find that the Winnebagoes 
had taken an American captive, and after roasting 
him, had apportioned his body in as many dishes 
as there were nations, and had invited them to par- 
ticipate in the feast. Both the chiefs and Renville 
were indignant at this inhumanity, and Col. Dick- 
son being informed of the fact the Winnebago who 
was the author of the outrage, was turned out of 
camp. 

In 1815 he accompanied the Kaposia chief to 
Drummond Island, who had been invited by the 
commandant of that post to make him a visit. On 
their arrival they were informed by the officer that 
he had sent for them to thank them in the name of 
his majesty for the aid they had rendered during 
the war. He concluded by pointing to a large 
pile of goods which he said were presents from 
Great Britain. Petit Corbeau replied that his peo- 
ple had been prevailed upon by the British to 



make war upon the people they scarcely 
knew, who had never done them any harm. "Now," 
continued the brave Kaposia chief, "After we have 
fought for you under many hardships, lost some 
of our people and awakened the vengeance of our 
neighbors, you make peace for yourselves and 
leave us to get such terms as we can ; but no, we 
will not take them. We hold them and yourselves 
in equal contempt." 

For a short period after the war the subject of 
this memoir resided in Canada, and received the 
half pay of a British captain. He next entered 
the service of the Hudson Bay Company, or North 
West Company, whose posts extended to the Mis- 
sissippi and Minnesota rivers. In winter he resided 
with his family among the Dakotas; in summer 
he visited the trading pasts which extended as tar 
as the sources of the Red River. 

In 1819 was commenced the erection of the fort 
at the junction of the Mississippi and Minnesota. 
From this time Renville became mcjre acquainted 
with the people of the United States, and some of 
his posts being within the limits of the republic, 
and there being great commotion in the Hudson 
Bay Company, he with several other experienced 
trappers, established a new company in 1822, 
which they called the Columbia Fur Company. 
Of this new organization he was the presiding 
genius. When Major Long arrived at Fort St. 
Anthony, as Snelling was then called, in the year 
182.3, he became acquainted with Renville, and en- 
gaged him as the interpreter of the expedition to 
explore the Minnesota and Red River of the North. 
The historian of the expedition. Prof. Keating, 
g.ave to the world one of the most interesting ac- 
counts of Dakota nation that has ever been pub- 
lished, and he states that for most of the informa- 
tion he is indebted to the subject of this sketch. 

Shortly after the Columbia Fur Company com- 
menced its operations, the American Fur Company 
of New York, of which John Astor was one of the 
directors, not wishing any rivals in the trade, pur- 
chased their post and good will, and retained the 
"coureiirs des bois." Under this new arrange- 
ment Renville removed to Lac qui Parle and 
erected a trading-house, and here he resided until 
the end of his days. 

The Rev. T. S. Williamson, of the Presbytery of 
Chillicothe, arrived at Port Snelling in 183i; then 
returned to the East, and in 1835 came back with 
assistant missionaries. Renville warmly wel- 
comed him, and rendered him invaluable assist- 



152 



EAULY lUHTOliY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



ance in the estaWislimont of the mission. Upon 
the nrrival of the missionaries at Lno qui Parle, he 
provided them ■with n temporary home. He acted 
as interpreter, he assisted in traushiting the Scrip- 
tures, and removed many of the prejudices of the 
Indians against the teaehf;? if tlie white niati's re- 
ligion. His name appeal's in connection with sev- 
eral Dakota books. Dr. Watts" second Catechism 
for Children, published in Boston, in 1837, by 
Crocker k Brev. ster, was partly translated by him. 

In 1839 a volume of extracts from the Old Tes 
tament, and a volume containtng the Gospel of 
Mark, was published by Keudell & Henry, Cin- 
cinnati, the translation of which wa.s given orally 
by Mr. Renville and penned by Dr. Williamson. 
Crocker & Brewster in 1842 published Dakota 
Dowanpi Kin, or Dakota Hymns, many of which 
were oomppscil by the subject of this sketch. The 
following tribute lo hi,'; ability as a tianslator ap- 
peared in the Missionary Herald of 18i6, pub- 
lished at Boston : 

"Mr. Ken\Tlle was a remarkable man, and he 
was remarkable for the energy with which he pur- 
sued such objects as he deemed of primary im- 
portance. His power of observing and remem- 
bering facts, and also words expressive of simple 
ideas, was extraordinary. Though in his later 
years he could read a little, yet in translating he 
seldom took a book in his hand, choosing to de- 
pend on hearing rather than sight, and I have 
often had occasion to observe, that after hearing a 
long, unfamiliar verse reail from the Scriptures, he 
would immediately render it from the French into 
Dakota, two languages extremely unlike in their 
idioms and idea of the words, and repeat it over 
two or three words at a time, so as to give full op- 
portunity to write it down. He also had a remark- 
able tact in discovering the aim of a speaker, and 
conveying the intended impression, when many of 
the ideas and words were sucli as had nothing cor- 
responding to them in the minds and language of 
the addressed. The qualities fitted him for an in- 
terpreter, and it was generally admitted he had 
no equal." 

It would be improper to conclude this article 
without some remarks upon the religious character 
of Renville. Years before there was a clergyman 
in Minnesota, he took his Indian wife to Prairie 
du Cliien, and was married in accordance with 
Christian rites, by a minister of the Roman church. 
Before he became acquainted with nii8sit)naries, he 
sent for a large folio bible, in the French language, 



and requested those connected with him in the fur 
trade to procure a clerk who could read it. This 
bible was probably the first bible in Minnesota, 
and in itself valuable for its antiquity. It was 
printed in Geneva, in 1588, and had the I;i:''u 
preface by .John Calvin, the great reformer. 

The writer, in 1853, requested Dr. Williamson, 
of the Dakotah mission, to procure this same copy 
for the Historical Society. At his solicitation, one 
of the sons of the late 'Mx. Renville, brought it to 
the Mis.sion House, at Lac qui Parle, to be for- 
warded to St. Piiul. Before an opportunity oc- 
cured, the Mission House, with all of its contents, 
was consumed. 

After the commencement of the mission at Lao 
qui Parle, his wife was the first full Dakota that 
joined the church of Christ, of whom we have any 
record. She was also the first Dakota that died in 
the Christian faith. Before she had ever seen a 
teacher of the religion of Christ, through the in- 
struction of her husband, she had renounced the 
gods of the Dakotas. The following is an 
extract from a translation ot Mr. Renville's account 
of his wife's death : " Now, to-day, you seem 
very much exhausted, and, she said, its this day 
now God invites me. I am remembering Jesus 
Clirist who suflered for me, and dep?nding on him 
alone. To-day I shall stand before God, and will 
ask him for mercy for you and all my children, 
and all my kinsfolk." 

Afterwards, when all her children and relatives 
sat round her weeping, she said, '■ It is holy day, 
sing and pray." From very early in fhe m:irning, 
she was speaking of God, and telling her husband 
what to do. Thus she died "when the clock struck 
two." 

In 1841, he was chosen and ordained a ruling 
elder, and from that time, till his death, discharged 
the duties of his office in a manner acceptable and 
profitable both to the native members of the church 
and the mission. 

After a sickness of some days in March, 1846, 
his strong frame began to give evidence of speedy 
decay. Dr. Williamson thus narrates the death 
scene : " The evening before his decease he asked 
me what became of the soul immediately after 
death? I reminded him of our Saviour's words 
to the thief on the cross, and Paul's desire to 
depart and be with Christ. Ho said ' that is suf- 
ficient," and presently added, ' I have great hope 
I shall be saved through grace.' Next morning 
(Sunday) about eight o'clock, I was called to see 



DEATH OF JOSEPH REM VILLE. 



153 



him. He was so evidently in the agonies of death 
I did not think of attempting to do anything for 
him. After some time his breathing became easier, 
he was asked if he wished to hear a hymn. He 
replied 'yes.' After it was sung he said 'It is 
very good.' As he reclined on the bed, I saw a 
sweet serenity settling on his countenance, and I 
thought that his severest struggle was probably 
past, and so it proved. The clock striking ten, he 
looked at it and intimated that it was time for us 
to go to church. As we were about to leave, he 
extended his withered hand. After we left, he 
spoke some words of exhortation to his family, 
then prayed, and before noon calmly and quiotlj' 
yielded up his spirit." 

His descendants are still living among the 
Dakotas, and a grandson is pastor of a Presbyte- 
rian church among the Sioux. The son who bore 
his name died on February 8, 1858, in the neigh- 
borhood of the mission at Pajutazee. The Eev. 
S. B. Piiggs, in a communication to the St. 
Paul Daily Times, remarks: 

"The deceased was about forty-seven years of 
age, a son of Joseph KenviUe, who died at Lac 
qui Parle some yeara since, and whose memory is 
identified with the past history of Minnesota. In- 
heriting from his father many noble, generous 
qualities, unfortunately for himself and family, the 
habits of the Indian trade in which the deceased 
was educated were not such as enabled him to gain 
a comfortable livelihood by labor. After the death 
of his father he removed with his family to the 
Mississippi, and resided for some time at Kaposia, 
with Little Crow's band, many of whom were his 
mother's relatives. Soon after the cession of this 
Mmnesota country to the United States, he with a 
younger brother, and cousin of the same family 
name, removed up to the neighborhood of Fort 
Ridgely. When they attended the payment at 
Yellow Medicine he was already far gone in the 
disease which has just terminated his earthly 
career. Here, in the house of a younger brother, 
and with other relatives, he with his family found 
a temporary home and a place to die. Through 
the kindness of friends and neighbors they have 
not wanted. It has been pleasant to see that 
former kindnesses received from the family when 
his father was a prince in wealth among them 
have not been entirely forgotten by the Dakotas, 
but have been returned now to the son in his sick- 



A METEORITE. 

As Colonel Snelling, on the night of the 20th of 
September, 1822, was crossing the parade of his 
fort from the store to his quarters, he was startled 
by a meteor moving from north-west to south-east 
at an angle of about fifty degrees above the hori- 
zon, and when it struck the ground it sounded 
like a spent shell. He went immediately to the 
sentinel at the corner of the store and found him 
agitated, and he said a large ball of fire had 
jjassed near him, and fallen in the garrison gar- 
den on the Minnesota bottom. Other sentinels 
confirmed the story, and the next morning Colo- 
nel Snelling went to the spot, but the ground 
was marshy and he found no traces of the me- 
teoric stone. 

Surgeon Purcell's register for that day was: 
"Thermometer at 7 A. M., 54 degrees; at 2 P. M., 
70; at 9 P. M.. 50. Wind,N. W. Weather, clear. 
Light, fresh wind." 

DEATH OF SURGEON PUECEIiL. 

The first United States officer who died at Fort 
Snelling was Edward PurcelJ, a native of Virginia. 
He entered the service as surgeon's mate in 1813, 
and in July, 1818, became surgeon of the Fifth 
United States infantry. On the 11th of January, 
1825, his death occurred. 



OHAPTEE XXVIL 

WILLIAM JOSEPH SNELLING HUKON TERBITOET 

A LOST DROVER OLD SPANISH COMMISSION 

JACOB FALSTEOM LIST OF TRADERS — BEV. ALVAN 

COE — DAKOTAH LEXICON EARLY MARRIAGES 

CATLIN, THE ARTIST— FEATHEBSTONSHAUGH's EX- 
PLORATION. 

After an Indian agency had been established 
near the territory garrison, at the mouth of the 
Minnesota, no peraon could trade with the Sioux 
without a license from the agent. The traders 
Ueensed in 1823 were Philander Prescott, Dun- 
can Campbell, Ezekiel Lockwood, Alexander Fari- 
bault, Daniel M. Wright and Joseph Snelling, 
known in literature as William Joseph Snelling. 

WILLIAM JOSEPH SNELLING. 

The latter was the son of the commandant 
of the post, nineteen years of age, who 
left West Point without graduating, of whom there 
is a notice on the ninety-seventh page of this vol- 
ume. Almost thirty miles from Big Stone Lake, 
near the head -waters of the Minnesota, there are 



154 



EAIiLY JIISrORY OF THE UIXNEHOTA VALLEY. 



several small lakes bordered with oak trees. Here 
is the supposed birth place of Wah-keen-yan, or 
Thimder Bird, one of the superior of the Sioux di- 
vinities, and it was called Thunder Nest. Young 
Snelling wroto a poem based on the Sioux tradi- 
tion, which attracted notice, and is worthy of jjrc- 
servation as the earliest literary production o£ the 
Minnesota valley. 

THE BtBTH OF THUNDER. 

Louk, white man, well on all around. 

These huary oaks, these boundless plains; 
Tread lightly; this is holi' ground: 

Here Thunder, awful Bi)irit! reigns. 
Look on those waters far below, 

So deep beneath the prairie sleeping. 
The summer sun's meridian glow 

Scarce warms the sands their waves are heaping; 
And scarce the bitter blast can blow 

In winter on their icy cover; 
The Wind Sprite may not stoop so low, 

But bows his head and passes over. 
Perch'd on the top of yonder pine, 

The -heron's billow-searching eye 

Can scarce his finny prey descry. 
Glad leaping where their colours shine. 
Those lakes, whose shores but now we trod. 

Scars deeply on earth's bosom dinted, 
Are the strong impress of a god, 

By Thunder's giant foot imprinted. 
Nay, stranger, as I live, 'tis truth! 

The lips of those who never lied. 
Repeat it daily to our youth. 

Famed heroes, erst ray nation's pride, 
Beheld the wonder; and oar s-ages 
Gave down the tale to after ages. 
Dost not believe? though blooming fair 

The flowerets court the breezes coy. 
Though now the sweet-grass scents the air. 
And sunny nature basks in joy. 

It is not ever so. 
Come when the lightning flashes. 
Come when the forest crashes. 

When shrieks of pain and wo 
Break on thy ear-drum thick and fast. 
From ghosts that shiver in the blast ; 
Then shalt thou know and bend the knee 
Before the angry deity. 

But now attend, while I unfold 

The lore my brave forefathers taught; 
As yet the storm, the heat the cold. 

The changing seasons had not brought. 
Famine was not ; each tree and grot 

Grew greener for the rain ; 
The wanton doe, the buffalo. 

Blithe bounded on the plain. 
In mirth did man the hours employ 

Of that eternal spring: 
With song and dance, and shouts of joy. 

Did hill and valley ring. 
No death-shot peal'd upon the ear. 
No painted warrior poised the spear, 
No stake-doomed captive shook for fear; 

No arrow left the string. 
Save when the wolf to earth was borne; 
From foeman's head no scalp was torn; 
Nor did the pangs of hate and scorn 



The red roan's bosom wring. 
Then waving fields of yellow com 
Did our bless'd villages adorn. 

.\las! that man will never learn 

His good from evil to discern. 

At length, by furious passions driven. 

The lndi;in left his babes and wife, 
.\nd every blessing GoD ha:- given. 

To mingle in the deadly strife. 
Fierce Wrath and haggard Envy soon 
Achieved the woik that War begun; 
He left unsought the beast of chase, 
.And prey'd upon his kindred race. 
But He who rules the earth and skies. 
Who watches every bolt that flies; 
From whom all gifts, all blessings flow. 
With grief beheld the scene below. 
He wept ; and, as the balmy shower 

Refreshing to the ground descended. 
Each drop gave being to a flower, 

And all the hills in homage bended. 

"Alas!" the good Great Spirit said, 

"Man merits not the climes I gave; 
Where'er a hillock rears its head. 

He digs his brother's timeless grave; 
To every crystal rill of water. 
He gives the crimson stain of slaughter. 
No more for him my brow shall wear 

A constant, glad, approving smile; 
Ah, no! ray eyes must withering glare 

On bloody hands and deeds of guile. 
Henceforth shall my lost spirit know 
The piercing wind, the blinding snow ; 
The storm shall drench, the sun shall burn. 
The winter freeze them, each in turn. 
Henceforth their feeble frames shall feel 
A climate like their hearts of steel." 

"The moon that night withheld her light. 

By fits, instead, a lurid glare 
Illumed the skies; while mortal eyes 

Were closed, and voices rose in prayer. 
While the revolving sun 
Three times his course might run. 

The dreadful darkness lasted; 
And all that time the red man's eye 
.\ sleeping spirit might espy. 
Upon a tree-top cradled high 

Whose trunk his breath had blasted. 
So long he slept, he grew so fast. 

Beneath his weight the gnarled oak 
Snapped, as the tempest snapped the mast; 

It fell and Thunder woke! 
The world to its foundation shook. 
The grizzly bear his prey forsook. 
The scowling heaven an aspect bore 
That man had never seen before; 
The wolf in terror fled away. 
And shone at last the light of day. 

" ' r was here he stood ; these lakes attest 
Where first VVaw-kee-au's footsteps pressed. 
About his burning brow a cloud. 

Black OS the raven's wing he wore; 
Thick tempests swept him like a shroud, 

lied lightnings in his hand he bore; 
Ijike two bright suns his eyeballs shone. 
His voice was like the cannon's tone; 
And, where he breathed, the land became, 
I'rairie and wood, one she^t of fl.ime. 



LIST OF TRABEliS. 



155 



* Not long upon the monntaiu height 

The first and worst of storm abode, 
For. moving in his fearful might. 

Abroad the God-begotten strode. 
Afar, on yonder faint blue mound. 
In the horizon's utmost bound. 
At the hrst stride his foot he set; 

The jarring world confessed the shock. 
Stranger! the track of Thunder yet 

Remains upon the living rock. 

"The second step, he gained the sand 
On far Superior's storm beat strand ; 
Then with his shout the concave rung, 
As up to heaven the giant sprung 

On hiijh, beside his sire to dwell; 
But still, of all the spots on earth. 
He loves the woods that gave him birth. 

Such is the tale our fathers tell. 

After his father left Fort Snelling he returned to 
Boston, and in 1831 a work fi-om his pen was pub- 
lished by Stimpson & Clapp, witli this title: "A 
brief and impartial history of the life and actions 
of Andrew Jackson, President of the United States. 
By a Free Man." 

Under a pseudonym he also published "Tales 
of Travels West of the Mississippi." In 1834 he 
was editor of the New England Galaxy, and was 
severe in his editorials upon certain gambling- 
houses, and the drunkenness of a judge, which led 
to his trial for a libel of the Hon. Benjamin Whit- 
man, Sr., judge of the police court, Boston. Con- 
tributions from his pen are found in the North 
American Review for the years 1831 and 1835, and 
in the Boston Book of 1837. Other works have 
been already alluded to on the 97th page of this 
volume. At the time of his death, in 18i8, he 
was editor of the Boston Herald. 

HUEON TEKKITOBY. 

The first movement for an organized govern- 
ment in the valley of the upper Mississippi was. in 
1828, when a number of citizens in the lead mines 
near Galena, Illinois, memorialized congress to or- 
ganize Huron territory with Galena for its capital, 
whose northern boundary would be the British 
Possessions, its western boundary the Red River of 
the North, Lac Traverse, Big Stone Lake, and a 
line from there to the Missouri river, and thence 
easterly to the Mississippi; its southern boundary 
a Hue from the southern extremity of Lake Michi- 
gan, to its intersection with the Mississippi, its 
eastern boundary through the centre of Ijake 
Michigan, across Michigan territory to Lake Su- 
perior, comprising what is now Minnesota, Wis- 
consin, the north half of Iowa and a portion of 
northern Illiuoia. 



A LOST DHOVER. 

During the month of June, 1828, a drovsr from 
Missouri, named Gibson, lost his way whUe driv- 
ing cattle to Selkirk settlement, and abandoned 
them near Lac qui Parle. Mr. Renville the trader 
then took charge of them, and eighty-four head 
were subsequently sold by the Indian agent's or- 
der for $750, and the monej sent to the unfortu- 
nate drover. 

A SPANISH COMMISSION. 

One day in June, 1828, an old Sioux visited the 
fort and produced a Spanish commission dated A. 
D. 1781, and signed by Colonel Francisco Crozat, 
military governor of Louisiana, the valley of the 
Minnesota at that time having been a portion of 
the Spanish dominions and subsequently under 
the jurisdiction of France. 

JACOB FALSTEOM. 

On the 31st of August Jacob Falstrom brought 
a mail to the fort from Prairie du Chien. The ca- 
reer of this person was full of romance. Born in 
Sweden, at the age of nine years he became a cabin 
boy on a vessel which was wrecked on the Englisli 
coast. At length friendless and penniless he found 
himself in London, where he met Lord Selkirk, 
who treated him with kindness, and through his 
influence he came to the Selkirk settlement by way 
of Hudson's bay and I'ork river. In time he mar- 
ried the sister of Bonga, a descendant of a negro 
from the West Indies, who came with a British of- 
ficer to Lake Superior during the last century, and 
married a Chippeway woman. For several years 
Falstrom Uved on the reservation near the fort, but 
about the year 1840 was ordered with others to 
seek another location. 

In the year 1838 he made a profession of Chris- 
tianity, and united with the Methodists who were 
engaged in missionary work among the Sioux of 
Kaposia and Red Rock. Until recently he was 
ahve and respected. 

LICENSED TKADEES 1826-'7. 

Ezeziel Lockwood Lac qui Parle 

Joseph Montreville 

Joseph Laframbois 

Hazen Mooers Cheyenne RiVer 

Hill M. Fisher Lac Traverse 

Augustin Rocque Red River Forks 

Philander Prescott Leaf Lake 

Joseph Renville Lac qui Parie 

Francis Frenier Devil's Lake 

Daniel Lamont Near Fort SueUing 

J. B. Faribault " " 



156 



EAUr^Y UlSTORT OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Alexis Bailly Near Fort Snelling 

Lowis Provencalle Little Rapiils 

Alexander FaribaiUt Traverse des Sioux 

Duncan Campbell " " 

William Dickson " " 

1829-'30. 

Alexis Bailly Near Fort Snelling 

Alexander Culbertson '• " 

Hazen Mooers Lao Traverse 

Joseph Renville Lac qui Parle 

Louis Provencalle Traverse des Sioux 

Jolm Demarras Grand Forks, Bed Kiver 

1830-'31. 

Duncan Campbell Traverse des Sioux 

N. Frenier White Wood 

A. Faribault Cannon Eiver 

L. Provencalle Traverse des Sioux 

J. R. Brown Near Fort Snelling 

Alexander Culbertson " " 

1833-'34. 

Joseph B. Brown Oliver's Grove 

Alexis BaUly Near Fort Snelling 

Louis ProvencaUe Traverse des Sioux 

J. E. Faribault Little Rapids 

Hazen Mooers Lac Traverse 

Joseph Renville Lac qui Parle 

B. F. Baker Near Fort Snelling 

J. Renville, jr Little Rapids 

Philander Prescott Traverse des Sioux 

James WeUs Little Rapids 

EEV. ALVAN COE. 

Upon page 107 of this volume there is a notice 
of the Rev. Alvan Coe, a Presbyterian who was 
with Mr. Stevens the first to visit Fort Snelling in 
1829, to see if a mission station could be estab- 
lished among the Sioux. Schoolcraft thus speaks 
of Coe: "Of the disinterested nature, and char- 
acter of this man's benevolence for the Indian 
races, no man knowing him ever doubted. He 
has literally been going about doing good 
since our arrival here [Sault Ste MarieJ in 
1822. In his zeal to shield them from the arts 
of petty traders he has often gone so far as to in- 
cur the ill will and provoke the slanderous tongues 
of Some few people. Wiser, in some senses, and 
more prudent people in their worldly affairs, pro- 
bably exist, but no man of a purer, simpler and 
more exalted faith." 

GENESIS OF THE DAKOTAH LEXICON. 

The Dakotah Dictionary, the joint labor of the 
Sioux missionaries, published by the Smithsonian 
Institution, at the time of its publication, was the 



largest contributiou to aboriginal j)hil()logy which 
had ever been made. Its beginning is thus told 
by the Rev. Samuel W. Pond: 

" With the vowels my brother and I found no 
difficulty, for there are in Dakotah but five vowel 
sounds, and they are common to the English, but 
with the consonants there are sounds which no 
English letter or letters can bo made to express, 
to meet this deficiency, we took such letters from 
the English alphabet as are not needed in Dakota, 
and gave them new names, and new powers, and 
we also made the single characters c and x repre- 
sent ch and sh sounds in English. We submitted 
the alphabet to Dr. Williamson upon his arrival, 
and it continued to be used without material alter- 
ation, until the publication of the Dictionary by 
the Smithsonian Institution. Lieutenant E. A. 
Ogden came to Fort Snelling about the same time 
we did, but he was then a wild young man, but 
the next winter he became a decided Christian, and 
became one of the excellent of the earth. To 
occupy his time, with other young officers, he 
employed Scott Campbell, the interpreter, to go 
through the English dictionary with them, and 
they writing down under his dictation, the corres- 
ponding Dakotah words. Ogden afterwards gave 
his manuscript to me. With the aid of the 
Indians we succeeded in obtaining from the man- 
uscript a considerable number of words that were 
new to us." 

OAIXIN THE ARTIST. 

On the 24th of June 1835, the steamboat War- 
rior reached the mouth of the Minnesota, and 
among the passengers was George Catlin the 
painter of Indian potraits. Mr. Sibley furnished 
him and his friend Mr. Wood, an English gentle- 
man of inteiligeuce, with horses without charge, 
and a faithful Indian guide, to visit the Sacred Red 
Pipe Stone Quarry. In a month Catlin returned 
to Fort Snelling, and on the 27th of July, left in 
a birch bark canoe, with one soldier for Prairie dn 
Chien. His portraits and notes have been pub- 
lished. Mr. Sibley writes: "His letters abounded 
with mis-statements, and the voluminous work 
subsequently produced by bira was equal to them 
in that respect. The people in this quarter were 
absolutely astounded at his mis-representation of 
men and things. There is but one redeeming fea- 
ture in his book, and that is his sketches of Indian 
faces and scenes, which are sufficiently faithful 
as he was skilful in that luie, and his pencil could 



FEATUERSTONHAUGWS EXPLORATION. 



157 



not therefore, like his pen, vary much from the 
truth. 

EAKLT MARRIAGES 

Major Taliaferro, the Indian agent, being com- 
missioned a justice of the peace, in the absence of 
clergymen, officiated at most of the early marri- 
ages. Among others, he united in matrimony 
Hippolite Provost and Margaret Brunell, July 3, 

1835 ; Godfrey and Sophia Perry, July 

29, 1835: Charles Mousseau and Fanny Perry> 
Feburary, 1836; James Wells and Jane Graham, 
September 12, 1836; Alpheus E. French and Mary 
Ann Henry, November 29, 1836; Harriet, a negro 
slave of Major Taliaferro was subsequently mar- 
ried by him, to Dred Scott, a negro slave of Sur- 
geon Emerson, whose name was rendered famous 
by the deoison of Chief Justicj Taney of the 
United States Supreme Court. 

feathbkstoshauqh's exploration. 

George W. Featherstonhaugh, a growling Eng- 
lishman, in 1835, assisted by Professor W. W. 
Mather, under the direction of the United States 
government, made a slight geological survey of 
the valley of the' Minnesota. After he returned to 
England he published, in 1817, a work called 
" Canoe voyages up the Minnay Sotor," full of 
coarse personalities. 

Alter breakfasting with Major Bliss, the com- 
mandant, he left the fort on the 16th of Septem- 
ber, and with Milor as guide and interpreter, began 
to ascend the Minnesota. At half-past eleven he 
reached a small Sioux village, " the residence of a 
chief who is known to the French traders as 
Penichon." 

On the 19th, at seven A. M., he reached a vil- 
lage on the right bank, the residence of the Chief 
Wakandoanka, known to the vayageurs as .Le 
Bras Casse, on account of a broken arm, and at 
four P. M., he passed the village of Ked Eagle. 
On the 20th, in the afternoon, he reached Traverse 
des Sioux, and in his journal he writes: "The 
Sioux, who in old times came from the south to 
trade with the French, used to cross the river here. 
A little farther on I landed at a prairie, and walked 
to an agent of Mr. Sibley's, of the name of Le 
Blanc [Provencalle]. I foimd him at home with 
his Sioux wife, and some very nice httle children." 

Under date of the the 22d of September he 
writes: "Soon after eight A. M., we came to the 
mouth of the Mahkatoh, or Blue Eartli river, a 
word composed of mahkah (earth) and toh(l)lue)" 
He was told that the blue earth used by the In- 



dians was at a point one hour and a half distant 
by canoe. At mid-day he came to a fork of the 
Blue Earth on the right, and " proceeding three- 
quarters of a mile, reached the place which the 
Sesseton's had described to us as being that to 
which the Indians resorted for their pigment." 
The bluff was about 150 feet high and the trail 
thereto weU trodden, and the earth was covered 
by a silicate of iron. 

Renville having invited him to tea he writes: 
"When I found his wife an obliging Nahcotah 
woman, his son twenty-six years old, two daugh- 
ters not very prepossessing, and a young fair- 
haired maiden about fifteen years old. the daughter 
of a white trader by an Indian woman." 

The fair-haired girl was the daughter of Jeffries, 
a Scotchman and Indian trader, who had died and 
was buried at Lac qui Parle, having four half- 
breed children. 

On the 4:th of October Featherstonhaugh arrived 
at Lac Traverse and was cordially received at the 
trading post by Jo.seph R. Brown. The nest 
morning, after sleeping upon Mr. Brown's floor, 
he accepted his invitation to brealtfast, which from 
his description, was not tempting. He writes: '-I 
made a poor exchange of my own humble resources 
for his, which were of the coarsest kind, and as dirty 
as they were coarse; a few broken plates jjlaced 
on a filthy board, with what he called coffee and 
maize bread to correspond. As I swallowed this 
disgusting food I consoled myself by reflecting 
that it saved one rejiast out of my own stock. 
Upon my inquiring of him who was his cook he 
told me that she was a Nahcotah woman, the 
widow of that brother of Renville's whom the 
Chippeways had murdered, and that Renville had 
sent her here to hve and lament her widowhood. 
When she came into the room to remove the plates 
I observed that she was tall and weU made, with 
all the remains of a handsome woman. Like many 
others she had been the favorite Indian wife of an 
American trader, and had had a daughter by one 
Lockwood." 

Toward night on the 5th of October he reached 
Big Stone Lake, and at 3 P. M. on the 8th he was 
again at Lac qui Parle, and on the 14th at Trav- 
erse des Sioux, and was presented by Provencalle's 
squaw, with a fawn-colored musk-rat skin, con- 
sidered a rarity; on the 16th he returned to Fort 
Snelling and became the guest of Major Bliss. 
The next day he visited the trading house of B. 
F. Baker, dined with Major Taliaferro, the Indian 



158 



EARLY UISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



agent, antl wife, and passed the evening with a 
Mr. iinil Mrs. Mirie, who kept a kind of sutler's 
store. 



CHAPTER XXVin. 



TnE.\TIES OF 1837 WIDOW OF ALEXANDER HAMIL- 
TON—FIRST ROMAN CATHOLICS IN" MINNESOTA 

CENSUS OF 1849 FIRST STEAMBOATS ON MIN- 
NESOTA RIVER NAME ST. PETER OHANOED. 

The treaties of 1837 were of great importance 
as by their ratification the country west of the 
Mississijjpi was opened for settlement. Dur- 
ing the summer of this year Charles Vineyard, 
a sub-agent, was seut to invite the Chippe- 
ways to a council at Fort Snelling with 
United States commissioners. Twelve hundred of 
this tribe, in Jidy, assembled as requested. The 
American Fur company in a treaty made in 1830, 
succeeded in having inserted for the first time a 
clause l)y which an Indian tribe would be held re- 
sponsible for the bad debts created by individuals 
of the nation. The treaty at Fort SneDiug was con- 
cluded on the 29th of July, not without excite- 
ment. Two prominent traders entered the Indian 
agent's office, in apparent haste, and asked for pen 
and paper. Some one soon returned and handed to 
Verplanck Antwerp, secretary of the commissioner, 
General Dodge, a claim for the mills on the 
Chippewa river, to the amount of .§5000. The In- 
dians were astonished at the fraud. One chief, 
for the sake of peace was willing to allow $500 
for that which had been erected by white men for 
their own profit on unceded lands, but old Hole-in- 
the-I)ay and others objected oven to this. Soon 
after, yelhng was heard near B. F. Baker's trading 
post at Cold Spring, and a band of Chippeways 
were seen marching over under the guidance of 
Lyman M. Warren, an old trader, for the purpose 
of securing the recognition of a large claim. As 
they rushed into the treaty arbor Major 
Taliaferro, the Indian agent, encouraged by Hole- 
in-the-Day, pointed a pistol at Warren, but Gen- 
eral Dodge begged him not to shoot. The traders 
gained the day and the treaty was ratified with 
the foUowing article: "The sum of $70,000 shall 
be applied to the payment, by the United States, 
of certain claims against the Indians; of which 
amount S'28.000 shall at their ro<pie.it be paid to 
Wittion A. Aitkin, S25,000 to Lyman Warren, and 



other jnst demands against them, which they 
acknowledged to be the cnse with regard to that 
presented by Hercules L. Dousman for the sum of 
$5,000, and they request that it be jjaid." 

The treaty with the Chippeways being con- 
cluded, General Dodge requested the Indian agent 
to select a delegation of Sioux and proceed to Wash- 
ington. The traders attempted to prevent the de- 
parture of the Sioux, until they made a promise 
that they would provide for the indebtedness of 
individuals to traders. 

The agent, keeping his own counsel, engaged a 
steamboat to be ready on a certain day. Captain 
Lafferty was promptly at Fort Snelling, and, to 
the astonishment of the traders, the agent, inter- 
preters and a portion of the delegation were 
quickly on board, and the boat glided down the 
river. Stopping at Kaposia, Big Thunder came 
aboard with his pijje-bearer; at Ked Wing, Wah- 
koota and his war chief became passengers; and 
at Winona, Wapashah and others increased the 
delegation to twenty-six. Without accident they 
reached Washington, and a synopsis of a treaty 
was presented to Mr. Poinsett, the secretary of war. 

The Fur company was in turn represented by 
H. H. Sibley, Alexis Bailly, Joseph Laframbois, 
Augustus Eooque, Francis Labathe and others, 
and on the 29th of September a treaty was signed, 
and the next year was ratified by the senate and 
approved by the president. 

The Sioux delegation returned by way of St. 
Louis, and from thence they came on the steam- 
boat Rollc) to Fort Snelling. On the way one of 
the boiler.s collapsed, but fortunately no one was 
scalded, and on the 10th of November. 1837, the 
party landed in safety. 

MARRIAGE AT L \0 QUI PARLE. 

In November, 1837, Gideon H. Pond was mar- 
ried to Sarah Poage, sister of the wife of Kev. T. S. 
Williamson, M. D. The marriage ceremony was 
pi-rformed by Rev. S. R. Riggs, missionary, and 
prayer offered by Rev. Dr. WiUiamson. The ex- 
ercises were interpreted to the Sioux who were 
present, by the trader, Joseph Renville. After the 
ceremony there was a feast for the Indians. The 
wife of Mr. Riggs wrote: '•! know not when I 
have seen a group so novel as I found on repair- 
ing to the room where these poor creatures were 
promiscuously seated. On my left sat on old man 
nearly blind: before me the woman who dipped 
out the potatoes from a five-pail boiler sat on the 
floor; and near her was an old man dividing the 



WIDOW OF ALEXAJ^DEB HAMILTOIT. 



159 



bacon, olenchiug it firmly in his baud, and looking 
up occasionally to see how many there were re- 
quiring a share. In the corner sat a lame man, 
eagerly devouring his potatoes, and around were 
scattered women and children. When the last 
ladle was filled from the large pot of turnips, one 
by one they hastily departed, borrowing dishes to 
carry home the supjier, to divide with the children 
who had remaiaed in charge of the tents." 

MABYATT THE NOVELIST. 

On the morning of the 13th of June, 1838, the 
steamboat Burlington, Captain Throckmorton ar- 
rived at Fort Snelling with a number of visitors, 
among whom was Captain Maryatt of the British 
navy, the well known novelist. The following ex- 
tracts from his published observations are interest- 
ing reminiscences of the past. 

VISIT TO LAKE HAEEIET. 

He writes : " I went out about nine miles to a 
Sioux village on the banks of a small lake [Har- 
riet]. Their lodges were built cottage fashion, of 
small fir poles, and covered inside and out with 
bark, with a hole, in the center, for the smoke to 
escape. I entered one of these lodges; the inter- 
ior was surrounded by a continuous bed j^laced 
round three of the sides, about three feet from the 
floor, and on this platform was a quantity of buf- 
falo skins and pillows; the fire was in the center, 
and the baggage was stored away under the bed 
places. A missionary [Bev. J. D. Stevens] resides 
at the village, and has paid great attention to the 
small band under his care." 

Hon. H. H. Sibley n an address before the Min- 
nesota Historical Society in 1856 said: "Captain 
Maryatt, an English naval officer, known as the 
author of Peter Simple and other works of fiction, 
was my visitor for several weeks. He had little of 
the gentleman either in his manners or appearance." 

WIDOW OF ALEXANDER HAMILTON. 

On the morning of the 26th of June, A. D. 1838, 
the steamer Burlington arrived for the third time 
since the opening of navigation, at the mouth of 
the Minnesota with about 150 soldiers for Fort 
Snelling, and a few tourists. 

Among these was a venerable woman who was 
the daughter of one of the most distinguished men 
of New York. During the winter of 1780, she 
was with her father, who was General Philip 
Schuyler, at Wasliington's headquarters, Morris- 
to^^■n, N. J., and there she charmed, and at the age 
of 22. married Washington's favorite aide and mil- 
itary secretary, tlie then young Alexander Hamil- 



ton. After the war of the revolution her husband 
was active in framing the United States constitu- 
tion, and appointed by Washington the first secre- 
tary of the treasury. In July, 180i, as every one 
knows he fell in a duel with Aaron Burr. 

His widow received the sympathy of the nation, 
and as she advanced in years she appeared to re- 
new her youth. She came west in 1838 to visit 
her son, W. S. Hamilton, engaged in the lead 
mines of Wisconsin, and afterwards at Galena, she 
embarked for a tour to the Upper Mississippi. 

A lady who entertained her wrote: "Pleasant 
and unaffected, she stands among my dearest rec- 
ollections. She bore her age with graceful dig- 
nity and was remarkably active. Every morning 
before breakfast she would, unattended, take a 
long walk in search of wild flowers." 

It was sunrise when the Burlington reached Fort 
Snelling, and at 8 o'clock the officers of the fort in 
full uniform came to pay their respects to one who 
had been a belle at Washington's headquarters. 
At 9 a carriage was sent to take her to the Falls of 
St. Anthony, and about 4 in the afternoon she re- 
turned and was received at the gate of the fort by 
the officers. Leaning upon the commandant's arm 
she was escorted to a chair upon a carjjet spread 
in the center of the campus, and then the troojjs 
under arms marched by and saluted. After this 
she was taken to headquarters and entertained. 
The same night she left in the steamboat for Ga- 
lena. Subsequently she resided with a married 
daughter in the city of Washington, and for years 
she charmed those who met her by the grace and 
simplicity of her manner. 

She lived in that city near the residence 
of Alexander Bamsey when a representative 
in congress from Harrisbiu'g, Pennsylvania, 
and was very attentive to his wife when she 
came to Washington a bride, and she was permit- 
ted to see the territory of Minnesota organized 
from the region which she had visited when hun- 
dreds of miles beyond the limits of civilization, 
and to see Alexander Eamsey appointed its first 
governor. She died on November 9, 1854, at the 
ripe age of 97 years and three months. 

FIRST WOOL MANUFACTUBED IN MINNESOTA. 

The first manufacture of wool in Minnesota was at 
the Presbyterian mission at Lac qui Parle. The wife 
of A. G. Huggins, an assistant missionary taught 
the Sioux girls to twist flax and wool, and in the 
fall of 1838 to knit socks. The next year Mr. 
Huggins put up a loom, and two Sioux women 



160 



EAllI.Y HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY, 



and two girls, each, wove enough linsey to make 
a gowu. 

FIRST ROUAK OATHOLIO SERVICES IN MINNESOTA 
VALLEY. 

On the 23d of June, 1839, Bishop Loras, of the 
Koman Catholic church left Dubuque in a steam- 
boat for the mouth of the Minnesota river, accom- 
panied by Alibe Pelemourges, and a young man 
who acted as interpreter. The bishop wrote: "Our 
arrival was a source of great joy to the Catholics 
who had never before seen a priest or bishop in 
these remote regions; they manifested a great de- 
sire to assist at divine worship and to upproach the 
sacrament of the church. The wife of our host, 
who had already received some religious instruc- 
tion was baptized and confirmed; she subsequently 
received the sacrament of matrimony and made 
her first communion. The Catholics of St. Peter 
amounted to 185. Fifty-six were baptized, admin- 
istered communion to thirty, these adults, and four 
received the nuptial benediction." 

He, in the letter, from which we have quoted, 
also narrates his conversations with the chief, 
at an Indian village some miles from the fort, 
which indicates the ignorance and prejudice of the 
Indian, as well as his disposition to behe the 
work of those self-denying missionaries,the brothers 
Pond, and others, who worked for years, for the 
welfare of the Sioux, and are justly honored by 
men of every creed. The bishop writes; "I 
asked him w-hat a protcstant missionary, who re- 
ceived a large sum from the Bible society was 
doing among tliem. The chiefs answer was, 
'that he was doing no good. It had l^een agreed 
that he should cultivate the fields of the savages 
and instruct their children, but neglected both the 
one and the other. He observed, a minister of 
prayer ought to have neither wife nor children, 
and that there is no difference between us and 
this man.' " 

FOUETH OP JULY SERVICES INTERRUPTED. 

Bishop Loras was near the fort at the time of 
the battle between the Sioux and Chippeways, 
noticed on the 103d page, and he gives the follow- 
ing description: ''On Thursday, the 63d anniver- 
sary of the independence of the United States, vay 
adopted country, while holding services, a wild 
music suddenly burst upon our ears. A moment 
after I perceived through the windows a band of 
savages, all covered with blood, executing a bar- 
barous dance and singing one of thoir death songs. 
At the top of two poles were fifty bloody scalps. 



to which a jiart of the skulls were attached, the 
terrible trophies of the prowess of the hard fight 
of the preceding days. You may well imagine 
what an impression such a sight made upon my 
mind. I finished the services as well as I could." 

NICOLLET AND FREMONT. 

During the summer of 1839 Jean N. Nicollet, 
of whom there is some notice on page 102, made 
a second tour in Minnesota, accompanied by Lt. 
John C. Fremont, to whom was subsequently ap- 
plied the soubriquet "Pathfinder." From the Mis- 
souri river they came to Lac qui Parle, and mani- 
fested an interest in the welfare of the missiona- 
ries, and made arrangements by which they were 
paid for the cattle which the Sioux had killed. 

TREATIES OF 1841. 

J. D. Doty, governor of Wisconsin, was in 1841 
appouited by the United States to treat with the 
Sioux for their lands west of the Mississippi. He 
held councils at Traverse des Sioux, Mendota and 
VVapashah, and agreements were made for ceding 
about tweuty-tive millions of acres, but the senate 
refused to confirm the treaties. 

FIBST OHDRCH BELL IN MINNESOTA. 

In the summer of 1841 Dr. Williamson and Kev. 
S. K. Kiggs, Presbyterian missionaries at Lac oui 
Parle, built a church of unburnt brick, which 
stood for thirteen years. It contained the first 
church bell ever used in Minnesota. 

THOMAS LONGLEY DROWNED. 

In June, 1812, Kev. S. E. Riggs established a 
mission station at Trav^^rse des Sioux, and was ac- 
companied hither by his wife's brother, Thomas 
Longley, a young man twenty-two years of age. 
Witl; Mr. Riggs he went to bathe on the morning 
of the 15th of July, but in a few moments he 
sank, and his body was not found until the even- 
ing of the next day. 

FIRST FRAMED HOT7SB ABOVE FOKT SNELLINQ. 

In the fall of ISIO, Rev. Samuel W. Pond was 
invited by the Indian Agent, and the Chief Shak- 
pay, to reside at his village, where Ohver Fari- 
bault was then the trader. Mr. Pond accepted the 
request, and went down to Point Douglas iuid 
purchased lumber. His brother Gideon, after- 
wards brought up on the ice, with the aid of oxen, 
the timbers for the frame of a house. Then, with 
four voke of oxen, Samuel again went after 4,000 
feet of boards. Upon his return, near Grey Cloud 
Island, the animals slipped, fell, and broke through 
the ice. Relieved of their yokes by 'M.r. Pond, 
they scrambled out, and the harness having been 



CENSUS OF MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



161 



rearranged, the lumber reached Fort Suelling. At 
this point, the frame of the house was made, and 
in the spring of 1847, transported to Shalipay's 
village, and Mr. Pond lives in it to this day, in the 
suburbs of the white man's town of Shakoj^ee. 

A MARCH ON THE ICE. 

The order fof the troops at Fort Snelling to 
proceed to the seat of war, in Mexico, came while 
the IMississippi was frozen, and as there were no 
roads out to Prairie du Chien, they marched 
down on the ice which was probably the first in- 
stance of the kind in the military history of the 
United States. 

WHITE AND MIXED BLOODS OF MINNESOTA VALLEY 

JUNE, 1879. • 

MBNDOTA. 

Names. Men Women Total 
Henry H. Sibley, family or hired 

persons 4 7 11 

Henry M. Rice 3 3 6 

Alexander Eamsev 2 2 4 

J.B.Faribault..". 5 16 

Alex. Faribault 5 5 10 

Alexis BaiUy 1 1 

Eev. A. Eavoux 1 1 

Louis Laramie 2 2 4 

Joseph Robinett 5 4 9 

Francis Gamelle 3 1 4 

H. Belland 3 6 9 

E. La Grande 1 1 

O. McClellege 10 1 

N. Paguene 1 1 

Joseph Blillard 2 2 

H. Uupree 4 6 10 

P. Soulard 1 1 

Wenona 1 1 

B. Beaubien 1 1 

J. George Lennon 1 1 

Joseph Deganais 1 1 

Antoine You 3 3 6 

Louis Vapare 1 Q 1 

Chas. St. Antoine 5 4 9 

A. Conoyer 4 1 5 

S. Conoyer 13 4 

J. B. Ceiidit 2 1 8 

P. Bibiare 1 1 

L. Lavalla 1 1 

Louis Towen 1 1 

P. S. Martin 1 1 

J. B. Lavalla 1 1 

L. Peloqui 1 ] 

Clement Ladbois 1 1 

Louis Furber 1 i 

FORT SNELL NO. 

Franklin Steele 5 7 12 

Philander Prescott 7 5 12 

Soldiers, officers, etc 167 33 200 

11 



Men Women Total 
BLACK DOG VILLAGE. 

H. Mooers 2 2 4 

L.Martin 4 7 11 

L. B. McLean 1 2 3 

OAK GROVE. 

Gideon H. Pond, missionary.... 5 5 10 

M. S. Titus 1 1 

J. A. D. Godfrey 2 2 4 

I. Shatelle ] 1 2 

Peter Quinn 3 1 4 

Oliver Flunie 1 1 

Jos. Eissati 1 1 

PRAIHIEVILLE. 

Samuel W. Pond, missionary .... 2 4 6 

J. Moore 2 2 4 

Oliver Faribault 1 4 6 

J. Montreille 2 3 5 

0. Mette 1 1 

E. Etler 10 1 

LITTLE ROCK. 

J. Laframbois 3 4 7 

E. Hopkins, missionary 3 4 7 

A. G. Huggins, missionary assis- 
tant ■ 3 3 6 

J. Potter, missionary 3 4 7 

J. Lature 2 2 

J. Bosorias • 1 1 

J. Provencalle 2 2 

Alex Gealian 2 2 

J. F. Boy 1 1 

LAC-QDI-PARLE AND BIG STONE LAKE. 

S. E. Riggs, missionary 3 4 7 

M. N. Adams, missionary 1 1 2 

J. Pettijohn " 2 2 4 

J. Renville 3 6 9 

A. Renville 1 4 5 

Martin McLeod 2 3 5 

G. Eenville 1 1 2 

M. Renville 1 1 

J. Hess 1 1 

Vetal Eayee 2 13 

J. B. Boquet 1 1 

F. Clouther 1 1 

Macaron 1 1 

Levi Bird 1 2 3 

A. Roy 2 2 4 

J. Dummire 4 2 6 

Joseph Labelle 2 2 4 

A. Fusmere 3 3 6 

N. Fusmere 12 3 

FIRST MEMBERS OP THE LEGISLATURE. 

The first legislature of the ierritory of Minne- 
sota convened at St. Paul on the 3d of September, 

1849, and the region including the va Ity of the 
Minnesota river, was represented in the upper 

house by Martin McLeod, then Ira ling with the 
Indians at Lao qui Parle; in the lower house by 
Alexis Bailly, Indian trader residing at Mendota, 



162 



EARLY HISTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



ami Rev. Giiloon H. I'oml, missionary at the Sioux 
village, Oak Grove, Hennepin county. 

MABTIN MCLEOD. 

Martin JIoLcod was a native of Canada, born in 
tlio year 1813 at Montreal. He received a good 
basiness education, and was clerk in a store. In 
l.s;i6 he was induced by one Dickson to join him 
in a visionary scheme. With others, under 
Dickson, he appeared in the Selkirk settlement, 
and they endeavored to enlist the settlers in a pro- 
ject to unite all the Indian tribes, under a com- 
mon government. They were dressed in showy 
uniforms and glittering epaulettes. Dickson on 
his way to Lake Winnipeg had his toes frozen 
which crippled him, as well as the wild enter- 
prise. 

It was necessary for political and pecuniary 
reasons that McLood should leave the Selkirk 
colony. Early in 1837, with two companions, 
Parry, a Polander, and Hayes, an Irishman, with 
Pierre Bottineau as guide, he left the British Pos- 
sessions with a dog team and snow shoes. The 
party met several snow storms and Hayes 
perished. Parry was lost and found in a 
frozen condition and left in a hut, while McLeod 
and Bottineau pushed on to Lake Traverse, 
Joseph E. Brown's trading post, where after 
twenty-sis days of exposiire they arrived and were 
treated with kindness. Relief was sent to Parry, 
but when tlie party reached the hut it was found 
that death had relieved him of pain. In April 
McLeod came down to Fort Snelling and was em- 
ployed at Jlr. Sibley's trading post. During the 
winter of 1839-'-f0 he traded with the Chippeways 
in the valley of the Saint Croix, and in 1843 
with the Sioux at Big Stone lake, and in 
1846 he had a post at Lac qui Parle. In 1849 he 
settled with an Indian woman, whom he married, 
at the entrance of Nine Mile creek, into the Minne- 
sota river, above Fort Snelling. No one was his 
superior in the first legislature in appearance, man- 
ners, education and executive ability. He died in 
18C0, and a county now bears his name. 

ALEXIS BAILLY. 

Alexis BaiUy was born in Michigan about the 
year 1799, and was the son of a British trader 
and a mother who was of Indian extraction. 
Early in August, 1821, he left the mouth of the 
Minnesota with a drove of cattle for Selkirk set- 
tlement, and the next January returned with Col- 
onel Dickson, Laidlaw and Mackenzie. Tliis 
trading post was called New Hope (now Men- I 



dota), and in 1826 the military authorities were 
constrained to seize the liquor in the trading- 
house, as its sale to Indians was illegal. He was 
the first person who ever purchased a negro in 
Minnesota, having bought a man from a Virginian, 
Major Garland of the army. The Sioux at first 
had no prejudices against negroes, called them 
black Frenchmen, and placing their hands on the 
woolly licads would laugh heartily. 

On the 1.5tli of February, 1828, he applied for 
a license to establish another trading post on the 
Cannon river. In May, 183.5, he and his family 
left Mendota, but after a while returned, and in 
1849 represented that region in the legislature. 
Subsequently he went to Wapasha, a mile or two 
fror« Lake Pepin, where he died. His wife was a 
daughter of J. B. Faribault. 

BEV. GIDEON II. POND. 

Gideon H. Pond was born in Washington, Ct., 
and the following letter addressed to a minister in 
St. Paul, many years ago, is worthy of preserva- 
tion in the History of the Minnesota Valley. 

"Oak Guove, January 7, 1856. 

"Bear Brother — At your request I now sit down, 
the first thing after reaching home, to record some 
facts wliich you desire. 

"Soon after the arrival of my brother and my- 
self at Fort Snelling, in May, 1834, we ascertained 
to our satisfaction that our first move should be to 
assist the Indians about their cornfields, as by this 
we could show our good will, conciliate their favor, 
and the better acquire their language. Invited 
by the father of the present chief of Kaposia, my 
brotherspent about one week at that village help- 
ing them plow. The oxen were Indian property 
kept at the Fort Snelling agency. At this time 
the Indians appeared anxious that he should lo- 
cate at that place, but afterwards the chief and 
some of the soldiers treated us coldly. It was 
not long before the agent [Major Lawrence Talia- 
ferro] returned from the east, where he had spent 
the winter. He was from the day of his return 
our warm friend and treated us kiridly. Maj<)r 
Bliss, tlien in command at this post, was also so 
much our friend as to surjirise us. 

"Maj. Loomis had not then arrived. Mr. Sibley 
came the following September. By advice of the 
agent we went to the Lake Calhoun baud witlmut 
consulting the Indians. I spent a few days witli 
them, immediately after my brother returned from 
Kaposia, hel))ing them plow. With a yoke of oxen 
and a chain, (I have it now,) and some other neces- 



LETTER OF GIDEON U. POND. 



163 



sary tools, we commenced to chop timber in a 
beautiful grove, on the highest ground on the east 
bank of Lake Calhoun, to build a cabin. The 
village was on the lower ground, south or down 
the lake, toward Lake Harriet. We erected a log 
hut and obtained boulders from the lake shore 
to build a fire place and chimney. For our sup- 
plies we bought a barrel of pork and a barrel of 
flour. We were unable to plant anything this 
first year except some beans, which the pigeons 
rooted up. Till our hut was enclosed we left our 
effects at the agency house, carrying on our backs 
occasionally such things as we needed. At times 
I took my load of pork on my back and carried it 
to the lake, to be stole by Indians or dogs, and lay 
me down to sleep empty. More than once, rather 
than make another trip immediately for provis- 
ions, we dined on muscles from the lake. Some- 
times on fish, but not often, for it took too long 
to take them. We did not have to wait for the 
muscles to bite. Cooking at first we found very 
unpleasant business, as well as our washing; in- 
deed we found no change in this respect as long 
as we baked and washed. We did not attempt to 
bake bread but a few times. By degrees we 
adopted the habit of frying our pork at each 
meal very thoroughly, then adding a little water, 
we stirred in flour. For a change we made it 
thicker or thinner. This was our food and this 
our uniform manner of cooking for more than a 
year and a half. We disliked cooking so much 
that -ne did not eat till we were himgry, seldom 
more than twice a day, and often but once. Dur- 
ing the summer we had learned to talk considera- 
bly, and had adopted the alphabet, to write the 
language, which is now used, except we used v in- 
stead of r and / instead of g. 

" During the winter of 1834-35 we had taught 
one young man to write and read, for he had to 
write first, as there were no books. 

" In the summer of 1845, Dr. Williamson and 
associates, and Eev. J. D. Stevens arrived. Mr. 
Stevens located himself on the west shore of Lake 
Harriet, about mi'dway on land now owned by Mr. 
Eli Pettijohn. He labored to draw the Indians to 
him, but succeeded with only two or three families. 
Out of respect to the feeling of Mr. Stevens we 
left Lake Calhoun in the fall of the same year. 
My brother went with the Indians and I remained 
at the Mission. After my brother's return with 
the Indiana, in mid- winter we opened a school at 
the house of Mr. Stevens. He prepared lessons ia 



manuscript. The young Indians showed a great 
desire to learn. It was m>t long before the Indians 
expressed an earnest desire that brother and I 
should return to our old place on Lake Calhoun 
and teach them near their village; and brother 
made arrangements to do so, but Mr. Stevens did 
not approve and we abandoned the plan. 

"In the spring of 1836 I left Lake Harriet and 
went to Lac qui Parle, where I remained three 
years, and where, in November 1837 I was married. 

" About the time that I left for Lac qui Parle, 
brother left for Connecticut, to study for a year. 
He was ordained a minister of the gospel during 
his absence. He returned to Lake Harriet. Mr. 
Stevens remained at the place till the summer of 
1838, and while there he opened a school which 
resulted in some good to quite a number of mixed 
bloods. She who is now Blrs. Pettijohn is one of 
them, but from some reason the school fell through. 

" In September, 1837, the laud east of the Mis- 
sissipj)i was ceded to the United States. In 
April, 1838, vdVcx my wife and eldest daughter, I 
floated down in a canoe from Lac qui Parle to 
Mendota and returned to Lake Harriet at the 
earnest solicitation of the Indians of the Lake 
Calhoun band and their agent, and received the 
appointment of farmer for that baud. I held that 
appointment till I was satisfied thoroughly that I 
could turn it to no good account to the Indians, 
and then resigned and put myself under the 
Dakota Presbytery as a candidate for the ministry. 
This I had long before been urged to do, and I 
had already made some progress in Latin, Greek 
and French. 

" When we returned to Lake Harriet from Lac 
qui Parle, immediately the Indians sent some of 
their children to us for instruction, which they 
continued to do, till routed by the Chippeways 
from that place and they fled for safety to the 
banks of the St. Peters (Minnesota.) 

" In April, 1837, the celebrated Hole-in-the-day 
butchered thirteen Dakotas of Lac qui Parle as 
you know. These butchered ones had friends liv- 
ing at Lake Calhoun, and the next time they saw 
Hole-in-the-Day at Fort Snelling, they vowed they 
would kill him. Through mistake they killed 
another man in consequence of which the son-in- 
law of the Lake Calhoun chief, the step-father of 
Mrs. Jane Titus, was killed, and the Eum Eiver 
and Stillwater massacres followed. This drove 
the band from Lake Calhoun because that was a 
J lace of peculiar danger. 



16-t 



EAMLT HISTORY OF THE MIN2i^ES0TA VALLEY. 



" When the band left that place it split and a 
part held with ns and the acting-missionary went 
away. Those who clung to us settled here, and 
some went to the other bank of the river. The 
chief, a sensible man, lias always been a decided 
friend of the missionaries. If he had not I think 
he would still have been chief, whereas, a little 
more than a year ago he was deposed, and liis 
rival, a bitter enemy of all good, was advanced to 
the head of the band. 

" Major Loomis came to this post soon after we 
arrived here, and we soon made his acquaintance, 
and from the lii'st formed an intimacy with liim. 
He was a man of much good feeling to which he 
gave substantial expression. He soon commenced 
to distribute tracts in the companies' quarters and 
early in the winter to collect as many of the sold- 
iers as would consent and read to them a sermon. 
About that time Finney's lectures came out in the 
New York Evangelist and he read them in the 
meetings. My brother or myself generally at- 
tended. Major talked and we talked and prayed. 
Soldiers began to talk, and as a result, on the 11th 
of June, 1835, a church was formed at Fort Snell- 
ing by Dr. Williamson, consisting of twenty-two 
members." 

In the spring of 1839, Mr. Pond went back 
from Lac qui Parle to Lake Harriet. After the 
battle related on page 103, with liis brother Sam- 
uel, in the spring of 1840, he went to reside in the 
old stone trading house built by B. F. Baker, wliich 
was between Fort Snelling and Minne-ha-ha Falls. 
In 1843 he moved to Oak Grove on the Minnesota 
river, nine miles above Fort Snelling, and there he 
died. After the treaties of 1851, by which the 
country west of the Mississippi was ceded to the 
United States, the Indians were removed, but Mr. 
Pond remained at the old mission bouse and de- 
voted himself to the spiritual welfare of the pioneers 
of civilization. As he and his brother were the 
first to teach the Indians at Lake Calhoun, so he 
was the first to preach to the white men who had 
made claim to the land, which is now the west 
division of the city of Miimeapolis. By his efforts 
also the first church building was erected in that 
part of Hennepin county west of the Mississippi, 
at Bloomington, and in that building funeral 
services were held over his body. As a 
member of the first territorial legislature, in 1849, 
and by his good judgment and unobtrusive de- 
meanor he gained the respect of his associates. In 
periods of Indian trouble his advice was valued by 



Governor Ramsey, and by his life-long friend 
Governor Sibley. The "Dakota Friend," pub- 
lished in St. Paul, in Dakota and English, in 1850- 
52, was edited by him, and he also contributed 
valuable papers to the Histoiical Society of Min- 
nesota. No missionary among the Indians has 
been more self-denying, no preacher in our fron- 
tier settlements has been more successful, and no 
citizen will be more mourned by those who had 
the privilege of his acquaintance. He died on 
Sunday, January 27, 1878, and Indians, with 
white men and women, gathered around his coffin, 
as his remains were consigned to their last resting 
place on earth. 

GOV. RAMSEY MAKES A OHIBP. 

Shortly after his arrival in 1849, Governor 
Ramsey recognised a new hereditary chief of the 
Wahk-pay-koo-tay band of Dahkotahs, named 
Wa-min-di-yu-ka-pi, by investing him with a 
sword and a soldier's medal. He was a fine look- 
ing youth, and a few weeks after this honor he and 
seveuteeu others were slaughtered in broad day- 
light, by a party of Indians they met at the head 
waters of the Des Moines river. The Dahkotahs 
took four scalps, and the citizens of St. Paul dur- 
ing the quiet nights of that summer could hear 
the noise of the scalp dance at Kaposia. 

AN INDIAN FIGHT. 

During the latter part of July, a band of Sisse- 
ton Dahkotahs, near Big Stone lake, proceeded 
to a buffalo hunt. Unsuccessful, they were obliged 
to eat their dogs and tipsinna. One day they were 
startled by a horseman galloping across the plain 
in the direction of their camp. On his approach 
they saw he was a Red River haU-brced, who had 
formerly lived in their country. He had come to 
tell them that the Ojibways were in the neighbor- 
hood and contemplated an attack. The Dahkotahs 
had just hid their women and children in holes, 
and covered them with brush wood when the enemy 
came in sight. A few of the bravest Dahkotahs 
went out to meet the foe, and the fight commenced 
near a rivulet, in the valley of the Cheyenne. The 
leader, after fighting bravely, found himself sur- 
roimded by the Ojibways, who had concealed 
themselves in the grass. While in the act of rais- 
ing his head to draw the stopper from his powder- 
horn, he was shot through the brain. His little 
son, not ten years of age, seeing his father fall, 
rushed to the corpse, and after clasping it he lay 
by its side, and fired at the enemy until aid came 
from the Dahkotah camp, and thectirpse was cared 



FIRST STEAMBOAT. 



165 



for by friends. After skirmishing till dusk, the 
Ojibways retreated with three killed. The Dah- 
kotahs lost the same number. 

FIRST STEAMBOATS. 

The summer of 1850 was the commencement of 
the navigation of the Minnesota river by steam- 
boats. With the exception of a steamer that 
made a pleasure excursion as far as Shakopee, in 
1842, no large vessels had ever disturbed the 
waters of this stream. In June, 1850, the "An- 
thony Wayne," which a month previous had as- 
cended to the Palls of St. Anthony, made a trip. 
On the 18th of July she made a second trip, 
going almost to Mankato. The "Nominee" also 
navigated the stream for some distance. 

On the 22d of July the officers of the "Yankee," 
taking advantage of the high water, determined 
to navigate the stream as far as the size of the 
boat would allow. The writer was one of the nu- 
merous party of exploration, and he here inserts 
impressions in the form they were written at that 
time, when the whole country west of the Missis- 
sippi was in possession of the barbarians. 

As there was some danger in navigating a 
stream whose waters had never been disturbed for 
any distance by the paddles of the "fire canoe," 
we did not ascend on the first evening more than 
twenty-five miles above the fort. At early dawn 
on Tuesday the steamer was again in motion, and 
curved around the numerous short bends of this 
zig-zag stream with wonderful ease. The scenery 
the farther we advanced became more varied and 
beautiful. Here there was an extensive prairie, 
"stretching in graceful undulations far away;" 
there a wide amphitheatre encircled by cone- 
shaped hills, and inviting the agriculturist to 
seek shelter for himself and his cattle ; owing to 
the high tide of water, we passed quite early in the 
morning some rapids without any difficulty. 
During the day we met with little to excite us. 
Now and then we would pass an Indian in his 
canoe, who, frightened by the puffing and novel 
appearance of the boat, had crouched behind the 
overhanging boughs of the weeping willow. 
Upon the south bank of the river, eighty-five 
miles from Port Snelling, within a few yards of 
some ledges of fawn-colored limestone, there enters 
a little stream of clear and pure water, which 
Featherstonhaugh, who explored the country some 
years ago, named "Abert's Kun." In the after- 
noon we passed a bluff of sand and limestone, 
similar to those so frequent on the upper Missis- 



sippi, which is called White Eock. About twelve 
miles beyond this we came to Traverse des Sioux, 
where we did not stop, as we were anxious to 
' ascend as far as possible by sunset. The wood we 
had taken with us began to grow scarce, and a lit- 
tle distance above this point the boat stopped, and 
the crew and many of the passengers began to 
chop wood. 

As the writer sat upon the deck he could but be 
interested in looking over the party and seeing 
how well they harmonized, bom, as they had been, 
in various parts of the continent, and educated 
tmder diverse influences. Among the party was 
one who had been an aid of General Harrison, and 
at a later day our ambassador at the court of Kus- 
sia; another who had graduated at West Point and 
the Yale law school, and who had been wounded 
while in command of a regiment at Monterey. 

Among the half-breeds one who had been the 
guide and interpreter of Nicolet, while engaged in 
scientiflc explorations in the valley of the Minnesota. 

Before sunrise on Wednesday morning, the boat 
had left her moorings, and was jjroceeding onward. 
At breakfast time we had reached the highest 
point to which a steamboat had ever ascended, a 
feat that was accomplished the week previous by 
the "Anthony Wayne." 

About 9:30 A. M. we passed the Blue Earth 
river. The latitude of this point is about 40 ° , 
being only one degree lower than the mouth of 
the Minnesota. Our course until now was south- 
westerly, but henceforward it was north-westerly. 
After passing the Blue Earth, the Minnesota is 
much narrower, and the bends so numerous that 
the boat did not go in one direction at any one 
time for more than five minutes. During the 
morning the report was raised that some buffaloes 
were grazing in the distance, and, for a time, there 
was quite an excitement; but the nearing of the 
boat and the use of the spy-glass, dispelled our 
hoj)es, and exhibited in their stead huge boulders 
scattered among the prairie grass. At night we 
arrived at the mouth of the Cotton Wood river, 
about 200 miles from Port Snelling. The day had 
been intensely hot, the thermometer having been 
at 104 ° in the shade; and as soon as the sun had 
set a cloud of mosquitoes enveloped us. The cabins 
were smoked and the mosquitoes beaten with green 
boughs, Lu^ they could not be forced to retreat. 
They looked upon us as intruders, and seemed de- 
termined to make us smart, and leave their impres- 
sion. 



166 



EARLY UlSTOHY OF TUB MIJiyESOTA VALLEY. 



The ice, too, bad failed, and the ladies of the 
party began to feel that there was more reality 
than poetry in an exploring expedition into an un- 
civilized country. A meeting was called to see if 
the captain should turn back, but the majority de- 
cided to go on. That night few of the male 
memliers of the party entered their state rooms, 
but nearly all wrajiped in mosquito-bar were 
stretched upon the hurricane deck, vainly endeav- 
oring to sleep. When Thursday's sun rose the 
boat was not in motion. The crew were worn out 
by their extra labors, and even those of the passen- 
gers who had been anxious to navigate farther, 
had been brought to terms by the severe wounds 
that had been inflicted ujion them by the mos- 
quito. 

It is quite a coincidence that Major Long and his 
party, twenty-seven years before, suffered the 
same inconvenience near the same place, by the 
same insects. Says his narrative: "We never 
were tormented at any period of our journey, more 
than when traveling in the vicinity of the 8t. 
Petcr'9. The mosquitoes rose all of a sudden. 
We have been frequently so much annoyed by 
these insects, as to be obliged to relinquish au un- 
finished supper, or to throw away a cup of tea 
which we could not enjoy. To protect our feet 
and legs we were obliged to lie with our boots on." 

While at breakfast, to the satisfaction of all 
parties concerned, the bow of the boat was turned 
once more toward the land of civilization and 
comfort. At dinner time we turned into the Blue 
Earth river. This is a rapid stream, with peb- 
bly banks, and the principal tributary to the 
Minnesota. The scenery around it is pictur- 
esque, and it will always be viewed with interest 
because of a French fort or trading post having been 
built hero one hundred and fifty years ago. Upon 
the banks of the Blue Earth, the party gathered 
some tolerable specimens of agate and carnelian, 
and a dark substance resembling cannel coal, but 
probably lignite. It was perhaps the discovery of 
this mineral, that led some of tlie old travelers to 
mark on their maps a coal mine on the Minnesota, 
a few miles above Fort Snelling. 

Just at dark the boat reached Traverse de s Sioux. 
It derives its name from the fact that for a long 
period it has been a crossing ])lace of the Sioux or 
Dahkotahs. The landing here is easy, the soil is 
fertile, woodland is convenient, and from a ridge 
two hundred feet in elevation, there is a creek af- 
fording a great amount of water power, and easily 



accessible from the river. The spot, is now occu- 
pied by an Indian village of a portion of the Dah- 
kotahs, a trading house and three neat and plain 
white buildings occupied for mission purposes l)y 
tlie missionaries. There are many acres of hind in 
cultivation, presenting quite an air of comfort and 
of ci^^lization. As it had been some time since we 
had any ice, most of the passengers left the boat 
and walked to the mission premises, where they 
found a well of cool and clear water, and to which 
they did ample justice. 

Instead of returning to the boat the writer 
passed the evening with the Eev. Mr. Hopkins, the 
missionary of the American Board in charge 
of this station. His wife, mentioned that the 
Indians could not conceive of the object 
that led the white men to navigate a stream which 
was not theirs; and that the children had been in 
through the day to tell her how terribly frightened 
they had been by the steam whistle; and to in- 
quire wliether it was a human being or the boat 
that made such an unearthly noise. 

Leaving Traverse des Sioux early on Friday 
morning we passed during the day some ancient 
mounds of the same kind as those scattered through 
Wisconsin and Illinois. Inasmuch as the Smith- 
sonian Institution has volunteered to publish a de- 
scription of the earth works near Lake Pepin, and 
mounds in other parts of Minnesota, it is to be 
hoped that some gentleman of leisure will sketch 
and prepare descriptions of them. 

In the middle of the afternoon we stopped at Six 
Village, the largest village of the Dahkotahs. 
About three hundred warriors, squaws and chil- 
dren were on the bank eager to see the wonder. 
As the steam whistle screeched it was amusing to 
see the boys and girls tumbling over each otlierin 
their haste to escape. The chief soon stepped on 
board and demanded a present for the privilege of 
navigating the river. He also contended that a 
canoe had been broken; but as he did not give the 
company ocular evidence of the fact they did not 
pay him ; but presented him with some pieces of 
calico, provisions and a box of Spanish green. 
Since 1847 the American Board has had a mission- 
ary residing here, the Eev. S. W. Pond. The pop- 
ulation aroimd him, within four or five mUes, is 
about six hundred; and at a little distance is an- 
other band of two hundred and fifty. Sixteen 
miles below this is a fourth mission station. The 
missionary in charge is Bev. G. H. Pond. He liaa 



INDIAN SACRED DANCE. 



167 



resided with the Indians for many years, and is 
one of the best speakers of their language. 

At an early hour on Friday night the steamboat 
returned to the landing at St. Paul. 

TREATIES OP 1851. 

The most important event of the year 1851 was 
the treaty with the Dakotahs, by which the west 
side of the Mississippi and the valley of the Min- 
nesota river were opened to the enterprise of the 
hardy emigrant. The commissioners on the part 
of the United States were Luke Lea, commissioner 
of Indian affairs, and Governor Eamsey. The 
place of meeting for the upper bands was Traverse 
des Sioux. The commission arrived there on the 
last of June, but were obliged to wait many days 
for the assembling of the various bands of Da- 
kotahs. 

Steps had been taken for the observance of the 
Fourth of July by those associated with the com- 
missioners, but that day proved to be one of sad- 
ness. Mr. Goodhue, who was on the spot, writes 
to the "Pioneer," of which he was the editor: 

"Instead of the joyous festivities we had this 
day anticipated, the sudden death by dro^vning, 
this morning before breakfast, of the Rev. Mr. 
Hopkins, resident missionary here, has thrown 
over our whole encampment a shadow of gloom. 
A multitude of men and women of both races ran 
to the spot to search the waters for his body. His 
clothes were found upon the bank of the river, or 
rather the bank of a slough, near the bed of a 
pretty strong current of water. A little Indian 
girl says she saw him wading breast deep toward 
shore, and that looking again, after iilhng her pail 
with water, she saw only his hands above water. 
As he could not swim, he was doubtless drowned 
by wading into a deep hole. Search has been 
made all day with nets and hooks, and by Indians 
diving, but as yet in vain. Mr. Hopkins was a 
good man, and left a most amiable wife and four 
children." Under date of July 7 he writes: 
"Suddenly news arrives in camp that the body of 
the lamented Mr. Hopkins is caught in a drag-net; 
and instantly the most of our company and hun- 
dreds of Indians are running from aU directions 
to the spot. The body was removed to the 
mission house, amid much silent grief, while a 
very aged squaw indulged in piteous lamentations, 
which affected every listener, saying, 'He was my 
son; he was very kind to me; he provided for me 
when I was hungry and needy.' This afternoon 
we are engaged in the mournful duty of burying 



this good man, who, buried in the seclusion of sav- 
age life, spent the flower of his days in a work as 
disinterested as that which made Howard hn- 
mortal." 

A SACRED DANCE. 

For several days there had been violent rains 
and thunderstorms, and the Dakotahs supposed 
that the Great Thunder Bird had dashed his wing 
upon the head of the Blue Earth river, and broken 
up fountains which had caused the rise in the 
waters. One day there was a propitiatory dance 
to Wahkeenyan, the God of Thunder. 

On the afternoon of July 12th the dance was 
commenced. The spot selected was nearly a half 
mile from the river bank. The commissioners 
and their party, and perhaps one thousand Dako- 
tahs, were present. The dance was performed 
within a circular enclosure made of the limbs of 
the aspen stuck in the groimd, interwoven with 
four arched gateways, forming an area like a large 
circus. A pole was planted in the middle of the 
area, with an image cut out of bark, designed to 
represent the Thimder Bird, suspended by a string 
at the top. At each of the arched gateways stood 
another pole and image of the same description, 
but smaller than the one in the centre. Near the 
foot of the central pole was a little arbor of aspen 
bushes, in which sat an ugly-looking Indian with 
his face blackened, and a wig of green grass over 
his head, who acted as sorcerer, and uttered incan- 
tations with fervent unction, and beat the dnim, 
and played on the Indian flute, and sung by turns, 
to regulate the various evolutions of the dance. 
Before this arbor, at the foot of the central pole, 
were various mystical emblems; the image of a 
running buffalo cut out of bark, with his legs stuck 
in the ground, also a pipe and a red stone shaped 
something like a head, with some colored down. 
At a given signal by the conjurer the young men 
sprang in through the gateways, and commenced a 
circrdar dance in procession around the conjurer, 
who continued to sing and beat his drum. After 
fifteen or twenty minutes, the dancers ran out 
of the ring, returning after a short respite. The 
tliird time a few horsemen in very gay, fantastic 
costume, accompanied the procession of dancers 
who were within, by riding outside of the enclos- 
ure. The last time a multitude of boys and girls 
joined the band of dancers in the area, and many 
more horsemen joined the cavalcade that rode 
around the area, some dressed in blue embroidered 
blankets, others in white. Suddenly several rifles 



168 



EARLT UlSTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



were discharged at the poles upon which the thun- 
der birds were suspended, knocking them down and 
the sacred dance ended. 

On the 18th of July, all those expected having 
arrived, the Sissetons and Wahpaytona Dahkotahs 
assembled in grand council with the United States 
commissioners. After the usual feasting and 
speeches, a treaty was concluded Wednesday, July 
23d. The pipe having been smoked by the com- 
missioners. Lea and Ramsey, it was passed to the 
chiefs. The paper containing the treaty was then 
read in English and translated into the Dahkotah 
by the Rev. S. R. Riggs. This finished, the chiefs 
came up to the secretary's table and touched the 
pen; the white men present then witnessed the 
document, and nothing remained but the ratifica- 
tion of the United States senate to open that vast 
country for the residence of the hardy immigrant. 

During the first week in August, a treaty was 
also concluded beneath an oak bower, on Pilot 
Knob, Mendota, with the M'dewakantonwan and 
Wahpajkootay bands of Dahkotahs. About sixty 
of the chiefs and principal men touched the pen, 
and Little Grow, who had been in the mission 
school at Lac qui Parle, signed his own name. 
Before they separated, Colonel Lea and Governor 



Ramsey gave them a few words of advice on vari- 
ous subjects connected with their future well-being, 
but particularly on the subject of education and 
temperance. The treaty was interpreted to them 
by the Rev. G. H. Pond. 

NAME OP ST. Peter's biver expunged. 

The territorial legislature of 1852 sent a memor- 
ial to congress, understood to have been written by 
Martin McLeod, Indian trader, who was a member 
of that body, asking that the name of Saint Peter's 
be dropped and Minnesota substitiited in public 
documents. The memorial asserts "that Minne- 
sota is the true name for this stream, as f,'iveu to 
it in ages past, by the strong and powerful tribes 
of aborigines, the Dahkotahs, who dwelt upon its 
banks, and not only to assimilate the name of the 
river with that of the territory and future state of 
Minnesota, but to follow what we conceive to be 
the dictates of a correct taste, and to show a proper 
regard for the memory of the great nation whose 
lands and country our people are bound to jiossess 
we desire that it should be so designated." Con- 
gress granted the request and it was enacted that 
the name St. Peter's should be discontinued, and 
Minnesota be the official designation of the river. 



y\/>'/\ch, 



-, ^/. 



GEOLOGY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

In the survey of Wisconsin, Iowa and Minne- 
sota, by Dr. D. D. Owen, the examination of this 
valley was committed to Dr. B. F. Shuinard. Dr. 
Shnraard and his party ascended the valley in 
canoes as far as the Redwood river, where he was 
attacked with pleurisy, and was compelled to re- 
turn hastily to Fort Snelling. This was in June, 
1848. His report exhibits the first attempt ever 
made to parallelize the works of the valley with 
those of the rest of the state and determine their 
geological age and their equivalents in other states, 
by reference to a known standard of nomenclature. 
That standard was that of the New York survey, 
as follows, with its equivalents: 

1. Formation 3 C — Coralline and Pentamerus 
beds of the upper Magnesian Limestone. The 
Niagara group. 

2. Formation, 3 B. — Lead-bearing beds of the 
upper Magnesian limestone. The Utica slate and 
Hudson river group. 

3. Formation 3 A— Shell-bed. The Trouton 
and Black river limestone. 

4. Formation 2 C — Upper white sacoharoid 
sandstone or St. Peter sandstone. 

5. Formation 2 A and B — Lower Magnesian 
limestone. The Calciterous eandrock of New 
York. 

6. Formation 1 — Lower, light-colored, quartzose 
sandstone. The Potsdam sandstone of New York. 

7. Red, argillacceous and ferruginous sandstone. 
Supposed to be a downward extension of the Pots- 
dam sandstone. 

Of these Dr. Shumard recognized Nos. 3 and 4 
at the mouth of the river, in the Fort Snelling 
bluff. At Shakopee, and thence to the Little 
Rapids (near Chaska) he notes No. 5. The sandstone 
at the last place he regards as belonging to a for- 
mation several hundred feet below the white sand- 
stone of No. 4, probably to No. 6. At "White Rock 
Bluif," situated on the right bank of the river 
about six miles below Traverse des Sioux, he re- 
gards the exposed section to consist of No. 6 
capped with No. 5, about fifty feet of the former 
and fifteen of the latter. The same formations 
are exposed, at intervals, to the mouth of the Blue 



Earth river, where the section is said to be similar 
to that of White Rock Bluff. Ascending the 
Blue Earth river six or eight miles and observing 
the same geological horizon, as far as he went, he 
notes subsequently, two or three exposures of No. 
6 before reaching the mouth of the Waraju, one 
being two miles below the mouth of that stream. 
The red quartzy te at the mouth of the Waraju, he 
regards as the lower beds of No. 6. more or less 
altered by metamorphism where they abut upon 
the igneous. rocks. He also notes conglomerate and 
granite outcrops about a mile in a straight line 
above the mouth of the Waraju. He mentions 
granite at La Petite Roche, and at frequent other 
points before reaching the Redwood river. He 
describes an interesting exposure two or three 
miles below the mouth of this river. 

More lately, in 1865, Mr. James Hall visited 
some portions of the valley of the Minnesota, his 
object being to ascertain the age of the coal that 
has been explored on the Waraju river. Subse- 
quently he read an interesting paper "on the 
Geology of Some Portions of Minnesota from St. 
Paul to the Western Part of the State" before the 
American Philosopkfcal society. The following 
points are made in the paper: 

1. The lower Magnesian and the Potsdam are 
seen in the bluffs of the river to Mankato. 

2. A small portion of the St. Peter sandstone 
was seen at St. Peter, stiU preserved above the 
lower Magnesian. 

3. The rock at Redstone he regards as Huronian. 

4. At Redwood Falls, and at other places, he 
mentions the " steatitic or glauconitic " beds, re- 
sulting from the decomposition of granite under 
the Cretaceous. 

5. The limestone and green marls at New Ulm 
he regards Cretaceous. 

6. The red marls and sandstones underlying, he 
thinks " are not older than the Triassic." 

7. He suggests the former probalile continuity 
of western and eastern Cretaceous areas with the 
southern prolongation of the same rocks of the 
Mississippi. 

8. Suggests the parallelism of the red marls 
and ferruginous sandstones at Winkelmann's, near 

(169) 



170 



OEOLOOT OF THE MINNEHOTA VALLEr. 



New Ulm, with the gypsiferous deposits in the 
valley of the DesMoines. 

9. Regards the Coteau de Prairie as made by a 
■broad syncliiiol in the quartzyte outcropping at 
Bedstone, and illustrates it by a diagram. 

General Topogeaphy of the Minnesota Val- 
liEY. — Southwestern Minnesota is characterized 
by extensive drift deposits evenly spread out. 
Tliey consist mainly of the unmodified product of 
the glacier, generally denominated hardpan or 
till. This sheet of drift lies upon the rough 
rock-surfaoe, and fills all its inequalities, preserv- 
ing for itself a rcmarkal)ly uniform and often per- 
fectly flat upper surface. It has an average thick- 
ness of perhaps 150 feet, and in some places is 
known to exceed 250 feet. Of course it is reduced 
to zero where the rocks of the old formations are 
seen at the surface. Through this sheet of drift 
the valley of the Minnesota is simply a long, nat- 
lU'al channel, of remarkably direct course from 
Lake Traverse to Mankato. At Mankato it 
enters upon an excavated valley through still 
thicker drift deposits, and at the same time it has 
a rocky, narrow gorge, cut sometimes seventy-five 
feet deeper into the bedded rock below the bottom 
of the drift. It maintains such a character from 
Mankato to Shakopee, where its rocky banks dis- 
np])ear, and nothing but drift again composes its 
banks to Fort Snclling. While the meanderings 
of its present course make the Minnesota appear 
to be a very crooked stream, yet if a general view 
of the bluffs only be taken, it will be seen that 
they have nearly a direct course, or change their 
direction by very broad and gentle curves. At 
Mankato the valley changes its course by turn- 
ing a right angle. Its bluffs thence to Fort Snell- 
ing are not so uniform in general direction, but 
exhibit very nearly the same characters as above 
lyiaukato. Compared with the valley which it oc- 
cupies, the present stream is insignificant. It only 
occasionally, in freshets, reaches the size it had 
when the valley was excavated. The descent 
of the stream is ordinarily quite gentle, and is 
navigal)le for canoes, and even for steamboats when 
it is swollen, to Granite Falls. Its total descent 
from Big Stone lake, whicli is 962 feet above the 
ocean, to the Mississippi at Fort Snclling is 2C0 
feet; but it has rapids at several places, and affords 
good water-jx)wers. Such are seen at Cliaslia, at 
Minnesota Falls and Granite Falls, at numer- 
ous places between the last two points, at Patter- 
sou's liapiils, and at points above Itedwood Falls. 



The ascent of the country on either side, away 
from the valley, is very gentle. Its northern 
tributaries have their sources in the moraines of 
the Leaf Hills, and its soutliern in those of the 
Coteau des Prairies. Thus the valley itself, be- 
tween Big Stone Lake and Mankato, is in the axial 
line of the last glacier movement which passed 
over that part of the state, and lies in its lowest 
part. Between Mankato and Fort Snclling it oc- 
cupies a pre-existing gorge, relinquished by the 
ice of the glacier at a date but little preceding 
that of the upper portion of the valley. Through- 
out its whole extent the Minnesota valley is more 
recent than that of the Mi8sissij>pi below Fort 
Snclling, but older than the gorge of the Missis- 
sippi above Fort SnelUng. The water level of 
the river is geneially from 150 to 250 feet below 
the general level of the adjoining country, and the 
valley has a width that varies from one to three 
miles. 

The granites of the valley : With the exception 
of the small exposure of flesh-colored granite 
near New Ulm, the fii-st outciop of rock of this 
kind occurs in ascending the valley at " La Fram- 
hoise Placed where it rises seventy-five or one bun-' 
drcd feet above the level of the river. This is at 
Little Eock creek, about four miles below Fort 
Ridgely. The exposure has long been known 
among the French traders as "La Petite Koche." 
It is one of a series of exposures in the same 
\-icinity, extending along the river bottoms, mainly 
on the north side, for a mile or two. In general 
this rock is granite. It rises in low knolls, per- 
haps fifty feet above the floodplain. Its outward 
appearance is that of a reddish granite made up of 
the ternary compound of orthoclasc, quartz and 
mica, the seperate grains of which are not coarse 
the largest being the flesh-colored feldspar. The 
quartz is milky or often amethystine; the mica is 
rather scarce for typical granite, and tlie orthoclase 
is red. The red color greatly predominates giving 
a reddish tinge to the whole stone, wherever the 
weathered surface is kept free from lichens, or 
where the interior is freshly exposed by cuts for 
quarrying. No regular dip is distinguishable, 
but a system of abrupt faces, on that side toward 
the river, the ojiposite slopes being more gradual, 
descending gently toward the north, indicates that 
the actual bedding dips to the north at an angle 
of 35 = or 40 o . For ten miles above Fort Ridgely 
occasional mounds of granite rise up in the bottom 
land. These exposures are quite small, and often 



GEOLOGY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



171 



at some distance from the river. A large and con- 
spieous area of exposed granite occurs on the 
south side of the river about two and a half miles 
below the old " Lower Agency," some of it rising 
as high as the river bluffs. 

Birch Coolie joins the Mirmesota in section five, 
township 112, range thirty-four. The sides of 
this ravine, a short distance above its mouth are 
in granite which is more or leas decomposed. It 
seems to have a dip south, south-east and south- 
west. The only place where real granite can be 
seen is about thirty rods above the mill-dam. It 
here rises twenty or thirty feet above the creek. 
The result of decay of the granite is a greenish 
substance resembling a kaolin, but very much 
darker than pure kaolin. It lies first under the drift 
or under the Cretaceous rocks where they overlie 
the granite. It passes by slow degrees into the 
granite. It has some of the characters of steatite. 
It cuts like soap, and has a light blue color when 
fresh, or kept wet, but a faded and yellowish ash- 
color when weathered; and when long and per- 
fectly weathered it is white and glistening. Since 
it prevails in the Cretaceons areas and is always 
present, so far as known, whenever the Cretaceous 
deposits have j)reserved it from disruption by the 
glacier period, it nlay be attributed to the action 
of the Cretaceous ocean, whose waters were alka- 
line, on the minerals of the granite. In some 
places it is gritty, and in others it can be com- 
pletely pulverized in the fingers. A great abun- 
dance of this substance exists in the banks of the 
Birch Coolie a short distance from its mouth. 

The mouth of Crow Creek: Granite of the 
same composition and outward appearance as that 
below Fort Eidgely outcrops on both sides of the 
Minnesota at the mouth of Crow Creek, section 
thirty-five, township 113, range thirty-five. It is 
here also superficially decomposed to the depth of 
several feet forming a substance resembling kao- 
lin, already mentioned as occurring at Birch Coo- 
lie. The usual jjoints of exposure of this kaolin 
are in the banks and little ravines that enter the 
Minnesota nver. It is generally overlain by de- 
posits of Cretaceous age comprising clay, lignitic 
shale, sandstone or limestone. When the water 
carries this kaolin out on to the bottoms and 
spreads it over the surface, it becomes dry after 
the subsidence of the water, and then appears as 
a nearly white, exceedingly uuctaus, glittering 
scum covering the groiind. In this condition it 
shows minute flakes and sheets that ajjpear like 



exfoliations of tale. This substance is not confin- 
ed to the bluffs and ravines of the Minnesota val- 
ley. It spreads south and north from the river, 
and lies under the drift over a wide extent. 

At the mouth of the Redwood river, on both 
sides of the Minnesota, a granite outcrop gives 
rise to many rocky hills and knolls. The Ked- 
wood river for some distance before reaching the 
Minnesota bottoms, is channelled through granite 
rock. This, together with the excavated cretaceous 
rock overlying, and the drift deposits, gives the 
river a very deep gorge, through which it flows 
at a rapid rate, sometimes plunging over precipi- 
tous or perpendicular rocky descents, presentuig 
a series of water- falls, rapids and quiet, deep pools 
of confined waters, which are rarely excelled for 
picturesque beauty. The river falls about 100 feet 
in half a mile. 

The granite through which the river is canoned, 
is usually the typical ternary compound, but shows 
variations. It is sometimes slaty or schistose, or 
cut by divisional planes into oblique cuboidal 
blocks. In this condition it is more easily quar- 
ried for building. 

At Eedwood Palls the granite is overlain by 
the kaolin which has been mentioned, presenting, 
in connection with this substance, a very interest- 
ing series of exposures, suggesting questions both 
economical and scientific. About a mile below 
the village, on the left bank of the river, is a con- 
spicuous white bluff, composed of white kaolin 
clay. Near the top of this bluff, where the rains 
wash it, it is silvery white, and that color is spread 
over much of the lower portions, though the mass 
of the lower part is more stained with iron, having 
also a dull greenish tinge. The white, glossy coat- 
ing, which appears like the washings of rains, is 
spread over the perpendicular sides. On breaking 
off this glossy coating, which is sometimes half 
an inch thick, the mass appears indistinctly bedded 
horizontally, but contains hard lumps and irony 
deposits. Further down the iron becomes more 
frequent and gritty particles like quartz, impede 
the edge of a knife. The bedding also is lost, and 
the closest inspection reveals no trace of sedimen- 
tary structure. Yet there is a sloping striation, or 
arrangement of Hues, visible in some places on a 
fresh surface, that corresponds in direction with 
the direction of the principal cleavage plane of the 
talcose and quartzitic schist underlying. In other 
places this arrangement is not seen, but the 
mass crumbles out in angular pieces which are 



172 



OEOLOGT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLET. 



supei-flcially stninecl with iron. Tho profile of the 
bhiff here presents a singular isolated knob, or 
buttress, that rises boldly from the very river, 
connected with the nitiin bank by a narrow ridge 
along which a man cannot walk with safety. On 
either side of this bold promimtory are retreating 
angles in the bluff, along which a descent can be 
made. A careful inspection of these ravines and 
of the adjoining bluffs, will afford any one indis- 
putable proof that this material, white and impal- 
pable as it is, results from a change in the under- 
lying granitic rocks. It is this material, in its 
darker and less changed condition, that was manu- 
factured into mineral paint some years ago. 

Between Beaver Falls and Vicksburg the gran- 
itic rocks appear almost constantly in sight, rising 
in mounds, or bold, irregular slopes along the 
river bottoms, reaching occasionally as high as the 
river bluffs. For some distance above Beaver Falls 
a ridge of granitic rock, running along within the 
bluffs, divides the channel of the river into two 
parts, both of which are sometimes occupied by 
water, no such rock, nor any other, being visible in 
the bluffs themselves. At eight miles above 
Beaver Falls such rock occurs in great force in the 
river bottoms, giving the appearance of a village 
at a distance, partly hid by the scant foliage. 
Here it occupies the whole valley, spurs running 
in either direction into the river bluffs. At Vicks- 
burg the river bottoms are covered with granite 
mounds and liills, some of them holding large 
blocks of hornblend schist that lie in, situ, the 
transition from granite to schist being very abrupt. 

At Minnesota Falls the river bottoms are occu- 
pied by schistose granite which splits up conven- 
iently for iise in construction. Much of the sur- 
face here closely underlain by granite is turfed 
over, indicating the more soft and decomposable 
nature of the schistose granite at this place. The 
rock is here intersected by veins of quartz and by 
trap dykes, the latter being traceable across the 
valley for half a mile, running north-east and 
south-west. This trap is heavy and dark green, 
with some shining faces on the hornblend when 
freshly broken. In higher levels, and apparently 
overlying the schistose granite, is a compact, hard 
weatbeMg granite. It is of a gray or greenish 
gray color, much resembling the St. Cloud gran- 
ite. The rock at Minnesota Falls has a noticable 
dip toward the south-east. In a little ravine that 
joins the Minnesota from the north the mineral al- 
ready described as kaolin, or ''paint rock" may Le 



seen. Hero it holds quartz veins and deposits. 
The valley all the way between Minnesota Falls 
and Granite Falls is about two miles wide, and 
presents a singular billowy prospect of granitic 
knobs, rising and faUing on all sides, the river 
worming its way among them and having frequent 
rapids and waterfalls, useful for mill privileges. 

At Granite Falls, as at Minnesota Falls, and all 
the way between, the rock in the valley is a schis- 
tose granite, almost a mica schist; but it varies to 
a hard gray granite, that resembles that at St. 
Cloud both in color and composition. This, how- 
ever, forms but a small part, the granite portion 
being schistose or laminated. Tho laminated 
structure has a usual inclination toward the south- 
east, but varies at Granite Falls from south-east 
to north-east. It amounts to 25 ® , but sometimes 
reaches 40 ° , and at one point it is toward the 
north. The red and gray colors are variously min- 
gled, without any apparent law of association or 
alternation. Although the patches of more mas ■ 
sive and typical granite are suitable for a fine 
building material, they still show the same dip to- 
ward the south-east, and are distinctly bedded 
throughout. These hard knobs rise from ten to 
twenty feet above the general level of the other 
granite, and show various effects of running wa- 
ter. Of the trap dykes some are as wide as twenty 
feet, and even forty-eight feet. There are sudden 
changes in the granite to homblendic schist. 
These occur irregularly. A change like this gives 
rise to the main waterfall, the schist offering 
greater resistance to erosion. The trap dykes also 
cause rapids and waterfalls where they cross the 
river. Between Granite Falls and Montevideo, at 
the mouth of the Chippewa river, the granite oc- 
casionally appears in the river bottoms. 

At Montevideo, or a short distance below, is a 
conspicuous outcrop of compact, hard granite, of 
a red color, lying mainly on the north side of the 
river, in the bottoms. This also dips 30 or 35 
degrees to the south-east, the beds representing 
the original sedimentary structure being from 
half an inch to three inches in thickness. Where 
widened they appear thinner, and the rock then 
sometimes presents a slaty structure, the edges 
standing out sharply at the angle of dip. At 
Minnesota Falls, and from there to Granite Falls, 
these beds are so micaceous as to make what has 
been termed a gneiss, the whole mass becoming 
easily disrupted by frost and water and then 
turfed over. But at this place the beds are closely 



GEOLOGY OF TUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



173 



compacted, and the whole is almost massive. The 
thickness of the bedding can easily be seen, how- 
ever, in the occasional thin sheets that part from 
the knobs, or in the striations that mark the faces 
of the water-worn, bald knobs. Although these 
knobs rise at irregular intervals, and are variously 
situated with reference to each other, having 
sloughs between them, yet they are arranged 
somewhat in succession in one direction, making 
rows, or almost sometimes continuous ridges, run- 
ning parallel, in direction of the strike north- 
east and south-west, which of themselves in- 
dicate a system of bedding. On a weath- 
ered cross-section of the bedding the marks 
of striation or sedimentation often show a 
wavy arrangement, or distorted parallelism, 
and sometimes they vanish and widen alter- 
nately. The dip measured in one place here is 
58 degrees, 10 degrees east of south. At anotlier 
point very near the last it is 85 degrees in the 
same direction. This granite has the color and 
apparent composition of that seen below Fort 
Ridgely. It shows occasionally a knob of horn- 
blendio schist rising above the granite mounds, 
having very much the form, dxp and bedding of 
the granite. There are also occasionally mounds 
and dykes of trap rock, or greenstone, split into 
shapeless blocks under the weather, the planes of 
division running in various directions. These 
have no bedding nor dip, nor do they disturb the 
uniformity of dip in the granite. They are very 
heavy and of a uniform dark green color. Gran- 
ite occurs on the prairie three miles east of Monte- 
video, and in the Minnesota bottoms a mile above 
Montevideo. That which is cut by the railroad 
is a beautiful red granite, very suitable for con- 
struction and for ornamental j^urposes. 

Near the lower end of Lac qui Parle lake gran- 
ite appears on both sides of the lake. It shows 
very much the same composition as that further 
down the river, consisting of quartz, mica and 
flesh-colored feldspar, with patches and veins of 
quartz, some of which are mingled with por- 
phyritic feldspar. At three miles above the foot 
of the lake, rock can be seen on the south side, 
rising above the level of the bottoms. Further up 
the river, near where it enters township 120, range 
44, may be seen a large exposure of coarse gran- 
ite; the crystals of feldspar are large and red. 
Yet the rock also varies to a lighter color in which 
the feldsjjar is nearly white. This does not show 
the bedding seen lower down the Minnesota river. 



Rsd granite also occurs about three fourths of a 
mile above the mouth of the Yellow Banks creek. 
At three miles below the foot of Big Stone lake is 
a tumultuous outcrop of red granite, extending to 
the lake on both sides of the river, showing planed 
and striated surfaces on a grand scale, the glacial 
marks running iu general in the direction of the 
Minnesota valley. This is a coarse red granite, 
with coarse crystals of feldspar. 

Along the shore of Big Stone lake there is no 
known outcrop of granite. Cretaceous rocks seem 
to constitute its banks. These are sometimes seen 
in the little creeks that enter it, and are outlined 
as terraces on its banks . 

The Potsdam Sandstone and quartzyte: The 
red rock cut by the Winona & St. Peter railroad 
about two miles east of New Ulm, in Courtland, 
belongs to the Potsdam age. It is the same as 
the red quartzyte seen frequently in Watonwan 
and Cottonwood counties, and at the famous piiie- 
stone quarry in the south-west corner of the state. 
It is associated with, and probably underlain by, 
a great thickness of red shales and sandstone, of- 
ten ttnctuous, as from talc, which generally escapes 
observation on account of their fragile character 
which has allowed them to be covered by the drift. 
They were penetrated by the deej) well of Man- 
kato and by that at Belle Plaine, but not entirely 
pierced. They seem to outcrop inconspicuously iu 
the river banks at several places between Judson 
and New Ulm, and they have contributed largely 
to the formation of the red till seen in that part of 
the state. A red tiU also occurs at Big Stone lake 
and is probably due to the same cause. 

The quartzyte near New Ulm has a dip to the 
east north-east varying from ten to twenty de- 
grees. The dip is greatest near the river, and is 
least near the northern extremity of the exposure. 
At the northern end of the exposure the rock shows 
a coarse grain, almost becoming conglomeritic. 
In some of the thin bedding, near the lowest part 
exposed, mica scales are visible on the planes of 
bedding. On the north side of the river, nearly 
opposite New Ulm, is an outcrop of coarse jaspery 
conglomerate, the pebbles m which are occasional- 
ly a foot in diameter, and water worn. There are 
also white quartzyte pebbles. Ten feet in thickness 
may be seen, in an irregularly ascending strike 
nearly north and south which is conspicuous in 
the woodless prairie. It rises from the very river 
bottoms, and enters the bhitT diagonally at a higlit 
of perhaps fifty feet above the river. It dips 18 ° 



174 



GEOLoar OF THE MISNESOTA VALLEY. 



toward the east southeast. The uiulerlying rock 
cauiiDt be seen. 

The St. Lawrence Limestone: The next higher 
rock in the geological scale is a series of light- 
colored saud.stones. Tlicy are nowhere seen in the 
Minnesota valley, but are well known in the Mis- 
sissippi bluti's, and were found in sinking deep 
wells at Minneapolis. Passing this we come to 
the St. Lawrence formation which aj)j)ears above 
the surface at but two or three jjoints. One is at 
Judson and Hebron, where it has been quarried; 
one is at St. Lawrence, near Belle Plaine, and one 
is at Faxon. 

At St. La\\Tence this stone is harder than the 
Shakopee limestone, evenly bedded, qnartzose, 
and specked with green. The total tliickness seen 
here is fourteen and one-half feet, some of the lay- 
ers being eighteen inches thick and very well 
adapted for a building stone. 

At Judson the rock is similar to that at St. Law- 
rence, and often the bedding planes are entirely 
covered with a green coating, and the body of the 
whole is specked thickly, and sometimes largely 
made up of green particles. It is mainly a mag- 
nesian limestone, and very durable, of a ilesh-color 
varying to buff, striped, specked and Ijlotched 
with green. The thickness of this formation is 
about 200 feet. 

The Jordan Sandstone: This light-colored 
sandstone lies next above the St. Lawrence lime- 
stone. Its thickness is about fifty feet, and its best 
exposures are at Jordan, in tlic low banks of the 
Jordan creek. It is wrought for building stone, 
and makes a very good material. It is also seen 
at Minneopa falls, and in the adjoining bluffs of 
the Blue Earth river. It occurs in the lower part 
of the rock bluffs of the Minnesota, under the lime- 
rock that forms their sunnnits, all the way from 
South Bend to Louisville, near Shakopee. It 
forms the most of the islands in the river near 
Louis^^lle, and causes tlie rapids at Uhaska. It 
sinks below the river at Shakopee, and is not seen 
again in that direction, but it occurs abundantly 
in Fillmore, "Winona and Houston counties. At 
Mankato a thickness of forty-five feet can be seen 
in the river bluffs. 

The Shakopee Limestone: This formation, 
lying next above the Jordan sandstone, plays an 
important part in the topograiihy and geology of 
the lower portion of the Minnesota valley. It is 
known as the building stone of Mankato, Kasota, 
St. Peter, Ottawa, and Shakopee. It does not vary 



much in its composition, but its bedding is sub- 
ject to irregularities. It is broken and nodular, 
and is also interlaminated in some places — partic- 
ularly tliose toward the north — with shale, and 
also with white sandstone. Its upper surface is 
quite uneven, and the overlying sandstone is de- 
posited on its irregularities, filling the depressions. 
In many places its beds are undulating locally, 
and unexpectedly shift their places. Its thickness 
is about seventy feet. 

The St. Peter Sandstone: This rock only ap- 
pears in the immediate valley of the Minnesota at 
Fort Snelling. Its thickness is about 125 feet. 
It forms Castle rock, figured by Fe:itherstonhaugh, 
in Dakota county, and it was quarried for the 
piers of the new bridge across the Mississippi at 
Fort Snelling. It is generally a crumbling, white 
or yellowish-white sandrock, but the repeated wet- 
ting and drying which it has suffered where 
wrought near Fort Snelling in the bottoms of the 
Minnesota seems to have caused an irony cement 
to gather among its grains, rendering them so 
firm that the rock constitutes a very good mate- 
rial for masonry. Its beds being thick, it will 
also make a useful stone for oraauicntal cutting in 
large structures. At Mendota, and in the bluffs of 
the Mississippi at St. Paul and Minneapolis, its 
wliito walls are well known as they ajipear to the 
traveler from the car-windows. 

The Trenton Limestone : This formation, which 
is known on the Minnesota river only at Mendota 
and Fort Snellinsj, is a blue limestone, with a 
thickness of about twenty-five feet. It has been 
used in the construction of the fort and all the at- 
tendant buildings. It is so argillaceous that it 
makes but a second-rate building-stone. It ft)rms 
the tops of the bluffs, lying directly above the St. 
Peter sandstone, from Fort Snelling to St. Paul 
and along the gorge of the Mississipin to Minne- 
apolis, where it constitutes the brink of the Falls 
of St. Anthony. 

The Cretaceous: This formation, which is found 
unconfonnably overlying the granites and the 
Silurian formations is found in patches throughout 
the valley. It may be seen as a light clay at 
]\Iankato, as a limestone at Redstone and at Win- 
kelmann's near New Ulm as a sandstone, back of 
New Ulm on the Cottcmwood as a coarse sandstone 
and ccmglomerate, as a shale at many places and 
as a lignite at Crow creek and Redwood Falls. Its 
clay and shales have contributed largely to the 
drift, producing a blue till, and often an alkaline 



GEOLOOr OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



175 



soil. As a formation it is easily destroyed by erosive 
and transporting agents, and hence it is gener- 
ally hid from sight along the river valley by the 
heavy covering of drift which characterizes that 
part of the state. 

The Economical Geology of the Valley. Coal : 
The separation of the region of the Minnesota 
. valley from all the important coal-fields, and its 
comparative sparse supply of wood for fuel, have 
directed the attention of settlers frequently to the 
possible supply of fuel from the lignites of the 
Cretaceous which, in the form of isolated frag- 
ments, are very often seen in digging wells and 
cellars. Some years ago systematic work to that 
end was carried on by a stock company at a point 
on the Cottonwood river, and at Eedwood Falls. 
At these places the beds of hgnite appear in the 
bluffs of those streams, and it is not a matter of 
surprise that the discoverers should at once infer 
that the beds were of the same age, and would 
probably be as productive, as the coal beds in 
Iowa. A single visit by a geologist who imder- 
stood the distinctive character of the fossil flora 
of the Carboniferous rocks in America would have 
been sufficient to correct that error. But it hap- 
pened then, as it frequently has before, that the 
geologist was consulted when it was too late, and 
he had only to discourage further exjjenditure of 
money in such a search. The "coal" occurs in two 
distinct forms which maybe distinguished as char- 
coal and cannel coal. The former, while it is of 
less value for use as fuel, is more abundant. It is 
light and quickly ignites but it is generally in fine 
pieces that appear to be matted down with the ash 
that resulted from the comljustion of other por- 
tions of the wood from which the coal is derived. 
It lies in irregular sheets, generally not more than 
halt an inch thick when pure, but may be' dis- 
seminated through a thickness of six or eight 
feet. It is very fragile, hardly bearing transpor- 
tation. The latter is black, or brown-black, lus- 
trous, compact, rather hard, and presents every 
aspect of a valuable coal. Sometimes it shows the 
fiber of the wood from which it is formed. It oc- 
curs in isolated lumps or pockets, in the same beds 
as the charcoal, but less abundantly. It readily 
burns, making a hot fire. In the air, when it has 
become dry, it cracks and crumbles something like 
quicklime, but not to a powder. It is this which is 
found in the drift. If it could be found in suffi- 
cient quantities it would make a valuable fuel for 
domestic purposes. The Iowa coal-field, of Car- 



boniferous age, does not reach as far north-west as 
the valley of the Minnesota. 

Mineral Paint: At Eedwood Falls the kaolin 
which has resulted from decomposition, in situ, of 
the granite rock, has become stained with iron, 
and has a brownish or greenish-brown color. It 
contains, generally, some silica. From that 
stained kaolin a good mineral j^aint has been man- 
ufactured. The manufactured article is said to 
have been equal to that of Brandon, Vt., but the 
cost was so great that after transportation to St. 
Paul it could not be offered in the market so 
cheaply as the Brandon paint. The color produced 
was a reddish umber. By making some selections 
various lighter shades, of the same general char- 
acter, were produced. It had a heavy sediment 
consisting probably of iron and silica. The sur- 
face of wood painted with it became hardened and 
glazed, but remained smooth. It is evident that 
the best methods for economy were not employed 
in this enterprise. The mine was situated aliout a 
mile from the mill. The rock is easy of access. 
It cost a sum between three and four dollars per 
ton to deliver the raw material at the mill. It 
could probably be done for less thdn a dollar. The 
total cost of manufacture ought not to exceed one 
dollar per hundred, or twenty dollars per ton. The 
Brandon paint sells for about forty dollars per 
ton. These statements are made on the authority 
of Mr. Park Worden. The substance occui-s in 
great abundance at a number of places. It is also 
found in greater purity, at least with much less 
quartz and iron, at several other places. Indeed, 
it seems to exist wherever the granitic rocks were 
buried beneath the ocean of the Cretaceous age, 
and where the ice of the glacial epoch has not dis- 
rupted it. 

Quicklime: For common quickhme the region 
of the Upper Minnesota has no suitable stone. 
Here is a great extent of fertile country, destined 
to be thickly inhabited, that must always depend 
on the Silurian limestones, situated further south- 
east, for one of its necessary articles of construc- 
tion. A great many limestone boulders, pertain- 
ing to the drift, and broTight from the region of 
Manitoba, have been gathered up and converted 
into quickhme. But they will soon entirely disap- 
pear. There is a large deposit of calcareous tufa 
that wUl furnish a good, strong quicklime, on the 
north-east one-fourth of section twenty-six, and 
south part of section twenty-three, Tunsburg, 
Chippewa county. This forms a nearly level layer 



176 



GEOLOGY OF THE MINNESOTA V^ILLET 



two or three feet thick extending along the bluffs 
about half a mile. The north-east portion is adap- 
ted for quicklime, the rest being gravelly. An- 
other similar deposit is in section twenty-two in 
the south township of Hawk creek, Renville county. 
This is nearly compact calcareous deposit, con- 
taining impressions of leaves and sticks. It is ex- 
posed six or eight feet vertically, in two masses 
four rods apart, on the north side of a ravine 
about fifty feet deep. These surface deposits of 
calcareous tufa have resulted from springs of limy 
water where they have issued from the bluifs 
and the water has slowly evaporated. 

The limestone found in the Cretaceous at New 
Ulm is also very valuable to this region, but tho 
slialv nature of the stone there will always make 
it difficult to compete with the lime fromMankato. 
At the same time the quality of the lime made 
there renders it applicable to uses of which the 
Maukato quicklime is not susceptible. The Man- 
kato and Shakopee lime is of a dark, leather- 
color, slacking to a cream color. It has a consid- 
erable sand that appears as a sediment. The 
stone itself is an arenaceous magnesian limestone, 
and the lime partakes of the nature of those limes. 
It sets more slowly, burns more easily, and slacks 
with less heat tlian the pure limestones. It is use- 
ful for brick and stone work, but will not answer 
for hard-finish. For common brown plastering it 
is very useful. The lime made at New Ulm, on 
the other hand, is nearly white, and in that respect 
has the advantage of the Mankato quicklime. It 
is very hot, and sets quickly. It is more nearly a 
pure lime, without magnesia. While it has no 
sand, as an impurity, it has alumina. Associated 
with it in the shales of the Cretaceous is more or 
less sulphate of lime in the form of transparent 
crystals or selenite. When there is much of this 
it would materially affect the quality of the lime, 
giving it somewhat the character of plaster of 
, Paris. Below Mankato there is no lack of good 
stone for quicklime. The Shakopee limestone is 
calcined at a number of places, and outcrops 
in the banks of the river at a great many others. 

Clays for brick and pottery : The Cretaceous 
clays are suitable for pottery in many places, and 
even for fire-brick. That clay which has been used 
for fire brick near New Ulm, lies below a heavy 
stratum of white sand. That employed for pot- 
tery is from a higher horizon. They both may be 
seen on the Cottonwood south of New Ulm. 

The drift clays also will make a good brick for 



common construction, particularly those finely 
laminated clay-lieds that seem to lie below one till 
deposit, and above another, being distinguished, 
hence, as interglacial. They are extensively used 
for this purpose at Carver, Chaska, Jordan and 
Mankato. The bricks made from them are gener- 
ally of a cream-color, but sometimes somewhat 
red. The modem alluvium of the river generally 
makes a red brick, particularly in the lower part 
of the valley. 

Agricultural Capacity: The soils of the' valley, 
after all, contain the chief sources of material pros- 
perity for the area drained by the Minnesota river. 
As they are the result of geological causes, re- 
sulting from the disintegration and distribution of 
the rocks, the agricultural characters of the region 
are within the purview of geology. But in this 
case the rocks found immediately underlying, are 
so deeply buried under a compact and impervious 
stony clay, or till, that they produce little effect 
on the soils. And their nature must be explained 
by searching further, and inquiring for the source 
of the till itself. A careful study of the drift de- 
posits shows that the blue stony clay, which lies 
closely below the surface, all over the region (out- 
side the immediate valley t is derived largely from 
the Cretaceous clays aud shales which are seen oc- 
casionally in protected points, still lying in their 
natural beds. The general movement of the drift 
was from the north and north-west, and much of 
the clay must have come as far as from IManittjba. 
These clays are generally strongly calcareous, and 
very often magnesian or even alkaline, and they 
impart these characters to springs and wells. In 
some places they have been concentrated by long 
drainage into confined lake basins and the resulting 
sedimentary clay while producing a cream colored 
brick, is so tenacious and so strongly charged w ith 
these salts, that the waters of the surface on cvaj)- 
oration produce still a whit« eftloresence that c an be 
seen in the spring and early summer after the 
earth has become dry. This occurs only in those 
regions that have the alkaline clays for a soil aud 
subsoil. In some of the southwestern pf)rtion3 of 
the state a loam covers this alkaline subsoil, and 
this efHoresence is then not seen. In some others 
the subsoil is rather graveley than clayey, and in 
these tho drainage underground carries away the 
surface waters so that thay do not evaporate, and 
tho alkaline peculiarities do not apjjcar. The 
region exhibits every variety of soil. 



HISTORY 

OF THE 

SIOUX MASSACRE OF 1862. 



CHAPTEK XXX. 

LOUIS Hennepin's visit to the uppek mlssissippi 

IN 1680 — CAPTAIN JONATHAN CAKVEB VISITS THE 

COUNTRY IN 1766 — -THE NAMES OF THE TRIBES 

TREATIES WITH SIODX INDIANS FROM 1812 TO 

1859 THEIR RESERVATIONS CIVILIZATION EF- 

FOKTS SETTLEMENTS OP THE WHITES CONTIGU- 
OUS TO THE RESERVATIONS. 

The first authentic knowledge of the country 
upon the waters of the Upper Mississippi and its 
tributaries, was given to the world by Louis Hen- 
nepin, a native of France. In 1680 he visited the 
Falls of St. Anthony, and gave them the name of 
his patron saint, the name they still bear. 

Hennepin fouud the country occupied by wild 
tribes of Indians, by whom he and his compan- 
ions were detained as prisoners, but kindly treated, 
and fiually released. 

In 1766, this same country was again visited by 
a white man, this time by Jonathan Carver, a 
British subject, and an oiKcer in the British army. 
Jonathan Carver spent some three years among 
different tribes of Indians in the Upper Missis- 
sippi country. He knew the Sioux or Dakota 
Indians as the Naudowessies, who were then occu- 
pying the country along the Mississippi, from 
Iowa to the Falls of St. Anthony, and along the 
Minnesota river, then called St. Peter's, from its 
source to its mouth at Mendota. To the north of 
these tribes the country was then occupied by the 
Ojibwas, commonly called Chippewas, the heredi- 
tary enemies of the Sioux. 

Carver found these Indian nations at war, and 
by his commanding influence finally succeeded in 
making peace between them. As a reward for his 
good offices in this regard, it is claimed that two 
chiefs of the Naudowessies, acting for their nation, 
at a council held with Carver, at the great cave, 

12 



now in the corporate limits of St. Paul, deeded to 
Carver a vast tract of land on the Mississippi 
river, extending from the Falls of St. Anthony to 
the foot of Lake Pepin, on the Mississippi; thence 
east one hundred English miles; thence north one 
hundred and twenty miles; thence west to the 
place of beginning. But this pretended grant has 
been examined by our government and entirely 
ignored as a pure invention of parties in interest, 
after Carver's death, to profit by his Indian ser- 
vice in Minnesota. 

There can be no doubt that these same Indians, 
known to Captain Carver as the Naudowessies, in 
1767, were the same who inhabited the country 
upon the Upper Mississippi and its tributaries 
when the treaty of Traverse des Sioux was made, 
in 1851, between the United States and the Sisse- 
ton and Wajiaton bands of Dakota or Sioux Indi- 
ans. The name Sioux is said to have been bestowed 
upon these tribes by the French; and that it is a 
corruption of the last syllable of their more an- 
cient name, which in the pecidiar gutteral of the 
Dakota tongue, has the sound of the last syllable 
of the old name Naudowessies, Sioux. 

The tribes inhabiting the Territory of Minne- 
sota at the date of the massacre, 1862, were the 
following: Medawakontons (or Village of the 
Spirit Lake); Wapatons (or Village of the 
Leaves); Sissetons (or Village of the Marsh): 
and Wapakutas (or Leaf Shootera). AU these 
were Sioux Indians, connected intimately with 
other wild bands scattered over a \ast region of 
country, including Dakota Territory, and the 
country west of the Missouri, even to the base of 
the Kocky Mountains. Over all this vast region 
roamed these wild bands of Dakotas, a powerful 
and warlike nation, holding by their tenure the 
country north to the British Possessions. 

(177) 



17S 



HISTORY OF THE SIOUX MASSACRE. 



The SissetoDS had a hereditary chief, Ta-tanka 
Mazin, or Standing Buffalo; and at the date of 
the massacri) his father, "Star Face," or the "Or- 
phan," was yet alive, but superannuated, and all 
the duties of the chief were vested in the sou, 
Staudiug Buffalo, who remained friendly to the 
whites and tt)ok no part in the terrible massacre 
on our bonier in 18G2. 

The four tribes named, the Medawakontons, Wa- 
patons, Sissetons and Wapakutas, comprised the 
entire "iiimuity Sioux" of Minnesota; and in 1862 
those tribes numbered about six thousand and two 
hundred persons. All these Indians had from 
time to time, from the 19th day of July, 1815, to 
the date of the massacre of 1862, received pres- 
ents from the Government, by virtue of various 
treaties of amity and friendsliip between us and 
their accredited chiefs and Ijeads of tribes. 

Soon after the close of the last war with Great 
Britain, on the first day of June, 1816, a treaty 
was concluded at St. Louis between the United 
States and the chiefs and warriors representing 
eight bands of the Sioux, composing the three 
tribes then called the "Sioux of the Leaf," the 
"Sioux of the Broad Leaf," and the "Sioux who 
Shoot in the Pine Tops," by the terms of which 
these tribes confirmed to the United States all 
cessions or grants of lands previously made by 
them to the British, French, or Spanish govern- 
ments, within the limits of the United States or 
its Territories. For these cessions no annuities 
were paid, for the reason that they were mere con- 
firmations of grants made by tliem to powers 
from whom we had acquired the territory. 

From the treaty of St. Louis, in 1816, to the 
treaty ratified by the United States Senate in 1859, 
these tribes had remained friendly to the whites, 
and had by treaty stipulations parted with all the 
lands to which they claimed title in Iowa; all on 
the east side of the Mississippi river, and all on 
the Minnesota river, in Minnesota Territory, ex- 
cept certain reservations. One of these resei-va- 
tions lay upon both sides of the Minnesota, ten 
miles on either side of that stream, from Hawk 
river on the north, and Yellow Medicine river on 
the south side, thence westerly to the head of Big 
Stone Lake and Lake Traverse, a distance of 
about one hundred miles. Another of these reser- 
vations commenced at Little Rock river on the 
east, and a line running due south from opposite 
its mouth, and extending up the river wefltorly to 
the easterly line of the first-named reservation, at 



the Hawk and Yellow Medicine rivers. This last 
reservation had also a widtli of ten miles on each 
side of the Minnesota river. 

The Indians west of the Missouri, in referring 
to those of their nation east of the river, called 
them Isanties, which seems to have been applied 
to them from the fact that, at some remote period, 
they had lived at Isantamde, or "Knife Lake," 
one of the MiUe Lacs, in Jliimesota. 

These Indian treaties inaugurated and contrib- 
uted greatly to strengthen a custom of granting, 
to the pretended owner."? of lands occupied for 
purposes of hunting tlio wild game thereon, and 
living upon the natural products thereof, a con- 
sideration for the cession of their lands to the 
Government of the United States. This custom 
culmiuatod in a vast annuity fuuil, in the aggre- 
gate to over three million dollars, owing to these 
tribes, before named, in Minnesota. This annuity 
system was one of the causes of the massacre of 
1862. 

Indian Life. — Before the whites came in con- 
tact with the natives, they dressed in the skins o' 
animals which they killed for food, such as the 
bufl'alo, wolf, elk, deer, beaver, otter, as well as the 
small fur-bearing animals, which they trapped on 
lakes and streams. In later years, as the settle- 
ments of the white race approached their borders, 
they exchanged these peltries and furs f(ir blankets, 
cloths, and other articles of necessity or ornament. 
The Sioux of the plains, those who inhabited the 
Coteau and beyond, and, indeed, some of the 
Sisseton tribes, dress in skins to this day. Even 
among those who are now called "civilized," the 
style of costume is often imique. It is no picture 
of the imagination to portray to the reader a "stal- 
WAET Indian" in breech-cloth and leggins, with 
a calico shirt, aU "fluttering in the wind," and his 
head surmounted with a stove-pipe hat of mosJ 
surprising altitude, carrying in his hand a pipe of 
exquisite workmanship, on a stem not unlike a 
cane, sported as an ornament by some city dandy. 
His appearance is somewhat varied, as the seasims 
come and go. He may be seen in summer or in 
winter dressed in a heavy cloth coat of coarse fal)- 
ric, often turned inside out with all his civilized 
and savage toggery, from head to foot, ih the most 
bewildering juxtaposition. On beholding him, 
the dullest imagination cannot refrain from the 
poetic exclamtion of Alexander Pope, 

"Lo! the poor Indian, whose untutored mind!" 



EFFORTS OF CIVILIZATION. 



179 



Efforts to Civilize these Annuity Indians. 
— The treaty of 1838, made at Wasbingtou, elabo- 
rated a scheme for the civilization of these anmiity 
Indians. A civilization fund was provided, to be 
taken from their annuities, and expended in im- 
provements on the lands of such of them as should 
abandon their tribal relations, and adopt the habits 
and modes of lite of the white race. To all such, 
lands were to be assigned in severalty, eighty 
acres to each head of a family. On these farms 
were to be erected the necessary fai-m-buildings, 
and farming implements and cattle were to be 
furnislicd them. 

In addition to these favors the government 
offered them pay for such labors of value -as were 
performed, in addition to the crops they raised. 
Indian farmers now augmented rapidity, until the 
appalling outbreak in 1862, at which time about 
one hirndred and sixty had taken advantage of the 
munificent provisions of the ti'eaty. A number of 
farms, some 160, had good, snug brick houses 
erected upon them. Among these eivilized savages 
was Little Crow, and many of these farmer-Indians 
belonged to his own band. 

The Indians disliked the idea of taking any por- 
tion of the general fund belonging to the tribe for 
the purpose of carrying out the civilization schemei 
Those Indians who retained the "blanket," and 
hence called "blanket Indians," denounced the 
measure as a fraud upon their rights. The chase 
was then a God-given right; this scheme forfeited 
that ancient natural right, as it pointed unmistaka- 
bly to the destruction of the chase. 

But to the friends of Indian races, the course 
inaugurated seemed to be, step by step, lifting 
these rude children of the plains to a higher level. 
This scheme, however, was to a great degree 
thwarted by the helpless condition of the "blanket 
Indians" during a great portion of the year, and 
their persistent determination to remain followers 
of the chase, and a desire to continue on the war- 
path. 

When the chase fails, the "blanket Indians" re- 
sort to their relatives, the farmers, pitch their 
tepees around their houses, and then commence 
the process of eating them out of house and home. 
When the ruin is complete, the farmer Indians, 
driven by the law of self-preservation, with their 
wives and children, leave their homes to seek such 
subsistence as the uncertain fortunes of the chase 
may yield. 



In the absence of the family from the bouse and 
fields, thus deserted, the wandering "blanket In- 
dians" commit whatever destruction of fences or 
tenements their desires or necessities may suggest. 
This perennial jirocess goes on; so that in the 
spring when the disheartened farmer Indian re- 
turns to his desolate home, to prepare again for 
another crop, he looks forward with no diiferont 
results for the coming winter. 

It will be seen, from this one illustration, drawn 
from the actual results of the civilizing process, 
how hopelesrS was the prospect of elevating one 
class of related savages without at the same time 
protecting them from the incursions of their own 
relatives, against whom the class attempted to be 
favored, had no redress. In this attempt to civil- 
ize these Dakota Indians the forty years, less or 
more, of missionary and other efforts have been 
measurably lost, and the money spent in that di- 
rection, if not wasted, sadly misapplied. 

The treaty of 18.58 had opened for settlement a 
vast frontier country of the most attractive char- 
acter, in the Valley of the Minnesota, and the 
streams putting into the Minnesota, on either side, 
such as Beaver creek, Sacred Heart, Hawk and 
Chippewa rivers and some other small streams, 
were flourishing settlements of white families. 
Within this ceded tract, ten miles wide, were the 
scattered settlements of Birch Coolie, Patterson 
Eapids, on the Sacred Heart, and others as far up 
as the Upper Agency at Yellow IMedicine, in Ren- 
ville county. The county of Brown adjoined the 
reservation, and was, at the time of which we are 
now writing, settled mostly by Germans. In this 
county WHS the flourishing town of New Ulm, and 
a thriving settlement on the Big Cottonwood and 
Watonwan, consisting of German and American 
pioneers, -who had selected this lovely and fertile 
valley for their future homes. 

Other coimties. Blue Earth, Nicollet, Sibley, 
Meeker, McLeod, Kandiyohi, Monongalia and 
Murray, were all situated in the finest portions of 
the state. Some of the valleys along the streams, 
such as Butternut valley and others of similar 
character, were lovely as Wyoming and as fertile 
as the Garden of Eden. These countie-i, with 
others somewhat removed from the direct attack of 
the Indians in the massacre, as Wright, Stearns 
and .Jackson, and even reaching on the north to 
Fort Abercrombie, thus extending from Iowa to 
the Valley of the Red River of the Nortii, were 
severally involved in the consequences of the war- 



180 



n I STORY OF THE SIOUX MASSACRE. 



fare of 1862. This extended area had at the time 
a popuhition of over fifty thousand people, princi- 
pally in the puravut of agriculture; and although 
the settlements were in their infancy, the people 
were happy and contented, and as prosperous as 
anv similar community in any new country on the 
American continent, since the landing of the Pil- 
grim Fathers. 

We have in short, traced the Dakota tribes of 
Minnesota from an early day, when the white man 
first visited and explored these then unknown re- 
gions, to the time of the massacre. We have also 
given a synopsis of all the most important treaties 
between them and the government, with an allu- 
sion to the country adjacent to the reservations, 
and the probable number of people residing in the 
portions of the state ravaged by the savages. 



CHAPTEE XXXI. 



COMPLAINTS OF THE INDIANS — TREATIES OP TRA- 
VERSE DBS SIOCX AND MENDOTA OBJECTIONS TO 

THE MODE OF PAYMENT INKPADUTA MASSACRE 

AT SPIRIT LAKE PROOF OF CONSPIRAOT IN- 
DIAN CODNCILS. 

In a former chapter the reader has had some 
account of the location of the several bands of 
of Sioux Indians in Minnesota, and their relation 
to the white settlements on the western border of 
the state. It is now proposed to state in brief 
some of the antecedents of the massacre. 

PROMINENT CAUSES. 

1. By the treaty of Traverse des Sioux, dated 
July 23, 1851, between the United States and the 
Sissetons and Wapatons, $275,000 were to be paid 
their chiefs, and a further sum of 830,000 was to 
be expended for their benefit in Indian improve- 
ments. By the treaty of Mendota, dated August 
5, 1851, the Medawakantous and Wapakutas were 
to receive the sum of $200,000, to bo paid to their 
chief, and for an improvement fund the farther 
sum of 830,000. These several sums, amounting 
in the aggregate to 8555,000, these Indians, to 
whom they were payable, claim they were never 
paid, except, perhaps, a small portion expended in 
improvements on the reservations. They became 
dissatisfied, and expressed their views in council 
freely with the agent of the government. 

In 1857, the Indian department at Washington 
sent out Major Kintzing Prichette, a man of great 
experience, to inquire into the cause of this disaf- 



fection towards the government. In his report of 
that year, made to the Indian department. Major 
Prichette says: 

"The complaint which' runs through all their coun- 
cils points to the imperfect performance, or non-ful- 
fillment of treaty stijjulations. Whether these 
were well or ill founded, it is not my promise to 
discuss. That such a belief prevails among them, 
impairing their confidence and good faith in the 
government, cannot be questioned." 

In one of these councils Jagmani said : "The 
Indians sold their lands at Traverse des Sioux. I 
say what we were told. For fifty years they were 
to be paid 850,000 per annum. We were also 
promised 8300,000, and that we have not seen." 

Mapipa Wicasta (Cloud Man), second chief of 
Jagmani's band, said: 

"At the treaty of Traverse des Sioux, $275,000 
were to be paid them when they came upon their 
reservation; they desired to know what had be- 
come of it. Every white man knows that they 
have been five years upon their reservation, and 
have yet heard nothing of it." 

In this abridged form we can only refer in brief 
to these complaints; but the history would seem 
to lack completeness without the presentation of 
this feature. As the fact of the dissatisfaction ex- 
isted, the government thought it worth while to 
appoint Judge Young to investigate the charges 
made against the governor, of the then Minnesota 
territory, then acting, ex-officio, as superintendent 
of Indian aflfairs for that locahty. Some short 
extracts from Judge Young's report are here pre- 
sented: 

"The governor is next charged with having paid 
over the greater part of the money, appropriated 
imder the fourth article of the treaty of July 23 
and August 5, 1851, to one Hugh Tyler, for pay- 
ment or distribution to the 'traders' and 'half- 
breeds,' contrary to the wishes and remonstrances 
of the Indians, and in violation of law and the 
stipulations contained in said treaties; and also 
in violation of his own solemn pledges, personally 
made to them, in regard to said payments. 

"Of 8275,000 stipulated to be paid under the 
Jirst clause of the fourth article of the treaty of 
Traverse des Sioux, of July 24, 1851, the sum of 
8250,000, was delivered over to Hugh Tyler, by 
the governor, for distribution omong the 'traders' 
and 'half-breeds,' according to the arrangement 
made by the schedule of the Traders' Paper, dated 
at Traverse des Sioux, July 23, 1851." 



CAUSES OF iraHTATION. 



181 



"For tbis large sum of money, Hugh Tyler ex- 
ecuted two receipts to the Governor, as the attor- 
ney for the 'traders' and 'half breeds;' the one for 
$210,000 on account of the 'traders,' and the other 
for $40,000 on account of the 'half-breeds;' the 
first dated at St. Paul, December 8, 1852, and the 
second at Mendota, December 11, 1852." 

"And of the sum of $110,000, stipulated to be 
paid to the Medawakantons, under the fourth ar- 
ticle of the treaty of August 5, 1851, the sum of 
$70,000 was in like manner paid over to the said 
Tyler, on a power of attorney executed to him by 
the traders and claimants, under the said treaty, 
on December 11, 1852. The receipts of the said 
Tyler to the Governor for this money, |70,000, is 
dated at St. Paul, December 13, 1852, making to- 
gether the sum of .$320,000. This has been shown 
to have been contrary to the wishes and remon- 
strances of a large majority of the Indians." And 
Judge Young adds: "It is also believed to be in 
violation of the treaty stipulations, as weU as the 
law making the appropriations under them." 

These several sums of money were to be paid to 
these Indians in open council, and soon after they 
were on their reservations provided for them by 
the treaties. In these matters the report shows 
they were not consulted at all, in open council; 
but on the contrary, that arbitrary divisions and 
distributions were made of the entire fund, and 
their right denied to direct the manner in which 
they should be appropriated. See Acts of Con- 
gress, August 30, 1852. 

The Indians claimed, also, that the third section 
of the act was violated, as by that section the ap- 
propriations therein referred to, should, in every 
instance, be paid directly to the Indians them- 
selves, to whom it should be due, or to the tribe, 
or part of the tribe, per capita, " unless otherwise 
the imperious interest of the Indians or some 
treaty stipulation should require the payment to 
be made otherwise, under the direction of the 
president." This money was never so paid. The 
report further states that a large sum, " $55,000, 
was deducted by Hugh Tyler by way of discount 
and percentage on gross amount of payments, 
and that these exactions were made both from tra- 
ders and half-breeds, without any previous agree- 
ment, in many instances, and in such a way, in 
some, as to make the impression that unless they 
were submitted to, no payments would be made to 
such claimants at all." 

And, finally the report says, that from the testi- 



mony it was evident that the money was not paid 
to the chiefs, either to the Sisseton, Wapaton, or 
Medawakanton bands, as they in open council re- 
quested; but that they were compelled to submit 
to this mode of payment to the traders, otherwise 
no payment would be made, and the money would 
be returned to Washington; so that in violation of 
law they were compelled to comply with the Gov- 
ernor's terms of payment, according to Hugh Ty- 
ler's power of attorney. 

The examination of this complaint, on the part 
of the Indians, by the Senate of the United States, 
resulted in exculi^ating the Governor of Minnesota 
( Governor Kamsey ) from any censure, yet the In- 
dians were not satisfied with the treatment they 
had received in this matter by the accredited agents 
of the Government. 

2. Another cause of irritation among these In- 
dians arose out of the massacre of 1857, at Spirit 
Lake, known as the Inkpaduta massacre. Inkpa- 
duta was an outlaw of the Wapakuta band of 
Sioux Indians, and his acts in the murders at 
Spirit Lake were entirely disclaimed by the "annu- 
ity Sioux." He had slain Tasagi, a Wapakuta 
chief, and several of his relatives, some twenty 
years previous, and had thereafter led a wandering 
and marauding life about the head waters of the 
Des Moines river. 

Inkpaduta was connected with several of the 
bands of annuity Sioux Indians, and similar rela- 
tions with other bands existed among his followers. 
These ties extended even to the Yanktons west of 
the James river, and even over the Missouri. He 
was himself an outlaw for the murder of Tasagi 
and others as stated, and followed a predatory and 
lawless life in the neighborhood of his related 
tribes, for which the Sioux were themselves blamed. 

The depredations of these Indians becoming in- 
sufferable, and the settlers finding themselves suf- 
ficiently strong, deprived them of their gims and 
drove them from the neighborhood. Recovering 
some of their guns, or, by other accounts, digging 
up a few old ones which they had buried, they 
proceeded to the settlement of Spirit Lake and 
demanded food. This appears to have been given 
to a portion of the band which had first arrived, 
to the extent of the means of those applied to. 
Soon after, Inkpaduta, with the remainder of his 
followers, who, in all, numbered twelve men and 
two boys, with some women who had lingered be- 
hind, came in and demanded food also. The set- 
tler gave him to understand that he had no more 



182 



niSTORT OF THE SIOUX MASSACRE. 



to give; whereupon Inkpaduta spoke to his eldest 
son to tlio etFec't th;it it was dis<,'racpful to ask 
these people for food which they ought to take 
themselves, and not to have it thrown to them like 
dogs. Thus assured, the son immediately shot the 
man, jind the murder of the whole family fol- 
lowed. From thence they proceeded from house 
to house, until every family iu the settlement, 
without warning of those previously slain, were 
all massacred, except four women, whom they bore 
away prisoners, and afterward violated, with cir- 
cumstances of brutality so abhorrent as to find no 
parallel in the annals of savage barbarity, unless 
we except the massacre of 1862, which occurred a 
few years later. 

From Spirit Lake the murderers proceeded to 
Springfield, at the outlet of Shetek, or Pelican 
lake, near the head waters of the Des Moines 
river; where they remained encamped for some 
days, trading with Mr. William Wood from Man- 
kato, and his brothers. Here they succeeded in 
killing seventeen, including the Woods, making, 
iu all, forty-seven persons, when the men rallied, 
and firing upon them, they retreated and deserted 
that part of the country. Of the four women 
taken captives by Inkpaduta, Mrs. Stevens and 
Mrs. Noble were killed by the Indians, and Mrs. 
M.'U'ble and Miss Gardner were rescued by the 
Wajjaton Sioux, under a promise of reward from 
the Government, and for which the three Indians 
who brought in these captives received each one 
thousand dollars. 

The Government had required of the Sioux the 
delivery of Inkpaduta and his band as the condi- 
tion for the payment of their annuities. This was 
regarded by certain of the bands as a great wrong 
visited upon the innocent for the crimes of the 
guQty. One of their speakers (Mazakuti Mani), 
iu a council held with the Sissetons and Wapatons, 
August 10, 1857, at Yellow Medicine, said : 

"The soldiers have appointed me to speak for 
them. The men who killed the white people did 
not belong to us, and we did not expect to be called 
upon to account for the deeds of another band. 
We have always tried to do as our Ctroat Father 
tells us. One of our young men brought in a 
captive woman. I went out and brought in the 
other. The soldiers came up here, and our men 
assisted to kill one of Inkpaduta's .sons at this 
place. The lower Indians did not get uj) the war- 
party for yo>i; it was our Indians, the Wapatons 
and Sis.seton8. The soUliers here say that they 



were told by you that a thousand dollars would 
be paid for killing each of the murderers. We, 
with the men who went out, want to be paid for 
what wo have done. Three men were kUled, as 
we know. ***** All of us want our 
money very much. A man of another band has 
done wrong, and we are to suffer for it. Our old 
women and children are hungry for this. I have 
seen $10,000 sent here to pay for our going out. 
I wish our soldiers were paid for it. I suppose 
our Great Father has more money than this." 

Major Pritchette, the special government agent, 
thought it necessary to answer some points made 
by MaKakuti Mani, and spoke, in council, as fol- 
lows: 

"Your Great Father has sent me to see Super- 
intendent Cullen, and to say to him he was well 
satisfied with his conduct, because he had acted ac- 
cording to his instructions. Y^our Great Father 
had heard that some of his white children had been 
cruelly and brutally murdered by some of the 
Sioux nation. The news was sent on the wings of 
the lightning, from the extreme north to the land 
of etei'nal summer, throughout which his children 
dwell. His young men wished to make war on 
the whole Sioux nation, and revenge the deaths of 
their brethren. But your Great Father is a just 
father and wishes to treat all his children alike 
with justice. He wants no innocent man pimished 
for the guilty. He punishes the guilty alone. He 
expects that those .missionaries who have been here 
teaching you the laws of the Great Spirit had 
taught you this. Whenever a Sioux is injured by 
a white man your Great Father will punish him, 
and expects from the chiefs and warriors of the 
great Sioux nation that they will jiunish those In- 
dians who injure the whites. He considers the 
Sioux as a part of his family; and :is friends and 
brothers he expects them to do as the whites do to 
them. He knows that the Sioux nation is divided 
into bands; but he knows also how they can all 
band togetlier for common protection. He expects 
the nation to punish these murderers, or to deliver 
them up. He expects this because they are his 
friends. As long as these murderers remain un- 
punished or not delivered up, they are not acting 
as friends of their Great Father. It is for this 
rea.son that he has witheld the annuity. Your 
Great Father will have his white children pro- 
tected; and all who have told you that your Great 
Father is not able to punish those who injure them 
will find themselves bitterly mistaken. Your 



REPORT OF SPECIAL AGENT. 



183 



Great Father desires to do good to all his children 
and will do all in bis power to accomplish it; but 
he is firmly resolved to punish all who do wrong." 

After this, another similar council, September 1, 
1857, was held with the Sisseton and Wapaton 
band of Upper Sioux at Yellow Medicine. Agent 
Flandrau, in the meantime, had succeeded in or- 
ganizing a band of warriors, made up of all the 
"annuity" bauds, under Little Crow. This expe- 
dition numbered altogether one hundred and six, 
besides four half-breeds. This party went out af- 
ter Inkpaduta on the 22d of July, 1857, starting 
from Yellow Medicine. 

On the 5th of August Major Pritchette reported 
to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, "That the 
party of Indians, representing the entire Sioux na- 
tion, under the nominal head of Little Crow, re- 
turned yesterday from the ex2oedition in search of 
Inkpaduta and his band," after an absence of thir- 
teen days. 

As this outlaw, Inkpaduta, has achieved an im- 
mortality of infamy, it may be allowable in the 
historian to record the names of his followers. In- 
kj^aduta (Scarlet Point) heads the list, and the 
names of the eleven men are given by the wife of 
Tateyahe, who was killed by the party of Sioux 
under Little Crow, thus: Tateyahe (Shifting 
Wind); Makpeahoteman (Koaring Cloud), son of 
Inkpaduta, killed at Yellow Medicine; Makpiope- 
ta (Fire Cloud), twin brother of Makpeohotoman ; 
Tawachshawakan (His Mysterious Feather), kiOed 
in the late expedition; Bahata (Old Man); Kech- 
omon (Putting on as He Walks); Huhsan (One 
Leg); Kahadai (Rattling), son-in-law of Inkpa- 
duta; Fetoa-tanka (Big Face); Tatelidashinksha- 
mani (One who Makes Crooked Wind as He 
Walks); Tachanchegahota (His Great Gun), and 
the two boys, children of Inkpaduta, not named. 

After the band had been pursued by Little 
Crow into Lake Chouptijatanka (Big Dry Wood), 
distant twenty miles in a northwestern direction 
from Skuuk Lake, and three of them killed out- 
right, woimding one, taking two women and a 
little child prisoners, the Indians argued that they 
had done sufficient to merit the payment of their 
annuities; and on the 18th of August, 1854, Maj. 
Cullen telegraphed the following to the Hon. J. 
W. Denver, commissioner of Indian afl'airs: 

"If the department concurs, I am of the opinion 
that the Sioux of the Mississippi, having done all 
in their power to punish or surrender Inkpaduta 
and his bund, their annuities may with propriety 



be paid, as a signal to the military movements 
from Forts Ridgely and Randall. The special 
agent from the department waits an answer to 
this dispatch at Dunleith, and for instructions in 
the premises." 

In this opinion Major Pritchette, in a letter of 
the same date, concurred, for reasons therein 
stated, and transmitted to the department. In 
this letter, among other things, the writer says: 

"No encouragement was given to them that 
such a request would be granted. It is the 
opinion, however, of Superintendent Cullen, the 
late agent. Judge Flandrau, Governor Medary, 
and the general intelligent sentiment, that the an- 
nuities may now with propriety, be paid, without 
a violation of the spirit of the expressed deter- 
mination of the department to withhold them until 
the murderers of Spirit Lake should be surren- 
dered or punished. It is argued that the present 
friendly disposition of the Indians is manifest, and 
should not be endangered by subjecting them to 
the wants incident to their condition during the 
coming winter, and the consequent temptation to 
depredation, to which the withholding their 
money would leave them exposed." 

The major yielded this point for the reasons 
stated, yet he continued: 

"If not improper for me to express an opinion, I 
am satisfied that, without chastising the whole 
Sioux nation, it is impossible to enforce the sur- 
render of Inkpaduta and the remainder of his 
band." * * * "Nothing less than the entire 
extirpation of Inkpaduta's murderous outlaws will 
satisfy the justice and dignity of the government, 
and vindicate outraged humanity." 

We here leave the Inkpaduta massacre, remark- 
ing only that the government paid the Indians 
their annuities, and marie no further effort to bring 
to condign punishment the remnant who had 
escaped ahve from the pursuit of Little Crow and 
his soldiers. ' This was a great error on the part 
of our government. The Indians construed it 
either as an evidence of weakness, or that the 
whites were afraid to pursue the matter further, 
lest it might terminate in still more disastrous re- 
sults to the infant settlement of the state border- 
ing upon the Indian country. The result was, 
the Indians became more insolent than ever be- 
fore. Little Crow and his adherents had found 
capital out of which to foment future difficulties 
in which the two races should become involved. 
And it is now believed, and subsequent circum- 



184 



nrsToiir of the sioux massacre. 



stances have greatly strengthened that belief, that 
Little Crow, from tlio time the government censed 
its efTorts U> punisli InUpaduta, began to agitate 
his great scheme of driving the whites from the 
state of Minnesota; a scheme which tinuUy cul- 
minated in the ever-to-be-remembered massacre of 
August, A. D. 186-2. 

The antecedent exciting causes of this massacre 
are numerous. The displaced ageuts and traders 
find the cause in the erroneous action of the Gov- 
ernment, resulting in their removal from office. 
The statesman and the philosopher may unite in 
tracing the cause" to improper theories as to the 
mode of acquiring the right to Indian lands. 
The former may locate the evil in our system of 
treaties, and tlio latter in our theories of govern- 
ment. The philanthropist may find the cause in 
the absence of justice which we exhibit in all our 
intercourse with the Indian races. The poet and 
the lovers of romance in human character find the 
true cause, as they believe, in the total al)sence of 
all appreciation of the noble, generous, confiding 
traits peculiar to the native Indian. The Chris- 
tian teacher finds apologies for acts of Indian 
atrocities in the deticient systems of mental and 
moral culture. Each of these dilTerent classes 
are satisfied that the great massacre of August, 
1862, had its origin in some way intimately con- 
nected with his favorite theory. 

Let us, for a moment, look at the facts, in rela- 
tion to the two races who had come into close con- 
tact with each other, and in the light of these 
facts, judge of the probable cause of this fearful 
collision. The ■white race, some two himdred 
years ago, had entered upon the material conquest 
of the American continent, armed with all the ap- 
pliances for its complete subjugation. On the 
shores of this prolific continent these new ele- 
ments came in contact with a race of savages with 
many of the traits peculiar to a common human- 
ity, yet, with these, exhibiting all, or nearly all, 
the vices of the most barbarous of savage races. 
The period of occupancy of this broad, fertile 
land was lost in the depths of a remote antiquity. 
The culture of the soil, if ever understood, had 
been long neglected by this race, and the chase 
was their principal mode of gaining a scanty sub- 
sistence. It had lost all that ennobled man, and 
was alive only to all his degradations. The white 
man was at once acknowledged, the Indian being 
judge, superior to the savage race with which he 
had come in contact. 



Here, then, is the first cause, in accordance with 
a universal principle, in which the conflict of the 
two races had its origin. It was a conflict of 
knowledge with ignorance, of right with wrong. 
It this conflict were only mental, and the weapons 
of death had never been resorted to in a single 
instance, the result would have been the same. 
The inferior race must either recede before the su- 
perior, or sink into the common mass, and, like the 
raindrops falling upon the bosom of the ocean, 
lose all traces of distinction. This warfare takes 
place the world over, on the principle of mental 
and material progress. The presence of the supe- 
rior light eclipses the inferior, and causes it to 
retire. Mind makes aggression upon mind, and 
the superior, sooner or later, overwhelms the infe- 
rior. This process may go on, with or without 
the conflict of physical organisms. The final 
result will be the same. 

Again, we come to the great law of right. The 
white race stood upon this undeveloped continent 
ready and willing to execute the Divine injunc- 
tion, to replenish the earth and subdue it. On the 
one side stood the white race armed with his law; 
on the other the savage, resisting the execution of 
that law. The result could not be evaded by any 
human device. In the case before us, the Indian 
races were in the wrongfiil possession of a conti- 
nent required by the superior right of the W'hite 
man. This right, foimded in the wisdom of God, 
eliminated by the ever-operative laws of progress, 
■will continue to assert its dominion, with varying 
success, contingent on the use of means employed, 
until all opposition is hushed in the perfect reign 
of the superior aggressive principle. 

With these seemingly necessary reflections, we 
introduce the remarks of the Sioux agent touching 
the antecedents of the great massacre, unparalleled 
in the history of the conflict of the races. The 
agent gives his peculiar tows, and they are worthy 
of careful consideration. 

Major Thomas Galbraith, Sioux Agent, says: 

" The radical, moving cause of the outbreak is, 
I am satisfied, the ingrained and fixed hostility of 
the savage barljarian to reform and civilization. 
As in all barbarous communities, in the history of 
the world, the same people have, for the most part, 
resisted the encroachments of civilization upon 
their ancient customs; so it is in the case before 
us. Nor does it matter materially in what shape 
civilization makes its attack. Hostile, opposing 
forces meet in conflict, and a war of social elements 



VIEWS OF MAJOR GALBRAITH. 



185 



is tlie result — civilizr.tion is aggressive, and bar- 
barism stubbornly resistant. Sometimes, indeed, 
civilization has aolueved a bloodless victory, but 
generally it has been otherwise. Christianity, it- 
self, the true basis of civilization, has, in most in- 
stances, waded to success through seas of blood. 
* * * Having stated thus much, I state as a 
settled fact in my mind, that the encroachments of 
Christianity, and its handmaid, civilization, upon 
the habits and customs of the Sioux Indians, is 
the cause of the late terrible Sioux outbreak. There 
were, it is true, many immediate inciting causes, 
which will be alluded to and stated hereafter, but 
they are subsidiary to, and developments of, or 
incident to, the great cause set forth. * * * 
But that the recent Sioux outbreak would have 
happened at any rate, as a result, a fair conse- 
quence of the cause here stated, I have no more 
doubt than I doubt that the great rebellion to 
overthrow oui' Government would have occurred 
had Mr. Lincoln never been elected President of 
the United States. 

" Now as to the existing or immediate causes of 
the outbreak: By my predecessor a new and 
radical system was inaugurated, practically, and, 
in its inauguration, he was aided by the Christian 
misisionaries and by the Government. The treaties 
of 1858 were ostensibly made to carry this new 
system into effect. The theory, in substance, was 
to break up the commiinity-system which obtained 
among the Sioux; weaken and destroy their 
tribal relations, and individualize them, by giving 
them each a separate home. * * * Qn the 
lf3t day of June, A. D. 1861, when I entered upon 
the duties of my office, I found that the system 
had just been inaugurated. Some hundred fami- 
lies of the Annuity Sioux had become novitiates, 
and their relatives and friends seemed to be favor- 
ably disposed to the new order of things. But I 
also foimd that, against these, were arrayed over 
five thousand "Annuity Sioux," besides at least 
three thousand Yanktonais, all inflamed by the 
most bitter, relentless, and devilish hostility. 

" I saw, to some extent, the difficulty of the 
situation, but I determined to continue, if in my 
power, the civilization system. To favor it, to aid 
and build it up by every fair means, I advised, 
encouraged, and assisted the farmer novitiates; in 
short, I sustained the policy inaugurated by my 
predecessor, and sustained and recommended by the 
Government. I soon discovered that the system 
could not be successful without a sufficient force 



to protect the "farmer" from the hostility of the 
"blanket Indians." 

"During my term, and up to the time of the out- 
break, about one hundred and seventy-five had 
their hair cut and had adopted the habits and cus- 
toms of white men. 

" For a time, indeed, my hopes were strong that 
civilization would soon be in the ascendant. But 
the increase of the civilization party and their evi- 
dent prosperity, only tended to exasperate the In- 
dians of the 'ancient customs,' and to widen the 
breach. But while these are to be enumerated, it 
may be permitted me to hope that the radical 
cause wUl not be forgotten or overlooked; and I 
am bold to express this desire, because, ever since 
the outbreak, the public journals of the country, 
religious and secular, have teemed with editorials 
by and communications from 'reUable individuals,' 
politicians, philanthropists, philosophers and hired 
'penny-a-liners,' mostly mistaken and sometimes 
willfully and grossly false, giving the cause of the 
Indian raid." 

Major Galbraith enumerates a variety of other 
exciting causes of the massacre, which our limit 
wiU not allow us to insert in this volume. Among 
other. causes, * * that the United States was 
itself at war, and that Washington was taken by 
the negroes. * * But none of these were, in 
his opinion, the caiise of the outbreak. 
The Major then adds: 

"Grievances such as have been related, and 
numberless others akin to them, were spoken of, 
recited, and chanted at their councils, dances, and 
feasts, to such an extent that, in their excitement, 
in June, 1862, a secret organization known as the 
'Soldier's Lodge,' was founded by the yoimg 
men and soldiers of the Lower Sioux, with the 
object, as far as I was able to learn through spies 
and informers, of preventing the 'traders' from 
going to the pay-tables, as had been their custom. 
Since the outbreak I have become satisfied that 
the real o'.iject of this 'Lodge' was to adopt 
measures to 'clean out' all the white people at the 
end of the payment." 

Whatever may have been the cause of the fear- 
ful and bloody tragedy, it is certain that the man- 
ner of the execution of the infernal deed was a 
deep-laid conspiracy, long cherished by Little 
Crow, taking form under the guise of the " Sol- 
diers' Lodge," and matured in secret ludiau coim- 
cils. In all these secret movements Little Crow 
was the moving spirit. 



186 



niSTORT OF TUB SIOUX il ASS AGUE. 



Now the ojjjiortnne monicut scouirtl to have 
come. Ouly thirty soldiers were stationed at Fort 
Eidgley. Some thirty were all that Fort Ripley 
Ciiuld nmster, and at Fort Abercromhie one com- 
pany, iiuder Cajitnin Van l)er Hork, was all the 
wliites could depend upon to repel any attack in 
that quarter. The whole effective force for the 
defense of the entire frontier, from Pembina to the 
Iowa line, did not exceed two hundred men. The 
annuity money was daily expected, and no troops 
except about one huadred men at Yellow Medi- 
cine, had been detailed, as usual, to attend the an- 
ticipated payment. Here was a glittering prize to 
be paraded before the minds of the excited sav- 
ages. The whites were weak; they were engaged 
in a terrible war among themselves; their atten- 
tion was now directed toward the great struggle 
in the South. At such a time, offering so many 
chances for rapine and plunder, it would be easy 
to unite, at least, all the annuity Indians in one 
common movement. Little Crow knew full well 
that the Indians could easily be made to believe 
that now was a favoraljle time to make a grand 
attack upon the border settlements. In view of all 
the favorable auspices now concurring, a famous 
Indian council was called, which was fully attended 
by the " Soldiers' Lodge." Rev. S. R. Iliggs, in 
his late work, 1880, ("Mary and I"'); referring to 
the outbreak, says: 

"On \ugust 1 7th, the outbreak was commenced 
in the border white settlements at Acton, Minne- 
sota. That night the news was carried to the 
Lower Sioux Agency, and a council of war was 
called." * * * "Something of the kind had 
been meditated and talked of, and ])rej)ared for 
undoubtedly. Some time before this, they had 
formed the Tee-yo-tee-pee, or Soldiers' Lodge." 

A memorable council, convened at Little Crow's 
village, near the Lower Agency, on Sunday night 
pre\'ious to the attack on Fort Ridgley, and pre- 
cisely two weeks before the first massacres at Ac- 
ton. Little Crow was at this council, and he was 
not wanting in ability to meet the greatness of 
the occasion. The proceedings of this council, of 
course, were secret. Some of the results arrived 
at, however, have since come to the writer of these 
pages. The council matured the details of a con- 
spiracy, which for atrocity has hitherto never 
found a place in recorded history, not excepting 
that of Cawnpore. 

The evidence of that conspiracy comes to us, in 
part, from the relation of one who was present at 



the infamous council. Comparing the statement 
of the narrative with the known occurrences of 
the times, that council preceded the attack on the 
Government stores at the Upper .\geuey, and was 
convened on Simday night; the attack ou the 
Upi)er Agency took place the next day, Monday, 
the ith of August; and on the same day, an at- 
tempt was made to take Fort Ridgely by strategy. 
Not the slightest danger was anticipated. Only 
thirty soldiers occupied the post at Fort Ridgly, 
and this was deemed amply sufficient in times of 
peace. But we wiU not longer detain the reader 
from the denouement of thi.s hcjrrible plot. 

Our informant states the evidences of the de- 
crees of the council of the 3d of August, thus: 

"I was looking toward the Agency and saw a 
large bt>dy of men coming toward the fort, and 
supposed them soldiers returning from the pay- 
ment at Yellow Medicine. On a second look, I 
obsers'ed they were mounted, and knowing, at this 
time, that they must be Indians, was surprised at 
seeing so large a body, as they were not expected. 
I resolved to go into the garrison to see what it 
meant, having, at the time, not the least suspicion 
that the Indiims intended any hostile demonstra- 
tion. When I arrived at the garrison, I found 
Sergeant Jones at the entrance with a momited 
howitzer, charged with shell and canister-shot, 
pointed towards the Indians, who were removed 
but a short distance from the guard house. I 
inquired of the sergeant what it meant? whether 
any danger was apprehended? He replied indif- 
ferently, "No, but that he thought it a good rule 
tj observe that a soldier should always be ready 
for any emergency." 

These Indians had requested the privilege to 
dance in the inclosure surroiinding the fort. On 
this occasion that request was refused them. But 
I saw that, about sixty yards west of the guard 
house, the Indians were making the necessary 
preparations for a dance. I thought nothing of it 
as they had frequently done the same thing, but a 
little further removed from the fort, under some- 
what different circumstances. I considered it a 
singular exhibition of Indian foolishness, and, at 
the solicitation of a few ladies, went out and was 
myself a spectator of the dance. 

"When the dance was concluded, the Indians 
sought and obtained permission to encamp on 
some rising ground about a quarter of a mile west 
of the garrison. To this ground they sot)n re- 
paired, and encamped for the night. The next 



EVIDENCE OF CONSPIRACY. 



187 



morning, by 10 o'clock, all had left the vicinity of 
the garrison, departing in the direction of the 
Lower Agency. This whole matter of the dance 
was so conducted as to lead most, if not all, the 
residents of the garrison to beUeve that the In- 
dians had paid them that visit tor the purpose of 
dancing and obtaining provisions for a feast. 

"Some things were observable that were unu- 
sual. The visitors were all warriors, ninety-six in 
number, all in undress, except a very few who wore 
calico shirts; and, in addition to this, they all car- 
ried arms, guns and tomahawks, with ammunition 
pouches suspended around their shoulders. Pre- 
vious to the dance, the war implements were de- 
posited some two hundred yards distant, where 
they had left their ponies. But even this circum- 
stance, so far as it was then known, excited no 
suspicion of danger or hostilities in the minds of 
the residents of the garrison. These residents 
were thirty-iive men; thirty soldiers and five citi- 
zens, with a few women and children. The guard 
that day consisted of three soldiers; one was walk- 
ing leisurely to and fro in front of the guard- 
house; the other two were oflF duty, passing about 
and taking their rest; and all entirely without ap- 
prehension of danger from Indians or any other 
foe. As the Indians left the garrison without do- 
ing any mischief, most of us supposed that no evil 
was meditated by them. But there was one man 
who acted on the supposition that there was al- 
ways danger surrounding a garrison when visited 
by savages; that man was Sergeant Jones. From 
the time he took his position at the gun he never 
left it, but acted as he said he believed it best to 
do, that was to be always ready. He not only re- 
mained at the gun himself, but retained two other 
men, whom he had previously trained as assistants 
to work the jjiece. 

"Shortly before dark, without disclosing his in- 
tentions, Sergeant Jones said to his wife : 'I have 
a little business to attend to to-night; at bed-time 
I wish you to retire, and not to wait for me.' As 
he had frequently done this before, to discharge 
some official duty at the quartermaster's office, she 
thought it not singular, but did as he had re- 
quested, and retired at the usual hour. On awak- 
ening in the morning, however, she was surprised 
at finding that he was not there, and had not been 
in bed. In truth, this faithful soldier had stood 
by his guu throughout the entire night, ready to 
fire, if occasion required, at any moment during 
that time; nor could he be ptriuaded to leave that 



gun until all this party of Indians had entirely 
disappeared from the vicmity of the garrison. 

"Some two weeks after this time, those same In- 
dians, with others, attacked Fort Ridgley and, af- 
ter some ten days' siege, the garrison was relieved 
by the arrival of soldiers under Colonel H. H Sib- 
ley. The second day after Colonel Sibley arrived, 
a Frenchman of pure or mixed blood appeared 
before Sergeant Jones, in a very agitated manner, 
and intimated that he had some disclosures to 
make to him; but no sooner had he made this in- 
timation than he became extremely and violently 
agitated, and seemed to be in a perfect agnny of 
mental perturbation. Sergeant Jones said to him, 
'If you have anything to disclose, you ought, at 
once, to make it kno\vn.' The man repeated that 
he had disclosures to make, but that he did not 
dare to make them; and although Sergeant Jones 
urged him by every consideration in his power to 
tell what he knew, the man seemed to be so com- 
pletely under the dominion of terror, that he was 
unable to divulge the great secret. 'Why,' said 
he, 'they will kill me; they will kill my wife and 
children.' Saying which he turned and wal'iied 
away. 

"Shortly after the first interview, this man re- 
turned to Sergeant Jones, when again the Ser- 
geant urged him to disclose what he knew; and 
promised him that if he would do so, he would 
keep his name a profound secret forever; that if 
the information whicli he should disclose should 
]ead to the detection and punishment of the gnilty 
the name of the informant should never be made 
known. Being thus assured, the Frenchman soon 
became more calm. Hesitating a moment, he in- 
quired of Sergeant Jones if he remembered that, 
some two weeks ago, a party of Indians came 
down to the fort to have a dance? Sergeant 
Jones replied that he did. 'Why,' said the French- 
man, 'do you know that these Indians -were all 
warriors of Little Crow, or some of the other lower 
bands ? Sir, these Indians had all been selected 
for the purpose, and came do^N-n to Fort Eidgely 
by the express command of Little Crow and the 
other chiefs, to get permission to dance; and when 
all suspicion should be completely lulled, in the 
midst of the dance, to seize their weapons, kiU 
every person in the fort, seize the big guns, open ' 
the magazine, and secure the ammunition, when 
they should be joined by all the remaining war- 
riors of the lower bands. Thus armed, and in- 
creased by numbers, they were to proceed together 



188 



niSTORT OF TIIK SIOUX MASSACRE. 



down the valley of the Jliuuosota. With this 
force and these weapons they 'wcro assured they 
could drive every white man beyond the Missis- 
sippi.' 

"All this, the Frenchman informed Sergeant 
Jones, he had learned by being present at a coun- 
cil, and from conversations had with other Indians, 
who hiid told him that they had gone to the gar- 
rison for that very purpose. Wlien he had con- 
cluded this revelation, Sergeant Jones inquired, 
'Why did they not execute their purpose? Why 
did they not take the fort?' Tlie Frenchman re- 
phed: •Boeauso they saw, during all their dance, 
and theii stay at the fort, that big gun constantly 
pointed at them.' " 

Interpreter Quinn, now dead, told the narrator 
of the foregoing incidents that Little Crow had 
said, repeat-edly, in their councils, that the Indians 
could kill all the white men in the Minnesota Val- 
lev. In this way, he said, we can get all our lands 
back; that the whites would not want these lands, 
and that they could get double annuities. Some 
of the councils at which these suggestions of Lit- 
tle Crow were made, dated, he said, as far back as 
the summer of 1857, immediately after the Iiik- 
paduta war. 

On the 17th day of August, 1862, Little Crow, 
Inkpaduta, and Little Priest, the latter one of the 
Wmuebago chiefs, attended church at the Lower 
Agency, and seemed to listen attenti%ely to the 
services, conducted by the Kev.-'J. D. Hinman. 
On the afternoon of that day Little Crow invited 
thesse Indians to his hous:", a short distance above 
the Agency. On the same day an Indian council 
was held at Rice Creek, sixteen miles above the 
Lower Agency, attended by the Soldiers' Lodge. 
Inkpaduta, it is believed, and Little Priest, with 
some thirteen Winnebago warriors, attended this 
council. Why this council was held, and what 
was its object, can easily be imagined. The de- 
crees of the one held two weeks before had not been 
executed. The reason why the fort was not taken 
has been narrated. The other part of the same 
scheme, the taking of the agency at the Yellow 
Medicine, on the same day the fort was to have 
fallen, will be alluded to in another chapter. It 
then became necessary for the conspirators to hold 
another council, to devise new plans for the exe- 
cution of their nefarious designs upon the whites. 
The Acton tragedy, forty miles distant, had taken 
place but a few hours before this council was con- 
vened. On Monday, the 18th of August, these 



.\cton murderers wcro soon at the mill on Crow 
river, six miles from Hutchinson, with the team 
taken from Acton; bo that these Indians did not 
go to the Lower Agency, but remained in th( 
country about Hutchinson. One of the number 
only returned to the Agency by the next morning 
after the council at Kice Creek had been held. 
All that followed in the bloody drama, originated 
at this council of Death, over which Little Crow 
presided, on Sunday afternoon, the 17th day of 
August, 1862, on the evening of the same day of 
the Acton murders. The general massacre of all 
white men was by order of this council, to com- 
mence at the Agency, on tlie morning of the 18th, 
and at as many other points, simultaneously, as 
could be reached by the dawn of day, radiating 
from that point as a center. The advantage 
gained by the suddenness of the attack, and the 
known panic that would result, was to be followed 
up until every settlement was massacred. Fort 
Ridgley taken, both Agencies burned, New Ulm, 
Mankato, St. Peter, and all the towns on the river 
destroyed, the whole country plundered and devas- 
tated, and as many of the inhabitants as were left 
alive were to be driven beyond the Mississippi 
river. The decree of this savage council, matured 
on a Christian Sabbath, by Indians, who M'ere sup- 
posed to be civilized, so immediately after atten- 
tively listening to the gospel of peace, filled the 
measure of the long-oherished conspiracy matured 
by Little Crow, until it was full of the most hope- 
ful results to his polluted and brutal nature. 
"Once an Indian, always an Indian," seems in this 
instance to have been horribly demonstrated. 



CHAPTER XXX.II. 
Change or Indian officials — payment of 1861 — 

BEPOBT OP agent GALBKAITH — UPPER AND 
LOWEB BANDS — SUPPLIES — ATTACK ON THE WAllE- 

HOUSE — BENVILLB BANGEES ^EETUBN TO FORT 

BIDGELT. 

The change in the administration of the Gov- 
ernment in 1861, resulting, as it did, in a general 
change in the minor ofBces throughout the conn 
try, carried into retirement Major William J. Cul- 
len, Sujieriutendent of Indian Affairs for the 
Northern Superintcndency, and Major Joseph R. 
Brown, Agent for the Sioux, whose places were 
filled respectively by Colonel Clark W. Thomp- 
son and Major Thomas J. Galbraith. Colonel 



MAJOR GjiLBRjUTWS REPORT. 



189 



Thompson entered upon the duties of his office in 
May of that year, and Major Galbraith on the 
first day of June. In that month the new agent 
and many of the new employes, with their fami- 
lies, tools up their residence on the reservations. 

These employes, save a few young men who 
were employed as laborers, were, with two excep- 
tions, men of families, it being the policy of the 
agent to employ among the Indians as few un- 
married men as possible. 

During that year nothing occurred on the res- 
ervations of an imusual character more than the 
trouble with which the Agents had always to deal 
at every semi-annual gathering at the Agencies. 
We say "ssmi- annual," because they came in the 
summer to draw their aimuities, and again in the 
autumn for their winter supply of goods. 

It has been usual at the payment of annuities 
to have a small force of troops to guard against 
any untoward event which might otherwise occur. 
The payment to the lower bands, in 1861, was 
made in the latter part of June, and to the upper 
bands about the middle of July. These pay- 
ments were made by Superintendent Thompson 
in person. 

The Sisseton bands came down to the Agency 
at a very early day, as had always been their 
habit, long before the arrival of the money, 
bringing with them a large body of Yanktonais 
(not annuity Sioux), who always came to the 
payments, claiming a right to a share of the an 
nuities issued to the Indians. 

These wild hunters of the plains were an im- 
f ailing element of trouble at the payments to the 
upper bands. At this last payment they were in 
force, and by their troublesome conduct, caused a 
delay of some days in the making of the payments. 
This was, however, no unusual occurrence, as they 
always came with a budget of grievances, uiDon 
which they were wont to dilate in council. This 
remark is equally true of the annuity Indians. 
Indeed, it would be very strange if a payment 
could be made without a demand, on the part of 
the "young men," for three or four times the 
amount of their annual dues. 

These demands were usvially accompanied by 
overt acts of violence; yet the paymentwas made; 
and this time, after the payment, all departed to 
their village at Big Stone Lake. They came 
again in the fall, drew their supply of goods, and 
went quietly away. 

It so turned out, however, that the new agent, 



Galbraith, came into office too late to insure a large 
crop that year. He says: 

" The autumn of 1861 closed upon us rather un- 
favorably. The crops were light; especially was 
this the case with the Upper Sioux; they had little 
or nothing. As heretofore communicated to the 
Department, the cut-worms destroyed all the 
Sisetons, and greatly injured the crop of the 
Wapatons, Medawakantons, Wapakutas. For 
these latter I purchased on credit, in anticipation 
of the Agricultural and Civilization Funds, large 
quantities of pork and flour, wi current rates, to 
support them during the winter. 

"Early in the autumn, in view of the necessitous 
situation of the Sisetons, I made a requisition on 
the department for the sum of .f 5,000, out of the 
special fund for the relief of 'poor and destitute 
Indians;' and, in anticipation of receiving this 
money, made arrangements to fe;d the old and in- 
firm men, and the women and children of these 
people. I directed the Rev. S. R. Riggs to make 
the selection, and furnish me a list. 

"He carefiiUy did this, and we fed, in an econ- 
omical, yea, even parsimonious way, about 1,500 
of these people from the middle of December until 
nearly the first of April. We had hoped to get 
them off on their spring hunt earlier, but a tre- 
mendous and unjjrecedented snow-storm during 
the last days of February prevented. 

"In response to my requisition, I received 
13,000, and expended very nearly -So, 000, leaving 
a deficiency not proj^erly chargable to the regular 
funds, of about $2,000. 

"These people, it is believed, must have per- 
ished had it not been for this scanty assistance. 
In addition to this, the regular issues were made 
to the farmer Indians in payment for their labor. 

"In the month of August, 1861, the superinten- 
dents of farms were directed to have ploughed 'in 
the fall,' in the old public and neglected private 
fields, a sufficient quantity of land to provide 
•'plantings' for such Indians as could not be pro- 
vided with oxen and implements. In pursuance 
of this direction, there were ploughed, at rates 
ranging from S1.50 to $2,00 per acre, ac- 
cording to the nature of the work, by teams and 
men hired for the purjiose, for the Lower Sioux, 
about 500 acres, and for the Upper SiotLx, about 
475 acres. There were, also, at the same time, 
ploughed by the farmer Indians and the depart- 
ment teams, about 250 acres for the Lower, and 



190 



n I STORY OF THE SIOUX JI ASS AG HE. 



Bbout 325 acres for the Upper Sioux. This fall 
ploiighinp; was continued until the frost prevented 
its further prosecution. It was done to facilitate 
the work of the agricultural department, and to 
kill the worms which hud proved so injurious the 
previous year. * * » 

"The carpenter-shops at both Agencies were 
BUi)plied with lumber for the manufacture and re- 
pair of sleds, wagons, and t)ther farming utensils. 
Sheds were erected for the protection of the cattle 
and utensils of the depertment, and the farmer 
Indians, assisted by the department carpenters, 
erected stables, pens, and out-houses for the pro- 
tection of their cattle, horses and utensils. * * 
Hay, grain, and other supplies were provided, 
and, in short, every thing was done which the 
means at command of tlie agent would justify. 

"The work of the autumn being thus closed, I 
set about making preparations for the work of the 
next spring and summer, and in directing the 
work of the winter. I made calculations to erect, 
during the summer and autumn of 1862, at least 
fifty dwelling-houses for Indian families, at an 
estimated average cost of S300 each; and also to 
aid the farmer Indians in erecting as many ad- 
ditional dwellings as possible, not to exceed thirty 
or forty; and to have planted for the Lower 
Sioux, at least 1,200 acres, and for the Upper 
Sioux, at least 1,300 acres of crops, and to have 
all the land planted, except that at Big Stone 
Lake, inclosed by a fence. 

"To carry out these calculation.?, early in the 
the winter the superintendents of farms, the black- 
smiths, the carpenters, and the superintendents of 
schools were directed to furnish estimates for the 
amount of agricultural imijlements, h(jrses, oxen, 
wagons, carts, building material, iron, steel, tools, 
and supplies needed to carry on succ(>ssfully their 
several departments for one year from the open- 
ing of navigation in the spring of 1862. 

"These estimates were prepared and furnished 
me about the Ist of February. In accordance 
with these estimates, I proceeded to purchase, in 
open marke!, the articles and supplies recommend- 
ed. 

•'I made the estimates for one year, and pur- 
chases accordingly, in order to secure the benefit 
of transportation by water in the spring, and thus 
avoid the delays, vexations, and extra expense of 
transportation by land in the fall. The bulk of 
purchases were made with the distinct undeiKtiUul- 
ing that payment would be maile out of the funds 



belonging to the quarter in which the goods, im- 
plements, or stipplics, were expended." 

"Thus it will be seen that, in the spring ot 1862, 
there was on liand Bupi)lie8 and material sufficient 
to carry us through the coming year. * ♦ * 
Thus, to all appearance, the spring season opened 
propitiously. * ♦ * To carry out my original 
design of liaving as much as possible ])lanted for 
the Indians at Big Stone Lake and Lac qui Parle 
as early in the month of May, 1862, as the condi- 
tion of the swollen streams would permit, I visited 
Lac <pii Parle and Big Stone Lake, going as far 
as North Island, in Lake Traverse, having with 
me Antoine Freniere, United States Interpreter, 
Dr. J. L. Wakefield, physician of the Upper Sioux, 
and Nelson Givens, assistant Agent. At Lac qui 
Parle I fouud the Indians willing and anxious to 
plant. I inquired into their contlition and w.ants, 
and made arrangements to have them supplied 
with seeds and imjilements, and directed Amos W. 
Huggins, the school teacher there, to aid and in- 
struct them in their work, and to make proper 
distribution of the seeds and implements furnished, 
and placed at his disposal an ox-team and wagon 
and two breaking-teams, with instructious to de- 
vote his who!e time and attention to the superin- 
tendence and instruction of the resident Indians 
during the planting season, and until the crops 
were cultivated and safely harvested. 

"I also found the Indians at Big Stone Lake and 
Lake Traverse very anxious to plant, but without 
any means whatever so to do. I looked over their 
fields in order to see what could be done. After 
having inquired into the whole matter, I instructed 
Mr. Givens to remain at Big Stone Lake and su- 
perintend and direct the agricultural operations 
of the seascra, and to remain there until it was too 
late to plant any more. I placed at his disposal 
ten double plough teams, with man to operate 
them, and ordered forward at once one hundred 
bushels of seed corn and five hundred bushels of 
seed potatoes, with pumpkin, sqiuish, turnip, and 
other seeds, in reasonable proportion, together 
with a suflicient supply ot ploughs, hoes, and 
other implements for the Indians, and a black- 
smith to repair bresdiages; and directed him to 
see that every Indian, and every Indian horse or 
pony, did as much work as was possible. * * 

"On my way down to the agency, I visitetl the 
plantings of Tahampih'da, (Rattling Moccasin), 
Mazashii, I Krd Iron ), ^lahpiya Wicasta, (Cloud 
Man;, and Battling Cloud, aud founl that the 



MAJOR GALBIiAITU'S BEPOnT. 



191 



Siiperintendent of Farms for the Upper Sioux had, 
in accordance with my instructions, been faithfully 
attending to the wants of these bands. He had 
supplied them with implements and seeds, and I 
left them at work. On my arrival at the Agency, 
I fo'ind that the farmer Indians residing there- 
abouts had, in my absence, been industriously at 
work, and had not only completed their plowing, 
but had planted very extensively. The next day 
after my arrival at the Agency, I visited each 
farmer Indian at the. Yellow Medicine, and con- 
gratulated him on his prospect for a good crop, 
and spoke to him such words of encouragement 
as occurred to me. 

"The next day I proceeded to the Lower Agency, 
and then taking with me Mr. A. H. Wagner, the 
Superintendent of Farms for the Lower Sioux, I 
went around each planting, and, for the second 
time, visited each farmer Indian, and found that, 
in general, my instructions had been carried out. 
The plowing was generally completed in good 
order, and the planting nearly all done, and many 
of the farmer Indians were engaged ih repairing 
old and making new fences. I was pleased and 
gratified, and so told the Indians — the prospect 
was so encouraging. 

"About the first of July I visited all the plant- 
ings of both the ITpper and Lower Sioux, except 
those at Big Stone Lake, and found, in nearly 
every instance, the prospects for good crops very 
hopeful indeed. The superintendents of farms, 
the male school teachers, and all the employes 
assisting them, had done their duty. About this 
time Mr. Givens returned from Big Stone Lake, 
and reported to me his success there. From all I 
knew and all I thus learned, I was led to believe 
that we would have no 'starving Indians' to feed 
the next winter, and little did I dream of the un- 
fortunate and terrible outbreak which, in a short 
time, burst upon lis, * * * 

"In the fall of 1861, a good and substantial 
school-room and dwelling, a store-house and black- 
smith-shop, were completed at Lac qui Parle, and, 
' about the first of November, Mr. Amos W. Hug- 
gins and his family occupied the dwelling, and, 
assisted by Miss Julia La frambois, prejiared the 
school-room, and devoted their whole time to 
teaching such Indian children as they could in- 
duce to attend the school. 

"The storehouse was supplied with provisions, 
which Mr. Huggins was instructed to issue to the 
children and their parents at his discretion. Here I 



it may be permitted me to remark to Mr. Hug- 
gins, who was born and raised among the Sioux, 
and Miss La frambois, who was a Sioux mixed- 
blood, were two pereons entirely caj^able and in 
every respect qualified for the discharge of the 
duties of their situation, than whom the Indians 
had no more devoted friends. They lived among 
the Indians of choice, because they thought they 
could be beneficial to them. Mr. Huggins exer- 
cised nothing but kindness toward them. He fed 
them when hungry, olothed them when naked, 
attended them when sick, and advised and cheered 
them in all their difficulties. He was intelligent, 
energetic, industrious, and good, and yet he was 
one of the first victims of the outbreak, shot down 
like a dog by the very Indians whom he had so 
long and so well served. * * -* * * * * 

"In the month of June, 1862, being well aware 
of the influence exerted by Little Grow over the 
blanket Indians, and, by his plausibility, led to 
believe that he intended to act in good faith, I 
promised to build him ji good brick house pro- 
vided th.at he would agree to aid me in bringing 
around the idle young men to habits of indusiry 
and civilization, and that he would abandon the 
leadership of the blanket Indians and become a 
'white man.' 

"This being well understood, as I thought, I 
directed Mr. Nairn, the carjienter of the Lower 
Sioux, to make out the plan and estimates for 
Crow's house, and to proceed at once to make the 
window and door frames, and to prepare the lum- 
ber necessary for the building, and ordered the 
teamsters to deliver the necessary amount of brick 
as soon as possible. Little Crow agreed to dig 
the cellar and haul the necessary lumber, both of 
which he had commenced. The carpenter had 
nearly completed his part of the work, and the 
brick was being promptly deliyered at the time 
of the outbreak. 

"On the 15th of August, only three days pre- 
vious to the outbreak, I had an interview with 
Little Crow, and he seemed to be well pleased and 
satisfied. Little indeed "did I suspect, at that 
time, that he would be the leader in the terrible 
outbreak of the 18th." 

There were planted, according to the statement 
of Agent Galbraith in his report, on the lower 
reservation, one thousand and twenty-five acres of 
corn, two hundred and sixty acres of potatoes, 
sixty acres of turnips and ruta-bagas, and twelve 
acres of wheat, besides a large quantity of field 



192 



IIISTORT OF TUE SIOUX MASSAC HE. 



and garden vegetables. These crops, at a low 
estimate, would have harvested, in the fall, 74,805 
bushels. There jvere, on the lower reservation, 
less than tliree thoiusand Indians, all told. This 
crop, therefore, would have yielded full twenty- 
five bushels to each man, woman and child, in- 
cluding the blanket as well as the farmer Indians 

There were, also, of growing crops, in fine con- 
diticm, on the upper reservation, one thousand one 
hundred and ten acres of corn, three hundred 
acres of potatoes, ninety acres of turnips and 
ruta-bagas, and twelve acres of wheat, and field 
and garden vegetables in due proportion. These, 
at a low estimate, would have harvested 85,740 
bushels. There were, on the upper reservation, a 
little over four thousand annuity Sioux. This 
crop, therefore, woiild have harvested them about 
twenty-one bushels for each man, woman and 
child, including, also, the blanket Indians. 

Thus, imder the beneficent workings of the hu- 
mane policy of the Government inaugurated in 
1858, they were fast becoming an independent 
people. Let it be borne in mind, however, that 
these results, so beneficial to the Indian, were ac- 
complished only through the sleepless vigilance 
and untiring energy of those who had the welfare 
of these rude, savage beings in their care. 

Major Galbraith, after giving these statistics of 
the crops on the reservations, and the arrange- 
ments made for gathering hay, by the Indians, 
for their winter's use, says: 

" I need hardly say that our hopes were high at 
the prospects before us, nor need I relate my 
chagrin and mortification when, in a moment, I 
found these high hopes blasted forever." 

Such, then, was the condition, present and pros- 
pective, of the "Armuity Sioux Indians," in the 
summer of 1862. No equal number of pioneer 
settlers on the border could, at that time, make a 
better showing than was exhibited on these reser- 
vations. They had in fair prospect a surplus over 
and above the wants of the entire tribes for the 
coming year. This had never before occurred in 
their history. 

The sagacity and wise forethought of their 
agent, and the unusually favorable season, had 
amply provided against the possibility of recurring 
want. The coming winter would have found their 
granaries full to overflowing. Add to this the 
fact that they had a large cash annuity coming to 
them from the Govcnment, as well as large 
amounts of goods, consisting of blankets, cloths, 



groceries, flour and meats, powder, shot, lead, etc., 
and we confidently submit to the enlightened 
reader the whole question of their alleged griev- 
ances, confident that there can be but one verdict 
at their hands, and that the paternal care of the 
Government over them was good and just ; nay, 
generous, and that those having the immediate su- 
pervision of their interests were performing their 
whole duty, honestly and nobly. 

Tlie hopes of the philanthropist and Christian 
beat high. They believed .the day was not far 
distant when it could be said that the Sioux Indi- 
ans, as a race, not only couid be civilized, but that 
here were whole tribes who vtrc civilized, and had 
abandoned the chase and the war-path for the cul- 
tivation of the soil and the arts of peace, and that 
the juggleries and sorcery of the medicine-men 
had been abandoned for the milder teachings of 
the missionarirs of the Cross. 

How these high hopes were dashed to the earth, 
extinguished in an ocean of blood, and their own 
briglit prospects utterly destroyed, by their horri- 
ble and monstrous perfidy and unheard of atroci- 
ties, it will be our work, in these pages, to show. 

We are now rapidly approaching the fatal and 
bloody denoiicmciU, the terrible 18th of August, 
the memory of which will linger in the minds of 
the survivors of its tragic scenes, and the succeed- 
ing days and weeks of horror and blood, tiU rea- 
son kindly ceases to perform its office, and blots 
out the fearful record in the oblivion of the grave. 

Again we quote from the able report of Major 
Galbraith: 

"About the 25th of June, 1862, a number of the 
chiefs and head men of the Sissetons and Waj)a- 
tons visited the Agency and inquired about the 
payments; whether they were going to get any 
(as they had been told, as they alleged, that they 
would not be paid,) and if so, how much, and 
when? I aiswtred them that thoy would cer- 
tainly be paid; exactly how much I could not 
say, but that it would be nearly, if not quite, a 
full payment; that I did not know when the pay- 
ment would be made, but that I felt sure it could 
not be made before the 20th of July. I advised 
them to go home, and admonished them not to come 
back again until I sent for them. I issued pro- 
visions, powder and shot and tobacco to them, and 
they departed. 

" In a few days after I went to the Lower Agency, 
and spoke to the lower Indians in regard to their 
payments. As they all Uvod within a few mil s oi 



ATTACK ON UPPER AGENGF. 



193 



the Agency, little was said, as, when the money 
came, they could be called together in a day. I 
remained about one week there, visiting the farms 
and plantings, and issued to the Indians a good 
supply of pork, flour, powder, shot, and tobacco, 
and urged upon them the necessity of cutting and 
securing hay for the winter, and of watching and 
keeping the birds from their com. 

" I left them apparently satisfied, and arrived at 
Yellow Medicine on the 14th of July, and found, 
to my sm-prise, that nearly all the Upper Indians 
had arrived, and were encamped about the Agency. 
I inquired of them why they had come, and they 
answered, that they were afi'aid something was 
wrong; they feared they would not get their 
money, because wliUe men had been telling them so. 

"Being in daily expectation of the arrival of 
the money, I determined to make the best of it^ 
and notified the Superintendent of Indian Afiairs 
accordingly. 

"How were over 4,000 Annuity, and over 1,000 
Yanktonais Sious, with nothing to eat, and entirely 
dependent on me for supplies, to be provided for? 
I supplied them as best I could. Our stock was 
nearly used ujs, and still, on the 1st day of Au- 
gust, no money had come. 

" The Indians complained of starvation. I held 
back, in order to save the provisions to the last 
moment. On the 4th of August, early in the 
morning, the young men and soldiers, to the num- 
ber of not less than four hundred mounted, and 
one hundred and fifty on foot, surprised and de- 
ceived the commander of the troops on guard, 
and surrounded the camp, and proceeded to 
the warehouse in a boisterous manner, and in 
sight of, and within one hundred and fifty 
yards of one hundred armed men, with two 
twelve-pound mountain howitzers, cut down the 
door of the warehouse, shot down the American 
flag, and entered the building, and before they 
could bs stopped had carried over one hundred 
sacks of flour from the warehouse, and were evi- 
dently bent on a general 'clearing out.' 

"The soldiers, now recovered from their panic, 
came gallantly to our aid, entered the warehouse 
and took possession. The Indians all stood around 
with their guns loaded, cocked and leveled. I 
spoke to them, and they consented to a talk. The 
result was, that they agieed, if I would give them 
plenty of pork and flour, and issue to them the 
annuity goods the next day, they would go away. 
I told them to go away with enough to eat for two 

13 



days, and to send the chiefs and head men for a 
council the nest day, unarmed and peaceably and 
I would answer them. They assented and went 
to their camp. In the meantime I had sent for 
Captain Marsh, the commandant of Fort Kidgely, 
who promptly arrived early in the morning of the 
next day. 

"I laid the whole case before him, and stated 
my plan. He agreed with me, and, in the after- 
noon, the Indians, unarmed, and apparently 
peaceably disposed, came in, and we had a 'talk,' 
and, in the presence of Captain Marsh, Kev. Mr. 
Riggs and others, I agreed to issue the annuity 
goods and a fixed amount of provisions, provided 
the Indians would go home and watch their corn, 
and wait for the payment until they were sent for. 
They assented. I made, on the 6th, 7th and 8th 
of August the issues as agreed upon, assisted by 
Captam Marsh, and, on the 9th of August the In- 
dians were all gone, and on the 12th I had defi- 
nite information that the Sissetons, who had started 
on the 7th, had all arrived at Big Stone Lake, and 
that the men were preparing to go on a buffalo 
hunt, and that the women and children were to 
stay and guard the crops. Thus this threatening 
and disagreeable event passed off, but, as usual, 
without the punishment of a single Indian who 
had been engaged in the attack on the warehouse. 
They should have been punished, but they were 
not, and simply because we had not the power to 
punish them. And hence we had to adopt the 
same 'sugar-plum' policy which had been so often 
adopted before with the Indians, and especially at 
the time of the Sjjirit Lake massacre, in 1857." 

On the l'2th day of August, thirty men enlisted 
at Yellow Medicine; and, on the 13th, accomj^a- 
nieU by the agent, proceeded to the Lower Agency, 
where, on the 14th, they were joined by twenty 
more, making about fifty in all. On the afternoon 
of the 15th they proceeded to Fort Ridgely, where 
they remained until the morning of the 17th, 
when, having been furnished by Captain Marsh 
with transportation, accompanied by Lieutenant 
N. K. Culver, Sergeant McGrew, and four men of 
Company B, Fifth Minnesota Volunteers, they 
started for Fort SnelHng by the way of New Ulm 
and St. Peter, Utile dreaming of the terrible mes- 
sage, the news of which would reach them at the 
latter place next day, and turn them back to the 
defense of that post and the border. 

On Monday morning, the 18th, at about 8 
o'clock, they left New Ulm, and reached St. Peter 



101 



IIISTOIiY OF THE SIOUX MASSACRE. 



at about 4 o'clock V. M. About 6 o'clock, Mr. J. 
C. Dickinson nrrivcil from tlio Lower Agency, 
bringing tho startling news that the Incliims had 
broken out, and, before he left, had commenced 
murdering the whites. 

They at once set about making preparations to 
return. There were in St. Peter some fifty old 
Harper's Ferry muskets; these they obtained, and, 
procuring amm\uiition, set ab(nit preparing cart- 
ridges, at which many of them -worked all night, 
and, at sunrise on Tuesday morning were on their 
■way back, with heavy hearts and dark forebodings, 
toward the scene of trouble. 

In the night Sergeant Sturgis, of Captain 
Marsh's company, had arrived, on his way to St. 
Paul, with dispatches to Governor Eamsey, from 
Lieutenant Thomas Gere, then in command of 
Fort Kidgely, bringing the sad news of the des- 
truction of Captain Marsh and the most of his 
command at tho ferry, at the Lower Agency, on 
Monday afternoon. They had but a slender 
chance of reaching the fort in safety, and stUl less 
of saving it from destruction, for they knew that 
there were not over twenty-five men left in it, 
Lieutenant Shechan, with his company, having 
left for Fort Ripley on the 17th, at the same time 
that the "Keuville Rangere" (the company from 
the Agencies) left for Fort Snelling. Their friends, 
too, were in the very heart of the Indian covmtry. 
Some of them had left their wives and little ones 
at Yellow Medicine, midway between the Lower 
Aqeney and the -wild bands of the Sissetons and 
Yanktonais, who made the attack upon the ware- 
house at that Agency only two weeks before. 
Their hearts almost died witliin them as they 
thought of the dreadful fate awaiting them at Jhe 
luuid-s of those savage and blood-thirsty monsters. 
But they turned their faces toward the West, de- 
termined, if Fort Ridgely was yet imtaken, to enter 
it, or die in the attempt, ami at about simdown 
entered the fort, and found all within it as yet 
safe. 

A messenger had been sent to Lieutenant Shee- 
han, who immediately turned back and had enter- 
ed the fort a few hours before them. There were 
in the fort, on their arrival, over two hundred and 
fifty refugees, principally women and children, 
and they continued to come in, until there were 
nearly three himdred. 

Here they remained on duty, night and ilay, 
imtil the morning of the 28th, when reinforce- 



ments, under Colonel McPhaiU and Captain Anson 
Northrup and R. H. Chittenden arrived. 

The annuity money by Superintendent Thomp- 
son had been dispatched to the Agency in charge 
of his clerk, accompanied by E. A. C. Hatch, J. 
0. Ramsey, M. A. Daily, and two or three others. 
On their arrival at the fort, on Tuesday night, 
Major Galbraith found these gentlemen there, 
they having arrived at the post Monday noon, the 
very day of the outbreak. Had they been one day 
sooner they would have been at the Lower Agency, 
and their names would have been added, in idl 
probability, to the long roll of the victims, at that 
devoted point, of Indian barbarity, and about 
810,000 in gold would have fallen into the hands 
of the savages. 

These gentlemen were in the fort during the 
siege which followed, and were among the bravest 
of its brave defenders. Major Hatch, afterwards 
of "Hatch's Battalion" (cavalry), was particu- 
lary conspicuous for his cool courage and undaunt- 
ed bravery. 

Thus it will be seen how utterly false was the 
information which the Indians said they had re- 
ceived that they were to get no money- 

And notwithstanding all that has been said as 
to the cause of the outbreak, it may be remarked 
that the removal of the agent from Yellow Medi- 
cine, with the troop.s raised by him for the South- 
ern Rebellion, at the critical period when the In- 
dians were exasperated and excited, and ready at 
any moment to arm for warfare upon the whites, 
was one of the causes acting directly upon the In- 
dians to precipitate the blow that afterwards fell 
upon the border settlements of Minnesota on the 
18th of August, 1862. Had ho remained with his 
family at Yellow Medicine, as did the Winnebago 
agent, with his family; at the agency, tho strong 
probabihty is that the attack at Yellow Medicine 
might have been delayed, if not entirely pre- 
vented. 



CHAPTER xxxrn. 

MURDER AT ACTTON — MASSACRK AT THE LOWER 
AGENCY — C.VPTCRE OF MATTIB WILLIAMS, MAHV 
A.<iDERSON AND M.\ET SCHWAXPT — firRDER OF 
GEORGE GLEASON — CAPTCRE OF MRS. WAKEFIELD 
AND CHILDREN. 

We omo now to the massacre itself, the terrible 
blow which fell, like a thunderbolt from a clear 
skv, with such apjialling force and suddenness. 



MURDERS AT ACTON. 



195 



upon the unarmed and defeuc3les3 border, crim- 
soiiing its fair fields with the blood of its murdered 
jieople, and lighting up the midnight sky with 
the lurid blaze of burning dwellings, by the light 
of which the affrighted survivors fled from the 
nameless terrors that beset their path, before the 
advancing gleam of the uplifted tomahawk, many 
of them only to fall victims to the Indian ballet, 
while vainly seeking a place of security. 

The firit blow fell ujjou the town of Acton, 
thirty-five miles north-east of the Lower Sioux 
agency,' in the county of Meeker. On Sunday, 
August 17, 1862, at 1 o'clock P. M., six Sioux In- 
dians, said to be of Shakopee's b.andof Lower An- 
nuity Sioux, came to the house of Jones and de- 
manded food. It was refused them, as Mrs. Jones 
was away from home, at the house of Mr. Howard 
Baker, a son-in-law, three fourths of a mile dis- 
tant. They became angry and boisterous, and 
fearing violence at their bands, Mr. Jones took 
his children, a boy and a girl, and went himself to 
Baker's, leaving at the house a girl from fourteen 
to sixteen years of age, and a boy of twelve — 
brother and sist«r — who lived with him. The In- 
dians soon followed on to Baker's. At Howard 
Baker's were a Mr. Webster and his wife. Baker 
and wife and infant child, and Jones and his wife 
and two children. 

Soon after reaching the house, the Indians pro- 
posed to the three men to join them in target- 
shooting. They consented, and all discharged 
their guns at the target. Mr. Baker then traded 
guns with an Indian, the savage giving him $3 
as the difference in the value of the guns. Then 
all commenced loading again. The Indians got 
the charges into their guns first, and immediately 
turned and shot Jonas. Mrs. Jones and Mrs. 
Baker were standing in the door. When one of 
the savages leveled his gun at Mrs. Baker, her 
husband saw the movement, and sprang between 
them, receiving the bullet intended for his wife 
in his own body. At the same time they shot 
Webster and Mrs. Jones. Mrs. Baker, who had 
her infant in her arms, seeing her husband fall, 
faint?d, and fell backward into the cellar (a trap- 
door being open), and thus escaped. Mrs. Web- 
ster was lying in their wagon, from which the 
goods were not yet unloaded, and escaped unhurt. 
The children of Mr., Jones were in the house, and 
were not molested. They then returned to the 
house of Mr. Jones, and killed and scalped the girl. 
The boy was lying on the bod and was undiscov- 



ered, but was a silent witness of the tragic fate of 
his sister. 

After killing the girl the savages left without 
disturbing anything, and going directly to the 
house of a settler, took from his stable a span of 
horses already in the harness, and while the fam- 
ily was at dinner, hitched them to a wagon stand- 
ing near, and without molesting any one, drove 
off in the direction of Beaver Creek settlement and 
the Lower Agency, leaving Acton at about 3 
o'clock in the afternoon. This span of horses, har- 
ness and wagon were the only property taken from 
the neighborhood by them. 

The boy at Jones's who escaped massacre at 
their hands, and who was at the house during the 
entire time that they were there, avers that they 
obtained no liquor there that day, but even that 
when they came back and murdered his sister, the 
bottles upon the shelf were untouched by them. 
They had obtained none on their first visit before 
going over to Baker's. It would seem, therefore, 
that the very general belief that these first mur- 
ders at Acton, on the 17th, were the result of 
drunkenness, is a mistake. 

Mrs. Baker, who was unhurt by the fall, re- 
mained in the cellar until after the Indians were 
gone, when, taking the children, she started for a 
neighboring settlement, to give the alarm. Before 
she left, an Irishman, caUing himself Cox, came 
to the house, whom she asked to go with her, and 
carry her child. Cox laughed, saying, "the men 
were not dead, but drunk, and that, falling down, 
they had hurt their noses and made them bleed," 
and refusing to go with Mrs. Baker, went off in 
the direction taken by the Indians. This man 
Cox had frequently been seen at the Lower Agen- 
cy, and was generally supposed to be an insane 
man, wandering friendless over the country. It 
has been supposed by many that he was in league 
with the Indians. We have only to say, it he was, 
he counterfeited insanity remarkably well. 

Mrs. Baker reached the settlement in safety, and 
on the next day ( Monday) a company of citizens 
of Forest City, the county seat of Meeker countv, 
went out to Acton to bury the dead. Forest City 
is twelve miles north of that place. The party 
who went out on Monday saw Indians on horse- 
back, and chased them, but failed to get near 
enough to get a shot, and they escaped. 

As related in a preceding chapter, a council was 
held at Rice Creek on Sunday, at which it was de- 
cided that the fearful tragedy should commence 



196 



EISTORT OF THE SIOUX MASSAORE. 



on the next morning. It is doubtful whether the 
Acton murders were tlion known to these con- 
spirators, as this council assembled in the after- 
noon, and the savages who coramitted those mur- 
ders had some forty miles to travel, after 3 o'clock 
in the afternoon, to reach the place ot this coun- 
cil. It would seem, therefore, that those murders 
could have had no influence in precipitating this 
council, as thej could not, at tlxat time, have been 
known to Little Crow and his conspirators. 

The final decision of these fiends must have been 
made as early as sundown; for by early dawn al- 
most the entire force of warriors, of the Lower 
tribes, were ready for the work of slaughter. They 
were already armed and painted, and dispersed 
through the scattered settlements, over a region at 
least forty miles in extent, and were rapidly gath- 
ering in the vicinity of the Lower Agency, until 
some 250 were collected at that point, and sur- 
rounded the houses and stores of the traders, 
■while yet the inmates were at their morning meal, 
or asleep in their beds in fancied security, all un- 
conscious of tlie dreadful fate that awaited them. 
The action was concerted, and the time fixed. 
The blow was unexpected, and unparalleled! In 
the language af Adjutent-General Mahnros: 

"Since the formation of our general Govern- 
ment, no State or Territory of the Republic has 
received so severe a blow at the hands of the sav- 
ages, or witnessed within its borders a parallel 
scene of murder, butchery, and rapine." 

Philander Prescott, the aged Government In- 
terpreter at that Agency, who had resided among 
the Sioux for forty-five years, having a wife and 
children allied to them by ties of blood, and who 
knew their language and spoke it better than any 
man ot their own race, and who seemed to under- 
stand every Indian imjiulse, had not the slightest 
intimation or conception ot such a catastroplio as 
was about to fall upon the country. The Eev. S. 
B. Riggs, in a letter to a St. Paul paper, under 
date of August 13, writes that "all is quiet and 
orderly at the place ot the forthcoming payment." 
This gentleman had been a missionary among 
these people for over a quarter of a century. His 
intimate acquaintance with their character and 
language were of such a nature as to enable him 
to know and detect the first symptoms of any in- 
tention of committing any depredations upon the 
whites, and had not thu greatest secrecy been ob- 
8er\ed by thorn, tlie kiiowle Igo of their designs 
would undoubtedly have been communicated to 



either Mr. Prescott, Mr. Riggs, or Dr. Williamson, 
who had also been among them almost thirty 
years. Such was the position of these gentlemen 
that, had they discovered or suspected any lurking 
signs of a conspiracy, such as after developments 
satisfy us actually existed, and had failed to com- 
municate it to the authorities and the people, they 
would have laid themselves open to the horrible 
ohargo of complicity with the murderers. But 
whatever may be the public judgement upon the 
course afterward pursued, by the two last-named 
gentlemen, in their efforts to shield the guilty 
wretches from that punishment their awful crimes 
so justly merited, no one who knows them would 
for a moment harbor a belief that they had any 
suspicion of the coming storm until it burst upon 
them. 

A still stronger proof ot the feeling of security 
of these upon the reservation, and the belief that 
the recent demonstrations were only such as were 
of yearly occurrence, and that all danger was 
passed, is to be found in the fact that, as late as 
the 15th of August, the substance of a dispatch 
was published in the daily papers of St. Paul, 
from Major Galbraith, agreeing fully with the 
views of Mr. Riggs, as to the quiet and orderly 
conduct of the Indians. This opinion is accom- 
panied by the very highest evidence of human 
sincerity. Under the belief of their peaceable 
disposition, he had, on the 16th day ot August, 
sent his wife and children from Fort Ridgely to 
Yellow Medicine, where they arrived on Sunday, 
tlie 17th, the very day of the murders at Acton, 
and on the very day, also, that the council at Rice 
Creek had decided that the white race in Minne- 
sota must either perish or be driven back east ot 
the Slississippi. But early on tliis fatal Monday 
morning Mr. Prescott and Rev. J. D. Hinman 
learned from Little Crow that the storm of savage 
wrath was gathering, and about to break upon 
their devoted heads, and that their only safety 
was in instant flight. 

The first crack of the Indian guns that fell on 
his ear, a moment afterward, found Prescott and 
Hinman, and his household fleeing for their lives, 

"While on the billowy bosom of the air 
Rolled the dread notes of anguish and despair." 

Mrs. Hinman was, fortunately, then at Fari- 
baiilt. All the other members of the family es- 
caped wiih Mr. Hinman to Fort Ridgoly. The 
slaughter at the Agency now commenced. Jolin 
Lamb, a teamster, was shot down, near the house 



MASS AG RE AT LOWER AGENCY. 



197 



of Mr. Hinman, just as that gentleman and his 
family were starting on their perilous journey of 
escape. At the same time some Indians entered 
the stable, and were taking therefrom the horses 
belonging to the Government. Mr. A. H. Wag- 
ner, Superintendent of Farms at that Agency, en- 
tered the stable to prevent them, and was, by order 
of Little Crow, instantly shot down. Mr. Hin- 
man waited to see and hear no more, but fled 
toward the ferry, and soon put the Minnesota river 
between himself and the terrible tragedy enact- 
ing behind him. 

At about the same time, Mr. J. C. Dickinson, 
who kept the Government boarding-house, with 
all his family, including several girls who were 
working for him, also succeeded in crossing the 
river with a span of horses and a wagon; these, 
with some others, mostly women and children, who 
had reached the ferry, escaped to the fort. 

Very soon after, Dr. Philander P. HumjDhrey, 
physician to the Lower Sioux, with his sick 
wife, and three children, also succeeded in 
crossing the river, but never reached the fort. 
All but one, the eldest, a boy of about twelve 
years of age, were killed upon the road. They 
had gone about four miles, when Mrs. Humphrey 
became so much exhausted as to be unable to pro- 
ceed further, and they went into the house of a 
Mr. Magner, deserted by its inmates. Mrs. Hum- 
phrey was placed on the bed; the son was sent to 
the spring for water for his mother. * * The 
boy heard the wild war-whoop of the savage 
break upon the stillness of the air, and, in the 
next moment, the ominous crack of their guns, 
which told the fate of his family, and left him its 
sole survivor. Fleeing hastily toward Fort Kidge- 
ly, about eight miles distant, he met the com- 
mand of Captain Marsh on their way toward the 
Agency. The young hero turned back with them 
to the ferry. As they passed Magner's house, 
they saw the Doctor lying near the door, dead, 
but the house, itself was a heap of smouldering 
ruins; and this brave boy was thus compelled to 
look upon the funeral pyre of his mother, and his 
little brother and sister. A burial party afterward 
found their charred remains amid the blackened 
ruins, and gave them Christian sepulture. In the 
chai'rc J hands of the Uttle girl was found her china 
doll, with which she refused to part even in death. 
The boy went on to the ferry, and in that disas- 
trous conflict escaped unharmed, and finally made 
his way into the fort. 



In the mean time the work of death went on. 
The whites, taken by surprise, were utterly de- 
fenseless, and so great had been the feeling of se- 
curity, that many of them were actually unarmed, 
although living in the very midst of the savages. 
At the store of Nathan Myrick, Hon. James W. 
Lynd, formerly a member of the State Senate, 
Andrew J. Myrick, and G. W. DivoU were among 
the first victims. * * * In the store of Wil- 
liam H. Forbes were some five or six persons, 
among them Mr. George H. Spencer, jr. Hearing 
the yelling of the savages outside, these men ran 
to the door to ascertain its cause, when they were 
instantly fired upon, killing foiir of their number, 
and severely wounding Mr. Spencer. Silencer and 
his uninJTired companion hastily sought a tempo- 
rary place of safety in the chamber of the build- 
ing. 

Mr. Spencer, in giving an account of this open- 
ing scene of the awful tragedy, says: 

" When I reached the foot of the stairs, I turned 
and beheld the store filling with Indians. One 
had followed me nearly to the stairs, when he took 
deliberate aim at my body, but, providentially, 
both barrels of his gun missed fire, and I succeeded 
in getting above without further injury. Not ex- 
pecting to live a great while, I threw myself upon 
a bed, and, while lying there, coirld hear them 
ojiening cases of goods, and carrying them out, 
and threatening to burn the building. I did not 
relish the idea of being burned to death very well, 
so I arose very quietly, and taking a bed- cord, I 
made fast one end to the bed-post, and carried the 
other to a window, which I raised. I intended, in 
case they fired the building, to let myself down 
from the window, and take the chances of being 
shot again, rather than to remain where I was and 
bum. The man who went up-stairs with me, see- 
ing a good opportunity to escape, rushed down 
through the crowd and ran for life; he was fired 
upon, and two charges of buckshot struck him, 
but he succeeded in making his escape. I had 
been up-stairs probably an hour, when I heard the 
voice of an Indian inquiring for me. I recognized 
his voice, and felt that I was safe. Upon being 
told that I was up-stairs, he rushed up, followed by 
ten or a dozen others, and approaching my bed, 
asked if I was mortally wounded. I told him that 
I did not know, but that I was badly hurt. Some 
of the others came up and took me by the hand, 
and appeared to be sorry that I had been hurt. 
They then asked me where the guns were. I 



198 



HISTORY OF THE SIOUX MASSAORE. 



jminti'il to thorn, wlicu my comrade assisted me in 
getting dorni stiiirs. 

"The name of this Indian is Wakinyatawa, or, 
in EngUsh, 'His Thunder.' He was, up to the time 
of the outbreak, the head soldier of Little Crow, 
and, some four or five years ago, went to Wash- 
ington with that ehief to see their Great Father. 
He is a fine-looking Indian, and has always been 
noted for his bravery in fighting the Chippewas. 
When WG reached the foot of the stairs, some of 
the Indians cried out, 'Kill him!' 'Spare no 
Americans!' 'Show mercy to none!' My friend, 
w^ho was unarmed, seized a hatchet tliat was lying 
near by, and declared that he would cut down the 
first one that should attempt to do mo any further 
harm. Said he, ' It you had killed him before I 
saw him, it would have been all right; but we have 
been friends and comrades for ten years, and now 
that I have set^n him, I will protect him or die with 
him.' They then made way for lis, and we passed 
out; he procured a wagon, and gave me over to a 
couple of squaws to take me to his lodge. On the 
way we were stopped two or three times by armed 
Indians on horseback, who inquired of the squaws 
' What that meant '?' Upon being answered that 
• This is Wakinyatawa's friend, and he has saved 
his life,' they sutrered us to pass on. His lodge 
was about four miles above the Agency, at Little 
Crow's village. My friend soon came home and 
washed me, and dressed my wounds with roots. 
Some few white men succeeded in making their 
escape to the fort. There were no other white 
men taken prisoners." 

The relation of "comrade," which existed be- 
tween Mr. Spencer and this Indian, is a species 
of Freemasonry which is in existence among the 
Sioux, and is probably also common to other In- 
dian tribes. 

The store of Louis Kobert was, in like manner, 
attacked. Patrick McClellan, one of the clerks in 
charge of the store, was killed. There were at the 
store several other persons; some of them were 
killed and some made their escape. Mr. John 
Nairn, the Government carpenter at the Lower 
Sioux Agency, seeing the attack upon the stores 
and other places, seized bis cliildren, four in num- 
ber, and, with his wife, started out on the prairie, 
making their way toward the fort. They were 
accompanied by Mr. Alexander Hunter, an at- 
tached personal friend, and his young wife. Mr. 
Nairn had been among them in the employ of the 
Government, some eight years, and had, by his 



urbane manners and strict attention to their in- 
terests, secured the personal friendship of many 
of the tribe. Mr. Nairn and his family reached 
the fort in safety that arternoon. Mr. Hunter had, 
some years before, frozen his feet so badly as to 
lose the toes, and, being lame, walked with great 
dilliculty. When newr an Indian village below the 
Agency, they were met by an Indian, who urged 
Hmiter to go to the village, promising to get them 
a horse and wagon with which to make their es- 
cape. Mr. Hunter and his wife went to the Indian 
village, believing their Indian friend would re- 
deem his promises, but from inability, or some 
other reason, he did not do so. They went to the 
wot)ds, where they remained all night, and in the 
morning started for Fort Kidgely on foot. They 
had gone but a short distance, however, when they 
met an Indian, who, without a word of warning, 
shot poor Himter deiid, and led his distracted 
young wife away into captivity. 

We now return once more to the scene of blood 
and conflagration at the Agency. The white- 
haired interpreter. Philander Prescott (now verg- 
ing upon seventy years of age ), hastily left his 
house soon after his meeting with Little Crow, and 
fied toward Fort Bidgely. The other members of 
his family remained behind, knowing that their 
relation to the tribe would save them. Mr. Pres- 
cott had gone several miles, when he was overtaken. 
His murderers came and talked with him. He 
reasoned with them, saying: "I am an old man: 
I have lived with you now forty-five years, almost 
halt a century. My wife and children are among 
you, of your own blood; I have never done you 
any harm, and have been your true friend in all 
your troubles; why should you wish to kill mey" 
Their only reply was : "We would save your life 
if we could, but the ichite man, must die; we cannot 
spare your life; our orders are to kill all white 
men; we cannot spare yon." 

Seeing that all remonstrance was vain and hope- 
less, and that his time had come, the aged man 
with a firm step and noble bearing, sadly turned 
away from the deaf ear and iron heart of the sav- 
age, and with dignity and composure received the 
fatal messenger. 

Thus perished Philander Prescott, the true, tried, 
and faithful friend of the Indian, by the hands of 
that perfidious race, whom he had so long and so 
faithfully labored to benefit to so little purpose. 

The number of persons who reached FortRidge- 
ly from the agency was forty-one. Some are 



AT REDWOOD RIVEn. 



199 



known to have reached other places of safety. All 
suifered incredible hardships; many hiding by day 
in the tall prairie grass, in bogs and sloughs, or 
under the trunks of prostrate trees, crawling 
stealthily by night to avoid the lurking and wily 
foe, who, with the keen scent of the blood-hound 
and ferocity of the tiger, followed on their trail, 
thirsting for blood. 

Among those who escaped into the fort were 
Mr. J. 0. Whipple, of Faribault; Mr. Charles B. 
Hewitt, of New Jersey. The services of Mr. 
Whipple were recognized and rewarded by the 
Government with a first lieutenant's commis- 
sion in the volunteer artillery service. 

James Powell, a young man residing at St. 
Peter, was at the Agency herding cattle. He had 
just turned the cattle out of the yard, saddled and 
moimted his mule, as t)ie work of death com- 
menced. Seeing Lamb and Wagner shot down 
near him he turned to flee, when Lamb called to 
him for help ; but, at that moment two shots were 
fired at him, and, putting spurs to his mule he 
tiuned toward the ferry, passing close to an In- 
dian who leveled his gun to fire at him; but the 
caps exploded, when the savage, evidently sur- 
prised that he had failed to kill him, waved his 
hand toward the river, and exclaimed, "Puckachee! 
Puckachee!" Powell did not wait for a second 
warning, which might come in a more unwelcome 
form, but slipped at once from the back of his an- 
imal, dashed down the bluff through the brush, 
and reached the ferry just as the boat was leaving 
the shore. Looking over his shoulder as he ran, 
he saw an Indian in full pursuit on the very mule 
he had a moment before abandoned. 

All that day the work of sack and plunder went 
on; and when the stores and dwellings and the 
warehouses of the Government had been eniptied 
of their contents, the torch was applied to the var- 
ious buildings, and the little village was soon a 
heap of smouldering ruins. 

The bodies of their slain victims were left to fes- 
ter in the sun where they fell, or were consumed 
in the buildings from which they had been unable 
to effect their escape. 

So complete was the surprise, and so sudden 
and unexpected the terrible blow, that not a sin- 
gle one of all that host of naked savages was slain. 
In thirty minutes from the time the first gun was 
fired, not a «hite person was left alive. All were 
either weltering in their gore or had fled in fear 
and terror from that place of death. 



EEDWOOD BIVEB. 

At the Bedwood river, ten miles above the 
Agency, on the road to Yellow Medicine, resided 
Mr. Joseph B. Reynolds, in the employment of 
the Government as a teacher. His house was 
within one mile of Shakopee's village. His family 
consisted of his wife, a niece—Miss Mattie Wil- 
liams, of Painesville, Ohio — Mary Anderson and 
Mary Sohwandt, hired girls. William Landmeier, 
a hired man, and Legrand Davis, a young man 
from Shakopee, was also stopping with them tem- 
porarily. 

On the morning of the 18th of August, at about 
6 o'clock, John Moore, a half-breed trader, resid- 
ing near them, came to the house and informed 
them that there was an outbreak among the In- 
dians, and that they had better leave at once. Mr. 
Keynolds. immediately got out his buggy, and, 
taking his wife, started off across the prairie in 
such a direction as to avoid the Agency. At the 
same time Davis and the three girls got into the 
wagon of a Mr. Patoile, a trader at Yellow Medi- 
cine, who had just arrived there on his way to New 
Ulm, and they also started out on the prairie. 
William, the hired man, would not leave until he 
had been twice warned by Moore that his life was 
in danger. He then went down to the river bot- 
tom, and following the Minnesota river, started for 
the fort. When some distance on his way he 
came upon some Indians who were gathering up 
cattle. They saw him and there was no way of 
escape. They came to him and told him that if 
he would assist them in driving the cattle they 
would not kill him. Making a merit of necessity 
he complied, and went on with them till they were 
near the Lower Agency, when the Indians, hear- 
ing the firing at the ferry, suddenly left him and 
hastened on to take part ia the battle then pro- 
gressing between Captain Marsh and their friends. 
William fled in an opposite direction, and that 
night entered Fort Kidgely. 

We return now to Patoile and his party. 
After crossing the Eedwood near its mouth, he 
drove some distance up that stream, and, turning 
to the left, struck across the prairie toward New 
Ulm, keeping behind a swell in the prairie which 
ran parallel with the Minnesota, some three miles 
south of that stream. 

They had, unpursued, and apparently unob- 
served, reached a point within about ten miles of 
New Ulm, and nearly opposite Fort Eidgely, when 
they were suddenly assailed by Indians, who 



200 



UIHTORY OF TUB SIOUX MASSACRE. 



killed Patoile iind Dnvis, and severely wounded 
Mary Anderson. Miss Williams and Mary 
Sohwandt were captured unhurt, and were taken 
back to Wuucouta's village. 

The poor, injured young woman survived her 
■wounds and the brutal and liendi.sh violation of 
her person to which she was subjected by these 
deoils incarnate, but a few days, when death, in 
mercy, came to her relief and ended her sufTerings 
in the quiet of the grave! 

Mattie Williams and Mary Schwaudt were af- 
terwards restored to their friends by General Sib- 
ley's expedition, at Camp Release. We say, res- 
stored to their friends; this was hardly true of 
Mary Schwandt, who, when release came, found 
olive, of all her father's family, only one, a little 
brother; and he had witnessed the fiendish slaugh- 
ter of all the rest, accompanied by circumstances 
of infernal barbarity, without a parallel in the his- 
tory of savage bratality. 

On Sunday, the 17th, George Gleason, Govern- 
ment store-keeper at the Lower Agency, accompa- 
nied by the family of Agent Galbraith, to Yellow 
Medicine, and on Monday afternoon, ignorant of 
the terrible tragedy enacted below, started to re- 
turn. He had with him the wife and two children 
of Dr. J. S. Wakefield, physician to the Upper 
Sioux. When about two miles above the mouth 
of the Eedwood, they met two armed Indians on 
the road. Gleason greeted them with the usual 
salutation of "Ho!" aecomp.inied with the inquiry, 
in Sioux, as he passed, "Where are you going?" 
They returned the salutation, but Gleason had 
gone but a very short distance, when the sharp 
crack of a gun behind him bore to his ear the first 
intimation of the death in store for him. The 
bullet passed through his body and he fell to the 
ground. At the same moment Chaska, the Indian 
who had not fired, sprang into the wagon, by the 
side of IMrs. Wakefield, and driving a short dis- 
tance, returned. Poor Gleason was lying upon 
the groimd, still alive, writhing in mortal agony, 
when the savage monster completed his hellish 
work, by placing his gim at his breast, and shoot- 
ing him again. Such was the sad end of the life 
of George Gleason ; gay, jocund, genial and gen- 
erous, he was the life of every circle. His pleas- 
ant face was seen, and his mellow voice was heard 
in song, at almost every social gathering on that 
rude frontier. He had a smile and pleasant word 
for all; and yet he fell, in his manly strength, by 
the hands of these bloody monsters, whom he had 



never wronged in word or deed. Some weeks af- 
terward, his mutilated remains were found by the 
troops under Colonel Sibley, and buried where he 
fell. They were subsequently removed by his 
friends to Shakopee, where they received the rites 
of Christian sepulture. 

Mrs. Wakefield and children were held as pris- 
oners, and were reclaimed with the other captives 
at Camp Release. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

MASSACRE ON THE KOBTH SIDE OF THE MIXNliSOTA 

BUKNINO OF MES.'HENDERSOX AND TWO CHILDBEN 
ESCAPE OF J. W. EAULE AND OTHERS THE SET- 
TLERS ENDEAVOR TO ESCAPE MURDER OF THE 

SCHWANDT FAMILY WHOLESALE MASSACRE UP- 
PER AOENOr THE PEOPLE WARNED BY JOSEPH 

LAFRAMBOIS AND OTHER DAY — ESCAPE OF THE 
WHITES FROM YELLOW MEDICINE — SETTLEMENT 
ON THE CHIPPEWA MUBDEB OF JASIES W. LIND- 
SAY AND HIS COURADE. 

Early on the morning of the 18th, the settlers 
on the north side of the Minnesota river, adjoining 
the reservation, were surprised to see a large num- 
ber of Indians in their immediate neighborhood. 
They were seen soon after the people arose, simul- 
taneously, all along the river from Birch Coolie to 
Beaver Creek, and beyond, on the west, apparent- 
ly intent on gathering up the horses and cattle. 
When interrogated, they said they were after 
Chippewas. At about 6 or 7 o'clock they sudden- 
ly began to repair to the various houses of the set- 
tlers, and then the flight of the inhabitants and 
the work of death began. 

In the immediate vicinity of Beaver Creek, the 
neighbors, to the number of about twenty-eight, 
men, women, and children, assembled at the house 
of Jonathan W. Earle, and, with several teams, 
started for Fort Ridgely, having with them the 
sick wife of S. R. Henderson, her children, and 
the family of N. D. White, and the wife and two 
children of James Carrothers. 

There were, also, David Carrothers and family, 
Earle and family, Henderson, and a German named 
Wedge, besides four sons of White and Earle; the 
rest were women and children. They had gone 
but a short distance when they were surrounded 
by Indians. When asked, by some of the party 
who could speak their language, what they wanted, 
the Indians answered, "We are going to kill you." 



MASSACRE AT GERMAN SETTLEMENT. 



201 



When asked why they were to be killed, the In- 
dians consented to let them go, with one team and 
the buggy with Mrs. Henderson, on giving iip the 
rest. They had gone but a short distance when 
they were again stojsped by the savages, and the 
remaining team taken. Again they moved on, 
drawing the buggy and the sick woman by hand> 
but had gone but a few rods further, when the In- 
dians began to fire upon them. The men were 
with the buggy ; the women and children had gone 
on ahead, as well as the boys and Carrothers. 

Mr. Earle, seeing the savages were determined 
to kill them, and knowing that they could not now 
save Mrs. Henderson, hastened on and came up 
with the fleeing fugitives ahead. Mr. Henderson 
waved a white cloth as a flag of truce, when they 
shot off his fingers, and, at the same time, killed 
Wedge. Henderson then ran, seeing that he could 
not save his wife and children, and made his es- 
cape. They came up with his buggy, and, taking 
out the helpless woman and children, threw them 
on the prairie, and placing the bed over them, set 
it on lire, and hastened on after the fleeing fugi- 
tives. 

The burned and blackened remains of both the 
mother and her two children were afterward found 
by a burial party, and interred. 

Coming up with the escaping women and chil- 
dren, they were all captured but two children of 
David Carrothers. These they had shot in the 
chase after Carrothers, Earle, and the sons of Earle 
and White. They killed, also, during this chase 
and running fight, Eugene White, a son of N. D. 
White, and Radnor, son of Jonathan W. Earle. 

Carrothers escaped to Crow Eiver, and thence to 
St. Paul. Mr. Earle and two of his sons, and one 
son of Mr. White, after incredible hardships, es- 
caped to Cedar City, and subsequently made their 
way back to St. Peter and Fort Eidgely. All the 
captives taken at this time were carried to Crow's 
village, and, with the exception of Mrs. James 
Carrothers and her children, were recovered at 
Camp Release. 

After they had captured the women and children, 
they returned to the houses of the settlers, and 
plundered them of their contents, carrying off 
what they could, and breaking up and destroying 
the balance. They then gathered up the stock 
and drove it to their village, taking their captives 
with them. 

Some two or three miles above the neighborhood 
of Earle and Whif« was a settlement of German 



emigrants, numbering some forty persons, quiet, 
industrious, and enterprising. Early on the 
morning of the 18th these had all assembled at 
the house of John Meyer. Very soon after they 
had assembled here, some fifty Indians, led by 
Shakopee, appeared in sight. The people all fled, 
except Meyer and his family, going into the grass 
and bushes. Peter Bjorkman ran toward his o^vn 
house. Shakopee, whom he knew, saw him, and 
exclaimed, "There is Bjorkman; kill him!" but, 
keeping the building between him and the sav- 
ages, he plunged into a slough and concealed 
himself, even removing his shirt, fearing it might 
be the means of revealing his whereabouts to the 
lurking savages. Here he lay from early morning 
until the darkness of night enabled him to leave 
with safety — suffering unutterable torments, mos- 
quitoes literally swarming uf)on his naked person, 
and the hot sun scorching him to the bone. 

They immediately attacked the house of Meyer, 
killing his wife and all his children. Seeing his 
family butchered, and having no means of de- 
fense, Meyer effected his escape, and reached Fort 
Eidgely. In the meantime the affrighted jjcople 
had got together again at the house of a Mr. 
Sitzton, near Bjorkman's, to the number of about 
thirty, men, women, and children. In the after- 
noon the savages returned to the house of Sitzton, 
killing every person there but one woman, Mrs. 
Wilhelmina Eindenfield, and her child. These 
■ware captured, and afterward found at Camp Re- 
lease, but the husband and father was among the 
slain. From his place of concealment Mr. Bjork- 
man witnessed this attack and wholesale massacre 
of almost an entire neighborhood. After dark he 
came out of the slough, and, going to his house, 
obtained some food and a bundle of clothing, as 
bis house was not yet jjlundered; fed his dog and 
calf, and went over to the house of Meyer ; here 
he found the windows all broken in, but did not 
enter the house. He then went to the house of 
Sitzton; his nerves were not equal to the task of 
entering that charnel-house of death. As he 
passed the yard, he turned out some cattle that the 
Indians had not taken away, and hastened toward 
Fort Ridgely. On the road he overtook a woman 
and two children, one an infant of six months, the 
wife and children of John Sateau, who had 
been killed. Taking one of the children in his 
arms, these companions in misfortune and suffer- 
ing hurried on together. Mrs. Sateau was nearly 
naked, and without either shoes or stockings. 



202 



UIHTOllY OF THE HIOUX MAiiSACRE. 



The roufjh prairie grass lacerated her naked feet 
and hinl)S terribly, and she was ahont giving out 
in despair, lljorkiuan took from his bundle a 
shirt, and tearing it in parts, she wound it about 
her feet, and proceeded on. 

At daylight they came in sight of the house of 
Magner, eight miles above the fort. Here they 
saw some eight or ten Indians, and, turning aside 
from tlie road, dnipped down iuto the grass, where 
they remained until noon, when the Indians disap- 
peared. They again moved toward the fort, but 
slowly and cautiously, as they did not reach it 
imtil about midnight. Upon reaching the fort 
Mrs. Sateau found two sons, aged ten and twelve 
years respectively, who had effected their escape 
and reached there before her. 

Mrs. ]\Iary, widow of Patrick Haydcn, who re- 
sided about one and a half miles from the house 
of J. W. Earle, near Beaver Creek, in KenvUle 
county, says: 

"On the morning of the 18th of August, Mr. 
Hayden started to go over to the house of Mr. J. 
B. Reynolds, at the Redwood river, on the reser- 
vation, and met Thomas Robinson, a half-breed, 
who told him to go homo, get his family, and 
leave as soon as possible, for the Indians were 
coming over to kill all the whites. He came im- 
mediately home, and we commenced to make 
preparations to leave, but in a few minutes we 
saw some three or four Indians coming on horse- 
back. We then went over to the house of a 
neighbor, Benedict Etme, and found them all 
ready to leave. I started off with Euue"s people, 
and my husband went back home, still thinking 
the Indians would not kill any one, and intending 
to give them some provisions if they wanted them. 
I never saw him again. 

"We had gone about four miles, when we saw a 
man lying dead in the road and his faithful dog 
watching by his side. 

"We drove on till we came to the house of David 
Faribault, at the foot of the hill, about one and a 
half miles from the Agency ferry. When we got 
here two Indians came out of Faribault's house, 
and stopping the teams, shot Mr. Zimmerman, 
who was driving, andhisttvo boys. I sprang out 
or the wagim, and, with my child, (me year old, in 
my arms, ran into the bushes, and went up the 
hill toward the fort. When I came near the house 
of Mr. Magner, I saw Indians throwing furniture 
out of the door, and I went down into the bushes 



again, on the lower side of the road, and staid 
there until sundown. 

"While I lay here concealed, I saw the Indians 
taking the roof off the warehouse, and saw the 
buildings burning at the Agency. I also heard 
the tiring during the battle at the ferry, when 
Marsh and his men were killed. 

"I then went up near the fort road, and sitting 
down under a tree, waited till dark, and then 
started for Fort Ridgely, carrying my child all the 
way. I arrived at the fort at about 1 o'clock A. 
M. The distance from our place to Eidgley was 
seventeen miles. 

"On Tuesday morning I saw John Magner, who 
told me that, when the soldiers went up to the Agen- 
cy the day before., he f.aw my husband lying in the 
road, near David Faribault's house, dead. John 
Hayden, his brother, who lived with us, was found 
dead near La Croix creek. They had got up the 
oxen, and were bringing the family of Mr. Eisen- 
rich to the fort, when they were overtaken by In- 
dians. Eisenric'h was killed and his wife and five 
children were taken prisoners. 

"Mrs. Zimmerman, who was blind, and her re- 
maining children, and Mrs. Eune and her children, 
five in number, were caiJtured and taken to the 
house of David Faribault, where they were kept 
till night, the savages torturing them by telling 
them that they were going to fasten them in the 
house and burn them alive, but for some inexpli- 
cable reason let them go, and they, too, reached 
the fort in safety. Mr. Eime, who with one of his 
boys, eleven years old, remained behind to drive 
in his cattle, was met by them on the road and 
killed. The boy was captured, and, with the other 
prisoners, recovered at Camjj Release." 

The neighborhoods in the vicinity of La Croix 
creek, and between that and Fort Ridgely, were 
visited on Monday forenoon, and the people either 
massacred, driven away or made ])risuncrs. Ed- 
ward Magner, living eight miles above the fort, 
was killed. His wife and children had gone to 
the fort. He had returned to look after his cat- 
tle when he was shot. Patrick Kelley and David 
O'Connor, both single men, were killed near Mag- 
ner's. 

Keam Horan makes the following statement. 

"I lived four miles from the Lower Sioux 
Agency, on the fort road. On the 18th of August 
Patrick Horan, my brother, came early from the 
Agency and told us that the Indians were murder- 
ing the wliites. He had escaped alone and crossed 



STATEMENT OF KEARN HORAN. 



203 



the ferry, and with some Frenchmen was on his 
■way to the fort. My brothers and Wilham and 
Thomas Smith went with me. We saw Indians in 
the road near Magner's. Thomas Smith went to 
them, thinking they were white men, and I saw 
them kill him. We then turned to flee, and saw 
men escaping with teams along the road. All fled 
towards the fort together, the Indians firing upon 
us as we ran. The teams were oxen, and the In- 
dians were gaining upon us, when one of men in 
his excitement dropped his gun. The savages 
came up to it and picked it up. All stopped to 
examine it, and the men in the wagons whipped 
the oxen into a run. This delay enabled us to 
elude them. 

"As we passed the house of Ole Sampson, Mrs. 
Samjjson was crying at the door for help. Her 
three children were with her. We told her to go 
into the bush and hide, for we could not helj) 
her. We ran into a ravine and hid in the grass. 
After the Indians had hunted some time for us, 
they came along the side of the ravine, and called 
to us in good English, saying, 'Come out, boys; 
what are you afraid of? We don't want to hurt 
you.' After they left us we crawled out and made 
our way to the fort, where we arrived at about 4 
o'clock P. M. My family had gone there before 
me. Mrs. Sampson did not go to the bush, but 
hid in the wagon from which they had recently 
come from Waseca county. It was what we call a 
prairie schooner, covered with cloth, a genuine 
emigrant wagon. They took her babe from her, 
and throwing it down ujson the grass, put hay un- 
der the wagon, set fire to it and went away. Mrs. 
Sampson got out of the wagon, badly burned, and 
taking her infant from the ground made he; w y 
to the fort. Two of her children were burned to 
death in the wagon. Mr. Sampson had been pre- 
viously killed about eighty rods from the house. 

In the neighborhood of La Croix creek, or Birch 

CooUe, Peter Pereau, Frederick Closen, 

Piguar, Andrew Bahlke, Henry Keartner, old Mr. 
Closen and Mrs. William Vitt, and several others 
were killed. Mrs. Maria Frorip, an aged Ger- 
man woman, was wounded four dilTerent times 
with small shot, but escaped to the fort. The wife 
of Henry Keartner also escaped and reached the 
fort. The wife and child of a Mr. Cardenelle 
were taken prisoners, as were also the wife and 
child of Frederick Closen. 

William Yitt came into Fort Eidgely, but not | 



until he had, with his own hands, buried his mur- 
dered wife and also a Mr. Piguar. 

A flourishing German settlement had sprung up 
near Patterson's Rapids, on the Sacred Heart, 
twelve miles below TeUow Medicine. 

Word came to this neighborhood about sun- 
down of the Ibth, that the Indians were murder- 
ing the whites. This news was brought to them 
by two men who had started from the Lower 
Agency, and had seen the lifeless and mutilated 
remains of the murdered victims lying upon the 
road and in their plundered dwellings towards 
Beaver Creek. The whole neighborhood, with the 
exception of one family, that of Mr. Schwandt, 
soon assembled at the house of Paul Kitzmau, with 
their oxen and wagons, and jsrepared to start for 
Fort Eidgely. 

A messenger was sent to the house of Schwandt 
but the Indian rifle and the tomahawk had done 
their fearful work. Of all that family but two 
survived; one a boy, a witness of the awful scene 
of butchery, and he then on his way, covered with 
blood, towards Fort Eidgely. The other, a young 
girl of about seventeen years of age, then residing 
at Eedwood, who was captured as previously 
stated. 

This boy saw his sister, a young married wo- 
man, ripped ojien, while alive, and her imborn 
babe taken, yet struggling, from her person and 
nailed to a tree before the eyes of the dying 
mother. 

This party started in the evening to make their 
escape, going so as to avoid the settlements and 
the traveled roads, striking across the country to- 
ward the head of Beaver creek. 

They traveled this way aU night, and in the 
morning changed their course towards Fort Eidge- 
ly. They continued in this direction imtU the 
san was some two hours high, when they were met 
by eight Sioux Indians, who told them that the 
murders were committed by Chippewas, and that 
they had come over to protect them and punish 
the murderers; and thus induced them to turn 
back toward their homes. One of the savages 
spoke EngUsh weU. He was acquainted with some 
of the company, having often hunted with Paul 
Kitzmau. He kissed Kitzman, telling him he was 
a good man; and they shook hands with aUof the 
party. The simple hearted Germans beUeved 
them, gave them food, distributed money among 
them, and, gratefully receiving their assurances of 
friendship and protection, turned back. 



201 



IIISTORT OF THE Jf^Wi'X MASSACltB. 



Tliey trnvolpd on towiiiil tlioir ilpsorteJ homes 
till nooii, whcu tliey ngain lialtoJ, nnd gave tlioir 
prctonileil protoctors food. Tlie Imlians wont 
nwnv by themsolvos to cat. Tlio suspicions of the 
fugitives were now somewhat aroused, but they 
felt that they were, to a great extent, in the power 
of the wretches. They soon came hack, and or- 
dered them to go on, taking their position on each 
side of tlie train. Soon after they went on and 
dinapj)eared. The train kept on toward home; 
and when within a few rods of a house, where they 
thought they could defend themselves, as they had 
guns with them, they were suddenly surrounded 
by fourteen Indians, who instantly fired upon them, 
killing eight (all but three of the men) at the first 
discharge. At the next fire they killed two of the 
remaining men and six of the women, leaving only 
one man, Frederick Krciger, alive. His wife was 
also, as yet, unhurt. They soon dispatched Kreiger, 
and, at the same time, began beating out the brains 
of the screaming children with the butts of their 
guns. Mrs. Kreiger was standing in the wagon, 
and, when her husband fell, uttenii)ted to spring 
from it to the ground, but was .shot from behind, 
and fell back in the wagon-bos, although not dead, 
or entirely unconscious. She was roughly seized 
and dragged to the ground, and the teams w-ere 
driven oiT. She "now became insensible. A few of 
the children, during this awful scene, escaped to 
the timber near by; and a few also, maimed and 
mangled by these horrible monsters, and left for 
dead, survived, and, after cniluring incredible 
hardships, got to Fort Ridgely. Mrs. Zable, and 
five children, were horribly mangled, and almost 
naked, entered the fort eleven days afterward- 
Mrs. Kreiger also survived her unlieard-of suffer- 
ings. 

Stimc forty odd bodies were afterward found and 
buried on that fat.d field of slaughter. Thus per- 
ished, by the hands of these terrible scourges of 
the border, almost an entire neighborhood. Quiet, 
sober, and industrious, they had come hither from 
the vine-clad hills of their fatherland, by the green 
shores and glitling waters of the enchanting 
Bhine, and had built for them.selves homes, where 
they had fondly hoped, in jx^iee and quiet, to 
spend yet long years, under the fair, blue sky, and 
in the sunny clime of Minnesota, when suddenly, 
and in one short hour, by the hand of the savage, 
they were doomed to one common annihilation. 

During all the fatal 18th of Augu-st, the people 
at the UpiJer Agency pursued their usual avoca- 



tions. As night approached, however, an unusual 
gathering of Imliana was observed on the hill just 
west of the Agency, and between it and the house 
of John Other Day. Judge Givens and Charles 
Crawford, then acting as interpreters in the ab- 
sence of Freniere, went out to them, and sought 
to learn why they were there in council, but could 
get no satisfactory reply. Soon after this, Other 
Day came to them with the news of the outbreak 
below, as did also Joseph Laframbois, a half- 
breed Sioux. The families there were soon all 
gathered together in the warehouse and dwelling 
of the agent, who resided in the same building, 
and with the guns they had, prepared themselves 
OS best they could, and awaited the attack, deter- 
mined to sell their lives as dearly as possible. 
There were gathered here sixty-two persons, men, 
women, and children. 

Other Day, and several other Indians, who came 
to them, told them they would stand by them to 
the last. These men visited the council outside, 
several times during the night; but when they 
were most needed, one only, the noble and heroic 
Other Day, remained faithfuJ. All the others dis- 
appeared, one after another, during the night. 
About one or two o'clock in the morning, Stewart 
B. Garvie, connected with the traders' store, known 
as Myrick's, came to the warehouse, and was ad- 
mitted, badly wounded, a charge of buckshot hav- 
ing entered his bowels. Garvie was standing in 
the door or his store when he was fired upon and 
wounded. He ran up stairs, and jumping from 
the window into the garden, crawled away, and 
reached the Agency without further molestation. 
At about this time Joseph Laframbois went to the 
store of Daily & Pratt, and awakened the two men 
in charge there, Duncan li. Keiuiedy and J. D. 
Boardman, and told them to flee for their lives. 
They hastily dressed and left the store, but had 
not gone ten rods when they saw in the path be- 
fore them three Indians. They stepped down 
from the path, which ran along the edge of a rise 
in the ground of some feet, and crouching in the 
grass, the Indians passed within eight feet of 
them. Kennedy went on toward Fort Ridgely, 
detennined to reach that post if possible, and 
Boardman went to the warehouse. At the store of 
William H. Forbes, Constans, book-keeper, a na- 
tive of France, was killed. At the store of Pa- 
toile, Peter Patoile, clerk, and a nephew of the 
proprietor, was shot just outside the store, the ball 
entering at the back and coming out near the ni])- 



WHITES RESCUED BY OTHER DAY. 



205 



pie, passing through his lungs. An Indian came 
to him after he fell, turned him over, and saying, 
"He is dead," left him. 

They then turned their attention to the stores. 
The clerks in the store of Louis Robert had effect- 
ed their escape, so that there were now no white 
men left, and when they had become absorbed in 
the work of plunder, Patoile crawled off into the 
bushes on the banks of the Yellow Medicine, and 
secreted himself. Here he remained all day. 
After dark he got up and started for a place of 
safety; ascending the bluff, out of the Yellow Med- 
icine bottom, he dragged himself a mile and a 
half further, to the Minnesota, at the mouth of 
the Yellow Medicine. Wading the Minnesota, be 
entered the house of Louis Labelle, on the oppo- 
site side, at the ford. It was deserted. Finding a 
bed in the house he lay down upon it and was soon 
fast asleep, and did not awake until morning. 
Joseph Laframbois and Narces Freniere, and an 
Indian, Makacago, entered the house, and finding 
him there, awoke him, telling him there were hos- 
tile Indians about; that he must hide. They gave 
him a blanket to disguise himself, and going with 
him to the ravine, concealed him in the grass and 
left him, promising to rettirn, as soon as it was 
safe to do so, to bring him food, and guide him 
away to the prairie. He lay in this ravine until 
toward night, when his friends, true to their 
promise, returned, bringing some crackers, tripe, 
and onions. They went with him some distance 
out on the prairie, and enjoined upon him not to 
attempt to go to Fort Kidgely, and giving him the 
best directions they could as to the course he 
should take, shook hands with him and left him. 
Their names should be inscribed upon tablets more 
enduring than brass. That night he slej^t on the 
prairie, and the next day resumed his wanderings, 
over an unknown region, without an inhabitant. 
After wandering for days without food or drink, 
his little stock of crackers and tripe being exhaust- 
ed, he came to a deserted house, which he did not 
know. Here he remained all night, and obtained 
two raw potatoes and three ears of green corn. 
These he ate raw. It was aU the food he had for 
eight days. Wandering, and unknowing whither 
to go, on the twelfth day out from Labelle's house, 
he heard the barking of dogs, and creeping nearer 
to them, still fearing there might be Indians about, 
Le was overjoyed at seeing white men. Soon 
making himself and his condition known, he was 
taken and kindly cared for by these men, who had 



some days before deserted their farms, and had 
now returned to look after their crops and cattle. 
He now learned for the first time where he wys. 
He had struck a settlement far up the Sauk Val- 
ley, some forty miles above St. Cloud. He must 
have wandered, in these twelve days of suffering, 
not less than two hundred miles, including devia- 
tions from a direct course. 

He was taken by these men, in a wagon, to St. 
Cloud, where his wound was dressed for the first 
time. From St. Cloud the stage took him to St. 
Anthony, where he took the cars to St. Paul. A 
case of equal suffering and equal eudurance is 
scarcely to be found on record. With a bullet 
wound through the lungs, he walked twelve days, 
not over a smooth and easy road, but across a 
trackless prairie, covered with rank grass, wading 
sloughs and streams on his way, almost without 
food, and for days without water, before he saw the 
face of a man; and traveled by wagon, stage, 
and cars, over one hundred miles. 

His recovery was rapid, and he soon enlisted in 
the First Eegiment Minnesota Mounted Rangers 
under General Sibley, in the expedition against 
the Sioux. Patoile was in the battles on the Mis- 
souri in the summer of 1863, where his company, 
that of Captain Joseph Anderson, is mentioned as 
having fought with great bravery. 

We now return to the warehouse at Yellow Med- 
icine, which we left to follow the strange fortunes 
of young Patoile. Matters began to wear a seri- 
ous aspect, when Garvie came to them mortally 
wounded. Other Day was constantly on the watch 
outside, and reported the progress of affairs to 
those within. Toward daylight every friendly 
Indian had deserted save Other Day; the yells of 
the savages came distinctly to their ears from the 
trading-post, half a mile distant. They were ab- 
sorbed in the work of plunder. The chances of 
escape were sadly against them, yet they decided 
to make the attempt. Other Day knew every foot 
of the coimtry over which they must pass, and 
would be their guide. 

The wagons were driven to the door. A bed 
was placed in one of them ; Garvie was laid upon 
it. The women and children provided a few loaves 
of bread, and just as day dawned, the cortege 
started on its perilous way. This party consisted 
of the family of Major Galbraith, wife and three 
children; Nelson Givens, wife, and wife's mother, 
and three children ; Noah Sinks, wife, and two chil- 
dren; Henry Eschelle, wife, and five children; John 



206 



msrouT OF the sioux massaciir. 



Fnddon, wife, and throe children; Mr. Germftn iind 
wife; Frederick Tiitoile, wife, mid two children; 
Mrs. Jfino K. Murch, Miss Mniy ChnrlcB, Miss 
Lizzie Siiwver, Miss ^farv lliily. Miss Mnrj Hnys, 
Mrs. Elemuir Wiinior, ^Irs. John Other Day and 
one child, Mrs. Haiirahan, N. A. Miller, Edward 
Cramsie, Z. HnwkiiiB, Oscar Cnnfil, Mr. Hill, an 
artist from St. Tiuil, J. D. Boardman, Parker 
Pierce, Dr. J. L. Wiikefield, and several others. 

They crossod the Minnesota at Labelle's farm, 
and soon turned into the timber on the Hawk 
river, crossod tliat stream at some distance above 
its mouth, and ascended from the narrow valley 
through which it ruDs to the open prairie beyond, 
and followed down the Minnesota, keeping back 
on the prairie as far as the farm of Major J. R. 
Bro\\Ti, eight milfs below the Yellow Medicine. 
Mr. Fadden and Other Day visited the house and 
found it deserted. A consultation then took place, 
for the purpose of deciding where they should go. 
Some of them wished to go to Fort Ridgely; oth- 
ers to some town away from the frontier. Other 
Day told them tliat if they attempted to go to the 
fort they would all be killed, as the Indians would 
either be lying in ambush on that road for them, 
or would follow them, believing they would at- 
tempt to go there. His counsel prevailed, and 
they turned to the left, across the prairie, in the 
direction of Kandiyohi Lakes and Glencoe. At 
night one of the juirty mounted a horse and rode 
forward, smd found a house about a mile ahead. 
They hastened forward and reached it in time to 
escape a furious storm. They wore kindly re- 
ceived by tlio only person about the jiremiscs, a 
man, whose family were away. The next morn- 
ing, soon after crot^sing Hawk river, they were 
joined by Louis Labelle and Gertong, his son-in- 
law, who remained with them all that day. 

On Wednesday morning they left the house of 
the friendly settler, and that night reached Cedar 
City, eleven miles from Hutchinson, in the county 
of McLeod. The inhabitants had deserted the 
town, and gone to an island, in Cedar Lake, and 
had erected a rude shelter. From the main land 
the island was reached through shallow water. 
Through this water our escaping party drove, 
guided by one of the citizens ot Cedar Citv, and 
were cordially welcomed by the people assembled 
there. 

That night it rained, and all were drenched to 
the skin. Poor (rarvie was laid under a rude 
shed, upon his bed, and all was done for him that 



man could do; but, in the morning, it was evident 
that he could go no further, and he was taken to 
the house of a Mr. Peck, and left. He died there, 
a day or two afterward. Some of the' cmpany, 
who were so worn out as to be unable to go on be- 
yond Hutchinson, returned to Cedar City and saw 
that he was decently interred. 

On Thursday they went on. by way of Hutchin- 
son and Glencoe, to Carver, and thence to Shako- 
pec and St. Paul. Major Galljraith, in a report to 
the department, says of this escape : 

'■Led by the Noble Other Day, they struck out 
on the naked prairie, literally placing their lives 
in this faithful creature's hands, and guided by 
him, and him nlnne. After intense suffering and 
privation, they reached Shakopee, on Friday, the 
2'2il of .\ugust. Other Day never leaving them for 
an instant; and this Other Day is a pure, full- 
blooded Indian, and was, not long since, one of the 
wildest and fiercest of his race. Poor, noble fel- 
low! must he, too, be ostracized for the sins of his 
nation ? I commend him to the care of a just God 
and a liberal government; and not only him, but 
all others who did likewise." 

[Government gave John Other Day a farm in 
Minnesota. He died several years since univer- 
sally esteemed by the white people.] 

After a knowledge of the designs of the Indians 
reached the people at the Agency, it was impossi- 
ble for them to more than merely communicate 
with the two families at the saw-mill, three miles 
above, and with the families at the Mission. They 
were, therefore, reluctantly left to their fate. 
Early in the evening of Monday, two civilized In- 
dians, Chaskaila and Tankanxaceye, went to the 
house of Dr. Williamson, and warned them of their 
danger, informing them of what had occurred be- 
low; and two half-breeds, Michael and Gabriel 
Renville, and two Christian Indians, Paul Maxa- 
kuta Mani and Simon Anaga Mani, went to the 
house ot Mr. Riggs, the missionary, at Hazel- 
wood, and gave them warning of the danger im- 
pending over them. 

There were at this place, at that time, the family 
of the Rev. Stephen R. Riggs, Mr. H. D. Cun- 
ningham and family, Mr. D. W. Moore and his 
wife (who resiile in New Jersey), and .Tonas Petti- 
john and family. Mr. Pettijohn and wife were 
in charge of the Government school at Red Iron's 
village, and were now at Mr. Riggs'. They got 
up a team, and these friendly Indians went with 
them to an Island in the Minnesota, about three 



ESCAPE OP REV. S. It. RIGGS AND OTHERS. 



207 



miles from the Mission. Here they remained till 
Tuesday evening. In the afternoon of Tuesday, 
Andrew Himter, a son-in-law of Dr. Williamson, 
came to him with the information that the family 
of himself and the Doctor were secreted below. 
The families at the saw-mill had been informed by 
the Renvilles, and were with the party of Dr. Wil- 
liamson. At night they formed a junction on the 
north side of the Minnesota, and commenced their 
perilous journey. A thunder-storm efifectually ob- 
literated their tracks, bo that the savages could not 
follow them. They started out on the prairie in a 
northeasterly direction, and, on Wednesday morn- 
ing, changed their course south-easterly, till they 
struck the Lac qui Parle road, and then made di- 
rectly for Fort Kidgely. On Wednesday they 
were joined by three Germans, who had escaped 
from Yellow Medicine. On Wednesday night they 
found themselves in the vicinity of the Upper 
Agency, and turned to the north again, keeping 
out on the prairie. On Friday they were in the 
neighborhood of Beaver Creek, when Dr. Wil- 
liamson, who, with his wife and sister, had re- 
mained behind, overtook them in an ox-oart, hav- 
ing left about twenty-four hours later. They now 
determined to go to Fort Bidgely. When within 
a few miles of that post, just at night, they were 
discovered by two Indians on horseback, who rode 
along parallel with the train for awhile, and then 
turned and galloped away, and the fugitives has- 
tened on, momentarily expecting an attack. Near 
the Three-MUe creek they passed a dead body 
lying by the road-side. They drove on, passing 
the creek, and, turning to the left, passed out on 
to the prairie, and halted a mile and a half from 
the fort. It was now late at night; they had 
heard filing, and had seen Indians in the vicinity. 
They were in doubt what to do. It was at length 
decided that Andrew Hunter should endeavor to 
enter the fort and ascertain its condition, and 
learn, if possible, whether they could get in. 
Hunter went, and, although it was well-nigh sur- 
rounded by savages (they had been besieging it 
all the afternoon), succeeded in crawling by on his 
hands and knees. He was told that it would be 
impossible for so large a party, forty-odd, to get 
through the Indian lines, and that he had better 
return and tell them to push on toward the tou-ns 
below. He left as he had eotered, crawling out 
into the prairie, and reached his friends in safety. 
It seemed very hard, to be so near a place of fan- 
cied security, and obliged to turn away from it, 



and, weary and hungry, press on. Perils beset 
their path on every hand ; dangers, seen and un- 
seen, were around them; but commending them- 
selves to the care of Him who "suffereth not a 
sparrow to fall to the ground without His notice," 
they resumed their weary march. They knew 
that all around them the work of death and deso- 
lation was going on, for the midnight sky, on 
every side, was red with the lurid flame of burn- 
ing habitations. They heard fiom out the gloom 
the tramp of horses' feet, hurrying past them in 
the darkness; but they still pressed on. Soon 
their wearied animals gave out, and again they 
encamped for the night. With the early dawn 
they were upon the^move, some eight miles from 
the fort, in the direction of Henderson. Here, 
four men, the three Germans who had joined them 
on Wednesday, and a young man named Gilligan, 
left them, and went off in the direction of New 
Ulm. The bodies of these unfortunate men were 
afterward found, scarcely a mile from the place 
where they had left the guidance of Other Day. 

They traveled on in the direction of Henderson, 
slowly and painfully, for their teams, as well as 
themselves, were nearly exhausted. That day the 
savages were beleaguering New Ulm, and the 
sounds of the conflict were borne faintly to their 
ears upon the breeze. They had flour with them, 
but no means of cooking it, and were, consequently, 
much of the time without proper food. On the 
afternoon of this day they came to a deserted 
house, on the road from Fort Ridgley to Hender- 
son, the house of Michael Oummings, where they 
found a stove, cooking utensils, and a jar of cream. 
Obtaining some ears of corn from the field or gar- 
den near by, and "confiscating" the cream, they 
prepared themselves the first good meal they had 
had since leaving their homes so hastily on Mon- 
day night. 

After refreshing themselves and their worn ani- 
mals at this place for some hours, their journey 
was again resumed. That night they slept in a 
forsaken house on the prairie, and, on Saljbath 
morning early, were again on their way. As they 
proceeded, they met some of the settlers returning 
to their deserted farms, and calling a halt at a de- 
serted house, where they found a large company of 
people, they concluded to remain until Monday, 
and recuperate themselves and teams, as well as to 
observe in a proper manner the holy Sabbath. On 
Monday morning they separated, part going to 
Henderson and part to St. Peter, all feeUng that 



208 



nisTonr op tub aioux massaore. 



tho All-Bot'iuj,' Eyo that never slumbers or Bleeps 
had watched over thorn, and that tho loving hand 
of God bad guided thorn safely through the dan- 
gers, seen and unseen, that had beset their path. 

In the rt'gion of the State above the Upper 
Agency there were but few white inhabitants. Of 
all those residing on the Chippewa river, near its 
mouth, we can hear of but one who escaped, and 
he was wounded, while his comrade, who lived with 
hinj was killed. This man joined the party of the 
mii^sionnries, and got away with thom. 

On the Yellow Medicine, above the Agency about 
twelve miles, was a settler named James W. 
Lindsay. Ho was unmarried, and another single 
man was "baching it" with him. They were both 
killed. Their nearest white neighbors were at 
the Agency, and they could not bo warned of their 
danger, and know nothing of it until the savages 
were upon them. 



CKAPTER XXXV. 

LEOPOLD WOHLER AND WIFE LE.4VENWOHTH ^ 

STATEMENT OF MRS. MAUI J. COVILL^STOUY OF 
MBS. LAUBA WHtTON — MILFOBD — NICOLLET OODN- 

TV WEST NEWTON — LAFAYETTE — COURTLAND 

SWAN LAKE PARTIAL LIST OF THE KIOLED IN 

NICOLLET COUNTY INDIANS SCOURING THE COUN- 
TRY — A SCOUTING PARTY SEEN AT ST. PETER. 

The news of the murders below reached Leo- 
pold Wohler at the "lime-kiln," three miles be- 
low Yellow Medicine, on Monday afternoon. 
Taking his wife, he crossed the Minnesota river, 
and went to the house of Miijor Joseph R. Brown. 

Major Brown's family consisted of his wife and 
nine children; Angus Brown and wife, and Charles 
Blair, a son-in-law, his wfe, and two children. 
The Major himself was away from home. Includ- 
ing Wohler and his wife, there were then at their 
house, on the evening of the 18th of August, 
eighteen persons. 

They started, early on the morning of the 19th, 
to make their escape, with one or two others of 
their neighbors, Charles Holmes, a single man, re- 
siding on the claim above them, being of the party. 
They were overtaken near Beaver Creek by Indi- 
ans, and all of the Browns, Mr. Blair and family, 
and Mrs. Wohler, were captured, and taken at 
once to Little Crow's village. Messrs. Wohler and 
Holmes escaped. Major Brown's family were of 
mixed Indian blood. This fact, probably, accounts 



for their saving the life of Blair, who was a 
white man. 

Crow told him to go away, as his young men 
were going to kill him; and ho made his escape to 
Fort Ridgely, being out some five days and nights 
without food. Jlr. Blair was in poor health. The 
hardships he endured were too much for his al- 
ready shattered constitution; and although he es- 
caped the tomahawk and scaljiing-knife, he was 
soon numbered among the victims of the massacre. 

J. H. Ingalls, a Scotchman, who resided in this 
neighborhood, and his wife, were killed, and their 
four children were taken into captivity. Two of 
them, young girls, aged twelve and fourteen years, 
were rescued at Camp Rolea.se, and the two little 
boys were taken away by Little Crow. Poor little 
fellows! their fato is still slirouded in mystery. 
A Mr. Frace, residing near Brown's place, was also 
killed. His wife and two children were found at 
Camp Release. 

The town of Leavenworth was situated on the 
Cottonwood, in tho county of Brown. Word was 
brought to some of the settlers in that to^vn, on 
Monday afternoon, that the Indians had broken 
out and were kilUug the inhabitants on the Min- 
nesota. They immediately began to make prepa- 
rations to leave. Mr. William Carroll started at 
once for New Ulm alone, to learn the facts of the 
rumored outbreak. The most of the inhabitants, 
alarmed by these rumors, fled that night toward 
New Ulra. Some of them reached that town in 
safety, and others were waylaid and massacred 
upon the road. 

The family of a Mr. Blum, a worthy German 
citizen, were all, except a small boy, killed while 
endeavoring to escape. On Tuesday morning, 
Mr. Philetus Jackson was kUled, while on the way 
to town with his wife and son. Mrs. Jackson and 
the young man escaped. 

We insert hero tho statements of two ladies, who 
escaped from this neighborhood, as • they detail 
very fully the events of several days in that local- 
ity. JIrs, Mary J. Covill, wife of George W. 
Co\-ill, says: 

"On Monday, the 18th of August, messengers 
came to the house of Luthur Whiton, from both 
above and below, with a report of an outbreak of 
the Indians. My husband w.is at Mr. Wliiton'.s, 
stacking grain. He came home about four o'clock 
P. M., and told me About it, and then went back 
to Whit in's, about half a mile away, to get a Mr. 
Riant, who had recently come there from the State 



STATEMENT OF MRS. COVILL. 



209 



of Maine, to take his team ami escap?. I packed 
a trunk with clothing, and hid it in the grass, and 
then went myself to Whiton's, as I was afraid to 
remain at home. Mr. Riant got up his team, 
and taking his two trunks — one of them 
containing over two thousand dollars in gold 
— took us all with him. There was a family at 
Mr. Whiton's from Tennessee, and a young child 
of theirs had died that day. The poor woman 
took her dead child in her arms, and we all started 
across the prairie, avoiding the road, for Mankato. 
We camped that night about three miles from 
home, on the prairie; and seeing no fires, as of 
burning buildings, returned to the house of our 
neighbor. Van Guilder, and found that the settlers 
had nearly all left. Mr. Van Guilder and family, 
Edward Allen and wife, Charles Smith and family 
and Mrs. OarroU, were all we knew of that re- 
mained. 

" We started on, thinking that we would over- 
take the Leavenworth party, who had been gone 
about an hour. We had gone about two and a 
half miles, when we saw, ahead of us, a team, with 
two men in the wagon, who drove toward us until 
they got into a hollow, and then got out and went 
behind a knoll. We drove quite near them, when 
Mr. Covin discovered them to be Indians. Riant 
turned his horses round and fled, when they jumped 
up out of the grass, whoojoed, and fired at us. 
They then jumped into their wagon and followed. 
Mr. Covin had the only gun in the party that 
could be used, and kept it pointed at the Indians 
as we retreated. They flred at us some half-dozen 
times, but, fortunately, without injuring any one. 
"We drove hastily back to the house of Van 
Guilder, and entered it as quickly as possible, the 
savages firing upon us all the time. Mr. Van 
Guilder had just started away, with his family, as 
we came back, and returned to the hoiise with us. 
A shot from the Indians broke the arm of his mo- 
ther, an aged lady, soon after we got into the 
house, as she was passing a window. In our haste, 
we had not stopped to hitch the horses, and they 
soon started off, and the Indians followed. As 
they were going over a hill near the house, they 
shook a white cloth at us, and, whooping, disajo- 
peared. There were in this company — after Riant 
was gone, who left us, and hid in a slough — fifteen 
persons. We immediately started out on the prai- 
rie again. We had now only the ox-team of Van 
Guilder, and the most of us were compelled to 
walk. His mother, some small children, and some 

U 



trunks, made a wagon-load. The dead child, 
which the mother had brought back to the house 
with her, was left lying upon the table. It was 
afterward found, with its head severed fivin its body 
by the fiends. S. L. Wait and Luther Whiton, 
who had concealed themselves in the grass when 
they saw the Indians coming, joined us. Mrs. A. 
B. Hough and infant child were with the family of 
Van Guilder. These made our number up to fif- 
teen. We traveled across the prairie all day with- 
out seeing any Indians, and, at night, camped on 
the Little Cottonwood. We waded the stream, 
and made our camp on the opposite side, in the 
tall grass and reeds. We I'eached this spot on 
Tuesday night, and remained there till Friday af- 
ternoon, without food, save a little raw flour, which 
we did not dare to cook, for fear the smoke would 
reveal our whereabouts to the savages, when a 
company from New Ulm rescued us. 

"On Wednesday night, after dark, Covill and 
Wait started for New Ulm, to get a party to come 
out to our aid, saying they would be back the 
next day. That night, and nearly all the next 
day, it rained. At about daylight the next day, 
when just across the Big Cottonwood, five miles 
from New Ulm, they heard an Indian whooping in 
their rear, and turned aside into some hazel-bushes, 
where they lay all day. At the -pXaoe where they 
crossed the river they found a fish-rack in the 
water, and in it caught a fish. Part of this they 
ate raw that day. It was now Thursday, and 
they had eaten nothing since Monday noon. They 
started again at dark for New Ulm. When near 
the graveyard, two miles from the town, an Indian, 
with grass tied about his head, arose from the 
ground and attempted to head them off. They 
succeeded in evading him, and got in about ten 
o'clock. When about entering the place, they 
were fired upon by the pickets, which alarmed the 
town, and when they got in, all was in commo- 
tion, to meet an expected attack. 

" The next morning, one hundred and fifty men, 
under Captain Tousley, of Le Sueur, and 8. A. 
Buell, of St. Peter, started to our relief, reaching- 
our place of concealment about two o'clock. They 
brought us food, of which our famished party 
eagerly partook. They were accompanied by Dr. 
A. W. Daniels, of St. Peter, and Dr. Mayo, of 
Le Suenr. They went on toward Leavenworth, 
intending to remain there all night, bury 
the dead, should any bo found, the next 
day, res3U9 any who might remain alive. 



210 



UIlirORY OP TUB SIOUX MAHSAVltB. 



nnJ tlion return. Tlioy bnrioil tho Uliim fam- 
ily i)f six jjersous tlmt aftiTiioon, ami tlifu oon- 
cluilod tt) n-turn that nij^lit. We reached New 
I'lm Wfiire iniilnight. Mr. Van GuilJer's mother 
ilitil soon uftiT we got into town from tho elTeots 
of her wound and tho exposure to which she had 
been Bulijw'totl. 

"At about tlio same time that we returned to the 
liouse of Mr. V.-iu (luilder, on Tut-sdaVi Charles 
Smith and family, Edward Allen and wife, and 
Mrs. OarroU had left it, and reached New Ulm 
without sei'ing Indians, about halt an hour before 
the plafo was attacked. Tho .same day, A^'illiam 
Carroll, with a party of men, came to the house 
for us, found Mr. Riant, who was concealed in a 
slough, and started back toward New Ulm. But 
few of them reached the town alive." 

An a.-count of the adventures of this company, 
and its fate, will be found elsewhere, in the state- 
ment of Ralph Thomas, one of the party. 

On Monday, the 18th of August, two women, 
Mrs. Harrington and Mrs. Hill, residing on the 
Cottonwood, below Leavenwiirth, heard of the out- 
break, and prevailed upon a Mr. Henshaw, a sin- 
gle man, living near them, to harness up his team 
and take them away, as their husbjinds were away 
from home. Mrs. Harrington had two children; 
Mrs. Hill none. They had gone but a short dis- 
tance when they were overtaken by Indians. Mr. 
Henshaw was killed, and Mrs. Harrington was 
badly wounded, the ball passing through her 
shoulder. She had just sprung to the ground 
with her youngest child in her arms; one of its 
arms was thrown over her shoulder, and the ball 
passed through its little hand, lacerating it dread- 
fully. The Indians were intent upon securing the 
team, and the women were not followed, and es- 
caped. Securing the horses, they drove away in 
an opposite direction. 

Mrs. Harrington soon became faint from the loss 
of blood; and Mrs. Hill, concealing her near a 
slough, took the eldest child and started for New 
Ulm. Before reaching that place she mot John 
Jackson and William Carroll, who resided on the 
Cottonwood, ab)ve them; and, telling them what 
had ha])pened, they put her on one of their horses 
and turned back with her to the town. 

On the next day, Tuesday, Mr. Jackson was one 
of the party with Cam. 11, heretofore mentioned, 
that went out to Leavenworth, and visited the 
house of Van Guilder, in search of their families. 
When that party turned back to New Clm, Jack- 



son did not go with them, but went to his own 
house to look for his wife, who had already left. 
He visited the bouses of most of his neightors, and 
liuding no one, started back alone. When near 
the house of Mr. Hill, between Leavenworth ami 
New Ulm, on tho river, he saw what he supposed 
were white men at the house, but when within a 
few rods of them, discovered they were Indians. 
The moment he made this discovery he turned to 
flee to the woods near by. They fii'ed upon him, 
and gave chase, but he outran them, and reached 
the timber unharmed. Here he remained concealed 
until late at night, when he made his way back to 
town, where ho found his wife, who, with others of 
their neighbors, had fled on the first alarm, and 
reached the village in safety. Mrs. Laura Wtiiton, 
widow of Elijah Whiton, of Leavenworth, Brown 
county, mikes tho following statement: 

"We had resided on our claim, at Leavenworth, 
a little over four years. There were in our family, 
on the 18th of August, 1862, four persons — Mr. 
Whiton, myself, and two children — a son of sixteen 
years, and a daughter nine years of age. On Mon- 
day evening, the 18tli of August, a neighbor, Mr. 
Jackson, and his son, a yo\ing boy, who resided 
three miles from our |)lace, c^me to our house in 
search of their horses, and told us that the Indians 
had murdered a family on the Minnesota river, and 
went away. We saw no one, and heard nothing 
more until Thursday afternoon following, about 4 
o'clock, when about a dozen Indians were seen 
coming from the direction of the house of a neigh- 
bor named Heydrick, whom they were chasing. 
Heydrick jumped ofTa bridge across a ravine, and, 
running down the ravine, concealed Iiim-self under 
a log, where he remained tmtil 8 o'clock, when 
he came out, and made his escape into New Ulm. 

"The savages had idready slain all his family, 
consisting of his wife and two chililreu. Mr. 
Whiton, who was at work near the door at the 
time, came into the house, but even then did not 
believe there was any thing serious, supposing 
Heydrick was unnecessarily frightened. But when 
he saw them leveling their gvms at him, he came 
to the conclusion that we had better leave. He 
loaded liis double-barreled gim, and we all started 
for the timber. After reaching the woods, Mr. 
Whiton left as to go to the house of his brother, 
Luther, a single man, to see what had become of 
him, telling us to remain where we were until he 
came back. We never saw him again. After he 
left us, not daring to remain where wo were, wo 



STATEMENT OF MRS. WITITON. 



211 



forded the river (Cottonwood), and hid in the tim- 
ber, on the opposite side, where we remained 
until about 8 o'clock, when we started for New Ulm. 

" While we lay concealed in the woods, we heard 
the Indians driving up our oxen, and yoking them 
up. They hitched them to our wagon, loaded it 
up with our trunks, bedding, etc., and drove away, 
we went out on the prairie, and walked all night 
and all next day, arriving at New Ulm at about 
dark on Friday, the' 22d. About midnight, on 
Thursday night, as we were fleeing along the road, 
we passed the bodies of the family of our neigh- 
bor, Blum, lying dead by the road-side. They had 
started to make their escape to town, but were 
overtaken by the savages upon the road, and all 
but a little boy most brutally murdered. 

" Mr. Whiton returned home, from his visit to 
the house of his brother, which he found deserted, 
and found that our house had already been plun- 
dered. He then went to the woods to search for 
us. He remained in the timber, prosecuting his 
search, until Saturday, without food; and, failing 
to find us, he came to the conclusion that we were 
either dead or in captivity, and then himself start- 
ed for New Ulm. On Saturday night, when trav- 
eling across the jJrairie, he came suddenly upon a 
camp of Indians, but they did not see him, and he 
beat as hasty a retreat as possible from their vi- 
cinity. 

"When near the Lone Cottonwood Tree, on 
Sunday morning, he tell in with William J. Duly, 
who had made his escape from Lake Shetek. 
They traveled along together till they came to the 
house of Mr. Henry Thomas, six miles from our 
farm, in the town of Milford. This house had evi- 
dently been deserted by the famOy in great haste, 
for the table was spread for a meal, and the food 
remained imtouched upon it. Here they sat down 
to eat, neither of them having had any food for a 
long time. WhUe seated at the table, two Indians 
came to the house; and, as Mr. Whiton arose and 
stepped to the stove for some water, they came into 
the door, one of them saying, ^Da mea tepee.'' 
[This is my house.] There was no way of escape, 
and Mr. Whiton, thinking to propitiate him, said 
'Come in ' Mr. Duly was sitting partly behind the 
door, and was, probably, unobserved. The savage 
made no answer, but instantly raised his gun, and 
shot him through the heart, they then both went 
into the corn. Duly was unarmed; and, when Mr. 
Whiton was killed, took his gim and ran out of the 
house, and concealed himself in the bushes near by. 



"While lying here he could hear the Indians 
yelling and firing their guns in close proximity to 
his place of concealment. After awhile he ven- 
tured out. Being too much exhausted to carry 
it, he threw away the gun, and that night ar- 
rived at New Ulm, without again encoimtering 
Indians." 

We now return to Mrs. Hanington, whom, the 
reader will remember, we left badly wounded, con- 
cealed near a slough. We regret our inability to 
obtain a full narrative of her wanderings during 
the eight succeeding days and nights she spent 
alone upon the prairie, carrying her wounded 
child. We can only state in general terms, that 
after wandering for eight weary days and nights, 
without food or shelter, unknowing whither, early 
on the morning of Tuesday, the 26th, liefore day- 
light, she found herself at Crisp's farm, midway 
between New Ulm and Mankato. As she ap- 
proached the pickets she mistook them for In- 
dians, and, when hailed by them, was so fright- 
ened as not to recognize the Enghsh language, 
and intent only on saving her life, told them she 
was a Sioux. Two guns were instantly leveled at 
her, but, providentially, both missed fire, when an 
exclamation from her led them to think she was 
lohite, and a woman, and they went out to her. 
She was taken into camp and all done for her by 
Judge Flandrau and his men that could be done. 
They took her to Mankato, and soon after she was 
joined by her husband, who was below at the time 
of the outbreak, and also found the chUd which 
Mrs. Hill took with her to New Ulm. 

Six miles from New Ulm there lived, on the 
Cottonwood, in the county of Brown, a German 
family of the name of Heyers, consisting of the 
father, mother and two sons, both young men., 
A burial party that went out from New Ulm on 
Friday, the 22d, found them all murdered, and 
buried them near where they were killed. 

The town of MOford, Brown county, adjoining 
New Ulm on the west and contiguous to the res- 
ervation, was a farming community, composed en- 
tirely of Germans. A quiet, sober, industrious, 
and enterprising class of emigrants had here 
made their homes, and the prairie wilderness 
around them began to "bud and blossom like the 
rose." Industry and thrift had brought their sure 
reward, and peace, contentment and happiness 
filled the hearts of this simple-hearted people. 
The noble and classic Rhine and the vine-clad hills 
of Fatherland were almost forgotten, or, if not 



212 



BISTORT OF TUB 8I0VX MASSACRE. 



forgotten, wero now roiuimibored witliout regret, 
in tlipfM' fiiir ])raiiio lionies, lieueath the glowing 
nnil gonial nVy of Minnesota. 

When the sun nroHe on the morning of the 18th 
of August, 1HG2, it lookeil down upon this scene 
in nil its glowing Iwauty; but its declining rays 
fell upon n field of caniiige nnd horror too fearful 
to desoribe. The council at Kieo Creek, on Sun- 
day night, had decided ajjon the details of the 
work of death, and the warriors of the lower 
bands were early on the trail, thirsting for blood. 
Early in the forenoon of Monday they appeared 
in large numbers in this neighborhood, and the 
work of slaughter began. The first house ^^8ited 
was that of Wilson Massipost, a prominent and 
influential citizen, a widower. Mr. Massipost had 
two daughters, intelligent and accouiplisheJ. 
These the savages murdered most brutally. The 
head of one of them was afterward found, severed 
from the body, attached to a fish-hook, and hung 
upon a nail. His son, a young man of twenty- 
four years, was also killed. Mr. Massipost and a 
son of eight years escaped to New Ulm. The 
house of Anton Hauley was likewise visited. Mr. 
Hanley was absent. The children, four in num- 
ber, were beaten with tomahawks on the head and 
person, inflicting fearful wounds. Two of them 
were killed outright, and one, an infant, recovered; 
the other, a young boy, was taken by the parents, 
at night, to New Ulm, thence to St. Paul, where 
he died of his wounds. After killing those child- 
ren, they proceeded to the field near by, where 
Mrs. Hanloy, her father, Anton Mesmcr, his wife, 
son .Joseph, and daughter, were at work harvesting 
wheat. All these they instantly shot, except Mrs. 
Hanley. who escaped to the woods and secreted 
herself till night, when, her husband coming home, 
they took their two wounded children and 
made their escape. At the house of Agrenatz 
Hanley all the children were killed. The parents 
escaped. 

Bastian Mey, wife, and two children wero mas- 
sacred in their house, and three children were ter- 
ribly mutilated, who afterward recovered. 

Adolph Shilling and his daughter were killed; 
his sou badly woiuided, escaped with his mother. 
Two families, those of a Mr. Zellor and a Mr. Zet- 
tle, were completely annihilated; not a soul was 
left to tell the tale of their sudden destruction. 
Jaciib Keck, Max Fink, and a Mr. Bclzer were 
also victims of savage Ijarbiirity at this place. Af- 
ter killing the inhabitants, they plundered and 



sacked the houses, destroying all the property 
they could not carry away, driving away all the 
horses and cattle, and when night dosed over the 
dreadful scene, desolation and death reigned bu 
preme. 

There resided, on the Big Cottonwood, between 
New Ulm and Lake Hhetek, a Gorman, named 
Charles Ziorko, familiarly known throughout all 
that region as "Dutch Charley." On the same 
road resided an old gentleman, and his son and 
daughter, named Brown. These adventurous pio- 
neers lived many mil<'s from any other human 
habitation, and kept houses of entertainment on 
that lonely road. This last-named house was 
known as "Brown's place." It is not known to us 
when the savages came to those isolated dwell- 
ings. We only know that the mutilated bodies of 
all three of the Brown family were found, and 
buried, some miles from their house. Zierke arid 
his family made their escape toward New Ulra, 
and, when near the town, were pursued and over- 
taken by the Indians on the prairie. By sharp 
running, Zierke escaped to the town, but his wife 
and children, together with his team, were taken 
by them. Returning afterward with a party of 
men, the savages abandoned the captured team, 
woman, and children, and they were recovered 
and all taken into New Ulm in safety. 

The frontier of Nicollet county contiguous to 
the reservation was not generally visited by the 
savages until Tuesday, the 19th, and the succeed- 
ing days of that week. The people had, generally 
in the meantime, sought safety in flight, and were 
principally in the town of St. Peter. A few, how- 
ever, remained at their homes, in isolated locali- 
ties, where the news of the awful scenes enacting 
around them did not reach them; or, who having 
removed their families to places of safety, returned 
to look after their property. These generally fell 
victims to the rifle and tomahawk of the savages. 
The destruction of life in this county, was, how- 
ever, trilling, compared with her sister counti(>s of 
Brown and Honville; but the loss of property was 
immense. The entire west half of the county was, 
of necessity, abandoned and completely desolated. 
The ri])ened grain crop was much of it uncut, and 
wasted in the field, while horses and cattle and 
sheep and hogs roamed imrestrained at will over 
the unharvested fields. And, to render the ruin 
complete the savage hordes swept over this jwr- 
tion of the county, gathering up horses and cattle 
shooting swine and sheep, and all other stock that 



DEVABTATIUN IN MLCOLLET COUNTY. 



213 



they could not catch; linishing the work of ruin 
by applying the torch to the stacks of hay and 
grain, and in some instances to the dwellings of 
the settlers. 

William Mills kept a public house in the town 
of West Newton, four miles from Fort Kidgely, on 
the St. Peter road. Mr. Mills heard of the out- 
break of the Sioux on Monday, and at once took 
the necessary steps to secure the safety of his fam- 
ily, by sending them across the prairie to a se- 
cluded spot, at a slough some three miles from the 
house. Leaving a span of horses and a wagon 
with them, he instructed them, if it should seem 
necessary to their safety, to drive as rapidly as 
possible to Henderson. He then went to Fort 
Kidgely to possess himself, if possible, of the esact 
state of affairs. At night he visited his house, to 
obtain some articles of clothing for his family, and 
carried them out to their place of concealment, and 
went again to the fort, where he remained until 
Tuesday morning, when he started out to his fam- 
ily, thinking he would send them to Henderson, 
and return and assist in the defense of that post. 
Soon after leaving the fort he met Lieutenant T. J. 
Sheehan and his company, on their way back to 
that post. Sheehan roughly demanded of him 
where he was going. He replied he was going to 
send his family to a place of safety, and return. 
The lieutenant, with an oath, wrested from him his 
gun, the only weapon of defense he had, thus leav- 
ing him defenseless. Left thus xiuarmed and 
powerless, he took his family and hastened to Hen- 
derson, arriving there that day in safety. 

A few Indians were seen in the neighborhood of 
West Newton on Monday afternoon on horseback, 
but at a distance on the prairie. The most of the 
inhabitants fled to the fort on that day : a few re - 
mained at their homes and some fled to St. Peter 
and Henderson. The town of Lafayette was, in 
like manner, deserted on Monday and Monday 
night, the inhabitants chiefly making for St. Peter. 
Oourtland township, lying near New Ulm, caught 
the contagion, and her people too fled — the women 
and children going to St. Peter, while many of her 
brave sons rushed to the defense of New Ulm, and 
in that terrible siege bore a conspicuous and hon- 
orable part. 

As the cortege of panic stricken fugitives poured 
along the various roads leading to the towns be- 
low, on Monday night and Tuesday, indescribable 
terror seized the inhabitants; and the rapidly ac- 
cumulating hiunan tide, gathering force and num- 



bers as it moved across the prairie, rolled an 
overwhelming flood into the towns along the 
river. 

The entire county of Nicollet, outside of St. 
Peter, was depopulated, and their crojjs and herds 
left by the inhabitants to destruction. 

On the arrival of a force of mounted men, under 
Captains Anson N< irthrujD, of Minneapolis, and R. 
H. Chittenden, of the First Wisconsin Cavalry, at 
Henderson, on the way to Fort Kidgely, they met 
Charles Nelson, and, on consultation, decided to go 
to St. Peter, where they were to report to Colonel 
Sibley, by way of Norwegian Grove. . Securing 
the services of Nelson, John Fadden, and one or 
two others, familiar to the country, they set out 
for the Grove. 

Captain Chittenden, in a letter to the "New 
Haven Palladium,"' written soon after, says: 

" The prairie was magnificent, but quite desert- 
ed. Sometimes a dog stared at us as we passed; 
but even the brutes seemed conscious of a terrible 
calamity. At 2 o'clock we reached the Grove, 
which surrounded a lake. The farms were in a fine 
state of cultivation ; and, strange to say, although 
the houses were in ruins, tlie grain stacks were un- 
touched. Eeapers stood in the field as the men 
had left them. Cows wandered over the prairies 
in search of their masters. Nelson led the way to 
the spot where he had been overtaken in attempt- 
ing to escape with his wife and children. We 
found his wagon; the ground was strewn with ar- 
ticles of apparel, his wife's bonnet, boxes, yam, in 
fact everything they had hastily gathered up. But 
the wife and boys were gone. Her he had seen 
them murder, but the children had run into the 
corn-field. He had also secreted a woman and 
child under a hay -stack. We went and turned it 
over; they were gone. I then so arranged the 
troops that, by marching abreast, we made a 
thorough search of the corn-field. No clue to his 
boys could be found. Passing the still burning 
embers of his neighbor's dwellings, we came to 
Nelson's own, the only one still standing. * * * 
The heart- broken man closed the gate, and turned 
away without a tear; then simply asked Sergeant 
Thomp.son when he thought it would be safe to 
return. I must confess that, accustomed as I am 
to scenes of horror, the tears would come." 

The troops, taking Nelson with them, proceeded 
to St. Peter, where he found the dead body of his 
wife, which had been carried there by some of his 
neighbors, and his children, alive. They had fled 



2U 



niSTORT OF TUB SIOUX MASSACRE. 



tlirough tbo corn, iiiul oscaju'd from their savago 
purBiiers. 

Jacob Mniiprle biul taken bis fiiniily ilown to 
St. I't'tiT, ami rt'turneil on Friday to bis bouse, 
ill West Newton. Ho luul tied some c-lotbing 
in a bundle, and started for the fort, when he 
was shot and scalped, some eighty rods from the 
liouse. 

Tbo two Ai>i)l''baura'a were evidently fleeing to 
St. I'eter, when overtaken by the Indians and 
killed. 

Felix Smith had escaped to Fort Bidgely. and 
on Wednesday forenoon went out to his bouse, 
some tlireo miles away. The Indians attacked the 
fort that aftenioon, and he was killed in endeavor- 
ing to get back into that post. 

Small parties of Indians scoured the country be- 
tween Fort Kidgely, St. Peter, and Henderson, 
during the first week of the massacre, driving away 
cattle and burning buildings, within twelve miles 
of the first-named place. The Swan Lake House 
was laid in ashes. A scouting ))arty of six savages 
was seen by General M. B. Stone, upon the bluff, 
in sight of the iowa of St. Peter, on Friday, the 
2'2d day of August, the very day they were making 
their most furious and determined assault upon 
Fort Kidgely. 

This scouting party bad, doubtless, been de- 
tached from the main force besieging that post, 
and sent forward, under the delusion that the fort 
must fall into their hands, to reeonnoiter, and re- 
port to Little Crow the condition of the place, and 
the ability of the people to defend themselves. 
But tbey failed to take Fort Ridgely, and, on the 
22d, their scouts saw a large body of troops, under 
Colonel Sibley, enter St. Peter. 



CHAPTER XXXVL 



BW STONE LAKE — -WHITES KILLED — LAKE SHETEK 

NAUES OF SETTLERS MRS. ALOMINA HUBD ES- 

CAPrei WITH HER TWO CHlLnitEN — THE BATTLE 

SPiniT LAKE— WAISFAnE IN JACKSON COUNTY 

DAKOTA TERUITORY MUI1DER8 AT SIOUX FALLS 

DESTRUCTION OF PBOFEBTY — KILLING OF AMOS 
HCOOISS. 

At Big Stono Lake, in what is now Big Stone 
county, were tour trading houses, Wm. H. Forbes, 
Daily, Pratt & Co.. and Nathan Myrick. The habi- 
tucK of tliese Indian trading houses, as nsual, wore 
mostly half-breeds, natives of the country. The 



store of Daily, Pratt k Co. was in charge of Mr. 
Ryder of St. Paul. On the 2l8t of August, four 
of these men at work cutting hay, unsuspicious of 
danger, were siuldenly attacked ;md all murdered, 
excej)t Anton Mandertield; while one half-breed, 
at the store, Baptiste Gubeau, was taken prisoner, 
and was informed that he would be killed that 
night. But Gubeau succeeded in escajjing from 
their grasp, and making bis way to the lake. His 
escape was a wonderful feat, bound as he was, as 
to his hands, jjursued by yelling demons determ- 
ined on bis death. But, ahead of all his pursuers, be 
reached the lake, and dashing into the reeds on the 
margin, was hid from the sight of his disappointed 
pursuers. Wading noiselessly into the water, until 
his head alone was above the water, he remained 
perfectly still for some time. The water soon 
loosened the rawhide on bis wrists, so that they 
were easily removed. The Indians sought for him 
in vain ; and as the shades of night gathered around 
bim, he came out of bis hiding place, crossed the 
foot of the lake and struck out for the Upper 
Mississippi. He finally reached St. Cloud. Here 
he was mistaken for an Indian spy, and threatened 
with death, but was finally saved by the interposi- 
tion of a gentleman who knew him. 

The other employes at the lake were all killed 
except Manderfiold, who secreted himself while his 
comrades were being murdered. Mandertield, in 
his escape, when near Lao qui Parle, was met by 
Joseph Laframboise, who had gone thither to ob- 
tain his sister Julia, then a captive there. Man- 
derfiold received from Laframboise proper direc- 
tions, and finally readied Fort Ridgely in .safety. 

Lake Shetek. — This beautiful lake of quiet 
water, some six miles long and two broad, is situ- 
ated about seventy miles west of New Ulm, in the 
county of Murray. Here a little community of 
some fifty persons were residing far out on our 
frontier, the nearest settlement being the Big Cot- 
tonwood. The families and persons located here 
were: John Eastlick and wife, Charles Hatch, 
Phineas B. Ilurd and wife, John Wright, Wni. J, 
Duly and wife, H. W. Smith, Aaron Myers, Mr. 
Everett and wife, Thomas Ireland and wife, Koch 
and wife; these with their several families, and six 
single men. Win. James, Edgar Bently, ,Tohn 
Voight, E. G. Cook, and John F. and Daniel 
Bums, the latter residing alone on a claim at Wal- 
nut Grove, some distance from the lake, consti- 
tuted the entire population of Lake Shetek settle- 
ment, in Murray county. 



LAKE SUETEK. 



215 



Ou the 20th of August some twenty Sioux In- 
dians rode up to the house of Mr. Hurd. Mr. 
Hurd himself had left home for the Missouri river 
on the 2d day of June previous. Ten of these In- 
dians entered the house, talked and smoked their 
pipes while Mrs. Hurd was getting breakfast. Mr. 
Voight, the work-hand, whUe waiting for break- 
fast, took up the babe, as it awoke and cried, and 
walked with it out in the yard in front of the door. 
No sooner had he left the house than an Indian 
took his gun and deliberately shot him dead near 
the door. Mrs. Hurd was amazed at the infernal 
deed, as these Indians had always been kindly 
treated, and often fed at her table. She ran to 
the fallen man to raise him up and look after the 
safety of her child. To her utter horror, one of 
the miscreants intercepted her, telling her to leave 
at once and go to the settlements across the prairie. 
She was refused the privilege of dressing her 
naked children, and was compelled to turn awaj 
from her ruined home, to commence her wandering 
over an almost trackless waste, without food, and 
almost without raiment, for either herself or httle 
ones. 

These Indians proceeded from the house of Mr. 
Hurd to that of Mr. Andrew Koch, whom they 
shot, and plundered the house of its contents. 
Mrs. Koch was compelled to get up the oxen and 
hitch them to the wagon, and drive them, at the 
direction of her captors, into the Indian country. 
In this way she traveled ten days. She was the 
captive of White Lodge, an old and ugly chief of 
one of the ujDper bands. As the course was tow- 
ards the Missouri river, Mrs. Koch refused to go 
farther in that direction. The old chief threatened 
to shoot her if she did not drive on. Making a 
virtue of necessity she reluctantly obeyed. Soon 
after she was required to carry the vagabond's 
gun. Watching her opportunity she destroyed 
the explosive quality of the cap, and dampened 
the powder in the tube, leaving the gun to appear- 
ance all right. Soon afterward she again refused 
to go any farther in that direction. Again the 
old scoundrel threatened her with death. She in- 
stantly bared her bosom and dared him to fire. 
He aimed his gun at her breast and essayed to 
Are, but the gun refused to take part in the work 
of death. The superstitious savage, supposing 
she bore a charmed life, lowered his gun, and 
asked which way she wishsd to go. She pointed 
toward the settlements. In this direction the 
teams were turned. They reached the neighbor- 



hood of the Upper Agency in ten days after leav- 
ing Lake Shetek, about the time of the arrival of 
the troops under Colonel Sibley in the vicinity of 
Wood Lake and Yellow Medicine. White Lodge 
did not like the looks of things aroimd Wood 
Lake, and left, movhig off in an opposite direction 
for greater safety. Mrs. Koch was finally rescued 
at Camp Release, after wading or swimming the 
Minnesota river ten times in company with a 
friendly squaw. 

At Lake Shetek, the settlers were soon all gath- 
ered at the house of John Wright, prepared for 
defense. They were, however, induced by the ap- 
parently friendly persuasion of the Indians to 
abandon the house, and move towards the slough 
for better safety. The Indians commenced firing 
upon the retreating party. The whites returned 
the fire as they ran. Mrs. Eastlick was wounded 
in the heel, Mr. Duly's oldest son and daughter 
were shot through the shoulder, and Mrs. Ireland's 
youngest child was shot through the leg, while 
running to the slough. Mr. Hatch, Mr. Everett, 
Mr. Eastlick, Mrs. Eastlick, Mrs. Everett, and sev- 
eral children were shot. The Indians now told 
the women to come out of the slough, and they 
would not kill them or the children, if they would 
come out. They xecM out lo them with the children, 
when they shot Mrs. Everett, Mrs. Smith, and Mrs. 
Ireland dead, and killed some of the children. 
Mrs. Eastlick was shot and left on the field, sup- 
posed to be dead, but she finally escaped, and two 
of her children, Merton and Johnny. Her inter- 
esting narrative will be found in the large work, 
from which this abridgment is made up. Mrs. 
JuUa A. Wright, and Mrs. Duly, and the two chil- 
dren of Mrs. Wright, and two of the children of 
Mrs. Duly were taken captive. Some of these 
were taken by the followers of Little Crow to the 
Missouri river, and -svere subsequently ransomed 
at Fort Kerre, by Major Galpin. All the men ex- 
cept Mr. Eastlick, being only wounded, escaped 
to the settlements. The brothers Burns remained 
on their claim, and were not molested. One 
sneaking Indian coming near them paid the for- 
feit with his life. 

Spirit L.^ke. — On or about the 25th day of 
August, 1862, the "Annuity Sioux Indians" made 
their appearance at Spirit Lake, the scene of the 
terrible Inkpaduta massacre of 1857. The inhab- 
itants fled in dismay from their homes; and the 
savages, after plundering the dwellings of the set- 



IK, 



ItlSTORT OF THE SIOUX MASSACRE. 



tiers, comj)letetl thoir -fiendish work by setting fire 
to tlio country. 

Dakota TuKBrroRY. — Portions of Dakota Ter- 
ritory were visited by the Sioux in 1862. At 
Siimx Falls Cily tbo following murders were com- 
mitted by the Sioux ludiiuiH on the '25tli of Au- 
gust: Mr. Joseph B. and Mr. M. Amidon, father 
and son, were found dead in a corn-field, near 
which they had been making hay. The son was 
Hhot with both balls and arrows, the father with 
balls only. Tlieir bodies lay some ten rods apart. 
On the morning of the 26th, about fifteen Indians, 
supposed t«> be Sioux, attacked the camp of sol- 
diers at that place. They were followed, but 
eluded the vigilant ])ursuit of our soldiers and cs- 
cai)ed. The families, some ten in number, were 
removed to Yankton, the capital, sixty-five miles 
distant. This removal took place before the mur- 
ders at Lake Shetek were known at Sioux Falls 
City. The mail carrier who carried the news from 
New Ulm had not yet arrived at Siotix Falls, on 
bis return trip. He had, on his outward trip, 
found Mrs. Eastlick on the prairie, near Shetek, 
and carried her to the house of Mr. Brown, on the 
Cottonwood. 

In one week after the murders at the Falls, one- 
half of the inhabitants of the Missouri slope had 
tied to Sioux City, Iowa, six miles below the mouth 
of the Big Sioux. 

The Murder of Amos Huoqins. — Amos Hug- 
gins (in the language of Eev. S. R. Eiggs, in his 
late work, 1880, entitled "Mary and I,'") "was the 
eldest child of Alexander G. Muggins, who had 
accompanied Dr. Williamson to the Sioux coun- 
try in 1835. Amos was born in Ohio, and was at 
this time (1862) over thirty years old. He was 
married, and two children blessed their home, 
which for some time before the outbreak had been 
at Lac qui Parle, near where the town of that 
name now stimds. It was then an Indian village 
and planting place, the principal man being Wa- 
kanmane — Spirit Walker, or Walking Spirit. If 
the people of the village had been at home Mr. 
Huggins and his family, which included Miss 
.Tnlia Laframlioise, who was also a teacher in the 
em|)loy of the Government, wovdd have been safe. 
But in the absence of Spirit Walker's people three 
Indian men came — two of them from the Lower 
Sioux Agency — and killed Mr. Huggins, and took 
from the house such things as they wanted." pp. 
16il-17(l. 

Thi.i ajHilogy for the conduct of Christian In- 



dians towards the missionaries and their assistants, 
who had labored among them since 18.35 up to 
1862, a period of twenty-seven years, shows a 
truly Christian spirit on the part of the Itev. S. R. 
Riggs; but it is scarcely satisfactory to the general 
reader that the Christian Indians were entirely in- 
nocent of aU blame in the great massacre of 1862. 



CHAPTER XXXVIL 



Occurrences tkevious to the attack on the 

town of new ulm— the attack by indians 

judge flandrau arrives with reinfoboements 
evacuation of new ulm. 

On the 18th of August, the day of the outbreak, 
a volunteer recniiting party for the Union army 
went out from New Ulm. Some eight miles west 
of that place several dead bodies were found on 
the road. The party turned back toward the town, 
and, to the surprise of all, were tired upon by In- 
dians in ambush, killing several of their party. 
Another party leaving New Ulm for the Lower 
Agency, when seven miles above the town some 
fifty Indians near the road fired upon them, killing 
three of these men. This party returned to town. 
One of these parties had seen, near the Cotton- 
wood, Indians kill a man on a stack of grain, and 
some others in the field. The people of the sur- 
rounding country fled for their lives into the town, 
leaving, some of them, portions of their families 
killed at their homes or on the way to some place 
of safety. 

During the 18th and 19th of August the In- 
dians overran the country, burning buildings and 
driving off the stock from the farms. 

The people had no arms fit for use, and were 
perfectly panic-stricken and helpless. But the 
news of the outbreak had reached St. Peter, and at 
about one o'clock of August 19th, T. B. Thompson, 
James Hughes, Charles \^■etllerell, Samuel Coffin, 
Merrick Dickinson, H. Cay wood, A. M. Bean, .lames 
Parker, Andrew Friend, Henry and Frederick Otto, 
C. A. Stein, E. G. Covey, Frank Kennedy, Thomas 
and CJriflin WiUiams, and the Hon. Henry A. Swift, 
afterwards made Governor of Minnesota, by opera- 
tion of the organic law, and William G. Hayden, 
organized themselves into a company, by the elec- 
tion of A. M. Bean; Cajitain, and Samuel Coffin, 
Lieutenant, and took up position at New Ulm, in 
the defense of that l)eleagujered place. They at once 
advanced uj)on the Indians, who were posted behind 



BATTLE OF NEW ULM. 



217 



the houses in the outer portions of the place. By 
this opportuue arrival the savage foe were held in 
check. These were soon joined by another arrival 
from St. Peter: L. M. Bordman, J. B. Trogdon, J. 
K. Moore, Horace Austin (since Governor), P. M. 
Bean, James Homer, Jacob and PhUip Stetzer, 
William Wilkinson, Lewis Patch, S. A. Buell, and 
Henry Snyder, all mounted, as well as a few from 
the surrounding country. 

By the time these several parties had arrived, 
the savages had retired, after burning five build- 
ings on the outskirts of the town. In the first 
battle several were killed, one Miss Paule of the 
place, standing on the sidewalk ojjposite the Da- 
kota House. The enemy's loss is not known. 

On the same evening Hon. Charles E. Flandrau, 
at the head of about one hundred and twenty-five 
men, volunteers from St. Peter and vicinity, en- 
tered the town; and reinforcements continued to 
arrive from Mankato, Le Sueur, and other points, 
until Thursday, the 21st, when about three hun- 
dred and twenty-tive armed men were in New Ulm, 
under the command of Judge Flandrau. Cap- 
tain Bierbauer, at the head of one hundred men, 
from Mankato, arrived and participated in the de- 
fense of the place. 

Some rude barricades around a few of the 
houses in the center of the village, fitted up by 
means of wagons, boxes and waste lumber, par- 
tially protected the volunteer soldiery operating 
now under a chosen leader. 

On Saturday, the 22d, the commandant sent 
across the river seventy-five of liis men to dislodge 
some Indians intent on burning buildings and 
grain and hay stacks. First Lieutenant Wilham 
Huey, of Traverse des Sioux, commanded this 
force. This oificer, on reaching the opposite 
shore, discovered a large body of Indians in ad- 
vance of him; and in attempting to return was 
completely intercepted by large bodies of Indians 
on each side of the river. There was but one way 
of escape, and that was to retreat to the company 
of E. St. Julien Cos, known to be approaching 
from the direction of St. Peter. This force, thus 
cut oflf, returned with the command of Cajitain E. 
St. Julien Cox; and with this increased force of 
one hiuidred and seventy-five, Captain Cox soon 
after entered the town to the relief of both citizens 
and soldiers. 

The Indians at the siege of New Ulm, at the 
time of the principal attack before the arrival of 
Captain Cox, were estimated at about five himdred. 



coming from the direction of the Lower Agency. 
The movement is thus described by Judge Flan- 
drau: 

"Their advance upon the sloping prairie in the 
bright sunlight, was a very fine spectacle, and to 
such inexperienced soldiers as we all were, intense- 
ly exciting. When within about one mile of us 
the mass began to expand like a fan, and increas- 
ing in the velocity of its approach, continued 
this movement imtil within about double rifle-shot, 
when it covered our entire front. Then the sav- 
ages uttered a terrific yell and came down upon 
us like the wind. I had stationed myself at a 
point in the rear where communication could be 
had with me easily, and awaited the first discharge 
with great anxiety, as it seemed to me that to 
yield was certain destrnction, as the enemies would 
rush into the town and drive all before them. The 
yell unsettled the men a little, and just before the 
rifles began to crack they fell back along the whole 
Hne, and committed the error of passing the outer 
houses without taking possession of them, a mis- 
take which the Indians immediately took advan- 
tage of by themselves occupying them in squads 
of two, three and up to ten. They poured into 
us a sharp and rapid fire as we fell back, and 
opened from the houses in every direction. Sev- 
eral of us rode up to the hill, endeavoring to rally 
the men, and with good effect, as they gave three 
cheers and sallied out of the various houses they 
had retreated to, and checked the advance effect- 
ually. The firing from both sides then became 
general, sharp and rapid, and it got to be a regu- 
lar Indian skirmish, in which every man did his 
own work after his own fashion. The Indians had 
now got into the rear of our men, and nearly on 
all sides of them, and the tire of the enemy was 
becoming very galhng, as they had possession of 
a large number of buildings." 

Fight at the Wind-Mill.— Eev. B. G. Coffin, 
of Mankato, George B. Stewart, of Le Sueur, and 
J. B. Trogdon, of Nicollet, and thirteen others, 
fought their way to the wind-mill. This they 
held during the battle, their unerrmg shots tell- 
ing fearfully upon the savages, and finally forcing 
them to retire. At night these brave men set fire 
to the building, and then retreated within the bar- 
ricades, in the vicinity of the Dakota House. 
During the firing from this mill a most detei-mmed 
and obstinate fight was kept up from the brick 
post-office, where Governor Swift was stationed, 
which told most fatally upon the foe, and from 



218 



nisTonr of the sioux massacre. 



this point many im luilinn fell before the deadly 
aim of the tnu' men stationed there. 

Cai'Tain Wii.i.iAM \i. l)(ii)U.---Wheu the attack 
WHS niiide ujion the phice the Indians had siic- 
ceedeil in reaching the Lower Town. The wind 
was fiivorinp them, iis the smoke of burning build- 
ings was carried hito tlie main portion of the town, 
lK>hind which they were advancing. '-Captain 
William B. Dodd, of St. Peter, seeing the move- 
ment from that (piarter, supposed the expected re- 
inforcements were in from that direction. He 
made at once a 8U])oiliuuian olTort, almost, to en- 
courage the coming troops to force the Indian 
line and gain admittance into the town. He had 
gone about ncvcnty-five yards outside the lines, 
when the Indians from liuildings on either side of 
the street poured a full volley into the horse and 
rider. The Captain received three balls near his 
heart, wheeled his horse, and riding within twenty- 
flve vards of our lines fell from his horse, and was 
assisted to walk into a house, where in a few mo- 
ments he died, 'the noblest Roman of them all.' 
He dictated a short message to his wife, and re- 
marked that he liad discharged his duty and was 
ready to die. No man fought more courageously, 
or died more nobly. Let his virtues be forever re- 
membered. He was a hero of the truest type!" 
— St. Peter Statcsni.in. 

At the stage of the battle in which Captain 
Dodd was killed, several others also were either 
killed or wounded. Captain Saunders, a Baptist 
minister ot Le Sueur, was wounded, with many 
others. Howell Houghton, an old settler, was 
killed. The contest was continued until dark, 
when the enemy began to carry oif their dead and 
wounded. In the morning of the next day (Sun- 
dav ) a feeble firing was kept up for several hoius 
bv the sullen and retiring foe. The battle of New 
Ulm had been fought, and the whites were masters 
of the field; but at what a fearful price! The 
dead and dying and wounded filled the buildings 
left standing, and this beautiful and enteq^rising 
German t<^(wn, which on Monday morning con- 
tained over two hundred buildings, had been laid 
in ashes, only some twenty-five houses remaining 
to mark the spot where New Ulm once stood. 

On Sunday afternoon. Captain Cox's comm.ind, 
one hundred and fifty volunteers from Nicollet, 
Sibley and Le Sueur, armed with Austrian ritles, 
shot-guns and hunting ritles arrived. The Indiana 
retreateil, anil returned no more to make battle 
with the forces at New Ulm. 



But strange battle field. The Indians deserted 
it on Sunday, and on Monday the successful de- 
fenders also retire from a place they dare not at- 
tempt to hold! The town was evacuated. All 
tlie women and children, and wounded men, 
making one hundred and fifty-tbree wagon loads, 
while a considerable number composed the com- 
pany on foot. All these moved with the command 
of Judge Flandrau towards Mankato. 

The loss to our forces in this engagement was 
ten killed, and about fifty wounded. The loss of the 
enemy is unknown, but must have been heavy, as 
ten of their dead were found on the field of battle, 
which they had been unable to remove. 

We might fill volumes with incidents, and mi- 
raculous escapes from death, but our limits abso- 
lutely forbid their introduction in this abridge- 
ment. The reader must c( nsult the larger work 
for these detaib. The escape ot GSovemor Swift, 
Flandrau and Bird, and J. B. Trogdon and D. G. 
Shellack and others from perilous positions, are 
among the many exciting incidents of the siege of 
New Ulm. 

Omitting the story of John W. Young, of won- 
derful interest, we refer briefly to the weightier 
matters of this sad chapter, and conclude the same 
by the relation of one short chapter. 

THE EXPEDITION TO LEAVENW'ORTH. 

During the siege of New Ulm, two expeditions 
were sent out from that ])l;u'e toward the settle- 
ments on the Big Cottonwood, and although not 
really forming a part of the operations of a de- 
fensive character at that place, are yet so connect- 
ed with them that we give them here. 

On Thursday morning, the 21st of August, a 
party went out on the road to Leavenworth for the 
purpose of burying the dead, aiding the wounded 
and bringing them in, should they find any, and 
to act as a scouting party. They went out some 
eight miles, found and buried several bodies, and 
returned to New Ulm, at night, without seeing 
any Indians. 

On Friday, the 22d, another party of one hun- 
dred and forty men, under command ot Captiiin 
George M. Tousley, started for the purpose of res- 
cuing a party of eleven persons, women and child- 
ren, who, a refugee informed the commandant, 
were hiding in a ravine out toward Leavenworth. 
Accompanying this party were Dre. A. W. Daniels, 
ot St. Peter, and Ayer, of Le Suetir. 

On the way out, the cannonaiiing at Fort 
' Ridgely was distinctly beard by them, and then 



STATEMENT OF RALPH THOMAS. 



219 



Dr. Dauiels, who had resided among the Sioux 
several years as a physician to the lower bands, 
had, for the first time, some conception of the ex- 
tent and magnitude of the outbreak. 

As the main object of the expedition had alrea- 
dy been accomplished — i. e., the rescue of the wo- 
men and children — Dr. Daniels urged a return to 
New Ulm. The question was submitted to the 
company, and they decided to go on, and proceed- 
ed to within four miles of Leavenworth, the de- 
sign being to go to that place, remain there all 
night, bury the dead next day, and return. 

It was now nearly night; the cannonading at 
the fort could still be heard; Indian spies were, 
undoubtedly, watching them; only about one 
hundred armed men were left in the town, and 
from his intimate knowledge of the Indian char- 
acter. Dr. Daniels was convinced that the safety of 
their force, as well as New Ulm itself, required 
their immediate return. 

A halt was called, and this view of the case was 
presented to the men by Drs. Daniels, Ayer, and 
Mayo. A vote was again taken, and it was deci- 
ded to return. The return m^rch commenced at 
about sundown, and at one o'clock a. m. they re- 
entered the village. 

Ealph Thomas, who resided on the Big Cotton- 
wood, in the coimty of Brown, had gone with 
many of his neighbors, on Monday, the 18th of 
August, into New Ulm for safety, while William 
Carroll and some others residing further up the 
river, in Leavenworth, had gone to the same place 
to ascertain whether the rumors they had heard 
of an uprising among the Sioux were true. Mr. 
Thomas makes the following statement of the do- 
ings of this little party, and its subsequent fate: 

" There were eight of us on horseback, and the 
balance of the party were in three wagons. We 
had gone about a mile when we met a German 
going into New Ulm, who said he saw Indians at 
my place skinning a heifer, and that they drove 
him off, chasing him with spears. He had come 
from near Leavenworth. We kept on to my place, 
near which we met John Thomas and Almou Par- 
ker, who had remained the night before in a grove 
of timber, one and a half miles from my place. 
About eight o'clock the evening before, they had 
seen a party of ten or twelve Indians, mounted on 
ponies, coming toward them, who chased them into 
tlie grove, the savages passing on to the right, 
leaving them alone. They stated to us that they 
had seen Indians that morning traveling over the 



prairie southward. We stopped at my place and 
fed our horses. While the horses were eating, I 
called for three or four men to go with me to the 
nearest houses, to see what had become of the peo- 
ple. We went fii-st to the house of Mr. Mey, where 
we found him and his family lying around the 
house, to all appearance dead. We also found 
here Joseph Emery and a Mr. Heuyer, also appa- 
rently dead. We had been here some five minutes 
viewing the scene, when one of the children, a girl 
of seven years, rose up from the ground and com- 
menced crying piteously. I took her in my arms, 
and told the other men to examine the other bodies 
and see if there were not more of them alive. 
They found two others, a twin boy and girl about 
two years old; all the rest were dead. 

" We next proceeded to the house of Mr. George 
Eaeser, and found the bodies of himself and ^vife 
lying near the house . by a stack of grain. We 
went into the house and found their child, eighteen 
months old, aUve, trying to get water out of the 
pail. We then went back to my place, and sent 
John Thomas and Mr. Parker with an ox-team to 
New Ulm with these children. Mr. Mey's three 
children were wounded with blows of a tomahawk 
on the head; the other child was uninjured. We 
then went on toward Leavenworth, seeing neither 
Indians nor whites, until we arrived at the house 
of Mr. Seaman, near which we found an old gen- 
tleman named Biant concealed in a slough among 
the tall grass. He stated to us that a party of 
whites with him had been chased and fired upon 
by a party of Indians. It consisted of himself, 
Luther Whiton, George W. Covill and wife, Mrs. 
Covin's son, Mrs. Hough and child, Mr. Van Guil- 
der and wife and two children, and Mr. Van Guil- 
der's mother. All these Mr. Riant said had scat- 
tered over the prairie. We remained about two 
hours, hunting for the party, and not finding 
them, turned back toward New Ulm, taking Mr. 
Eiant with us. We j)roceeded down opposite my 
place, where we separated, eleven going down on 
one side of the Big Cottonwood, to Mr. Tuttle's 
place, and seven of us proceeded down on the 
other, or north side of the stream. The design 
was to meet again at Mr. Tuttle's house, and all 
go back to New Ulm together; but when we ar- 
rived at Tuttle's, they had gone on to town with- 
out waiting for us, and we followed. Wlien near 
Mr. Hibbard's place we met Mr. Jakes going west. 
He said that he had been within a mile of New 
Ulm, and saw the other men of our party. He 



220 



HISTORY OF THE SIOUX MASSACRE. 



further intormed us tliat ho snw grnin-stacks and 
ehi lis on firo nt that distance from the phiee. 

" When wo ciiiiio to the burning staoks we halted 
to look for Indians. Our comrades were half an 
hour ahead of us. When they got in sight of the 
town, ono of thorn, Mr. Hinton, rode upon an ele- 
vation, wlioro ho oould overlook the place, and saw 
Indians, and the town on tire in several places. He 
went back and told them that the Indians had at- 
tacked tlie town, and that he did not consider it 
safe for them to try to get in, and proposed cross- 
ing the Cottonwood, and going toward the Man- 
kato road, and entering town on that side. His 
proposition was opjiosed by several of the party, 
who thought him frightened at the sight of half a 
dozen Indians. Thoy asked him how many he had 
seen. He said some forty. They came up and 
looked, but could see but three or four Indians. 
Mr. Carroll told tliem they had better go on, and, 
if oppiisod. cut their way through. He told Hin- 
ton to lead, and they would follow. They passed 
down the hill, and met with no opposition until 
thev came to a slough, half a mile from the town. 
Here two Indians, standing on a large stone by the 
side of the road, leveled their double-barreled 
guns at Mr. Hinton. He drew his revolver, placed 
it between his horse's ears, and made for them. 
The balance of the company followed. The Indi- 
ans retired to cover without tiring a shot, and the 
company kept on until they had crossed the slough, 
when the savages, who were lying in ambush, 
arose from the grass, and firing upon them, killed 
five of their nimiber, viz. : William Carroll, Almond 
Loomis, Mr. Lamb, Mr. Kiant, and a Norwegian, 
and chased the balance into the town. 

"We came on about half an hour afterward, and 
])a.ssiug down the hill, crossed the same slough, 
and unconscious of danger, approached the fatal 
spot, when alwut one hundred and fifty savages 
sprang up out of the grass and fired upon us, 
killing five horses and six men. My own horee 
was shot through the body, close to my leg, killing 
bim instantly. My feet were out of the stirrups in 
a moment, and I sprang to the ground, striking 
on my hands and foot. I di-oppedmy gun, jump- 
ed up, and ran. An Indian, close behind, dis- 
charged the contents of both barrels of a shot-gun 
at me. The charge tore up the ground at my feet, 
throwing dirt all around me as I ran. I made my 
way into town on foot as fast as I could go. No 
other of our ])arty escaped; all the rest were 
killed. Reinforcements from St. Peter came to 



the relitf of the place in about lialf an hour after 
I got in, and the Indians soon after retired." 



CHAPTER XXXVin. 



BATTr.E AT LOWER AOEKCT FEBKY SIEOE OF FOr.T 

lilDCiELY- -1!.\TTLE OF WEDNE.SDAT — JACK FRAZEK 
— BATTLE OF FRIDAY REINFORCEMENTS ARRIVE. 

On Monday morning, the 18th of August, 18G2, 
at about 9 o'clock, a messenger arrived at Fort 
Kidgely, from the Lower Sioux Agency, bringing 
the startling news that the Indians were massacre- 
ing the whites at that place. Captain John S. 
Marsh, of Com])any B, Fifth Regiment Blimiesota 
Volunteer Infantry, then in command, immediately 
dispatched messengers after Lieutenant Sheehan, 
of Company C, of the same regiment, who had left 
that post on the morning before, with a detach- 
ment of his company, for Fort Rii)ley, on the 
Upper Mississipi, and Major T. J. Galbraith, Sioux 
Agent, who had also left the fort at the same time 
with fifty men, afterwards known as the Ren- 
ville Rangers, for Fort Snelling, urging them to 
return to Fort Ridgely with all possible dispatch, 
as there were then in the fort only Company B, 
numbering about seventy-five or eighty men. The 
gallant captain then took a detachment of forty- 
six men, and accompanied by Interpreter Quinn, 
immediately started for the scene of blood, distant 
twelve miles. They made a very rapid march. 
WTien within about four miles of the ferry, op- 
posite the Agency, they met the ferryman, Mr. 
Martelle, ■who informed Captain Marsh that the In- 
dians were in considerable force, and were mur- 
dering all the ])eople, and advised him to retTini. 
He replied that he was there to protect and defend 
the frontier, and he should do so if it was in his 
power, and gave the order "Forward!" Between 
this point and the river they passed nine dead 
bodies on or near the road. Arriving near the 
ferry the company was halted, and Corporal 
Ezekiel Rose was sent forward to examine the ferry, 
and see if all was right. The captain and inter- 
preter were mounted on mules, the men were on 
foot, and formed in two ranks in the road, near 
the ferry-house, a few rods from the banks of the 
river. The corporal had taken a pail with him to 
the river, and returned, reporting the ferry all 
right, bringing with him water for the exhausted 
and thirsty men. 



CAPTAIN MARSH KILLED. 



221 



In the meantime an Indian had made his ap- 
pearance on the opposite bank, and calling to 
Quinn, urged them to come across, telling him all 
was right on that side. The suspicions of the cap- 
tain were at once aroused, and he ordered the men 
to remain in their places, and not to move on to 
the boat until he could ascertain whether the In- 
dians were in ambush in the ravines on the oppo- 
site shore. The men were in the act of drinking, 
when the savage ou the opposite side, seeing they 
were not going to cross at once, fired his gun, as a 
signal, when instantly there arose out of the grass 
and brush, all around them, some four or five hun- 
dred warriors, who poured a terrific volley upon 
the devoted band. The aged interpreter fell from 
his mule, pierced by over twenty balls. The cap- 
tain's mule fell dead, but he himself sprang to the 
ground unharmed. Several of the men fell at this 
first fire. The testimony of the survivors of this 
sanguinary engagement is, that their brave com- 
mander was as cool and collected as if on dress pa- 
rade. They retreated down the stream about a 
mile and a , half, fighting their way inch by inch, 
when it was discovered that a body of Indians, 
taking advantage of the fact that there was a bend 
in the river, had gone across and gained the bank 
below them. 

The heroic little band was already reduced to 
about one-halt its original number. To cut their 
way through this large number of Indians was 
impossible. Their only hope now was to cross the 
river to the reservation, as there appeared to be no 
Indiana on that shore, retreat down that side and 
recross at the fort. The river was supposed to be 
fordable where they were, and, accordingly, Capt. 
Marsh gave the order to cross. Taking his sword 
in one hand and his revolver in the other, accom- 
jjanied by his men, he waded out into the stream. 
It was very soon ascertained that they must swim, 
when these who could not do so returned to the 
shore and hid in the grass as best they could, 
while those who could, dropped their arms and 
struck out for the opposite side. Among these 
latter was Capt. Marsh. When near the opposite 
shore he was struck by a ball, and immediately 
sank, but arose again to the surface, and grasped 
the shoulder of a man at his side, but the garment 
gave way in his grasp, and he again sank, this 
time to rise no more. 

Thirteen of the men reached the bank in safety, 
and returned to the fort that night. Those of 



them who were unable to cross remained in the 
grass and bushes until night, when they made 
their way, also, to the fort or settlements. Some 
of them were badly wounded, and were out two or 
three days before they got in. Two weeks after- 
ward, Josiah F. Marsh, brother of the cap- 
tain, with a mounted escort of thirty men — his 
old neighbors from Fillmore county — made search 
for his body, but without success. On the day 
before and the day after this search, as was sub- 
sequently ascertained, two hundred Indians were 
scouting along the river, upon the the very grotmd 
over which these thirty men passed, in their fruit- 
less search for the remains of their dead brother 
and friend. Two weeks later another search was 
made with boats along the river, and this time the 
search was successful. His body was discovered 
a mile and a half below where he was killed, under 
the roots of a tree standing at the water's edge. 
His remains were borne by his sorrowing com- 
panions to Fort Eidgley, and deposited in the 
military burial-ground at that place. 

This gallant officer demands more than a pass- 
ing notice. When the Southern rebellion broke 
out, in 1861, John S. Marsh was residing in Fill- 
more county, Minnesota. A company was re- 
cruited in his neighborhood, designed for the gal- 
lant 1st Minnesota, of which he was made first 
lieutenant. Before, however, this company reach- 
ed Fort Snelling, the place of rendezvous, the reg- 
iment was full, and it was disbanded. The patri- 
otic fire still burned in the soul of young Marsh. 
Going to La Crosse, he vohmteered as a iir irate in 
the 2d Wisconsin regiment, and served some ten 
months in the ranks. In the following winter his 
brother, J. F. Marsh, assisted in raising a com- 
pany in Fillmore county, of which John S. was 
elected first lieutenant, and he was therefore trans- 
ferred, by order of the Secretary of War, to his 
company, and arrived at St. Paul about the 12th 
of March, 1862. In the meantime. Captain Gere 
was promoted to major, and on the 21th Lieuten- 
ant Marsh was jjromoted to the captaincy of his 
company, and ordered to report at Fort Bidgely 
and take command of that important frontier post. 
Captain Marsh at once repaired to his post of 
duty, where he remained in command imtil the 
fatal encounter of the 18th terminated both his 
usefulness and life. He was a brave and accom- 
plished soldier, and a noble man, 

"None knew him but to love him, 
None named him but to praise." 



222 



HISTORY OP THE SIOUX il ASS AC HE. 



eiEOE OP FOIIT ICIDUKLY. 

Foiled in tlieir iittiu-k on Now Ulm by the 
timely iiriivnl of reiuforcpments uuiler Flanclran, 
tlie Indians turned their attention toward Fort 
Ridf?ply, eifjhteen miles north-west. On Wednes- 
day, at thn>e o'clock P. M., the 20th of August, 
they suddenly apjieared in great force at that 
post, and at once commenced a furious assault 
\H)ou it. The fort is situated on the edge of the 
pniirie, ahout half a mile from the Minnesota river, 
a timbered bottom intervening, and a wooded ra- 
vine running up out of the bottom around two 
sides of the fort, and within about twenty rods of 
the buildings, all'ordiiig shelter for an enemy on 
three sides, within easy rifle or musket range. 

The fii-st knowledge the garrison had of the 
presence of the foe was given by a volley from the 
ravine, which drove in the pickets. The men were 
instantly formed, by order of Lieutenant Sheehan, 
in line of battle, on the parade-ground inside the 
works. Two men, Mark M. Grear, of Company 
C, and William Goode, of Company B, fell at the 
first fire of the concealed foe, after the line was 
formed; the former was instantly killed, the latter 
badly wounded, both being shot in the head. 
■*U ]l)ert Baker, a citizen, who had escaped from the 
massacre at the Lower Agency, was shot through 
the head and instantly killed, while standing at a 
window in the Ijarracks, at about the same time. 
The men soon broke tor shelter, and from behind 
boxes, from windows, from the shelter of the 
buildings, imd from every spot where concealment 
was possible, watched their opportunities, wasted 
no ammunition, but poured their shots with deadly 
elTeet upon the wily and savage foe whenever he 
sutTered himself to be seen. 

The forces in the fort at this time were the rem- 
nant of Company B, 5th IJegiment M. V., Lieu- 
tenant Culver, thirty men; about fifty men of 
Company C, same regiment. Lieutenant T. J. 
. Sheehan; the Kenville liangers. Lieutenant James 
Gorman, numbering fifty men, all under command 
of Lieutenant T. J. Sheehan. 

Sergeant John Jones, of the regular army, a 
brave and skillful man, was stationed at this fort 
!is jjost-sergeant, in charge of the ordnance, and 
took immediate command of the artillery, of which 
there were in the fort six pieces. Three only, how- 
ever, were used — two six-pounder howitzers and 
one twenty-four-pouiuler tield-pieee. A sufficient 
number of men had been detailed to work these 



guns, and at the instant of the first alarm were 
promptly at their posts. One of the guns was 
placed in charge of a citizen named J. C. Whipple, 
an old artillerist, w-ho had seen service in the Mex- 
ican war, and in the United States navy, and had 
made his escape from the massacre at the Lower 
Agency, and one in charge of Sergeant McGrew, 
of Company C; the other in charge of Sergeant 
Jones in person. In this assault there were, ])rob- 
ably, not less than five hundred warriors, led by 
their renowned chief. Little Crow. 

So sudden had lieen the outbreak, and so weak 
was the garrison that there had been no time to 
construct any defensive works whatever, or to re- 
move or destroy the wooden structures and hay- 
stacks, behind which the enemy could take position 
and shelter. The magazine was situated some 
twenty rods outside the main works on the open 
prairie. Men were at once detaUad to take the 
ammunition into the fort. Theirs was the post of 
danger; but they jiassod through the leaden storm 
unscathed. 

In the rear of the barracks was a ravine up which 
the St. Peter road passed. The enemy had poses- 
sion of this ravine and road, while others were 
posted in the buildings, at the windows, and in 
sheltered portions in the sheds in the rear of the 
officer's quarters. Here they fought from 3 o'clock 
until dark, the artillery all the while shelling the 
ravine at short range, and the rifles and muskets 
of the men dropping the yelling demons like au- 
tumn leaves. In the meantime the Indians had 
got into some of the old out -buildings, and had 
crawled up behind the hay-stacks, from which they 
poured heavy volleys into the fort. A few well-di- 
rected shells from the howitzers set them on fire, 
and when night closed over the scene the lurid 
light of the burnmg buildings shot up with a fit- 
ful glare, and served the purp >se of revealing to 
the wary sentinel the lurking foe should he again 
appear. 

The Indians retired with the closing day, and 
were seen in large numbers on their ponies, mak- 
ing their way rapidly toward the Agency. The 
gi-eat. danger fsared by all was, that, under cover 
of the darkness, the savages might creep up to the 
building.s and with fire-arrows ignite the dry roofs 
of the wooden structures. But about midnight 
the heavens opened and the earth was deluged 
with rain, olfeotually preventing the consumma- 
tion of such a design, if it was intended. As the 
first great drops fell on the faces upturned to the 



FOUT RIDGELY ATTACKED. 



223 



gathering heavens the glad shout of "Rain! rain! 
thank God ! thank God !" went roimd the beleag- 
uered garrison. Stout-hearted, strong-armed men 
breathed free again; and weary, frightened women 
and children slept once more in comparative safety. 

In this engagement there were two men killed, 
and nine wounded, and all the government mules 
were stampeded by the Indians. Jack Frazer, an 
old resident in the Indian country, volunteered as 
a bearer of disj^atches to Governor Ramsey, and 
availing himself of the darkness and the fnrious 
storm, made his way safely out of the fort, and 
reached St. Peter, where he met Colonel Sibley and 
his command on their way to the relief of the fort. 

Rain continued to fall until nearly night of 
Thursday, when it ceased, and that night the stars 
looked down upon the weary, but still wakeful and 
vigilant watchers in Fort Ridgely. On that night 
a large quantity of oats, in sacks, stored in the 
granary near the stable, and a quantity of cord- 
wood piled near the fort, were disposed about the 
works in such a manner as to afford protection to 
the men. in case of another attack. The roof of 
the commissary building was covered with earth, as 
a protection against fire-arrows. The water in the 
fort had given out, and as there was neither well 
nor cistern in the works, the garrison were depend- 
ent upon a spring some sixty rods distant in the 
ravine, for a supply of that indispensable element. 
Their only resource now was to dig for water, 
which they did at another and less exposed point, 
and by noon had a supply sufficient for two or 
three days secured inside the fort. 

In the meantime the small arm's ammunition 
having become nearly exhausted in the battle of 
Wednesday, the balls were removed fi-om some of 
the sjDherical case-shot, and a party of men and 
women made them up into cartridges, which were 
greatly needed. Small parties of Indians had 
been seen about the fort, out of range, during 
Thursday and Friday forenoon, watching the fort, 
to report if reinforcements had reached it. At 
about 1 o'clock in the afternoon of Friday, the 22d, 
they appeared again in force, their numbers greatly 
augmented, and commenced a furious and most de- 
termined assault. They came apparently from the 
Lower Agency, passing down the Minnesota bot- 
tom, and round into the ravine surrounding the 
fort. As they passed near the beautiful residence 
of R. H. Randall, post sutler, they ajiplied the 
torch and it was soon wrapped in flames. On came 
the painted savages yelling like so many demons 



let loose from the bottomless pit; but the brave 
men in that sore pressed garrison, knowing full 
well that to be taken alive was certain death to 
themselves and all within the doomed fort, each 
man was promi^tly at his post. 

The main attack was directed against that side 
of the works next to the river, the buildings here 
being frame structures, and the most vulnerable 
part of the fort. This side was covered by the 
stable, granary, and one or two old buildings, 
besides the sutler's store on the west side, yet 
standing, as well as the buildings named above. 
Made bold by their augmented numbers, and the 
non-arrival of reinforcements to the garrison, the 
Indians pressed on, seemingly determined to rush 
at once into the works, but were met as they 
reached the end of the timber, and swept round 
UJ5 the ravine with such a deadly fire of musketry 
poured upon them from behind the barracks and 
the windows of the quarters, and of grape, canister 
and shell from the guns of the brave and heroic 
Jones, Whipple, and McGrew, that they beat a 
hasty retreat to the friendly shelter of the bottom, 
out of musket range. But the shells continued to 
scream wildly through the air, and burst around 
and among them. They soon rallied and took 
possession of the stable and other out-buildings 
on the south side of the fort, from which they 
poured terrific voUeys upon the frail wooden 
buildings on that side, the bullets actually passing 
through their sides, and through the jjartitious 
inside of them. Here Joseph Vanosse, a citizen, 
was shot through the body by a ball which came 
through the side of the building. They were 
soon driven from these buildings by the artillery, 
which shelled them out, setting the buildings on 
fire. The sutler's store was in like manner 
shelled and set on fire. The scene now became 
grand and terrific. The flames and smoke of the 
burning buildings, the wild and demoniac yells of 
the savage besiegers, the roaring of cannon, the 
screaming of shells as they hurtled through the 
air, the sharp crack of the rifle, and the unceasing 
rattle of musketry presented an exhibition never 
to be forgotten by those who witnessed it. 

The Indians retired hastily from the burning 
buildings, the men in the fort sending a shower of 
bullets among them as they disappeared over the 
bluffs toward the bottom. With wild yells they 
now circled round into the ravine, and from the 
tall grass, lying on their faces, and from the 
shelter of the timber, continued the battle till 



224 



HISTORY OF THE SIOUX MASS AC UB. 



niKht, their leader, Little Crow, viiinly ordering 
tluiii t<j cimrco on the guns. They formed once 
for tliat i)iiri)oi«\ about sundowTi, but a shell and 
n)und of c-anistcr sent into their midst closed the 
contest, when, with an uueartlily yell of rage and dia- 
npi>ointraent, they left. These shots, us was after- 
wanls asci'rtained, killed and wounded seventeen 
of their nnmljer. .Tones continued to shell the 
ra\-ine and timber around the fort until after dark, 
when the firing ceased, and then, as had been 
done on each night before, since the investment of 
the fort, the men all went to their several jjosts to 
wait and watch for the coming of the wily foe. 
The night waned slowly; but they must not sleep; 
their foe is sleeples-s. and that wide area of dry 
shingled root must be closely scanned, and the 
approaclics be vigilantly gnarded, by which he 
may, under cover of the darkness, creep upon 
them unawares. 

Morning broke at last, the sun rode up a clear 
and cloudless sky, but the foe came not. The day 
passed away, and no attack; the night again, and 
then another day ; and yet other days and nights 
of weary, sleepless watching, but neither friend nor 
foe approached the fort, until about dayhght on 
Wednesday morning, the 27th, when the cry was 
heard from the look-out on the roof, "There are 
horsemen coming on the St. Peter road, across the 
ravine!" Are they friends or foes? was the ques- 
tion on the tongues of all. By their cautious 
movements they were endently reconnoitering, 
and it was yet too dark for those in the fort to be 
able to tell, at that distance, friends from foes. 
But as daylight advanced, one hundred and fifty 
mounted men were seen dashing through the ra- 
vine; and amidst the wild hurras of the assembled 
garrison. Colonel Samuel McPhail, at the head of 
two companies of citizen-cavalry, rode into the 
fort. In command of a company of these men 
were Anson Northrup, from Miimeapolis, an old 
frontiers-man, and R. H. Chittenden, of the First 
Wisconsin Cavalry. This force had ridden all 
night, having left St. Peter, forty -five miles dis- 
tant, at 6 o'clock the night before. From them 
the garrison learned that heavy reinforcements 
were on their way to their relief, under Colonel 
(now Brigadier-Clencral ) H. H.Sibley. The worn- 
out and exhaust; d garrison could now sleep with 
a feeling of comparative security. The number 
of killed and wounded of the enemy is not known, 
but must have been ccmsiderable, as, at the close 
of each battle, they were seen carrying away their 



dead and wounded. Our own fallen heroes were 
buried on the edge of the prairie near the fort; 
and the injuries of the wounded men were care- 
fully attended to by the skillful and excellent post- 
surgoou, Dr. .Alfred MuUer. 

We close our account of this protracted siege 
by a slight tribute on behalf of the sick and 
wounded in that garrison, to one wliose name will 
ever be mentioned by them with love .-ind respect. 
The hospitals of Sebastopol liad their Florence 
Nightingale, and over every blood-stained field ot 
the South, in our own struggle for national life, 
hovered angels of mercy, cheering and soothing 
the sick and wounded, smoothing the pillows 
and closing the eyes of our fallen braves. 
And when, in after years, the brave men who fell, 
sorely wounded, in the battles of Fort Eidgcly, 
Birch Coolie, and Wood Lake, fighting against 
the savage hordes who overran the borders of our 
beautiful State, in August and September, 18G2, 
carrying the fiaming torch, the gleaming toma- 
hawk, and bloody scalping-knifo to hundreds of 
peaceful homes, shall tell to their children and 
children's children the story of the "dark and 
bloody ground" of Minnesota, and sliall exhibit to 
them the scars those wounds have left; they will 
tell, with moistened cheek and swelhng hearts ot 
the. noble, womanly deeds of Mrs. Eliza MuUer, 
the "Florence Nightingale" of Fort Eidgely. 
[Mrs. Muller several years since died at the asylum 
at St. Peter.] 

SERGEANT JOHN .TONES. 

We feel that the truth of history will not be fully 
vindicated should we tail to bestow upon a brave 
and gallant officer that meed of praise so justly 
due. The only officer of experience left in the fort 
by the death of its brave commandant was Ser- 
geant John Jones, of the regular artillery; and it 
is but just to that gallant officer that we should 
say that but for the cool courage and discretion of 
Sergeant Jones, Fort Ridgely would, in the first 
day's battle have become a funeral pyre for all 
within its doomed walls. And it gives us more 
than ordinary pleasure to record the fact, that the 
services he then rendered the Government, in the 
defense of the frontier were fully recognized and 
rewarded with the commission of Captain of the 
Second Minnesota Battery. 



CAPTAIN WniTCOilB AT FOREST GITT. 



225 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 

CAPTAIN WHITOOMB's ARKIVAL AT ST. PAUL PASSES 

THKOCGH MEEKER COUNTY — A FOKT CONSTRUCTED 

—ENGAGEMENT WITH INDIANS ATTACK ON FOREST 

CITY CONDITION OF THE COUNTRY CAPTAIN 

STROUT AT GIjENCOE — ATTACKED NEAR ACTON BY 

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY INDIANS ATTACK ON 

HUTCHINSON. 

This chapter will be devoted to the upper por- 
tion of the state, and the movements of troojis for 
the relief of the frontier, not immediately con- 
nected with the main expedition under Colonel 
Sibley; and to avoid repetition, the prominent in- 
cidents of the massacre in this portion of the state 
will be given in connection with the movements of 
the troops. We quote from the Adjutant-Gen- 
eral's Eeport: 

The 19th day of August the first news of the 
outbreak at Redwood was received at St. Paul. 
On the same day a messenger arrived from Meeker 
county, with news of murders committed in that 
county by the Indians, and an earnest demand for 
assistance. The murders were committed at Ac- 
ton, about twelve miles from Forest City, on Sun- 
day, the 17th day of the month. The circum- 
stances under which these murders were committed 
are fully detailed in a previous chapter. 

George C. Whitcomb, commander of the state 
forces raised in the county of Meeker, was sta- 
tioned at Forest City. On the 19th of August, 
Mr. AVhitcomb arrived at St. Paul, and received 
from the state seventy-five stand of arms and a 
small quantity of ammunition, for the purpose of 
enabling the settlers of Meeker county to stand on 
the defensive, until other assistance could be sent 
to their aid. With these in his possession, he 
started on his return, and, on the following. day he 
met Col. Sibley at Shakopee, by whom he was or- 
dered to raise a company of troops and rejjort with 
command to the Colonel, at Fort Ridgely. On ar- 
riving at Hutchinson, in McLeod county, he found 
the whole coimtry on a general stampede, and 
small bands of Indians lurking in the border of 
Meeker county. 

Captain Richard Strout was ordered, under date 
of August 24, to proceed with a company of men 
to Forest City, in the county of Meeker, for the 
protection of that locaUty. 

In the meantime Captain Whitcomb arrived at 
Forest City with the arms fiu-nished him by the 

15 



state, with the exception of those left by him at 
Hutchinson. Upon his arrival he speedUy en- 
listed, for temporary service, a company of fifty- 
three men. twenty-five of whom were mounted, 
and the remainder were to act as infantry. 

Captain Whitcomb, with the mounted portion of 
his company, made a rapid march into the county 
of Monongalia, to a jioint about thirty miles from 
Forest City, where he found the bodies of two men 
who had been shot by the Indians, who had muti- 
lated the corpses by cutting their throats and 
scalping them. In the same vicinity he found the 
ruins of three houses that had been burned, and 
the carcasses of a large niimber of cattle that had 
been wantonly kUled and devoted to destruction. 

Owing to rumors received at this point, he pro- 
ceeded in a north-westerly direction, to the distance 
of ten miles further, and found on the route the 
remains of five more of the settlers, all of vvhom 
had been shot and scalped, and some of them were 
otherwise mutilated by having their hands cut off 
and gashes cut in their faces, done apparently with 
hatchets. 

On the return to camp at Forest City, when 
within about four miles of Acton, he came to a 
point on the road where a train of wagons had been 
attacked on the 23d. He here found two more 
dead bodies of white men, mutilated in a shocking 
manner by having their hands cut oS, being dis- 
emboweled and otherwise disfigured, having knives 
still remaining in their abdomens, where they had 
been left by the savages. The road at this place 
was, for three miles, lined with the carcasses of 
dead cattle, a great portion of which belonged to 
the train upon which the attack had been made. 
On this excursion the company were about four 
days, during which time they traveled over one 
hundred miles, and buried the bodies of nine per- 
sons who had been murdered. 

On the next day after having returned to the 
camp, being the 28th of the month, the same 
party made a circuit through the western portion 
of Bleeker county, and buried the bodies of three 
more men that were found mutilated and disfigured 
in a similar manner to those previously mentioned. 
In addition to the other services rendered by the 
company thus far, they had discovered and re- 
moved to the camp several persons foimd wounded 
and disabled in the vicinity, and two, who had 
been very severely woimded, had been sent by 
them to St. Cloud for the purpose of receiving 
sursical attention. 



220 



IIISrOUY OF TUB SIOUX MASS AC RB. 



The company, iu lulditiou to tlieir otlier labors, 
were employt-'il in tbo coustruction of a stockade 
fort, to l)e used if necessary for defensive purposes, 
ond for tlio jirotfi-tion of those who wore not capa- 
ble of liearing arms. It was formed by inserting 
the ends of pieces of rf)ngh timber into the earth 
to the depth of three feet, and leaving them from 
t«n ti) twelve foot above the surface of the ground. 
In this way an area was inclosed of one hundred 
and forty feet in length and one hundred and 
thirty in width. Within the tortilication was in- 
cluded one frame dwelling-house and a well of 
water. At diagonal coniei-s of the inclosure were 
erected two wings or bastions provided with ])ort- 
holes, from each of which two sides of the main 
•work could be guarded and raked by the rifles of 
the comi)any. 

Information was received by Captain Whitcomb 
that a family at Green Lake, iu Monongalia county, 
near the scenes visited by him in his expedition to 
that county, had made their escape from the In- 
dians, and taken refuge upon an island iu the lake. 
In attempting to rescue this family Captain Whit- 
comb had a severe encounter with Indians found 
in ambush near the line of Meeker county, and 
after ra\ich skirmishing and a brisk engagement, 
which proved very much to the disadvantage of 
the Indians, they succeeded in efl'ecting their es- 
cape to the thickly -timbered region iu the rear of 
their first position. The memViers of the company 
were nearly all experienced marksmen, and the 
Springfield rifles in their hands proved very gall- 
ing to the enemy. So anxious was the latter to 
effect his retreat, that he left three of his dead 
upon the ground. No loss was sustained on the 
part of our troops, except a flesh-wound in the leg 
received by one of the company. As it was 
deemed unadvisable to jiursue the Indians into the 
heavy timber with the small force at command, the 
detachment fell back to their camp, arriving the 
same evening. 

On the following day, Captain Whitcomb, 
taking with him twenty men from his company, 
and twenty citizens who volunteered for the occa- 
sion, proceeded on the same route taken the day 
previous. With the increase in his forces he 
expected to be able, without much difUculty, to 
overcome the Indians previously encountered. 
After proceeding about ten miles from the camp, 
their further progress was again disputed by the 
Indians, who had likewise been reinforced since 
their last encounter. Owing to the great superi- 



ority of the enemy's forces, the Captain withdrew 
his men. Tliey fell gradually back, fighting 
steadily on the retreat, and were pursued to within 
four miles of the encampment. In this contest, 
one Indian is known to have been killed. On the 
part of the whites one horse and wagon got mired 
in a slough, and had to be abandoned. No other 
injury was sutlered from the enemy; but two men 
were wouudotl by the accidental discharge of a 
gun iu their own ranks. 

A fortification was prepared, and the citizens, 
with their families, were removed within the 
inclosure. Captain Whitcomb quartered his com- 
])auy in the principal hotel of the place, and 
guards were stationed for the night, while all the 
men were directed to be prepared for any contin- 
gency that might arise, and be in readiness for 
using tlicir arms at any moment. 

Between 2 and 3 o'clock the following morning, 
the guards discovered the apjiroach of Indians, 
and gave the alarm. As soon as the savages per- 
ceived that they were discovered, they uttered the 
war-whoop, and poured a volley into the hotel 
where the troops were quartered. The latter 
immediately retired to the stockade, taking with 
them all the ammunition and equipments in their 
possession. They had scarcely effected an en- 
trance when fire was opened upon it from forty or 
fifty Indian rifles. Owing to the darkness of the 
morning, no distinct view could be obtained of the 
enemy, and, in consequence, no very effective fire 
could bo opened upon him. 

While one party of the Indians remained to keep 
up a fire upon the fort and harass the garrison, 
another portion was engaged in setting fire to 
buildings and haystacks, while others, at the same 
time, were engaged in collecting horses and cattle 
fotnid in the jjlace, and driving them off. Occa- 
sional glimpses could be ol)tained of those near 
the fires, but as soon as a shot was fired at them 
they would disappear in the darkness. Most of 
the buildings burned, however, were such a dis- 
tance from the fort as to lie out of range of the 
guns of the garrison. The fire kept up from that 
point prevented the near approach of the incen- 
diary party, and by that means the principal part 
of the town was saved from destruction. On one 
occasion an effort was made to carry the flames 
into a more central part of the town, and the 
torches in the hands of the party were seen 
approaching the office of A. C. Smith, Esq. 
Directed by the light of the torches, a volley was 



CAPTAIN 8TR0UT8 PARTY ATTACKED. 



227 



poured into their midst from the fort, ■whereupon 
the braves hastily abandoned their incendiary- 
implements and retreated from that quarter o£ the 
village. From signs of blood afterward found 
upon the ground, some of the Indians were sup- 
posed to have met the fate intended for them, but 
no dead were left behind. 

The fight continued, without other decided re- 
sults, until about daylight, at which time the prin- 
cipal part of the forces retired. As the hght in- 
creased, so that objects beoattie discernible, a small 
Jjarty of savages were observed engaged in dri- 
ving off a number of cattle. A portion of the 
garrison, vohinteering for the purpose, sallied 
out to recover the stock, which they accomplish- 
ed, with the loss of two men wounded, one of them 
severely. 

This company had no further encounters with 
the Indians, but afterward engaged in securing 
the grain and other property belonging to the set- 
tlers who had abandoned, or been driven from, their 
farms and homes. Nearly every settlement be- 
tween Forest City and the western frontier had, by 
this time, been deserted, and the whole country 
was in the hands of the savages. In spealdng of 
his endeavors to save a portion of the property 
thus abandoned, Captain Whitcomb, on the 7th of 
September, wrote as follows: 

"It is only in their property that the inhabitants 
can now be injured; the people have all fled. 
The country is totally abandoned. Not an inhab- 
itant remains in Meeker county, west of this place. 
No white person (unless a captive) is now living 
in Kandiyohi or Monongalia county." 

On the 1st of September, Captain Strout, who 
had jjreviously arrived at Glencoe, made prepara- 
tions for a further advance. Owing to the vigor- 
ous measures adopted by General John H. Stevens, 
of the State militia, it was thought unnecessary 
that any additional forces should be retained at 
this point. Under his directions no able-bodied 
man having deserted the country furbher to the 
westward, had been permitted to leave the neigh- 
borhood, or pass through. All such were re- 
quired to desist from further flight, and assist 
in making a stand, in order to check the further 
advance of the destroyers of their homes. The 
town of Glencoe had been fortified to a certain 
extent, and a military company of seventy-thi-ee 
members had been organized, and armed with such 
guns as were in possession of the settlers. With 
Glencoe thus provided for. General Stevens did 



not hesitate to advise, nor Captain Strout to at- 
tempt a further advance into the overrun and 
thi-eateued territory. 

The company of the latter, by this time, had 
been increased by persons, principally from Wright 
county, who volunteered their services for the ex- 
jiedition, until it numbered about seventy-five men. 
With this force he marched, as already stated, on 
the 1st day of September. 

Passing through Hutchinson on his way, no op- 
position was encountered until the morning of the 
3d of September. On the night previous, he had 
arrived at and encamped -near Acton, on the west- 
em border of Meeker county. 

At about half-past five o'clock the next morning 
his camp was attacked by a force comprising about 
one hundred and fifty Indians. The onset was 
made from the direction of Hutchinson, with the 
design, most probably, of cutting off the retreat 
of the company, and of i^reoluding the possibility 
of sending a messenger after reinforcements. They 
fought with a spirit and zeal that seemed determ- 
ined to anniliilate our little force, at whatever cost 
it might require. 

For the first half hour Captain Strout formed 
his company into four sections, in open order, and 
pressed against them as skirmishers. Finding their 
forces so much superior to his own, he concentra- 
ted the force of his company, and hurled them 
against the main body of the enemy. In this 
manner the fight was kept up for another hour 
and a half, the Indians falling slowly back as they 
were pressed, in the direction of Hutchinson, but 
maintaining all the while their order and line of 
battle. At length the force in front of the compa- 
ny gave way, and falling upon the rear, continued 
to harrass it in its retreat. 

About one-half of the savages were mounted, 
partly on large, fine horses, of which they had 
plundered the settlements, and partly on regular 
Indian ponies. These latter were so well trained 
for the business in which they were now engaged, 
that their riders would drive them at a rapid rate 
to within any desirable distance of our men, when 
pony and rider would both instantly lie down in 
the tall grass, and thus become concealed from the 
aim of the sharp-shooters of the company. 

With the intention, most likely, of creating a 
panic in our ranks, and causing the force to scat- 
ter, and become separately an easy prey to the 
pursuers, the Indians would at times, uttering the 
most terrific and unearthly yells of which their 



2'28 



niSTORT OF TUB SIOUX MAHHAUJiE. 



lungs and skill were capable, charge in a mass 
iipon the littlo bnml. On none ot these ocoasions, 
however, tliil II Hiiiglo man falter or attempt a 
tlight; ami, after approaeliiiig within one liundred 
yards of the retreating force, and perceiving that 
they still remained firm, the Indians would halt 
the charge, and seek coueealnient in the grass or 
elsewhere, from which places they would continue 
their fire. 

Aftor having thus hung upon and harrassed the 
rear of the retreating force for about half an hour, 
at tlie end ot which time the column had arrived 
within a short distance of Cedar City, in the 
extreme north-west corner of McLeod county, the 
l)ursuit was given up, and the company continued 
the retreat without further opposition to Hutchin- 
son, at which ])\'m'c it arrived at an early hour in 
the same afternoon. 

The loss ot the company ia the encounter was 
three men killed and fifteen wounded, some of 
them severely. All were, however, brought from 
the field. 

In addition to this they lost most of their ra- 
tions, cooking utensils, tents, and a portion ot 
their ammunition and arms. Some ot their horses 
became unmanageable and ran away. Some were 
mired and abandoned, making, with those killed 
by the enemy, an aggregate loss ot nine. The 
loss inflicted upon the enemy could not be de- 
termined with any degree of certainty, but Cap- 
tain Strout was of the opinion that their killed and 
wounded were two or three times as great as ours. 

At Hutchinson a military company, consisting of 
about si.xty meml)ers, had been organized for 'the 
purpose of defending the place against any attacks 
from the Indians. Of this company Louis Har- 
rington was elected captain. On the first appre- 
hension of danger a house was barricaded as a 
last retreat in case of necessity. The members of 
the company, aided by the citizens, afterward con- 
structed a small stockade fort of one hundred feet 
square. It was built after the same style as that 
at Forest City, with bastions in the same position, 
and a wall composed ot double timbers rising to 
the height of eight feet above the ground. The 
work was provided with loop-holes, from which a 
musketry fire could be kept up, and was of suffi- 
cient strength to resist any projectiles that the sav- 
ages had the means ot throwing. At this place 
Captain Strout halted his compttny, to await fur- 
ther developments. 

At about nine o'clock on the nest moruiug, the 



4th ot Septemljer, the Indians approached the 
town thus garrisoned and commenced the attack. 
They were replied to from the fortification; but, 
as tlicy were careful not to come within close 
range, and Jised every means to conceal their j>er- 
sons, but littlo punishment was inflicted upon 
them. They bent their energies more in attempts 
to burn the town than to inflict any serious injury 
upon the military. In these endt'avors they were 
so far successful as to burn all the buildings sit- 
uated on the bluff in the rear of the town, includ- 
ing the college building, which was here located. 
They atone time succeeded in reaching almost the 
heart of the village, and a])p!ying the incendiary 
torch to two of the dwelling-houses there situated, 
which were consumed. 

Our forces marched out of the fort and engaged 
them in the open field; but, owing to tlie superior 
numbers of the enemy, and their scattered and 
hidden positions, it was thought that no advantage 
could be gained in this way, and, after driving 
tlicm out of the town, the soldiers were recalled to 
the fort The day was sjicnt in this manner, the 
Indians making a succession of skirmishes, but at 
the same time endeavoring to maintain a sufficient 
distance between them and the soldiers to insure 
an almost certain impunity from the fire of their 
muskets. At about five o'clock in the evening 
their forces were withdrawn, and our troops rested 
on their arms, in expectation ot a renewal of the 
fight in a more desperate form. 

As soon as General Stevens was informed of the 
attack made upon Captain Strout, near Acton, and 
his being compelled to fall back to Hutchinson, 
he directed Captain Davis to proceed to the com- 
mand ot Lieutenant Weinmann, then stationed 
near Lake Addie, in the same county, to form a 
junction of the two commands, and proceed to 
Hutchinson and reinforce the command of Captain 
Strout. 

On the morning of the 4th of September the 
pickets belonging to Lieutenant Weinmann's com- 
mand reported having heard firing in the direction 
of Hutchinson. The Lieutenant immediately as- 
cended au eminence in the vicinity of his camp, 
and from that point could distinguish the smoke 
from six ditlerent fires in the same direction. 
Being satisfied from these indications that au at- 
tack had been made upon Hutchinson, he deter- 
mined at once to march to the assistance of the 
place. Leavintr behind him six men to collect the 
teams and follow with the wagons, he started with 



MORE SAVAGE BARBARITIES. 



229 



the remainder of his force in the direction indi- 
cated. 

Some time after he had commenced his march 
the company of Captain Davis arrived at the camp 
he had just left. 

Upon learning the state of affairs, the mounted 
company followed in the same direction, and, in a 
short time, came up with Lieutenant Weiumann. 
A junction of their forces was immediately effect- 
ed, and they proceeded in a body to Hutchinson, 
at which place they arrived about 6 o'clock in the 
evening. No Indians had been encountered on 
the march, and the battle, so long and so diligently 
kept up during most of the day, had just been 
terminated, and the assailing forces withdrawn. 
A reconnoissance, in the immediate vicinity, was 
made from the fort on the same evening, but none 
of the Indians, who, a few hours before, seemed to 
be everywhere, could be seen; but the bodies of 
three of their victims, being those of one woman 
and two children, were found and brought to the 
village. 

On the following morning, six persons arrived 
at the fortification, who had been in the midst of 
and surrounded by the Indians during the greater 
part of the day before, and had succeeded in con- 
cealing themselves until they retired from before 
the town, and finally effected their escape to 
the place. 

The companies of Captain Davis and Lieuten- 
ant Weinmann made a tour of examination in the 
direction that the Indians were supposed to have 
taken. All signs discovered seemed to indicate 
that they had left the vicinity. Their trail, indi- 
cating that a large force had passed, and that a 
number of horses and cattle had been taken 
along, was discovered, leading in the direction of 
Redwood. As the battle of Birch Coolie had been 
fouglit two or three days previous, at which time 
the Indians first learned the great strength of the 
column threatening them in that quarter, it is 
most likely that the party attacking Hutchinson 
had been called in to assist in the endeavor to 
repel the forces under Colonel Sibley. 

On the 2i5d of September the Indians suddenly 
reappeared in the neighborhood. About 3 o'clock 
in the afternoon a messenger arrived, with dis 
patches from Lieutenant Weinmann, informing 
Captain Strout that Samuel White and family, 
residing at Lake Addie, had that day been brutally 
murdered by savages. 

At about 11 o'clock P. M., the scouts from the 



direction of Cedar City came in, having been at- 
tacked near Grecnleaf, and one of their number, a 
member of Captain Harrington's company, killed 
and left upon the ground. They reported having 
seen about twenty Indians, having killed one, and 
their belief that more were in the party. The 
scouts from nearly every direction reported having 
seen Indians, some of them in considerable num- 
bers, and the country aU arotmd seemed at once 
to have become infested with them. 

On the 5th of September, Lieutenant William 
Byrnes, of the Tenth Regiment Minnesota Volun- 
teers, with a command of forty-seven men, started 
from Minneapolis, where his men were recruited, 
for service in Meeker and McLeod counties. Upon 
his arrival in the country designated, he was 
finally stationed at Kingston, in the county of 
Meeker, for the purpose of affording protection to 
that place and vicinity. He quartered his men in 
the storehouse of Hall & Co., which had been pre- 
viously put in a state of defense by the citizens of 
the place. He afterward strengthened the place 
by means of earth-works, and made daily examina- 
tions of the surrounding country by means of 
scouts. 

Capt. Pettit, of the Eighth Regiment Minnesota 
Volunteers, was, about the same time, sent to re- 
inforce Captain Whitcomb, of Forest City, at which 
place he was stationed at the time of the sudden 
reappearance of the Indians ia the country. On 
the 22d of September word was brought to Forest 
City that the Indians were committing depreda- 
tions at Lake Ripley, a point some twelve miles to 
the westward of that place. Captain Pettit there- 
upon sent a messenger to Lieutenant Byrnes, re- 
questing his co-operation, with as many of his 
command as could leave their post in safety, for 
the purpose of marching into the invaded neigh- 
borhood. 

In pursuance of orders, Lieutenant Byrnes, with 
thirly-six men, joined the command of Capt Pettit 
on the same evening. On the next morning, the 
23d of September, the same day that Captain 
Strout's scouting party was attacked at Greenleaf, 
Captain Pettit, with the command of Lieutenant 
Byrnes and eighty-seven men, from the jjost at 
Forest City, marched in the direction in which the 
Indians had been rqjorted as committing depre- 
dations on the previous day. Four mounted men 
of Captain Whitcomb's force accompanied the party 
as guides. 

On arriving at the locality of reported depreda- 



230 



IIISrORT OF TIIE SIOUX MASSACRE. 



tions, they found the mutilnteil corpse ot a citizen 
by the nnmo of Oleson. He had recci%'ed three 
shots through the body and one through the 
hand. Not even Batisficd with the death thus in- 
tiicted, the savages had removed his scalp, beaten 
out his brains, cut his throat from ear to ear, and 
cut out his tongue by the roots. Leaving a de- 
tachment to bury the dead, the main body of ex- 
pedition continued the march by way of Long 
Lake, and encamped near Acton, where Captain 
Stroufs command was first attacked, and at no 
groat distance from the place where his scouts were 
attacked. 

Scouta were sent out by Captain Pcttit, all of 
whom returned without having seen any Indians. 
Two dwelling-houses had been visited that had 
been set on firo by the Indians, but the flames had 
made so little progress as to be capable of being 
extinguished by the scouts, which was done ac- 
cordingly. Three other houses on the east side of 
Long Lake had been fired and consumed during 
the same day. Three women were found, who had 
been lying in the woods for a number of days, 
seeking concealment from the savages. They were 
sent to Forest City for safety. Daring the early 
part of the night, Indians were heard driving or 
collecting cattle, on the opposite side of Long 
Lake from tlie encampment. 

During the 21tli of September the march was 
continued to Diamond Lake, in Monongalia county. 
AU the houses on the route were found to be ten- 
antless, all the farms were deserted, and every thing 
of value, of a destructible nature, belonging to the 
settlers, had been destroyed by the savages. Only 
one Indian was seen during the day, and lie being 
mounted, soon made his escape into the big .woods. 
The carcasses of cattle, belonging to the citizens, 
wore founil in aU directions upon the prairie, wliere 
they had been wantonly slaughtered and their 
tleeli abandoned to the natural process of decom- 
position. 

At break ot day, on the morning of the 25th, 
an Indian was seen by one ot the sentinels to rise 
from the grass and attempt to take a survey of 
the encampment. He was immediately fired upon 
when he uttered a yell and disappeared. Captain 
Pettit thereupon formed his command in order of 
battle and sent out skirmishers to reconnoiter; but 
the Indians had decamped, and nothing farther 
could lie ascertained concerning them. 

At seven o'clock the return march to Forest Oitv 
WU8 commenced, by a route different from that 



followed in the outward march. About ten o'clock 
the exi)cditiou came upon a herd, comprising sixty- 
five head i>f cattle, which the Indians had collected, 
and were in the act of driving off, when they were 
surprised by the near approach of volunteers. As 
the latter could be seen advancing at a distance 
of three miles, the Indians had no difficulty in 
making their escape to the timber, and in this way 
eluding pursuit from the expedition by abandon- 
ing their plunder. Tlie cattle were driven by the 
party to Forest City, where a great portion of the 
herd was found to belong to persons who were 
then doing military duty, or taking refuge from 
their enemies. 

At Kockford, on the Crow river, a considerable 
force of citizens congregated for the pnrpo.se of 
mutual protection, and making a stand against the 
savages in case they should advance thus far. A 
substantial fortification was erected at the place, 
affording ample means of shelter and protection to 
those there collected; but we are not aware that it 
ever became necessary as a place of last resort to 
the people, nor are we aware that the Indians 
committed any act of hostilities within the coimty 
of Wright. 

On the 24th of August rumors reached St. 
Cloud that murders and other depredations had 
been commiUed by the Indians near Payuesville, 
on the border of Stearns county, and near the di- 
viding line between Meeker and Monongalia ootm- 
ties. A public meeting of the citizens was called 
at foiu o'clock in the afternoon, at which, among 
other measures adopted, a squad, well armed and 
equipped, was instructed to proceed to Payues- 
ville, and ascertain whether danger was to be ap- 
prehended in that direction. This party immedi- 
ately entered upon the discharge of their duty, 
and started to Paynesville the same evening. 

On the evening of the following day they re- 
turned, and reported that they met at Paynesnlle 
the fugitives from Norway Lake, which latter 
place is situated in Monongalia county, and about 
seventeen miles in a south-west direction from the 
former. That, on Wednesday, the 20th day ot 
August, as a family of Swedes, by the name of 
Loralierg, were returning from church, they were 
attacked by a party ot Indians, and three brothers 
killed, and another one, a boy, wounded. The 
father had fourteen shots fired at him, but suc- 
ceeded in making his escape. One of his sons, 
John, succeeded in bearing off his woiuided 
brother, and making their escape to Paynesville. 



COMPANY FORMED AT ST. OLOUD. 



231 



On the 24tli, a party went out from Paynesville 
for the purpose of burying the dead at Norway 
Lake, where they found, in addition to those of 
the Lomberg family, two other entire families 
murdered — not a member of either left to tell the 
tale. The clothes had all been burned from their 
bodies, while from each had been cut either the 
nose, an ear or a finger, or some other act of muti- 
lation had been committed upon it. 

The party, having buried the dead, thirteen in 
number, were met by a little boy, who informed 
them that his father had that day been killed by 
the savages while engaged in cutting hay in a 
swamp. They proceeded with the intention of 
burying the body, but discovered the Indians to 
be in considerable force around the marsh, and 
they were compelled to abandon the design. 

The party beheld the savages in the act of driv- 
ing off forty-four head of cattle, a span of horses, 
and two wagons; but the paucity of their num- 
bers compelled them to refrain from any attempt 
to recover the property, or to inflict any punish- 
ment upon the robbers and murderers having it 
in their possession. A scouting party had been 
sent to Johanna Lake, about ten miles from Nor- 
way Lake, where about twenty persons had been 
living. Not a single person, dead or alive, could 
there be found. Whether they had been killed, 
escaped by hasty flight, or been carried off as 
prisoners, could not be determined from the sur- 
roimding circumstances. As the party were re- 
turning, they observed a man making earnest en- 
deavors to escape their notice, and avoid them by 
flight, under the impression that they were Indi- 
ans, refusing to be convinced to the contrary by 
any demonstrations they coiild make. Upon their 
attempting to overtake him, he plunged into a 
lake and swam to an island, from which he could 
not be induced to return. His family were dis- 
covered and brought to Paynesville, but no infor- 
mation could be derived from them respecting the 
fate of their neighbors. 

When this report had been made to the citizens 
of St. Cloud by the returned party, a mounted 
company, consisting of twenty-five members, was 
immediately formed, for the purjjose of co-oper- 
ing with any forces from Paynesville in efforts to 
recover and rescue any citizens of the ravaged 
district. Of this company Ambrose Freeman was 
elected captain, and they proceeded in the direc- 
tion of Paynesville the next morning at 8 o'clock. 

At Maine Prairie, a point to the south-west of 



St. Cloud, and about fifteen miles distant from 
that place, a determined band of farmers united 
together, with a determination never to leave until 
driven, and not to be driven by an inferior force. 
Their locality was a small prairie, entirely sur- 
rounded by timber and dense thickets, a circum- 
stance that seemed to favor the near approach of 
the stealthy savage. 

By* concerted action they soon erected a sub- 
stantial fortification, constructed of a double row 
of timbers, set vertically, and inserted firmly in 
the ground. The building was made two stories 
in height. The upper story was fitted up for the 
women and children, and the lower was intended 
for purposes of a more strictly military character. 
Some of their number were dispatched to the State 
Capital to obtain such arms and supplies as could 
be furnished them. Provisions were laid in, and 
they soon expressed their confidence to hold the 
place against five hundred savages, and to stand 
a siege, if necessary. Their determination was 
not to be thus tested, however. The Indians 
came into their neighborhood, and committed 
some small depredations, but, so far as reported, 
never exhibited themselves within gunshot of the 
fort. 

At Paynesville the citizens, and such others as 
sought refuge in the town, constructed a fortifica- 
tion for the purpose of protecting themselves and 
defending the village; but no description of the 
work has ever been received at this office, and, I 
believe, it was soon abandoned. 

At St. Joseph, in the Watab Valley, the citizens 
there collected erected three substantial fortifica- 
tions. These block-houses were built of solid 
green timber, of one foot in thickness. The 
structure was a pentagon, and each side was fifty 
feet in length. They were located at different 
points of the town, and completely commanded 
the entrance in all directions. In case the savages 
had attacked the town, they must have suffered a 
very heavy loss before a passage could be effected, 
and even after an entry had been made, they would 
have become fair targets for the riflemen of the 
forts. Beyond them, to the westward, every house 
is said to have become deserted, and a great por- 
tion of the country ravaged, thus placing them 
upon the extreme frontier in that direction; but, 
owing, no doubt, to their activity in preparing the 
means for effective resistance, they were permitted 
to remain almost undisturbed. 

Sauk Center, near the north-western comer of 



232 



niSTORT OF THE SIOUX MASSACRE. 



the oouutv.miil situated on the heuil-wnters of the 
Sauk liver, is, jxMliiips, the most extreme point in 
this ilirtK-tiou iit whioh a staiul was niiule by the 
settlers. Early measures were taken to jjorfoct 
a military organization, which was effected on the 
25th of August, by the election of Sylvester 
Bainsilell as captain. The company consisted of 
over lifty racnibers, and labored under dist^ourag- 
ing circumstances at the outset. The affrij,'ldeil 
and panic-stricken settlers, from all places located 
still further to the north and west, came pouring 
past the settlement, almost communicating the 
same feeUng to tlic iuhiibitauts. From Holmes 
City, Chippewa Lake, Alexandria, Osakis, and West 
Union, the trains of settlers swept by, seeking 
safety only in llight, and apparently willing to re- 
ceive it in no other manner. 

Assistance was received from the valley of the 
Ashley river, from Grove Lake, and from West- 
port, in Pope county. , 

A small stockade fort was constnicted, and 
within it were crowded the women and children. 
The haste with which it was constructed, and the 
necessity for its early completion, prevented its 
either being so extensive or so strongly built as 
the interest and comfort of the people stcraed to 
require. 

Upon being informed of the exposed situation 
of the place, and the detennination of the settlers 
to make a united effort to repel the destroyers from 
their homes, orders were, on the 30th day of Au- 
gust, issued to the commandant at Fort Snelling, 
directing him, with all due speed, to detail from 
his command two companies of troops, with in- 
structions to proceed to Sauk Center, for the pur- 
pose of protecting the inliabitants of the Sauk 
Valley from any attack of hostile Indians, and to 
co-operate as far as possible with the troops sta- 
tioned at F< rt Absrcrombie. 

In obedience to these orders, the companies 
nnder command respectively of Captains George 
O. McCov, of the Eighth Regiment IMinuesota 
Volunteers, and 'J'heodore H. Barrett, of the Ninth 
licgiment, were sent forward. Their arrival at the 
stockade created a thrill of joy in the place, espe- 
eiallv among the women and children, and all, even 
the most timid, took courage and rejoiced in their 
security. Captain Uarrett was, shf)rtly afterward, 
sent with bis command in the expedition for the 
relief of Fort Abercombie, and a short time after- 
ward Cajitain McCoy, in obedience to orders from 
General Pope, fell back to St. Cloud. 



Upon the departure of these troops, many of the 
more timid were again almost on the verge of 
despair, and would willingly have retreated from 
the position they so long lield. More courageous 
councils prevailed, and the same spirit of firmness 
that refused safety by flight in the first instance, 
was still unbroken, and prompted the company to 
further action, and to the performance of other 
duties in behalf of themselves and those who had 
accepted their prolVers of jjrotection. Disease was 
beginning to make its appearance within the stock- 
ade, where no other enemy had attomjited to 
penetrate, and this fact admonished the company 
that more extensive and better quarters were 
required in order to maintain the health of the 
people. 

Several plans were submitted for a new stock- 
ade, from which one was selected, as calculated to 
secure the best means of defense, and at the same 
time, to afford the most ample anfl comfortable 
quarters for the women, children, and invalids, 
besides permitting the horses and cattle to be 
secured within the works. In a few days the new 
fort was completed, inclosing an area of about one 
acre in extent, the walls of which were constructed 
of a double row of timbers, jjrincipally tamarack 
poles, inserted firmly in the ground, and rising 
eleven feet above the surface. These were prop- 
erly prepared with loopholes and other means of 
protection to those within, and for the repulsion 
of an attacking party. 

When the people had removed their stock and 
other property within the new fortification, and 
had been assigned to their new (juarters, they for 
the first time felt really secure and at ease in 
mind. Had any vigorous attack been made upon 
the party in their old stockade, they might have 
saved tlie lives of the people, l)ut their horses and 
cattle would most certainly have been driven off 
or destroyed. Now they felt tliat there was a 
chance of safety for their property as well as 
themselves. 

A short time after this work had been comjileted 
Captain McCoy, after having rendered s 'rvices in 
other parts of the country, was ordered back to 
Sauk Center. A company from the Twenty- 
fifth Wisconsin Regiment was sent to the same 
place upon its arrival in the state, and remained 
there untU about the first of December. 

Two days after the citizens from Grove Lake — 
a point some twelve miles to the south-west of 
Sauk Center — had cast their lot with the people 



PREPARATIONS FOR DEFENSE. 



233 



of the latter place, the night-sentinels of Captain 
Ramsdell's company discovered fires to the south- 
west. Fearing that all was not right in the 
vicinity of Grove Lake, a party was sent out the 
next morning to reoonnoiter in that neighborhood. 
They found one dwelling-house burned, and 
others plundered of such things as had attracted 
the fancy of the savages, wliile all furniture was 
left broken and destroyed. A number of the 
cattle which had not been taken with the settlers 
when they left, were found killed. 

A Mr. Van Eaton, who resided at that place, 
about the same time, started from Sauk Center, 
with the intention of revisiting his farm. He is 
supposed to have fallen into the hands of the sav- 
ages, as he never returned to the fort. Several 
parties were sent in search of him, but no positive 
trace could ever be found. 

At St. Cloud, in the upper part of the town, a 
small but substantial fortification was erected, and 
"Broker's Block" of buildings was surrounded 
with a breastwork, to be used in case the citizens 
should be comijelled to seek safety in this manner. 
In Lower Town a small work was constructed, 
called Fort Holes. It was located ujion a ridge 
overlooking the "flat" and the lower landing on 
the river. It was circular in form, and was forty- 
five feet in diameter. The walls were formed by 
two rows of posts, deej^ly and firmly set in the 
ground, with a space of four feet between the 
rows. Boards were then nailed upon the sides o^ 
the posts facing the opposite row, and the inter- 
space filled and jsacked with earth, thus forming 
an earthen wall of four feet in thickness. Tlje 
structure was then covered with two-inch plank, 
supported by heavy timbers, and this again ■with 
sods, in order to render it fire-proof. In the cen- 
ter, and above all, was erected a bullet-proof tower, 
of the "monitor" style, but without the means of 
causiug it to revolve, prepared with loop-holes for 
twelve sharp-shooters. This entire structure was 
inclosed with a breastwork or wall similar to that 
of the main Ijuilding, two feet in thickness and ten 
in height, with a projection outward so as to ren- 
der it diificult to be scaled. It was pierced for 
loop-holes at the distance of every five feet; 
Within this fortification it was intended that the 
inhaliitants of Lower Town should take refuge in 
case the Indians should make an attack in any 
considerable force, and where they expected to be 
able to stand a siege until reinforcements would 
be able to reach them. They were not put to 



this test, however; but the construction of the 
fort served to give confidence to the citizens, 
and prevented some from leaving the place that 
otherwise would have gone, and were engaged in 
the preparation at the time the work was com- 
menced. 

On the 22d of September a messenger arrived 
at St. Cloud from Richmond, in the same county, 
who reported that, at four o'clock the same morn- 
ing, the Indians had appeared within a mile of the 
last-mentioned town, and had attacked the house 
of one of the settlers, killing two children and 
wounding one woman. Ui^on the receipt of this 
intelligence Captain McCoy, who was then sta- 
tioned at St. Cloud with forty men of his com- 
mand, got under way for the reported scene of dis- 
turbance at ten o'clock a. m., and was followed 
early in the afternoon by a mounted company of 
home-guards, under command of Captain Cramer. 
Upon arriving at Eichmond the troops took the 
trail of the Indians in the direction of Paynes- 
ville, and all along the road found the dwellings 
of the settlers in smouldering ruins, and the stock 
of their farms, even to the poultry, killed and 
lying in all directions. Seven of the farm-houses 
between these two towns were entirely consumed, 
and one or two others had been fired, but were 
reached before the flames had made such progress 
as to be incapable of being extinguished, and 
these were saved, in a damaged condition, through 
the exertions of the troops. On arriving at Payner - 
ville they found eight dwelling-houses either con- 
sumed or so far advanced in burning as to pre- 
clude the hope of saving them, and all the out- 
buildings of every description had been commit- 
ted to the flames and reduced to ruins. Ouly two 
dwelling-houses were left standing in the village. 

At Clear Water, on the Mississippi river, bel )w 
St. Cloud, and in the coimty of Wright, the citizens 
formed a home guard and built a fortification for 
their o\\'n protection, which is said to have been a 
good, substantial structiire, but no report has been 
received in regard either to their military force or 
jjreparations for defense. 

Morrison county, which occupies the extreme 
frontier in this direction, there being no organized 
county beyond it, we believe, was deserted by but 
few of its inhabitants. They collected, however, 
from the various portions of the county, and took 
position in the town of Little Falls, its capital, 
where" they fortified the court-house, by strengtli- 
eniug its walls and digging entrenchments around 



234 



niSTORT OF TUB StOUX SIASSACRB. 



it. During the night the women and children 
occupied the inside of the buiUling, while 
tho men n'nmiiiod in quarters or on gu.ird on the 
ouUidp. lu the niorning tho citizens of the town 
would nHum to their hubitiitions, taking with them 
»\\q\\ of their neighbors as they could accommo- 
diite, nnd detiichmeuts of the men would proceed 
to the fiirnis of someof the settlers luul exert them- 
Belves in securing the produce of the soil. In- 
dians were seen on several occasions, and some of 
the peiii)le were fired upon by them, but so far as 
infi>rmiition has lieen commuuicated, no lives were 
lost among the settlers of the county. 



CHAPTER XL. 

Hostilities in the valIiEY of the red nivER op 

TUE north C.\PTAINS FREEMAN AND DAVIS OR- 
DERED TO OO TO THE RELIEF OF ABERCROMBIE 

INDIANS APPEAR NEAR TUE FORT IN LARGE NUM- 
BERS — THE ATTACK -INDIANS RETIRE SECOND 

ATTACK ON THE FORT — UNION OF FORCES — AN- 
OTHER ATTACK UPON THE FORT — EFFECT OP THE 
HOWITZER — RETURN OF CAPTAIN FREEMAN TO ST. 
CLOUD. 

On the 23d of August tlie Indians commenced 
hostilities in the valley of tho Ivod Kivor of tho 
North. This region of country was protected by 
the post of Fort Abercrombie, situated on the west 
bank of the river, in Dakota Territory. The troops 
that had formerly garrismed the forts had been 
removed, and sent to aid in 8uppre=ising the 
Southern rebellion, and their place was supplied, 
as were all the posts within our state, by a de- 
taohmont from the Fifth Ilogiment Minnesota Vol- 
unteers. But one comjiany had bean assigned to 
this point, which was under the command of Cap- 
tain John Van der Horck. About one-half of the 
company was stationed at Georgetown, some fifty 
miles l)elow. for the purpose of overawing the In- 
dians in that vicinity, who had threatened some 
oppo.sition to the navigation of the river, and to de- 
stroy the property of tho Transportation Company. 
The force was thus divided at the commencement 
of the outbreak. 

The interpreter at the post, who had gone to 
Yellow Medicine for the purpose of attending the 
Indian payment, returned about tlio 'iOtli of Au- 
gust, and ropurti'd that the Indians wore becoming 
exaspi'nitcd .ind tliat ho expi'ctod ho.stihties to be 



immediately commenced. Upon the receipt of this 
intelligence the guards were doubled, and every 
method adopted that wjis likely to insure protec- 
tion against surprises. 

The Congress of the United States had author- 
ized a treaty to be made with the Bed Lake In- 
dians, (Chippewas,) and the officers were already 
on thoir way for the imrpose of consummating such 
treaty. A train of some thirty wagons, loaded 
with goods, and a herd of some two hundred head 
of cattle, to be used at the treaty by the United 
States Agent, was likewise on the way, and was 
then at no groat distance from the fort. 

Early in the morning of the 23d a messenger 
arrived, and informed the commandant that a band 
of nearly five hundred Indians had already crossed 
the Otter T;iil rivor, witli the intention of cutting 
off and capturing the train of goods and cattle in- 
tended for the treaty. Word was immediately sent 
to those having the goods in charge, and request- 
ing them to take refuge in the fort, which was 
speedily complied with. Jlossengers were like- 
wise sent to Breckeuridge, Old Crossing, Graham's 
Point, and all the principal settlements, urging 
the inhabitiints to flee to the fort for safety, as 
from tho weakness of the garrison, it was not pos- 
sible that protection could be afforded them else- 
where. 

The great majority of the people from the set- 
tlements arrived in safety on the same day, and 
were assigned to quarters within the fortification. 
Three men, however, upon arriving at Breckeu- 
ridge, refused to go any further, and took posses- 
sion of the hotel of tho jjlace, where they declared 
they would defend themselves and their property 
without aid from any source. On the evening of 
the same day a detachment of six men was sent 
out in that direction, in order to learn, if jx)ssible, 
the movements of the Indians. Ujkju their arriv- 
ing in sight of Breskenridge they disL-overed the 
place to be o.^cupiod by a large force of the sav- 
ages. They were likewise seen by the latter, who 
attempted to surround them, but l>eiug moimted, 
and the Indians on foot, they were enabled to make 
their escape, and returned to the fort. 

The division of the comj)any at Georgetown 
was immodiatoly ordered in; and, on the morning 
of the 24th, a detachment was sent to Brecken- 
ridge, when they found the place deserted by the 
Indians, but discovered the bodies of the three 
men who had there determine 1 to brave the vio- 
lence of the war party by themselves. They hatl 



FORT ABERCROMBIE. 



235 



been brutally murdered, and, when found, had 
chains bound around their ankles, by which it ap- 
peared, from signs upon the floor of the hotel, 
their bodies at least had been dragged around in 
the savage war-dance of their murderers, and, per- 
haps, in that very mode of torture they had suf- 
fered a lingering death. The mail-coach for St. 
Paul, which left the fort on the evening of the 
22d, had fallen into the hands of the Indians, the 
driver killed, and the contents of the mail scat- 
tered over the prairie, as was discovered by the 
detachment on the 24th. 

Over fifty citizens capable of bearing arms had 
taken refuge with the garrison, and willingly be- 
came soldiers for the time being; but many of 
them were destitute of arms, and none could be 
furnished them from the number in the possession 
of the commandant. There was need, however, 
to strengthen the position with outside intrench- 
ments, and all that could be spared from other 
duties were employed in labor of that character. 

On the morning of the 25th of August, messen- 
gers were dispatched from the post to head- quar- 
ters, stating the circumstances under which the 
garrison was jilaoed, and the danger of a severe 
attask; but, as all troops that could be raised, and 
were not indispensable at other jjoints, had been 
sent to Colonel Sibley, then on the march for the 
relief of Fort Eidgely, it was impossible at once to 
reinforce Port Abercrombie with any troops al- 
ready reported ready for the field. Authority had 
been given, and it was expected that a considera- 
ble force of mounted infantry for the State ser- 
vice had been raised, or soon would be, at St. 
Cloud. 

As the place was directly upon the route to Ab- 
ercrombie, it was deemed advisable to send any 
troops that could be raised there to the assistance 
of Captain Van der Horck, relying upon our abil- 
ity to have their places shortly filled with troops, 
then being raised in other parts of the State. Ac- 
cordingly, Captain Freeman, with his company, of 
about sixty in number, started upon the march; 
but upon arriving at Sauk Center, he became con- 
vinced, from information there received, that it 
would be extremely dangerous, if not utterly im- 
possible, to make the march to the fort with so 
small a number of men. He then requested Cap- 
tain RamsdeU, in command of the troops at Sauk 
Center, to detail thirty men from his command, to 
be united with his own company, and, with his 
force so strengthened, he proposed to make the 



attempt to reach the fort. Captain Eamsdell 
thought that, by complying with this request, he 
would so weaken his own force that he would be 
unable to hold jjosition at Sauk Center, and that 
the region of country around would become over- 
run by the enemy, and he refused his consent. 
Captain Freeman then deemed it necessary to 
await reinforcements before proceeding any further 
on his perilous journey. 

On the same day that orders were issued to the 
mounted men then assembling at St. Cloud, simi- 
lar orders were issued to those likewise assembling 
in Goodhue county, under the command of Cap- 
tain David L. Davis, directing them to complete 
their organization with all speed, and then to pro- 
ceed forthwith to the town of Carver, on the Min- 
nesota river, and thence through the counties of 
McLeod, Meeker, and Stearns, until an intersec- 
tion was made with the stage-route from St. Cloud 
to Fort Abercrombie, and thence along such stage- 
route to the fort, unless the officers in command 
became convinced that their services were more 
greatly needed in some other quarter, in which 
case they had authority to use discretionary pow- 
ers. This company, likewise, marched, pursuant 
to orders; but, in consequence of the attacks then 
being made upon Forest City, Acton, and Hutch- 
inson, they deemed it their duty to render as- 
sistance to the forces then acting in that part of 
the country. 

Our first efforts to reinforce the garrison on the 
Ked Eiver had failed. Upon the fact becoming 
known at this office, there were strong hopes that 
two more companies of infantry could be put into 
the field in a very short time, and, therefore, on 
the 30th day of August, orders were issued to the 
commandant of Fort Snelling, directing him to 
detail two companies, as soon as they could be 
had, to proceed to Sauk Center, and thence to 
proceed to Fort Abercrombie, in case their ser- 
vices were not urgently demanded in the Sauk 
Valley. These companies were, soon after, dis- 
patched accordingly, and it was hoped tliat, by 
means of this increased force on the north-western 
frontier, a sufficiently strong expedition might be 
formed to effect the reinforcement of Abercrombie. 

Upon the arrival of these troops at the rendez- 
vous, however, they still considered the forces in 
that vicinity inadequate to the execution of the 
task proposed. Of this fact we first had notice on 
the 6th day of September. Two days previously, 
the effective forces of the state had been strength- 



236 



IIISTORT OF THE 8T0UX MASSACRE. 



enod by the arriviil or the Tliird Kegimeut Minne- 
sota Volnntoore, without iiny commissioned officers 
iiml Iji'iiig but a wreck of that once nob'o regi- 
ment. Three hundred of the men ha 1 alroa ly 
been ordered to the lieUl, undt^r the command of 
Major Welch. It was now determined to send 
forward the remaining available force of the regi- 
ment, to endeavor to effect the project so long 
delayed, of reinforcing the command of Captain 
Von der Horck, on the lied River of the North. 
Orders were accordingly issued to the commandant 
nt Fort Snelling, on the Gth day of Seiitember, 
directing him to fit out an expedition for that pur- 
pose, to be composed, as far as possible, of the 
troops belonging to the Third Regiment; and 
Colonel S nith, the commandant at the post, im- 
mediately entered u])(m the discharge of the duties 
assigned him in tlie order. 

During the time that these efiforts had been 
making for their relieT, the garrison at Fort Aber- 
erombie were k(>pt in a state of siege by the sav- 
a'^ea, who had taken possession of the surrounding 
country in large numbers. On the 25t]i of August, 
tlij same day that the first messengers were sent 
from tliat ))Ost, Captain Van der Horck detailed a 
Kijuad, composed of six men from his company and 
six of the citizens then in the fort, to proceed to 
Breckenridgo and recover the bodies of the men 
who had there been murdered. They proceeded, 
without meeting with any o))i)()»ition, to the point 
designated, where they found the bodies, and con- 
signed them to boxes or rough coffins, prepared 
for the purjinse, and were about starting on the 
return, wlien tliey observed what they supposed to 
be an Indian in the saw-mill, at that place. A 
further examination revealed the fact that the 
object mistaken for an Indian was an old lady by 
the name of Scott, from Old Crossing, on the 
Otter Tail, a p;)iiit distant fifteen miles from 
Breckenridge. 

When discovered, she had three wounds on the 
breast, which she had received from the Indians, 
at her residence, on the morning of the previous 
day. Notwithstaniling the severity of her wounds, 
and the fact that she was sixty-five years of age, 
she made her way on foot and alone, by walking 
or crawling along tlie banks of the river, until she 
arrived, in a woni-out, exhausted, and almost dy- 
ing condition, at the place where she was found. 
She stated that, on the 24:th of August, a party of 
Indians came to her residence, where they were 
met by her son, a young man, whom they instantly 



shot dead, and immediately fired upon her, inflict- 
ing the wounds upon her person which she stilJ 
bore. That then a teamster in the em])loynicnt of 
Bnrbank k Co. appeared in sight, driving a wagon 
loailed with oats, and they went to attack him, 
taking with them her grandchild, a boy about 
eight years of age. That they fired upon the 
teamster, wounding him in the arm, after which he 
succeeded in making his escape f<jr that time, and 
they left her, no doubt belie\'ing her to be dead, 
or, at least, in a dying condition. She was con- 
veyed to the fort, wlu're her wounds wore dressed, 
after which she gradually recovered. A party was 
sent out, on the 27th of August, to the Old Cross- 
ing, for the purpose of burying the body of her 
son, which was accomplished, and on their way to 
that point they discovered the body of another 
man who had been murdered, as was supposed, on 
the 24th. 

On Saturday, the 30th of August, another 
small party were sent out, with the intention of 
going to the Old Crossing for reconnoitering pur- 
poses, and to collect and drive to the fort such 
cattle and other live stock as could there be found. 
They had proceeded ten miles on their way, when 
they ea' .e upon a party of Indiana, in ambush, by 
whom they were fired upon, and one of their party 
killed. The remainder of the squad made their 
escape unhurt, but with the loss of their baggage 
wagon, five mules, and their camp equipage. 

At about two o'clock in the afternoon of the 
same day, the Indians appeared in large numbers 
in sight of the fort. At this time nearly all the 
live stock belonging to the post, as well as that 
belonging to the citizens then quartered within 
the work, together with the cattle that had been 
intended for the treaty in contemplation with the 
Red Lake Indians, were all grazing upon the 
prairie in rear of the fort, over a range extending 
from about one-half mile to three miles from it. 
The Indians approached boldly within this dis- 
tance, and drove off the entire herd, about fifty 
head of which afterward escaped. They succeeded, 
however, in taking between one huiidivd and sev- 
enty and two hundred head of cattle, and about 
one hundred horses and mules. They made no 
demiuistration against the fort, exce]>t their appa- 
rently bold acts of defiance; but. from the weak- 
ness of the garrison in men and arms, no force 
was sent out to dispute with them the possession 
of the property. It was mortifying in th ■ ex- 
treme, especially to the citizens, to be compelled 



UNSUCCESSFUL ATTACK. 



237 



to lonk thus quietly on, while they were being 
robbed of their property, and dare not attempt its 
rescue, lest the fort should be filled with their ene- 
mies in their absence. 

Ou the 2d day of September, another reconnoi- 
teriug party of eight were sent out in the direction 
of Breckenridge, who returned, at four o'clock p. m. 
without having encountered any opposition from 
the Indians, or without liaving even seen any; but 
brought with them the cattle above spoken of as 
having escaped from their captors, which were 
found running at large during their march. 

At daybreak on the following morning, the 3d 
of September, the garrison was suddenly called to 
arms by the report of alarm-shots fired by the sen- 
tinels in the vicinity of the stock-yard belonging 
to the post. The firing soon became sharp and 
rapid in that direction, showing that the enemy 
were advancing upon that point with considerable 
force. The command was shortly after given for 
all those stationed outside to fall back within the 
fortification. About the same time, two of the 
haystacks were discovered to be on fire, which 
greatly emboldened and inflamed tifce spirits of the 
citizens, whose remaining stock they considered to 
be in extreme jeopardy. They rushed with great 
eagerness and hardihood to the stables, and as the 
first two of them entered on one side, two of the 
savages had just entered from the other. The fore- 
most of these men killed one of the India,ns and 
captured his gun. The other Indian fired uj)on 
the second man, wounding him severely in the 
shoulder, notwithstanding which, he afterward 
shot the Indian and finished him with the bayonet. 
By this time two of the horses had been taken 
away and two killed. 

The fight was ke2:)t up for about two hours and 
a half, during which time three of the inmates of 
the fort were seriously wounded (one of whom af- 
terward died from the wound) by shots from the 
enemy; and the commandant received a severe 
wound in the right arm from an accidental shot, 
fired by one of his own men. The Indians then 
retired without having been able to effect an en- 
trance into the fort, and without having been able 
to succeed in capturing the stock of horses and 
cattle, which, most probably, had been the princi- 
pal object of their attack. 

Active measures were taken to strengthen the 
outworks of the fort. The principal materials at 
hand were cord- wood and hewn timber, but of 
this there was a considerable abundance. By 



means of these the barracks were surrounded with 
a breastwork of cord-wood, well filled in with 
earth to the height of eiglit feet, and this capped 
with hewn oak timbers, eight inches square, and 
having port-holes between them, from which a fire 
could be opened on the advancing foe. This was 
designed both as a means of protection, in case of 
attack, and a place of final retreat in case the 
main fort should by any means be burned or de- 
stroyed, or the garrison should in any manner be 
driven from it. 

On Saturday, the 6th day of September, the 
same day that an expedition to that point was or- 
dered from the Third Regiment, the fort was a se- 
cond time attacked. Immediately after daybreak 
on that morning, the Indians, to the number of 
about fifty, mounted on horseback, made their ap- 
pearance on the open prairie in the rear of the 
fort. Their intention evidently was, by this bold 
and defiant challenge, with so small a force, to in- 
duce the garrison to leave their fortifications and 
advance against them, to punish their audacity. 

In becoming satisfied that our troops could not 
be seduced from their intrenchments, the Indians 
soon displayed themselves in difierent directions, 
and in large numbers. Their principal object of 
attack in this instance, as on the former occasion, 
seemed to be the Government stables, seeming de- 
termined to get possession of the remaining horses 
and cattle at almost any sacrifice, even if they 
should make no other acquisition. 

The stables were upon the edge of the prairie, 
with a grove of heavy timber lymg between them 
and the river. The savages were not slow in per- 
ceiving the advantage of making their approach 
upon that point ft-om this latter direction. The 
shores of the river, on both sides, ivere lined with 
Indians for a considerable distance, as their war- 
whoops, when they concluded to commence the 
onset, soon gave evidence. They seemed determ- 
ined to frighten the garrison into a cowardly sub- 
mission, or, at least, to drive them from the out- 
posts, by the amount and unearthliness of their 
whoops and yeUs. They, in turn, however, were 
saluted and partially quieted by the opening upon 
them of a six-pounder, and the explosion of a shell 
in the midst of their ranks. 

A large force was led by one of their chiefs 
from the river through the timber until they had 
gained a close proximity to the stables, still under 
cover of large trees in the grove. When no nearer 
position could be gained without presenting them- 



238 



UISrOIlY OF TUB SIOUX MASSACliB. 



Belvca in the open ground, thoy were urged by 
their k>ftd(ir to iimko a charpo \\\wn the point thus 
Bought to lie gained, and take t\\v place by storm. 
They appeared slow in rendering obedience to his 
eouiniand, whereby they were to ex [lose themselves 
in iin open spaoo intervening between them and 
the stables. When at length ho succeeded in cre- 
ating 11 stir among them (for it assuredly did not 
approach the grandeur of a charge), they were 
met by such a volley from the direction in which 
they were desired to march that they suddenly re- 
versed their advaTice, and each sought the body of 
a tree, behind which to scrceu himself from the 
threatened storm of flying bullets. 

As an instance of the manner in which the fight 
was now conducted, we would mention a part of 
the personal adventures of Mr. Walter P. Hills, 
a citizen, who three times came us a messenger 
from the fort during the time it was in a state of 
8ie"e. He had just returned to the post with dis- 
patches the evening V)efore the attack was made. 
He took part in the engagement, and killed his 
Indian in the early portion of the fight before 
the enemy was driven across the river. 

He afterward took jjosition at one of the port- 
holes, where he paired off with a particular Sioux 
warrior, posted behind a tree of his own selection. 
He, being acijuainted with the language to a con- 
siderablo extent, saluted and conversed with his 
antagonist, and as the opportunity was presented, 
each woidd fire at the other. This was kept up 
for about an hour without damage to either party, 
when the Indian att«m]>ted to change his jjositiou, 
so as to open lire from the opposite side of his tree 
from that which he had been using hitherto. In 
this maneuver he made an unfortunate exposure of 
his per.-son in the direction of the upper bastion of 
the fort. The report of a rille from that point was 
heard, and the Indian was seen to make a sudden 
start backward, when a second and third shot fol- 
lowed in rapid succession, and Mr. Hills beheld his 
jwlite opponent stretched a corpse upon the 
ground. Ho expressed himself as experiencing a 
feeling of dissatisfaction at beholding the death of 
his enemy thus inttieted by other hands than his 
own, after he had endeavored so long to accom- 
plish the same object. 

Several of the enemy at this point were killed 
while in the act of skulking from one tree to an- 
other. The artillery of the post was used with 
considerable elfect during the engagement. At 
one time a number of the enemy's horsemen were 



observed collecting upon a knoll on the prairie, at 
the distance of about half a mile from the fort, 
with the apparent intention of making a charge. 
A howitzer was brought to l)oar njion them, and a 
shell was planted in their midst, which immediately 
afterward exploded, filling the air with dust, sand, 
and other fragments. When this had sufficiently 
cleared away to permit the knoll to be again seen, 
the whole troo]), horses and riders, had vanished, 
and could nowhere be discovered. 

The fight lasted until near noon, when the enemy 
withdrew, taking with him nearly all his deiid. 
The loss which he sustained could not be fully as- 
certained, but from the numl>er killed in plain 
view of the works, and the marks of blood, broken 
guns, old rags, and other signs discovered where 
the men liad fallen or been dragged away by their 
companions, it must have been very severe. Our 
loss was one man killed and two wounded, one of 
them mortally. 

Mr. Hills left the fort the same evening as l>earer 
of tlispatches to headquarters at St. Paul, where 
ho arrived in safety on the evening of the 8th of 
September. 

Cajitain Eniil A. Buerger was aj)]>ointed, by 
special order from headquarters, to take command 
of the expeditiim for the relief of Fort Abercrom- 
bie. He had served with some distinction in the 
Prussian army for a period of ten years. He after- 
ward emigrated to the United States, and be- 
came a resident of the state of Minnesota, 
taking the oath of allegiance to the Gov- 
ernment of the United States, and making a 
declaration of his intention to become a citizen. 
He enlisted in the second company of Minnesota 
Sharp-Shooters, and was with the company in the 
battle of Fair Oaks, in Virginia, where he was 
severely wounded and left upon the field. He was 
there found by the enemy, and carried to Rich- 
mond as a prisoner of war. After having in a 
great measure recovered from his wounds, he was 
paroled and sent to Benton Barracks, in the state 
of Missouri, where ho was sojourning at the time 
the ;!d Regiment was ordered to this state. As the 
regiment at that time was utterly destitute of com- 
missioned officers, Captain Buerger was designated 
to take charge and command during the passage 
from St. Louis, and to report the command at head- 
quarters in this state. 

From his known experience and bravery, he 
was selected to lead the expnlition to the Red 
River of the North, for the relief of the garrison at 



BEINFORCEMENTH. 



229 



Fort Abercrombie. On the 9th of September he 
was informed, by the commandant at Fort Snell- 
ing, that the companies commanded respectively 
by Captains George Atkinson and Piolla Banks, 
together with about sixty men of the Third Regi- 
ment, imder command of Sergeant Dearborne, had 
been assigned to his command, constituting an 
aggregate force of about 250 men. 

The next day (September 10 j arms and accou- 
trements were issued to the men, and, before noon 
of the 11th of September, Captam Atkinson's 
company and the company formed from the mem- 
bers of the Third Regiment were ready for the 
march. With these Captain Buerger at once set 
out, leaving Captain Bank's company to receive 
their clothiiig, but with orders to follow after and 
overtake the others as soon as possible, which they 
did, arriving at camj) and reporting about 3 o'clouk 
the next morning. 

It was also deemed expedient to send the only 
remaining field-piece belonging to the stata along 
with the expedition, and Lieutenant Robert J. 
McHenry was, accordingly, appointed to take 
command of the piece, and was sent after the 
expedition, which he succeeded in overtaking, near 
Clear Water, on the I3th of September, and imme- 
diately reported for further orders to the captain 
commanding the expedition. 

Being detained by heavy rains and muddy 
roads, the expedition was considerably delayed 
upon its march, but arrived at Richmond, in 
Stearns county, on the 16th of September, and 
encamped in a fortification erected at that point by 
the citizens of the place. Upon his arrival. Cap- 
tain Buerger was informed that the night previous 
an attack had been made upon the neighboring 
village of Paynesville, and a church and school- 
house had been burned, and that, on the day of 
his arrival, a party of thirty Sioux warriors, well 
mounted, had been seen by some of the Richmond 
home-guards, about three miles beyond the Sauk 
river at that point. 

Captain Buerger thereupon detailed a party of 
twenty men to proceed to Richmond, to patrol up 
and down the bank of the river as far as the town 
site extended, and, in case of an attack being 
made, to render all possible or necessary assistance 
and aid to the home militia; at the same time he 
held the remainder of his command in readiness to 
meet any emergency that might arise. No In- 
dians appeared during the night, and, on the 
morning following, the march was resumed. 



On the 19th of September the expedition reached 
Wyman's Station, at the point where the road 
CQters the "Alexandria Woods." At the setting 
out of the expedition it was next to impossible to 
obtain means of transportation for the baggage 
and supplies necessary for the force. The fitting 
out of so many other expeditions and detachments 
about the same time had drawn so heavily upon 
the resources of the country, that scarcely a horse 
or wagon could be obtained, either by contract or 
impressment. Although Mr. Kimball, the quarter- 
master of the expedition, had been assiduously 
engaged from the 8th of September in endeavor- 
ing to obtain such transportation, yet, on the lltb, 
he had but partially succeeded in his endeavors. 

Captain Buerger had refused longer to delay, 
and started at once with the means then at hand, 
leaving directions for others to be sent forward as 
rapidly as circumstances would allow. The march 
wad much less rapid, for want of this part of the 
train. These, fortunately, arrived while the com- 
mand was encamped at Wyman's Station, just 
before the commencement of what was considered 
the dangerous part of the march. 

On the 14th of September, Captains Barrett 
and Freeman, having united their commands, de- 
termined to make the attemj^t to relieve Fort 
Abercrombie, in obedience to previous orders. 
They broke up camp on the evening of that day, 
and by evening of the 15th, had reached Lake 
Amelia, near the old trail to Red River, where they 
encamped. During the night a messenger arrived 
at their camp, bearing dispatches from Captain 
McCoy, advising them of the advance of the expe- 
dition under command of Captain Buerger, by 
whom they were directed to await further orders. 

On the 18th they received orders directly from 
Captain Buerger, du-ecting them to proceed to 
Wyman's Station, on the Alexandria road, and 
join his command at that point on the 19th, 
which was promptly executed. Captain Buerger 
expressed himself as being highly pleased with 
these companies, both officers and men. He had 
been directed to assume command over these 
companies, and believing the country in his rear 
to be then sufficiently guarded, and being so well 
pleased with both companies that he disliked to 
part with either, he ordered them to join the ex- 
pedition during the remainder of the march. 

By the accession of these companies the strength 
of the expedition was increased to something over 
four hundred effective men. This whole force. 



210 



UlSTOHY OF rilE SIOUX MASSACRE. 



with the <'utire train, marflicil on the 2(lth of Sep- 
ti'iubcr, uuil passed through tho "Alexandria 
Woods" witlioiit Bieing any Indians. After pass- 
ing Sinik Center, however, there wiis not an inliab- 
itant to he seen, and the whole country had been 
laid waste. The houses were generally burned, 
and those that remained had been plundered of 
their eontents and broken up, until they were mere 
wrecks, while the stock and produce of the farms 
had been all carried off or destroyed. 

On the 2l8t they passed the spot where a Mr. 
Andrew Austin had been murdered by the Tndiam 
a short time pivvioiis. His body Wiis found, terri- 
ribly mutilated, the head having been severed from 
the body, and lying about forty rods distant from 
it, with the scalp torn off. It was buried by the 
expedition in the best style that circumstances 
would admit. Pomme de Terre river was reached 
in the evening. 

On the 22d they arrived at the Old Crossing, on 
the Otter Tail river, between Dayton and Breck- 
euridge. about fifteen miles from the latter place. 

On the 23d the march was resumed, and nothing 
worthy of remark occurred until the expedition 
had ap))roached within about a mile of the Red 
River, and almost within sight of Fort Abercrom- 
bie. At this point a dense smoke was observed in 
the direction of the fort, and the impression cre- 
ated among the troops was, that the post had al- 
ready fallen, and was now being reduced to ashes 
by the victoiious savages, through the means of 
their favorite element of war. 

Upon ascending an eminence where a better 
view could be obtained, a much better state of af- 
fairs was discovered to be existing. There stood 
the little fort, yet monarch of the prairie, and the 
flag of the Union was still waving above its bat- 
tlements. The fire from which the smoke was 
arising was between the command and the post, 
and was occasioned by the burning of the prairie, 
which had been set on fire by the Indians, with the 
evident design of cutting off the expedition from 
the crossing of the river. After they had advanced 
a short distance further toward the river, a party 
of thirteen Indians appeared on the opposite bank, 
rushing in wild haste from a piece of woods. 
They hastily tired a few shots at our men from a 
distance of about fifteen hundred yards, inflicting 
no injuries on any one of the command, after 
which they disappeared iu great trepidation, be- 
hind some bushes on the river shore. 

A detachmeut comprising twenty mounted men 



of Captain Freeman's company, under command of 
Lieutenant Taylor, and twenty from the members 
of the Third liegiment, the latter to act as skir- 
mishers in the woods, was directed to cross the 
river with all possible celerity, and follow the re- 
treating enemy. The men entered upon the duty 
assigned Hiem with the greatest zeal, crossed the 
river, and followed in the direction taken by the 
Indians. 

Captain Buerger took with him the remaining 
force of the Third Regiment and the field-piece, 
and proceeded up the river to a jjoint where he sus- 
pected the Indians would jiass in their retreat, and 
where he was al)le to conceal his men from their 
sight until within a very short distance. 

He soon discovered, however, that the savages 
were retreating, under cover of the woods, across 
the prairie, in the direction of the Wild Rice river. 
The whole expedition was then ordered to cross the 
river, which was effected in less than aa hour, the 
men not awaiting to be carried over in wagons, but 
plunging into the water, breast-deep, and wading 
to the oj)posite shore. 

By this time the savages had retreated some 
three miles, and were aboiit euteiing the heavy 
timber beyond the prairie, and further pursuit was 
considered useless. The march was continued to 
the fort, at which place the expedition arrived 
about 4 o'clock of the same day, to the great joy 
of the imprisoned garrison and citizens, who wel- 
comail their deliverers with luibouudcd cheers and 
demonstrations of delight. 

When the moving columns of the expedition 
were first descried from the ramparts of the fort, 
they were taken to be Indians advancing to an- 
other attack. All was excitement and alarm. 
The following description of the after-part of this 
scene is from the pen of a lady who was an inmate 
of the fort during the long weeks that they were 
besieged, and could not dare to venture beyond 
half caunou-shot from the post without being in 
imminent peril of her life: 

"About .5 o'clock the reirort came to quarters 
that the Indians were again coming from up to- 
ward Bridges. With a telescope we soon discovered 
four white men, our messengers, riding at full 
speed, who, ujiou reaching here informed us that 
in one half hour we would be reinforced by three 
hundred and fifty men. Language can never ex- 
press the delight of all. Some wept, some 
laughed, others hallooed and cheered. Tho sol- 
diers aud citizens here formed iu a line and went 



BARBARITIES. 



2dl 



out to meet them. It was quite dark before all got 
in. We all cheered so that the next day more than 
half of us could hardly speak aloud. The ladies 
all went out, and as they passed, cheered them. 
They were so dusty I did not know one of them." 

On the same day that the expedition reached 
the fort, but at an early hour, it had been deter- 
mined to dispatch a messenger to St. Paul, with re- 
ports of the situation of the garrison, and a request 
for assistance. The messenger was escorted a con- 
siderable distance by a force of twenty men, com- 
posed of soldiers and partly of the citizens quar- 
tered at the post. When returning, and within 
about a mile of the fort, they "were fired upon by 
Indians in ambush, and two of the number, one 
citizen and one soldier, were killed, and fell into 
the hands of the enemy. The others, by extraor- 
dinary exertions, succeeded in making their es- 
cape, and returned to the garrison. 

The next morning, about two-thirds of the 
mounted company, under command of Captain 
Freeman, escorted by a strong infantry force, went 
out to search for the bodies of those slain on the 
day before. After scouring the woods for a con- 
siderable distance, the bodies were found upon the 
prairie, some sixty or eighty rods apart, mangled 
and mutilated to such a degree as to be almost de- 
prived of human form. The body of the citizen 
was found ripped open from the center of the ab- 
domen to tlie throat. The heart and liver were en- 
tirely removed, while the limgs were torn out and 
left upon the outside of the chest. The head was 
cut off, scalped, and thrust within the cavity of the 
abdomen, with the face toward the feet. The hands 
were cut off and laid side by side, with the jaalms 
downward, a short distance from the main portion 
of the body. The body of the soldier had been 
pierced by two balls, one of which must have oc- 
casioned almost instant death. When found, it 
was lying upon the face, with the upper part of the 
head completely smashed and beaten in with clubs 
while the brains were scattered around upon the 
grass. It exhibited eighteen bayonet wounds in 
the back, and one of the legs had received a gash 
almost, or quite, to the bone, extending from the 
calf to the junction with the body. 

The citizen had lived in the vicinity for years. 
The Indians had been in the habit of visiting his 
father's house, sharing the hospitalities of the 
dwelling, and receiving alms of the family. He 
must have been well known to the savages who in- 

10 



flicted such barbarities upon his lifeless form; 
neither could they have had aught against him, 
except his belonging to a different race, and his be- 
ing found in a country over which they wished to 
re-establish their snpi-emacy. 

That his body had been treated with still greater 
indignity and cruelty than that of the soklier was 
in accordance with feelings previously expressed to 
some of the garrison. In conversation with some 
of the Sioux, previous to the commencement of 
hostilities, they declared a very strong hatred 
against the settlers in the country, as they fright- 
ened away the game, and thus interfered with 
their hunting. They objected, in similar terms, to 
having United States troops quartered so near 
them, but said they did not blame the soldiers, as 
they had to obey orders, and go wherever they 
were directed, but the settlers had encroached upon 
them, of their own free will, and as a matter of 
choice; for this reason the citizens should be se- 
verely dealt with. 

No more Indians were seen around the fort until 
the 26th of September. At about 7 o'clock of that 
day, as Captain Freeman's company were water- 
ing their horses at the river, a volley was tired 
upon them by a party of Sioux, who had placed 
themselves in ambush for the purpose. One man, 
who had gone as teamster with the expedition, 
was mortally wounded, so that he died the suc- 
ceeding night; the others were unarmed. From 
behind the log-buildings and breastworks the tire 
was soon returned with considerable effect, as a 
number of the enemy were seen to tall and be car- 
ried off by their comrades. At one time two In- 
dians were observed skulking near the river. They 
were fired upon by three men from the fortifioa- 
tion, and both fell, when they were dragged away 
by their companions. 

On another occasion, during the fight, one of 
the enemy was discovered perched on a tree, where 
he had stationed himself, either for the purpose of 
obtaining a, view of the movements inside of the 
fort, or to gain a more favorable position for firing 
upon our men. He was fired ujjou by a member 
of Captain Barret's company, when he released 
his hold upon the tree and fell heavily into a fork 
near the ground, from which he was removed and 
borne off by his comrades. In a very short time 
a howitzer was brought ioto position, and a few 
shells (which the Indians designate as rotten bul- 
lets) were thrown among them, silencing their fire 
and causing them to withdraw. 



■2-12 



IHSTORY OF rnE SIOUX MAJSSACJik. 



A detafliincnt, cmnprising Captain Freeman's 
comjiaiiy, fifty men of tlio SJ Kogimeut, and a 
8111111(1 ill charge of a howitzer, were ordered in 
pursuit, and started over the prairie, «p the river. 
At the distance of about two miles they came upon 
the Sioux camp, bnt the warriors fled in the great- 
eat haste and consternation upon tlieir approach. 
A few shots were fired at them in tlieir flight, to 
which they replied by yells, hut were in too great 
hasto to return the fire. The howitzer was again 
opened upon them, whereupon their yelling sud- 
denly ceased, and they rushed, it possible, with 
still greater celerity through the brush and across 
the river. 

Their camp was taken possession of, and was 
found to contain a considerable quantity of plun- 
der, composed of a variety of articles, a stock of 
liquors being part of the assortment. Everything 
of value was carried to the fort, and the remainder 
was burned ujjon the ground. 

On the evening of Septonibi-r 29th a light skir- 
mish was had with a small party of .Sious, who 
attempted to gain an ambush in order to fire upon 
the troops while watering their horses, as on a pre- 
vious occcasion. Fire was first opened upon them, 
which they returned, woiuidiug one man. They 
were immediately rwited and driven ofif, but with 
what loss, if any, was unkno'wn. 

On the 30th of September Captain Freeman's 
company ami tlie members of the 3d Regiment, 
together with a number of citizens and families, 
started on their return from Fort Abercrombie to 
St. Cloud. They passed by where the town of 
Dayton had formerly stood, scarcely a vestige of 
which was then found remaining. The dead body 
of one of the citizens, who had been murdered, 
was there found, and buried in the best manner 
possible under the circumstances. The whole 
train arrived in safety at St. Cloud, on the 5th of 
October, without having experienced any consid- 
erable adventures on the journey. 



CHAPTER XLI. 

BOrTH-WESTEnN DEPAUTMENT — HON. CHARLES E. 

FLANDItAD FEARS OF WINNEBAOOE3 AND SIOCX 

'MANKATO RAISES A COMPANY FOR TUE DEFENSE 

OF NEW ULM — HEADQUARTERS AT SOOTH BEND 

WAKEFIELD SIOUX RAID IN WATONWAN COUNTY 

PURSUIT OP INDIANS STATE TROOPS RE- 
LIEVED FROM DUTY— COLONEL SIBLEY ADVANCED 
FROM ST. PETER CONCLUSION. 

That portion of the State lying between the 



Minnesota river and the Iowa line, supposed in 
the early part of the military movement to occupy 
a position of extreme danger, was placed under 
the control of Hon. Charles E. Flandrau. In the 
division was the Winnebago Reservation. And it 
was reasonably supposed that the Winnebagoes 
would more readily unite with the Sioux than with 
the Ojibwas [Chippewas] in the northern part of 
the State, the former tribe being on good terms 
with the Sioux, while the latter held the Sioux as 
hereditary enemies, with whom an alliance offen- 
sive or defensive would hardly take place, unless 
under extraordinary conditions, such as a general 
war of the Indian tribes upon the white race. This 
peculiar condition did not mark the present out- 
break. 

In this portion of the State were distributed the 
following forces, subject to special duty ascirciim- 
stanc'S required: a company of sixty-three mem- 
bers under the command of Captain Cornelius F. 
Buck, marched from Winona, Sept.l, 1861; on the 
26th of August, six days previous, Captain A. J. 
Edgerton, of the 10th Regiment, with one hun- 
dred and nine men, arrived at the Winnebago 
Agency, where the inhabitants were in great ter- 
ror. After the evacuation of New Ulm, by Col- 
onel Flandrau, he encamped at Crisp's farm, half 
way between New Ulm and Mankato. On the 31st 
of August, a company of forty-four members, from 
Mankato, took up position at South Bend, at 
which place Colonel Flandrau had esfabhshed his 
headquarters. On the 23d of August a company 
of fifty-eight members, from Winnebago City, 
under command of Captain H. W. Holly, was 
raised for sjjccial services in the counties of Blue 
Earth, Faribault, Martin, Watonwan, and Jackson. 
This command, on the 7th of September, was re- 
lieved at Winnebago City by the Fillmore County 
Rangers, under the command of Captain Colbum. 
At Blue Earth City, a company of forty-two mem- 
bers, under command of Captain J. B. Wakefield, 
by order of Colonel Flandrau, remained at that 
point and erected fortifications, and adopted means 
for subsisting his men there during the term of 
their service. Major Charles R. Read, of the State 
militia, with a squad of men from south-eastern 
Minnesota, also reported to Colonel Flandrau at 
South Bend. Captain Dane, of the 9th Regi- 
ment, was by order of the Colonel in command, 
stationed at New Ulm. Captain Post, and Colonel 
John R. Jones, of the State militia, reported a 
company of moimted men from the county of Fill- 



FORT COX. 



243 



more, and were assigned a position at Garden 
City. Captain Aldricli, of the 8tli Regiment, re- 
ported his company at Sonth Bend, and was jilaced 
in position at New Ulm. Captain Ambler, of the 
10th Begiment, reported his company, and was 
stationed at Mankato. Captain Sanders, of the 
10th, also reported, and was stationed at Le Saeur. 
Captain Meagher likewise was assigned a position 
with his comjjany at Mankato, where the company 
was raised. Captain Cleary, with a comjjany, was 
stationed at Marysburg, near the Winnebago 
Eeserve, and a similar company, under Capfain 
Potter, was raised, and remained at camp near 
home. Captain E. St. Jiilien Cox, with a com- 
mand composed of detachments from different 
companies, was stationed at Madelia. He here 
erected a fort commanding the country for some 
twenty miles. It was octagonal in form, two 
stories in height, with thirty feet between the walls. 
This was inclosed by a breastwork and ditch six 
feet deep, and four feet wide at the bottom, with 
projecting squares of similar thiclmess on the cor- 
ners, from which the ditch could be swept through 
its entire length. This structure was named Fort 
Cox, in honor of its projector. 

From this disposition of forces in the depart- 
ment commanded by Colonel Flandrau, it will be 
seen that the south-western portion of the State 
was provided with the most ample means of de- 
fense against any attack from any open enemy in 
any ordinary warfare; and yet on the 10th of Sep- 
tember, the wily Indian made an attack upon But- 
ternut Valley, near the line of Blue Earth and 
Brown counties and fired upon the wliites, wound- 
ed a Mr. Lewis in the hand, killed James Edwards, 
and still further on killed Thomas J. Davis, a Mr. 
Mohr, and wounded Mr. John W. Task and left 
him for dead. Mr. Task, however, survived. And 
again on the 21st of September, a party of Sioux 
came into Watonwan county, killed John Arm- 
strong, two children of a Mr. Patterson, and a Mr. 
Peterson. 

The consequences of the massacre we have de- 
tailed in these pages to some extent can be easOy 
imagined, and the task of the historian might here 
be transferred to the reader. But even the reader 
of fiction, much more the reader of history, re- 
quires some aid to direct the imagination in arriv- 
ing at proper conclusions. A few words in connec- 
tion with the facts already presented will suffice to 
exhibit this tragic epoch in our State's history in 
i's proper light. 



Minnesota, the first State in the North-west, 
bounded on the east by the Great Father of Wa- 
ters, had taken her place in the fair sisterhood of 
states with prospects as flattering as any that ever 
entered the American Union. The tide of hardy, 
vigorous, intelligent emigrants had come hither 
from the older states, as well as from England, 
Ireland, and the difierent countries on the Euro- 
pean continent, until a thriving population of 
200,000 had taken up their abode upon her virgin 
soU, and were in the quiet and peaceable enjoy- 
ment of her salubrious climate. Her crystal lakes, 
her wooded streams, her bewitching water-falls, her 
island groves, her lovely prairies, would have added 
gems to an earthly paradise. Her Lake Superior, 
her Mississippi, her Eed River of the North, and 
her Minnesota, were inviting adjuncts to the com- 
merce of the world. Her abundant harvests and 
her fertile and enduring soil gave to the husband- 
man the highest hopes of certain wealth. Her po- 
sition in the track of the tidal human current 
sweeping across the continent to the Pacific coast, 
and thence around the globe, placed her forever on 
the highway of the nations. 

Minnesota, thus situated, thus lovely in her virgin 
youth, had one dark spot resting on the horizon of 
her otherwise cloudless sky. The dusky savage, 
as we have seen, dwelt in the land. And, when all 
was peace, wthout a note of warning, that one 
dark spot, moved by the winds of savage hate, 
suddenly obscured the whole sky, and poured out, 
to the bitter dregs, the vials of its wrath, without 
mixture of mercy. The blow fell like a storm of 
thunderbolts from the clear, bright heavens. The 
storm of fierce, savage murder, in its most horrid 
and frightfid forms, rolled on. Day passed and 
night came; 

"Down r-ank the sun, nor ceased the carnage there- 
Tumultuous horrors rent the midnight air." 

until the sad catalogue reached the fearful number 
of two tlwusand human victims, from the gray- 
haired sire to the helpless infant of a day, who lay 
mangled and dead on the ensanguined field! The 
dead were left to bury the dead; for 
"The dead reigned there alone." 
In two days the whole work of murder was done, 
with here and there exceptional cases in differ- 
ent settlements. And during these two days a 
population of thirty thousand, scattered over some 
eighteen counties, on the western border of the 
state, on foot, on horseback, with teams of oxeu 
and horses, under the momentum of the panic thus 



2H 



niSTORT OF THE SIOUX MASSAORE. 



crentoil, wore ruBliiiiK wildly ami frimticftlly over 
tlio priiirioH to jjIiuts of siifoty, citlier to Fort 
lliilKfly or to tlio yet rciuiiiiiing towns on tho Min- 
iioKotn and Jri8sinsi|)j)i riverB. Fliglit from an in- 
vading nrniy "f civilized foos in awful; but llight 
from the uplift 'd tomahawk, in tho hands of sav- 
ago tli'udsin pursuit of unannod men, women and 
children, ia a scene too horrihlo tor the stoutest 
heart. Tho unarmed men of tho sottloments ofTer- 
ed no defense, and could olTbr none, but fled before 
the savage horde, oa(-h in his own way, to such 
I)laees as the dietat(>s of self jireservation gave tho 
slightest hope of safety. Some sought the protec- 
tion of tho nearest slough; others crawled into the 
tall grass, liiiliiig, in many instances, in sight of 
the lurking fm". ('hiUhvn of tender years, hacked 
and bcntou and bleeding, lied from their natural 
protectors, now d(?ad or disabled, and, by the aid 
of some trail of Idood, or by tho instincts of our 
common nature, tied away from fields of slaughter, 
cautiously crawling by night from tho lino of live 
and smoke in the rear, eitlior toward Fort Ridgely 
or to some distant town on tho Minnesota or the 
Mississippi. Over tho entire border of the State, 
and even near tho populous towns on the river, an 
eye looking down from above could have seen a 
human avalaiicho of thirty thousand, of all ages, 
and in all po.-tsible plight, tlio rear riudts maimed 
and bleeding, and faiut from starvation and tho 
loss of blood, corUiuually falling into tho bands of 
inhumiin savages, keeu and fierce, on tho trail of 
the white man. An eye thiis situated, if human, 
could not endure a scene so terrible. And angels 
Iiom tho realms of peace, it ever touched with 
human woo, over such a aceno might have shed 
t<>ars of Mood; and, passing the empyreal sphere 
iutt) the Eternal presence, we might see 
. • . * • ..Qoj inmont', 
Aud draw a cloud of mouruioe round Ills throne." 

Who will say, looking on this picture, that tho 
human imagination can color it at all equal to the 
sad reality ? Keality hero has outdone tho highest 
flights to which fancy ever goes! The sober- 
minded Governor Sibley, not unused to the most 
horrible phases of savage life, seeing only a titho 
of tho wide field of ruin, giving utterance to his 
thoughts in official form, says: "Unless some 
crushing blow can bo dealt at once upon these too 
successful murderers, tho stifte is rviined, and some 
of its fairest portions will revert, forycara, into tho 
possession of these miserable wretches, who, of all 
d'^vils in human shape, are among the most cruel 



and ferocious. To apijreciato this, one must see, 
as I have, tho mutilated bfidies of their victims. 
My heart is steeled against them, and it I have 
the means, and can catch them, I will sweep them 
with the besom of death." Again, alluding to tho 
narrations of those who have escaped from the 
scenes of the brutal carnage, ho says: "Don't 
think there is an exaggeration in the horrible 
pictures given by individuals — they fall far short 
of the dreadful reality." 

The Adjutant-Cieneral of the state, in an official 
document, has attemjjtod, by words of carefully- 
measured meaning, to draw a picture of tho 
scenes we are feebly attempting to present on 
paper. 15ut this picture is cold and stately com- 
pared with tho vivid coloring of living reality. 
"During tho time that this force was being mar- 
shaled aud engaged ia the march to this point 
(St. Peter), the greater portion of the country 
above was being laid waste by murder, fire and 
robbery. Tho inhabitants that covild make their 
escape were fleeing like affrighted deer before the 
advancing gleam of the tomahawk. Towns were 
deserted by the residents, and their places gladly 
taken by those who had fled from more sparsely- 
settled portions of tho regions. A stream of 
fugitives, far outnumbering the army that was 
miiichiug to tlioir relief, camo pouring down the 
valley. The arrivals from more distant points 
ooramuuicated terror to the settlements, and the 
inhabitants there fled to points still further in the 
interior, to communicate in turn the alarm to 
others still further removed from tho scene of hos- 
tilities. This rushing tide of humanity, on foot, 
on horse, and in all manner of vehicles, came meet- 
ing the advancing columns of our army. Even 
this sign of protection failed to arrest their pro- 
gress. On they came, spreading paiiio in their 
course, and many never halted till they had 
reached the capital city of the stale; while others 
again felt no security even here, and hurriedly 
and rashly saerilieed their j)roperty, and fled from 
the state of their adoption to seek an asylum of 
safety in some of our sister states further removed 
from the sound of tho war-whoop." 

Thirty thousand pauie-slrieken inhabitants at 
once desert their h uniis in tho midst of an indis- 
criminate slaughter of men, women and children. 
All this distracted multitude, from tho wide area 
of eighteen counties, are on (ho highways and 
bywavs, hiding now in the sloughs, and now in 
the grass of tho open prairie; some famishing for 



TEE COUNTRY DEPOPULATED. 



245 



water, aud some dj'iiig for want of food; some 
barefooted, some iu torn garments, and some en- 
tirely denuded of clothing; some, by reason of 
wounds, crawling on their hands, and dragging 
their torn limbs after them, were all making their 
way over a country in which no white man could 
ofller succor or administer consolation. The varied 
emotions that struggled for utterance in that frag- 
mentary mass of humanity cannot be even faintly 
set forth in words. The imagination, faint and 
aghast, turns from the picture in dismay and hor- 
ror! What indelible images are burned in upon 
the tablets of the souls of thousands of mothers 
bereft of their children by savage barbarity I 
What unavailing tears fall unseen to the ground 
from the scattered army of almost helpless in- 
fancy, now reduced by cruel hands to a life of 
cheerless orphanage! How many yet linger 
around the homes they loved, hiding from the 
keen-eyed savage, awaiting the return of father, 
mother, brother, or friend, who can never come 
again to their relief! We leave the reader to his 
own contemplations, standing in view of this 
mournful picture, the narration of which the heart 
sickens to pursue, and tui-na away with more be- 
coming silence! 

The scene of the panic extended to other coun- 
ties and portions of the State remote from all ac- 
tual danger. The Territory of Dakota was de- 
jjopulated, except in a few towns on the western 
border. Eastward from the Minnesota river to the 
Mississippi, the inhabitants fled from their homes 
to the towns of Red Wing, Hastings, Wabasha, 
and Winona; and thousands again from these 
places to Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and 
some to distant New England friends. 

Thirty thousand human beings, suddenly forced 
from their homes, destitute of all the necessaries 
of life, coming suddenly ujjon the towns in the 
Minnesota Valley, can easily be supposed to have 
beim a burden of onerous and crushing weight. 
It came like an Alpine avalanche, sweeping down, 
in the wildness of its fury, upon the plain. No 
wisdom could direct it; no force could resist it. 
No power of description is equal to the task of 
presenting it in fitting words. It was horribly 
"grand, gloomy, and peculiar." One faint picture 
must here suffice. 

St. Peter, on the moming of the 19th of August, 
1862, manifested some unwonted commotion. 
Couriers arrived before the dawn of that day, an- 
nouncing the alarming news that the neighboring 



town of New Ulm was on fire, and its inhabitants 
were being massacred by the savages, led by Lit- 
tle Crow. At the same time, or a little previous, 
came the tidings that Fort Ridgely was in immi- 
nent danger; that Captain Marsh had been killed, 
and his command almost, if not entirely, cut off, 
in attempting to give succor to the Lower Agency, 
which had been attacked on the morning of the 
18th, the day previous, and was then in ashes. 
By nine o'clock the news of these events began to 
meet a response from the surrounding country. 
Horsemen and footmen, from different parts of 
Nicollet and Le Sueur counties, came hurrying 
into town, some with guns and ammunition, but 
more without arms. Men were hurrying through 
the streets in search of guns and ammunition; 
some were running bullets, while others were fit- 
ting up teams, horses, and provisions. Busiest 
among the agitated mass were Hon. Charles E. 
Flandrau and Captain William B. Dodd, giving 
directions for a hasty organization for the purpo.se 
of defending New Ulm, or, it that was impossible, 
to hold the savages in check, outside of St. Peter, 
suflSciently long to give the men, women, and 
cliildren some chance to save their lives by hasty 
flight, if necessary. Every man, woman, and 
child seemed to catch the spirit of the alarming 
moment. Now, at about ten o'clock. Judge Flan- 
drau, as captain, with quick word.s of command, 
aided by proper suljalterns in rank, with one hun- 
dred and thirty-five men, armed as best they could 
be, with shot-guns, muskets, rifles, swords, and re 
volvers, took up the line of march for New Ulm. 
At an earlier hour, fifty volunteers, known as the 
Kenville Rangers, on their way to Fort SnelUng, 
had turned their course toward Fort Ridgely, 
taking with them all the Government arms at St. 
Peter. 

With the departure of these noble bands went 
not only the wishes and prayers of wives, mothers, 
brothers, sisters, and children for success, but with 
them all, or nearly all, the able-bodied citizens 
cajjable of bearing arms, together with all the 
guns and ammunition St. Peter could muster. For 
one moment we follow these little bands of soldiers, 
the hope of the Minnesota Valley. Their march 
is rapid. To one of these parties thirty weary 
miles intervened between them and the burning 
town of New Ulm. Expecting to meet the savage 
foe on their route, flushed with their successful 
massacre at New Ulm, the skirmishers — a few men 
on horseback — were kept iu advance of the hurry- 



216 



UISrOItT OF THE SIOUX MASSACRE. 



iug footmen. Before dnrk, the entire force dos- 
tiiR'il for New Uhn reached the crossing of the 
Miiiuesotu at the Ked Stone Ferry. Here, for a 
moment, a halt was ordered; tlie field of ruin lay 
in full view before them. The smoke of the burn- 
ing buildings was seen ascending over the town. 
No signs of life were visible. Some might yet be 
alive. There was no wavering in that little army 
of relief. The ferry was manned, the river was 
crossed, and soon New Ulm was frantic with the 
mingled shouts of the delivered and their deliv- 
erers. An account of the hard- fought battle 
which terminated the siege is to be found in 
another chajjter of this work. Such expedition 
has seldom, if ever, been chronicled, as was exhib- 
ited by the deliverers of New Ulm. Thirty miles 
had been made in a little over half a day, travel- 
ing all the time in the face of a motley crowd of 
panic-stricken refugees, pouring in through every 
avenue toward St. Peter. 

The other party, by dusk, had reached Fort 
Eidgely, traveling about forty-five miles, crossing 
the ravine near the fort at the precise point where 
one hundred and fifty Indians had lain in amlmsh 
awaiting their approach tmtil a few moments be- 
fore they came up, and had only retired for the 
night; and, when too late to intercept them, the 
dis:ip])ointed savages saw tlie Eenville Rangers 
enter the fort. 

But let us now return to St. Peter. What a 
night and a day have brought forth ! The quiet 
village of a thousand inhabitants thus increased 
by thousands, had become fidl to overflowing. 
Every private house, every public house, every 
church, school-house, warehouse, shed, or saloon, 
and every vacant structure is full. The crowd 
throng the public highways; a line of cooking- 
stoves smoke along the streets; tlie vacant lots are 
occupied, for there is no room in the houses. All 
is clatter, rattle, and din. Wagons, ponies, mules, 
oxen, cows and calves are promiscuously distrib- 
uted among groups of men, women and children. 
The live stock from thousands of deserted farms 
surround the outskirts of the town; the lowing of 
strange cattle, the neighing of restless horses, the 
crying cf lost and hungry children, the tales of 
horror, the tomahawk wounds undressed, the 
bleeding feet, the cries for food, and the loud 
wailing for missing friends, all combine to bum 
into the soul the dreadful reality that some ter- 
rible calamity was upon the country. 

But the new.s <>r Iho rajiid approach of the 



savages, the bodies of the recently-murdered, the 
burning of houses, the admitted danger of a 
sudden attack upon St. Peter, agitated i.nd moved 
that vast multitude as if some volcano was ready 
to engulf them. The overflowing streets were 
crowded into the already overflowing houses. The 
stone buildings were barricaded, and the women 
and children wore huddled into every conceivable 
place of safety. Between hope and fear, and 
prayer for succor, several weary days and nighto 
passed away, when, on the 22d day of August, the 
force under Colonel Sibley, fourteen hundred 
sti'ong, arrived at St. Peter. 

Now, as the dread of immediate massacre was 
past, they were siezed with a fear of acharacter en- 
tirely dilTcrent. How shall this multitude be fed, 
clothed and nursed? The grain was unthreshed 
in the field, and tlie flour in the only mill left 
standing on the Minnesota, above Belle Plaine, 
was almost gone. The flouring-mill at Mankato, 
twelve miles above, in the midst of the panic, had 
been burned, and fears were entertained that the 
mill at St. Peter would share the same fate. Nor 
had this multitude any means within themselves 
to support life a single day. Every scheme known 
to human ingenuity was canvassed. Every device 
was suggested, and every expedient tried. The 
multitude was fearfully clamoring for food, rai- 
ment, and shelter. The sick and wounded were in 
need of medicine and skillful attention. Between 
six and seven thousand persons, besides the citi- 
zens of the place, were already crowding the town; 
and some thousand or fifteen hundred more daily 
expected, as a proper quota fiom the two tliousand 
now compelled to abandon New Ulm. The gath- 
ering troops, regular and irregular, were moving, 
in large numbers, upon St. Peter, now a frontier 
town of the State, bordering on the country under 
the full dominion of tlic Annuity Sioux Indians, 
with torch and tomahawk, burning and murdering 
in their train. 

A committee, aided by expert clerks, opened 
an oflice for the distribution of such articles 
of food, clothing and" medical stores as the 
town could furnish, on their orders, trusting to the 
State or General Goverumout for pay at some fu- 
ture day. So great was the crowd pressing for 
relief, that much of the exhausting labor was per- 
formed while bayonets guarded the entrance to the 
building in which the olTice of distribution was 
held. A bakery was established, furnishing two 
thousand loaves of bread per day, while many pri- 



REFUGEES AT ST. PETER. 



217 



vate houses were put under requisition for the 
same purpose, and, aided by individual benevo- 
lence throughout the town, the hungry began to 
be scantily fed; A butcher-shop was jJressed into 
the needed service, capable of supplying ten thou- 
sand rations a day over and above the citizens' 
ordinary demand. Still, there was a vast moving 
class, single persons, women, and children, not yet 
reached by these well-directed efforts. The com- 
mittee, feeling every impulse of the citizens, to 
satisfy the demand for food fitted up a capacious 
soup-house, where as high as twelve hivndred 
meals were supplied daily. This iastitution was 
a great success, and met the entire approval of the 
citizens, while it suited the conditions of the pe- 
culiar population better than any other mode in 
which relief could be administered. Soup was al- 
ways ready; and its quality was superior. The 
aged and the young could here lind relief, singly 
or in families; the well relished it, and the sick 
found it a grateful beverage. In this way the 
committee, aided by the extreme efforts of private 
charity, ever active and vigilant, continued for 
weeks to feed the refugees at St. Peter, taxing every 
energy of body and mind from twelve to sixteen 
hours per day. The census of the population was 
never taken; but it is believed that, after the arri- 
val of the refugees from New Ulm, and a portion 
of the inhabitants from Le Sueur county, east of 
the town, excluding the fourteen hundred troops 
under Colonel H. H. Sibley, who were here a part 
of the time, the population of St. Peter was at 
least nine thousand. This was an estimate made 
by the committee of supplies, who issued eight 
thousand rations of beef each day to refugees 
alone, estimating one ration to a person. The ra- 
tion was from a half-pound to a pound, varied to 
meet the condition of persons and families. 

But the task of feeding the living did- not stop 
with the human element. The live stock, horses 
and oxen, with an innumerable herd of cattle from 
a thousand prairies, ruly and unruly, furious from 
fright, so determined on food that in a few days 
not a green spot could be pi-otected from their vo- 
racious demands. Fences offered no obstruction. 
Some bold leader laid waste the field or garden, 
and total destruction followed, until St. Peter was 
as barren of herbage, with scarce an exception, as 
the Great American desert. The committee could 
not meet successfully this new demand. The 
sixty tons of hay cut by their order was only an 
aggravation to the teams of the Government and >■ 



the necessary demands of the gathermg cavah-v. 
Some miHtary power seemed needed to regulate 
the collection and distribution of food in this de- 
partment. This soon came in an official order 
from Col. H. H. Sibley to a member of the com- 
mittee, assigning him to the separate duty of col- 
lecting food for Government use at St. Peter. A 
wider range of country was now brought under 
contribution, and such of the live stock as was re- 
quired for constant use was amply supplied. The 
cattle not required by the butchers were forced to 
a still wider extent of coimtry. 

Not only food, such as. the mUl, the bakery, the 
butcher-shop, and the soup-house could furnish 
was required among this heterogeneous multitude, 
but the infirm, the aged and the sick needed other 
articles, which the merchant and druggist alone 
could furnish. Tea, coffee, sugar, salt, soap, can- 
dles, wine, brandy, and apothecaries' drugs, as 
well as shoes, boots, hats, and wear for men, 
women and children, and articles of bedding and 
hospital stores, were demanded as being abso- 
lutely necessary. The merchants and druggists 
of the town honored the orders of the committee, 
and this demand was partially supplied. In all 
these efforts of the town to meet the wants of the 
refugees, it was discovered that the limit of sup- 
ply would soon be reached. But the demand still 
continued inexorable. The fearful crisis was ap- 
proaching! Public exertion had found its Umit; 
private benevolence was exhausted; the requisite 
stores of the merchant and the druggist were weU- 
nigh expended. It was not yet safe to send the 
multitude to their homes in the country. The 
fierce savage was yet in the land, thirstmg for 
blood. What shall be done? Shall this vast 
crowd be sent to other towns, to St. Paul, or stUl 
further, to other states, to seek relief from public 
charity ? or shall they be suffered to perish here, 
when all means of relief shall have failed ? 

On the 13th of September, 1862, after a month 
had nearly expired, a relief committee, consisting 
of Eev. A. H. Kerr and F. Lange, issued an ap- 
peal, approved by M. B. Stone, Provost Marshal 
of St. Peter, from which we make a few extracts, 
showing the condition of things at the time it bears 
date. Previous to this, however, a vast number 
had left for other places, principally for St. Paul, 
crowding the steamboats on the Minnesota river to 
their utmost capacity. The appeal says: 

"Fkiends! Bretheen! In behalf of the suf. 
fering, the destitute, and homeless— in behalf of 



C43 



niSTORT OF THE SIOUX MASS AC RB. 



tho widow, the futherloss, iiud the hoUKcloss, we 
miiko tliis iippcftl for help. A terrible blow lins 
fuUon ui>.n this frontier, by tho iiprising of the 
Sioux or Dakota Indiiins. All the horrors of an 
Indian war; tlie massacre of faniihcs.the aged and 
tho young; tho burning of houses and the wanton 
dostruotion of jiroporty; all, indeed that makes an 
Indian war so fearful and terribly appalling, are 
npon the setUementa immediately west and north- 
west ot ua. 

"In some cases the whole family have been mur- 
dered; in others the husband has fallen; in others 
the wife and children have been taken captive; in 
others only one cliild has escaped to tell the sad 
story. Stealthily the Indians came upon the set- 
tlements, or overtook families Hying for refuge. 
Unprotected, alarm and terror siezed the people, 
and to escape with life was the great struggle. 
Mothers clasped their little ones in their arms and 
tied; it any lagged behind they wore overtaken by 
a shot or the hatchet. Many, many thus left their 
homes, taking neither food nor clothing with them. 
The Indians immediately commenced the work of 
pillaging, taking clothing and bedding, and, in 
many instances giving the house and all it con- 
tained to the flames. Some have lost their all, 
and many, from comparative comfort, are left ut- 
terly destitute. A groat number of cattle have 
been driven back into the Inilian country, and 
where a few weeks ago plenty abounded, desolation 
now reigns. ****** 

"Friends of humanity — Christians, brethren, in 
your homes ot safety, can you do something for 
the destitute and homeless? We ask for cast-olT 
clothing for men, women and children — for shoes 
and stockings; caps for boys, anything for the lit- 
tle girls and infants; woolen >inderclothing, 
blankets, comfortables; anything, indeed, to alle- 
viate their sufferings. Can not a church or town 
collect such articles, fill a box and send it to the 
committee? It should be done speedily." 

Circulars, containing the appeal from which we 
have made the above quotations, were sent to 
churches in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, 
New York, and throughout the towns and cities of 
New England. And similar appeals, from other 
places, were made, and met with universal re- 
sponse, worthy of men and women who honor the 
Christian profession. By these efforts, the 
refugees throughout the state were greatly 
riliivcd. Ill reply to these circulars about §20,000 



were received, to which was added ^25,000 by the 
state, for general distribution. 

Other places on the frontier, such as Henderson, 
Chaska, Carver, and even Belle Plaine, Shakopee, 
and St. Paul, felt, more or less, the crushing 
weight ot the army of refugees, as they poured 
across the country and down the Minnesota XvX- 
ley; but no place felt this burden so heavily as 
the frontier town of St. Peter. 

One reflection should here be made. Had New 
Ulm and Port Kidgely fallen on the first attack, 
Mankato and St. Peter would have been taken be- 
fore the state troops could have offered tho proper 
assistance. Had New Ulm fallen on the 19th, 
when it was attiicked, and Fort Ridgely on the 
20th, when the attack was made on that place, 
Mankato and St. Peter could easily have been 
reached by the 21st, when the state troops were 
below, on their way to St. Peter. The successful 
defense of these places, New Ulm and Fort Ridge- 
ly, was accomplished by the volunteer citizens ot 
Nicollet, Le Sueur, and Blue Earth counties, who 
reached New Ulm liy the 19th of August, and the 
Renville Rangers, who timely succored Fort Ridge- 
ly, by a forced march of forty-five miles in one 
day, reaching the fort previous to the attack on 
that post. Whatever credit is due to the state 
troops, for the successful defense ot the frontier 
and the rescue ot the white captives, should be 
gratefully acknowledged by the citizens of Min- 
nesota. Such acts are worthy of lasting honor to 
all who were participants in those glorious deeds. 
But to the brave men who first advanced to the 
defense of New Ulm and Fort Ridgely, higher 
honor and a more lasting debt of gratitude are 
due from the inhabitants of the valley of the Min- 
nesota. Let their names be honored among men. 
Lst them stand side by side with the heroes of 
other days. Let them rank with veteran brethren 
who, on Southern battle-fields, have fought nobly 
for constitutional freedom and the perpetuity of 
the Union of these states. These are aU ot them 
worthy men, who like 

"Patriots have toiled, and in tlieir conntry's cause 
Bled nobly, and their deeds, as they deserve, 
Iteceive proud recompense. We (jive in charge 
Their names to the sweet lyre. The Historic Muse, 
Proud of her treasure, marches with it down 
To latest times; and Sculpture, in her turn. 
Gives bond, in stone and ever-during brass. 
To guard them, and immortalize her trust." 



BATTLE OF BIROS COOLIE. 



249 



CHAPTER XLn. 

BATTLE OF BIECH COOLIE BATTLE OP WOOD LAKE 

CAMP KELEASE — MILITARY COMPANIES SUC- 

OES3 OP THE EXPEDITION UNDEB GENERAL SIBLEY. 

The massacre being the main design of this his- 
tory, the movement of the troops, iu the pursuit 
and punishment of the Indians connected witli the 
atrocious murders initiated on the 18th of August, 
1862, must especially, in this abridgement, be ex- 
ceedingly brief. 

On the day after the outbreak, August 19th, 1862, 
an order was issued by the commanler-in-cliief to 
Colonel H. H. Sibley, to proceed, with four com- 
panies, then at Fort Snelling, and such other 
forces as might join his command, to the protec- 
tion of the frontier counties of the State. The 
entire force, increased by the separate commands 
of Colonels Marshall and McPhail, reached 
Fort Eidgely, August 28th, 1862. A detachment 
made up of Company A, 6th Regiment Minnesota 
Volunteers, imder Captain H. P. Grant, some sev- 
entj mounted men under Captain Joseph Ander- 
son, and a fatigue party, aggregating in all a 
force of over one hundred and fifty men, were sent 
in advance of the mam army, to protect the set- 
tlements from further devastation, and at the same 
time collect and bury the dead yet lying on the 
field of the recent slaughter. On the first of Sep- 
tember, near the Beaver Creek, Captain Grant's 
party found Justina Krieger, who had escaped 
alive from the murders committed near Sacred 
Heart. Mrs Krieger had been shot and dread- 
fully butchered. During this day this detachment 
buried fifty-five victims of savage barbarity, and 
in the evening went into camp at Birch Coolie. 
The usual precautions were taken, and no imme- 
diate fears of Indians were ajjprehended; yet at 
half-past four o'clock on the morning of the sec- 
ond of September, one of the guards shouted 
"Indians!" Instantly thereafter a shower of bul- 
lets was poured into the encampment. A most 
fearful and terrible battle ensued, and for the num- 
bers engaged, the most bloody of any in which 
our forces had been engaged during the war. The 
loss of men, in proportion to those engaged, was 
extremely large; twenty-three were killed out- 
right, or mortally wounded, and forty-five so se- 
verely wounded as to require surgical aid, while 
scarce a man remained whose dress had not been 
pierced by the enemies' bullets. On the evening 
of the 3d of September the besieged camp was 



relieved by an advance movement of Colonel Sib- 
ley's forces at Fort Eidgely. 

This battle, in all probabUity, saved the towns 
of Mankato and St. Peter from the destruction in- 
tended by the savages. They had left Yellow 
Medicine with the avowed object of attacking 
these towns on the Minnesota. The signal defeat 
of the forces of Little Crow at Birch Coolie, not 
only saved the towns of Mankato and St. Peter, 
but in efi'ect ended bis efforts in subduing the 
whites on the borders. 

After the battle of Birch Coolie all the maraud- 
ing forces under the direction of Little Crow were 
called in, and a retreat was ordered up the valley 
of the Minnesota toward Yellow Medicine; and on 
the 16th day of September Colonel Sibley ordered 
an advance of his whole colunm in pursuit of the 
fleeing foe; his forces now increased by the 3d 
Minnesota Volunteers, paroled prisoners returned 
from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, under command of 
Major Abraham E. Welch. 

On the evening of the 22d Colonel Sibley ar- 
rived at Wood Lake. On the morning of the 23d, 
at about seven o'clock, a force of three hundred 
Indians suddenly appeared before his camp, yell- 
ing as savages only can yell, and firing with great 
rapidity. The troops under Colonel Sibley were 
cool and determined, and the 3d Regiment needed 
no urging by officers. All our forces engaged the 
enemy with a will that betokened quick work with 
savages wlio had outraged every sentiment of hu- 
manity, and earned for themselves an immortality 
of infamy never before achieved by the Dakota 
nation. The fight lasted about two hours. 
We lost in killed four, and about fifty wounded. 
The enemy's loss was much larger; fourteen of 
their dead were left on the field, and an unknown 
number were carried ofif the field, as the Indians 
are accustomed to do. 

The battle of Wood Lake put an end to all the 
hopes of the renowned chief. His warriors were 
in open rebellion against his schemes of warfare 
against the whites. He had gained nothing. 
Fort Ridgely was not taken. New Ulm was not 
in his possession. St. Peter and Mankato were 
intact, and at Birch Coolie and Wood Lake he had 
suffered defeat. No warrior would longer follow 
his fortunes in a war so disastrous. On the same 
day of the battle at Wood Lake a deputation from 
the Wapeton band appeared under a flag of truce, 
asking terms of peace. The response of Colonel 
Sibley was a demand for the dehvery of all the 



250 



JIISTORT OF TUB SIOUJ MASSAC liE. 



whito ciiptivos in the possession of these savages. 
Wal)n8liii, at the head of fifty lodges, immediately 
p-.n-tud company with Little Crow, and established 
a camp near Lac qui Tarle, with a view of sur- 
rendering his men on the most favorable terms. 
A Hag of truce announced hia action to Colonel 
S;i>lov, whu Ko.m after, under proper military 
guard, visited Wabasha's camp. After the formal- 
ities of the occasion were over, Colonel Sibley re- 
ceived the captives, in all, then and thereafter, to 
tlie number of 107 pure whites, and about 162 
halt-breeils, and conducted them to his headquar- 
ters. The different emotions of these captives at 
their release can easily be imagined by the reader. 
This place well deserved the name given it, "Camp 
Kelease." 

A MrLiTARY Commission was soon after inau- 
gurated to try the parties charged with the mur- 
der of white persons. The labors of this commis- 
sion continued until about the 5th of November, 
1802. Three hundred and twenty-one of the sav- 
ages and their allies had been found guilty of the 
charges preferred against them; three hundred 
and three of whom were recommended for capital 
punishment, the others to suffer imprisonment. 
These were immediately removed, nnder a guard 
of 1,500 men, to South Bend, on the Minnesota 
river, to await further orders from the United 
States Government. 

Pdrsdit of tbj. Desertsrs. — After the disaster 
met with at Wood Lake, Little Crow retreated, 
with those who remained with him, in the direc- 
tion of Big Stone Lake, some sixty miles to the 
westward. On the 5th of October, Colonel Sibley 
bad sent a messenger to the principal camp of the 
deserters, to inform them that he expected to be 
able to pursue and overtake all who remained in 
arms against the Government; and that the only 
hope of mercy that they need expect, even for 
their wives and children, would be their early re- 
turn and surrender at discretion. By the 8th of 
October the prisoners who had come in and sur- 
rendered amounted to upwards of 2,000. On the 
llth of October, Lieutenant Colonel Marshall, 
with 252 men, was ordered to go out upon the fron- 
tier as a scouting party, to ascertain whether there 
were any hostile camps of savages located within 
probable striking distance, from which they might 
Ije able, by sudden marches, to fall upon the set- 
tlements before the opening of the campaign in 
the coming spring. About this time. Colonel Sib- 
ley, hitlierto acting under State authority, received 



the commission of Brigadier General of Volun- 
teers from the United States. 

The scouting party under Lieutenant-Colonel 
Marshall followed up the line of retreat of the fugi- 
tives, and near the edge of the Coteau de I'rairie, 
about forty-five miles from Camp Belease, found 
two lodges of straggling Indians. The males of 
these camps, three young men, were made prison- 
ers, and the women and children and an old man 
were directed to deliver themselves up at Camp 
Belease. From tliese Indians here captured th<;y 
received information of twenty-seven lodges en- 
camped near Chanopa (Two Wood) lakes. At 
these lakes they found no Indians; they had left, 
but the trail was followed to the north-west, to- 
wards the Big Sioux river. At noon of the 16th, 
Lieutenant-Colonel JIarshall took with him fifty 
mounted men and the howitzer and started in pur- 
suit, without tents or supplies of any kind, but 
leaving the invantry and supply wagons to follow 
after. They crossed the Big Sioux river, passing 
near and on the north side of Lake Kampeska. 

By following closely the Indian trail, they ar- 
rived at d?irk at the east end of a lake some six or 
eight miles long, and about eight miles in a north- 
westwardly direction from Lake Kampeska. Here 
they halted, without tents, fire or food, until near 
daylight, when reconnoitering commenced, and at 
an early hour iu tlie morning they succeeded in 
surprising and capturing a camp composed of ten 
lodges, and thirteen Indians and their families. 
From those captured at this place information was 
received of another camp of some twelve or fifteen 
lodges, located at the distance of about one day's 
march in the direction of James river. 

Placing a guard over the captured camp, the re- 
maining portion of the force pressed on in the di- 
rection indicated, and at the distance of about ten 
miles from the first camp, and about midway be- 
tween the Big Sioux and James rivers they came 
in sight of tlie second party, just as they were 
moving out of camp. The Indians attempted to 
make their escape by flight, but after an exciting 
chase for some distance they were overtaken and 
captured, without any armed resistance. Twenty- 
one men were taken at this place. Some of them 
had separated from the camp previous to the cap- 
ture, and were engaged in hunting at the time. 
On the return march, which was shortly after com- 
menced, six of these followed the detachment, and, 
after making ineffei-tual eJTorts to recover their 
families, came forward and surrendered themselves 



INDIAN SYMPATHISERS. 



251 



iuta our bands The infantry and wagons were 
met by the returning party about ten miles west of 
the Big Sious. 

The men of this detachment, officers and pri- 
vates, evinced to a large degree the bravery and 
endurance that characterizes the true soldier. 
They willingly and cheerfully pressed on after the 
savages, a part of them without food, fire or shel- 
ter, and all of them knowing that they were 
thereby prolonging the period of their absence 
bsyond the estimated time, and subjecting them- 
selves to the certain necessity of being at least one 
or two days without rations of any kind before the 
return to Camp Kelease could be effected. 

On the 7th of November, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Marshall, with a guard of some fifteen hundred 
men, started for Fort Snelling in charge of other 
captured Indians, comprising the women and 
children, and such of the men as were not found 
guilty of any henious crime by the Military Com- 
mission, and arrived safely at their destination on 
the 13th. 

From the commencement of hostilities until the 
16th day of September the war was carried on 
almost entirely from the resources of the State 
alone, and some little assistance from our sister 
States in the way of arms and ammunition. On 
this latter date Major-General John Pope, who had 
been appointed by the President of the United 
States to take command of the Bapartment of the 
North-west, arrived and established his headquar- 
ters in the city of St. Paul, in this state. The 
principal part of the active service of the season's 
campaign had previously been gone through with; 
but the forces previously under the command of 
of the State authorities were immediately turned 
over to his command, and the after-movements 
were entirely under his control and direction. 

He brought to the aid of the troops raised in 
the State the 25th Wisconsin and the 27th Iowa 
Eegiments, both infantry. These forces were 
speedily distributed at different points along the 
frontier, and assisted in guarding the settlements 
(luring the autumn, but they were recalled and 
sent out of the State before the closing in of the 
winter. 

It was contemplated to send the 6th and 7th 
Eegiments Minnesota Volunteers to take part in 
the war against the rebels in the Southern States, 
and orders to this effect had already been issued, 
but on the 6th of November, in obedience to the 
expressed wish of a large portion of the inhab- 



itants of the State, these orders were counter- 
manded. They were directed to remain in the 
state, and the 3d Kegiment was ordered off instead. 

All the forces then remaining in the state were 
assigned to winter quarters at such points as it was 
thought expedient to keep guarded during t!ie 
winter, and on the 25th of November Major-Gen- 
eral Pope removed his headquarters to Madison, in 
the State of Wisconsin. Brigadier-General Sib- 
ley then remained in the immediate command of 
the troops retained in service against the Indians, 
and established his headquarters in the city of 
St. Paul. 

On the 9th of October the "Mankato Eecord" 
thus spsaks of this expedition: 

'•Considering the many serious disadvantages 
under which Geneml Sibley has labored— a defi- 
ciency of arms and ammunition, scarcity of pro- 
visions, and the total absence of cavalry at a time 
when he could have successfully pursued and cap. 
tured Little Crow and his followers— the expedi- 
tion has been successful beyond the most sanguine 
anticipations. Of the three hundred white cap- 
tives in the hands of the Indians at the commence- 
ment of the war, all, or nearly all, have been 
retaken and returned to their friends. Much pri- 
vate property has been secured, and some fifteen 
hundred Indians, engaged directly or indirectly in 
the massacres, have been captured; and those who 
have actually stained their hands in the blood of 
our frontier settlers are condemned to suffer death. 
Their sentence will be carried into execution, un- 
less countermanded by authorities at Washington." 



CHAPTER XLHL 

INDIAN SYMPATHISERS — MEMOEIAIi TO THE PRESI- 
DENT — THE HANGING OF THJRTr-EIGHT ^ANNUL- 
LING THE TREATIES WITH OEETAIN SIOUX RE- 
MOVAL OF WINNEBAGOES AND SIOUX TO THE UPPER 
MISSOURI. 

After the campaign of 1862, and the guilty par- 
ties were confined at Camp Lincoln, near Mendota, 
the idea of executing capitally, three hundred In- 
dians, aroused the sympathy of those far removed 
from the scenes of their inhuman butcheries. 
President Lincoln was importuned, principally by 
parties in the East, for the release of these sav- 
ages. The voice of the blood of innocence crying 
from the ground, the wailings of mothers bereft of 
their children was hushed in the tender cry of 



252 



BISTORT OF THE SIOUX MASSACRE. 



sympiitLy Tor the conJemned. Even the Christinn 
miiiistors, stem in the belief thnt, "Whosoever 
shoil.l.'tli imiirrt blood by man shall his blood be 
shod," scorned now the most zealous for the par- 
don of these merciless outlaws, who, without cause 
had shed the blooJ of innocent women and chil- 
dren iu a time of peace. 

Souator M. S. Wilkinsonnnd Congressmen 0. Al- 
drich and William Windom, made an urgent ap- 
peal to the rresideiit for the proper execution of 
the sentence iu the case of these Indians. From 
this appeal the following extract will be sufficient 
to indicate its character: 

"The people of Minnesota, Mr. President, have 
stood firmly by you and your Administration. They 
have given both you and it their cordial support. 
They have not violated any law. They have borne 
these sufferings with patience, such as few people 
have ever exliibited under extreme trials. These 
Indians now are at their mercy; but our people 
have not risen to slaughter, because they believed 
their President would deal with them justly. 

"We are told, Mr. President, that the committee 
from Pennsylvania, whose families are living hap 
pily in their pleasant homes in that state, have 
called upon you to pardon these Indians. We 
protest against the pardon ot these Indians; be- 
cause if it is done, the Indians w^ll become more 
insolent and cruel than they ever were before, be- 
lieving, as they certainly will, that their Great 
Father at Washington either justifies their acts or 
is afraid to punish them for their crimes. 

"We protest against it, because, if the President 
does not permit the execution to take place under 
the forms of law, the outraged people ot Minne- 
sota will dispose of these wretches without law. 
The.se two people cannot live together. We do 
not wish to see mob law inaugurated in Minne- 
sota, as it certainly will be, it you force the peo- 
ple to it. We tremble at the approach of such 
a condition of things in our state. 

"You can give us peace, or you can give us law- 
less violence. We pray you, as in view ot all we 
have sufTored, and of the danger which still awaits 
us, let the law be executed. Let justice be done to 
our people." 

The press of Minnesota, without a single excep- 
tion, insisted that the condemned Indians should 
expiate their dreadful crime npon the gallows, 
while the Eastern ])ro.s8, with some few exceptions, 
gave vent to the deon sympathy of the sentimen- 
tal philosophers and the fanciful strains of the im- 



aginative poets. It seemed to our Eastern neigh- 
bora that Minnesotians, in their contact with sav- 
age life, had ceased to appreciate the 

• * • *'Poor Indian, whose untutored mind 
Sees Qod in cloudB, and bears UiM in the wind;** 

that they had looked upon the modem race of sav- 
ages in their criminal degradation until they had 
well-uigli forgotten the renouu of Massa-soit, and 
his noble sons Alexander and Philip. 

But two hundred years never fails to change 
somewhat the character and sentiments of a great 
people, and blot from its memory something of 
its accredited history. This may have happened 
in the case of our fellow-kinsmen in the Eastern 
and Middle States. They may not now fully enter 
into the views and sentiments of those who witness- 
ed the outrages of Philip and his cruel warriors 
in their conspiracies against the infant colonies; 
in their attacks upon Springfield, Hatfield, Lan- 
caster, Medfield, Seekong, Groton, Warwick, Marl- 
borough, Plymouth, Taunton, Scituate, Bridge- 
water, and Northfield. They seem not fully now 
to appreciate the atrocities of the savages 
ot these olden times. The historian of the 
times of Philip was not so sentimental as some of 
later days. 

" The town of Springfield received great injury 
from their attacks, more than thirty houses being 
burned; among the rest one containing a 'brave 
library,' the finest in that part of the country, 
which belonged to the Eev. Pelatiah Glover." 

" This," says Hubbard, "did, more than any 
other, discover the said actors to bo the children 
of the devil, full of all subtilty and malice." And 
we of the present can not perceive why the massacre 
ot innocent women and children should not as 
readily discover these IMinnesota savages, under 
Little Crow, to be children of the devil as the 
burning of a minister's library two hundred years 
ago. Minnesotians lost by these Indians splen- 
did, not to say brace libraries; but of this minor 
evil they did not complain, in their demand for the 
execution ot the condemned murderers. 

Indians are the same in all times. Two hun- 
dred years have wrought no change upon Indian 
character. Had King Philip been powerful 
enough, he would have killed all the white men 
inhabiting the New England Colonies. "Once an 
Indian, always an Indian," is fully Iwme out by 
their history during two hundred years' contact 
with the white race. 

Eastern writei-s of the early history of the coun- 



MEMORIALS TO THE PRESIDENT. 



253 



try sjjoke and felt in regard to Indians very much 
as Minnesotians now speak and feel. When Weet- 
amore, que;n of Pocasset, and widow of Alexan- 
der, Philip's eldest brother, in attempting to es- 
cape from the pursuit of Captain Church, had lost 
her life, her head was cut off by those who discov- 
ered her, and fixed upon a pole at Taunton ! Here, 
being discovered by some of her loving subjects, 
then in captivity, their unrestrained grief at the 
shocking sight is characterized by Mather as "a 
most horrid and diabolical lamentation!" Have 
Minnesotians exhibited a more unfeeling senti- 
ment than this, even against condemned murder- 
ers? Mather lived, it is true, amid scenes of In- 
dian barbarity. Had he lived in the present day 
and witnessed these revolting cruelties, he wouid 
have said with Colonel H. H. Sibley, "My heart 
is steeled against them." But those who witness- 
ed the late massacre could truly say, in the lan- 
guage of an Eastern poet, 

** All died — the wailing babe — the shrieking maid — 
And m the flood o£ fire that scathed the glade, 
The roofs went down !" 

Early in December, 1862, while the final decis- 
ion of the President was delayed, the valley towns 
of Minnesota, led off by the city of St. Paul, held 
primaiy meetings, addressed by the most intelli- 
gent siseakers of the different localities. An ex- 
tract from a memorial of one of the assemblages 
of tlie peojDle is given as a sample of others of 
similar import. The extract quoted is from the 
St. Paul meeting, drawn up by George A. Nourse, 
United States District Attorney for the District 
of Minnesota: 

"To the President of the United States: We, 
the citizens of St. Paul, in the State of Minnesota, 
respectfully represent that we have heard, with 
regret and alarm, through the public press, reports 
of an intention on the part of the United States 
Government to dismiss without punishment the 
Sioux warriors captured by our soldiers; and fur- 
ther, to allow the several tribes of Indians lately 
located upon reservations within this State to re- 
main upon the reservations. 

"Against any such policy we respectfully but 
firmly protest. The history of this continent pre- 
sents no event that can compare with the late Sioux 
outbreak in wanton, unprovoked, and fiendish 
cruelty. All that we have heard ot Indian warfare 
in the early history of this country is tame in 
contrast with the atrocities of this late massacre. 
Without warning, in cold blood, beginning with 



the murder of their best friends, the whole body 
of the Annuity Sioux commenced a deliberate 
scheme to exterminate every white person upon the 
land once occupied by them, and by them long 
since sold to the United States. In carrying out 
this bloody scheme they have spared neither age 
nor sex, only reserving, for the gratification of 
their brutal lust, the few white women whom the 
rifle, the tomahawk and the scalping-knife spared. 
Nor did their fiendish barbarities cease with 
death, as the mutilated corpses of their victims, 
disemboweled, cut limb from limb, or chopped 
into fragments, will testify. These cruelties, too, 
were in many cases preceded by a pretense of 
friendship; and in many instances the victims of 
these more than murderers were shot down in cold 
blood as soon as their backs were turned, after a 
cordial shaking of the hand and loud professions 
of friendship on the part ot the murderers. 

"We ask that the same judgnient should be 
passed and executed upon these deliberate mur- 
derers, these ravishers, these mutilators of their 
murdered victims, that would be passed upon 
white men guilty of the same ofi"ense. The blood 
of hundreds ot our murdered and mangled fellow- 
citizens cries from the ground for vengeance. 
'Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord;' 
and the authorities of the United States are, we 
believe, the chosen instruments to execute that 
vengeance. Let them not neglect their plain dut v. 
"Nor do we ask alone for vengeance. We de- 
mand security for the future. There can be no 
safety for us or for our famihes unless an example 
shall be made of those who have committed the 
horrible murders and barbarities we have recited. 
Let it be once understood that these Indians can 
commit such crimes, and be pardoned upon sur- 
rendering themselves, and there is henceforth a 
torch for every white man's dwelling, a knife for 
every white man's heart upon our frontier. 

"Nor will even the most rigorous punishment 
give perfect security against these Indians so long 
as any of them are left among, or in the vicinity 
of, our border settlements. The Indian's nature 
can no more be trusted than the wolf's. Tame 
him, cultivate him, strive to Christianize him as 
you will, and the sight of blood will in an instant 
call out the savage, wolfish, devilish instincts of 
the race. It is notoi'ious that among the earliest 
and most murderous of the Sioux, in perpetrating 
their late massacre, were many of the 'civilized 
Indians,' so called, with their hair cut short, wear- 



254 



niSTORT OF TUB SrOUX AfASSACIin. 



ii»g white men's clothes, and dwelling in brick 
houses built for them by the Government. 

"Wo n\'<i)cctfiilly nsk, we demand that the cap- 
tive luiHans now in the hands of our military 
forces, proved before a military commission to bo 
guilty of murder, and even worse crimes, shall re- 
ceive the punishment due those crimes. This, too, 
not merely os a matter of vengeance, but much 
more as a matter of future security for our border 
settlers. 

"We ask, further, that these savages, proved to 
be treacherous, unreliable, and dangerous beyond 
example, may be removed from close proximity to 
our settlements, to such distance and such isola- 
tion as shall make the jjeople of this State safe 
from their future attacks." 

DISAPPOXNTMENT OF THE PEOPLE IS lirNNESOTA. 

The final decision of the President, on the 1 7th 
of December, 1862, ordering the execution of thir- 
ty-nine of the three hundred condemned murderers, 
disappointed the people of ^Minnesota. These 
thirty-nine were to be hung on Friday, the 26th 
of December. 

It was not strange that the people of Minnesota 
were disappointed. How had New England looked 
upon her Indian captives in her early history ? 
Her history says : 

"King Philip was hunted lilce a wild beast, his 
body quartered and set on poles, his head exposed 
as a trophy for t\v( n'y years on a gibbet, in 
Plymouth, and one of his hands sent to Boston; 
then the ministers returned thanks, and one said 
that they had prayed a bullet into Philip's heart. 
In 1677, on a Sunday, in Marbleliead, the women, 
as they came out of the meeting-house, fell upon 
two Indiims thstt had been brought in as captives, 
and, in a very tumultuous way, murdered them, in 
revenge for the death of sjme fishermen." 

These Puritan ideas have greatly relaxed in the 
descerdauts of the primitive stock. But, as the 
sepiilchers of the fathers are garnished by their 
children <-\s an indorsement of their doeds, shall we 
not hope that those who ha' e in this way given 
evidence of their paternity will find some pallia- 
tion for a people who have sinned in the similitude 
of their fathci-a? 

On the 21th of December, at the request of the 
citizens of Mankato of a previous date, Colonel 
Miller, (Ex-Governor Stephen MiUer, whose death 
at Worthinijton, Minn., louk place in August, 
1881 ), iu order to secure tlie pubhc peace, declared 



martial law over all the territory within a circle of 
ten miles of the place of the intended execution. 

On Monday, the 21st, the thirty -nine had been 
removed to apartments separate and distinct from 
the otlier Indians, and the death-warrant was made 
known to them through an interpreter — the Rev. 
Mr. Kiggs, one of the Sioux missionaries. Tlirough 
the interpreter. Colonel Miller addressed the pris- 
oners in substance, as follows: 

" The commanding officer at this place has called 
to speak to you upon a very serious subject this 
afternoon. Your Great Father at Washington, 
after carefully reading what the witnesses have 
ti'stified in your several trials, has come to the con- 
clusion that you have each been guilty of wantonly 
and wickedly murdering his white children; and, 
for tliis reason, he has directed that you each be 
hanged by the neck until you are dead, on next 
Friday, and that order will be can-ied into effect on 
that day at ten o'clock m the forenoon. 

" Good ministers, both Catholic and Protestant, 
are here, from among whom each of you can se- 
lect your spiritual adviser, who will be permitted 
to commune with you constantly during the few 
days that you are yet to live." 

Adjutant Arnold was then instructed to read to 
them in English the letter of President Lincoln, 
which, in substance, stated the number and names 
of those condemned for execution, which letter 
was also read by Rev. S. R. RigRS, in Dakota. 

The Colonel further instructed Mr. Riggs to tell 
them that they had so sinned against their fellow- 
men that there is no hope of clemency except in 
the mercy of God through the merits of the 
Blessed Redeemer, and that he earnestly exhorted 
them to apply to Him as their only remaining 
source of consolation. 

The number condemned was forty, but one died 
before the day fixed for the execution, and one, 
Henry Milord, a half breed, had his sentence com- 
muted to imprisonment for life in the penitentiary; 
so that thirty-eight only were hung. 

On the 16th of Fol)ruary, 1863, the treaties be- 
fore that time existing between the United States 
and these annuity Indians were abrogated and an- 
nulled, and all lands and rights of occupancy 
within the State of Minnesota, and all annuities 
and claims then existing in favor of said Indians 
were declared forfeited to the United States. 

These Indians, in the language of the act, had, 
in the year 1862, "made unprovoked aggression 
and most savage war upon the United States, and 



REMOVAL OF INDIANS. 



255 



massacred a large number of men, women and 
children within the State of Minnesota;" and as 
in this war and massacre they had "destroyed and 
damaged a large amount of property, and thereby 
forfeited all just claims" to their "monies and an- 
nuities to the United States," the act provides that 
"two-thirds of the balance remaining unexpended" 
of their annuities for the fiscal year, not exceeding 
one hundred thousand dollars, and the further sum 
of one hundred thousand dollars, being two-thirds 
of the annuities becoming due, and payable during 
the nest fiscal year, should be appropriated and 
paid over to three commissioners appointed by the 
President, to be by them apjiortioned among the 
heads of famiUes, or their survivors, who uifered 
damage by the depredations of said Indians, or 
the trooj)s of the United States in the war against 
them, not exceeding the sum of two hundred dol- 
lars to any one family, nor more than actual dam- 
age sustained. All claims for damages were re- 
quired, by the act, to be presented at certain 
times, and according to the rules i^rescribed by 
the commissioners, who should hold their first ses- 
sion at St. Peter, in the State of Minnesota, on or 
before the first Monday of April, and make 
and return their finding, and all the papers re- 
lating thereto, on or before the fu-st Monday in 
December, 1863. 

The President appointed for this duty, and 
with the advice and consent of the Senate, the 
Hons. Albert S. White, of the State of Indiana, 
Eli E. Chase, of Wisconsin, and Cyrus Aldrich, of 
Minnesota. 

The duties of this board were so vigorously 
prosecuted, that, by the 1st of November following 
their appointment, some twenty thousand sheets 
of legal cap paper had been consumed in reducing 
to writing the testimony under the law requiring 
the commissioners to report the testimony, in wri- 
ting, and proper decisions made requisite to the 
payment of the two hundred dollars to that class 
of sutferers designated by the act of Congress. 
Such dispatch in Government agents gives abund- 
ant evidence of national vigor and integrity. 

It was, no doubt, the object of this act of Con- 
gress to make such an appropriation as would re- 
lieve the sufferings of those who had lost all pres- 
ent means of support, and for the further purpose 
of ascertaining the whole amount of claims for 
damages as a necessary prerequisite to future leg- 
islation. Eegarded in tlii^ light, the act is one of 
wisdom and economy. 



On the 21st of February following the annulling 
of the treaty with the Sioux above named. Con- 
gress passed "An a-jt for the removal of the Win- 
nebago Indians, and the sale of their reservation 
in Minnesota for their benefit." The money aris- 
ing from the sale of their lands, after paying 
their indebtedness, is to be paid into the treasury 
of the United States, and expended, as the same is 
received, under the direction of the Secretary of 
the Interior, in necessary improvements upon their 
new reservation. The lands in the new reservation 
are to be allotted in severalty, not exceeding eighty 
acres to each head of a family, except to the chiefs, 
to whom larger allottments may be made, to be 
vested by patent in the Indian and his heirs, with- 
out the right of alienation. 

These several acts of the General Government 
moderated to some extent the demand of the jjeo- 
ple for the execution of the condemned Sioux yet 
m the military prison at Mankato awaiting the 
final decision of the President. The removal of 
the Indians from the borders of Minnesota, and 
the ope'ning up for settlement of over a million 
of acres of superior land, was a prospective ben- 
efit to the State of immense value, both in its do- 
mestic quiet and its rapid advancement in material 
wealth. 

In pursuance of the acts of Congress, on the 
22d of April, and for" the purpose of carrying 
them into execution, the condemned Indians were 
first taken from the State, on board the steamboat 
Favorite, carried down the Mississippi, and con- 
fined at Davenport, in the State of Iowa, where 
they remained, with only such privileges as are 
allowed to convicts in the penitentiary. 

On the 4th of May, A. D. 1863, at six o'clock in 
the afternoon, certain others of the Sioux Indians, 
squaws and pappooses, in all about seventeen hun- 
dred, left Fort Snelling, on board the steamboat 
Davenport, for their new reservation on the Upper 
Missouri, above Fort Eandall, accompanied by a 
strong guard of soldiers, and attended by certain 
of the missionaries and employes, the whole bein" 
under the general direction of Superintendent 
Clark W. Thompson. By these two. shipments, 
some two thousand Sioux had been taken from the 
State and removed far from the borders of Minne- 
sota. The expedition of 1863, fitted out against 
the scattered bands of the Sioux yet remaining on 
the borders of the State, or still fui-ther removed 
into the Dakota Territory, gave to the bord-'r set- 
tlements some assurance of protection and security 



25G 



uisronr of tue siuux massacre. 



ngiiiiist miy furtlior ilisturbauco from these partic- 
ular liouels of luJiiiufl. 

DEATU OF IiITTLE CHOW. 

On Friilfty evening, July 3, 1863, Mr. Lampson 
nnd his son Cbauncpy, while traveling along the 
roaJ, about six miles north of Hutchinson, discov- 
ered two Indians in a little prairie opening in the 
woods, interspersed with clumps of bushes and 
vines and a few scattering poplars, picking berries. 
These two Indians were Little Crow and his son 
Wowiuapa. 

STATEMENT BY HIS SON. 

"I am the son of Little Crow; my name is Wo- 
winapa; I am sixteen years old; my father had 
two wives before be took ray mother; the first one 
had one sm, the second one a son and daughter; 
the third wife was my mother. After taking my 
mother be put away the first two; he bad seven 
children by my mother — sis are dead; I am the 
only one living now; the fourth wife had four 
children born; do not know whether any died or 
not; two were boys and three were girls; the fifth 
wife had five children — three of them are dead, 
two arcliWng; the sixth wife bad three cliildren; 
all of thcra are dead; the oldest was a boy, the 
olher two were girls; the last four wives were 
sisters. 

"Father went to St. Joseph last spring. When 
we were coming back he said he could not fight 
the white men, but would go below and steal liorsrs 
from them, and give them to his children, so that 
they could bo comfortable, and then ho would go 
away otf. 

"Father also told me that he was getting old, 
and wanted me to go with him to carry his bun- 
dles. He left his wives and his other children be- 
hind. There were sixteen men nnd one squaw in 
the party that went below with us. We had no 
horses, but walked all the way down to the settle- 
ments. Father .-md I were picking red-berries, 
near Scattered Lake, at the time he was shot. It 
was near night. He was hit the first time in the 
side, just above the hip. His gun and mine were 
lying on the ground. He took up my gun and 
fired it first, nnd then fired his own. He was shot 
the sefond time when he was firing his own gun. 
The ball struck the stock of his guu, and then hit 
him in the side, near the shoulder. This was the 
shot that killed him. He told me that he was 
killed, and asked me for water, which I gave him. 
He died immediately after. When I heard the 



first shot fired I laid down, nnd the man did not 
see me before fatlier was killed. 

"A short time before father was killed an Indian 
named Hiuka, who married the da\ighter of my 
father's second wife, came to him. He had a 
horse with him — also a gray-colored coat that he 
had taken from a man that ho had killed to the 
north of where father was killed. He gave the 
coat to father, telling him he might need it when 
it rained, as he had no coat with him. Hiuka said 
he had a horse now, and was going back to the 
Indian country. 

"The Indians that went down with us separated. 
Eight of them and the squaw went north; the 
other eight went further down. I have not setn 
any of them since. After father was killed I took 
both guns and the ammiinition and started to go 
to Devil's Lake, where I expected to find some of 
my friends. When I got to Beaver creek I saw 
the tracks of two Indians, and at Standing 
Buffalo's village saw where the eight Indians that 
had gone north had crossed. 

"I carried both guns as far as the Sheyenue 
river, where I saw two men. I was scared, and 
threw my gun and the ammunition down. After 
that I traveled only in the night; and, as I had no 
ammunition to kill anything to eat, I had not 
strength enough to travel fast. I went on until I 
arrived near Devil's Lake, when I staid in one place 
three days, being so weak and hungry that I 
could go no hirther. I had pickeil up a cartridge 
near Big Stone Lake, which I still had with me, 
and loaded father's gim with it, cutting the ball 
into slugs. With this charge I shot a wolf, ate 
some of it, which gave me strength to travel, and 
went on up the lake until the day I was captured, 
which was twenty-sis days from the day my 
father was killed." 

Here ends this wonderful episode in our contact 
with the Indian race in Miimesota. It commenced 
with Little Crow, in this instance, and it is proj>er 
that it should end with his inglorious Ufe. With 
the best means for becoming an exponent of In- 
dian civilization on this continent, he has driven 
the missionaries from his people and become a 
standing example of the assertion : "Once an In- 
dian always an Indian." 

Little Crow has indeed given emphasis to tbo 
aphorism of Ferdousi, "For that which is unclean 
1>V nature, thou cnns't entertain n;) hope; no wii.sh- 
ing will make the gypsy white." 



CURONOLOGT. 



257 



CHAPTER XLIV. 



CHEONOLOGT. 



1659. Groselliers (Gro-zay-yay) and Radisson 
visit Minnesota. 

1661. Menard, a Jesuit missionary ascends the 
Mississippi according to Herrot, twelve years be- 
fore Marquette saw this river. 

1665. Allouez, a Jesuit, visited the Minnesota 
shore of Lake Superior. 

1680. Du Luth, in June, the first to travel in a 
canoe from Lake Superior, by way of the St. Orois 
river, to the Mississippi. Descending the Missis- 
sippi, he writes to Siguelay in 1683: "I proceeded 
in a canoe two days and two nights, and the next 
day at 10 o'clock in the morning" found Accault, 
Augelle, and Father Hennepin, with a hunting 
party of Sioux. He writes; "The want of respect 
which they showed to the said Reverend Father 
provoked me, and this I showed them, telling them 
he was my brother, and I had him placed in my 
canoe to come with me into the villages of said 
Nadouecioux." Li September, DuLuth and Hen- 
nepin were at the falls of St. Anthony on their 
way to Mackinaw. 

1683. Perrot and Le Sueur visited Lake Pepin. 
Perrot with twenty men builds a stockade at the 
base of a bluff, upon the east bank, just above the 
entrance of Lake Pepin. 

1688. Perrot re-occupies the post on Lake 
Pepin. 

1689. Perrot, at Green Bay, makes a formal re- 
cord of taking possession of the Sioux country in 
the name of the King of France. 

1693. Le Sueur at the extremity of Lake Su- 
perior. 

1694. Le Sueur buUds a post, on a jjrairie 
island in the Mississippi, about nine miles below 
Hastings. 

1695. Le Sueur brings the first Sioux chiefs 
who visited Canada. 

1700. Le Sueur ascends the Minnesota river. 
Fort L'HuiUier built on a tributary of Blue Earth 
river. 
' 1702. Fort L'HuiUier abandoned. 

1727. Fort Beauharnois, in the fall of this year, 
erected in sight of Maiden's Rock, Lake Pepin, 
by La Perriere du Boucher. 

1728. Verendrye stationed at Lake Nepigon. 
1731. Verendrye's sons reach Rainy Lake. Fort 

St. Pierre erected at Rainy Lake. 
17 



1732. Fort St. Charles erected on the south-west 
corner of Lake of the Woods. 

1734. Fort Maurepas established on "Winnipeg 
river. 

1736. Verendrye's son and others massacred by 
the SioivK on an isle in the Lake of the Woods. 

1738. Fort La Reine on the Red River estab- 
lished. 

1743. Verendye's sons reach the Rocky Moun- 
tains. 

1766. Jonathan Carver, on November 17th, 
reaches the falls of St. Anthonv. 

1794. Sandy Lake occupied by the North- West 
Company. 

1802. William Morrison trades at Leach Lake. 

1804. William Morrison trades at Elk Lake, 
now Itasca. 

1805. Lieutenant Z. M. Pike purchases the site 
since occupied by Fort SneUing. 

1817. Earl of Selkirk passes through Minnesota 
for Lake Winnipeg. Major Stephen H. Long, U. 
S. A., visits Falls of St. Anthony. 

1818. Dakota war party under Black Dog at- 
tack Ojibways on the Porome de Terra river. 

1819. Colonel Leavenworth arrives on the 24th 
of August, with troops at Mendota. 

1820. J. B. Faribault brings up to Mendota, 
horses for Colonel Leavenworth. 

Laidlow, superintendent of farming for Earl Sel- 
kirk, passes from Pembina to Prairie du Chien to 
purchase seed wheat. Upon the 15th of April 
left Prairie du Chien with Mackinaw boats and 
ascended the Minnesota to Big Stone Lake, where 
the boats were placed on rollers and dragged a 
short distance to Lake Traverse, and on the 3d of 
June, reached Pembina. 

On the 5th of May, Colonel Leavenworth estab- 
lished summer quarters at Camp Coldwater, Hen- 
nepin county. 

Li July, Governor Cass, of Michigan, visits the 
camp. 

La August, Colonel SneUing succeeds Leaven- 
worth. 

September 20th, comer-stone laid under com- 
mand of Colonel SneUing. 

Fu'st white marriage in Minnesota, Lieutenant 
Green to daughter of Captain Gooding. 

First white child born in Minnesota, daughter 
of Colonel Snelhng; died foUowing year. 

1821. Fort St. Anthony was sufficiently com- 
pleted to be occupied by troops. 

MiU at St. Anthony Fa Us constructed for the 



258 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



TiBo of Rftrrison, under the Bupervision of Lieuten- 
ant MeCabe. 

182*2. Colonel Dickson attempted to take a drove 
of cattle to Ppmliinn. 

1823. The first steamboat, the Virginia, on May 
10th, arrived at the mouth of the Minnesota river. 

Mill stones for grinding tloursent to St. Anthony 
Falls. 

Major Long, U. S. A., visits the northern bound- 
ary by way of the Minnesota and Bed Kivers. 

Beltrami, the Italian traveler, explores the 
northernmost source of (he Mis.sissippi. 

1824. General Winfield Scott inspects Fort St. 
Anthony and at his suggestion the War Depart- 
ment changed the name to Fort Snelling. 

1825. April otb, steamboat Rufus Putnam 
reaches the fort. May, stcumboat Rufus Putnam 
arrives again and delivers freight at Land's End 
trading post on the Minnesota, about a mile above 
the fort. 

1826. January 26th, first mail in five months 
received at the fort. 

Deep enow during February and March. 
March 20th. Snow from twelve to eighteen 
inches. 

Aprd 5th, snow storm with flashes of lightning. 

April Kith, tliennoiueter four degrees above zero. 

Ajjril 2l8t, ice began to move in the river at the 
fort, and with twenty feet above low water mark. 

May 2d, first steamboat of the season, the Law- 
rence, Captain Reeder, took a pleasure party to 
within three miles of the Falls of St. Anthony. 

1826. Dakotas kill an Ojibway near Fort Snell- 
ing. 

1827. Flat Mouth's party of Ojibways attacked 
at Fort Snelling, and Sioux delivered by Colonel 
Snelling to be killed by Ojibways, and their bodies 
thrown over the l)liitT into the river. 

General Gaines ins]>ects Furt SneUing. 
Troops of the Filth Regiment relieved by those 
of the First. 

1828. Colonel Snelling dies in AVashington. 

1829. Rev. Alvan Coe and J. 1). Stevens, Pres- 
byterian missionaries, visit the Ladians around 
Fort Snelling. 

Major Taliaferro, Lidian agent, establishes a 
farm for the benefit of the Indians at Lake Cal- 
houn, which he called Eatonville, after the secre- 
tary of war. 

Winter, spring and summer very dry. One inch 
was the average monthly fall of rain or snow for 



ten months. Vegetation more backward than it 
had been for ten years. 

1830. August 14th, a sentinel at Fort Snelling. 
just before dayliglit, discovered the Indian coun- 
cil house on fire. Wa-pa-sha's ton-in-law was the 
incendiary. 

Cadotte and a half-breed called "Little Frencli- 
man," killed on the St. Croix by Sioux Indiaus. 

1831. August 17th, an old trader, Rocque, and 
his son arrived at Fort Snelling from Prairie du 
Chien, having been twenty -six days on the jour- 
ney. Under tlie influence of whisky or stupidity, 
they ascended the St. Croix by mistake, iuid were 
lost for fifteen days. 

1832. May 12th, steamboat Versailles arrived at 
Fort Snelling. 

Jime ICth. William Carr arrives from Missouri at 
Fort Snelling, with a drove of cattle and horses. 

Henry R. Schoolcraft explores the sources of 
the Mississippi. 

1833. Rev. W. T. Boutwell establishes a mission 
among the Ojibw.^y8 at Leech Lake. 

E. F. Ely opens a mission-school for Ojibways 
at Aitkin's trailing post, Sandy Lake. 

1834. IMay. Samuel W. and Gideon II. Pond 
arrive at Lake Callioun as missionaries among the 
Sioux. 

November. Henry H. Sibley arrives at Mendo- 
ta as agent of Fur Company. 

1835. May. Rev. T. S. Williamson and J. D. 
Stevens arrive as Sioux missionaries, with Alexan- 
der G. Huggins as lay-assistant. 

June. Presbyterian Chiu-ch at Fort Snelling or- 
ganized. 

July 3lst. A Red River train arrives at Fort 
Snelling with fifty or sixty head of cattle, and 
about twenty-five horses. 

Major J. L. Bean surveys the Sioux and Chip- 
pewa boiuiJary line imder treaty of 1825, as far as 
Otter Tail Lake. 

November. Colonel S. C. Stambaugh arrives; 
is sutler at Fort Snelling. 

183C. May 6th, "Missouri Fulton," first steam- 
boat, arrives at Fort Snelling. 

May 29th, -'Frontier," Captain Harris, arrives. 

June 1st, "Paluiyra" airives. 

July 2d, "Saint Petei-s" arrives with J. N. Ni- 
collet as passenger. 

July 30th, Sacs and Foxes kill twenty -four Win- 
nebagoes on Root river. 

September 7th, first Christian marriage celebra- 
ted at Lac-qui-Parle. 



OHRONOLOGT. 



259 



1837. Rev. Stephen R. Riggsand wife join Lake 
Harriet Mission. 

Eev. A. Bninson and David King establish Ka- 
posia Mission. 

Commissioners Dodge and Smith at Fort Snell- 
ing make a treaty with the Chippewas to cede 
lands east of the Mississippi. 

Franklin Steele and others make claims at falls 
of St. Croix and St. Anthony. 

September 29th, Sioux chiefs at Washington 
sign a treaty. 

November 10th, steamboat "Eolla" arrives at 
Fort Snelling with the Sioux on their return from 
Washington. 

December 12th, Jeremiah Russell and L. W. 
Stratton make the first claim at Marine, in St 
Croix valley. 

1838. April, Hole-in-the-Day and party kill 
thirteen of the Lac qui Parle Sioux. Martin Mc- 
Leod, from Pembina, after twenty-eight days of 
exposure to snow, reaches Lake Traverse. 

May 25, steamboat Burlington arrives at Fort 
Snelling with J. N. Nicollet and J. C. Fremont on 
a scientific expedition. 

June 14th, Maryatt, the British novelist, Frank- 
lin Steele and others rode from the Fort to view 
Falls of St. Anthony. 

July 15th, steamboat Palmyra arrives at Fort 
Snelling with an official notice of the ratification 
of treaty. Men arrive to develop the St. Croix 
valley. 

August 2d, Hole-in-the-Day encamped with a 
party of Chippewas near Fort Snelling, and was 
attacked by Sioux from Mud Lake, and one killed 
and another wounded. 

August 27th, steamboat Ariel arrives with com- 
missioners Pease and Ewing to examine half- 
breed claims. 

September 30th, Steamboat Ariel makes the first 
trip up the St. Croix river. 

October 26th, steamboat Gypsy first to arrive at 
Palls of St. Croix with annuity goods for the 
(.'hippewaS. In passing through Lake St. Croix, 
grounded near the town site laid out by S. C. 
Stambaugh, and called Stambaughville. 

1839. April 14th, first steamboat at Fort Snell- 
ing, the Ariel, Captain Lyons. 

Henry M. Rice arrives at Fort Snelling. 

May 2d, Rev. E. G. Gear, of the Protestant 
Episcopal church, recently appointed chaplain, 
airived at the Fort in the steamboat Gypsy. 

May 12tli, steamboat Fayette arrives on the St. 



Croix, having been at Fort Snelling, with mem- 
bers of Marine MiU Company. 

May 21st, the Glancus, Captain Atchison, ar- 
rives at Fort Snelling. 

June 1st, the Pennsylvania, Captain Stone, ar- 
rives at Fort Snelling. 

June 12th, at Lake Harriet mission, Rev. D. 
Gavin, Swiss missionary among the Sioux at Red 
Wing, was married to Cordelia Stevens, teacher at 
Lake Harriet mission. 

June 25th, steamboat Knickerbocker arrived at 
Fort Snelling. 

June 27th, a train of Red River carts, under Mr. 
Sinclair, with emigrants, who encamped near the 
fort. 

July 2d, Chippewas kill a Sioux of Lake Cal- 
houn band. 

July 3d, Sioux attack Chippewas in ravine 
above Stillwater. 

1840. April, Rev. Lucien Gal tier, of the Roman 
CathoHc church, arrives at Meudota. 

May 6th, squatters removed on military reser- 
vation. 

June 15th, Thomas Simpson, Arctic explorer, 
shoots himself near Turtle river, under aberration 
of mind. 

■ June 17th, four Chippewas kill and scalp a 
Sioux man and woman. 

1841. March 6th, wild geese appeared at the 
Fort. 

March 20th, Mississippi opened. 

April 6th, steamboat Otter, Captain Harris, ar- 
rived. Kaboka, an old chief of Lake Calhoun 
band, killed by Chippewas. 

May 24th, Sioux attack Cliippewas at Lake 
Pokeguma, of Snake river. Methodist mission 
moved from Kaposia to Red Rock, Rev. B. P. 
Kavanaugh, superintendent. 

August, Mission church of uuburnt bricks built 
at Lac qui Parle and surmounted with the first 
church bell. 

November 1st, Father Galtier completes the 
log chapel of St. Paul, which gave the name to 
the capital of Minnesota. Rev. Augustin Ravoux 
arrives. 

1842. July, the Chippewas attack the Kaposia 
Sioux. 

1843. Stillwater laid out. Ayer, Spencer and 
Ely establish a Chippewa mission at Red Lake. 

June 20th, Rev. S. R. Riggs and E. Hopkins 
establish Indian mission at Traverse des Sioux. 
July 15th, Thomas Longley, brother-in-law of 



260 



llWiTUUY UK TUE Ml.SMJUUTA VALLEY. 



Rev. S. R. Riggs, drowned at Traverse des Sioux 
mission stution. 

1844. August, Captnin Allen •with flCty dra- 
goons marches from Fort Des Moines through 
8*»uth-westcru Jlinnosota, and on the 10th of Sep- 
tember reaches the Big Siom river. Sisseton 
war-pnrty killed an American named Watson, 
driving cattle to Fort Snelliug. 

1815. June 25th, Captain Sumner reaches Trav- 
erse des Sioux, and proceeding northward arrested 
three of the murdei ers of W'atson. 

1846. Dr. Williamson, Sioux missionary, moves 
from Lao qui Parle to Kaposia. March 31st, 
steamboat Lynx, Cai)tain Atchison, arrives at Fort 
Suelling. Rev. S. W. Pond establishes Indian 
mission at Shakopee. 

1847. St. Croix county, Wisconsin, organized, 
Stillwater the county seat. Harriet E. Bishop 
establishes a school at St. Paul. Saw-mills begun 
at St. Anthony Falls. Firet framed house in the 
Minnesota valley, above Fort Snelling, er< cted by 
Mr. Pond. Lumber brought from Point Douglas. 

August, Commissioners Verplanck and Henry 
M. Rice make treaties with the Chippcwas at Fond 
du Lac and Leech Lake. The town of St. Paul 
surveyed, platted, and recorded in the St. Croix 
county register of deed's oflSco. 

1848. Henry H. Sibley, delegate to Congress 
from Wisconsin territory. 

May '20th, Wisconsin admitted, leaving Minne- 
sota (with its jiresent boundaries) without a gov- 
ernment. 

August 26th, Stillwater convention held to 
take measures for a separate territorial organiza- 
tion. 

Octolier 30th, H. H. Sibley elected delegate to 
Congress, 

1849. March. Act of Congress creating Min- 
nesota territory. 

April 9th, "Highland Mary," Captain Atchison, 
arrives at St. Pard. 

April 18th, James M. GKjodhne arrives at St. 
Paul with the first newspaper press. 

May 27th, Giovernor Alexander Ramsey arrives 
at Mendota. 

June 1st, Governor Ramsey issues a proclama- 
tion declaring the territory duly organized. 

July, first brick house in Miimesota erected at 
St. Paul by Rev. E. D. NeilL 

August Ist, H. H. Sibley elected delegate to 
Congress for Minnesota. 

First Protestant house of worship in white set- 



tlement, a Presbyterian chapel, comiileted at St. 
Paul. 

September 3d, first Legislature convened. 

November, First Presbyterian Church, St. Paul, 
organized. 

December, first literary address at falls of St. 
Anthony. 

1850. January 1st, Historical Society meeting. 
June 11th, Indian council at Fort Snelling. 
June 11th, steamer "Goveinor Ramsey" makes 

first trip above falls of St. Anthony. 

June 2Gth, the "Anthony Wayne" reaches the 
falls of St. Anthony. 

July 18th, steamboat "Anthony Wayne" ascends 
the Minnesota to the vicinity of Traverse des 
Sioux. 

July 25th, steamboat "Yankee" goes beyond 
Blue Earth river. 

September, H. H. Sibley elected delegate to 
Congrepa. 

October, Fredrika Bremer, Swedish novelist, 
visits Minnesota. 

November, the "Dakotah Friend," a monthly 
paper, appeared. 

December, Colonel D. A. Robertson, establishee 
the "Minnesota Democrat." 

December 26th, first public Thanksgiving day. 

1851. May. "St. Anthony Express" newspaper 
began its career. 

July, treaty concluded with the Sioux r,t Trav- 
erse des Sioux. 

July, Rev. Robert Hopkins, Sioox missionary, 
drowned. 

August, treaty concluded with the Sioux at 
Manknto. 

September lOtb, the "]\Iinncsotian," of St. Paul, 
edited by J. P. Owens, appeared. 

November, Jerome Fuller, Chief Justice in place 
of Aaron Goodrich, arrives. 

December, Smithsonian Institute publishes Da- 
kota Grammar and Lexicon. 

1852. Hennepin county created. 

February 14th, Dr. Rae, Arctic explorter arrives 
at St. Paul with dog train. 

May 14th, land slide at Stillwater. 

August, James M. Goodliue, pioneer editor, 
dies. 

November, Yuhazee, an Indian, convicted of 
murder. 

1853. April 27th, Cbippewas and Sioux fight in 
streets of St. Paul. Governor Willis A. Gorman 
succeeds Governor Ramsey. 



CHRONOLOGT. 



261 



October, Henry M. Kice elected delegate to Con- 
gress. The capitol biuldiug completed. 

1854. March 3d, Presbyterian mission house 
near Lac-qui- Parle burned. 

June 8tb, great excursion from Chicago to St. 
Paul and St. Anthony Falls. 

December 27th, Yuhazee, the Indian, hung at 
St. Paul. 

18.55. January, first bridge over Mississippi 
completed at falls of St. Anthony. 

Church erected near YeUow Medicine; Indians 
contribute two-thirds of its cost. 

October, H. M. Kice re-elected to Congress. 

December 12th, James Stewart arrives in St. 
Paul, direct from Arctic regions, with relics of Sir 
John Franklin. 

1856. Erection of the State University building 
begun. 

1857. Congress passes an act authorizing peo- 
ple of Minnesota to vote for a constitution. 

March. Inkpadulah slaughters settlers in soiith- 
west Minnesota. 

Governor Samuel Medary succeeds Governor W. 
A. Gorman. 

March 5th. Land-grant by Congress for rail- 
ways. 

April 27tb. Special session of Legislature con- 
venes. 

July. On second Monday convention to form a 
constitution assembles at the Capitol. 

October 13th. Election for State officers, and 
ratifying of the constitution. 

H. H. Sibley first Governor under the State con- 
stitution. 

December. On first Wednesday, first State Leg- 
islature assembles. 

Henry M. Rice and James Shields elected United 
States Senators. 

1858. April 15th, people approve act of Legis- 
ture loaning ths public credit for five millions of 
dollars to certain railway companies. 

May 11th. Minnesota becomes one of the United 
States of America. ^ 

June 2d. Adjourned meeting" of the Legislature 
held. 

November. Supreme Court of State orders Gov- 
ernor Sibley to issue railroad bonds. 

December. Governor Sibley declares the bonds 
a failure. 

1859. Normal school law passed. 

June. Burbank & Company place the first 
steamboat on Red River of the North. 



August. Bishop T. L. Grace arrived at St. Paul. 
October 11th, State election; Alexander Ram- 
sey chosen Governor. 

1860. March 23d, Anna Bilanski hung at St. 
Paul for the murder of her husband, the first white 
peison executed in Minnesota. 

August 9th, telegraph line completed to St. 
Paul. 

August 20th, J. B. Faribault died. 

1861. April llth. Governor Ramsey calls uj^on 
President in Washington and ofl'ers a regiment of 
volunteers. 

June 21st, First Jlinnesota Regiment, Colonel 
W. A. Gorman, leaves for Washington. 

June 28th, first railway in Minnesota completed 
from St. Paul to St. Anthony. 

July 21st, First Minnesota in battle of Bull 
Run. 

October 13th, Second Minnesota Infantry, Col- 
onel H. P. Van Cleve, leaves Fort Snelhng. 

November 16th, Third Minnesota Infantry, H. 
C. Lester, goes to seat of war. 

1862. January 19th, Second Minnesota in bat- 
tle at Mill Spring, Kentucky. 

April 6th, Fii'st Minnesota Battery, Captain 
Munch, at Pittsburgh Landing. 

April 21st, Second Minnesota Battery goes to 
seat of war. 

Ajaril 21st, Fourth Minnesota Infantry Volun- 
teers, J. B. Sanborn, leaves Fort Snelling. 

May 13th, Fifth Regiment Volunteers, Colonel 
Borgesrode, leaves for the seat of war. 

May 28th, Second, Fourth and Fifth in battle 
near Corinth, Mississippi. 

May 31st, First Minnesota in battle at Fair 
Oaks, Virginia. 

Jrme 29th, First Minnesota in battle at Savage 
Station. 

June 30th, First Minnesota in battle near Wil- 
lis' Church. 

July 1, First Minnesota in battle at Malvern 
Hill. 

August, Sixth Regiment, Colonel Crooks, or- 
ganized. 

Aiigust, Seventh Regiment, Colonel MUler, or- 
ganized. 

August, Eighth Regiment, Colonel Thomas, or- 
ganized. 

August, Ninth Regiment, Colonel WUkin, or- 
ganized, 

August 18th, Sioux attack whites at Lower 
Sioux Agency. 



2G2 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



August '23, battle of New Ulm. 

August 25, New Ulm evncuntcJ. 

Scpt«>ml)or 23J, Colonel Sibley defeats Sioux at 
Wood Ijiiko. 

December 2Gtli, thirty-eight Sioux executed on 
the same tjcnffuld nt Maukato. 

18G3. Jau'y, Alexander Ramsey elected United 
States Seuiitor. 

May 14th, Fourth and Fifth Regiments in battle 
near Jackson, Mississippi. 

■Tulv 2d, First Minaesota Infantry in battle at 
Oettysburgh, Pennsylvania. 

.Tuly 3d, Tah-o-yah-tay-doo-tah, or "Little 
Crow," killed near Hutchinson. 

September 19th, Second Minnesota Infantry 
engaged at Cbickaniauga, Tennessee. 

November 23d, Second Minnesota Infantry en- 
gaged at Mission Ridge. 

1864. January, Colonel Stephen Miller inau- 
giunted (iovernor of Minnesota. 

March 30th, Third Minnesota Infantry engaged 
at Fitzhugh's Woods. 

June 6th, Fifth Minnesota Infantry engaged at 
Lake Chicot, Arkansas. 

July 13th, Seventh, Ninth and Tenth, with 
portion of Fifth Minnesota Infantry engaged at 
Tupelo, Mississippi. 

July 14th, Colonel Alex. Wilkin, of the Ninth, 

killed. 

October 1.5th, Fourth l^giment engaged near 

Altoona, Georgia. 

December 7th, Eighth Regiment engaged near 
Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 

Fifth, Seventh, Ninth and Tenth Regiments at 
Nashville, Tennessee. 

1865. January 10th, Daniel S. Norton elected 
United States Senator. 

April 9th, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Ninth and 
Tenth at the siege of Mobile. 

November 10th, Shakpedan, Sionx chief, and 
Medicine Bottle executed at Fort Snelling. 

1866. January 8th, Colonel William R. Mar- 
shall inaugurated Governor of Minnesota. 

1867. Preparatory department of the State Uni- 
versity opened. 

18G8. January, Grovernor Marshall enters upon 
second term. 

January Ist, Minnesota State Reform School 
opened for inmates. 

1869. Bill passed by legislature, removing seat 
of government to spot near Big Kandiyohi Lake 
— vetoed by Governor Marshall. 



1870. January 7th, Horace Austin inaugurated 
as governor. 

1871. January, William Windom elected United 
States Senator. In the fall destructive fires ocea- 
eioned by high winds, swept over fri>ntier counties. 

1872. January, Governor Austin enters upon u 
second term. 

1873. January 7th, 8th and 9th, polar wave 
sweeps over the State, seventy persons perishing. 

May 22d, Senate of Minnesota convicts State 
treasurer for corruption in office. 

Septemlier, grasshopper raid began and contin- 
ued five seasons. Jay Cooke failure occusionii a 
financial panic. 

1874. January 9th, Cnshman K. Davis in- 
augurated Governor. William S. King elecU^d to 
Congre.ss. 

1875. February 19th, S. J. R. McMillan elected 
United States Senator. 

November, amendment to State constitution, 
allowing any woman twenty-one years of age to 
vote for school officers, and to be eligible for 
school offices. Rocky IMountain locusts destroy 
crops in south-western Minnesota. 

1878. January 6th, Jolm S. Pillsbury inaugur- 
ated Governor, 

January 12th, State Forestry association or- 
ganized. 

Sejjtember 6th, outlaws from Missouri kill the 
cashier of the NorthfieM Bank. 

1877. November, State constitution amended 
forbidding pubhc moneys to be used for the sup- 
port of schools wherein the distinctive creeds or 
tracts of any jiarticular Christian or other relig- 
ious sect are taught. J. H. Stewart, M.D., elected 
to Congress. Biennial sessions of the legislature 
adopted. 

1878. January, Governor Pillsbury enters upou 
a second term. 

May 2d, explosion in the Washburn and other 
flour mills at Minneapolis. One hundred and fifty 
thousand dollars aiipropriated to piirchaso seed 
grain for destitute settlers. 

1880. November 15th, a portion of the Insane 
Asylum at St. Peter was destroyed by lire, and 
twenty-seven inmates lost their lives. 

1881. March Ist, capitol at St. Paul destroyed 
by fire. 

Extra session of the legislature for the passage 
of the bill adjusting State railroad l)0uds. 

November, Lucius F. Hubbard elected (irovernor. 



RAJISEr COUNTY. 



263 



HISTORY 



OF THE 



MINISTESOTA VALLEY. 



RAMSEY COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XLV. 

COTWrr CBBATED BOUNDARIES — PIONEERS BIO- 
GRAPHIES OP EARLY SETTLERS. 

Ramsey county was created by act of territorial 
legislature, approved October 27th, 1849, mth 
boundaries including several times its present area, 
being aU the present county of Ramsey lying east 
of the Mississippi and all of the present counties 
of Anoka, Isanti and Kanabec, as well as a por- 
tion of the counties of Washington, Pine, Carlton, 
Aitkin, Mdle Lacs and Hennepin. St. Anthony 
was in Ramsey county when it received its first 
city charter in 1855. From time to time, largely 
for speculative reasons, the area of Ramsey county 
has been reduced, until from a large county in the 
territory, it has become the smallest in the state, 
and now contains about one hundred and sixty- 
nine square mdes, being less than one third the 
area of Hennepin. 

The passage of the bill creating the territory of 
Minnesota was due to the persevering labors of 
Hon. H. H. Sibley, who had been elected repre- 
sentative to the national congress from the frac- 
tional territory left between the St. Croix and the 
Mississippi rivers, after the admission of Wiscon- 
sin as a state, with boundaries contracted from 
those of the territory of the same name. 

While fulfilling his trust to his constituents, it is 
worthy of mention that General Sibley neglected 
to take advantage of the opportunity offered him 
of benefitting himself, by permitting Mendota to 
remain in the bill as capital, as originally pro- 



posed by Hon. Stephen A. Douglas. The bill mak- 
ing St. Paul the capital, passed the senate, but 
met considerable opposition in the house, which 
was finally overcome, and received the executive 
approval March 3d, 1849. 

It is estimated that at this time the entire ter- 
ritory could not have contained a j^opnlation of 
more than one thousand whites. The census 
taken four months later, when many immigrants 
had arrived, showed a total of but four thousand 
six hundred and eighty, of which three hundred 
and seventeen were connected with the army, 
and a large percentage of the remainder were of 
mixed blood. 

The entire territory west of the Mississippi 
was stiU unceded by the Indians, save such smaU 
tracts as had been secured for military purposes. 
Steamers on the river north of Prairie du Chien 
had no regular landing place except to wood up_ 
Mr. James M. Goodhue, founder of the Minnesota 
Pioneer, states that in April of this year there were 
but thirty buildings in St. Paul. 

E. S. Seymour, author of " Sketches of Minne- 
sota, the New England of the West," landed in St. 
Paxil the 17th of May. He says: 

"The townsite is a pretty one, affording ample 
room for stores o'r dwellings, to any extent desira- 
ble. I could not but regret, however, that where 
land is so cheap and abundant, some of the streets 
are narrow, and that the land on the edge of the 
high blufi", in the center of the town was not left 
open to the public, instead of being cut up into 
small lots. It would have made a pleasant place 
for promenading, affording a fine view of the river 
which is now liable to be intercepted by baOdings 



2H 



UISTOllT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



erected on these lots." At a later date of this year 
the same writer says: 

"On the 13th of June I coiintod all the build- 
ings of tlio place, the number of wliich, including 
Bbnnties and those in every state of j)rogress from 
the foundation wall to completion, was one hun- 
dred and forty-two, of the above, all, except about 
a dozen, were probably less than six montlis old. 
They included three hotels, one of whicli is very 
large, and is now open to the accommodation of 
travelers; a state house, four warehouses, ten 
stores; seven groceries, three boarding houses, two 
printing offices, two drug stores, one fruit and to- 
bacco store, one or two blacksmith shops, one 
wagon shop, one tm shop, one or two bakery shops, 
one furnittire room, a billiard and bowling saloon, 
one sehool-house, in which a school of about forty 
children is kept by a young lady, and where di- 
vine services are performed every Sabbath by a 
minister of the Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian 
or Baptist persuasion. There is also a Catholic 
church, where meetings are held every alternate 
Sabbath. At the time mentioned above there were 
twelve attorneys at law, six of whom were practic- 
ing, five physicians, and a large number of me- 
chanics of various kinds. There was not a brick 
or stone building in the place. There are, how- 
ever, good stone quarries in the vicinity, and- clay 
near the town, where persons are employed in 
making brick." 

The territorial census, which was taken this year 
showed that the St. Paul precinct contained 540 
males and 300 females, a total of 810. 

The election of councillors, representatives and 
delegates was on August 2d. Wm. H. Forbes and 
James McC. Boal were elected to the council, and 
Benjamin W. Branson, Henry Jaelison, Dr. John 
Dewey and Parsons K. Johnson, were elected 
from the St. Paul precinct. Captain John Rollins 
■was elec'ed to the council by the Falls of St. An- 
thony precinct and the Little Canada settlement. 
William R. Marshall and William Dugas were 
elected delegates to the bouse. 

The session of the first territorial legislature was 
held in "The Central House," on the corner of what 
is now Minnesota and Bench streets. 

During the session the first struggle took place 
for the permanent location of the capital, which 
was not fully determined until the following year, 
"when a compromise weis effected by which the 
Capital was to be at St Paul, the State Univer- 



sity at St. Anthony and the Penitentiary at Still- 
water." 

The legislature was in session sixty days and 
adjourned November 3, 1849. 

By act of the legislature, approved October 
27th, Ramsey county was created, with boundaries 
heretofore given. On the adjoummout of the legis- 
lature Gov. Ramsey appointed county officers to 
hold their positions until the first of January fol- 
lowing. The formal election of county oliicers 
was held on November 2Cth. 

The first term of court was held April 28th, 
1850, with forty-nine cases on the calendar. Chief 
Justice Goodrich presiding. There were thirteen 
indictments, mostly amongst gambling house 
keepers. As there was no jail, piisoners were sent 
to Fort Snelling for safe keeping. 

The federal census of this year showed that 
Ramsey county had 1,337 males and 8G0 females 
—a total of 2,197. Number of dwellings, 834. 
Number of acres improved, 458. Number of 
families, 257. It should be borne in mind that at 
that time Ramsey county included nearly all of 
Minnesota on the east of the Mississippi, except 
the St. Croix valley. 

Vetal Giierin gave the county a block for coun- 
ty h\iildings. On January IGth the county com- 
missioners advertised for plans for a court house 
and jail. Dr. David Day furnished the most 
acceptable plan for a court house, for which he 
was paid ten dollars. To raise money for the 
erection of county buildings, bonds were issued to 
the amount of five thousand dollars, drawing ten 
per cent, interest, and this sum covered the entire 
cost of the old court house, except that a trifling 
additional compensation was allowed for "wind- 
ing stairs." At no time since could the building 
have been erected for that sum. 

A Mr. Taylor, who purchased Franklin Steele's 
interest in the St. Anthony Water-power Com- 
pany, said he could negotiate the court house 
bonds in Boston. They were accordingly dra^vn 
up, and signed by Benjamin Gervais, Louis 
Roberts, and R. P. Russell, the two former making 
their marks. These bonds were offered in the 
Boston market, but the good people would not 
purchase bonds thus signed. They were accord- 
ingly returned, by some means duly .signed (of 
course by proxy), and Mr. Russi-ll paid the 
money for them. The court house was com- 
menced in November of this year, and was com- 
pleted the year following. 



BAMSET COUNTY. 



265 



Several months after, the building of the jail 
was commenced, and was the first prison erected 
in Minnesota. It was built of logs, weather 
boarded, and stood till 1857. 

From about the 1st of April, 1850, the Missis- 
sippi began to rise, and on the 13th, the lower 
floor of a warehouse, then occupied by William 
Constans, at the foot of Jackson street, was sub- 
merged. For a purse of $200, the steamboat 
Authony Wayne passed above Fort Snelling to 
the Falls of St. Anthony, having Governor Ram- 
sey and others on board. 

The great event of 1851 was the treaty with the 
the Dakotahs, whereby they sold their birthright, 
and were to be henceforth intruders when on their 
native soil. Up to 1851, 2 and 3, their dead 
might be seen on platforms in West St. Paul, and 
settlers there found the near presence of the In- 
dian dead so offensive, that complaint was made 
to Governor Gorman, who ordered their removal. 

We now approach some of the most stirring 
events connected with the history of Eamsey 
county. 

The military reservation of Fort Snelling includ- 
ed the present town of Reserve and a part of the 
present city of St. Paul. Settlers had made homes 
on the reservation from time to time until 1853, 
when all the lauds of the reserve, east of the Mis- 
sissippi were taken by claimants, though without 
the sanction of law. In anticipation of the offer- 
ing of these lands for sale, a Claim Association 
was organized for the purpose of mutual protec- 
tion. Henry M. Rice was elected the first presi- 
dent, and William S. Combs, secretary of the As- 
sociation, which held a meeting in the oj^en air, 
on the grass, about where the Chicago, St. Paul, 
Minneapolis & Omaha machine shops are. 

The claims of the settlers frequently over- 
lapped, and the first business of the association 
was to settle these claims among themselves, and 
then to present a united front against any new 
comer who might attempt to get possession of the 
lands by jumping claims, buying of the govern- 
ment, or otherwise. 

On July 1st, 1854, the association held a meet- 
ing, in anticipation of the sale of the lands which 
was to occur on the 11th of September following. 
Mr. Rice in the mean time having taken his seat 
in congress as a delegate from the territory of 
Minnesota. 

It should be stated that at that time the gov- 
ernment required all public lands, when offered 



for sale, to be put up at auction and sold to the 
highest bidder, though at a price not less than 
$1.25 per acre. 

At the meeting before referred to, a series of 
nine resolutions were adopted, a few of which we 
give with their numbers. 

3. "Resolved that we repair to the land sale 
en masse, to protect our homes from the bids of 
wealthy and sordid speculators, the homes and 
improvements which have cost so many of us long 
years of toil and labor, and the expenditure of all 
our means, the homes which shelter our wives and 
little ones, the homes doubly endeared to us by 
the privations, cares and anxieties which we have 
all experienced in their security, the only spot in 
fact that we can jtistly call our home, upon the 
fairest portion of God's footstool, and which 
we will protect from the ruthless hands of those 
who would eagerly tear them from our posses- 
sion." 

7. "Resolved that our brethren of Minneapolis 
and Brownsville land district be respectfully and 
cordially invited to be with us at Stillwater on 
the 11th day of September next, and that we do 
pledge ourselves to return the favor at their re- 
spective "land sales" on the 18th of September 
next." 

9. "Resolved that a copy of these resolutions 
be sent to every editor in the territory, and that 
they be respectfully requested to give publicity to 
the same." 

The resolutions were signed by WiUiam Noot, 
president, and J. D. Williams, secretary, and were 
published in the papers of the territory, thereby 
giving due and public notice, that no competition 
in the purchase of the lands of the reservation 
would be allowed. 

Wm. R. Marshall was appointed to bid off the 
lands on the day of sale, in trust for the claimants. 

On the day appointed for the sale, according to 
the Daily Democrat, a thousand people were on 
the ground at Stillwater, ready to act decisively, 
had occasion required. The claimants dressed in 
red shirts, all armed, and having clubs in their 
hands, were arranged in a circle so large as almost 
to prevent outsiders from being heard, even if dis- 
posed to bid. One outsider only made an attempt 
to bid, and he was soon disposed of. The sale 
commenced at 9 a. m., and was finished in three- 
quarters of an hour. The remainder of the day 
was consumed in making out the papers for the 
purchasers, who were congratulated on being re- 



2G6 



uiaTour OF tue Mis^iEsorA valley. 



IciiscJ fnim their long suspense, nml petting lands 
BO valuable to them iiiul the territory, »t the gov- 
ernment price of $1.25 jwr acre, "without disturb- 
ance or violence of any kind." 

The first real Bettleraent was in 1838, by 
Pierre Parrant. familiarly kno\vji as "Pig's Eye," 
Abraham Perry, Beujamiii Ciervais, Pierre Gervais, 
Edward Phelau. John Hays, and William Evans. 
The first settler was the notorious whisky dealer, 
Pierre Parrant, who had been ordered "not to en- 
ter the Indian country in any capacity." At 
"Fountain Cave," in upper town, in 1838, he 
ore<-ted a hovel for tlio sale of liquor, and it was in 
all respects an infamous den. In the fall of the 
same year, he borrowed ninety dollars of William 
Beaumette, of Mendota, to secure which he gave 
a judgment note. On this note Parrant lost his 
claim. 

After losing his place at the Cave, Parrant "se- 
lected a tract just east of Sergeant Hay's claim, 
fronting on the river, extending from Minnesota 
street to Jackson street, approximately, and thence 
back to the bluff." On Bench street, near the 
foot of Eobert, he erected his saloon, which he oc- 
cupied about one year. 

Parrant was blind in one eye, and from his al- 
leged resemblance to a pig, he was nicknamed 
"Pig's Eye," a name which was subsequently at- 
tached to the locality of his residence, and at a 
later period when he moved to a point on the bot- 
tom lands on the east side of the river, about 
three miles below his former residence on Bench 
street, then that place in time became known by 
the same name. In 1840, Parrant sold his claim 
in St. Paul to Benjamin Gervais for ten dollars. 
He undoubtedly little dreamed that it would ulti- 
mately be worth millions. It would appear that 
Parrant and Perry made their claims almost sim- 
ultaneously. They were also contiguous. 

Abraham Perry was a Swiss watchmaker, who 
had come from the Red Kiver colony and had set- 
tled at Fort SneUing in 1827, from which he, in 
common with other settlers, was driven off, by 
order of the government, in 1838. The Gervais 
brothers were also refugees from the Red Kiver 
country. Phelan, Hays and Evans, natives of Ire- 
land, had been recently discharged from the Fifth 
regiment, then stationed at Fort Snelling. Very 
little is known of Evans, but Phelan, a man of re- 
markable physique, boastful and unscrupulous in 
all his ways, left behind him a memory for turbu- 
lent acta. Sergeant John Hays, on the contrary. 



was a gentlemanly, frugal, honest man, and was 
respected by everybody; Vetal Guerin subse- 
quently succeeded to tlie Hays claim. Towards 
the close of 1838, a man by the name of Johnson, 
whose advent created much curiosity and com- 
ment, owing to the fact that he was dressed neatly 
and well, and appeared to have been accustomed 
to better society and living than is usually to 
be obtained on the frontier, arrived and put up a 
cabin on ground near the site of the present gas 
works. His stay tliere was brief on account of the 
hostile feeling displayed towards him owing to his 
unknown origin. He left the region entirely, tak- 
ing with him his wife and child, selling his claim 
before his departure to James R. Clowott. Tliis 
was the first claim made in lower town. About 
the year 1810. Norman W. Kittson bought this 
claim from Clewett for the sum of S150, and it 
subsequently became known as Kittson's addition. 

The first marriage, birth and death among the 
settlers, each occurred in the year 1839. On Sep- 
tember 4th, Benjamin Gervais, youngest son of 
Basil Gervais, was born, lie having the distinction 
of being the first white child born on the land, 
now part of St. Paul, then but a wildeniess, there 
not being even a post-oflSce in existence. The first 
Christian marriage also took place in this year, on 
April 4th, it being that of J. E. Clewett to Rose 
Perry, and was solemnized by Rev. J. W. Pope, 
who was the Methodist missionary at Kaposia. 

The first recorded death of a white man here, 
sad to relate, was that of the murdered John 
Hays, for even in those early days, when lands 
were so plenty, and settlers so few, murder was in 
the land. 

On January 26th, 1841, Vetal Gaerin was mar- 
ried to Adele Perry, who liecame a bride at the 
age of fourteen years. She was the daughter of 
Abraham Perry, and about two months after 
marriage commenced house-keeping with her 
husband, on the ground where IngersoU's store 
now stands, a part of the Hays claim. As an il- 
lustration of the then primitive state of affairs 
here, it may be stated that their house was about 
sixteen feet by twenty, built of logs, cut from 
trees near by, and hod a chimney of clay. Their 
bridal couch was made of boards. They had no 
sheets, and their spread was a red blanket. Their 
table was Guerin's chest, and their chairs were 
three-legged stools. Though they ultimately be- 
came rich and worth over a milUon dollars, yet 
such was their humble begimiing. 



liAMSEY COUNTY. 



267 



In the same year, through the iustrumentality 
of the Kev. Lueian Galtier, a Catholic Chapel was 
erected and dedicated to the honor of St. Paul. 
This event gave to the site a name which has 
since remained. This was the first church edifice 
of any kind in this region with the exception of 
that built in 1841, at Lac-qiii-Parle, by Dr. Wil- 
liamson and Eev. S. K. Biggs, the Presbyterian 
missionaries at that point. 

In this year also, two brothers, who afterwards 
occupied a prominent position in the afl'airs of the 
district, first arrived and became residents. They 
■were Pierre and Severe Bottineau. From Benja- 
min Gervais they obtained, by purchase, a small 
tract of land on what was subsequently known as 
Baptist hill. 

On June 9th, 1842, Henry Jackson, from whom 
Jackson street is named, landed in St. Paul and 
soon after purchased a small tract of land in the 
block now bounded by Jackson, Robert, Bench 
and Third streets, where he built a cabin and open- 
ed a stock of goods suitable for the Indian trade, 
and buUt up a prosperous business. In the fol- 
lowing year he became justice of the peace, the 
first to serve in that capacity in St. Paul. In 1846 
he became its first postmaster. 

Sergeant Eichard W. Mortimer also settled in 
St. Paul this year, and purchased of Joseph Rondo 
eighty acres of his claim, fronting on the river 
and bounded on the east by St. Peter street, and 
on the west by Washington street. He built a 
good log house and is said to have died of deliri- 
um tremens in January, 1843. 

Stanislaus Bilanski settled in St. Paul this year, 
and purchased a claim and cabin between Phe- 
lan's creek and Trout brook, near the present St. 
Paul and Duluth railroad shops, where he lived 
several years. In 1859 he was poisoned by his 
fourth wife — he having another wife then living. 

In 1843, John R. Irvine purchased of Joseph 
Rondo the balance of the Phelan claim for $300. 
There was an excellent log house on the property, 
located about where the north-west corner of Third 
and Franklin streets now is, which was occupied by 
Mr. Irvine for several years. 

This year, Norman W. Kittson purchased 
Clewett's claim, and the latter purchased Labris- 
nier's claim. 

The new settlers for the year were — 
John R. Irvine, Antoine Pepin, Ansel B. Coy, 
Alex. Mege, James- W. Simpson, David Thomas 
Sloan, William Hartshorn, Jo. Desmarais, A. L. 



Larpenteur, S. Cowden, jr. (or Carden), Ales. R. 
McLeod, Charles Reed, Christopher C. Blanch- 
ard, Louis Larriveer, Scott Campbell, Xavier 
Delonais, Alexis Cloutier, Joseph Gobin, Francis 
Moret. 

During the winter of 1853 and 4, snow fell to 
an unusual depth, and the weather was extremely 
severe. 

Parrant sold his claim on the lower levee, made 
subsequent to the sale of his cabin and land to 
Gervais, to Louis Eobair or Robert, and took his 
fame, trade, name and carcass to what is now 
known as "Pig's Eye." 

In May of this year, Father Galtier was trans- 
ferred to another field of labor, and thereafter 
Fatlier Ravoux officiated in St. Paul and Mendota, 
spending one Sunday in the former to two in 
Mendota. 

In 1849 the Catholics still continuing to increase 
Father Ravoux "determined upon spending two 
Sundays in St. Paul and the third one in Men- 
dota." At Mendota he preached in both the 
French and English languages, but he says, it was 
not till 1848 or 1849, that "we had in our congre- 
gation" at St. Paul, "some members who did not 
understand French." 

The settlers of this year were Louis Robert, 
Thomas McCoy, Charles Bazille, Jo.seph Hall and 
William Dugas. 

In the beginning of the year 1845 it is estima- 
ted that there were about thirty families living in 
or near St. Paul besides a floating population of 
laborers, mechanics, trappers and adventurers. 
The larger portion of the inhabitants were Cana- 
dian French, refugees from the Selkirk settle- 
ment in the Red River valley and their descend- 
ants. 

There were three, or not more than four, purely 
American families in the settlement. Most of 
the French were intermarried with the Indians, 
and not more than half the families in the place 
were white, and English was spoken by but few. 
1846 — St. Paul had now become quite a point 
on the river, and during the season of navigation, 
steamboats landed here with some regularity. But 
there was no hotel here, and strangers who landed 
were usually entertained by Henry Jackson with- 
out charge. His hospitality was a distinguishing 
trait, and he kept a tavern without making a 
bill. He was a justice of the peace, a merchant, 
and a saloon-keeper. Being well liked, his place 
became one of popular resort, and the mail for set- 



268 



lIISTOliT OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



tiers wius left with Lira by nearly every boat that 
landed, because there seemed to be no one else to 
receive it. He kept the letters piled up on a shelf 
and when any one called for mail the pile was 
thrown down and the expectant liolped himself to 
Buch as he wanted 

It was evident that a post-oflioe was needed here 
and a petition was accordingly forwarded to the 
post-titKoe department at Washington, favorably 
considered, and on April 7, 184G, a commission was 
issued to Henry Jackson. It does not appear 
that he had a competitor for either the honor or 
emoluments of the ollico. But the salary then was 
not a perquisite of Si, 000 per annum, with an ele- 
gant office for the lucky recipient. 

Mr. Jackson constructed a rude case about two 
feet square, containing sixteen pigeon-holes, la- 
belled with initial letters, which, rude as it was, 
answered the purpose for some years. Fortu- 
nately it is still preserved by the Historical So- 
ciety, and on looking at it one can but be im- 
pressed with the changes thirty-five j'ears have 
wrought. This was the first post-office establish- 
ed in Ramsey county. 

David Faribault, had one hundred and forty feet 
fronting on third street, next to Jackson, and ex- 
tending through to Fourth street. The south 
half oC this claim, and seventeen and a half dol- 
lars he gave A. L. Larpenteur for a horse valued 
at 880. Referring to the subject, in a recent in- 
terview, Mr Larpenteur said "Faribault would un. 
doubtedly have given the entire one hundi-ed and 
forty feet for the horse, and callfcd it an even trade, 
but I was poor, seventeen and a half dollars was 
an object, and he ^did not wani so much land.' " 

During the same year Mr. Larpenteur built on 
this projjerty what he believes to have been the 
first frame residence in St. Paul. It was subse- 
quently enlarged and became the Wild Hunter ho- 
tel, now standing in its original position on Jack- 
son street. The lumber was purchased at Still- 
water for ten dollars per thousand and brought to 
St. Paul by boat at a cost of three dollars per 
thousand. Mr. Larpenteur built a store, made 
some further improvements on the property and 
before the war was offered $75,000 for it. In 1864 
he sold the property for S2G,500. It is now worth 
over 8150,000. 

The settlen of this year were: James M. Boal, 
Thomas S. Odell, Wm. H. Randall, Harley D. 
White, Wra. Randall, Jr., Joel D. Cruttenden. 



E. West, Louis Denoyer, David Fai-ibault, Joseph 
Montour, Charles Rouleau. 

1847 — The new settlers of this year were: Wil- 
liam Henry Forbes, John Banfil, J. W. Bass, 
Fred. Oliver, Benjamin W. Bninson, Wm. C. 
Renfro, Daniel Hopkins, Sr., Parsons K. John- 
son, Miss Harriot E. Bishop, 0. P. V. Lull, Aaron 
Foster, G. A. Fonmier, S. P. Folsom. 

As St. Paul is substantially all of Ramsey 
county except iu the insignificant item of area, we 
confine ourselves almost wholly to St. Paul in 
writing the history of the county. In the devel- 
opment of the principal town in almost any region 
of country can be found a sufBcient indication of 
what the growth of the surroundmg country must 
be. We can trace the advance of the material in- 
terests at this, the head of navigation of the Father 
of Waters, from the hut of a mean whisky dealer 
on the bank of the river, by gradual steps at first, 
and more rapid strides after a little, through the 
successive stages of shanties and log huts, a ham- 
let with a few houses, up to a city of nearly fifty 
thousand, all in a marvclously short space of time. 

Governor Ramsey's description of St. Paul in 
1849, when he was appointed Governor, found 
in his message to the legislature in 1853, shows it 
to have been a little village of a dozen frame 
houses, not all completed, and some eight or ten 
smaU log buildings, with bark roofs. Such was 
then the capital of Minnesota. The steamer which 
brought the first Governor up when he first came 
to assume the gubernatorial chair did not have a 
pound of freight for St. Paul, but before the .sea- 
son of navigation had closed over one hundred 
boats had arrived, each with merchandise, and at 
the close of the year the business transactions of 
the storekeepers amounted to a total value of 
$131,000. Next season the number of boats that 
arrived was one hundred and ninety-four. 

In 1850 the population was 1,083; in 1855, ac- 
cording to the census at this time, St. Paul pos- 
sessed a population of 4,716. The years of 1856 
and 1857 brought to St. Paul scenes of extrava- 
gant speculation and financial ruin similar to those 
that characterized the whole country. 

The census taken in 1857 in accordance with 
the provisions of the enabling act, showed the 
population of the territory to be 150,037, of which 
Ramsey county contained 12,747 and St. Paul 
9,973; St. Paul in 1860 had 10,401. The popu- 
lation of the city, accortling to the census taken in 
the Bumiuer of 1865, was 12,976; in 1870 it was 



RAMSEY COUNTY. 



209 



20,030; in 1875 it had risen to 33,178, and in 

1880, acaording to the federal census, to 41,750. 
The only event yet to be mentioned is the burn- 
ing of the capitol, which took place March 1st, 

1881. The alarm was sounded, from box 15, at 
ten minutes after 9 in the evening. The flames 
made such rapid headway, that in ten minutes 
after the fire was discovered, the flames were 
above the flag-staff. Both houses were in session 
when the alarm was given. Members rushed to 
the doors of their respective cliambers, only to be 
met by biUows of flame that drove them back. 
They had recourse to the windows, and were res- 
cued by ladders. In less than twenty minutes 
from the time the fii-e reached the cupola, the roof 
fell. The origin of the fire has ever since been 
wrajjped in mystery ; some declare it to have been 
the work of an incendiary, to save the prospective 
passage of the bond bill. Every effort was made 
to save the records, which met with mucli success. 
The Historical society, which had rooms in the 
basement, had the most of its books saved, to the 
extent of 10,000 bound, and 13,000 unbound vol- 
umes. Mr. WUliams, however, lost his private 
library, which was a valuable one. The St. Paul 
Academy of Science was also a heavy loser. For- 
tunately, all the valuables of the secretary and 
treasurer were locked in the vaults. The building 
was entirely destroyed, and there was no in- 
surance. 

As soon as the alarm was sounded Mayor Daw- 
son had the city market warmed and lighted, and 
tendered it for the use of the legislature, and 
there the next morning it accordingly assembled, 
and it has since continued to serve as the capitol. 
Action was soon taken to secure the erection of a 
new structure, which is now being pushed for- 
ward so as to be ready tor occupancy as soon as 
possible. 

With the past two decades as an index, and the 
evidences of prosperity and vitality that strike the 
eye at every point, it is evident that within a 
startlingly short period the figures will be 
doubled. It is a magnificent, an imperial future 
that awaits the unfolding of time. The rapid de- 
velopment of the state, and the marvelous growth 
of its agricultural interest, the interest that more 
than aught else affords the surest foundation for 
material prosperity, are influences that are operat- 
ing with signal force upon St. Paul. It is the 
focus of the railroad system of the great North- 
west, and this, added to the continuous growth of 



immigration, necessarily furnishes a powerful im- 
pulse to commercial growth. Its situation at the 
bead of navigation was the primal cause of its 
great trade, and this union by river and rail tran- 
sit will always inrfre to its benefit as giving it low 
rates of transportation. Minneapolis owes its 
chief importance to its manutactiires, and these, 
on account of its possessi(m of unrivalled water 
power, will always grow in magnitude and 
increase in numbers. St. Paul, on the contrary, 
will always owe its pre-eminence to mercantile 
rather than industrial causes. Already of vast 
importance and extent, its trade is but in its in- 
fancy, and the ascendancy already gained in this 
realm will always be maintained and give it per- 
manent prominence as the great entrepot of the 
North-west. 

Unlike most trade centers the situation of St. 
Paul is one of great natural beauty, offering many 
attractions to the tourist, many thousands of whom 
annually arrive. The approach by the winding 
river which sweeps past the white sandstone bluffs, 
from which its Indian name of Immi-ja-ska is de- 
rived, is one aflbrding gratification to all lovers of 
scenery. Within easy distance are a number of 
beautiful lakes, chief of which are lakes Oomo, 
Elmo, Phalen, and White Bear, while the walks to 
the heights afford views of extreme loveliness. 
The pleasures of its suburban drives, views and 
resorts, could be greatly enhanced with small out- 
lay of capital. A piece of exquisite rural beauty 
is the city park, on the shores of Lake Como, con- 
taining two hundred and sixty acres of land, pos- 
sessing a natural adaptation for its purpose rarely 
to be met with. At present the chief energies of 
the citizens are turned to more utiharian ends, to 
the erection of huge bTisiness blocks, the construc- 
tion and paving of city streets, the opening of 
sewers, and other objects of more direct practical 
value made pressingly necessary by the great 
growth of the city. But when this pressure shall 
be partly lifted, the increase of population and 
wealth will result in improvements for merely es- 
thetic purposes, and St. Paul wiU then become one 
of the most beautiful residence cities in the world. 
The natural advantages she offers wiU be utilized 
to their highest, and the enjoyment that comes 
from the contemplation of the beautiful having a 
reflex influence on the minds of the people will 
manifest itself in many ways to the advantage of 
the community at large. Architecturally consid- 
ered, the city already presents a good appearance 



270 



HISTOUY OF TUK MIXSKSOTA VALLEY. 



t<> th" stranger, ami wlien tho nutnorouB immense 
buildings now iu ooiirHe of construction in the dis- 
trict devoted principully to wholesale trade are 
coiiij)leted, few placi^s of like size can boast of 
finer structures than St. I'liul. In other portions 
of the city the era of wood has dosed, and tho age 
of brick and stone taken its place, so much so that 
those persons returning to St. Paul after the lapse 
of l)ut a few years can hardly recognize streets, 
then containing only frame houses, now lined with 
more durable structures of brick. The changes in 
this direction have been particularly marked on 
Seventh street, which is fast becoming one of the 
I)rincii)al streets devoted to retail trade purposes. 
St. I'aul has much accumulated wealth within its 
limits which finds its expression in the number of 
hands )mo residences that ornament its streets in 
dilTeront parts of the city. A particularly eligible 
tlistrict is that in the neighborhood of Summit ave- 
nue and the top of St. Anthony Hill. From tlie 
height there the views to be obtained of the city 
and river are very fine. 

The changes made in the natural configuration 
of the land, in order to create this thriving hive of 
men, have been many. The office of city engineer 
has been no sinecure, as its records well attest. 
The inequalities and eccentricities of dame Nature 
have been tamad and softened, at the expense of 
much time and money. Hills have been cut down 
and valleys filled up, swamps drained, and brooks 
and streams blotted out of existence, and the tri- 
umphant toil of man has achieved results thor- 
oughly typical of tho enterprising, self-reliant, 
independent spirit of the country in which we live. 
It is to be regretted tliat the founders of St. Paul 
were ton much occupied with the multifarious con- 
cerns of their present to look much ahead into the 
future. Had they possessed sufficient prophetic 
foresight to see the ultimate destiny of their town, 
they would und<jubtedly have paid more attention 
to the requirements of the coming great city, and 
given us wider streets; but had any one of these 
pioneers given expression to sentiments implying 
that such mighty progress was likely to be made 
in the near future, he would no doubt have been 
stigmatized as a Wsionary and a dreamer, for it is 
an importimt psychological principle that the hu- 
man mind, so long as it is compelled to strain its 
faculties iu a struggle for existence, cannot indulge 
in poetic activity. Though there is unmistakable 
evidence of the streets haWng been laid out ac- 
cording to a pre-conceived plan, many of them 



show plainly that in their infancy they had a way- 
ward will of their own that has rocpiired to lie 
since corrected; that, necessarily, however, had to 
leave many parts somewhat compressed. Much of 
the second plateau, on which the city is built, is a 
[ bed of limestone rock, some twenty feci in thick- 
ness, which aflorda a splendid building material, 
which has l)eeD largely utilized. In some in- 
stances the excavations necessary to make the 
groimd ready for building upon have furnished 
sufficient stone for the buililiug to gi> up on its 
site. Underlying this limestone rock, in the main 
business portion of the city, is a friable, white 
qtiartzose sandstone, of unknown depth, easily cut 
into, and through which all the sewers iu that sec- 
tion have been tunneled. There are now nearly 
fifteen miles of sewers constructed, and more 
are proposed. The city also hiis a good natural 
drainage. 

St. Paul has an area of twenty square miles, or 
12,800 acres, and possesses 281}^ miles of streets 
grjded and improved. The streets are well 
lighted with gas except in the outlying districts, 
and water is supplied of a remarkably pure qual- 
ity from Lake Phalen, which is a short distance 
from the city, situated at an elevation that afi'ords 
a good natural jiressure. 

The public buildings cannot be regarded as of 
high types of beauty, save and except the Custom 
House and Post-office on Wabasha street, but the 
church and school edifices wUl compare more th.tu 
favorably with any place of twice tlie size and im- 
portanca of St. Paul. Every religious denomina- 
tion is represented, the number of churches being 
more than fifty. There are thirteen public schools 
and sixteen select schools and academies. Libra- 
ries, hospitals, or|)hau asylums and otlier benevo- 
lent and charitable institutions, and other mani- 
festations of higher civilization, a liberal and en- 
lightened daily and weekly j)ress, fourteen build- 
ing societies teaching frugality and economy, 
judicious and well-administered laws and an or- 
derly, peaceable population. The ethnological 
variety of this population is somewhat remarka- 
ble; almost all races of jieoplo and nationalities 
are represented in the census reports. And be it 
observed that this happy commingling of the peo- 
ple of the earth has the effect of rendering St. 
Paul a liberal-minded city, cosmopolitan in tone, 
generous in its sympathies, and progressive in its 
ideas. 

The old pioneers that opened up the unknown 



BAMSE7 COUNTY. 



271 



country, since become such a thriving common- 
wealth, are passing away; as a matter of record 
therefore, it will be well to present a list of those 
yet retaining a corporate existence in the year 
1881. The following are the names of those gen- 
tlemen forming the organization known as "The 
Old Settlers" (which meets in annual sessions). 
who were present at the last roll-call in June, 
1881: H. H. Sibley, Wm. P. Murray, Eichard 
Chute, Bart. Presley, J. W. Bass, Aaron Good- 
rich, Oliver Parsons, A. D. Nelson, H. P. Mas- 
terson, Hon. Alex. Ramsey, Josejoh Guion, John 
B. Spencer, A. L. Larjjenteur, H. L. Moss, J. 
Villaume, Thos. OdeU, B. W. Lott, Dr. J. H. 
Murphy, Sylvester Stateler, B. P. Irvine, A. H. 
Cavender, David Day, Dr. John Dewey, John 
Wensinger, Robert Whitacre, Thomas Barton, 
W. B. Quinn, John A. Ford, Norman W. Kittson, 
S. P. Folsom, Geo. L. Becker, Edmund Rice, M. 
N. Kellogg, Lorenzo Hoyt, H. M. Rice, C. V. P. 
Lull, Capt. E. Blakely, James Shearer, Ans. 
Northrup, C. E. Leonard, J. D. Luddeu, Ed. 
Bussette, E. Y. Shelley, H. E. Gibbs, B. W. 
Branson, W. C. Morrison, Benj. H. Eandall, 
James Thompson, Wm. Eussell, E. H. Acker, 
John Sogers, J. Mahoney, Nathan Myriok, Joseph 
Reed, W. H. Campbell. 

George L. Becker was bom February 4th, 1829-, 
in Cayuga county. New York. In 1841, the fam- 
ily moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and in 1846 
he graduated from the State University there, and 
immediately after commenced studying law mth 
George Sedgwick of that city, with whom he re- 
mained until removing to St. Paul, in October, 
1849. From that date until 1857, Mr. Becker 
practiced his profession in that city. During the 
last sixteen years he has been actively engaged in 
the important work of forwarding the railroad in- 
terests of the State. In the discharge of his 
duties he has performed an immense amount of 
physical and mental labor, at the same time fllhng 
responsible public oiEces. The high, and we may 
say faUy deserved popularity Mr. Becker has al- 
ways enjoyed, is well evinced in his repeated nom- 
ination and election to important offices. He is 
one of the three original members of the Presby- 
terian church of St. Paul, organized in 18.50. Mr. 
Becker's marriage with Susannah Ismond, oc- 
curred in 1855, at KeesvUle, New York. 

David Day, M. D., is a native of Burke's Gar- 
den, Virginia, born September 19th, 1826. In 
1846 he went to the lead regions of Wisconsin; 



for three years in the summer time, he worked in 
the mines, and during evenings studied medi- 
cine. During the winter season he attended the 
medical department of the University of Pennsyl- 
vania, graduating in 1849. In the spring of that 
year, he came to St. Paul and began to practice 
medicine, at which he continued five years. In 
1849, he was elected register of deeds. He was a 
member of the legislatures of 1852 and '53, from 
Benton county, where he was a temporary resi- 
dent. In 1854, Dr. Day abandoned the practice 
and entered the drug business, which he continued 
until 1866. In 1871, he v/as appointed one of the 
board of state prison inspectors; in 1874, one of 
the commission of state fisheries, and one of the 
seed wheat commissioners to provide suiferers 
from grasshoppers with seed. In 1875, he was 
appointed postmaster of St. Paul, .and has held 
the position since. 

Charles E. Flandrau was born July 15, 1828, in 
New York city. He was educated in Washington 
and Geo^'getown, D. C. ; followed the sea for three 
years, then learned the trade of mahogany sawing. 
Mr. Flandrau studied law, and since locating in 
St. Paiil in 1853, has practiced his profession con- 
tinually. He was deputy clerk of the United 
States district court in 1854; member of the terri- 
torial council in 1855; United States Indian agent 
in 1856; member of the constitutional convention 
of Minnesota in 1857; associate Justice of the su- 
preme court of Minnesota, 1857 to 1664; and 
judge advocate general of Minnesota in 1858. Mr. 
Flandrau was president of the first board of trade 
organized in Minneapolis; he was democratic can- 
didate for governor of Miunesota in 1867, and 
candidate for chief justice of State in 1869. Judge 
Flandrau has been twice married, and has two 
sons and two daughters. 

Simeon P. Folsom was born December 27th, 
1819, at Ascott, Lower Canada. He is by profes- 
sion a civU engineer, and attorney at law. He 
left the home of his childhood in 1839 and came 
west; became a resident of St. Paul July 25th 
1847. One year was passed in the Mexican war, 
also three years in the rebellion. During the 
north-east boundary difficulty between Maine and 
New Brunswick, he served on the staff of Major- 
General Bodfish, in February and March, 1839, 
ranking as major. In 1852-'53 he was clerk in 
the council of the legislature, .and was the first 
city surveyor of St. Paul in 1854. 

Hon. Aaron Goodrich, bom July 6th, 1807, is a 



272 



nitfTOUr OF TUJi MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



native of Cayuga county, New York. The greater 
part of his eJucation was received at home, his 
father being a scholar and educator. He moved 
to Tennessee, where he finished his law studies and 
oommenced practice. In 1817-8, he was a mem- 
ber of the Tennessee legislature, and in 1849 was 
appointed to the supreme bench of Minnesota. In 
1858, Judge Groodrich was appointed a member of 
a commission to revise the laws and prepare a sys- 
tem of pleadings and practice for the state courts. 
In 1861 he was appointed by President Lincoln, 
secretary of legation to Brussels, and served eight 
years. During that period he had an excellent 
opportunity to gratify his litin-ary and antiquarian 
tastes. The judge was originally a whig, and on 
the demise of that jiarty he joined the republican, 
but has latterly acted with the democratic party. 
He is a freemason; is past deputy grand master 
of the grand lodge of the State; was one of the 
corporate members of the Minnesota Historical 
Society, of the grand lodge of the State, and of 
the Old Settlers' Association. Among the pioneers 
of the State, none have made a more commendable 
record than Judge Goodrich. 

Isaac V. D. Heard was bom August 31st, 1834, 
at Gkishen, Orange county. New York. At the age 
of eighteen he left home, locating in St. Paul, 
April 28th, 1851. He acted as clerk in the law 
oflSces of Wilken and Van Etten, Ames and Van 
Etten, and Eice, Hollinshead and Becker. Mr. 
Heard was a member of the Oullen Guards, adju- 
tant of mounted militia, a member of General Sib- 
ley's staff, and acting judge advocate of military 
commis5>ion on trial of the participants in the Sioux 
war of 1862. He was also prosecuting attorney 
of Bamsiy county eight years, city attorney of 
St. Paul two and one-half years, and in 1872 was 
State Senator. While acting as city attorney, he 
gave recommendation to city council which re- 
sulted in the establishment of the State Reform 
School. 

John B. Irnne, deceased, was born November 3, 
1812, in D.inville, New York. In 1837 he removed 
to Wisconsin, and in the winter of 1843 came to 
Minnesota prospecting. He purchased at St. Paul 
n part of the old Phelan claim, and the next June 
located there with his family. Upper Third street 
from Seven Comers to the bluff, was a quagmire 
almost without bottom, and along the side of the 
hill near Pleasant and Cottage avenues was a for- 
est of cedar and tamarac, and one could hardly 
have imagined it becoming the valuable property 



it now is. Mr. Irvine was one of the most active 
and usriul citizens of the town ; ho erected busi- 
ness blocks, mills and warehouses, which stiind as 
a credit to the enterprise of the owner; was also 
engaged in banking, milling and real estate busi- 
ness. He served in the legislature and other 
elective bodies, and perhaps no one of the pio- 
neer settlers possessed the esteem of the public 
more than he. 

General B. W. Johnson, son of Rev. Dr. James 
Johnson, was born in Livingston county, Ken- 
tucky, February 7th, 1827. He was appointed 
cadet to West Point,June 4th, 1844, and was educa- 
ted at tlie United States military academy. Station- 
ed at Fort Snelling in 1849, as lieutenant in the 
United States army. At the breaking out of the 
rebellion was captain, but rose to the rank of brig- 
adier-general, and brevet major-general. Was 
married October 30, 1850, to Miss Bachel E. Steele, 
of St. Paul; married at the residence of General H. 
H. Sibley, Mendota. 

Norman W. Kittson was bom March 5, 1814, in 
Canada. In 1830 ho entered the employ of the 
.\merican Fur Company, and two years later was 
sent to the headwaters of the Minnesota. From 
1834 until 1838 he was in the sutler's department 
at Fort Snelling, and afterward entei-ed the fur 
trade on his own account. In 1843 he pur- 
chased a tract of land, which was laid out in 
1851 as Kittson's addition to St. Paul. That year 
he was elected a member of the council of the 
legislature from the Pembina district, and was 
compelled to ride in a dog-sledge or wallv on snow- 
shoes a distance of five hundred miles, to attend 
the sessions. Mr. Kittson was, in 1858, mayor of 
St. Pavd. He continued his Bed River trade until 
1860, and afterward bee inie agent for the Hudson 
Bay Fur Comp.iny. In 1879 he secured a large 
interest in the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba 
railroad. Purchased in 1881 the Kittsondalo 
stock farm, erected large stables, fitted up a track, 
and made many fine improvements; he is also ex- 
pending $100,000 in a private residence, and 
making a 810,000 addition to his Clarendon Hotel. 
The Commodore is one of the most busy as well as 
valuable citizens of St. Paul. 

William R. Marshall, a native of Missouri, was 
born October 17, 1825, in Boone county. In 1847 ho 
came to Minnesota and marked out a claim ,<\t the 
Falls of St. Anthony, which he pre-empted in 1849; 
the latter year he and his brother opened the first 
general store at St. Anthony. Mr. Marshall was 



RAMSEY COUNTY. 



273 



elected in 1849 to the first territorial legislature of 
Minnesota. With his brother he removed to St. 
Paul in 1851 and established the fii'st heavy hard- 
ware store in the state; they also opened a bank- 
ing office. In March, 1855, Mr. Marshall 
presided at the convention which organized the 
republican party in this state. January 1861 he, 
vvith J. A. Wheelock, established the St. Paul 
Daily Press, and conducted it until, in 1862, he 
entered the volunteer army. He was commis- 
sioned lieutenant-colonel and served in General 
Sibley's camjsaign against the Indians; was 
afterward ordered south and became colonel of his 
regiment, also brevet brigadier-general; was mus- 
tered out August 16th, 1865; was elected governor 
of Minnesota and re-elected in 1867; he served 
several years as state railroad commissioner. 

Lot Moffit, deceased, one of the pioneers of St. 
Paul, was born in Montgomery county, New York. 
He learned the business of woolen manufacturing, 
and in early lite operated a mill. In 1848 he came 
to St. Paul, and the next year went to Arkansas, 
but returned in 1850 and resided in St. Paul until 
his death, December 28th, 1870. He was projiri- 
etor of the Temperance House in that city. Mr. 
Moffit never mixed in politics, but held offices 
in the city council. In 1843 he became a free- 
mason and was prominently identified with that 
body until his death. He was universally respect- 
ed wherever known, and was always ready to aid 
any one in need. 

n')r. J. H. Murphy was born January 22d, 1826, 
in New Jersey. The family moved to Illinois in 
1834; he read medicine, attended lectures at Rush 
Medical College, Chicago, and graduated in 
1850; the year before, he had located at St. An- 
thony. During the civil war he served in the 
army as surgeon. Since 1864 St. Paul has been 
his home; his rides extend over a wide territory, 
and his skill is appreciated among a very large 
circle of acquaintances. He has held several civil 
offices and might have had more if he would have 
accepted them. Dr. Murphy has been surgeon- 
general of the state for the past niae years, and is 
president of the pension bureau; he is a member 
of the American Medical Association and the 
State Medical Society. He is a freemason and 
an orid -fellow. 

WilUam P. Murray, bom June 21, 1827, is a 

native of Butler county, Ohio. He studied law, 

and has been in the practice of his profession more 

than tliirtv years. In 1849 he came to St. Paul, 

18' 



in company with a party who laid out the first 
wagon road to that city from Prairie du Chein. 
Mr. Murray is city attorney, and was a member of 
the legislature for thirteen sessions; as the jour- 
nals show, he contributed largely to the legisla- 
tion which laid the foundation of our present com- 
mon school system ; which incorporated and gave 
life to the many railroads of the State, and which 
placed the charitable institutions of Minnesota on 
a soimd footing. For sixteen years he was alder- 
man of St. Paul, and six years president of the 
common council. Mr. Murray's wife was Carrie 
Conwell, of Indiana. 

Hon. Alexander Eamsey was born September 8, 
1815, near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Being left 
an orphan, he was assisted in his education by an 
uncle; commenced reading law in 1837, and in 
1839 was admitted to practice. The political life 
of Mr. Eamsey commenced in 1840, when he w^s 
quite active in the whig cause; the next year he 
was made chief clerk of the house of represent- 
atives of Pennsylvania ; he was in the lower house 
of congress from 1843 to 1847. In April, 1849, 
he was appointed Governor of the Territory of 
Minnesota, and removed to St. Paul. During his 
administration the Governor made several impor- 
tant treaties with Indians, by which the title to 
large tracts of land was commuted and these lands 
opened to white settlers. Mr. Eamsey was mayor 
of St. Paul in 1855, and in 1857 was republican 
candidate for Governor; two years later he was 
elected, and again in 1861. No man ever looked 
after the interests of Minnesota with greater vigi- 
lance. Before the expiration of his second term he 
was elected United States senator and served 
twelve years. He was appointed secretary of war 
by President Hayes in 1880, and served during 
the remainder of his term. He labored earnestly 
for the interests of the Northwest, and his services 
will long be gratefully remembered. 

Edmund Eice was born February 14, 1819, in 
Waitsfield, Vermont. In 1838 he went to Mich- 
igan, where he read law, and in 1842 was admitted 
to the bar. He served in the Mexican war from 
1847 until its close. In 1849 he removed to St. 
Paul, and practiced his profession there until 1855. 
From that time his life has been actively devoted 
to furthering the railroad interests of Minnesota. 
Mr. Eice not only abandoned a favorite profession 
and extensive and lucrative practice, but sacrificed 
largely his means and time to push these rail- 
roads. In poHtics he has always been a demo- 



274 



IlISTOnr OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



crot; he was a "war democrat," and elected 
as such to the state senate in 1863. The demo- 
cnitic State convention which met in St. Paul in 
1879 unanimously tendered Mr. Rice the nomina- 
tion for governor. Ho has served in the legisla- 
ture, in the state senate, and as county commis- 
sioner; is now mayor of St. PauL He married at 
Kalamazoo, Michigan, Miss Anna Acker. 

Captain Louis Robert, deceasetl, was bom Jan- 
nary 21, 1811, at Carondolet, Missouri. In 1843 
he went to St. Paul, and the year following 
locattnl there with his family; he embarked in the 
Indian trade, also purchased land which comprised 
about half of St. Paul, property which ultimately 
became worth two or three millions of dollars. 
Mr. Robert took a prominent part in the Stillwater 
convention of 1848, and was largely instrumental 
in securing the location of the capital at St. Paul; 
he was county commissioner of Ramsey county in 
1849. In 18.53 he engaged in the steamboat bus- 
iness, and at difTerent times owned five steamers. 
During the outbreak of 1862 he lost heavily, and 
only escaped with his life by secreting himself in 
the swamp while the Indians were searching for 
him. He married in 1841 Miss Mary Turpin, of 
St. Louis. Captain Robert was the true embodi- 
ment of the pioneer — generous, brave, energetic 
and liberal; he was widely known throughout the 
Statu and as widely respected by all the old 
settlers. 

Henry Hastings Sibley, a native of Michigan, 
was bom February 20, 1811, in Detroit. When 
18 vears of age he was connected with the Ameri- 
can Fur Company, at Mackinac; in 1834 he be- 
came a member of a company consisting of Ram- 
Bey Crooks, H. L. Dousman, Joseph Roulette, Jr., 
and himself; that year he established his head- 
quarters at Mendota; the garrison at Fort Snell- 
ing and the few settlers located near, comprised 
all the popiilation cf Minnesota. At that time the 
Mississippi river was the dividing line between 
Iowa and Wisconsin territories; Mr. Sibley was 
chosen a delegate from Wisconsin, and during his 
term secured the passage of the act organizing the 
territory of Minnesota, and served five years as a 
delegate to represent it. In 1857 he was elected 
governor; term of office expired January 1, 1860. 
He was appointed commander of state troops in 
1862; immediately took the field, and after hard 
marches and severe battles conquered the Indians. 
President Lincoln nppoint«'d hira brigadier-general 
and he was afterward brevetted major-general. 



Since 1862 be has been a resident of St Paul; has 
been president of the State Normal School Board; 
is president fif the Board of Regents of the State 
University and State Historical Society; also of 
the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce and St Paul 
Gas Company, and is a director of the First Na- 
tional Bank of that city. The comity of Sibley 
and the city of Hastings were named in honor of 
General Sibley. 



HENNEPIN COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XLVL 

OBOAXIZATIOS EABLY SETTLElME>"r TOWKSHIP8 

OBOAXIZED — BIOGRAPHIC-VL. 

The bill which fixed the boundaries of Hennepin 
county passed the territorial legislature in 1852, 
and was approved March 6th of the same year. 
Previous to the passiige of this act it formed a part 
of Dakota county. The bill provided that it should 
embrace "so much of Dakota county as lies north 
of the Minnesota river, west of the Mississippi, and 
east of a line, commencing at a place known as the 
Little Rapids, on said Minnesota river; thenoe in 
a direct line north by west, to the fork of Crow 
river; thence down said river to its junction with 
the Mississippi." The bill further provided that 
Hennepin county be attached to Ramsey county 
for judicial purposes, "until further provided for." 
For elective purposes it was to remain, as then, in 
conjunction with Dakota county, so far as related 
to the election of a councillor and two representa- 
tives, until the next apportionment. Section third 
of the bill provided that, "When the treaty of Men- 
dota, concluded with the Dakota Indians, shall be 
ratified by the United States Senate, the county of 
Hennepin shall be entitled to elect at the next gen- 
eral election, such county and other officials as the 
organized counties were entitled to." Section 
fourth provided that the county commissioners 
elected should be authorized to establish the county 
seat temporarily, "until the same is permanently 
established by the legislature, or authorized votes 
of the qualified voters of said county." The county 
was formally organized on the 21st of October, 
1852. Eleven days previous an election was held 
at the house of John H. Stevens at which seventy- 
three votes were polled, representing about one- 
half of the voters residing in the county. An- 



UESyEPiy COl'STY 



other Toting place was fixed at Mendota, for the 
accommodation of those living along the Minne- 
sota river. Previous to the election a mass meet- 
ing was held, at which the following ticket was 
nominated, irrespective of partv : 

Dr. A. E. Ames, representative; Alexander 
Moore. John Jaekins and -Joseph Dean, county com- 
missioners; John T. Mann, eountv treasurer; John 
H. Stevens, register of deeds; Warren Bristol, 
district attorney; Isaac Brown, sheriff; David 
Gorham, coroner; Joel B. Bassett, judge of pro- 
bate; Charles "W. Christmas, county surveyor; 
Edwin Hedderly, EH Pettijohn. S. A. Goodrich, 
assessors: George Parks, road commissioner. The 
entire ticket was elected without opposition and 
the parties named became the first officers of Hen- 
nepin county. They were nominated and elected 
without efi"ort on their part, and in many instances 
against their expressed wish. The first meeting 
of the board of county commissioners was held on 
the 21st of October and Alexander Moore chosen 
chairman. Dr. H. Fletcher was the first justice of 
the peace before the county organization, and Ed- 
win Hedderly the first after the county organiza- 
tion. 

The name Snelling was inserted in the original 
bfll for organizing the county by John H. Stevens, 
by whom it was drafted; by the suggestion and 
strong support of Hon. Martin McLeod, the name 
Snelling was struck out and Hennepin inserted. 
At the next session of the territorial legislature a 
bUl was passed changing the boundaries on the 
southwest to make room for a county seat at 
Chaska. 

In 1856. the boundaries on the east were changed 
so as to include St. Anthony within the county 
limits. 

Of the counties bordering on the Minnesota 
river, Hennepin county can never occupy a second- 
ary place in interest; indeed, the foremost place 
among the counties of the whole State must be 
awarded it both by reason of priority in settle- 
ment and as being the nucleus from which the 
other settlements radiated, to say nothing of the 
commercial and manufacturing importance to 
which it has attained. The name, too, is suggest- 
ive of more than common interest Hennepin, 
whose life was one of romantic adventune, is here 
immortalized in the name of the county containing 
the falls that he discovered and so much admired. 
He was bom in Flanders in 1640, Ijecame a mis- 
sionarv to Canada in 1670, and in 1680 discovered 



the falls now known as the Falls of St. Anthonv. 
It was Father Hennepin who robbed them of their 
beautiful Indian name, Kakabika-Irara, meaning 
severed rock, curling water, and substituted the 
name of his patron saint. He describes the im- 
pressive ceremonies by which a chief presented 
his offering to the Great Spirit, one of whose 
abodes the Indians supposed this waterfall to be, 
paid his adorations and besought him for success 
in the enterprises undertaken. Jonathan Carver 
^ves a similar and more striking account of these 
Indian ceremonies. He came in 1767, and exhib- 
ited here the speculating genius of his Yankee an- 
cestors, together with a close observation of things 
the records of which are a valuable acquisition to 
the early lore of Minnesota. He was the first of 
the numerous land speculators. He roamed about 
much with a keen eye to the main chance, while 
he at the same time took in the scenery, the future 
probabilities, and ventured various prophecies for 
the future of the State, predicting that what is now 
St. Paul would soon have eastern and western com- 
munication. 

Eeaping over the intervening years, we come to 
events connected with the settlement of the conntv. 
In 180-3, Lieutenant Zebulon Montgomerv Pike 
was ordered to what is now Minnesota to expel 
British traders and form alliances with the Indians. 
He accomplished his purpose and obtained a grant 
from the Sioux, for the purpose of the establish- 
ment of military posts, of nine miles square, at 
the mouth of the St. Croix; also from below the 
confluence of the Minnesota, up the Mississippi, 
to include the falls of St. Anthony, extending nine 
miles on each side of the river. For this grant the 
United States paid two thousand dollars, and 
granted to the Sioux permission to pass and re- 
pass, hunt or make any other use of the said dis- 
tricts as they had formerly done. Xo occupation 
under this grant was ever taken at the mouth of 
the St. Croix, and none at the mouth of the St. 
Peter's, now Minnesota, until 1819, when Colonel 
Leavenworth, with the Fifth United States In- 
fantry, was dispatched to establish the post. On 
his way he garrisoned the posts at Prairie Ju 
Chien and Eock Island with detachments of Lis 
regiment, completed the organization of Crawford 
county. Territory of Michigan, which then in- 
cluded a large portion of the present State of Min- 
nesota, and proceeded to the point fixed upon for 
the fort. He arrived in September, and built tem- 
1 porary barracks on the opposite side of the river 



276 



niSTORT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



from tho present fort, the remains of which are 
Btill \T3iblo above the present vilhige of Mendota. 
Log cabins, phistered with clay, constituted the 
banncks for the ensuing winter. Here the officers 
and their wives, who accompanied them, spent the 
'winter. The corner-stone of the fort was laiil 
September 20th of the following year by Colonel 
Leavenworth, but he was superseded by Colonel 
Josiah Snclling, by .vhom the fort was completed 
and named Fort St. Anthony. This name was 
changed, by suggestion of General Winfield 
Scott, in 1824, after his inspection of the work, to 
Fort Snelling, as a compliment to the skiillul 
management of its construction by the officer in 
command. 

Hereafter, Fort Snelling became a landmark and 
the jjoint of dejiartnre for operations of all kinds. 
Tho first saw-mill in Minnesota was the Govern- 
ment mill, built in 1822 within the military reser- 
vation at the falls of St. Anthony. The first 
farming in Minnesota was an experiment by Lieu- 
tenant Camp in 1823, within the reservation, which 
resulted suece.ssfiilly. To the saw-mill, a run of 
mill-stones was added for grinding provonder, in 
1823, which WHS tho first grinding done in Min- 
nesota. 

In 1823 the first steamboat, the Virginia, passed 
the rajiids at l^ck Island and came up to the fort. 
The practicability of navigation was thus demon- 
strated, but regular mails to the fort were not estab- 
lished for many years after. The arrival of this 
steamboat was an important event in the develop- 
ment of the North-west, while it was a matter of 
astonishment and horror to the Indians. To them 
it appeared a huge monster, tlireatening death 
and destruction as it filled the air with the hot 
breath of its puffing and coughing. First the 
women and children took to flight, while the 
brave.s .ittempted to exhibit indifTerence, although 
disposed to give the monster a wide berth. 

After the boat was fastened and the blowing off 
of steam began, the bravest yielded to the prevail- 
ing panic and sought cover in hiding places at a 
safe distance. The scene for a few moments was 
ludicrous. Women and children were running 
with their disheveled hair Ho wing; mothers for- 
getting their children in their terror. 

The fort, from the date of its erection, became 
the center from which the American fur traders 
branched out their trading posts, those of the 
North-western, a British company, having been 
long before discontinued by authority of the 



United States goveniment. Here occurred the 
first white marriage in Minnesota, Lieutenant 
Green to a daughter of Captain Gooding, in 1820, 
and during the same year occurred the first birth, 
a daughter of Colonel Snelling, that died the fol- 
lowing year. Here the first settlers found a har- 
borage, and the fir^t missionaries to the Sioux a 
resting place and encampment. 

For many years the fur traders and the French 
voyageurs in their employ, comprised the bulk of 
the white population of the North-west. Opera- 
tions had been carried on since 1070 in the North, 
by the HuiLson Bay Company, and later by the 
North-western Fur Company, who, in 17US, estab- 
lished trading posts in Minnesota. 

With these companies whisky was the most im- 
portant article of trade, and in their wake followed 
drunkenness and licentiousness. Hundreds of 
half-breeds, speaking the languages of both 
parents, and uniting the bad twits of both, result- 
ed from the licentious intercourio of fur traders 
and voyageurs with the native tribes. Bisjjutes 
arose in 1816 between these rival British com- 
panies. The North-western Fur Company, whose 
headqitarters were Canada, traded by way of the 
lakes and had vii-tually pre-empted the territory 
claimed by Lord Selkirk before his colony arrived 
and did not recognize his claim as a part of the 
Hudson Bay Company's territory, as they had 
never before extended their lines so far south. 
What is well known now was not well understoad 
when Charles II. made his grant to the Hudson 
Bay Company. 

Maps and charts made ont at the time indicate 
a small territory, while the boundary lines are 
immense in extent. It is not, there fore, remark- 
able that a misapprehension should have existed 
in regard to their boundaries. The Hudson Bay 
Company trans))orted their goods by way of Hud- 
son Bay. After the establishment of the Bed 
River settlement by Lord Selkirk in 1812, petty 
strife began, which, in 1816, culminated in open 
hostilities. In consequence of these hostilities, 
the colony of Bed River was greatly weakened by 
emigration to the United States and Canada. 
The great flood on the Red River, in 1825, was 
another cause for emigration. With the emi- 
grants went large numbers of the half-bieeds and 
voyageur's to connect themselves with the opera- 
tions of the American far companies, who offered 
better terms and better treatment than they had 
received from the haughty and overbearing Hud- 



HENNEPIN COUNTY. 



277 



son Bay Company, They scattered through the 
country and with an instinct as unerring as the 
Indians, selected the most eligible sites on the 
streams. 

We find them along the St. Croix, at St. Paul, 
at St. Anthony, and all avaOable points, oc- 
cupying the gi'ound before the white settlers ar- 
rived. 

Tbey were usually crowded out without much 
difficulty, and moved from claim to claim. Occa- 
sionally, when the characteristics of the prevailing 
race predominated, they made good their claims 
and held them against intruders. 

Omitting minor events and the petty operations 
of traders, voyageurs and half-breeds, we come to 
the year 1837, memorable for the consummation of 
the treaties with the Chippewas and Sioux, by 
which the pineries of the North-west were ceded 
to the United States. This was a time of specu- 
lation, when town builders multiplied and stakes 
were stuck, trees blazed and hastily-built shanties 
sprung up at all eligible sites. 

In 1838, Franklin Steele, who had made Ms first 
claim at the falls of St. Croix, sold out his claim 
to acce^jt the appointment of sutler at Fort 
Snelling. Watchiug, however, the favorable time, 
he made the claim at St. Anthony Falls in June, 
1838, biailt a claim cabiB, and from that date until 
his death, in 1880, was a powerful and devoted 
friend to Hennepin county. He kept his rersidence 
at the fort, emjjloying his means in profitable en- 
terprises until the time came for the development 
of the vast water-power at the Falls of St. Antho- 
ny. This was the first claim made within the 
present limits of Hennepin county, if we except 
those attempted by officers of the fort, which an 
act of congress made inoperative, and those made 
by trader.? and half-breeds, none of which were 
continued or improved. With the latter class be- 
longs a claim made in 1826 by J. B. Brown, the 
pioneer town builder of Minnesota, at Brown's 
creek, now Minnehaha. The little stream is said 
to have received its name in honor of Major Gen- 
eral Brown, previous to the occupation of J. R. 
Brown. 

In 1847, the first enterprise in the county limits 
outside the reservation, began in the erection of 
Mr. Steele's saw-mill at St. Anthony. The cir- 
cumstances connected with the erection of the mill 
were as follows: 

In June of this year WiUiam A. Cheever obtain- 
ed a claim near the present site of the university, 



crowding out perhaps or buying ofl' some of the 
half-breeds who had possession of all the valuable 
locations near the falls, not covered by the claim 
of Franklin Steele. Through Mr. Clieever nego- 
tiations were opened between Hon. Robert Rantoul 
and Caleb Cushing of Massachusetts and Frank- 
lin Steele, which culminated July 10th in the sale 
to them of nine- tenths of the water power for 
twelve thousand dollars, and following the sale 
measures were at once takeu for the erection 
of mills. 

One of the half-breed claimants above alluded 
to is too important a character to be overlooked, 
and this is the famous guide Pierre Bottineau, who 
had been piloting emigrants from the Red River 
country since 183i, and in 1845 moved on a claim 
at St. Anthony Falls. June 9th, 1846, he pur- 
chased for $150 of Findley and Russell, traders at 
Fort Snelling, a claim extending from Boom 
island to the stone arch bridge. To this he added 
other claims, and was an extensive owner of land 
which became quite valuable, a portion of which 
was platted as an addition to St. Anthony, and is 
now known as Bottineau's addition. 

In an address of Judge Atwater we find Charles 
Wilson was the first American settler at St. An- 
thony. He arrived in the spring of 1847. He 
may have been connected with the fur trade, but 
does not appear in the history of the development 
at the falls. 

Most of those who came to build the mill and 
enter into lumbering enterprises became identified 
with the interests of the county as permanent set- 
tlers. Ard Godfrey was secured from Maine to 
superintend the construction of the mill, and ar- 
rived in the fall of 1847. During this year John 
Rollins, Calvin A. Tuttle, Luther Patch and his 
son Edward, Sumner W. Farnham, Caleb D. Dorr, 
Robert W. Curamings, Charles W. Stimpson, R. P. 
Russell, John McDonald, Samuel Ferrald, Joseph 
and William R. Marshall, Daniel Stanchfleld and 
others arrived. Luther Patch brought his wife 
and two daughters, who were the first resident 
white women at St. Anthony. Calvin A. Tuttle 
brought his family. R. P. Russell brought a small 
stock of goods from the fort, where he had been 
since 1839, and in connection with Tuttle, opened 
a store, the first in St. Anthony, in a room of the 
log house on Steele's claim, occupied at the same 
time by Luther Patch and family as a residence. 
Mr. Russell and Miss Patch were married Oc- 
tober 3d, 1848, the first wedding in St. Anthony. 



278 



IIIISTOHY OF THE illNNKSOTA VALLEY. 



The winter of 1847-8 wns fraught with misfor- 
tuut's. lu nililitioii to minor ilotiiils, Hnntoul and 
CiLshiiig failed to nuvt their payments, and when 
their paper eamo baek protested, it was a source 
of great embarrassment to Franklin Steele, and, 
as all depended on him, to the whole settlement. 
In spite of all diflioultios Steele's mill began to run 
in the spring of 1818, and many of the incon- 
veniences disappeared. Many new settlers came 
in and new hoiises were built. 

It must be borne in mind that up to this time 
these lands still belonged to the United States 
government. No survey had been made, and no 
title to the land had been or could be conveyed 
imtil such survey was made and recorded. Set- 
tlements were simply squatters' claims, and all ex- 
changes, transfers and deeds liad been in anticijja- 
tion of the survey and government land sale. In 
1848 the sale took place, and the lands were en- 
tered by the several claimants at the government 
price, one dollar and a quarter per acre. 

In 1849 John H. Stevens, the first settler of 
Minneapolis, came up in a party of ten enterpris- 
ing men. They stopped first at St. Paul, but soon 
set out on foot to examine the Canaan of their 
hopes, determined to make this their future home. 

When they reached Fort Snelling they, like all 
their predecessors, coveted the forbidden fruit, the 
land within the reservation. They were fully sat- 
isfied, however, when they reached St. Anthony, 
where the land was open for occupancy. The 
country charmed them beyond any they had 
ever seen, and they forgot their fatigue in admi- 
ration. 

Contentment did not long remain with Colonel 
Stevens, while the unoccupied lands which have 
since become the site of Minneapolis lay within 
reach but unoccupied, and the best claims on the 
St. Anthony side taken. 

Permission was obtained in 1849 from the sec- 
retary of war by Hon. Robert Smith to oc- 
cupy a claim, including the old mill and house 
luiilt 80 long ago by the quartermaster of Fort 
SneUing. John H. Stevens obtained by sim- 
ilar correspondence permission to take a claim 
on the we.st side of the river. Late in the 
fall of 1849 Mr. Stevens commenced building his 
house, and the following spring completed it and 
moved on his claim. His was the first house in 
l^Iinueapohs, with the exception of the Grovem- 
ment house on the knoll near the mill, built in 
1822. Stevens' claim extended fi-om that of Hon. 



Robert Smith, just at the falls, along the river to 
Bossett's creek. The Nicollet House occupies now 
what was about the centre of this claim. Follow- 
ing these claims come J. P. Miller, Dr. Hezekiuh 
Fletcher, John Jackins, Warren Bristol, Allen 
Harmon, Dr. A. E. Ames, Edward Murphy, Charles 
Hoag, J. B. Baasett, Emanuel Cikse, Waterman 
Stiuson, Edwin Hedderly, Charles W. Christmas, 
Judge Isaac Atwater and others, some with and 
others without permission from the war de- 
partment. 

The cabins of these settlers were scattered over 
what is now Minneapolis at intervals of about half 
a mile. They had no churches nor permanent im- 
provements until after 18.55, when the reservation 
was reduced and the land placed in market as 
government land. In April and May the settlers 
were able to prove up and obtain title to their 
lands. 

Sdon the two great incorporated companies that 
now control the water power took hold of its de- 
velopment. The St. Anthony Water Power Com- 
pany took control from the center of the channel 
on the west side of Hennepin Island to the east 
shore. The Minneapolis Mill Company took con- 
trol of the remainder, from the center to the west 
shore. 

The settlement and growth of Minneapolis from 
this time was marvellous, and we find it in 1881 
with a population of 50,000, covering an area of 
nine square miles with houses, the largest city 
north-west of Chicago and Milwaukee, and except 
St. Louis and Kansas City, the largest between 
the Mississippi river and the Rocky mountains. 

On the admission of the state of Minnesota in 1858 
the county was organized with the same boundar- 
ies and the county commissioners organized the 
various towns. Most of the towns stiU exist under 
the same names and boundaries, although some 
changes have occurred in regard to both, a.id some 
new ones have been carved out of the old. Medina 
did not exist by that name, but a part of what is 
now Medina was organized as Hamburg. Crystal 
Lake did not exist at all, but has since been or- 
ganized as has Champlin, and the boundaries of 
all the eastern tier of towns have been changed to 
conform to the new organization. 

Settlements in most of the towns were made 
from 1852 to 1854, but town organization did not 
take place until 1858, when the state government 
was erected. 

As Fort Snelling was included within the limits 



HENNEPIN COUNTY. 



279 



of Eichlield, called Richland at the time of organ- 
ization, the first settlement was, as a matter of 
course, made in this town. 

The Swiss from Lord Selkirk's colony came 
here. Philander Prescott, known as interpreter 
and Indian farmer, settled in Richfield and built a 
mill. He resided here until his tragic death in 
the Indian massacre in 1862 near Fort Ridgely. 
Richfield has within its bounds the famous Minne- 
haha Falls, rendered immortal to fame by Long- 
fellow's poems. 

The town has now a population of 1,501 ; area 
of 22,988 acres, the assessed value of which in 
1880 was $702,670; personal property, .$119,614. 
Bloomington is one of the oldest towns in the 
county. Peter Quinn was the first white man to 
settle and cultivate the soil of this town. He was 
appointed Indian farmer, in accordance with the 
treaty, and began his work in 1843 and remained 
until 1854. He came into the county in 1824, af- 
ter being many years in the employ of the Hudson 
Bay Company. 

Kev. Gideon H. Pond, who with his brother Sam- 
uel, organized the first mission to the Dakotas, 
moved here with his Indian bands in 1843 from 
Lake Calhoun. Hon. Martin McLeod, whose ro- 
mantic career ended here, came to Minnesota orer 
the Northern plains from the Red River, in 1837, 
and nearly paid with his life for his temerity in 
making the perilous journey during the winter. 
His two companions, Parys and Hays, perished, 
and only the indomitable pluck of Pierre Botti- 
neau, the guide, brought McLeod through. Mr. 
McLeod was a man of good education, and fiUed 
with credit many important offices in the county. 
The settlement of the town was mainly subse- 
quent to 18.52. The present population is 820; 
acres of land, 23,205, of which the assessed value 
is $460,538; assessed valuation of pereonal prop- 
erty, $52,320. 

Eden Prairie, like the two preceding towns, bor- 
ders on the Minnesota river. The town was first 
settled in 1852 by John McKenzie, David Living- 
ston, Alexander Gould. Hiram Abbott, Samuel 
Mitchell and sons, R. Neill, Aaron Gould and oth- 
ers. In this town, only a few days subsequent to 
the town organization, a fearful Indian battle was 
fought between about 20L) Chippewas and sixty or 
seventy Dakotas. in which the latter were victor- 
ious. The battle was witnessed by some of the 
settlers. 

The present population is 749; acres of land 



19,883; of which the assessed valuation is $266,- 
303; assessed valuation of personal property, 
$38,293. 

Besides these three towns on the river, the 
county embraces seventeen others, making twenty 
in all; Minnetonka, Excelsior, Minnetrista, Inde- 
pendence, Medina, Crystal Lake, Brooklyn, Osseo, 
Champhn, Dayton, Hassan, Greenwood, Corcoran, 
Maple Grove, Plymouth, Minneapolis and St. An- 
thony. The length of the county from north to 
south is about thirty-two miles; its greatest 
breadth about twenty-eight. 

It embraces an area of 354,904.96 acres. The 
ff)rty-fifth parallel of latitude passes through the 
middle of the county as well as through the prin- 
cipal city, Minneapolis. The assessed valuation 
of taxable property in the county, in 1880, was 
$38,183,474. Its population by the census of 
1880 was 67,013. A simple statement of the re- 
ceipts and shipments of the principal commodities 
by the various railroads to and from Minneapolis 
during the year ending May 31st, 1880, will indi- 
cate the extent of the business of the county, al- 
though it will not embrace all. 

Shipments of lumber, 1,467,700,000 feet; flour, 
1,650,630 barrels; miUstuffs, 55,746 tons; wheat, 
76,000 bushels; corn, 113,850 bushels; merchan- 
dise, 10,166 cars; oats, 57,200 bushels; machinery, 
743 cars; Hve stbok, 774 cars; other articles, 1,623 
cars. Total shipments of all kinds, 48,447 cars. 

Railroad receipts of leading articles: Wheat, 
8;103,708 bushels; com, 392,200 bushels; oats 
262,100 bushels; barley, 70,700 bushels; flaxseed, 
124,900 bushels; mill-feed, 9,176 tons; lumber, 
22,770,000 feet; flour, 110,700 barrels; merchan- 
dise, 12,643 cars; live stock, 929 cars; machinery, 
730 cars; barrel stock, 1,229 cars; coal, 2.713 
cars; all other articles, 4,265 cars. Total of all 
kinds of freight, 47,307 cars. 

Following we give a few biographical sketches 
of early settlers. 

Dr. Alfred Elisha Ames, deceased, was bom 
December 14th, 1814, in Colchester, Vermont. 
In 1832 he went to Painesville, Ohio, where he 
attended school during the winter, working for 
his board with a doctor. He became interested in 
medicine, and read it whenever opportunity was 
afiorded. In 1836 he, with his newly-wedded 
wife, Martha A. Pratt, migrated to Boone county, 
Illinois, where his father's family had preceded 
him. He attended lectures at Rush Medical Col- 
lege, Chicago, from which he graduated in 1845. 



280 



UISTOHY OF THE iflNNESOTA VALLBT. 



Cumins; to Minnesota in 1851, he located a claim 
ami built n sbauty on tiio proiout site of Minneap- 
olis. Ho foriiieil a parluerdhip with Dr. J. H. 
Murphy ami began bis practice of medicine nt St. 
Anthony. In 1S52 Dr. Ames was elected to the 
t<>rritorial logislaturo, and in 18)4 was chossn pro- 
bate jiiilgo. He drew the Ijill for incorpurnting 
the vilhige of Minneapolis, in 1856, and was ap- 
pointed its postmaster. In 18G8 he visited his 
native place, also California, then returned to this 
city and continued practice here tmtil his death in 
So])temlior, 1874. Dr. Ames was a member of the 
Episcopal church. He was a member, and usu- 
ally a leader in all medical societies, iind also 
actively interested in all matters pertaining to ed- 
ucational advantages. Dr. Ames was an enthusi- 
astio worker in the cause of masonry. 

Judge Isaac Atwater is a native of Homer, 
Cortland county. New York, and a graduate of 
Yale College, also of the Yale law school. Upon 
being admitted to the bar he commenced asuccess- 
ful practice in New York city, which he continued 
until 1850, when he removed to St. Anthony and 
entered into partnerehip witli Hon. John W. 
North. Judge Atwater was appointed one of the 
regents of the State University, also secretary of 
the board, which responsible position he held for 
nine years. He was editor-in-chief of the St. 
Anthony Express from 1851 until his elevation to 
the supremo bench, upon the organization of the 
state government, in 1857. In 1864 he resigned 
the office of supreme judge in consequence of a 
determination to visit the PaeiQc states, where he 
remained three years in the jiractics of his profes- 
sion, after which he returned to Minneapolis. For 
years he occupied a seat in the city council, and 
was a member of the board of education, of which 
bod J he was for three years the president. Judge 
Atwater belongs to the Protestant Episcopal 
church, and is one always ready to bestow aid and 
assist in the elevation of mankind. In 1849 he 
married Miss P. A. Sanborn, a lady who is uni- 
versally resijected. 

John Berry, deceased, one of the pioneers of 
Hennepin county, was bom in Buxton, Maine, iu 
1801. Came to St. Anthony in 1851, and followed 
farming. He was the first man to raise a crop on 
the west side, having made a claim on section 31, 
east of Cedar lake, in April, 1851, and resided 
there until 1857, after which time he lived in the 
city. He married Hannah Bunker, February 
12th, 1826. The children living are: Mrs. W. A. 



Rowell, of Minneapolis; Mrs. D. L. Paine, of In- 
dianapolis, Indiana, and Mark T., surveyor and 
superintendent for Dean and Harrison. Mrs. 
Berry died April 23d, 1879. Mr. Berry lived 
with his son, Mark T., until his death, which oc- 
curred in April, 1881. 

A. H. Bode was born in Hanover, Germany, in 
1838. He came to America and located at Mil- 
waukee, Wisconsin, in 1848, and attended the pub- 
lic schools of that city until 1853, when he en- 
tered a lawyer's office. In August, 1865, he came 
to Minnesota as general freight and ticket agent of 
the Minnesota Central Kailway, and after its pur- 
chase by the_ Milwaukee and St. Paul, remained as 
general agent until 1871. Since 1873 ho has 
been with the Minneapolis and St. Louis R.iilway. 
He was married at Horicon, Wisconsin, December 
26th, 1858. They have eight children. 

R. W. Cummings, a native of Lycoming, Penn- 
sylvania, was b jrn in June, 1825. He located at 
Cottage Grove, Minnesota, in 1845. There he 
opened a farm and made some improvements, but 
lost it, because of being a minor. In 1847 he 
came to St. Paul and worked as clerk for Mr. 
Jackson in the mercantile business. The full fol- 
lowing he came to St. Anthony and made a claim 
at what is now the junction of the main line and 
branch of the St. Paul, Minuea])olis and Manitoba 
Railroad, improved it and followed general farm, 
iiig until 1853, when he went into the real estate 
business, and has been thus occupied until the 
present time; his office is at 100 Central avenue. 
Mr. Cummings' wife was Martlia Estes, of St. 
Anthony. 

Ard Godfrey, a native of Penobscot county, 
Maine, was born at Orofio, January 18th, 1813. 
His father and elder brother being mill-wrights, 
he learned that trade, and at the age of eighteen 
had charge of building a lumber-mill. In 1847 he 
came to St. Anthonj- to take charge of the im- 
provements of the water power then inaugurated 
by Franklin Steele, Rantoul and others. In 1852 
he had a claim made for him by Captain Monroe, 
of Fort Snelling, near Minnehaha Falls, where he 
has since lived, with the exception of seven years 
spent in this citv, to give his children better edu- 
cational advantages. In 1853 he built a saw-mill 
on Minnehaha creak, and 1866 a grist-mill; both 
were destroyed by fire. He was married in Jan- 
uary, 1838, to Harriet N. Burr, of Maine. 

John O. Lennon was born at Bolton, England, 
July 6th, 1815. He came to America in 1841, as 



HENNEPIN COUNTY. 



281 



supercargo of a vessel, for the firm in whose em- 
ploy he had been. Iq 1843 located at St. Croix 
Falls, remaining two years, when he returned to 
St. Louis and engaged with the American Fnr 
Company. He returned to Mendota, Minnesota, 
in 18-J6, and the next year removed to St. Paul. 
In 1849 he took charge of the St. Anthony outfit, 
and remained until 1856; then began business for 
himself in the mercantile and lumbering hne. 
This he sold in 1859, and removed to Sibley 
county, remaining until the rebellion. He accom- 
panied the Sibley expedition to Devil's Lake and 
the Missouri river, as assistant in the commissary 
department under Captain Forbes. He returned 
to Fort Snelling in the fall of 1863, then went to 
Memphis, Tennessee, where he was quartermaster 
of the first division of the Sixteenth corps under 
General Mower. They disbanded at Louisville 
Kentucky, where he remained in the real estate 
business and prosecuting claims for the Govern- 
ment. In 1873 he returned to Minneapolis, and 
has since continued in the real estate business. 
During the winter of 1877 he suffered a stroke of 
paralysis, from which he has never fully recovered. 
He was married at Fort Snelling to Mary B. Mc- 
Lain, in 1851. Their children are Catherine and 
John. 

Anson Northrup, one of the most noteworthy 
characters in the roll of pioneers, was born in 
Connewango, New York, January 3d, 1817, where 
he lived with his father till the spring of 1839, 
when he moved to Morgan county, Illinois. In 
May, 1844, he moved to what is now Stillwater 
and built a hotel, the first house in the place. He 
also bought 160 acres of land which now embraces 
about one-half the site of that vigorous young 
city. In 1849, he sold his interest there and built 
the American House at St. Paul, the first aU frame 
building in the place. The American wasiormally 
opened to the public July 4th, 1850, and soon 
thereafter sold, after which Mr. Northrup came to 
St. Anthony and commenced the erection of the 
St. Charles Hotel. In 1858, he visited the Pacific 
coast, returning after an absence of four mouths. 

At the breaking out of the rebellion, Mr. North- 
rup entered the army, receiving the appointment 
of wagon-master in the First Kegiment Minnesota 
volunteers. In August, 1862, he obtained leave of 
absence, and hastened home to aid in jirotecting 
the home borders. The day following his arrival 
in Minneapolis, he obtained a captain's commission 
from Governor Eamsey, with instructions to raise 



a company of mounted men, and proceed with aU 
haste to the relief of Fort Eidgely, which was 
then besieged by the murderous savages. 

It is biit simple justice to state here that Cap- 
tain Northrup was the first to relieve the distressed 
inmates of the fortress. Others, with less modesty, 
and as surely with less honesty, have claimed the 
laurels due only to this old patriot, who never 
courted even a passing compliment for his timely 
services. Since the close of the war, Captain 
Northmp's Hfe has been marked by the same 
spirit of change and adventure that characterized 
his previous years. For two years he kept the 
First National Hotel, five years was spent at Du- 
luth, mainly in contracting and jobbing for the 
Northern Pacific Eailroad Company, and in 1874, 
he came to St. Paul, then took a short trip to 
Texas, from whence he returned to St. Paul, and 
remained until May, 1880, when he removed to 
Fort Snelling and opened a boarding-house. Mr. 
Northrup put up the first brick building in Min- 
>neapolis. Anson Northrup married Miss Betsey 
Jane Edwards, August 23d, 1838, at Waterbury, 
N. Y., by whom he has had ten children, six of 
whom are now living. 

John Sargent PiUsbury, ex-governor of the 
state of Minnesota, is a native of Sutton, Merrimac 
county. New Hampshire, bom July 29, 1828. 
When about 16 he entered business as salesman in 
a store at Warner. He then removed to Concord, 
where he remained four years in the business of 
merchant tailor and cloth dealer. In 1855 he lo- 
cated at St. Anthony, Minnesota, engaging in the 
hardware business with success. In 1858 he was 
elected a member of the city council and re-elected 
for six successive years. In 1863 he was appoint- 
ed one of the regents of the University of Blinne- 
sota, and its present gratifying condition is largely 
owing to his prudent endeavors. In 1872 he en- 
gaged in the manufacture of flour in Minneapolis, 
with his nephew, C. A. PiUsbury. In 1863, he was 
elected state senator from Hennepin county, and 
re-elected for four following terms, and again in 
1872 and the succeeding term. In 1875 Mr. PiUs- 
bury was elected governor, and re-elected in 1877 
and 1879. His administration has been marked 
by a thorough devotion to the interests of the peo- 
ple of this state. He married in Warner, New 
Hampshire, November 3, 1866, Miss Mahala Fisk. 
They have had four children: Ida, Susie May, 
Sadie Belle and Alfred Fisk. 

Kev. Gideon H. Pond was bom in Washington, 



282 



IIISrOHT OF THE MINNESOTA V ALLEY. 



LiKhfioKl eouuty, Connecticut, June 30, 1810. In 
1834 he received u letter from liis hi-other, Samuel 
W. Ponil, a scluM"! teaolier at Oalcnii, Illinois, pro- 
jiosing a missionary enterprise to the Dakota In- 
diana. The proposition was accepted, and in 1834 
provided with neither hraa-j, scrip nor purse he 
joined his brother, and arrived at Fort Suellingin 
May- They hegan their hilioi-s among the small 
bands of Dakotas around Lake Calhoun and Har- 
riet. They built a rude cabin on the east shore of 
Lake Calhoun, and labored together three years, 
when Ciideon H., leaving his brother in chiirge, 
went to Lac qui Parle, where a Presbyterian 
church had been organized, .md offered his services 
as Indian farmer and teacher. He remained there 
a few years and returned to Lake Harriet. 

In 1843, o^^■ing the repeated disturbances be- 
tween the Chippewas and Dakotas, the latter 
changed their location to the banks of the Minne- 
sota river. Mr. Pond followed their fortunes and 
located in Bloomington, where his family now 
live. Services were held every Sabbath, and 
schools were maintained during the week, for the 
red children, by Mr. Pond and his assistants. 

In 18.'i2, in accordance with a treaty, the In- 
dians were removed from the vicinity, but Mr. 
Pond had become attached to this place as a 
home and remained here until his death. Mr. 
Pond was married Novemlier 2, 1837, at Lac qui 
Parle, to Miss Sarah Poage, who died in 18.53. In 
1854 he married Mrs. Sarah Hopkins, widow of a 
missionary who was dro-\vned in the Minnesota 
river at St. Peter. Mr. Pond died January 20, 
1878. 

Captain John Rollins, one of the pioneers of 
this region, was bom in New Sharon, Franklin 
county, Maine, March 23, 1806. In the faU of 
1848 he came to Minnesota, arri%ing at St. An- 
thony Falls in December. At that time there 
were only four houses in the place. The follow- 
ing spring he brought out his family and has 
since been a resident of Minneapolis. For two 
years he na\ngated the Mississippi above the falls, 
on the little steamer Governor Ramsey. He has 
since been chiefly interested in lumbering and 
farming. Married at Newport, Maine, in 1832, 
Miss Betsey Martin, who has borne him nine chil- 
dren, seven of whom are living. 

Roswell P. Russell, one of the oldest settlers in 
this county, was bom at Richland, Vemiont, 
March 15, 1820. He engaged with one McKen- 
zie to go to Fort Suelliug and take charge of the 



stock of gogds taken there by Baker. From 
Prairie du Chien to La Crosse they came in a 
Mackinaw boat, but at the latter place the boat 
was frozen in and they were obliged to pursue 
their journey on foot. 

They arrived at Fort Snelling about the 5th of 
November, 1839, and he remained there uutU 1847 
when he and FintUey made a claim on the east 
side, extending from Boom Island to the present 
stone arch bridge, and back indefinitely; two years 
after they sold this claim to Pierre Bottineau. In 
1847, Mr. R. P. Russell ojjeued the first store in 
St. Anthony, in a two story building of hewn logs 
erected by Franklin Steele. 

In 1854 he was appointed receiver in the land 
office, which position he filled three years. In the 
fall of 1858 he bought the hardware stock of 
Spear & Davison, which he sold two years later 
and turned his attention to farming until 1862, 
when he, in company with George Huy, erected 
a planing mill; in 1878 they added to the build- 
ing and converted it into a floiu mill. He was 
also one of the firm who, in 1870, built the Dakota 
mUl. Mr. Russell has been active in both public 
and private life ; has served one term in the legis- 
lature, and often in town offices; he was the first 
chairman of the town board, and holds that posi- 
tion at the present writing. October 3, 1848, his 
marriage occurred with Marion Patch. 

Franklin Steele was bom in 1813, in Pennsyl- 
vania. When a youth he was advised by Andrew 
Jackson, late president of the United States, to 
identify himself with the West. Mr. Steele and 
two or three others, in the summer of 1837, came 
to the Falls of St. Croii and made claim to the 
valuable water-power there. The following winter 
was passed in Washington and elsewhere, but in 
the summer of 1838 he returned, and upon being 
appointed sutler to the army, at Fort Snelling, he 
disposed of the St. Crcix property and became in- 
terested on the east side of St. Anthony's Falls. 
It was not until 1848 that there was a sale of 
lands liy the government, and that year he com- 
pleted the first saw-mill on the east side of the 
falls. In 1851 he secured a site for the pre- 
paratory department of the University of Min- 
nesota, and was the largest contributor toward tlie 
erection of the first academic building. It was 
Franklin Steele who contracted for the swinging 
of a wire suspension bridge over the Mississippi 
just above the cataract, the first bridge which 
spanned the great river from Lake Itasoa to the 



HENNEPIN COUNTY. 



283 



Gulf of Mexico. During the Indi^ outbreak of 
1862 Mr. Steele hurried to the scene of slaughter 
with the necessary supplies, riding in an open 
buggy, at the head of the column. In 1843 he 
married in Baltimore, Anna Barney, and with his 
bride, came to Fort Snelling when it was sur- 
rounded by Indians. During the latter years of 
his life he passed tho winters in Washington but 
always spoke of Minnesota as his home While 
riding with an acquaintance on the 9th of Sep- 
tember, 1880, Ml'. Steele was suddenly siezed with 
dizziness, soon after lost consciousness, and at an 
early hour the next morning his spirit departed 
to his God. It wOl be long before his friends and 
his family will forget Franklin Steele. 

"To live in hearts we leave behind 
Is not to die." 

Colonel John H. Stevens, the pioneer of Minne- 
apolis proper, is a native of Lower Canada, where 
he was born Jime 13th, 1820. His first move was 
to the lead mines of lUinois and Wisconsin. 
During the war with Mexico, he served with the 
army of invasion and after the war closed, he came 
to the territory of Minnesota, which had recently 
been set ajsart from Iowa. He located on the 
original townsite of MinneapoUs, opposite the 
Falls of St. Anthony, The nearest habitation of 
white men was Fort Snelling. He has lived to see 
grow from his humble home a city of fifty thou- 
sand souls. He has frequently been honored with 
seats in the senate and house of representatives in 
the state legislature, and has also held high and 
responsible offices of trust and honor, both civil 
and mUitary, with the greatest success and credit. 
He was married May 10th, 1850, in Eockford, Illi- 
nois, to Miss Francis H. MUler, of Oneida county, 
New York. 

William Drew Washburn, was bom at Liver- 
more, Androscoggin county, Maine, January 14th, 
1831. He graduated from Bowdoin College, and 
was admitted to the bar in 1857; the same year he 
came west, and was appointed agent of the Minne- 
apolis Mill Company, in which he afterwards be- 
came a partner. In 1861 he was commissioned 
by President Lincoln, surveyor general of Minne- 
sota; built a large saw-mill, and has since been 
actively engaged in the lumber trade. He was 
the chief mover in projecting the Minneapolis and 
St. Louis railway; he is president of the company. 
In 1872, he built the finest lumber mill in the 
state, at Anoka, and has since buUt a large flour- 
ing mill at the same place. Li 1873, he, with 



others, buUt the Palisade miU, here. November, 
1878, he was elected representative of the third 
congressional district, and ha 1880 re-elected. He 
married in 1859, Lizzie Muzzie, of Bangor, 
Maine. 

Henry T. Welles, was born April 3d, 18217 in 
Hartford county, Connecticut. Belonging to one 
of the best families of his native state, he was fa- 
vored with rare advantages, and in 1843 gradua- 
ted from Trinity College, Hartford. The first ten 
years after leaving college were mostly spent on 
the farm, divided with duties of a public character, 
and in 1850 he was honored with a seat in the le"- 
islature of his native state. Upon his arrival at 
•St. Anthony in 1853 he became interested in the 
lumber business, and also purchased considerable 
real estate. In 1855 he was elected mayor of that 
city. He removed to Minneapolis in 1856, since 
which time he has been closely identified with the 
interests of the city. Mr. Welles has held various 
oifices of trust, but since 1864 has had neither 
time nor inclination to engage in pohtical matters; 
he never hesitates, however, to give substantial aid 
in all matters that are of advantage to the city and 
state of his adoption. 

J. C. Whitney was born in April, 1818, at 
Springfield, Vei-mont. In 1829, moved with his 
p.arents to Canada, and remained until twenty 
years of age. He attended college, at OberUn, 
Ohio, and in 1849, graduated from Union Semina- 
ry, New York. The same year removed to Stdl- 
water, Minnesota, where he was pastor of the First 
Presbyterian church until 1853; at that time he 
came to Minneapolis, and held the position of pas- 
tor of the First Presbyterian church here four 
years. In 1857 removed to Forest City, and re- 
turned here in 1860. In 1862, enlisted and served 
three years; was appointed quartermaster with the 
rank of captain. Returned in 1865 and engaged 
in real estate business. Mr. Whitney married in 
1849, Eliza Bayard. 



DAKOTA COUNTY, 



CHAPTER XLVn. 

County created — settlement at Hastings 

settlement of townships bi0gkaphic4l. 

Dakota was one of the nine original counties 
created by the first territorial legislature. The 



284 



UIHTORT OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEf. 



act W118 piisscJ October 27tli, 1819, which derined 
the Ixmndarios nud dcdiired the existence of this 
county. 

Those boundaries wore scftrcely such, however, 
as the boundiiries of to-day. All that portion of 
the territory "lying south of a line running due 
west from the mouth of Clear Water river to the 
Missouri river, and north of the north boundary 
line of Wabasha county," was erected into a sepa- 
rate covinty, called Dakota ("aUied") from the 
ludian trilie that inhabited it. 

The north boundary line of Wabasha county, 
referred to above, is given in the laws of 1849 as 
"a line running due west from a point on the Mis- 
sissipjii river, o|>poBite the mouth of St. Croix river, • 
to the Missouri river." This immense territory 
included ten or twelve of the counties of to-day, 
but scarcely embraced the northern half of Dakota 
cojuity as bounded at present. 

Under the re-snsed statutes, aU the territory west 
of the Mississippi river, and east of a line miming 
from Medicine Bottle's village at Pine Bond, due 
south to the Iowa line, was erected into a separate 
county known as Wabasha. This included Has- 
■ tings and other valuable portions of the present 
Dakota county. 

By the revision, also, Dakota county was made 
to consist of "all that part of the territory wtst of 
the Missi^sipi>i river, and lying west of the county 
of Wabasha, and south of a line beginning at the 
mouth of Crow river, and up said river and the 
north branch thereof to its source, and thence due 
west to the Missouri river." 

Dakota county continued with a vast extent of 
territory for some years. By degrees many other 
coimties were formed out of that territory, includ- 
ing Hennepin county, which was formed in 1852. 
An act to organize certain counties, and for 
other purposes, was passed March 5th, 1853. By 
this Dakota county was given the following bound- 
aries: "Beginning in the Minnesota river, at the 
mouth of Credit river, thence in a direct line to 
the upper branch of Cannon river, thence dowji 
said river to its lower fork, as laid down on Nicol- 
let's map, thence on a direct line to a point in the 
Mississippi river opposite the mouth of St. Croix 
lake, tlience up the Mississippi river to the mouth 
of the Minnesota river, thence up the Minnesota 
river to the place of begiiming." 

As time passed on other changes were made in 
the coimty boundaries. Feliruary 20th, 1853, 
quite important changes were made. June 11th, 



1858, the boundary between Scott and Dakota was 
changed. It is said that political considerations 
determined its final location. It seems to have 
been a troublesome boundary to politicians, who 
determined, according to hearsay, that both coun- 
ties sliould be democratic. By skillful division of 
the Irish farmers who occupied the eastern part of 
Scott and the western part of Dakota these politi- 
cians were able to accomplish their purposes, 
though at the expense of a regular boundary line. 
Chsnges in this western boundary were made 
again in 18G0 and in 1871. The present northern 
boundary was fixed in 1873. 

The county seat was first established in 1853 at 
Kaposia. There were no county buildings and 
no county offices, other than the houses of the 
officers. The following year the county seat was 
removed to Mendota, the commissioners meetmg 
there for the first time February 6th, 1854. 

At this time Hastings being tb.o largest town in 
the county, and becoming the following mouth an 
incorporated city, on St. Patrick's day, Mareli 
17th, 1857, it was voted by the people to establish 
the county scat in the newly-fledged city. The 
records were accordiiiglj' removed from Mendota 
on the 2d day of June following. 

Hastings has continued as the permanent county 
seat since that date, although two attempts have 
been made in behalf of other locations. In 1860 
a bill was passed allowing the people to decide by 
ballot on the claims of Pine Bend. Six himdred 
and eighty-six votes were cast in favor of the pro- 
posed removal and eleven hundred and twenty-five 
against it. 

Farmington was the next aspirant for the honor, 
presenting her own more central location, to the 
disparagement of Hastings. In 1868 the act per- 
mitting a vote upon the issue was passed, but it 
was decided, by five or six hundred majority, to 
maintain the county seat at Hastings. 

The first territorial legislature convened Sep- 
tember 3d, 1849, and adjourned the first of the 
following November. The county was repre- 
sented in the council by John Rollins, Fifth dis- 
trict; and Martin McLeod, Seventh district; and 
in the house by Wm. R MarshaU, Wm. Dugas, 
Fifth district; and Alexis BaUly and Gideon H. 
Pond, Seventh district. 

Michigan territory had jurisdiction over it until 
1836, and Wisconsin until 183S. Iowa territory 
was then organized, and Dakota county, in com- 
mon with other territory west of the Mississippi 



DAKOTA COUNTY. 



285 



river, became subject to its legal dispensations. 
The first officer of justice in tbe county was H. 
H. Sibley, who was appointed a justice of the 
peace by Governor Porter, of Michigan, and again 
by Governor Chambers, of Iowa, in 1838. His 
jurisdiction was over the territory included in 
Clayton county, Iowa, "an empire in itself," ex- 
tending from below Prairie du Chien to Pembina, 
and westward fi'om the Mississippi to the Missouri. 
General Sibley was, at this time, a resident of 
Mendota. Several important cases were brought 
before him, including the trial of Phelan for the 
murder of Hays. 

On the 11th day of June, 18i9, the governor 
issued his second proclamation, dividing the terri- 
tory into three judicial districts. The seat of jus- 
tice for the third district was at Mendota, and the 
first court was held there on the first Monday in 
August. Judge David Cooper presided, and H. 
H. Sibley was foreman of the grand jury, the first 
ever impaneled west of the Mississippi river in 
Minnesota. Judge Cooper delivered a written 
charge, able and finished, "but only three of the 
twenty old men composing the jury," understood 
a word of the language he was speaking. Major 
Forbes served as interpreter through the term, but 
no indictments were found. The court was organ- 
ized in the large stone warehouse bslongiug to 
the Fur Company. 

Judge Cooper's term of office was from June 
1st, 1819, to April 7th, 185.3. He was succeeded 
by Judge Andrew G. Chatfield, April 7tb, 1853, to 
April 23d, 1857. Charles E. Flandrau succeeded 
liim from April 23d, 1857, to May 24th, 1858. 

Under the schedule of the state constitution, 
Dakota county was included in the fifth judicial 
district, and the first judge of the state of Blinne- 
sota, for this district was Nicholas M. Donaldson. 
He was elected in the fall of 1857, and. succeeded 
Judge Flandrau in holding courts in the county, 
May 24th, 1858. 

The last term of court in Dakota county, as part 
of the fifth judicial district, was held November 
21st, 1850, at which time Thomas Wilson presided 
as acting judge. The county now became a part 
of the newly constituted first district. S. J. R. 
McMillan held the first court in the county, for 
this district, March 27th, 1860, Judge McMillan 
was elected associate justice of the supreme court, 
the term extending from July 5th, 1864. 

The first settlement in "the State of the sky- 
tinted water" was made in Dakota county. 



Lord Selkirk's famous colony or Eed River set- 
tlement, established in 1812, was just outside the 
present boundaries of this State. Impelled by the 
pangs of hunger, verging on starvation, the un- 
fortunate colonists of Kildonan hunted the buffalo 
on the prairies of north-western Minnesota during 
one or two winters, but they were in no sense set- 
tlers here. The oldest settled county in the State 
lies about the junction of the Minnesota with the 
Mississippi rivfer. 

It was the executive force and far-sighted states- 
manship of John C. Calhoun that first extended 
the power of the Union over this remote, unculti- 
vated region, and thereby inaugurated its perma- 
nent possession and occupation by the whites. 

Under hi.s order of Febmary 10th, 1819, Colonel 
H. Leavenworth, commanding the Fifth Regiment 
of Infantry, left Detroit, and came by way of 
Prairie du Chien to the mouth of the Minnesota 
river. The journey up the Mississippi was per- 
formed in keel-boats, and was completed Auo-ust 
23d, 1819. At that date the detachment arrived at 
New Hope (Mendota), and estabhshed a canton- 
ment on the south bank of the Minnesota, near 
the end of the railway bridge which at present 
spans that stream. 

While the detachment was at Prairie du Chien, a 
daughter was born to Lieutenant Nathan Clark, 
commissary of the regiment, and to Mrs. Char- 
lotte (Seymour) Clark, his wife. This daughtty, 
now Mrs. Charlotte O. Van Cleve of Minneapolis, 
was born on the first of July. Her father pro- 
ceeded, in August, with Colonel Leavenworth to 
the Minnesota, but from all that can be ascer- 
tained his wife and daughter did not arrive there 
untd November. It is said that owing to the un- 
usually low stage of water, the keel-boats were 
frequently drawn through the sand by the wading 
boatmen, and Mrs. Clark and little daughter were 
six weeks on the tedious voyage from Prairie du 
Chien to Mendota. 

Mrs. Clark's was the first white baby in Dakota 
county, and is said to have been an object of great 
curiosity to the Indians, who came from far and 
near to see it. 

There were several ladies connected with the 
regiment, and among them Mrs. Gooding, wife of 
Captain Gooding, who came with her husband, as 
a part of the original detachment. She was prob- 
ably the first white woman in the county. If 
others arrived at the same time their names have 
not been preserved. 



2SG 



Illt^TOUY OF TIIIC MINXESOTA V M.LKT. 



Only the riulrst piokots iind \onis were reaily 
for use iu the first winter, tlmt ot \>'V.) '1(\ and 
tuitil these coulil be eret-tod the company were 
oliliged to occupy the tlut-luiats. 

The troops took up sunimer quarters at Cump 
Coldwntcr, on tlio ()|)])iisiti' side of the river, l)Ut 
returned to tlieir old ijuarten> ut Mendotu for the 
winter on820-'21. 

During the summer of 1820, Colonel Josiah 
Suelliug Hucceeded Colonel Leavenworth as com- 
mander. Mrs. Abagail Suclling came with him, 
and in September of that year gave birth to a 
daughter, the first white child ever bom in Dakota 
county. Mrs. Snelling's sick-room at Mendota 
was j)apered, and carpeted with buflfalo robes, and 
made as warm and comfortable as possible. 

In October, 1821, Mrs. Snelling's child, Eliza- 
beth, died at Mendotn, where she was bom, and 
was the first intemient in the military graveyard 
at Fort Snelling. 

In October of 1822, some of the buildings at 
Fort Snelling were ready for occupancy, and a 
part ot the garrison occupied thom. It was not 
until 1824 that the original cantonment, variously 
referred to as St. Peter's, New Hope, and Mendota 
was entirely broken up. Then the eventful and in- 
teresting history of Fort Snelling began, a sketch 
of which has been given previously. 

The honor ot first settlement in Dakota county 
belongs properly to Jean Baptiste Faribault, who 
was bom at Berthier, Canada, in 1817, and died at 
Faribault, August 20th, 18(50. 

In 1820, at the solicitation of Colonel Leaven- 
worth, he located at Pike's Island, where he bmlt 
lo" cabins and had some acres of ground under 
cultivation. In June of 1822, that island was 
flooded, as it has been the present year, and Mr. 
Faribault was forced to remove, with heavy loss, to 
the east bank of the Mississippi. In 1826, the fa- 
ther ot waters was again in wrath, and forced the 
Faribault's to seek stiU higher ground, which they 
barely reached with their collection of furs. 

It was then that Jean Baptiste Faribault built 
the first house in the county at Mendota. The 
excavations of the railroad company have well 
nii^h destroyed its site, and the very dead, who 
reposed about it, have been driven from their 
resting jilaces. 

Mr Faribault's family resided at Mendota for 
many years. 

Alexis Bailly, some account of whom is given in 
the sketch of Hastings, was early identified with 



the interests of the county, and hail a residence at 
Mendota for some six or eight years, beginning 
about 182G-8. 

Pierre Gervais, n Red IJiver refugee, came to 
Mendota in 1836, and entered into the employ of 
the American Fur Comj)any. William Beauniette, 
a Canadian stone-mason, who had settled at Bed 
River about 1818 or 1819, lived at Mendota for 
some years after the Selkirk exodus 

Vetal Ouerin, who was born in 1812, at St. Remi, 
Canada, arrived at Mendota, late in the fall of 
1832, having journeyed with a large company of 
voyageurs from Montreal. The whole distance 
was made in bouts. He lived at Mendota 
until 1839. Antoine Le Claire came about the 
same time. 

The year 1834 marks the coming of Henry 
Hastings Sibley. 

He continued a staunch devotee of the interests 
of Dakota county for many years. He came as 
superintendent of the fur company, but he remain- 
ed as a citizen. In 1830 John Miller, stone-mason, 
built for him at Mendota, the first stone residence 
in the state. It is now owned by the Roman Cath- 
olic sisters, or at least, is occupied by them, after 
the manner of their order 

Many of the early settlers of St. Paul, came 
there by way of Mendota. During the early days 
of St. I'aul, Mendota was the only place where tea, 
flour, pork, sugar, and the other bare necessities of 
life could be obtained. General Sibley's store 
opened soon after his arrival, marks the ])roper be- 
ginning of the now great commercial interest of 
the state, as well as county. 

The stone hotel built by Alexander Faribaidt in 
1838, was exceedingly early in the list ot hostel- 
ries, and ready for the comers t)t the following 
year, who settled east ot the great river. 

Before advancing further to the period of actual, 
permanent possession of the whole domain of this 
county by the settler some mention must be made 
of the Indian treaties. 

The treaty made by Lieutenant Pike in 180.5, 
and previously described, included, in the lands 
obtained by it, a part of the territory now em- 
braced in this county. This land, as previously 
stated, was ceded for the purposes ot a military 
reservation. 

The treaty of 1837, conchided by Governor 
Dodge ot AVisconsin, by which the Chippewas 
ceded the pine valley ot the St. Croix and its 
tributaries, opened the way tor new progress every- 



DAKOTA COUNTY. 



287 



where, and filled the hearts of the settlers with 
hope. The following year all the country east of 
the Mississippi was open for settlement, and set- 
tlers increased. An eager eye was already cast 
on the lands west of the Mississijapi. Accordingly, 
Grovernor Doty, of Wisconsin, negotiated treaties 
for the cession of those lands in 1841. The treaty 
with the lower bands of Sioux was concluded at 
Mendota. Twenty-five million acres of land were 
embraced in these treaties, which for some reason 
faUed of confirmation by the United States senate. 
Any further develojament of Dakota county was 
thereby delayed until the treaty of 18.51. July 
29, 1851, the chiefs and principal head men of the 
Med-e-wa-kan-ton-wan and Wah-pe-kute bands of 
Sioux met the commissioners of the United States 
in grand council. The place of meeting was the 
upper room of the large warehouse at Mendota. 
The pipe was j^assed and smoked, and Governor 
Eamsey made a sensible speech, which was inter- 
preted by Kev. G. H. Pond. He said that the 
lands were becoming destitute of game and of 
little value to the Indians, owing to that and to 
the fact that they would soon be surrounded by 
the whites, the upper bands having already sold 
their possessions. He had left his home many 
times and been a greater distance from it than 
they were asked to go. They would be paid 
money, furnished supplies to a certain amount, 
and stiU live on their own lands, if they acceded 
to the requests of the government. 

Colonel Luke Lea, Indian commissioner, also 
addressed the coimcil, which was broken up, to 
submit the proposition of the government to the 
Indians. This was done by the interpreter. 

The confirmation of the treaty himg long in 
doubt. It was solely the surjjassing tact of Com- 
missioner Lea and Governor Kamsey that brought 
it to a successful close. The Indians spoke many 
wholesome truths, but they were no match for the 
shrewd, white diplomats. Finally, Little Crow, 
first turning to the Indian soldiers' lodge, and 
saying "that he was not afraid of any one's killing 
him, though he should sign the treaty first; for a 
man had to die sometime, and could die but 
once," then took his seat and a pen and signed 
duplicate copies of the treaty. Wapasha nest 
made his mark, and sixty-four chiefs, head-men 
and warriors, in all, signed the documents. 

"By the conditions of this treaty the Med-e-wa- 
kan-ton-wan and Wah-pe-kute bands of Indians 
cede and relinquish all their lands in the territory 



of Minnesota and state of Iowa. In consideration 
whereof, the United States reserve for them a home, 
of the average width of ten miles, on either side of 
the Minnesota river, bounded on the west by the 
Tchay-Tam-bay and Yellow Medicine rivers, on the 
east by the Little Kock river, and a line running 
due south from its mouth to the Little Waraja 
river, and agrees to pay them the following sums 
of money: For settling debts and to aid in re- 
moval, $220,000; for the erection of buildings, 
opening of farms, etc., $30,000; civilization fund, 
annually, $12,000; educational fxmd, annually, 
$6,000; goods and provisions, annually, $10,000; 
cash, $30,000. 

"These annuities continue for fifty years. The in- 
troduction of spirituous hquors within the borders 
of the ceded territory is prohibited, until other- 
wise ordered by the president." 

This treaty was ratified by the United States 
senate in 1852, and the event was signalized by a 
rapid staking out of claims in many desirable lo- 
cations. The few first succeeding years saw Da- 
kota county entirely transformed. From 1853 to 
1857 — four brief years — the change was indeed re- 
markable. In that period Hastings grew from the 
dimensions and appearance of a New England 
farm to those of a fioiirishing western town. The 
growth here may be taken as an index of that 
throirghout the county. Settlement at Hastings 
began with the Bailly's in 1850 and the squatters 
of 1851, such as Van Eennsalaer and Abraham 
Truas. The settlers of 1852 were few in number; 
the year 1853 brought many new-comers. In 
1854 and 1855 the rapid growth began. The 
growth of 1855 was rapid yet substantial. The 
first of January, 1856, saw a population in Has- 
tings of quite seven hundred, most of whom had 
gathered at this point within a year. 

But the year 1856 was the crowning one in the 
growth of Hastings. From the date of the oj)en- 
ing of navigation to the 1st of the month of July 
there were seventy-three stone and frame houses 
built in the town, beside some one hundred of a 
temporary character, which gave way in the au- 
tumn to durable and tasty residences. New enter- 
prises were established. Mr. Campbell reported 
twelve hundred dollars as his trade for a single 
day. Mr. Hertzell reported twelve thousand dol- 
lars as his trade in Hastings for the month of 
March. Everything was thri^dng, active and pro- 
gressive. Money flowed from one hand to an- 
other, cheerfulness was everywhere prevalent, and 



2S8 



HISTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VAIXBT. 



the fitizoua of Hiislinps hopeful and sanguine for 
the future of their town. 

During the years of 1857 and 1H5S, there was 
an era of hard times. The financial crash that 
visited all parts of the country alike in the former 
year, and has passed into its general history, was 
esjiecially severe in this new country, where rates 
of interest were high and money in gi-eat demand. 
Speculation had become almost a frenzy, previ- 
ously, and it was often a most melancholy truth 
that men were " land poor." Five per cent. j)er 
mouth was paid upon notes, after their maturity, 
and consequently debts would double themselves 
in twenty mouths. Twenty thousand dollars in 
gold was offered for a lot that was afterwards fore- 
closed for a S500 mortgage, and yet Hastings grew 
in many ways, notwithstanding all this. "The 
Hastings Independent" of July 25, 1857, notes 
the making of several improvements and the erec- 
tion of several buildings. It also speaks proudly 
of the manufacturing interests of the town, and 
adds that much machinery is being received at the 
levee, stating furtliermore, that more freight is re- 
ceived at this poiut than at any other on the river 
between Dubuipie and St. Paul. 

But the hard times continued in their effects 
until the breaking out of the war, when the farm- 
ers began to flourish again and business generally 
to improve. 

From that time to the present, the growth of 
Hastings has been substantial rather than rapid, 
and it has consequently achieved a rej)utation as a 
thorough-going and substantially prosperous busi- 
ness point. 

With the year 1881, a new epoch of business 
improvement seems to be dawning, and the capital 
gathered here ajipears ready to enlarge the bound- 
aries of its operations. The foundations of new 
enterprises have been laid, new blocks have been 
contracted for, new dwellings are in process of 
erection, and the manufacturing facilities have 
been increased. 

The future takes earnest of the past, and will be 
shaped successfully, doubtless, by skillful hands 
and scheming bniins, actuated by a worthy pur- 
pose. 

What is here said of the city of Hastings, can 
be said of the whole county of Dakota, of which 
Hastings is the center or heart. 

Alexis Uailly is well known as one of the early 
settlers of Minnesota, aud one of those shrewd 
men who saw that the Sioux must soon relinquish 



his title in favor of the United States, and waited 
in anticipation of the day when claims might be 
made. He was thoroughly acquainted witli all 
the country about the upper Mi^sissi])pi, and had 
fixed upon Olive Grove as an inevitable place for 
a townsite. Accordingly, Mr. Bailly detailed his 
son Henry to keep a hold of tlie site and be ready 
on the spot, as the first claimant. As there could 
be no legal occupancy, except under the License of 
a trader, such a license was procured, and Henry 
Bailly came to Olive Grove as its first permanent 
settler in 1850. Mr. Alexis Bailly went, as early as 
1821, to the Bed River of the North with a herd of 
cattle, and had several narrow escapes from the 
savages. He was afterward engaged as agent for 
the American Fur Company. For some years he 
had charge of the trading-post at W'abasha, and 
used often to make the journey from there to 
Mendota, with his family in a eanoe: sometimes 
hunting and fishing, they would take weeks in 
reaching their destination. Mr. BaUly's wife was 
a daughter of Jean Baptiste Faribault. 

Jean Baptiste Faribault, to whom belongs the 
h<mor of making the first settlement in Dakota 
county, was born at Berthier, Canada, in 1774, 
and died at Faribaidt, Minnesota, August 20th, 
1860. He came to the West as a trader, in 1798, 
and came to Little Kapids, on the Minnesota river, 
in 1803-4. During the war of 1812 he remained 
the friend of the United States, and was arrested 
by the British, and for some time held a prisoner. 
In 1820 lie located on Pike Island, at the junction 
of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, from 
which high waters in 1822 forced him to remove 
to the east bank of the Mis.sissippi. There he re- 
mained until 1826, when again the water forced 
him to seek higher ground, which was gained with 
considerable loss in furs and goods. He then built 
at Mendota the first house in Dakota county. 
Mr. Faribault's family remained residents of Men- 
dota for many years. He survived most of his 
large family of children. His son Alexander, 
bom at Prairie du Chien, was the oldest of the 
children, and is still living near the city of Fari- 
bault, which he founded. His wife was tlie 
daughter of one Francis Kinie, by a Dakota 
woman. In person, Jean Baptiste Faribault was 
small, but his bearing is said to have been digni- 
fied. He was a worthy man and his memory is 
held in due respect. 

William Feltcra, bom June 15j 1802, is a native 
of Feimsylvania. In 1825 he married Mahala 



DAKOTA COUNTY. 



289 



Dana, and in 1852 they came to Hastings, Minne- 
sota. Mrs. Felton claims the honor of being the 
first white woman settler at this point. Upon 
their arrival they rented a log house, the first 
house built in the town, and opened the first 
boarding-house in the county. This log house 
was only 12x16 feet in. dimension, with a kitchen 
10x12 feet; in these narrow quarters Mr. and Mrs. 
Felton showed a generous hospitality that will 
long be remembered and recounted. As many as 
forty-three persons have remained of a night in 
that little log cabin, which was long ago pulled 
down. As early as 1853 this house was used as a 
place of worship by the Catholics; services were 
also conducted there by Kev. T. E. Cressy, a Bap- 
tist clergyman. Mr. Felton wes the first elected 
justice of the peace, and since 1856 has been cor- 
oner. In 1854 he built the first wharf and 
established the first ferry, at Hastings, across the 
Mississippi. Since 1856 the Feltons have resided 
on their claim in Nininger township. 

O. T. Hayes was bom in New London, Merri- 
mack county. New Harajashire, December 2d, 1827. 
Early in life he embarked in mercantile pursuits. 
He first read law with Samuel Butterfield, of An- 
dover. New Hampshire. Came to Hastings dur- 
ing the fall of 1853. Was practicing law and 
dealing in real estate; also ap25ointed county attor- 
ney of Goodhue county by Governor Gorman. In 
1855 was made coimty attorney of Dakota county, 
also postmaster. The latter position he resigned 
soon after. Was one of the first aldermen in Has- 
tings, and mayor in 1860. In 1861 he assisted in 
raising Company H, First Minnesota Infantry, 
and went out as first lieutenant. After the battle 
of Bull Run, was mustered out on account of phy- 
sical disability. In March, 1863, was commis- 
sioned major of the First Minnesota Cavalry, by 
Governor Eamsey, serving until mustered out at 
Fort SnelUng in December, 1863. 

He resumed his practice, but soon retired in 
consequence of declining health. He was a mem- 
ber of the legislature in 1863. He was admitted 
to the bar of supreme courts in 1854, at Hastings, 
and is now the oldest lawyer in Dakota county. 

David Hone, one of the oldest living pioneers of 
Minnssota, was born in Otsego coimty, New York, 
April 5th, 1808, his father being one of the early 
pioneers of that county. In 1837 he removed to 
Madison county, Hlinois. He then moved to 
Washington county, Blinnesota, and made a claim 
by cutting his name on a tree where Marine Mills 

19 



now stands. Eeturned for his family, and came 
back during the spring of 1839, making the trip 
from St. Louis to the headwaters of the St. Croix 
by boat in 'twenty -five days. After a short time 
spent in lumbering interests, removed in 1840 to 
Gray Cloud Island, and for thi'ee years engaged in 
farming. During the spring of 1843 located at 
Point Douglas, and in July of the same year com- 
menced building the old Union house, which was 
finished in 1844, it being the first all frame build- 
ing in the state. This he managed five years, then 
rented it. In 1871 came to Hastings. In 1875 
he retired from active pursuits in consequence of 
failing health. Mr. Hone was formerly magis- 
trate at Gray Cloud Island, and took a territorial 
census in 1849. 

John Kennedy, was born September 22d, 1827, 
in Canada West. Here he was reared and received 
his education at the pubUc and normal schools. 
He afterwards taught school several years. In 
1853 came to Traverse des Sioux, Minnesota. The 
next spring he went to Meudota, Dakota coimty, 
and was book-keeper for General Sibley until 
January, 1856. He then resigned to take the 
office of register of deeds, having been elected 
during the fall of 1855. This i^osition he held six 
yeare. In August, 1862, he organized company 
F, Seventh Minnesota Infantry, paying all the ex- 
penses of organizing, as to uniform, arms, trans- 
portation, etc., the company being mustered in at 
Fort Snelling, with Mr. Kennedy as captain. 
Served until mustered out at Fort Snelling, Au- 
gust 16th, 1865, with the rank of major, which he 
received March 13th, 1865, for gallant conduct at 
the battle before Nashville, Tennessee. Eeturning 
to Hastings after the war, he was elected in 1866 
auditor of Dakota county, which office he held 
until entering upon his duties as jiostmaster of 
Hastings in 1873. 

Daniel W. Tniax, one of the early pioneers of 
this county, was born in Montreal, Canada, De- 
cember 23d, 1830. Eemoved to St. Lawrence 
county, New York, with his parents, and there re- 
ceived his early education. In 1849, came to Point 
Douglas and at once engaged in farming. Was 
elected to the territorial legislature in 1851. Fol- 
lowed agricultural pursuits until 1853, then built 
a saw-mill in company with John Blakely in Nin- 
inger township, and in the fall of 1855, sold his 
interests and purchased a steam saw-mill, in which 
he was interested until 1861. Bemoving at that 
time to Hastings, he purchased in company with 



290 



IIIHTORT OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Mr. Kin>wlt<>n, what is now known iis the Libby 
mill. In 18G3, disposod of liis Bbiire, and until 
1871, ongiiged in tho grocery trade, and lias since 
fiirmi'd and dealt in f.irm machinery. Married in 
1853, Mary A. Truax, of St. Lawrence county. 
New York. 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



CHAPTER Xl,Vin. 

OROANIZATION — BOUNDARIES — OFFICIALS— KATTJRAL 
FEATURBS SETTLEMENT INCIDENTS. 

By act ot territorial legislature at the session of 
1853, the county of Scott was established and 
bounded as folU)ws: l)egiuning at the north-east 
corner of township 112 north, range 21 west of 
the liftU meridian; thence west on the township 
line between townships 112 and 113 to the middle 
of the main channel of the Minnesota river; thence 
down said channel to the month of Credit river; 
thence in a direct line to the place of beginning. 

By an act of legislature passed May 23, 1857, 
describing the corporate limits of Shakopee, that 
part of section one lying nortli ot tlio river was 
detached from Carver and became part of Scott 
county. 

A subsequent change w;is made March 6th, 
1871, when the present boundary between this and 
Dakota county was estalilished. The proposi- 
tion was submitted to the people at the next an- 
nual election, and ratified by vote, and a 8ub.se- 
quent act empowered the registers in eacli county 
to transcribe the records pertaining to land af- 
fected, from the books of the other. 

The first officers of the county, appointed by 
Governor Rani.sey, were: Thomas S. Turner, chair- 
man; Frank Wasson and Comfort Barnes, com- 
missioners; Ai G. Apgar, sheriff; Daniel Apgar, 
justice of peace. The first regular meeting of the 
board was held ,Tuly 4th, 1853, at Holmes' store, 
Shakopee. The l)oard a))p )inted Daniel Apgar 
judge of probate, and Williain H. Nobles county 
surveyor. The board also constituted the entire 
oounly one election jjrecinct, and theWnsson house, 
the first hotel at Shakopee, the place ot election, 
with Alvin Dorward, Samuel Apgar and H. D. J. 
Koons, judges of election. 

The board at their several sessions considered 
petitions for roads, and took earnest measures for 
oi>euiug the county for settlement. The first of 



the num(>rous actions in regard to roads, was the 
appointing ot H. H. Strunk, Henry D. J. Koons 
and Thomas A. Holmes road viewers, and the 
granting of the petition of Thomas S. Turner, 
asking for the laying out of a road from Shakopee 
to the western borders of the county. For the 
purpose of removing obstacles to settlement, they 
addressed a communication to the governor, re- 
questing the removal ot the Indians to lands pro- 
vided for them by the recent treaty, urging prompt 
action in the matter. 

The first election was held the third Monday in 
Sej)temlier, 1853, at the Wasson house: officers: 
Samuel Apgar, chairman; Frank Wasson and 
Comfort Barnes, commissioners; Ai G. Apgar, 
sheriff; H. H. Spencer, treasurer; William H. 
Nobles, register of deeds and county surveyor; 
Daniel Apgar, judge of proliate; E. A. Greenleaf, 
clerk of court; L. M. Brown, district attorney. 
Joseph R. Brown, of Henderson, was elected to 
council, and Wm. H. Nobles to the house, from 
the sixth district, to whieh this coimty belonged, 
for the fifth territorial legislature. The register ot 
deeds was ex-ofiBcio auditor. Mr. Nobles was 
therefore register, auditor and surveyor. 

October 23d, 1853, E. A. Greenleaf appears by 
tho records as register of deeds. January 2d, 
1854, Benjamin F. Davis was appointed treasurer 
in place of Spencer resigned. February 6th, 
1854, the board passed a vote of thanks to D. L. 
Fuller and Thomas A. Holmes, for the gift of a 
site for county buildings, and February 6th fol- 
lowing, Comfort Barnes introduced a resohition, 
whieh was ado)]ted by the board, by which Shak- 
opee was established as the county seat, designat- 
ing block fifty-six, received from Holmes and 
FiUler, as the site for county buildings. On the 
same day, the western part ot the county was 
created a separate election precinct, called Chat- 
field; E. G. Co\-ington, Nelson Roberts and ^Vni- 
brose Wolker, judges ot election. 

January, 1855, the county was divided into 
three assessors districts; assessors, David King- 
horn, first district. Harrison Raynor, second, 
Thomas S. Turner, tliiiil. 

April 7th, 1856, the election precincts were 
changed and the following created: Shakopee 
Eagle Creek, Belle Plaine, Credit River, Spring 
Lake, Jordan, Helena and Cedar Lake. 

April 5th, 1858, at a meeting of the county 
board, the bojuidaries of the several towns were 
established, and July 5th, 1858, the system of 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



291 



representation in the county board of commission- 
ers was changed, and at the same time the name 
commissioners was changed to supsrvisors. The 
chairman of each to\^n lioard was ex-officio a 
member of the board of county supervisors, and 
each ward of a city was entitled to one represent- 
ative as member. .First board, 1858: K. Ken- 
nedy, Peter Yost and J. B. Hinds, city of Shak- 
opee; Ch;irle,s L. Sly, Belle Plaine; Charles Lord, 
Eagle Creek: John Dormau, Buchanan; M. Eea, 
gan, Credit River; P. Schreiner, Douglass; J. W. 
Sencerbox, Louisville; C. Brown, Helena; D. C. 
Fix, Sjjring Lake; S. ,B. Strait, St. Lawrencfe; 
Thomas Quill, Cedar Lake. It will be observed 
that New Market, or Jackson, as that town was 
first named, had no rejoresentative in the county 
board. 

Officers 1881: Patrick H. Thornton, east dis- 
trict, John W. Callender, west district, represent- 
atives; Henry Hinds, senator; Otto Seifert, chair- 
man, Peter C. Mattice, D. S. How, Michael Mc- 
Mahon, Peter J. Baltes, commissioner's; Theodore 
Weiland, sheriff; Roderick O'Dowd, treasuer; Thos. 
Haas, auditor; Gerhard Hilgers, register; Nich- 
olas Meyer, judge of probate; Michael K. Marri- 
nan, clerk of couit; James McHale, superintend- 
ent of schools; Eli South worth, county attorney; 
William A. Fuller, county surveyor; James Mc- 
Kown, coroner; F. J. Whittock, court commis- 
sioner. 

Total area of county, 235,899 acres, of which 
52,317 were cultivated in 1880. Number of school 
houses, 60, with 3,078 pupils enrolled. Pojjula- 
tion by census of 1880, 13,478. Twenty-eight 
church organizations exist in the county, thirteen 
of which are Catholic. 

The settlement of Scott county must bear the 
date 1851 as the starting point, and begin with the 
advent of Thomas A. Holmes at Shakopee in the 
spring of that year. And yet Mr. Holmes found 
several families on the ground at the time of his 
arrival, to whom we refer before giving the de- 
tails of his arrival and the history of the settle- 
ment that followed. Four families were here liv- 
ing among the Indians. These were Rev. S. W. 
Pond and family, the old missionary to the Sioux; 
Hazen Mooers and family, Indian farmer employed 
by the government; John Mooers, a son of Hazen 
Mooers by an Indian wife, who with his own wife 
lived in the same house with his father; Olivier 
Faribault, an Indian trader, and his family. 
These families or their descendants to a considera- 



ble number are still residents of the county, and 
demand special mention here. 

Rev. Mr. Pond, whose advent to Minnesota in 
1831 in company with his brother Gideon H., 
marks an era, was born in Washington, Litchfield 
county, Connecticut. Mr. Pond was employed as 
a teacher at Galena, Illinois, when by correspond- 
ence with his brother Gideon H., who was 
still living in the old Connecticut home, the plan 
for a private missionary enterprise was matured. 
The brothers after the arrival of Gideon H. came 
up to Fort Snelling, where, although at first sus- 
pected of mercenary motives, they were aided and 
encouraged by the officers in charge. They first 
located at Lake Calhoun and devoted their lives 
and talents to the missionary work. 

In 1837, after the arrival of the missionaries of 
the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign 
Missions, they continued under the patronage of 
that society. Passing over the intervening years, 
we fmd S. W. Pond, in 1847, located as mi.ssionary 
to the Shakopee band of Dakotas, living where 
we find him to-day, a mile from Shakopee city, in 
the township of Eagle Creek. Here in his own 
house he preached to the Indians in their native 
language, and gathered the children in the mis- 
sionary school. This school was estabUshed in 
1848, with Miss Cunningham as teacher. 

The school encountered opposition from the 
Indians, and in some instances from traders, who 
saw that if the Indians learned to compute, their 
future dealings with them would be placed on a 
diS'ereut footing. 

The ignorant savage was at the mercy of the 
shrewd trader, whereas if educated they would 
be able to know their rights and assert them. 
One of these unscrupulous traders told Mr. Pond 
that he took one hundred dollars out of his profits 
every time he taught a child to read. 

Hazen Mooers, who was Indian farmer, antedated 
Mr. Pond by more than twenty years' residence 
in the North-west. He came from the state of 
New York soon after the war of 1812, and had 
lived among the Indians ever since. He was first 
deputy collector on the Canada frontier, but after- 
ward was appointed trader or clerk, as these traders 
were called, and under this company held many 
responsible positions at Cheyenne and other points. 
He had lived at what is now Shakopee many 
years bef<3re the arrival of Rev. BIr. Pond with an 
Indian wife and a family of half-breeds. One of 



■292 



lll61Vny 02'' THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



bia BOU8 WII8 also mnrriod and lived with him in 
the siinio hoiiae. 

Olivier Faribault was a quarter-breed, and was 
a trader, living at tho Indian vUlage near where 
Rev. Mr. Pond and Mooers lived, now the outskirts 
of Shakopee. Ho had previously been Indian 
farnior as well as trader. The Faribaults had for- 
nierlv had charge of tho trading post at Chaska. 
Ho had been here some years before the arrival of 
Mr. Pond. About the time of Mr. Holmes' ar- 
rival, David Faribault, a brother of Olivier, arrived, 
and when the exoifement of town building began 
he attempted a rival tomii, trying to divert the set- 
tlement to his location, which was the old Indian 
village. 

With Holmes on his first voyage of discovery 
was only a guide; his May Flower, a canoe; his 
penates, the love of adventure; his only disease 
the town site mania, of which he was one of the 
earliest victims. When he came tho second time, 
in the fall ot 1851, he brought with him in his 
flat-boat, "Wild Paddy," besides the material for 
building his trading post, some men who belong 
to the early settlers ot the county. Their names 
smack of the Canadian voyageurs or half-breeds 
along tlie Mississippi. There was Bajjtiste Le 
Beau, M. Sbamway, Tim Kanty and John Mc- 
Kenzie. They all made claims and became set- 
tlers. Their names will appear in the settlements 
of the towns following. Shjiffaway and his entire 
family in after years were victims of the Mountain 
Meadow massacre. 

The settlement of the county began according 
to the custom of the North-west, cities first and 
country afterward. Indeed, it can hardly be said 
that farms were cultivated at all until after the 
crash of 1857 had crushed the air-bubbles of 
town site s)>epulation and brought people face to 
face with wants to be supplied and necessaries to 
be provided, with no money. Then, perforce, 
farms were opened and men worked to raise crops, 
who l)efi>re had made and lost money by the thou- 
sand with reckless indifference. Shakopee was 
the hope of the county at first, and settlements 
and villages branched out from this as a center. 

The river was in early times the highway of 
travel and the channel of transportation. The 
steamers "Clarion," "Time and Tide," and many 
others, brought at irregular intervals such pas- 
sengers as came up to explore the country or 
make settlement. 

The settlement of the county previous to 1855 



can befoimd in tho hist*)ry of Sliakoi)ee, and an at- 
tempt to review the ground hero would lead to a 
repetition there; we therefore refer to that chap- 
ter and the township histories for full information. 
All legitimate efTorts wore made to induce settle- 
ment, and passengers bound up the river were 
persuaded if possible to stop here. In 1854 the 
steamboat "Miimesota Belle'' attempted to pro- 
ceed up the river about the first of May, but was 
compeUed to return to Sliakopee and discharge 
her entire cargo, which was very large, because on 
account of low water she could not pass the rap. 
ids. This jilensod the citizens, and they regarded 
Shakopee as the head of navigation. 

In 1855 the stream of immigration set in, in 
earnest, and the county was rapidly settled, 
though mainly in villages and hamlets, and not 
yet as farms. 

NATURAL FEATURES. 

A prairie half a mile wide extended from Eagle 
Creek to Belle Plaine parallel with the river. 
Hea\'y timber extended through Credit River, 
Spring Lake, Sand Creek, Belle Plaine and Blake- 
ly. Patches of prairie and timber existed in 
Helena and St. Lawrence. Brush land openings, 
marshes, with patches of timber, characterized 
Cedar Lake, New Market and Credit River. Glen- 
dale and Eagle Creek embraced both timber and 
prairie. 

Three Indian bands had permanent villages in 
the county, the Shakopee, Eagle Head and Sand 
Creek bands. 

Two circumstances need to be taken into account 
as baring an important influence on the settle- 
ment of Scott coimty, and to a greater or less ex- 
tent, other coimtics in the valley of the Minnesota. 
First, the country was covered with timber which, 
besides the difficulty it caused in opening farms, 
intercepted the view in all directions and rendered 
the search for eligible sites for farms a difficult 
matter. The smoke from one claim cabin could 
not be seen from another, and neighbors coidd not 
so readily become acquainted, when separated by 
timber as if living on the prairie. Another fact 
was the existence of several Indian villages, and 
the fact that the valley was marked by their trails, 
which not only followed the river, serving as the 
great highway of travel between the Red River 
country of the north and Prairie du Chein, but by 
branching at various points in the country, fur- 
nished paths to the finest lakes and openings, thus 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



293 



conducting settlers to the most eligible points for 
locating farms. 

Of course the river itself was the imjiortant and 
natural way of travel, but settlers found steam- 
boats so irregular in making their trips, that after 
■waiting several days for a boat which was adver- 
tised to leave St. Paul in a few hours, they would 
start on foot. By this travel the trails were kept 
open, and it was found that they were well di- 
rected by the instinct of the Indian, affording the 
most direct and feasible routes. The enlarge- 
ment of these trails to roads was an easy matter, 
and the rude Eed River carts with one ox harnessed 
between the shafts passed up and down between 
the upper country and lower by these trails with- 
out difficulty. It should be added that these 
original trails have to a large measure become the 
highways of the county. 

Starting from St. Paul, two routes or trails 
offered the traveler his option. He could cross the 
river to Mendota and follow the trail leading 
through Black Dog, an Indian village, to the trad- 
ing post at the camp of the Kaposia band, Chief 
Eagle Head, sometimes called Eagle band, kept 
in 1852 by Louis Roberts and William Murry at 
Hamilton. At this point a branching trail fol- 
lowed up the crepk, now dignified by the name of 
Credit river, through Scott county south and south- 
west to Cedar lake. By this branch the Irish set- 
tlers of Glendale, Credit River and parts of Cedar 
Lake and Spring Lake, found and located their 
claims. 

Another princijsal trail was up the river, cross- 
ing at Bloomington ferry, proceeding by the village 
of the "Eagle Band," thence to Shakopee, continu- 
ing on up the river. A little east of Shakoj^ee, a 
branching trail ran south about five miles when 
it forked, one trail leading south-east, between 
Spring and Long lakes, and the other continued 
south to the west end of Spring lake and Cedar 
lake. Near Belle Plaine another branch from the 
principal trail led in a southerly direction. 

At the time settlement in Scott coimty began 
the nearest raUroad station was Warren, twenty- 
eight miles from Galena, Illinois. 

A murder of a white woman named Mrs. 
Keener, by an Indian occurred in the fall of 1852 
under the following circumstances : H. H. Spencer, 
Tvho is now a respectable citizen of Louisville, 
mide a claim in 1852 above Belle Plaine, in the 
"Big Woods," and employed Mr. Keener and his 
wife at St. Paul to come with him to work and 



keep house while he was clearing up his claim. 
They came by team in the fall, the party consist- 
ing of Mr. Spencer, John Schroeder, Keener and 
his wife and baby. Their outfit consisted of the 
necessaries for housekeeping. They crossed the 
river by the Bloomington ferry and encamped 
there at night. During the night a drenching 
rain soaked everything through. They therefore 
spent part of the next day drying their clothes and 
spent the second night at the house of Samuel Ap- 
gar, in the embryo village of Shakopee. The follow- 
ing day they j^ursued their journey. They had 
proceeded about eight miles and were walking, 
some before and some behind the wagon, when 
they were accosted by two Indians, of the Sand 
Creek band, who, with their usual freedom, entered 
into conversation and looked over their outfit in- 
cluding the guns which they saw to be useless 
from the soaking rain. They soon became bold 
and saucy, and while the men were before the 
wagon, punched the woman with their guns, say- 
ing that it was a shame for the man to carry 
I^apoose, for the husband was carrying the child. 

Mr. Spencer then came back, and shaking the 
cane he carried in his hand at them, threatened 
them, perhaps showing a little of a southerner's 
temper. Whereupon one of the Indians, named 
Yu-ha-zee, loaded his gun to shoot him, but the 
other Indian attempted to dissuade him, holding 
up liis blanket before him. He also diverted the 
aim by pushing the gun aside, and the bullet 
struck the woman in the back of the neck, passing 
clear through and killing her instantly. The 
Indians then hurried away, and the frightened 
party hastily unloaded on the ground the contents 
of the wagon, placed the dead body therein and 
returned as rapidly as possible to Shakojsee. Mrs. 
Apgar tenderly cared for the body and prepared it 
for removal to St. Paul, where it was taken the 
same day in a skiff. Yu-ha-zee was arrested by 
a squad of troops from Fort Snelling, and after 
several trials, consuming a year, during which 
his tribe made strenuous efforts to secure his dis- 
charge, he was hung at Fort Snelling. This 
band harbored ill will against Mr. Spencer ever 
after, and the trader, Louis Le Croix, assured him 
of their purpose to kill him. 'At the time of the 
Indian massacre Mr. Spencer thought it safer to 
leave the country with his family for a short time. 

Yu-ha-zee's companion, however, professed 
friendship for Mr. Spencer, and declared that he 
diverted the aim on purpose to have the woman 



294 



Ul^ToUY OF THE MINNESOTA VAI.LET. 



shot l)oi"au8o he kuow Tu-ha-zee would sboot 
80inol)iKi_v. mill he thought it not so liiul to kill 
only 8I1U.1W, l>ut too bml to kill n man, the leader 
too. This WHS the first death of a white person in 
Soott county. 

The lirst birth in the county was that of a son 
Ui Rov. Siunuel W. Pond, April 20th, 1850, at 
Slmkojwe. 

The first marriage was that of Peter Shamway, 
in 18."r2, to a hire.l girl of William Holmes, to 
whose tragic death we have elsewhere referred. 

The soeoud marriage was solemnized by Rev. S. 
W. Pond, between Henry D. J. Koons and Henri- 
etta B. Allen, April 16th, 1854. 

The first death was that of a woman shot by an 
Indian in 1852, the account of which has been given. 
The second death was that of Lucy Jane Allen, 
September 16th, 1853, daughter of John B. Allen, 
who kei)t the hotel at Shakopee. 

The first mortgage was given June 2d, 1853, by 
WiUiam H. Calkins to John W. Turner, on a water 
power between Spring lake and Long lake, called 
on records Miunetonka; this mortgage was un- 
acknowledged. 

The first mill in the county was built at Jordan 
in 1853. 

The first post-ofBce was established December 
lOfh, 1853, at bhakopee. 

October 19 and 20, 1853, the Sioux, iu accord- 
ance with the treaty signed by their chiefs at 
Traverse des Sioux in July, 1851, and Mendota in 
August of the same year, confirmed at Washing- 
ton about a year later, broke uj) their homes and 
bade farewell to the valley. The settlers describe 
it as a sad sight to see the long lines taking their 
departure. Several other bands had joined the 
SakoiKK.' band and now the total number amounting 
to over 2,000 set out for their unknown home. 
They were silent, and by their actions showed the 
sadness that they felt and expressed at leaving 
their ancient haunts. 

A few days before their de])artiu-e Governor 
Gorman came to Sakopee with §30,000 to pay the 
Indians on their lands according to the terms of 
the treaty, and exhibited to them the purpose of 
the government to fulfill all promises made, and 
at the same time made some advances to hasten 
and encoiuage their departure. 

Sunday, October 16, the Indians gave a great 
medicine dance tor the entertainment of the Gov- 
ernor. 

Tueii prejiaration being made they took their 



departure up the Minnesota river, followed soon 
by the Governor with the tr.^asure to be jMiid over 
on their arrival at the re.sorvatioii. Thus was ac- 
complislioil the event so much desirt'd by the set- 
tlers, the removal of the Indians from the county. 
Not long after the money w.is received, how- 
ever, m luy reappeareil, and to this day a remnant 
remain near the site of the old Indian village. 

A similar scene appeared in Shakopee when the 
Winnebagos were removed from Watab, on the 
U])per Mississipj)i, t(3 the Blue Earth reservation. 
Th?y c;ime down the Mississippi and up the Min- 
nesota rivers, braves, scpiaws, papooses, dogs and 
canoes, creating excitement wherever they 
stopped. 

Several days delay occurred at Shakopee for 
some reason, and trouble was a])prehendeJ by the 
citizens when it was learned that they were ob- 
taining whisky. Although the Winnebagoes 
wwe known to be nearer civilization than the 
other tribes, there was great reason to fear the ef- 
fects of wliisky, becNuise in numbers they far ex- 
ceeded the whites, and the latter were nearly des- 
titute of arms and at a distance from the fort. 

It was ascertained that "Old Jenks" was deal- 
ing out the whisky, and the citizens rallied in a 
body to suppress the grievance." Nearly every 
white man in town joined the procession that 
marched down on the amazed Jenks. B. F. Davis 
headed the party with a hatchet, rolled out a bar- 
rel of whisky, knocked iu the head and set it on 
fire. Bottles and demijohns were broken and the 
nuisance effectually abated. 

In the spring of 1858 a tragedy occurred 
among the Indians encamped in the south-east of 
section 20, Sand Creek, in which love, jealousy 
and murder appear, reminding us of the sensa- 
tional stories of the day. An Indian maiden 
named Winona Etoota, belonging to the band, is 
represented as very beautiful and of lovely dispo- 
sition. Her kind acts and winning manners at- 
tracted all who met her. 

A son of a well-known Indian, Helpessel, was 
struck with her charms and was determined to win 
her, but he was possessed of the most uuamiable 
qualities and had a bad reputation. The maiden 
disdained liis proffered love, and the parents, to 
whom an appeal was made, sustained their daugh- 
ter in her refusal. 

In retaliation the %'indiotive savage killed two of 
Winona's brothers and her father, and severely 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



295 



■wounded his own father who attempted to restvain 
him from his acts of brutality. 

It is some satisfaction to us to know that this 
villain was afterward hung at Mankato with thir- 
ty-seven others. 

The iirst license for a ferry across the Minne- 
sota river was granted to Thomas A. Hohnes 
about 1853, and by him let to John Hare. The 
ferry crossed the river near the town site. 

July 3, 1864, Ucense for a ferry was granted to 
Eichard Murphy at a point called Murphy's Land- 
ing, about a mile below the village of Shakopee. 

January 1, 1855, hcense for a ferry was granted 
to Luther M. Brown at a point half a mile below 
Holmes street. This ferry was of short duration. 

The first newspaper was the "Shakopee Inde- 
pendent," established December 1, 1855, by Allen 
Green, editor; probably this was the first paper in 
the valley. It is said to have been a very good 
local paj^er. 

County buildings: The first measures were 
taken May 11, 1856, toward the erection of county 
buildings on the site donated by Holmes 
and Fuller, and accepted by the county 
board more than two years previous, plans for 
which were drawn by John M. Keeler. August 
22d $2,000 was voted to commenoe building. 

It was not until July 24th of the following year 
that the proposal of Comfort Barnes was accepted. 
Meantime an act of the legislature authorized the 
county to negotiate a loan for carrying on the 
work. Bonds to the amount of $10,000 were 
accordingly issued, and June 17, 1857, express 
charges thereon to Georgetown, District of Col- 
umbia, $26.25 paid. A contract was made with 
Comfort Barnes for the building, and Thomas J. 
Galbraith employed to draw up bonds and neces- 
sary papers. 

July 29, 1857, a second set of ten county bonds 
was issued, each $1,000, in place of ten others pre- 
viously issued but returned and cancelled because 
incorrect. 

January 31, 1859, Comfort Barnes received $4,- 
600 in bonds for work on the county buildings. 
These bonds were subsequently paid by the 
county, except one, which never came to light. 
After many years Comfort Barnes collected from 
the county the amount, $1,000 vfiih. interest, as 
due him for the lost bond. 

Much difficulty was experienced in obtaining 
the means necessary for the completion of the 



county buildings, tor discount and extras had 
made sad inroads on the appropriation. 

It was even suggested that the. buddings in their 
incomplete state be sold and the avails be appro- 
priated to discharge part of the heavy liabihties of 
the county, which was almost bankrujjt. 

At the session of the legislature in 1859 an act 
was jjassed to change the county seat to Jordan. 
Anticipating this measure, in the tall of 1858 
strenuous measures were instituted by the citizens 
of Skakopee, and by means of private subscription 
the unfinished buildings were enclosed and the 
coimty officers located therein, although in small 
and inconvenient quarters. By these measures 
the change was overruled and Shakopee continued 
as the county seat. 

Improvements were made in 1864, 1867 and 
1873 in the county buildings, which developed 
them into their present convenient and commo- 
dious quarters, ard the cells of the jail were made 
secure. 

An attempt was again made about 1873 to re- 
move the county seat to Jordan, and a vigorous 
contest ensued, decided in favor of Shakojjee by a 
majority of ninety-two votes. 

Previous to the erection of the county buildings 
the courts of the county were held at such places 
as could be secured. The records show that in 
1856 rooms on the first and second floor of the new 
brick store of B. B. Griswold and J. C. Farewell 
were rented by the county for $50 for the next 
term of court. 

The first term of the district court was held in 
Holmes' hall on the third Monday of September, 
1853, by Hon. Andrew G. Chatfield, associate jus- 
tice, who was identified with the political, social, 
as well as the business interests of the comity 
from 1854 till his death, which occurred in 1875. 
Other officers at this term were: W. W. Irwin, 
marshal; A. G. Apgar, deputy marshal and 
sheriff; E. A. Greenleaf, clerk. Frank Wasson 
was foreman of grand jury. 

The records show that the commissioners were 
unable to find in the county fifty persons qualified 
to serve as grand jurors; they therefore selected a 
less number — twenty-four. For the same reason 
thirty-two petit jurors were selected, instead of 
seventy-two, the full number. L. M. Brown was 
appointed district attorney by the court. An in- 
dictment against David Faribault for giving liquor 
to the Indians was the first. David Faribault 
also appears as the first defendant in a civil ao- 



296 



niSTOIlY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLBT. 



tiou. Tlio ciise W118 Coinfort Barnes against David 
Farilmult for takiug cattle wrongfully. The ver- 
dict or the jury gave Barnes S175 damages; Wil- 
kinxon nud Babcock, attorneys, for plaintiff; Eicc, 
Holliiislieiid and Bockor, for defendant. 

Tlio following attorneys appear by records as 
practicing before the early courts of the county : 
Ednuind Bice, M. S. Wilkinson, C. E. Plaudrau, 
L. M. Brown, J. JI. Ilolliind, 1). H. Dustin. dis- 
trict attorney, Babcock, Bri.s1)in, Wakefield, Henry 
Hinds, U. Cooper, Frank Warner and 'i'liomas J. 
Galbraitli. 

Tlie iirst divorce was granted by Juilge Cbat^ 
field, in the spring of 1850, to Larona D. Marvin 
from Edwin D. Marvin. 

About the time of the organiz.ation of the county, 
lands lying cast of Credit river wore in dispute as 
to whether they belonged to Scott or Dakota 
county. They were at one time assessed in each 
county and trouble was experienced in collecting 
the taxes. It is said that political intrigue ulti- 
mately fixed the eastern boundary. 

As it was the purpose to make both democratic, 
the dividing line was made to conform to this prin- 
ciple, and Irish settlements, that can always be 
depended on, were attached to tlie weaker county. 

Scott coimty lias been unfortunate in the in- 
cumbents of responsible offices, owing, perhaps, to 
the fact that political bias controlled elections in 
preference to personal fitness for the positions. 
This has by norneans been universal or even com- 
mon, as the present incumbents of these oflBces 
will clearly demonstrate. J. E. Hinds, register of 
deeds, ex-oHicio auditor, absconded in September, 
1858, guilty of issuing fraudulent county orders. 

The defalcation of J. J. Ring, treasurer, was an- 
other glaring offense. Some other irregularities 
have occurred of less magnitude, attributable to 
the lack of a good business preparation for the re- 
sponsible duties. Indeed, this cause led to the 
trouble in all cases. 

A projected railroad, called the Ninninger and 
Dakota, was surveyed through this county in 
1H57-8. John Ninninger, G. B. Chtherall and 
Ignatius Donnelly were the prune movers. They 
formed a compiiny and incorporated it in 1857, to 
build a road from Ninninger, Minnesota, directly 
west to Dakota territory. The land along the 
projected line had been purchased, and consider- 
able money expended by the company and by pri- 
vate individuals in town site and land specula- 
tions. The death of one of the projectors and nc- 



cidcntnl causes nipp>ed the project in the bud and 
disappointed the hopes of many citizens of Scott 
county. 

Tliree railroads traverse the county. The Min- 
neajjiilis & St. Louis crosses the ^Minnesota river 
at Carver, and runs south through Louisville, 
Sand Creek and Helena, making a junction at 
Merriam Junction in Louisville township with the 
St. Paul & Sioux City railway, having the follow- 
ing stations: Merriam, Jordan, New Prague in 
this county. The St. Paul & Sioux City railway 
enters the county in Glendale and follows the 
course of the Minnesota river througliout the 
county, making junctions with the Hastings & 
Dakota at Shakopee, and the Minneapolis & St. 
Louis at Merriam Junction. It has the following 
stations in this county: Hamilton, Bardon, 
Shakoi)ee, Merriam Junction, Brentwood, Belle 
Plaine and Ulakeley. 

The Hastings & Dakota division of the Chicago, 
Milwaukee & St. Paul railway enters the coimty in 
Credit Kivef, making a junction at Shakopee with 
the St. Paul & Sioux City, having the following 
stations in the county: Prior Lake and Shakopee. 

The Minneapolis & St. Louis was completed to 
Men-iam .Junction in 1871, and extended to Albert 
Lea in 1877. The Hastings & Dakota was built 
in 1871. The St. Paul & Sioux City was built ia 
1870. 



CHAPTER XLIX. 



SHAKOPEE FIRST SETTLER ORIGIN OF NAME 

INDIAN BATTLE INCIDENTS OHCRCHBS AND 

SCHOOLS BIOGRAPHICAL. 

The name of this city suggests the well-known 
fact that here was the site of the famous Indian 
village of the Dakota or Sioux band under Shak- 
pa or Little Six. The village numbered about 
600 souls, and traders as weU as missionaries who 
came to live among them, the one to profit by 
shrewd bargains, and the other to labor for their 
souls, were hero in advance of the early settlers. 
Ignoring these as irrelevant to the settlement and 
growth of this now prosperous little city, we be- 
gin at the year 1851, referring the reader to the 
chapters on the Minnesota valley and Scott county 
for the history of these earlier events. 

Thomas A. Holmes was the first actual settler. 

Thomas Andrew Holmes was born in Bergeio- 
town, Washington county, Pennsylvania, March 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



297 



4t.h, 1804. When he was four years old, his par- 
ents William aud Kachel Holmes moved to Newark 
Licking county, Ohio, where the son received a 
common school education. 

The first enterprise of his youth was dealing in 
cattle which he bought in Ohio and drove to De- 
troit. In 1829, he started west, spent two years in 
Michigan territory and in 1831 went to Michigan 
city, Indiana, where he bought a little property 
and remained a few years. In 1835, he sold and 
went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin territory, and there 
built the second house in what is now the most im- 
portant city in the Northwest. The house built 
by Solomon Juno who was operating for the 
American Fur Company was then the only house 
and Holmes was the second settler. He operated 
there in real estate and at one time owned a large 
amount of the site of that great city. He also had 
an interest in some valuable property at Port 
Washington. In 1838, he bought, at auction of 
government land, 108 acres in Wisconsin, went to 
look it over and determined to plat it for a town 
site. This was the foundation of Janesville and 
Holmes was the founder. His land was the west 
side of the river embracing the best portion of that 
now beautiful city. 

After the town was platted he sold oiit for $10,- 
000, built two keel boats and came flown the Rock 
river to the Mississippi, up that river to a point 
now known as Fountain City where he established 
a trading post in 1839 and traded for several years 
with the Indians. 

In 1849, he went to Sauk Eapids and silent a 
short time and the same year was elected a mem- 
ber of the first territorial legislature of Mmnesota. 
After the adjournment of the legislature, in com- 
pany with others he purchased the site of Itasca 
and laid out the town. This is in brief the record 
of the father of Shakopee before his visit . to this 
vaUey. 

In 1851, Mr. Holmes, still controlled by the 
town site mania applied to Major McLaine the 
Indian agent for the Madahwahkan tribes who was 
located at Mendota, for a license to trade with the 
Indians on the Minnesota river. The application 
was at first refused but at length granted. Em- 
ploying Bill Quinn as a guide he set out in a 
canoe. This Quinn was a half-breed, a son of old 
Peter Quinn, whose history surpasses in tragic 
incidents all fiction. 

Holmes landed in the hollow near Shakopee to 
cook something to eat. He liked the looks of the 



spot and going back on the hill he was even more 
favorably impressed but continued on up the river 
to Le Sueur. He returned, however, to his first 
landing deeming it the most favorable point on 
the river to locate. The water was high and the 
rapids at San Francisco did not appear an obstacle 
to the navigation of the river at this point, though 
Quinn affirmed that they could not be passed ex- 
cept at such a stage of water as then existed. 

The present site of Shakopee was a prairie ex- 
tending back from the river for about two miles. 
Holmes located the town site and about the same 
time that of Chaska across the river. 

Later in the same year David L. Fuller, of St. 
Paul, came up, and being pleased with the loca- 
tion, made arrangements to come up again the 
following season, which he did, and purchased of 
Mr. Holmes the site of Chaska. Subsequently 
Mr. Holmes associated him as a partner in the 
town site of Shakopee by giving him a half in- 
terest. Holmes" reasons for so doing were that 
Rice, Steele and others were attempting to found 
a rival town at David Faribault's place, in which 
Frankhn Steele was interested, a little below the 
Indian village and only one and a half miles 
below Shakopee. 

An important part of Holmes' business was to 
trade with the Shakopee band of Indians. He 
built a small store, a block house, on the bank of 
the river immediately on his arrival, and put in a 
small stock of blankets, calicoes and goods 
adapted to the trade. The Indians paid him in 
money, furs, etc., but he was obliged to trust 
them to some extent, depending upon their an- 
nuities from the government. He received the 
last of his pay on such debts by an aUowanee 
from the government since 1865. The Indians, 
though removed in 1855, retiirned frequently to 
their old haunts, always remembering to be at 
their reservation when the annuities were to be 
paid over. To Mr. Holmes' credit be it said, that 
his trading stock never included whisky. 

He named the town site from Shak-pa, the chief 
of the Indian band. The survey was made as 
soon as the Indian title was extinguished by the 
confirmation by congress in 1852 of the treaty 
signed by the Indians the previous year. Mr. 
Holmes brought the men and materials for his 
first buildings from St. Paul on the flat-boat 
"Wild Paddy," which was propelled by pikes and 
sails. Hr. Holmes' trading post was the first 



298 



niSTOHT OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLBT. 



lionso in Slmkopoo iiiul in the county, excepting 
the inissiiiuiiry iiuj trnJiug posts o[ early diiys, to 
which reference has been made. Mr. Holmes also 
built some time after, a frame structure near by, 
which was the second house. 

The first comers were the hands employed by 
Holmes on the "Wild raddy." They came in 
1851, and were Baptisto Le IBoau, M. Shamway, 
Tim Kanty and John McKenzie. They subse- 
■luently took claims back iu the timber, except 
Shamway, who made a claim just above the town 
sit<3 iu what is now Koepcr's addition. He and 
McKcuzie were with Ht)lmes at Itasca, and 
started from that point with the "Wild Paddy." 
It may be added here of these first comers that 
Le Bean is still a 'resident of the valley, though 
he has removed to Sibley county. M. Shamway 
married a girl employed by William Holmes, a 
brother of Thomas A., who was an early settler iu 
Jordan. This was probably the first marriage 
among the settlem of Scott county, but we are 
unable to give the date. In 1857 this family 
were among the victims of the famous Mountain 
Meadow massacre. Tim Kanty is still a resident 
of the county. John McKenzie was the man who 
drugged Little Six and Medicine Bottle after the 
Sioux massacre and brought them in this condi- 
tion from Manitoba and delivered them to Major 
E. A. C. Hatch. Knowing the frailty of Little 
Six, who was a different man from the old chief 
Little Six, his father, McKenzie left a bottle of 
drugged whisky with a woman at the house which 
he was accustomed to visit, knowing that his 
greedy appetite would ferret it out. The artifice 
succeeded, and Little Six and Medicine Bottle 
were tried and bung at Fort Snelling for killing 
Philander Prescott. 

Daniel Apgar came next, and in 1852 his 
father, Samuel, and his brother Ai, but as they 
took claims soon after their arrival in what is now 
Jackson, their history will he found in the chap- 
ter on that town. 

Arnold Graffenstadt came in 1851, and took a 
claim and returned to St. Louis for his wife. He 
now lives in Alabama. 

Mtises S. Titus spent the winter at Shakopee, 
and John C. Somerville also came in 1851. Mr. 
Titus is now dead, and Somerville lives in Bis- 
marck. 

In 1852 we find Joseph GrafTonatadt, who came 
in the spring and first built a l>rush shelter, then 
a log cabin, and is still a resident. Ai Q. Apgar, 



previously mentioned, Alvan Dorward and family, 
Harrison Raynor and family, William Snioth- 
ei-8, Frank Wasson, — Lewis, Edward Smith, 
Bodnaman and family. Of those last men- 
tioned Dorward, Kaynor and Wasson are dead, 
but the others remain in the county. Dur 
ing the same year, 1852, came Benjamin F. Tur- 
ner, William Holmes and family, David Kinghorn 
and family. Kinghorn is living in the county, 
the others are dead. 

The settlers of 1853 are too numerous to men- 
tion. Uncle Peter Atwood, as he was called, built 
a frame house in the spring of 1853 on the town 
site, which he rented to Robert Kennedy, of St. 
Paul, for a boarding-house. Atwood then wont to 
Jordan, and after this became identified with that 
town. Soon a large hotel called the Wasson 
House was built by Frank Wasson. Part of tho 
house still remains, known as the American House. 
Mr. Coullon built the first brick house. This 
house is now the residence of D. L. How, one of 
the most prominent and valuable citizens of Shak- 
opee. To Mr. How's historical research and po- 
liteness we are indebted for many points relating 
to the history of Scott county. D. L. Fuller and 
Holmes built brick buildings with a party wall on 
the levee. These were used for warehouses, stores 
and other purposes. 

We have thus sketched the nucleus of Shakopee 
as seen in 1853. L. M. Brown, who arrived July 
31st that year, and has since proved himself a 
lawyer of the first order, gives the names of sixty- 
seven men, many of whom had families, then resi- 
dents of Shakoiiee, or at least found here with the 
purpose of settlement. Many of these men moved 
into adjoining towns to take up land, and the 
names will be found in the township histories. 
Many men prominent in tlie county organization 
arrived this year, such as Frank Wasson, Thomas 
Turner, William H. Nobles, Spier Spencer, Com- 
fort Barnes, Thomas Kennedy, Rev. E. A. Green- 
leaf, Peter Atwood. D. M. Storer, who arrived 
August 11th, 1853, from Stillwater, contributed to 
the town the sterling qualities of citizenship, and 
to his diary, kejit from tho time of his arrival in 
the state, we are indebted for information not eas- 
ily procurable from other sources. The diary 
begins with his arrival, and shows that John 
Allen kept boarding-house in what was called the 
Pennsylvania House. L. M. Brown describes this 
house as having two rooms, one above and one 
below. The lower room had a log fire-place, 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



299 



while the upper one had only the rafters above 
and one window with five lights of glass. Never- 
theless this hotel could accommodate as it aj)pears 
fifteen or more j^ersous, regardless of sex. The 
diary mentions, xinder August 19th: The Sioux 
Indians received their annuity of provisions in 
front of Holmes' store. The writer was amused 
to see the chiefs divide the same with pieces of 
shingles among each of the Indian families. The 
authority of the chiefs in this matter was abso- 
lute and was acknowledged without question by 
the recipients. Many facts obtained from this 
diary will appear in this history; only one inci- 
dent further derived from the diary will be in- 
serted here. March 7th, 1853, an Indian was de- 
tected in stealing money from Fuller's store, and 
"the boys" determined to make an example of 
him. Knowing that it would be the greatest in- 
dignity that could be inflicted on an Indian brave, 
they shaved his head and let him go. The Indian 
was never seen from that time until his hair was 
grown, and the lesson proved a salutary one, and 
yet the settlers now wonder at their temerity in 
inflicting such an indignity, when surrounded by 
so many of the tribe, for at this time the settlers 
were few in number. 

In 1853, Moses S. Titus, who has been mention- 
ed as coming to Shakopee in 1851 was -an Indian 
farmer and had been a trader at Black Dog village. 

In 1853 he came to Shakopee bringing goods. 
He transported his goods by canoes over the Min- 
nesota river and from thence to Shakopee by ox 
teams following the old Indian trail. 

Some of the stores of these early days are said 
to hold stocks of goods that would compare favor- 
ably with the best of to-day. Squire Spencer's 
store was one of the important ones and contained 
a stock valued at $5,000. He was for a long time 
an important factor in the business interests of the 
city. He is still living but now totally blind. 

The first settlers though they in fact became 
such, came rather as speculators and many came 
who never made a permanent settlement, simply 
staking out a claim which they soon abandoned or 
making no claim at aU. The town site mania pre- 
vailed and within the small area of Scott county 
nearly twenty embryo cities were platted with 
joint owners. 

The patent of the town site of Shakopee was 
issued to Judge Andrew G. Ohatfield, dated May 
23d, 1859, as trustee, according to, and under act 
of congress, dated May 23d, 1814, called an act 



for the relief of the citizens of towns upon the 
lauds of the United States under certain ckcum- 
stances. 

The jjresent limits of Shakopee include more 
than the limits covered by this patent. 

D. M. Storer pre-empted the S. % of SW. J^ 
of section 1-115-23, in July 1855 and received the 
patent January 19th, 185C. 

Henry D. J. Koons pre-empted about the same 
time the N. % of SW. J^ of section 6. 

William's addition was pre-empted by Robert 
Kennedj', the S. J^ of SW. 1^ of section 6-115-22. 

Peter Shamway made a claim on Keeper's addi- 
tion, which was entered in 1856 by John Keeper, 
being lots 7 and 8, of SE. of SE. of section 2, 
township 115, range 23. 

Greenleaf & Overton's addition was pre-empted 
by Harrison Kainer, being the E. J^ of NE. J^ of 
section 12 and NE. of SE. section 12, township 
115, range 23. 

East Shakopee addition was pre-empted by 
Moses S. Titus and Mrs. Jane Titus, the latter 
with Dakota half-breed scrip or certificate. 

Others who received patents of land from the 
government were Spier Spencer, Berry F. Davis, 
George Daly, Phoebe Burnham, John Burnham, 
Harriette Faribault. 

The first birth in Shakopee was that of Samuel 
W. Pond, Jr., April 20th, 1850. This was also the 
first birth of a white child in Scott coimty. 

The first death was that of Lucy Jane Allen, 
daughter of John B. Allen, who died September 
10th, 1853, while Mr. Allen kept the hotel. 

The first marriage ceremony was performed by 
Rev. S. W. Pond, uniting Henry D. J. Koons and 
Henrietta B. Allen. 

The first attorney was L. M. Brown. The first 
physician Dr. Frederic N. Ripley. Dr. Ripley's 
death occurred in 1850 by freezing. He had a 
town site on Crow river and had been camping 
there; starting to come out in March, he became 
be%vildered and lost with a companion. The doc- 
tor was found dead and his companion was found 
in the camp after seventeen days, badly frozen and 
nearly starved. Both legs of this man were am2JU- 
tated. 

The first stages began to rim October 6th, 1853, 
between St. Paul and Shakopee. 

The first singing school was taught by Rev. E. 
A. Greenleaf in the fall of 1853, and $15 raised 
by a dance paid the instructor. 

May 26th, 1858, the citizens of Shakopee were 



300 



JIISTOUr OF TUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



wittiossos of n biittio lasting three hours, between 
the Cliip[)cwiis and Dukotas. 

The uttack was begun at daylight by the Chip- 
J1CWB8, who shot ft Dakota going down to the river 
to lish. The Cliij)pcwns were in large forces, num- 
bering ITiO warriors, while the Dakotas were 
less tlian halt tliiit niuubor. The battle took place 
oil the north side of the river. The Dakotas were 
encamped on the south side. As soon as the first 
murderous shot disclosed to them the presence of 
their enemies, the Dakotas, thirty-two strong, 
crossed at Murphy's ferry, in the face of ten Chip- 
pewas, who made only a feeble resistance, and re- 
treated followed by the Dakotas, who were thus 
led into an ambush prepared for them. The Da- 
kotas, discovering the trap, retreated carrying with 
them the body of one of their warriors, killed by 
a shot of the enemy. A fight for the body en- 
sued and the Chippowas secured the prize, but 
three brothers of the dead man rallied to the res- 
cue, and though left by the retreating party to 
fight it out against fearful odds, they fought like 
mad tigers, secured the body, and covered with 
wounds from which blood was flowing, they drove 
back the whole body of their foes and shouted to 
their friends to join in the pursuit. The Dakotas, 
thus summoned, rallied and won the victory, bring- 
ing in the heads of three Chippewas. Three 
others were killed but their bodies were not secured 
and were born away on the retreat. Among tlio 
trophies of the Dakotas was the body of Noon 
Day, the leader of the Chippewa warriors. After 
mutilating it horribly, the Dakotas burned the 
body. The Dakotas lost two killed; ten were 
wounded. Some of the Chippewas acted the part 
of cowards. One was seen by the whites near the 
bank of the river in the hollow of a tree where he 
stayed while the fight lasted, jumping up and 
down, whooping and screaming at the top of his 
lungs. 

Early in the winter of 1852-3, a squaw, wife of 
one of the head men of Little Six's band was pick- 
ing up firewood just across the river from Shako- 
pee when she was assailed and shot by a man 
named Henry Marcoe, who claimed the land on 
which she was collecting wood. The gun was 
loaded with shot and nearly the whole charge took 
efiect in the calf of her leg, as Marcoe stood very 
near. She dropped her bundle of wood, drew a 
knife and turned on him with savage ferocity. 
Before slip could stab him he struck her across 
the shoulder with such force cs to break her collar 



bone and at the same time break his gim off f.t 
the breach. Her screams brought the Indians 
running to her assistance while Marcoe for the 
time escaped by locking himself in his cabin. 
The Indian husband, instead of taking summary 
vengeance as ho vowed he would have done had 
the assailant been an Indian, came across the 
river and conferred with Mr. Holmes. He sent 
word immediately to the commander at Fort Snell- 
ing and a squad of soldiers was sent up who arrest- 
ed Marc le and took him to the fort where he was 
imprisoned six months and then released. He came 
back to Shakopee, straightened up his affairs and 
loft the country. 

The elder Mrs Apgar, one of four white women 
that belonged to the settlement, the other three 
being her davighter and daughters-in-law, took 
the responsibility of seeing that the wounded 
squaw was properly cared for. She visited her 
often and adiuistered remedies and delicate food. 
For this kindness she obtained the lasting grati- 
tude of the squaw. After her recovery, she fre- 
quently brought Mrs.Apgar and family a generous 
share of the results of a days hunt. 

Claim jumping was frequent, and sometimes led 
to sport as when Peter Yost attempted to jump the 
claim including the grave yard from which he- 
was driven off by the boys but frequently more 
serious trouble ensued. 

.July 18th, 1854, nine citizens were arrested for 
jnilling down the claim shanty of Dr. Kinney of 
St. Paul on a disputed claim. Twenty-six or seven 
were engaged in the affair but fortunately all were 
not known and the offence could not be treated as 
a riot, as the injured party would have been glad 
to have made it, for blood ran high in these claim 
fights. The nine arrested were fr( m the most sub- 
stantial citizens and were no less persons than 
Thomas Kennedy, H. D. J. Koons, Thomas A. 
Holmes, John C. Somerville, Comfort Barnes. Wil- 
liam H. Nobles, J. B. Allen, William Smothers, and 
D. M. Storcr. 

The arrest was made by Dr. Kinney's agent, and 
threatened to be a serious matter. 

The claim belonged to Henry D. J. Kcxins in 
the judgment of the citizens, and Dr. Kinney 
jtunped it. 

.\nother incident of 1855 will illustrate the 
method sometimes resorted to in early times for 
collecting bad debts, a summary method which L. 
M. Brown facetiously complained of as disastrous 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



301 



to the business of the legal fraternity. The cir- 
cnmstances were: 

Charles Sperry was a dead beat and among the 
victims of his bad debts was one John Bumham. 
Finding that Sperry was going off with plenty of 
money in his pockets Bumham found him in Peck- 
ham's store and demanded his pay at first quietly, 
but receiving no satisfactory answer he proceeded 
to knock him down, and showed a disposition to 
repeat his treatment until his demands were com- 
phed with. The fun was partly that Sperry was 
a big fellow, and had been regarded from his own 
bravado as almost a prize fighter, while Bumham 
was smaller and made no such jjretensions. 

Sperry, however, showed the white feather and 
promised to pay if Bumham would cease. But 
when he saw he was the laughing stock of the 
company, after being let up, he repented his prom- 
ise and again attempted to carry it off with swag- 
ger. But Burnham soon landed him in another 
comer of the store, and seeing it was no use he re- 
luctantly paid a $20 gold piece, the amount of the 
debt. 

The first school in Shakopee was taught in 1854 
by Miss Mary Jane Turner. 

In the fall of 1854 the first school was taught 
in what is now district number 2 by Mrs. Dr. 
Lord in Mr. Stemmer's house. The district was 
organized the following ye;ir. District No. 1 was 
organized in 1854 and the first school taught in 
1855 by John S. Brown, now judge of the Twelfth 
judicial district, living at Wilmar. This school 
was taught in the second story of the old poat-ofiice 
building. 

The present school system of Shakopee is in 
process of change. A new school house is 
building, the cost of which will be $10,000, and a 
well graded school will be inaugurated with the 
opening of the elegant building. 

The business of Shakopee : The professions are 
represented by seven attorneys, five physicians. 
Two newspapers are supported. 

Shakopee is the junction of the Chicago, St. 
Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railroad, and the Has- 
tings & Dakota division of the Chicago, Milwau- 
kee & St. Paul railroad. The Minneapolis & St. 
Louis passes near, stopping regularly at the near- 
est point for Shakopee, though having at present 
no station. The repair shops of the Chicago, St. 
Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railway were estab- 
lished here in 1866, and have grown from a small 
beginning to become an important feature in the 



business of the city. They employ clerks and me- 
chanics to the number of eighty, with a monthly 
pay roll of about $4,000. 

The First National bank was organized in 1865 
with a capital stock of $50,000. D. L. How presi- 
dent; F. L. Balch, cashier. The Farmers" bank 
of Shakopee existed first and after one year 
merged into the present institution. Present cap- 
ital, $50,000; surplus, $10,000. Officers: H. B. 
Strait, president; D. L. How, cashier; J. M, 
Schroartz, assistant cashier. 

The Wampach Manufacturing Company was 
orgunized July 7th, 1881, for the manufacture of 
wagons, carriages and machinery, with a capital 
of $50,000. Officers: John Wampach, president ; 
C. J. Strunk, secretary; D. L. How, treasurer. 
The business grew out of a blacksmith shop start- 
ed in 1857 by John Wampach. 

Shakopee City Mills have gro\vn out of a mill 
estabhshed about 1859 byBeis brothers, who had 
a three story stone mill with three runs of stone. 
After three years it was allowed to lie idle. The 
city authorities then offered $3,000 to any one 
who would erect and operate a flouring mill. Li 
1875 O. E. Woodward and comjjany purchased 
the old mill and machinery, repaired, refitted it 
and increased its capacity. After a few months 
they sold to G. F. Strait and Company, under 
whose management it has become an entirely new 
affair, using the gradual reduction process with 
twenty-four sets of rollers and having a capacity 
of 200 barrels patent process flour per day. The 
power is wholly steam. 

In addition to the industries named, Shakopee 
has two carriage and wagon shops, two cooper 
shops, one lime kiln, one pop factory, two brewer- 
ies, one brickyard, three tailors, two harness shops, 
one marble shop, four blacksmith shops, one feed 
mill mth store, one firm of contractors and build- 
ers, three insurance agents, seven stores with gen- 
eral merchandise, two furniture, three boot and 
shoe, two hardware, two jewelry, two drugs, one 
book and music, two agricultiu-al implements, one 
lumber, one sewing machines, one pianos and or- 
gans, three meat markets, one barber shop, one 
bakery, one broom maker, two restaurants, three 
groceries, one photographer, one portrait and 
scenic artist, four millinery, one livery stable, one 
veterinary surgeon, ten hotels, eleven saloons. 

Newspapers: The "Shakopee Independent," es- 
tabhshed December 1st, 1855 by Allen Green, was 
the first newspajjer in Shakopee, and it may be ad- 



802 



UISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



dedtho first ill tlio Miiinesi.ta vallt-y. It is plons- 
antly reinombercd by the old settlers as a very 
good local papor. 

The "Valley Hornld." George H. and Martin 
Phillips, editors and proprietors, continued nVxnit 
three years. 

The "Scott County Democrat," established in 
1859 by K. M. Wright, continued, about two and a 
half years. 

The "Shakoj)eo Reporter," M. P. Pierce, editor, 
was short lived. 

The "Republican Advocate," established Sep- 
tember 27th, 185C>, by A. B. and Hai-vy Russell, 
continued three and a half years. 

The "Shakopoo Spectator," by M. C. Russell 
and Frank J. Mead, was short lived. 

The "Scott County Mirror," by A. J. Clark, was 
also of short continuance. 

The "Shakopee Spy," by John R. Brown, lasted 
two years. 

The "Shakopee Argils" was established in 1861 
by John L. McDonald. Hon. Henry Hinds pur- 
chased this paper in 18C7 and has since conducted 
it. It is democratic in politics. 

The "Shakopee Courier" was established August 
l.stli, 1877 by Charles A. Stn-ens, who continues 
as editor and proprietor. This is a seven column 
folio, independent in politics. 

Shakopee was first organized as a township in- 
cluding what is now embraced in Louisville, Jack- 
son, and a portion of what now constitutes the 
corporate limits of Shakopee city. Eight days 
later the board set off Louisville as a separate 
township. An act of legislature approved Jan- 
uarv 17th, 1871, changed the name of the town of 
Shakopee to Jackson, excepting that part included 
in the corporate limits of the city of Shakopee. 

The city of Shakopee was first sruveyed in 1854, 
and an addition in Novemlier of the same year. 
The original plat was located on the south side of 
the Minnesota river, principally in section one. 

The year following the entire plat was re-sur- 
veyed by E. B. Hood for the ownera, Thomas A. 
Holmes and Da\-id L. Fuller, and the plat then 
made is still used. 

.\dditions have been made from time to time 
until the plat now covers about a section of land. 
May 23d, 1857, the city was incorporated, and 
.\ugust 13th following, the organization was com- 
pleted in Holmes hall as council room. This was 
in the brick building belonging to Thomas A. 
Holmes, on the levee. Nelly King kept a saloon 



on the lower floor. Officers : X. M. D. 'McMuUen, 
mayor; Isaac Lincoln and Peter Yost, aldermen 
first ward; A. O. Risley, recorder; R. M. Wright, 
justice; Edgar Lincoln, treasurer; Thomas K. 
Holmes, alderman second ward; J. M. Holland, 
city attorney; Thomas Kelly, marshal; Burt New- 
man and John Kirlinger, assessors; J. R. Hinds, 
alderman for second ward. It is reported that 
Hinds and Joe. Bertholet cast lots to determine 
which should hold this office of alderman, and the 
lot fell on Hinds. Charles L. Pierson was ap- 
pointed city surveyor and George H. Plijllips city 
printer. Kelly was removed from the office ot 
marsli.il because of appropriating money collected, 
t,o his own purposes, and Alexander Mc.\uley !ip- 
pointed his successor. M. H. Duuand was the last 
mayor elected in 1861 under the first corporati(jn. 
The charter of the city was then surrendered and 
it fell back irnder the township government. 

March 3d, 1870, the city was again corporated. 
First officers : H. B. Strait, mayor; E. G. Halle, re- 
corder; J. B. Huntsman. trea.surer: Peter Yost, 
assessor; N. M. D. McMullen and Frank McGrade, 
justices. The councU consisted of nine members, 
three from each ward ; Peter Y'ost, chief of police. 
1881 — H. J. Peck, mayor; Nicholas Berens, 
treasurer; J. A. CoUer, recorder; Charles Bor- 
narth and J. W. Sencerbox, justices; W. A. Fuller, 
assessor; G. F. Lyons, chief of police; councU, 
nine, three from each ward. Meetings are held in 
the city hall rooms in Guttenberg's block on 
Holmes street. 

Shakopee lodge No. 6, A. F. and X. M., was or- 
ganized December 12th, 1854, with seven charter 
members. The first officers of this lodge were 
Thos. Lombard, W. M.; J. L. Wakefield, S. W.; 
E. G. Covington, J. W.; James FarweU, secretary; 
Thos. J. Galbraith, treasurer. For reasons un- 
known the charter of this lodge was withdrawn in 
1800, and there was no masonic lodge in Shakopee 
until the organization of King Solomon's Lodge, 
No. 44 in December 1863. The charter of this 
lodge was received Octol>er 28th, 1863. The fol- 
lowing were the first officers elected: John H. 
Brown, W. M.; H. S. Holton, S. W.; A. B. Jones. 
J. W. Present officers: H. D. Carter, W. M. ; D. 
L. How, S. W.; J. E. Chisholm. J. W.; D. M. 
Storer, treasurer; C. H. Lor<l, secretary; S. E. 
Leonard, S. D.; AV. E. Davis, J.D.; C. W. Havens, 
tyler. Present membership, 60. 

A lodge of the I. O. of O. F. was organized in 
1855. Its first officers were: J. M. Keeler, N. G. ; 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



303 



Daniel Apgar, V. N. G.; A. O. Kisley, secretary; 
Samuel Apgar, treasurer. Organization was sur- 
rendered in 1864, since when there has been no 
lodge in Shaliopee. 

The I. O. of G. T. established a lodge in Shako- 
pee in 1858. .First officers: E. M. Wright, G. W. 
C; Mrs. J. H. Werden, V. G. W. O.; M. S. Titus, 
secretary. This lodge disbanded in 1861 and in 
1876 a new lodge was organized which has since 
disbanded. 

St. John's society was organized June 24th,- 
1866 with eight members. First officers: M. H. 
Dunand, president; John Keis, vice-president; 
Peter Yost, secretary; J. H. Menke, treasurer. 
The society now numbers over seventy members 
and is in a flourishing condition, embracing with- 
in its membershij) the leading and influential 
members of the Roman Catholic church. Officers : 
F. X. Hirsher, president; H. H. Strunk, vice- 
president; Nicholas Mayer, secretary; Mathew 
Berens, treasurer. 

Weiser Post, Grand Army of the Eejniblic, was 
organized February 23, 1872 with tweuty-five 
charter members. First officers : Geo. B. Gardner, 
commander; P. C. Butterfield, S. V. C; G. N. Du- 
Bois, J. V. C. ; Wm. Wilson, Q. M.; J. W. Lidick, 
chaplain; J. B. Whitney, officer of the day; Geo. 
H. Kunsman, O. of the G.; D. W. Coulthard, Q. 
M. sergeant; H. Baumhager, sergeant mayor; C. 
W. G. Hyde, adjutant. 

The Scott County Agricultural society was or- 
ganized with the following officers in 1872: P. H. 
Krantz, vice-president; D. W. Coulthard, secre- 
tary; P. J. Whitlock, Daniel Beer, D. D. Dickin- 
son, directors. Fairs have been held annually 
under the auspices of this society ever since its or- 
ganization. Some time previous to the organiza- 
tion of this association, there was in existence an 
agricultural society of which Major B. G. Mur- 
phy was president and Mr. D. L. How secretary. 
A fair was held under its auspices in 1857, which 
was the first fair held in Scott county. This so- 
ciety, however, was short-lived, disbanding shortly 
after their first fair. 

The A. O. U. W. was organized in Shakopee in 
December, 1878, with thirteen members and offi- 
cers as follows: C. S. Stoddard, P. M. W.; Wil- 
liam Wilson, M. W.; R. Irwin, F.; 0. Case, O.; 
W. F. Strait, recorder; E. South worth, receiver; 
S. A. Briggs, financier. The lodge now has a 
membership of thirty-four. 

The Old Settlers' Association of Shakopee was 



organized in April, 1874, and is composed of resi- 
dents of the city of Shakopee, and the towns of 
Eagle Creek, Jackson and Louisville who were 
residents prior to December 31, 1857, and 21 years 
of age, First and present officers: Henry Hinds, 
president; M. S. Titus, vice-president; D. M. 
Storer; treasurer; J. W. Sencerbox, secretary. 

The association has been of great value in pre- 
serving the history of Scott county. To Henry 
Hinds, the president, and one of the settlers of 
1853, we are indebted for much valuable informa- 
tion in regard to the county at large. 

The Shakopee Valley cemetery, situated in the 
town of Eagle Creek, just outside the city limits, 
was estabKshed January 20, 1862. 

The cemetery belonging to the Catholic church 
is located in Keeper's addition. 

The first church built in Shakopee, and also the 
first in the valley of the Minnesota, was the St. 
Peter's Episcopal church, the corner stone of 
which was laid by Eight Reverend Bishop Kem- 
per, on the 17th day of May, 1854. November, 
2d, 1854, the frame of the church building was 
raised, under the direction of D. M. Storer, the lot 
being that now occupied by D. M. Storer's store, 
but the building was not completed untU Decem- 
ber 2d, 1855. Services wers first held in the 
church by Deacon E. A. Greenleat, and the Holy 
Communion was first celebrated June 28th, 1856. 
The present pastor is Rev. Wm. R. Powell. 

St. Mark's, Roman Catholic church, was organ- 
ized January 6lh, 1856, on which day the first 
mass was said by Rev. G. Keller at the residence 
of Anton Entrup. In the summer of the same 
year a church was built, in which services were 
held untU the erection of the present elegant struc- 
ture, the corner stone of which was laid with im- 
posing ceremonies on the 25th day of June, 1865, 
by Right Rev. Bishop Grace. The present offi- 
ciating priest is Rev. A. Plut, who has been con- 
nected with nearly aU the early pioneer Catholic 
churches in Scott county from an early date. 

The first Presbyterian church was organized 
February 20th, 1855, at the house of Samuel W. 
Pond, with a membership of nine adults. At pres- 
ent there are sixty members, of whom Rev. Mr. 
Candor is the pastor. 

St. Mary's Catholic church, of Shakopee, was 
buUt in 1864. Previous to this time services had 
been held conjointly with the German Catholic, or 
St. Mark's church. Father Stevenson was the first 
resident priest, who came shortly after the build- 



304 



U I STORY OF rilE MiyNESOTA VALLEY. 



iug of tlio clnireli. About 120 families are en- 
rolled iiiiiong its nicmbors. Present pastor is Kev. 
Edmoutl Coghliin. 

St. John's congregation of the Evangelical 
Lntheriiu clinroh was organized in 1859. First 
regular pastor, Adam BUiomcr. The present pas- 
tor is Rev. F. W. Fry, who has a congregation of 
about forty-five members. 

The Jlothodist Episcopal church was organized 
July 10th, 1853. Rev. S. L. Leonard, pastor; 
Barney Young, class leader; Rov. O. Hobart, 
presiding elder. At the time o£ organization 
there were twelve members, since which time the 
memliership has increased to about thirty. The 
present pastor is Rev. Le\'i Gleason. 

The first regular Baptist church in Shakopee 
was organized July 16th, 185-t, with seven mem- 
bers. Rev. W. G. Cogswell served as pastor of 
the church from 18.'')4 to 1857, Juno lOtli, when 
the church accepted his resignation. This vacancy 
was fiUed by the Rev. Mr. Utter shortly after. 
Xo regular services are held, as they possess no 
building of their own. 

The convent Sisters of St. Benedict was organ- 
ized as St. Gertrude's convent and academy, May 
4th, 1866, and incorporated under the general 
laws of the state. Olficers: Mary Vogel, presi- 
dent; Catherine Richtcr, vice-president; Catherine 
Kerst, secretary. 

The population of Shakopee city was 2,011 by 
the census of 1880. 

Samuel Apgar was bom October 2Gth, 1801, in 
Tompkins county, New York, where he lived until 
seventeen years of age, when he began learning 
the shoemaker and tanner's trade in Peruville; re- 
mained there imtil 1824, then removed to West 
Groton, and two years later to Dryden, where he 
lived five years, and three years on a farm. He 
then returned to Peruville and lived on a farm until 
1852, when he came to Shakopee and kept a small 
house for travelers. In the spring of 1852 he 
made a claim adjoining the present site of Shak- 
opee, and lived there until 1875, when he sold, 
and has since resided with a daughter. In New 
York, September 2Gth, 1821, he married Melinda 
Perry, who died in June, 1874. Ten children 
were bom to them. The living are Sarah, Milo 
B., Adrian E., and Uphias I. 

Arthur Armstrong was bom November 12th, 
1828, in Ireland. When three years of ago he 
went with his parents to New Y'ork, and resided in 
Oliutou county until 1865. When he was fifteen 



s/ 



V 



years old his father died, and in 1865 he moved 
to Clayton county, Iowa, with his mcjtiier and 
family. In 1873 his mother died, and he removed 
to Chasko, Minnesota, where he worked at his 
trade as cooper until 1875; since that date he has 
been a rasidentof Shakopee. Elizabeth Cuscado, 
of Canada, became his wife February 24th, 1862. 
They are the parents of six children : WilUam J., 
Robert R., Wilbert D., Arthur L., Joseph F. and 
Mary M. 

Charles Bornartli, born in 1830, is a native of 
Prussia. Enlisted at fifteen years of age, and 
served until 1851. In the spring of 1854 he 
moved to Canada, and the next fall came to Min- 
nesota. He resided in St. Paul until the spring 
of 1857, when he went to Sibley county and 
worked at farming. In 18G2, AugiLst 13th, he en- 
listed in Company H, Seventh Minnesota inf.intry; v' 
served in that eo:u[)any until promoted to lieuten- \ M 
ant of Comp.any P, Sixty-seventh United States"^ Qs 
infantry. Upon being mustered out, in 1865, hrf~^ ^ 
returned to his farm and remained until 1866, ~^ 
when for three years he taught the parish school 
of Marystown, Scott county. In October, 
1869, he came to Shakopee and engaged in mer- 
cantile pursuits until entering his present line of 
business, civil engineering; also fire insurance, 
and is notary public. September 17th, 1856, he 
married Ellen O'Neill. They have three children: 
August carries on stone and marble works at Man- 
kato, Michael D. is fireman on the St. Paul & 
Si(5ux City railroad, and Mary E. resides with her 
parents. 

Hon. Luther M. Brown, born February 18th, 
1823, is a native of Rutland county Vermont, 
When he was five years of age his father was 
drowned and he moved with his mother to her na- 
tive town Newburg New Hampshire. He was edu- 
cated in the district schools and the New Boston 
Academy, teaching winters, from the age of eigh- 
teen, to defray expenses; also read law three years. 
In July, 1853 he came to Shakopee. At that time 
there were but four dwellings in town and less than 
one hundred white pcoi>le in tlie county. On the 
9th day of September, 1853 he was admitted to the 
bar of the supreme court of the territory and im- 
mediately began practice here. Judge Brown is 
considered one of the ablest lawyers of the state. 
On the organization of Scott county in 1853 Mr. 
Brown was appointed the first county attorney. 
He was a member of the first territorial legislature 
in 1857, was the first judge of the eighth judicial 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



305 



district and was a member of the state legislature 
in 1871. On the death of Judge Chatfield in 
October, 1875, Judge Brown was again appointed 
to the district bench. In February 1850 he mar- 
ried Eliza Woodbury,a native of New Hamp- 
shire. They have four daughters; Ora M. the 
oldest is now the wife of H. J. Peck attorney at 
Shakopee, Carrie W. now Mrs.O. S. Brown, Eva E. 
and Hattio H. 

Christian E. Busse, a nativeof Prussia, was born 
March 20th, 1832. Until 15 years of age he lived 
with his parents, then was employed about two 
years as clerk for a railroad contractor. From 
that time until 22 years old he was in merchan- 
dise work at Berlin. In 1854 he c:ime to Amer- 
ica; stayed in Chicago the fir.^t summer, and spent 
the foil )wing winter in the pineries of Michigan. 
He settled in Shakopee, but soon after returned to 
Chicago, and from thsre went to Muskegon, Mich- 
igan. In 1857 he returned to Shakopee, then 
passed three years in St. Paul. In 1861 he went 
to Chaska and established a general merchandise 
store in company with H. Young, but sold his in- 
terest to his partner in the spring of 1862, came to 
Shakopee and established a sample room and gen- 
eral variety store; in 1870 he added to his trade 
tobacco, cigars, fruits and confectionery. Mrs. 
Basse was Susana Snell, of St, Paul; married in 
1859. They have seven living children. 

Edmund Coghlan, pastor of St. Mary's church, 
Shakopee, was born in 1840 in Mayo county, Ire- 
land, where he received a theological education. 
From 1871 until September, 1880, he devoted his 
time to missionary labor in Africa, then returned 
to his native laud and remained until December 
of the same year when he came to Minnesota and 
took charge of St. Mary's Catholic church. 

Johan B. Conter, a native of Loraine, France, 
was born August 15, 1830. When 12 years of 
age he came to America with his parents. In 1842 
he S3ttled at Port Washington, Wisconsin. About 
three years after he went to Kenosha where he 
worked on a farm one and one-half years at seven 
dollars per month; after passing three summers 
on a boat and winters in the pineries, he went with 
a circus four years, after which he worked on dif- 
ferent steamboats the greater part of the time un- 
til M-iy 15th, 1851, when he located at Shakopee 
and began the trade of plasterer and bricldayer, 
which he followe:l about thirteen years. Ha com- 
menced lime burning about 1863 and now has fa- 
cilities for turning out twenty-four hundred bar- 

20 



rels of lime per week. Mr. Conter married Bar- 
bara Wagner, of this place, May 15th, 1858. They 
have had ten children; the living are Joseph, Mary, 
Anna, Emma, John, William and Margareta. 
Nicholas, John B. Jr., and William are dead. 

Dr. James H. Dunn, born May 29th, 1853, at 
Fort Wayne, Indiana. His father came to this 
country from Dublin in 1845 and served under 
General Scott in the Mexican war. In 1854 the 
family located near Winona, and after the death of 
his father in 1859, he was adopted in the family 
of Mr. Jesse Wheeler, of Winona county. At the 
death of this gentleman in 1868 Mr. Dunn entered 
the State Normal Scliool at Winona, and by his 
own unaided efforts supported himself until his 
graduation in 1871. He was at once employed as 
lecturer in the State Teachers Institute by Hon. 
H. B. Wilson, and later by his successor, D. Burt. 
During the intervals he was principal of the Alex- 
andria and Sauk Centre schools, and completed a 
course in natural science at the University of Chi- 
cago. He then gave his whole time to the study 
of medicine, and in 1878, after a three years course 
received the degree of M. D. from the University 
of New York City, having spent a year of study at 
Bellevue and other hospitals in that city. In the 
fall of 1878 he was appointed instructor of natural 
science in the Normal School at Mankato, which 
position he resigned in May, 1880 to enter uj^on 
the practice of his profession at Shakopee. 

John Edert was born in the district of Luxem- 
bourg, Europe, October 29th, 1824. He married 
February 14, 1849, Elizabeth Leis. In May, 1852, 
he moved to the United States and lived two and 
one-half years at Aurora, Illinois. From October, 
1854, until May, 1857, he resided in St. Paul, then 
came to Shakopee and erected the St. Paul House, 
of which he was proprietor nine years. In 1866 
he buUt the Union bUhard hall, which he still 
conducts; he also carries on a farm of 340 acres in 
this county and owns 320 acres of land in Renville 
county. Mr. Edert held the office of treasurer of 
Scott county fourteen years. WhUe residing in 
Luxembourg two chUdren were born to them, both 
of whom are deceased: Susie and Libbie. Anna, 
now Mrs. J. H. Huntsman, of this place, was born 
at Aurora. Another daughter is the wife of Ed. 
Gellenbeck, also of Shakopee. Maggie was bom 
at this place in 1866. 

Dr. Carl Augustus Entrup, born June 16, 
1857, is a native of Shakopee, Minnesota. His 
parents, Anthony and Lizzett Entrup were among 



306 



UISTOUY or THE MINNESOTA VALLBY. 



the pnrly settlers of Seott ooiinty nnd located at 
Shnkopoo in April, 1855; tlio tatlior who was a 
mason nnd bricklayer, was kiUoil l>y the falling of 
a building in Jordan, June 19, lfS7C. Dr. Entrup 
received his literary ediication at the public school 
of this i)laoe and the Minnesota Valley Academy; 
also Tciul medicine in connection with his other 
studies, under Dr. Manson. After the death of 
his father, he taught school one year, and in 1877 
went to Ann Arbor, M:chigan, where he spent 
three years as a medical student; at the expiration 
of that time, July, 1880, he received his diploma. 
Gfeorge Gardner was born September 27, 1828, 
at Salem, Massachusetta. When he was but six 
years of age his father died, and he lived with an 
uncle until eighteen years old when he entered 
the United States navy. In the Mexican war he 
was at the surrender of Vera Cruz from which 
place he went, in the Albany, sloop of war, to 
Charlestown, Massachusetts where he was dis- 
charged. Mr. Gardner went in the Concordia to 
China, thence to the Phiilipean Island, and re- 
turned to Boston; also made a trip to Liverpool 
and returned. lu 1849, he went to Burlington, 
Vermont and worked until 1852 for the Vermont 
Central Railroad Company; he then had charge of 
the draw bridge at Albtirg until 1856. In May, 
1856 ho came to Shakopoe and for some time was 
engaged in freighting and staging; then in 1859 
removed to Ramsey county. He enlisted in com- 
pany A, Sixth Minnesota Volimteer infantry in 
August, 1862, and served until discharged, in Au- 
gust, 1863. From October, 18C5, until the fall of 
1867, he was in the employ of the Minnesota Val- 
ley Railroad Company, when he took charge of 
the Shakopee elevator and is now engaged as 
wheat buyer and inspector. From 1868, until 
1880, he was station agent at this place. Clarinda 
M. Manning became his wife in 1850. 

Gteorge William Gellenbeck was born August 
26, 1828, in the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, 
where he lived with his parents until seventeen 
years of age. In the spring of 1844, he moved to 
Cincinnati, Ohio. Went to St. Louis, where he 
worked at the coopers trade until 1850. January, 
17, of that year he enlisted in i.he United States 
cavalry, and served five years, then came to Min- 
nesota and established the Five-mile House at 
Bloomington Ferry, which he sold in 1868, and 
came to Shakopee. Mr. GeUonbeck kept the Min- 
nesota Valley House here tliree year-i. then in com- 
pany with Mr. Strunk, engaged in the drug busi- 



ness two and one-half years, then sold his interest. 
In 1873, he built his hotel at the comer of First 
and Summorville streets, known as the Occidental; 
it will accomodate about twenty guests. 

Henry F. Gross was bom J«ne 26, 1838, in 
France. In 1852 the family came to America, 
spent two years in Chicago, then removed to Min- 
nesota and made a claim in what is now Dakota 
county. Mr. Gross lived on the farm with his 
parents two years, then went to St. Paul and 
worked at the barber's trade three years. He was 
in St. Louis for a time, then returned to St. Paul 
and enlisted August 15, 1862, in Company G, 
Sixth Minnesota Volunteer infantry; served nearly 
two years in the war with the Indians, and then in 
the South until August 18, 1865, when he was dis- 
charged. In 1866 he came to Shakopee and es- 
tablished a barber-shop on First street. His mar- 
riage with Mary A. Varner, of St. Paul, occurred 
November 16, 1865. Annie M., Ferdinand J., 
Willie H. and Elward H. are their living children. 
Henry Gutenberg was bom August 2, 1857, in 
St. Paul; be is a son of John Gutenberg, who was 
born April 7, 1828, in Prussia, and Dora Vicliman- 
Gutenberg, who died in Shakopee January 6, 
1875. They were married February 20, 1851. 
In 1853 the family emigrated to America; lived 
in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, for a time, and re- 
moved to St. Paul about 1855. In the sprng of 
1857 the father moved the family to Shakopee, 
and in company with H. Fanakuoh built a hotel; 
he also tlid mason work and dealt in live stock. 
He was for some time in the butcher business, and 
in 1869 established what is now the City Meat 
Market on Holmes street, where he carried on a 
successful trade until his death June 23, 1880. 
Since that date his sons, Henry and John Jr., have 
conducted the business. The family consists of 
these two young men and their sisters, Lizz'e and 
Christina. 

W. Heidenreich, bom October 13, 1831, is a 
native of Prussia. He learned the tailor's trade, 
and in July, 1856, came to Shakopee; wcrked the 
first two summers at mason's and plasterer's trade, 
then built a tailor's shop, and about tiiree years' 
after added a saloon. From the spring of 1864 
until October, 1865, he was in Idalio, engaged in 
keeping a boarding-house and working at his 
trade; then returned to this place and purchased a 
building which he occupied for a grocery store, 
sample room and tailor shop until destroyed by 
fire in October, 1879. He then erected the 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



307 



brick building which he now occupies; it 
is 20x60 feet and two stories in bight. In 
Prassia, February 22, 1856, he married Pau- 
lina Cometsky. They are parents of eight 
children : Bertha P., Anna A., Adolph T., Wilhelm 
Jr., Charles J., Edward J., (deceased) Paulina A. 
E. and Otto. 

Francis Xavier Hirscher was born May 29, 
1827, in Germany. When 17 years of age he was 
left an orphan; at that time he commenced to 
learn the cabinet maker's trade. In 1849 he came 
to America; spent six months in Louisville, Ken- 
tucky, worked at his trade one and one-half years 
in St. Louis, and in 1851 removed to St. Paul. He 
did cabinet work in the employ of W. M. Stees 
five years, and in April, 1856, came to Shakopee. 
In company with 0. Peters he built the first cabi- 
net shop here; they continued in partnership un- 
til 186-3, since which date Mr. Hirscher has con- 
ducted the business alone. Philipena Both be- 
came his wife September 22, 1856. Their chil- 
dren are: Alois, Clara, Joseph, John, Valentine, 
Francis X. Jr., George and Mary E. 

Gerhard Hilgers was born August 31, 1838, in 
Prussia where he received his education. When 
23 years of age he was mustered into the Prussian 
army and served three summers; attended school 
during the winter seasons. Two years of the time 
he held the rank of corporal. In 1867 he came to 
America with his parents and settled on a farm 
near Madison, Wisconsin. The following autumn 
he came to Jordan and has since resided here. He 
conducted the MerL^hants Hotel with considerable 
success from 1868 until the fall of 1877 when he 
was elected to the office which he now holds, regis- 
ter of deeds. Mr. Hilgers' wife was Adelheid 
Weibler, of Prussia; the date of their marriage is 
November 11, 1865. Their living children are: 
William H., Prank H., John H., Michael H., Maria 
S. and Casper H. Three have died. 

David Lennox How was born August 23, 1835, 
at Elbridge, New York. From 1814 until 1848, 
he attended the Monroe Collegiate Institute, then 
removed with his parents to Syracuse where he 
clerked in a grocery store and attended evening 
school. He was employed in a drug store at Dun- 
kirk from 1850 until 1855 when he went to 
Adrian, Michigan, and worked for N. Bidwell and 
Company, druggists. May 27, 1857, he came to 
Shakopee and in company with D. W. C. Wisner, 
opened a drug store. The year following Mr. 
W sner retired and Dr. J. S. Weiser was admitted 



to partnership. This firm continued in business 
until 1861; from that date until 1870 Mr. How 
was associated with his brother in the drug trade. 
In 1865 he with Major Strait purchased three- 
fourths interest in the Jordan flouring mOl, also 
owned a mill at Chaska, both of which they sold 
and bought the large mill at Shakopee, which was 
burned in 1875 and rebuilt the same year. Mr. 
How started the First National bank of this place, 
also the Scott County bank, at Jordan, and the 
prosperity of these institutions is iu a measure ow- 
ing to his business ability. He has also been 
largely engaged in farming and stock raising. 
Mr. How is one of the early settlers of the county 
and has held many positions of trust. He is a 
member of the Episcopal church, a leading man 
in the board of trade and a staunch republican. 

William L. Johnson, born November 28, 1844, 
is a native of Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. At 
the age of 7 years he accompanied his parents to 
Marine MiUs, Minnesota, where his father kept a 
liotel and for a time worked at farming. In 1855 
he served a term in the legislature and later was 
elected sheriff of Washington coimty. His. death 
occurred in 1859. WiUiam Johnson removed to 
St. Paul after his father's death, and lived there 
until his enlistment, August 16, 1862, in Company 
G, Sixth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He 
served two years in the Indian war, then at the 
South until discharged August 18, 1865. The 
following spring he made a trip to Texas and the 
next year returned to St. Paul. In 1872 he 
opened a grocery trade ia Mendota which he con- 
ducted until 1874, then sold and resided at his 
mother's farm in Ramsey county, until December, 
1880. Since that date he has been proprietor of 
the Exchange Hotel, Shakopee. Margaret C. 
Nealey, of Mendota, became his wfe April 17, 
1870. Sarah, Mary, Thomas A. and William L. 
Jr. are their children. 

F. W. Juergens is a native of Germany, born 
April 22, 1834, and learned the blacksmith trade 
in that country. In 1854 the family came to Amer- 
ica; he stayed at La Porte, Indiana, and his par- 
ents came to Shakopee. They made claims at 
what is now known as Prior Lake; lived there 
until the spring of 1855, when they came to this 
place and built a house and shop on Second street. 
Mr. Frank Juergens came from Indiana to join his 
parents here. His father died Decemlier 19, 1876. 
Mr. Juergens carries on blacksmithing and is the 
oldest man in that business in Shakopee. His 



308 



UISTOUY OF TUE MINNESOTA VALLEF. 



marringo with R^gina C. Seliutz took place May 
14,1801. Their chiKlren are Frank H., George 
J., Anna R., Rosa F. and Clara L. 

John Kodylek, artist, a native of Austria, was 
bom June 22, 1845. Wheu 14 years old he en- 
tered the Aoademy of Art at Prague, where he re- 
mained three years, and received the first premium 
for his works. Hia art studies wera completed at 
Vienna, where his masterpiece sold for a large 
sum. In November, 1865, he moved to New York 
and in 1867 to St. Jo, Missouri, where he pro- 
duced some fine pieces of work, one of which sold 
for §2,000. Late in 1869 he went to Iowa and re- 
sided about three years at Sioux City. After soma 
time spent in traveling he went to St. Paul and re- 
sided two years. In 1880 he established an art 
gallery in this place, which has since been his 
home. Mr. Kodylek married, May 14, 18G7, 
Clara Hundt. They have two children: Julia 
and Arnold. 

John Kauth is a native of Germany, bora 
June 16, 1816. Until 14 years of age he lived 
with his parents. He then worked three years at 
wagon making. In 1846 he came to Amsrica, lived 
six months in Pliila Jelphia, then in Pittsburg un- 
til 1849. Until the f;ill of 1852 he worked at his 
trade at St. Louis. He then made a claim of 160 
aores six miles south of Shakopee and began clear- 
ing up a farm, using much of the best hard tim- 
ber in wagon making. It was he who manufac- 
tured the first wagon ever made in Scott county. 
In 1872 he rented his farm and came to Shakopee; 
bought the St. Paul Hotel of this plac?, of which 
he is still proprietor; the house will accommodate 
fifty guests. In 1845 he married Margretta Bles- 
sing, of Prussia; she has borne him nine children, 
only two are living; Mary and William. 

Anton Koerner, Sr., was born November 19, 
1828, in Bavaria. When he was but two years of 
age his father died, and he lived with his mother 
until twenty-five years old. In November, 1853, 
he came to America, spent one year in New York 
city, and wa< throe years engaged in the butchers 
business in Dayton, Ohio. Since 1857 his home 
has been at Shakopee. He was employed in pla.s- 
teringand mason work untU 1862, when he estab- 
lished a meat market on First street where with 
the aid of his son .\dam, he is doing a successful 
business. Eva Wich was married to Mr. Koerner 
in 1858, and died July 8, 1876. They are the 
parents of five children: Ijona (deceased), Adam, 
Barbara, Anton, Jr., and .Vuna. 



August Logefeil, proprietor of the Unito<l States 
Hotel, was bom December 26, 1828, in Prussia. 
He resided in different places, spent two years 
working at the bakers' trade, and four years 
traveling through aU parts of Prussia. In April, 
1853 he came to America and in November to 
Shakopee. Mr. Logefeil made a claim, in 1855> 
of 160 acres, near where New Prague is now sit- 
uated. He built a cabin of poles, with a roof of 
hay, and used a hollow stump for a cook-stove. 
He was for a time engaged in lime burning, was 
also in the wood business, and one season ran 
a barge on the river; two and one-half years 
he drove a wagon selling groceries and notions. 
Since 1874, he has been proprietor of the United 
States Hotel, which he built in that year. The 
house will accommodate twenty-four guests. 

Charles Lord (deceased) was born July 22, 1817 
in Cheshire county, New Hampshire. At the age of 
17 he went to Augusta, Georgia, and passed three 
years there in the study of medicine, then returned 
home and finished his studies, after which he prac- 
ticed in his profession six years at Pittsburg Penn- 
sylvania. In the spring of 1854 he made a claim 
of 160 acres one and one -half miles east of Sha- 
kopee. He afterwards sold half of it and worked 
the olher eighty acres until 1861, when he moved 
to Shakopee and practiced medicine here. He 
held the office of alderman six years. Julia A. 
Baffum, who was born at Westmoreland, Novem- 
ber 7, 1822, became his wife December 13, 1843. 
They have had nine children, seven of whom are 
living. Mr. Lord's death occured April 3, 1881. 

Frank J. Lord, a native of Minnosota, was bom 
June 12, 1854, in Hennepin county. His father 
was Charles Lord, Sr., who settled in that ounty 
and afterward removed to Scott county. Frank 
Lord grew to manhood there, and received his ed- 
ucation in the public schools of Shakopre. He 
wai employed inD. L. How's drug store one year, 
then returned to school until 1871; from t lat date 
until 1874 he was with Lord & Halle, ti en with 
Strunk & Sons until 1877. In March of that 
year he purchased the drug store at the e»»mer of 
Holmes and First streets; in February, J 880, he 
moved his stock to Condon's block, where he car- 
ries a full line of drugs, books and starionery. 
Miss Mary, daughter of Honorable Henri Hinds 
of this plaoa, was married to Mr. Lord, S ^ptem- 
ber 4, 1879. 

Samuel Lord, bom in 1829, is a native o.' Eng- 
land. He served an apprenticeship of seven years 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



309 



at tbe carpenter trade, and after working in that 
country about fourteen years he came to America. 
Lived one year at Dubuque, Iowa, and in April, 
1858, located at Shakopee. He did contracting in 
this vicinity from that date until the spring of 
1864, when he went to Montana and worked at 
building until 1865, when he returned to Shako- 
pee and continued his trade here until the spring 
of 1867; since then he has been foreman in the 
car])enter shops of the St. Paul & Sioux City Eail- 
road Company. He married Sarah Greenwood, of 
England, November 1, 1852. She was born 
March 7, 1828. They are the parents of five 
children: Mary A., Sarah A. and Mary A. are de- 
ceased. The living are James T. and Grace E. 

Isaac Lincoln was born January 17, 1823, in 
Bamstalile county, Massachusetts. The family 
had moved to Worcester in 1837, and here Isaac 
Lincoln began learning the blacksmith trade when 
eighteen years of age. A short time in the sum- 
mer of 1849 he worked in Springfield, and in the 
fall removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where he super- 
intended the blacksmithing in the construction of 
the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati railroad. 
In June, 1856, he came to Shakopee, and that year 
erected the first saw-mill in the place, which he 
operated in comjjany with his brothers; was also 
engaged in lime burning. Mr. Lincoln was a 
member of the senate in 1863-4; has also held 
different town offices and has been city alderman. 
His marriage with Lois L. Bingham, of Ohio, 
took place June 4, 1850. They have five living 
chUdren: Edgar B., Isaac, Jr., Charles F., Mary 
H. and William B. 

F. C. Mather, bom August 11, 1836, is a native of 
Union county, Ohio. In the fall of 1853 he went 
with his parente to Iowa; his father died in March, 
1861, and the family resided near McGregor until 
1876. Mr. Mather labored in the ministry twenty 
years in north-eastern Iowa, and in the fall of 1876 
came to Minnesota. He had charge of the Meth- 
odist church at High Fore.st, this state, during the 
years 1877-8, then for two years was pastor of 
the Shakopee Methodist church. Since Novem- 
ber, 1880, he has been proprietor of the American 
hotel in this place; also keeps an extensive stock 
of farm machinery. He married Sarah C. Mather, 
of Union, Ohio, October 26, 1855. Their chUd- 
ren are Eva, Flora, George C, Stella, Mary D. 
Abbie G., Sadie P. and Winnie I. 

Frank McGrade (deceased) was born in 1830, 
in Ireland. When twenty-two years old he joined 



the regular army of his country and served imtil dis- 
charged, in 1855. That year he moved to New 
York city, where he worked in a clothing house 
about one year. November 9, 1856, he married 
Mary Loughrey, at Kellyville, Pennsylvania, and 
they at once came to Shakopee, where for a time 
Mr. McGrade engaged in the lime business. He 
held the olEce of sheriff six years, employing a 
deputy nearly two years while he was in the army. 
He was instrumental in raising company L, Second 
Minnesota cavalry, and was commissioned first 
lieutenant; was discharged at Fort Snelhng, May 
4, 1866. He returned to Shakopee, and soon 
after went to Jordan, where he purchased half 
interest in a stock of general merchandise. In 
1867, was elected register of deeds, of Scott 
county, and returned to this place ; about two 
years after he bought a farm which Mrs. McGrade 
still owns ; was also in the hardware business with 
George Reis. For three years he was one of the 
county commissioners, and was a member of the 
city council from 1874 until his death, September 
27, 1876. His widow, four sons and five daugh- 
ters, are living in Scott county. 

Michael K. Marrinan, bom November 4, 1855, 
is a native of Rochester, New York, where he 
acquired liis education in the Christian Brothers 
Academy. In 1873 he came to Shakopee, and 
read law one year under Judge L. M. Brown. In 
1876 he was appointed clerk of the court, of Scott 
county, by Judge Brown, and in 1877 was elected 
to the office which he has since held. 

Nathan McDowel McMuUan was born Septem- 
ber 18, 1806, in Franklin county, Pennsylvania. 
At the age of twenty-two he went to Bedford 
county, where he was one year interested in woolen 
manufacturing; removed to Somerset county, 
where he was hotel proprietor and postmaster for 
about three years. In 1844 he went to Mansfield, 
Ohio, and carried on mercantile business there nine 
years; was mayor of that city in 1851. He was 
engaged in mercantile trade two years in Van 
Wert county, and in 1856 established a hardware 
store in Shakopee; two years later, his son took 
charge of the business. Mr. McMullan was the 
first mayor of this place; in 1862 was elected a 
member of the legislature, held the office of county 
treasurer in 1858-9, and has been justice of the 
peace twenty years. 

Thomas Nealy, of Irish parentage, was bom in 
1850, at Ottawa, Dlinois. His parents came to 
America about 1830, and ten years later settled iii 



SIO 



uisToar OF tue Minnesota valley. 



Ulinciis. Wlieu Tliomns Nenly was a child his 
pareuU removeil to Nova Scotia, aud remained six 
years. In I8(!l» tliey oarac to Miunesota aud loca- 
ted at Meiulota; in tlie schools of that phice and 
St. I'aul, he received his education. In 1873 he 
became agent at the old Mendota station, and 
tlireo \eiir8 later at Jlcrriam Junction. Since 
August, ls7i), lie has had charge of the telegraph 
oflico at Shako]>ee. Mr. Nealy's wife was Kate 
Kivel, a native of Wisconsin. Their marriage 
took place Thanksgiving day, 1872. Mary J., 
Maurice D., aud Thomas H. are their children. 

Thomas R. Newell was bom in Lawrence county, 
Illinois, May 28, 1850. At the age of twenty 
years he went to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and worked 
eighteen months at the jeweler's trade. In 1872 
he removed to Minnesota, and passed one year at 
Braiiierd in the same business. After residing in 
Winnipeg city, Manitoba, about three years, and 
ten months in St. Paul, he went in 1877, to Le 
Sueur; then in June of the same year he estab- 
lished a jeweler's store at Shakopee, on First street, 
where he is doing a fine business. 

Alois Pint, pastor of the German Catholic 
church, at Shakopee, was bom Jvme 21, 1841, in 
Austria. When eleven years of age he began 
classical studies in the Rudolph werth. Gymnasium, 
where he remained a student eight years; he then 
completed his tlieological studies at Goritz. In 
June, 18G4, he came to America and spent a short 
time at St. Vincent College, Pennsylvania. In the 
fall of that year he went to St. Paul, and in Feb- 
ruary, 18G5, was sent to the Stillwater mission, 
where he remained until September, 1866, when he 
was given charge of the New Prague, Scott county 
church; from there ho went, in May, 1868, to 
Winona, and since May, 1876, has been pastor at 
Sliakopee. His congregation includes two hun- 
dred and twenty-five families. 

Jacob Ries, Sr., was bom December 6, 1830, in 
Luxembourg. When he was 18 years of age both 
his parents died. Mr. Ries was given both a liter- 
ary and musical education in his native country 
and in 1854 came to America. He lived three 
years in New York, mainly engaged in carpenter 
work; then made a ^^sit of six months to his native 
laud, and in tlie spring of 1857 settled in Shako- 
pee, which has since been his place of residence 
with the exception of a time spent at his farm in 
Spring Lake. In 1865 he opened sample rooms 
in his building on First street and in 1872 started 
a pop-factory. His present factory of brick was 



erected in 1880, and has all the facilities for manu- 
facturing carbonate and fermented beverages. Jose- 
phine Mamer, who was born June 24, 1836, 
became his wife October 27, 1857. Of their 
fourteen children but seven arc living: Jacob, Jr., 
Anna Mary, Margaret J., Anna,' John B., Mary 
K. E. and William. 

John J. Ring, l)orn in 1832, is anativeofPrassia, 
where he lived until 14 years of age. At that time 
he came to America and resided on a farm in 
Kenosha county, Wisconsin until 1860, when he 
came to New Market, Scott county, Minnesota, and 
bought a farm of 130 acres.- He held the offices 
of a-ssesaor and chairman of the town board several 
years and was a county commissioner six years; 
was elected county treasurer in 1873, which office 
he held till the spring of 1880. Suice 1874 he 
has been a re.sident of Shakopee, and since Novem- 
ber, 1879, has been proprietor of the Merchants' 
Hotel. In 1856 he married Christina Boltas, in 
Kenosha county, Wisconsin. She has borne him 
eleven children. Five daughters and five sons are 
living. 

George Reis is a native of Saint Louis. His 
parents came to this country in 1846. His father 
and two of his brothers visited Minnesota, took 
three claims of 100 acres each and built their 
shanties in 1854-'5. In 1857 the family settled in 
Shakopee. Here George Reis lived with liis 
parents and attended the public schools. In 1863 
he began the tinners' trade, at which he worked 
three years, then attended St. John's college, 
Stearns county two terms. In 1870 he, in com- 
pany with J. M. DePue, bought a hardware store; 
eight months later DePue sold to Frank McGrade 
and the firm of Reis «fe McGrade continued until 
the death of the latter in 1875. • Since that date 
Mr. Reis has conducted the business. Hia father 
died June 4, 1874 and his mother December 
25, 1868. Lena Karr, of Belleville, Illinois, be- 
came his wife October 27, 1879. They have one 
child: Laura. 

August Scherkenbach, bom in 1847, is a native 
of Prussia. In 1870 he came to America and 
learned the marble cutters' trade at Belleville, Illi- 
nois. In company with W. A. Clark, he started 
in the marble and granite business which they con- 
tinued with success at Belleville until 1878 when 
he sold his interest and removed to Shakopee and 
continued the same business here. In 1881 he 
erected his brick building 16x36 feet in size, where 
he now keeps a large stock of monuments aud 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



311 



lieatlstones of all designs. At Belleville, Illinois, 
February 26, 1878, be married Barbara Acker- 
mann who has borne him three children : Mary and 
Anna, twins, and William. Mary is deceased. 

Jarvis Washburn Sencerbox was bom Decem- 
ber 20, 1820 in Dutchess county. New York. He 
was educated in a district school, in Putnam 
county, taught by the author of the Spencerian 
system of penmanship. Twenty years of his life 
were passed in merchandizing in his native state. 
In 1851 he went to Quincy, Illinois, where he was 
engaged in banking, mercantile, and milling busi- 
ness; afterwards followed banking at Warsaw, and 
was also interested in coal mines at Farmington, 
Iowa. In July, 1855, he went to St. Paul and that 
season ran a steamboat of which he was owner and 
captain. In November of that year his boat was 
frozen in about one mile above Carver, where part 
of the skeleton may yet be seen. Mr. Sencerbox 
moved his family to Louisville township in Sep- 
tember, 1856 and in the fall of 1858 removed to 
Shakopee. He was a member of the first board 
of county commissioners in the state; has held the 
offices of register of deeds, county auditor, deputy, 
and clerk of the court; in 1871-'3-'5 he was a 
member of the legislature, and in 1874 he and 
Judge Gilfillan were appointed special committee 
on taxes and tax laws. HaiTiet Lounsberry be- 
came his wife October 4, 1843. Anna, Jarvis E., 
John, George, William, Harriet and Ida are their- 
children. 

B. E. Spencer is a native of Indiana; bom, 
March 26, 1847, in Warrick coimty. His parents 
moved to Indiana in 1839. The family moved to 
the Minnesota valley in the spring of 1856, made 
a claim in Eagle Creek township, and worked at 
farming thereuntil 1861, when they sold and came 
to Shakopee. Mr. Spencer's death occured in this 
city April 1, 1875; his widow and sonBarzOla are 
still residents of this place. The latter is employ- 
ed as carpenter for the St. Paul and Sioux 
City railroad company. He married Maria Mont- 
gomery, of Shakopee, October, 16, 1875. She was 
born in 1852, in the East Indies. They have one 
child : Nellie. 

Captain Charles A. Stevens of the Shakopee 
Courier, is a native of New York city. He 
studied law three years with his brother, the late 
J. Bancroft Stevens, and in the fall of 1854, went 
to Kansas. During the winter and spring of 1855 
he was postmaster at Kansas City, and the follow- 
ing summer returned to New York. In August. 



1856, he came to Shakopee, then went to Le Sueur 
county, and made one of the first claims in Mont- 
gomery; he taught the first school in that section, 
in a log shanty. In the winter of 1856-7, he re- 
corded mortgages for John Kennedy, register of 
Dakota county, and in the fall of 1858, engaged 
in business at Fox Lake, Wisconsin, with his 
brother, the late Colonel George Stevens of the 
Second Wisconsin Volunteers. He joined com- 
pany A, Second Wisconsin; afterward enlisted in 
company G, Berdan's sharpshooters ; served three 
years and participated in twenty-nine actions in 
the army of the Potomac; was mustered out April, 
1866. After leaving the army he was employed 
ten years by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, 
and the St. Paul & Sioux City Railroad Compan- 
ies, as agent, superintendent of elevators and 
book-keeper. In August, 1877, he started the 
Courier at Shakopee. His marriage with Eliza E. 
Elliot of Sibley county, took place in 1872, 

George P. Strait born March 22, 1832, is a 
native of Bradford county, Pennsylvania, where he 
lived with his parents, Isaac and Maria Strait. 
He was principally occupied in farming and lum- 
bering in that state until November, 1856, when 
he came to Minnesota and pre-empted 160 acres of 
land in Scott county where he resided about eight 
years. In 1864, he in company with H. B. Strait 
and D. L. How embarked in the milling business 
at Jordan ; eight years later this firm built a mi)] 
in Chaska wliich they sold about one year after 
and began their milling trade in Shakopee. Mr. 
Strait has since been one of the owners of the 
Shakopee City flouring mill . 

Horace Benton Strait was bom January 26, 1835, 
in Potter county, Pennsylvania. He received a 
common school education and in 1846 went to 
Indiana, thence in 1856 to Scott county, Minne- 
sota. Entered the Union army in 1862 as captain 
of the Ninth Minnesota Infantry ; was promoted 
to major of that regiment in 1864 and at the close 
of the war was serving as inspector-general on the 
staff of General McArthur. In 1870, he was elect- 
ed mayor of Shakopee and re-elected in 1871-2-8. 
Since 1866 he has been one of the trustees of the 
Minnesota Hospital for insane and is now president 
of the board. He is engaged in farming and mer- 
chandising, and is president of the First National 
bank of Shakopee. Mr. Strait was elected to the 
forty-third and forty-fourth congress and re-elect- 
ed to the forty -fifth. 

The following are some of the bills introduced 



312 



UlSTOIir OF TUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



by him. To oncourage the prowth of tinibor on 
westoru prairies; ullowing 160 acres of laud to 
settlers within railroad limits; for the relief of set- 
tlers whoso crops were destroyed by grasslioppcrs; 
to provide for the erection of military telcgrai>b; 
fortlie relief of settlers ou railroad lands; for the 
relief of citizens engaged in the sui)pression of the 
Indian war of 1862; for the survey of public 
lauds lying within meridian Hues' in the state of 
Miimesota; to restore to the public domain the 
military reservation known ns Fort Kipley; to 
legalize certain settlements upon swamp lands in 
Minnesota; to extend the time for payment of pre- 
emptors on certain public lands in Minnesota; to 
equalize the bounties ot soldiers who served in the 
late war; to extend the provisions ot an act ap- 
proved June 22, 1874, entitled "An act for the 
relief of settlers on railroad lands;" for the payment 
of arrears of pensions, and many other bills of a 
personal nature. Most of these have become laws. 

Samuel Burton Strait was bom December 14, 
1813, in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, where his 
parents had located in 1813. When nineteen 
years of age he went to Potter county, where for 
three years he had charge of his brother's mercan- 
tile business. At the expiration of that time the 
brothers entered into partnership, and built a 
flouring mill, saw-miU and pail factory. About 
three years after he sold his interest to his brother 
and returned to Bradford county, where he car- 
ried on farming and blacksmithing some years. 
In 1846 he went to Indiana and remained until 
1855, when he came to Minnesota. He had 1,000 
acres of land near Jordan and a very large stock. 
This immense farming business he carried on \vith 
success about twenty years. In 1857 he, in com- 
pany with Stotard & Pearson, laid out the town site 
of St. Lawrence, erected a hotel and dwelling, and 
resided there several years. April 3, 1834, he mar- 
ried Emeline Benson, who died in 1816. Their 
hving children were Horace B., Edgar A., William 
W. and Truman D. In 1847 he married Delight 
Kenieut. She has borne him five children : Dewit 
C, Helen (deceased), William F., Mary and 
Hiram H. 

Harman H. Strunk was bom May 14, 1818, in 
Germany. His father died, and in 1835 he ac- 
companied his mother and family to America. 
From 1836 until 1854 he resided in St. Louis, 
then came Ui Shakopee. He made a claim and 
built the first brewery in the valley; he operated 
it about nine years, then sold it and built a dis- 



tillery. In 1873 ho removed to the city to take 
charge of the drug business which ho had, in com- 
pany with G. W. Gollenbeck, established here in 
1871. The firm became Strunk & Sous, and in 
1874 they bought the property on First street 
where they are doing a very large business. 
They are also agents for the American and Luited 
States express companies. Mr. Strunk has held 
the offices oi county commissioner, school treas- 
urer, justice of the peace, aldennan and mayor. 
He married, September 20, 1845, Mary A. Bock- 
lage. Charles J. and Arnold M. are their children. 

John Wagner, born August 7, 1847, is a native 
of Prussia. In 1856 he came to the United States 
with his parents and located at St. Paul. In that 
city he acquired his education, and served three 
years as apprentice, learning the wagon-maker's 
trade. He came to Shakopee in June, 1868, and 
was employed eleven years in Mr. Wampach's 
wagon shops. He is now doing a successful busi- 
ness at the Star wagon shops, where he established 
himself in July, 1879; he does both wood and iron 
work for light and heavy wagons. Mr. Wagner 
married, August 8, 1871, Eosa CoUer. Their 
children are George, John, Jr., August, Amelia 
and Gertrude. 

B. Walters, a native of Trumbull county, Ohio, 
was born February 26, 1843. At the age of fif- 
teen yeaiB commenced learning the miller's trade 
with his father. When about eighteen years old 
he went to Iowa and worked at his trade imtil the 
fall of 1802; then enlisted in the Seventh Iowa 
cavalry and served under General Mitchell nine- 
teen months; was mustered out at Kansas City 
and returned to Iowa. Since the ffill of 1866 he 
has been engaged in milling in different parts of 
^linnesota, and since May, 1874, has occupied the 
position of head miller in the Shakopee City mills. 
PlioBbe J. Aplin, a native of New York, was mar- 
ried to Mr. Walters February 12, 1863. Ralph 
A. and Charles J. are their children. 

John Wampach, bom in 1830, is a native of 
Luxembourg, where he learned the wagon makers 
trade. In 1852 he came to America and worked 
at his trade two years in Detroit, Michigan; after 
living a short time in Ohio and Indiana he re- 
moved to Chicago, Illinois, in 1855, and worked 
there until 1857. _ In September of that year he 
came to Minnesota and built a blacksmith and 
wagon shop at Shakopee, on Second street, where 
he conducted a successful business. At that time 
all his work was done by hand, and from year to 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



313 



year as his trade iucreased he enlarged his work- 
ing facilities. In 1870 he removed to First street 
and built a shop 45x95 feet in size. 

Theodore Weilaud was born January 15, 1849, 
in Brown county, Wisconsin. In 1857 he went 
to Green Bay and there attended school four years. 
Afterward he resided at Fond du Lac until the 
spring of 1863, then spent a short time at Oshkosh 
and in the spring of 1864 came to Minnesota. He 
lived at Jordan untQ . 1869 when he returned to 
Wisconsin. One season he was in the employ of 
the Northern Pacific Kailroad Company, then went 
to Jordan again and established a carriage and 
wagon factory. In 1879 he was elected sheriff of 
Scott county and removed to Shakopee. Mr. 
Weiland's wife was Louisa Mayer; they were mar- 
ried January 28, 1874. Mary T., Clements T. and 
Albert L. are their children. 

Egbert L. Wright, born March 29, 1844, is a 
native of Crawford county, Pennsylvania. In 1855 
he came with his parents to Shakopee and attended 
the public schools of this place. He began to 
learn the printer's trade in the autumn of 1859 and 
since February, 1867, has had charge of the "Ar- 
gus" office. Ellen Brown Witter, of St. Paul, be- 
came his wife December 4, 1870; she is a native 
of Canada. They are the parents of three chil- 
dren: IdaK., Laura B. (deceased) and Harry P. 
Eobert B. Vessey was born February 9, 1830, in 
England. In 1848 became to America; was en- 
gaged in farming and milling in New 
York about three years, and from 1852 to 1855 
he resided in Michigan. He made a claim of 160 
acres of land near Shakopee in 1855, which he sold 
in the spring of 1864, and then conducted the 
Farmers' Hotel of this place until 1866. That 
year he built the New England House, of which 
he was proprietor until 1874, then rented it and 
built the store he now occupies in his mercantile 
trade. In 1876 he sold his hotel and built a feed 
mill which is run by steam, and is capable of 
grinding four tons per day. Mary E. Bro'ivn, of 
Michigan, became his wife January 13, 1855. Of 
the twelve children born to them but live are 
living. 



CHAPTER L. 



JACKSON EAGLE OKEEK GLENDALE — LOniSVILlE 

SAND CREEK — ST. LAWRENCE. 

The town of Jackson lies in the northern part of 
the county, bordering on the Minnesota river. It 



is the smallest town in the county, including in 
its limits, less than nine square miles. The name 
of the town was formerly Shakopee, which, when 
formed by the county commissioners, included all 
ia the county of congressional township 115- 
23. At a meeting held a few days later the town 
of Louisville was formed from the southern part. 
The boundaries remained as last established, imtil 
1870, when the city of Shakopee was incorjiorated, 
thereby changing the northern boundary. 

The first claimant in the present limits of the 
town was Daniel Apgar. He came to St. Paul in 
the spring of 1851; stopped there a short time, 
then came to Shakopee. He located his claim in 
the eastern part of sections 11 and 14. Shortly 
after he returned east, married, and came back in 
the spring accompanied by his father, Samuel Ap- 
gar and brother, Ai G., with wives and families, 
consisting in all of ten persons. They came from 
Tompkins county. New York, and arrived in Shako- 
pee May 5, 1852. 

Daniel Apgar lived on his claim a number of 
years, when he sold and moved to a farm near 
Sauk Centre, Stearns county, where he died about 
ten years since. He was the iii-st justice of the 
peace and the first judge of probate in the county. 
The senior Mr. Apgar made his claim in the 
north-east quarter of section 12, where he lived 
until the fall of 1875, when, on account of the 
death of his wife, he sold his farm and moved into 
Shakopee, and now lives with his daughter, Mrs. 
Coggswell. 

Ai G. Apgar located his claim partly in each of 
sections 12 and 13. When the county was organ- 
ized he was appointed sheriff and elected the fol- 
lowing fall. He held the office during the years 
1853, '54 and '55. In 1866 he sold his farm and 
moved to Hennepin county, where he died in 1877. 
Others of 1852 were Arnold and Joseph Graffen- 
stadt, Oliver Pelthier, Baptiste Le Beau, W. H. 
Nobles, Matthias Taisey and John G. Bass. Ar- 
nold Graff enstadt now lives in Alal)ama, where he 
moved a few years since. Joseph is living in 
Shakopee, still owning his farm. After about ten 
years Mr. Pelthier moved to Sibley county. His 
whereabouts are now imcertain, Mr. Nobles 
located on the east side of section 15; moved to 
St. Paul, where he died a few years since. He 
was the first county surveyor, first register of 
deeds and tbe first member of the territorial legis- 
lature from Scott county. Mr. Taisey also lo- 
cated in section 15. He only remained a short 



314 



U I STORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



time. wliiMi lie sold t<) J. H. iVIlen, who built tlie 
first Loiwf in the town. Lo Beau locatoil in the 
south-oast quarter of section 14, where he lived a 
numlior or years, then sold and moved to Sililey 
PDUnty, whore ho now residos. • Mr. Bass located 
his elftini jiartly in Louisville, but built his house 
in what is now Jaokson, where he now lives, sur- 
rounded by the comforts of life. Edgar, a son of 
Mr. iind Mrs. liass. was Iwrn September 3, 1853, 
in Shakopw, where Mrs. Buss had gone for a short 
time, stopping with her father's family. Although 
born in Shakopce, the child properly belongs to 
the town of Jackson. 

The lirst marriage in the town was that of Wil- 
liam Weiscr to Mary E., daughter of J. B. Allen. 
They were married in the spring of 1855 at the 
residence of the bride's parents in section 15. 

The first meeting for organization of the town 
of Shakopoe, was held at Holmes' Hall in Shako- 
pee, May 11, 1858. The following persons were 
elected to fill the various offices of the town for 
the ensuing year: Robert Kennedy, chairman; 
Daniel Apgar and Wenier CoUer, supervisors; D. 
M. Storer, clerk; Joseph Bartholet, assessor; John 
Edert, collector; Valentine ReLs, overseer of the 
poor; Charles Plumsted and H. H. Strunk, justices 
of the peace: Henry Neibergall and Thomas Con- 
don, constables; Peter Geyermau, overseer of 
roads. Until 1870, the village and town of Sha- 
kopee were under the same general organization. 
When Shakopee w-as incorporated the town was 
separated from the city and by an act of the legis- 
lature approved January 17, 1871, the name was 
changed to Jackson. The first meeting under the 
new organization was held at the house of W. F. 
Weiser, in section 14. At the meeting a new list 
of officers was elected throughout. The board 
consisted of Joseph Graffenstadt, chairman; Franz 
Baumhoefer and John Tliul. supervisors, and Hu- 
bert Roehl, clerk. The board, however, did not 
meet under the name of Jackson until 1872. 

During the summer and fall of 1868, a frame 
school-house was built in what is now district 58. 
The first school was taught the following winter, 
by Joseph I'loumer with forty-three scholars en- 
rolled, there being at the time seventy-six of school 
age in the district. In January, 1875, the scliool 
bouse was burned and another of concrete erected 
in its place the following fall. The first winter 
tliere were twenty-five scholars enrolled. This is 
the only school-house in the town. 

The Jackson mill was built by the Reis Bros. 



early in the sixties as a water-power mill with one 
run of stone. It is located in section 13, about 
two miles south of Shakopee. In 1873 the Reia 
Bros, sold to Friuiz Baumhoefer, the present pro- 
prietor, who sul).se(|nently increased the capacity 
of the mill by introducing improved machinery 
and steam power. It now contains two run of 
stone and has capacity for manufacturing forty 
barrels of flour per day. 

A brewery was built in the spring of 1855 in 
the north-west of section 11, by H. H. Strunk, who 
began manufacturing operations the same year. 
Several years afterwards Mr. Strunk sold to An- 
drew Winker, and his heirs now own the t>roperty, 
it being at present under the managcineut of Hu- 
bert Nyssen. About 1860 Mr. Strunk built a 
whisky distillery a short distance wtst of the 
brewery, whicli he operated a couple of years, then 
sold to F. H. Kranz, who operated it a short time, 
then failed, and the property fell back into the 
hands of Mr. Strimk again. The building is now 
occupied as a barn and granary. The population 
of Jaeksim was 270 by the census of 1880. 

J. B. Bass, farmer and stock raiser, was bom 
September 12, 1823, in Orange county, Vermont. 
He lived on a farm until 21 years of age, then 
learned the wagon maker's trade. After residing 
several years in Erie county. New York, he re- 
moved to Rock county, Wisconsin, and in 1850 
came to Minnesota. The next year he went back 
to Wisconsin, but soon returned to Minnesota and 
lived in Washington county until 1853, then loca- 
ted in Scott county. He pre-empted 160 acres of 
land and now owns a farm of 640 acres. Mr. Bass 
lias hold the office of justice of the peace about 
ten years, has several times been chairman of the 
town board, and for six years has been president 
of the Scott County Agricultural Society. He 
was first married in 1847, in Xew York, to Julia 
Newell, who died in October, 1849, leaving one 
daughter. H. S. Young became liis wife Sej)tein- 
ber 14, 1851, at Johnstown, Wisconsin. She has 
borne him six children, five are living. Their son 
Edgar, born September 3, 1853, is probably the 
first white child born in town. 

Fr. Baumhoefer, born in Piussia in February, 
1825. Worked nine years at milling, then lived 
on a farm until 1855, when he came to America. 
He located a claim of eighty acres in Scott coimty 
and on arriving at Shakopee with bis family, was 
obliged to live several days in a cellar until he 
could put up a shanty. He lived near Jordan 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



315 



for seven years ; in Jackson two years on a rented 
farm and then purchased 1-10 acres. In 1874 he 
bought the Jackson grist mill, which he has gi-eatly 
improved. In 1819 he married Mary Becker, who 
bore him eight ciiUdren, five of whom are living. 
Mrs. Baiimhoefef died in 1865. Louisa Staken- 
kemper became his wife in 1867. They are the 
parents of nine children. 

J. B. Husmann (deceased) was born Septem- 
ber, 1827, in Germany, and lived in his native 
country until 23 years of age, when he came to 
America. Soon after his immigration he married 
Anna T. Hopster, and they resided in St. Louis 
ten years. In 1860 they removed to Marystown, 
Minnesota, and one year later to Shakopee, where 
he worked at farming until 1865, then in partner- 
ship with another, opened the Union brewery. In 
1868 they enlarged it, and the year following Mr. 
Husmann became entire owner and operated it un- 
til his death, March 17, 1873. Since that date the 
business has been conducted by Mrs. Anna Hus- 
mann, under the supervision of her son John, who 
is married and lives at the brewery. Mrs. Hus- 
mann purchased, in 1878, a farm of 130 acres in 
Jackson township, which is worked by her son 
Henry. There are four other children: Herman, 
who is in Montana ; Lena, no w Mrs. W. M. John- 
son, Lizzie and May. 

EAGLE OBEEK. 

The town of Eagle Creek included at first all of 
township 115, range 22, and aU that part 
of township 116, range 22, lying in Scott county. 
These boundaries remained the same untU 1870, 
when Shakopee was incorporated, and included in 
its hmits most of section 6, and a part of section 7, 
township 115-22. The subtraction left the boun- 
daries as they now exist. 

Eev. Samuel W. Pond, the missionary to the 
Dakota Indians, elsewhere fully mentioned, was 
the first settler in Eagle Creek, locating in the fall 
of 1857, on section 6, where he now lives. Prob- 
ably the next settler following Mr. Pond was David 
Faribault, a half-breed, who located as early as 
1851, about a mile and a half below Shakopee, on 
the Minnesota river. He was interested in an im- 
aginary future town to be located upon his land, 
and destined as ho thought to supersede the city 
of Shakopee, of which Thomas Holmes was then 
the most interested party. He evinced considera- 
ble spleeo against the Shakopee settlers and stren- 
uously endeavored to induce all emigrants to lo- 
cate upon his site. Though he succeeded in gath- 



ering a little colony of French and half-breeds 
about him he was finally obliged to abandon his 
scheme as useless. 

A character who went by the name of "French 
John" should also be mentioned as among the 
early settlers. The exact date of his arrival is not 
known, and indeed all particulars concerning him 
are rather uncertain. It is ascertained, however, 
that he located in the central part of the town, and 
died during its early settlement — about 1852 or 
1853. His was undoubtedly the first death in 
Eagle Creek. 

T. S. Turner, the oldest settler now living in the 
town, with the exception of Samuel W. Pond, came 
to Eagle Creek in June, 1852, and located in the 
the south-western quarter of section twenty, where 
he has since lived. Mr. Turner's name is promi- 
nently connected with the earUer history of the 
town and county. He was chairman of the first 
board of county commissioners in 1853, and was 
also one of the first three county assessors. 

David Kinghorn came to his present location in 
the south-eastern quarter of section 14 in July, 
1852. He has always held a prominent position 
in the afiairs of the town, besides which he was a 
member of the first legislature, and was sergeant- 
at-arms in the constitutional convention held in 
1857. The settlers continued to arrive in large 
numbers during the fall of 1852 and throughout 
the year 1853, the earlier of whom were as follows : 
Thos. Kennedy arrived in the fall of 1852 and 
moved on to his present claim in spring of 1853; 
Edward Smith came in spring of 1853 and located 
his present claim in the north-eastern quarter of 
section 20 the same year; Alex. Dorwardalso came 
that year, together with Benjamin W. Turner, 
John Masters, Lyman Buby, John Barclay and 
Horace Fuller. These all located in different 
parts of the town, and most of them are still liv- 
ing upon their original claims. 

The first birth in the town was that of S. W. 
Pond, Jr., son of Rev. Samuel W. and Cordelia 
Pond. He was bom April 20, 1850. In May, 
1872, he married Miss Fannie Boyden, of Minne- 
a]3oIis, by whom he has had two children. He 
stiU resides upon the old homestead. 

The first religious services for the whites were 
held at the house of Bev. Samuel W. Pond in the 
fall of 1857. Services had been held for the In- 
dians many years previous to this by Blr. Pond, 
the missionary. 

The officers elected at the first annual town 



316 



HISTORY OF THE illNHESOTA VALLET. 



meeting in ISriH were: CIuib. Lord, eliairraau, 
George Daly, Jami's C. Wilson, supervisors; Jesse 
Markhnm, olerk; John Biirnhnm, assessor; Cbris- 
topher Coultbaril, collei-tor; Jaraes Hamiliton, 
overseer of the poor; Horace Puller and Moses S. 
Titns, justices of peace; Cleiirgo B. Gardner and 
William Davenport, constables; Robert Irvin, 
overseer of roads. 

The first school in the town was taught by Miss 
Nancy A. Turner in the house of Oliver Keep in 
section 8 during the summer of 1855. As may be 
expected, only n few scholars attended. Many 
years previous to this an Indian school had been 
taught in the town l)y Miss Cunningham, who 
was workuig in unison with Rev. Samuel W. Pond 
for the good of the Dakota Indians. The town 
now lias seven school-houses; five are frame build- 
ings, one is log and one brick. The town is inter- 
sected by two railwavs, the St. Paul & Sioux City 
and the H. k D. division of the C. M. & St. P. 
railway. The latter has no station in the town 
and the former has but one — Bardon station, sit- 
u-ited in the north-easteni comer of the town. 
Two Hour mills are in the town, one owned by J. 
W. Humphrey, situated in the north-east corner of 
the town on Eagle creek and the other owned by 
Pond Bros., situated on a small stream in the 
northern part of section 5. The population of 
Eagle Creek township in 1880 was 759. 

Francis Beisang (deceased) was bom October 
11, 1829, in Alsace, France, now a part of Germany. 
At the age of 2 years he came with his parents to 
the United States; they soon removed to Canada, 
where he followed blacksmithing until 1854, then 
came to Scott county. He married, January 14, 
1852, Eliza Zolber, who was born in Canada, Feb- 
niary 9, 1833. They have had seven children; 
the living are, Catherine T., and .\nna M., now the 
wife of Mr. Guy "West. Francis Beisang died 
January 31, 1878. 

David Kinghom was born in 1809 in Scotland. 
He learned the millers' trade and in 1829 went to 
Canada where he was employed as miller four years, 
then worked six years in New York. In 1839 he 
went to Kane county, Illinois, where he worked at 
milling three years, then bought IGO acres of land 
which he afterwards sold and purchased one sec- 
tion in Cook cjinity where he followed farming 
about ten ye:irs. In 1852 he came to Eagle Creek 
and pre-tmpted IGO acres of laud; now owns 
eighty acres. Mr. Kinghom was sergeant- at-arms 
at the first constitutional convention in the state, 



WHS a representative in the lir.it legislature wwA 
for years has held ofTices of trust in the town and 
county. For two and one-half years he was teacher 
among the Lidians at Redwood. He married 
Anna Pow, who was born in Scotland in 1809. 
They have had ten children, four of whom arc 
Lving; nineteen grand-children and two great- 
grand children. They have two sons who served 
in the Ninth Minnesota volunteers; one died at 
Memphis. 

Edward Smith, a native of Ireland, was bom 
November 27, 1821. Went to New York in 1846; 
worked at farming and stage-driving until the fall 
of 1852, when he removed to St. Paul, thence up 
the river to Faribault's lamling belcjw Sliakopee. 
He pre-empted 160 acres of land and buUt a log 
shanty ; now owns 200 acres. Mr. Smith enlisted 
in the Fourth Minnesota, August 2S, 1864 and 
served througli the Atlanta campaign with Sher- 
man. He married Ann Burk at North Post, Long 
Island, in Jime, 1849. They are the parents of 
one child, now deceased. 

Edward Stevenson was bom in Ireland, February 
1, 1814. He came to America in 1838, first located 
in Jersey City and for seven years worked for the 
Patterson railroad company, then was employed 
two years in a brewery in New York. Returned 
to Jersey City for a short time, and in 1855, after 
residing six years in Canada, settled in Eagle 
Creek. He made a claim which he sold ten years 
after and bought 160 acres where he now lives. 
Mr. Stevenson exporieueeJ many of the hardships 
incident to pioneer life. His marriage with Nancy 
Wilson, who was bom July 29, 1818, in Ireland, 
took place March 10, 1841. They have two chil- 
dren: Mary J. now the wife of W. H. Smith, of 
Plato, and Elizabeth, now Mrs. G. R. Kinghom, of 
Eagle Creek. 

G. 0. W. West was born March 8, 1843, in 
Ontario. He moved to Scott county in 1865 and 
was employed on the railroad between Mendota 
and Shakopee, was also contractor for Harkens & 
Holter in the wood business. Returned to Canada 
an 1 was proprietor of a hotel at Warchester Springs 
three years, then came again to Scott county and 
engaged to travel as agent for Foster & Dean, of 
St. Paul. Mr. West married Miss A. M. Beisang, 
November 2, 1869. They have three children. 

J. O. Wilson, born in 1810, is a native of Scot- 
land; he is the son of a Presbyterian clergyman. 
In 1837 he went to Nova Si-otia and taught school 
four years, and after about six years spent in Inm- 



saUTT COUNTY. 



317 



bering in Canada he went in 1847 to Lincoln 
county, Ohio. He served through the Mexican 
war; was sergeant of Company K, Eleventh Vir- 
ginia infantry. Afterward lived in New York 
city six years, contracting for building. In Aug- 
ust, 1854, he came to Eagle Creek and made a 
claim; now owns 112 acres. Mr. Wilson has held 
the office of county commissioner and justice of 
the peace. His wife was Margaret Carlin, who 
has borne him two children; both are dead. 

GLENDALB. 

The commissioners when forming this town la- 
bored imder a misapprehension as to the real boun- 
dary between Scott and Dakota counties, and 
organized the town as including all of township 
115, range 21, and also all of those sections in- 
cluded in the survey from the 4th principal me- 
ridian and lying north of township 115, range 21, 
and extending to the Miimesota river. The true 
eastern boundary of the town at organization must 
be understood, however, as the same as that estab- 
lished by the territorial legislature February 20, 
1855, in defining the eastern boundary of Scott 
county. This was finally changed by the legisla- 
ture March 6, 1871, leaving the boundary as it 
now is. 

The first settler in Gleudale was Martin Byrnes, 
who, together with his family, came in the spring 
of 1852, and settled at what is now Hamilton vil- 
lage. Here he lived until the war, carrying on a 
considerable trade with the Indians. In 1861 he 
went to California, where he still lives. John 
Dorman and wife came in the fall of 1852, settling 
at Hamilton, where he lived until his death. His 
wife is still living in the village. 

J. W. Woodi'uff arrived in Glendale in the fall 
of 1852, and the following year David Nixon, 
Martin Berrisford and Patrick Byrne, with wives, 
came into the town. In 1854 twenty other fami- 
lies located within the limits of the town, and at 
the end of this year Hamilton, then known as 
Burusville, was the most populous settlement, next 
to that of Shakopee, in the county. 

The marriage of James Lynn to Ellen Konan 
was the fii'st in the town. They were married at 
the house of the bride in 1860. 

Tlie first birth occurred in the village of Ham- 
ilton, and was the advent of a pair of twins, child- 
ren of Martin and Mrs. Byrnes. 

John B. Fish put up the grist-mill now owned 
by Martin and Dennis Quinn in Hamilton in 1860. 



It is about 35x45 feet, and contains two rim of 
stone and a feeder. 

The population of the town, including the vil- 
lage of Hamiltoli Station, is 375. 

John Berrisford, son of Thomas and Ann Ber- 
risford, was born in 1842 in Staffordshire, En^- 
land. In 185C he settled in Credit Eiver town- 
ship, Scott county, with his father, who was a 
farmer. September, 1861, he enlisted in Company 
B, Third Minnesota, and served in the Indian war. 
He resided some time in Chicago, and March 7, 
1867, married Jennie E, Smith, of that city, who 
was born in 1843 in Illinois. Immediately after 
marriage they came to Minnesota, and Mr. Ber- 
risford opened a general store in Credit Kiver. 
He removed his business to Burusville in 1872, 
where he has a first-olass coimtry store, complets 
in every department; is also largely engaged in 
the wood business and in buying stock and farm 
produce. Their hving children are William A., 
John A., Thomas A. and George. 

Kobert Myers was born in 1833 in England, 
and resided in his native country until twenty-four 
years of age. Mr. Myers learned the blaeksmith'a 
trade during the time he lived in England. In 
1858 he cama to New York; stayed a short 
time, then removed to St. Paul, where he lived 
until 1860. He bought 160 acres of land in 
Eagan, and lived there two years, worked at his 
trade and farming. In 1869 he removed to Ham- 
ilton, bought twenty acres of land and erected a 
shop, where he is engaged in l>lacksmithing. Mr. 
Myers is justice of the peace. He married, March 
13, 1858, Ehzabeth Fisher, and three days later 
they sailed for America. Mrs. Myers died in 
August, 1863. They had one child. His second 
marriage occurred in 1865, H nrietta Kentin 
being his bride. She has borne him six children; 
four are living. 

David Nixon, born in 1820, is a native of Eng- 
land, where he lived until twenty-three years old. 
Mr. Nixon's mother died in England at the age of 
sixty-three years. He came to the United State;--, 
landed at New York in April, 1843, and was for 
ten years a resident of that state. Then he re- 
moved to Michigan, where he lived about one 
year, and in 1853 came to Minnesota. Mr. Nixon 
resides on his farm of 160 acres in Glendale, Scott 
coimty. In 1853 Isabella Hay became his wife. 
They have had four children. 

LOUISVILLE. 

This town lies on the Minnesota river, in the 



318 



UIiSTORT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLET. 



nurtli-wi'storn jmit of Scott county. It comprisee 
tbo Bouth-weatorn part of i-ougros.sii)nal township, 
115, range twenty-three. It was flret settled by 
liotiis Lu Croix, a Frenchman, who buQt a log 
cabin and ostabliahod a trading post on the bank 
of the river in sootion 20 about the year 1850. 

In 1853, H. H. Spencer, who, the year before 
bod emigrated from Louisville, Kentucky to 
Shakopee and established a grocery store at that 
place, bought the claim and buildings of Louis La 
Croix in Louisville, and moved his family and 
store to that place. Mr. La Croix then built a 
house on section 32. 

In the spring of 1854, Mr. Spencer built a now 
frame house a few rods east of the one that he had 
lived in during the winter. This was a substan- 
tial two-story frame building, well finished, and 
at the present day is a good house. In one of the 
two front rooms he moved his goods and there 
conducted his business until the spring of 1855, 
when he built a store on the bank of the river 
near by. This was the first store in Louisville. 

The year previous to Mr. Spencer's settlement. 
Timothy Kanty had located and built on section 
26. He had been discharged the fall before from 
service in the Mexican war and had come up from 
Fort Suelling to Shakopee with Thomas A. 
Holmes in the flat boat "Wild Paddy." In 1853, 
Nicholas Mergens settled on section twenty-six, 
and Barny Young took claim on sections twenty- 
one, twenty-two and sixtoen, where he built the 
next spring. Soon after this, among the many ar- 
rivals were James A. and Joseph K. Ashley, from 
Scranton, Pennsylvania, who settled near H. H. 
Spencer's claim. Joseph Monnie made claim on 
section twenty-nine, where he still lives, and Fran- 
cis Speckle settled on section twenty-eight. 

The first birth in the town was tiiat of Joseph 
L. Monnio, .Vugust 4, 1855. He was a son of 
Jose[)li Monnie. In the fall of 1856 Christina 
JohnS'in was married at the house of H. H. Spen- 
cer, where she had been working. She and her 
husband left immediately and her husband's name 
has been forgotten. This was the first marriage 
in the town. The first death was that of Alvan 
Dorward, who h.id settled on section sixteen. 

In 1851 J. O. Fuller surveyed the village of 
Louisville on land owned chiefly )>y H. H. Spen- 
cer in sections 20 and 29. Mr. Spencer named tlie 
village in honor of Louisville, Kentucky, where he 
had previously lived. In the fall of 1854 a post- 
office was established in the village and Mr. Spen- 



cer was appointed postmaster. In 1861 it was 
abandoned. 

In 1856 Mr Spencer built the first grist-mill in 
the town. In the same year Ezra Gibbs and J. 
W. Sencerbox each built a saw-mill. As there 
was no wat*r- power at that point the mills were 
run by steam. Mr. Gibbs' mill was never used 
much. Mr. Sencerbox's mill was removed in 1860 
and Mr. Spencer's in 1863. 

Mr. Spencer gave a town lot to any one who 
would build on it. Ho also gave lots for a church 
and school-house. A frame school-house was 
erected on the lot donated for that purpose in the 
summer of 1857, in which Miss Hattie Kingsley 
immediately opened a school. The winter before, 
however, William Wheeler had taught a school in 
the village at the house of John Stokes. From 
1859 to 1863 there was no school in the place. 
From the spring of 1863 to the fall of 1865 three 
summer schools were taught. In the winter of 
1865-'6 Miss Belle Spencer conducted a school, 
which was the last ever held in the village. 

The first sermon in Louisville was preached by 
Bev. Stevens, of Excelsior, in Mr. Spencer's house. 
After that, services were held nearly every week by 
ministers traveling through the place or located in 
neighboring towns. Among these were Kev. 
Lewis Bell, of Shakopee, and Eev. Charles Gal- 
pin, of Excelsior. Kev. Edward Eggleston 
preached at Mr. Spencer's house sometime during 
the winter of 1857-'8. He was then living at 
Traverse des Sioux. No church edifice was ever 
built in Louisville village. 

The village of Louisville grew very rapidly for 
about four years, but about 1858 it began to decay 
as rapidly as it had grown up. At one time tliere 
were over thirty houses in the place, but one after 
another closed up his place of business and moved to 
some rival town. The buildings were either torn 
down or moved to the village of Carver across the 
river. In 1859 Mr. Spencer sold his store, which was 
the last in the place, and it was soon taken away. 
Subsequently the town site was owned by Mr. 
Spencer, who held the greater part of it, and Mr. 
Frank Giffonl, wlio held tlie remainder. These 
men, by mutual consent, had the town vacated. 

In 1854 the village of Little Rapids was sur- 
veyed on section thirty-one, at the head of low wa- 
ter navigation on the Minnesota river, about thir- 
ty-five miles fnim St. Paul. The land had been 
entered by Louis Ln Croix, who hatl sold an in- 
terest in it to W. P. Murray, Louis Robert, S. S. 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



319 



Eaton and F. Aymond. No attempt was ever 
made to build up a town there. 

The village of Merriam was surveyed in the fall 
of 186C on land owned by J. S. Merriam, of St. 
Paul, on section sixteen, and on the line of the 
St. Paid k Sioux City railroad, now the Chicago, 
St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railway. The 
only buildings ever put up on this site were the 
dej^ot and the agent's house. In 1871 the depot 
was moved south two miles to section twenty-eight 
to the junction of this road with the Minneapolis & 
St. Louis railroad. The Minneapolis & St. Louis 
railroad built another depot about this time, but in 
1878 the depot of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minne- 
apolis & Omaha railroad was burned, since which 
time the two roads have been using the same de- 
pot. In 1871 H. H. Spencer started a store at 
Merriam Junction, which was discontinued at his 
death. 

In the spring of 1872 a post-oflBce was estabUshed 
at Merriam Junction, and Mr. Spencer was ap- 
pointed postmaster, but he soon resigned in favor 
of William Burke, who held it until the fall of 
187.3, when the office was discontinued. The post- 
ofBce was re-established in April, 1880, with A. D. 
Fowler as postmaster. 

At jjresent there are two hotels at Merriam junc- 
tion; onebiailt in 1879, is a two story frame build- 
ing, with Gerath Franken as proprietor; the other 
is a two story frame building, built in 1881. Cor- 
nelius Schmidt is the proprietor. 

In 1856 a Catholic church was built of logs on 
the south-east quarter of section thirty-five, and 
was named St. Mary's church. This formed a nu- 
cleus about which a settlement was begun. The 
first dwelling house there was built in 1857 by 
John H. and Peter Theis. A town was laid out, 
but the plat was never recorded. The place was 
named Mary stown from this church. In 1870- a new 
stone church was built in the place of the old one. 
The parish school building in this village is a two 
story frame, furnished with patent seats. This is 
also used as a public school-house. In this the 
Catholic sisters of charity teach five months pub- 
lic school and five months parish school each 
year. 

A post-office was established in 1871, at Marys- 
town. Blassius Beisaug was appointed postmas- 
ter, and stiU holds the office. 

The village supports two hotels; one in a frame 
building nm by Joseph Strunk; the other is brick 
and run by Blassius Beisang, who also owns a gen- 



eral merchandise store, saloon and merchant tailor- 
ing store. His wife has a millinery establish- 
ment. The village has a blacksmith shop, shoe 
shop and feed miU. 

School number seven on section twenty -two has 
five months school per year. The building is 
frame with jjlain seats. School number ten at 
Marystown is a two story building with patent 
seats. School is held six months each year. 

Louisville was formed out of Shakopee, April 
13, 1858. Shakopee had been formed April 5, of 
the same year. April 21, 1858, an election was 
called for May 11, 1858, on which day an election 
was held at the bouse of William Bruggerman, 
on section 26, and the following town officers were 
elected: JarvisW. Sencerbox, chairman; Stephen 
Sturm and Daniel Beer, supervisors; James A. 
Ashley, town clerk; John Kauth, assessor; Joseph 
B. Ashley and Christian Legel, justices of the 
peace. The population of Louisville by census 
of 1880, was 408. 

P. A. Freer was born in Ulster coimty, New 
York, November 8, 1814. He learned the cabinet 
maker's trade and followed that business in his na- 
tive state until 1849, when he came to Minnesota. 
Worked at his trade in St. Paul the first winter, 
and afterward was employed as carpenter in a saw 
mill about four years. In 1853 he removed to 
Scott county ; rented a farm one year and then 
pre-emjited 160 acres, to which he has since added 
by purchase. Mr. Freer has held nearly all the 

town offices. In 1836 he married in New York 

» 

Jane A. Garrison, who has borne him five children. 
Their oldest son died at the age of 23 years; their 
daughter Julia, now Mrs. Dean, of Eagle Creek, 
was probably the first white child born in Sand 
Creek, the date of her birth is August 10, 1854. 
Mrs. Freer died in March, 1881. 

Frank Gifford was born December 12, 1810, in 
Oneida county, New York. Ho attended the com- 
mon schools until 19 years of age, then went to 
Oneida Seminary. In 1860 he removed with his 
parents to Scott county ; his father located on what 
was then the Louisville town plat. This he 
bought of his father, and exchanged it for the 
rental of a farm which he afterward purchased ; it 
contains 560 acres. Mr. Gilford makes a sjjecialty 
of fine dairy butter, which he sells to the fii-st-class 
hotels of St. Paul and Minneapolis. He has al- 
ways been something of a politician and held nu- 
merous town offices; at present is a member of the 
republican county committee. He married at St. 



320 



niHTOliY UF TUE MlXNEiiOTA VALLEY. 



ruiil, Jennio R. Holmes, formerly of Pennsylvania. 
Harry W. and Frank L. aro tlieir children. 

Jacob Thorne, bom in 1836, ia a native of Eng- 
land. In 1850 he removed to HUnois; lived sev- 
eral years in St. Clair conuty and learned brick 
making, then went to Centralia and worked at his 
trade. From 1858 to 18C1 he was in Texas, then 
returned to Ulinois, and in 1872 came to Jlinne- 
sota. He lived on a rented farm in Carver 
county until 1875, then bought ICO acres of land 
and has since bought 275 acres more. Mr. Thorne 
keeps the short-horn stock and makes annually be- 
tween seven and eight thousand pounds of butter. 
Harriet Aveut became his wife in 1856. They had 
four cliildren. In 1866 Mrs. Thome died. His 
second wife was Delia Anderson, who has borne 
him four sons. 

SAND CREEK. 

The town of Sand Creek occupies all of congres- 
sional township 114, range 23, lying within the 
county. It is in the eastern part, bordering for a 
few miles on the river. The settlement of this 
town began with the erection of a saw-mill by 
Thomas \. Holmes. November 27, 1853, ho sent 
a crew ot men from Shakopee to build the mill, 
and bis brother, William Holmes, settled on the 
site of Jordan, taking up land, on whicli the 
brothers laid out a town in 1854. At this time we 
learn but one white man whs living there; his 
name was John 0. Smith. Comfort Barnes, had 
located a claim in section 4 in the fall of 1852. 

■\Villiam Holmes came from Jauesville, Wiscon- 
sin, a t<jwn laid out by his brother, Thomas A., 
first to Shakopee in 1853, and later in the same 
year to Jordan, as the place was called by Thomas 
A. Holmes a name it has borne ever since. Judge 
S. Dooley and Peter .\twood came soon after Mr. 
Holmes. Judge Dooley was from Indiana He 
was the first senator from this district. 

Peter Atwood, after renting the house he had 
b lilt in Shakopee, located on the north-eait quar- 
ter of section 17 in this town. He came from 
Ashtabula county, Ohio. Comfort Barnes built 
on his claim and rented to P. A. Freer; after one 
year Freer moved to Louis\'iUe. 

Herman Fenewitz settled in 1853 on sectiim 2. 
The settlers of 1854 were: Peter Thul, on section 
4; Serwatzus Mergens, who came from Spring 
Lake, on section 1 ; Michael and Peter Hartman, 
on section 11; J. B. Graramesh, on section 2; 
Christ Hcntges, on section 12; John Hentges, on 
section 13; W. and G. Budde, on section 22; 



Jacob Doetzel, on section 23; M. Betz, on sec- 
tion 13; John Pauley, on section 24; Henry Var- 
ner, on section 30; Frank Merrick an section 22. 

Settlers of 1855 were: John Theis and John 
Stang, on section 12; Michael Klchr, on section 13; 
F. Fi.slier, on section 36; Abram Plumraer, on sec- 
tion 10; E. J. Palmer, on section 8; Frank Rival, 
B. R Morrell, James Dews and Edward Hil- 
gerson. 

The first birth was that of Julia M. Freer, Aug- 
ust 10, 1854, daughter of P. A. Freer, on section 14. 

The first marriage occurred in 1856, when Wil- 
liam H. Baierand EoUin Fowler each took a wife. 

Tlie first death, it is said, was that of Mr. Gloss, 
a millwright, who died during the same year. 

The first grist-mill was built in 1854-5 by Wm. 
Varner, who built the first house after the survey, 
a log structure. 

The first blacksmith shop was built in 1854 by 
Halken Peterson. 

The first store was built in 1855 by Joseph and 
Barkley Varner. 

The fir.st frame house was built in 1855 by 
Archibald McLean ; Joseph G. Wood kept a hotel 
in this building the next year. 

William Holmes and Mr. Bickner built a steam 
saw-mill in 1856, which burned the following year. 

Rev. Jacob Meyer preached the first sermon at 
the house of John Michaels. 

B. F. Spauldiug was first justice of the peace. 

When the towns ot the county were formed the 
name Douglass was given to tliis town and the 
election was held at the school-liouse in Jordan 
May 11, 1858; Peter Atwood, E. J. Palmer and 
Samuel Dooley, judges of election; George Bal- 
lentine and .\aron Higley, elected clerks were 
sworn by J. T. Bicknell, justice of the jieace. 

OflBcers elcL-ted : Peter Schreiner, cliairman; B. 
F. Spaulding and Heiman Vennewitz, supervisors; 
George Ballontine, town clerk; Michael Ley, as- 
sessor; E. J. Palmer, collector; John Schnier and 
St?phen F. Graham, justices of the peace. 

At a meeting of the coimty board held 
September 16, 1858, the name Douglass was 
changed to St. Mary until the next council meeting 
when it should be determined by a vote of the 
citizens. Decjmljer ICth the board changed the 
name again, calling tlie town Jordan. The name 
Sand Creek was adopted by vote of the citi- 
zens at the annual town meeting held .\pril .", 
1859; 106 votes were cast for tlie name Sand Creek 
and thirty -four for the name Joseph. 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



321 



Tlie name is derived from the small stream so- 
called from the bed of sand through which it has 
cut its channel. 

July 30, 1864, and August 9th following, meet- 
ings were called to raise bounties for volunteers to 
fill the quota of the town under the call of the 
president for 500,000 troops. On motion of B. R. 
Morrell, it was voted at the last meeting to ad- 
journ sine die, and no action was taken. 

Jordan City was surveyed by H. B. Welsh on 
land owned by William Holmes on the east side of 
section 19 and recorded October 5, 185.5. 

Brentwood was surveyed in September, 1860, 
by C. Chamberlain on land owned by S. -A, 
Hooper, J. H. Gardner, and B. W. Thomas in the 
south-east quarter of section 18, and on the line 
of the Minnesota Valley railroad, now the Chicago, 
St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railroad. By 
special act of legislature, approved February 26, 
1872, Brentwood and Jordan City were incorpo- 
rated together under the name of the village of 
Jordan, inchiding in its limits about 640 acres. 
The village has 915 inhabitants by the census of 
1880, and has the advantage of two railroads. 
The little stream Sand creek affords power in part 
for two flouring mills. 

The business of the village embraces two flour- 
ing mills; one, a roller null having a capacity of 
400 barrels per day; one elevator, capacity 90,000 
bushels; one, capacity 10,000 bushels; one grain 
warehouse, capacity 12,000 bushels; two breweries; 
one stone quarry; one lumber, sash, doors and 
blinds; one harness shop; one blacksmith; one 
gunsmith; one baker; one boot- and shoe store; 
three general merchandise stores; two hardware; 
two groceries; two millinery; two drugs; two meat 
markets; two jewelers; two hotels; eight saloons. 
It has one newspaper, The Scott County Advocate, 
with a circulation of 500 copies, estabhshed in 1878 ; 
Frank Matchett, editor and proprietor ; one attor- 
ney; one real estate agent; one physician. The 
old log school-house built in 1855 served for spell- 
ing schools, religious services, etc. The frame 
school-house built in 1860, served the same pur- 
poses. 

The first church in Jordan was the St. John's 
Cathoho buUt in 1858. In 1867-'8 the present 
stone church was erected. In 1878 the brick par- 
ish school house was built and the school is now 
under the charge of three of the sisters. Father 
Quido is at present pastor in charge. 

The German Lutheran church was established in 

21 



1868. Eev. Philip Schmidt, first pastor; Eev. L. 
F. Pry, present pastor. 

The German Methodist church was built in 1870 
by H. Singenstrue. A parsonage was built in 
1871 by George Bauer. The present pastor is Eev. 
Charles Boettcher. 

The Pesbyterian church is of brick, buUt in 
1874. Present pastor, Eev. Charles Thayer. The 
Swedish Lutheran church was established in 1875 
and a small frame church built. Eev. S. Ander- 
son supplies the puljiit every third Sunday. 

The schools of Jordan are held iii the two story 
brick building with two departments, both on the 
ground floor. Eooms upstairs can be opened as 
the demand for room increases. The schoolrooms 
are provided with patent seats and nine months 
school is maintained. One hundred and forty- 
seven- pupils are enrolled. 

Three school-houses are located in Sand Creek, 
outside Jordan: number 9 on section 4, which is a 
two-story brick building with patent seats, built 
in 1880, where seven months school is maintained; 
number 61, on section 31, a small fi-ame buUdiug 
with plain seats, having three months school each 
year; number 22, near St. Joseph's church, is a 
two-story frame building with plain seats. School 
is taught here by the sisters of charity. 

Jordan City cemetery was surveyed and recor- 
ded November 10, 1863, in the east half of the 
south-west quarter of section 19 and embraces 
two and one-half acres. 

Jordan post-offlce was established in 1856; 
William Holmes, postmaster; John H. J. Kliuk- 
hammer, postmaster in 1881. 

Two churches are located iu Sand Creek, out- 
side the village of Jordan. 

The German Methodist was first established in 
Shakopee in 1857, but was taken down and moved 
to section 25 in Sand Creek in 1869. Eev. John 
ShueU was the first pastor in Shakopee; Eev. Henry 
Singenstrue, first in the new location. Eev. Charles 
Boettcher is the present pastor, and services are 
conducted every two weeks. 

The St. Joseph Catholic church was founded in 
1858. Father Benedict, O. S. B., first pastor. 
The first church was a log building 24x36 feet. 
In 1873 a new church was erected of stone 32x20 
feet, with a bell weighing 1,000 pounds. Father 
Fabian is now in charge. 

King Hiram Lodge, A. F. and A.M., was first es- 
tablished at Belle Plaine in 1861, but was removed 
to Jordan in 1878, because so many of its mem- 



322 



niSTORT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



liors resiiloJ hero. Forty members are now en- 
roUoa. E. W. Snyder, W. M. ; R. P. WeUs, S. W. ; 
George IJeed, J. W.; Frank L. WuoJ, S. D.; 
Cliarlcs Caswell, J. D.; J. Bragg, treasurer; R. H. 
MeClellanJ, secretary. 

Sons of Hermau was established in January, 
1878; first officers: Charles Rodoll, president; 
Frederick Heilaud, vice-president; Hem-y Mooro, 
Becretary; Christian Gran, treasurer. 

The Concordia Singing society of Jordan was 
established January 11, 1881; Adam Roessel, presi- 
dent and director; Caspar Roderick, secretary: 
Henry Kliukliainmer; treasurer; present member- 
ship, thirty-six; active members, fifteen. 

Population of Sand Creek, including the village 
of Jordan, was 2,083 by the last census. 

William II. Baier was born in Philadelphia 
Pennsylvania, in 1832. In 1839 he atv.jinpanied 
his parents to Missouri ; his father was the founder 
of the village of Herman, that state. In 1852 he 
went to California, where he was lor a time very 
successful, but was laken ill and lost most of his 
hard-earaed wealth. He returned to his home in 
1854 and commenced business, but sold two years 
later and remo-ved to Jordan, Scott county, Minne- 
sota, which place has since been his home. He 
engaged in general merchandise until 1860, .when 
he sold and bought an interest in a flouring mill. 
In 18G6 lie became sole proprietor, and afterward 
sold a three- fourths interest to Strait & How. 
They reconstructed the mill, and Mr. Baier re- 
mained a member of the firm two years, then sold 
his interest to Frank Nicohn, since which time he 
has been in the conveyancing business. Since re- 
siding in Joidan he has held the offices of recorder, 
chairman of the board of supervisors, president of 
the village, school trustee, and for many years 
justice of the peace. Mr. Baier married, in 1858, 
Hannah Yarner, of Jordan, who died in 1863, 
leaving two children, Joseph and Juha. The lat- 
ter is now the wife of Mr. Cole, station agent at 
this place. Urana Atwood, of Jordan, became his 
wife in 18(!5. Their children are Martha, Hannah, 
Hattie and William. 

W. B. Baudy was bom in Indiana in 1822, and 
attended school until eighteen years of age. 
When twenty-one years old he moved with his 
parents to Iowa, where his father took a farm of 
two hundred acres. In 1863 he euUsted in the 
Fourth Minnesota infantry; participated iu many 
battles and was honorably discharged in 1865 at 
Keokuk, Iowa. His father died in 1874, and he 



returned to Indiana; after farming there -for seven 
years he went back to Iowa. He afterward worked 
in the pineries seven months; was also employed 
iu a brick-yard. In 1857 he came to Scott 
county, bought seveuty-seven acres of land on 
section 4, and now has a fine farm. Mr. Baudy's 
marriage with Miss Springer occurred in 1859. 
She died, leaving one child, Mary. His second 
wife was ]Miss Berrisford, wliom he married in 
1872. She has borne him one child, John. 

Albert Beer, a native of Pemisylvania, was bom 
February 13, 1842, in Indiana county. When he 
was two years of ago his parents moved to St. 
Louis, Missouri, and eight<:«n months later to 
Burlington, Iowa, where they resided until 1856, 
then removed to Scott county, Minnesota. He 
was educated in the public schools of Iowa and 
INIinucsota, iind trained to the business of farming. 
August 13, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, 
Eiglith Minnesota Volunteer infantry. He first 
served on the frontier in the Indian cami)aign, 
then in 1864 went South and served until mustered 
out at the close of the war at Salisbury, North 
Carolina, July 21, 1865. Since the close of the 
war Mr. Beer has been successfully engaged in 
the agriciiltnnil implement business at Jordan. 

William O. Bolton was bom November 10, 1844 
in Duiidas county, Ontario, where he acquired his 
education and commenced learning the trade of 
miller. He moved to Jefferson county, New York, 
and worked iua mill there one and one-half years, 
then went to Oswego, where he was employed in 
the mills ten years. On the expiration of that 
time he removed-to the city of Auburn, where he 
resided until 1S79, when he came here and entered 
the Jordan City mills as second miller, which posi- 
tion he has since filled with satisfaction. Jennie 
Champion, of Oswego, New York, became his wife 
in 1869. They are the parents of seven children: 
Emma, Jolm, Ellis, Jennie, Ella, William and 
James Garfield. 

Johnson Bragg is a native of Chenango county. 
New York, whore he was born January 20, 1843. 
When a boy of eleven yeare his mother died, and 
he came to Scott county, Minnesota, with his 
father in 1856. He enlisted October 3, 1861, in 
Company F, Second Minnesota Volunteer in- 
fimtry, and December 29, 1863, re-enlisted in the 
same company. He was mustered out of serWce 
July 11, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky. After re- 
turning ho finished his studies and graduated 
from the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College 



SCOTT COUNTT. 



323 



at St. Paul. He was engaged in business at ]Man- 
kato until 18G7, when lie settled at Jordan in the 
insurance business. May, 1878, he became a part- 
ner of William lilinkhammer in the drug trade. 
Mr. Bragg is deputy postmaster. His wife was 
Edith A. Varner, of Jordan. They were married 
in 1867. Clarence E. and Olive are their children. 

Homer L. Campbell was born June 22, 1847, at 
Victory, Cayuga county, New York, where he 
lived until 1864, wheu he moved with his father to 
Reading,. Michigan. In the fall of 1864 he en- 
listed as drvmimer in Company G, Thirtieth Mich- 
igan volunteer infantry, and served until mustered 
out in July, 1865. The following December lie 
commenced learning his trade at Eumsey's mills, 
Westbury, New York. In 187.5 he took charge of 
the mill at Prescott, Wisconsin, and fifteen months 
later went to Kiver Falls; shortly after he removed 
to Minneapolis and worked iu the Empire mill for 
a time, then had charge of Schurmeier's new mill 
at St. Paul two years. Since August 11, 1879, he 
has occupied the position of head miller at the 
Jordan City mills. At Fulton, New York, in 1869, 
he married Ehoda Minerva Stearns. Grace P., 
Harrison A. and Mary L. are their children. 

Jacob J. Diestler, born in 1826, is a native of 
Bavaria, Germany. In 1842 he moved with Ids 
parents to the United States; lived at Eacine, 
Wisconsin three years, and after a six years' resi- 
dence at New Orleans he returned to Eacine tor 
two years, then removed to Minnesota. Mr. 
Diestler made a claim of a quarter section of land 
in Le Sueur county and followed fanning for ten 
years, then sold and located at Jordan. He oper- 
ated a coo23er shop until 1875, when he bought 
ten acres of land in the village and built the resi- 
dence which he now occupies. Mr. Diestler owns 
120 acres of land about one and one-half miles 
friim town, and at present is engaged in no busi- 
ness except looking after his farm property. In 
April, 1858, Mary Dierks, of Le Suisiir county, be- 
came his wife. They have an adopted daughter. 

Edwin Foss was bom in 1832 in Canada West, 
where he was educated and learned the trades of 
practical machinist and mechanic. He came to 
Minnesota in 1857 and has been with his brother 
since as junior partner in the tirm of Foss, Wells 
& Co. In ] "63 he enlisted in Company C, Brack- 
ett's battalion of cavalry, and served in the Indian 
campaign; was mustered out iuthe spring of 1866 
at Fort Snelling. 

James Foss, who was born iu 1830 is a native 



of Canada. After learning the trade of millwright 
and practical mechanic, he came to Minnesota in 
1857 : stopped at Belle Plaine but shortly after 
went to the Red Eiver country, and was in the 
employ of the government as engineer and me- 
chanic. In 1859 he purchased the present site 
and water privileges of the Sand Creek mills, now 
owned by the firm of which he is a member. In 
1864 he enlisted iu Company A, First Minnesota 
heavy artillery, and in 1865 was mustered out of 
service. 

Christian Gran was born October 18, 1832, in 
Germany, and lived in his native coimtry until 
1857 when he came to America. He resided in 
Jefferson county, Wisconsin, until 1864, then re- 
moved to Minnesota and located in Jordan. He 
is engaged in the hardware and tinware business 
in company with his son, who is a practical tiimer. 
Mr. Gran married Johanna Seifert, of Lake Mills, 
Wisconsin, three days after his arrival in this 
country. They are the parents of five children; 
Emma, William, Edward, Amanda and Rolando. 

Casper Hilgers, born November 15, 1815, is a 
native of Germany. In 1867 he moved with his 
family to Dane county, Wisconsin, bought a fann 
and lived there until 1879, when he sold, and in 
September of that year settled in Jordan where he 
keepa the Merchants Hotel. Anna M. Puttchen 
was married to Mr. Hilgers January 7, 1836, in 
Germany, and has borne him fourteen children, 
nine of whom are living: Jerred, Warner, Chris- 
tine, Anna J., Eva, Anna M., Catherine, Gertrude 
and Peter. 

Joseph Kehrer was born June 5, 1857, in the 
city of Philadelphia, where he lived until 15 years 
of age. Since that time he has been a resident of 
Jordan. At an early age he began the study of 
chemistry and pharmacy; he was employed as 
clerk a nizmber of years, and May 1, 1881, estab- 
lished himself in the drug business. Mr. Kehrer 
is a popular and energetic young man and is hav- 
ing a very successful trade. 

John Henry Joseph Klinkhammer, banker and 
merchant, was born November 15, 1844, in Prus- 
sia. At 7 years of age he moved with his parents 
to Kenosha county, Wisconsin, where they lived 
until 1857, then went to Shakopee, Mitmesota. In 
1868 became to Jordan and started the drug busi- 
ness which he still carries on in company with 
Johnson Bragg. He is also assistant cashier of 
the Scott Coimty bank, and has charge of the 



324 



UISTOHY UF Tim MINJ^KHOTA YALLKY. 



briinob at Jordan. Mr. Klinkhaininer has been 
postmaster here for many years. 

lleiiry C KtH^riK-r, a uative of "Scott county, 
Minnesota, was boru in 185K at Shakopoe, and 
was one of tbo first white cbildreu boru in that 
county. In 1872 he was sent to Saint John's 
College, Stearns county, where he i emaiued until 
1874, then returned to Sliakopee and was employed 
by Kohlos & Barnes as clerk until 1880. In Sep- 
temljer of that year he engaged in the general 
luercliandise business at Jordan. Ilis partner is 
Mr. Schote, and tliey are enjoying a very fine 
trade. Mr. Koerner married in October, 1880, 
Katie Sehweiokert, of St. Paul. 

Frank Matchett was born Septemlier 26, 1844, 
in Huron county, Ohio, He completed his course 
of study at the Hiram Institute, of which James 
A. Garfield was then president. He learned the 
printer's trade in the office of the "Eagle," Ehnira, 
Ohio. After being employed in a number of news- 
paper offices he went to Cleveland and worked five 
years at type setting. In November 1872 he went 
to St. Paul and worked in the office of the "Press" 
until the following March, when he in company 
with I. Gutzwiller took the •■Wright Coimty Eagle" 
but in 1877 he sold and started the "People's Ad- 
vocate" at Howard Lake. One year later he came 
to Jordan and started the "Scott County Advo- 
cate," of which he is editor and proprietor. In 
1879 he married Sarah Read, of this place. They 
are the parents of one child: J. Winnie. 

Robert H. McClelland, born February 8, 1844, 
is a native of Holmes county, Ohio. When 6 years 
of age he accompanied his parents to Wells 
county, Indiana, and seven years later to Minne- 
sota. In the public schools of those states he ac- 
quired his education. In 1861 he returned to In- 
diana and enlisted in the Thirty-fourth regiment, 
volunteer infantry. Mr. McClelland was on de- 
tailed duty as clerk to General Weitzel, and mail 
messenger on steamers between New Orleans and 
Brownsville. He was mustered out February 3, 
1866. After returning from the army he gradua- 
ted.from a commercial coUege at Pittsbui'g, Penn- 
sylvania, and then taught school six years in In- 
diana and five years at Watertown, Minnesota. 
He studied law, was admitted to the Imr and began 
practice at Watertown in 1864. After residing 
one year at Howard Lake he came to Jordan and 
opened a law and collection office; also represents 
the standard eastern insunmce companies. Bjttie 
Johns, of Glcncoe, became his wife in 1869. 



Frank Nicolin, born June 15, 1833, is a native of 
Germany, whore he lived until 1857, then came to 
the United States and located in Jordan. One 
and one-half years later he went to Le Sueur 
county, made a claim of eighty acres of land, and 
after living there two years returned to Jordiin 
which has since been bis home. In 1861 he started 
a general store, and in 1865 built a brewery; 
he sold the latter, and in 1867 built another which 
was sold the following year. Mr. Nicolin bought 
in 1868, one-fourth interest in the Jordan City miU 
and in about four years became the sole owner. 
In 1874 he erected a new mill which was destroyed 
by fire February 8, 1879, but he built another on 
the same site; this mill is now being reconstructed 
and when completed will produce four hundred 
barrels of flour every twenty-four hours.- Mr. Nic- 
olm owns a good brick block of stores and con- 
templates building another. His marriage with 
Anna Konigsfeldt, of St. Paul, occurred in 1859. 
Henry, John, Frank, Joseph, Anna M. and Ger- 
hard are their children. 

L. G. Ochsenreiter was born February 17, 1857, 
at Bradford, Harrison county, Indiana. Ho lived 
there until 1863 when with his parents he moved 
to Minnesota and settled in Jordan, where his 
father engaged in the tin and hardware business. 
In 1870 he went to Shakopee, where he was em- 
ployed in a store one year, then went to St. Paul 
and remained until 1875 when he returned to this 
place, and has since resided here. Mr. Oohsenrei- 
teris deputy sheriff of Scott county. 

Eh J. Palmer, born in 1818, is a native of Syra- 
cuse, New York, and was the first white child bom 
in that town. From 1821 until 1836 they residoil 
in Saratoga county, then in Montgomery county 
till 1840, when the family removed to Illinois. In 
1855, Mr. Eli Palmer went as captain of a wagon 
train, across the plains to Cahfomia. He ran a 
trading post two years then returned to Hliuois, 
sold his property there, and removed to Minnesotii, 
locating in the town of Sand Creek, in 1861. 
That year, while working in his sugar bush, he 
received the news of the outbreak of the war, 
and raising company A, of the Minnesota vohm- 
teers, served three years; was honorably dis- 
charged. Since the war he has resided on his 
farm in Sand Creek. When twenty-three years of 
ago he married, in Illinois, Clara Warren, of 
Massachusetts, who died in July, 1860. 

William Small was bom in 1815. in Scotland, 
and lived in his native coimtry until 1834, when 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



325 



he movecl to England. In 1851 he came to the 
United States, and resided at Detroit, Michigan, 
until 1855, when he came to Minnesota and bought 
a quarter section of land in Scott county. He 
lived on the farm nineteen years, and in 1874 
moved to Jordan; since tliat time he has been en- 
gaged in the nursery business. He has a iine 
greenhouse, and suppHes the surrounding country 
with fruit, shade and ornamental trees. Mr. 
Smail was married in 1836, to Hannah Kovson, of 
Northumberland, England. She has borne him 
seven children: three sons and one daughter are 
living. One son, Thomas, was a member of the 
Fourth Minnesota, and was killed at Corinth, 
Mississijijji, at the age of twenty. John died when 
twenty-eight years of age, at Sand Creek, in 1876. 
The daughter and one son remain at home, while 
two other sons are in business at Minneapolis. 

Ezra W. Snyder was bom May 5, 1836, in 
Tompkins county. New York, and lived there until 
1864, when he went to Syracuse and began the 
study of telegraphy. In 1866, he went to St. 
Paul and served in the telegraph office a few 
months, then after nine months in Shakopee, he 
entered the office of the St. Paul & Sioux City . 
road, at Jordan, which he managed with satisfac- 
tion until 1877, when he took charge of the Min- 
neapohs & St. Louis office, at that place; is also 
agent of the American express company. Mr. 
Snyder married in New York, in 1867, Mary Hur- 
ley. They have one daughter: Jennie. 

Frank Statz, born October 25, 1851, is a native 
of Prussia, in which country he attended school 
eight years. In 1869 he came to America with 
his father, who bought one hundred and twenty 
acres of land in Wisconsin. He lived at home on 
the farm three years, then entered St. Francis 
college, near Milwaukee, from which he graduated 
three yeai-s later. In 1875, he came to Sand Creek, 
and took charge of St. Joseph's parish school, 
where he is doing excellent work as a teacher. In 
1875 he married Maggie Wolf; they have three 
children. 

Henry Vamer was bom November 13, 1825, in 
Clinton eoimty, Ohio. At the age of 10 years he 
moved ^yith his parents to Warren county, where 
he resided fifteen years. In 1854 he came to 
Jordan, and his father built the first house where 
the village now stands. He took a claim and built 
a saw and grist mill, the second in the coiuity; 
this he sold in 1858 and built another where 
Nicoliu's mill now stands; it was three and one- 



half stories high and had two runs of stone. In 
the summer of 1862 he sold it and has not been in 
active business since. Mr. Vamer has occupied 
the position of president of the city council. His 
marriage with Mary Hain took place in 1875 at 
Jordan. 

Kufus P. WeUs was born in 1833 m Canada, 
where he received his education and grew to man- 
hood. In 1853 he moved to Wisconsin, thence in 
1856 to Belle Plaine and in 1859 to Sand Creek, 
his present location. Mr. Wells enlisted in 1861 
in company A, Fourth Minnesota volunteer infan- 
try and served until the close of the war, when he 
was mustered out with the rank of captain, to 
which office he was promoted in 1863. In 1869 
his marriage occurred. He is the father of four 
girls and four boys. 

Frank L. Wood, a native of New York, was 
born November 14, 1830, in Washington county. 
At the age of 11 years he moved with his parents 
to JoHet, Illinois. He was engaged in farming in 
Minnesota from 1855 until 1862 when, August 
11th, he enlisted in company I, Eighth Minnesota 
volunteer infantry. He served in the Indian cam- 
paign until ordered south, where he participated 
in many marches and battles; was at the grand re 
view in Washington, and was mustered out of ser- 
vice July 13, 1865. Mr. Wood returned to his 
farm for a time and is now proprietor of the Jor- 
dan livery stable. Maria Peterson became his wife 
October 12, 1865 at Jordan. 

ST. liAWRENCB. 

St. Lawrence as originally formed included aU 
of fractional township 114, range 24 and all of 
section 36, township 114, range 25 in Scott county. 
April 21, 1858, the county commissioners detach- 
ed section3], township 114, range 24 and section 
36, townshijj 114, range 25 and added the same to 
Belle Plaine. 

The first settlers came to this town in 1854, and 
among the settlers of that year were: Philip 
Corbel, Warren DeCamp, Mr. Johnson, Lorin 
Sykes, Mr. LeGrand, Mr. Conrad and Mr. Wood- 
ruff. Philip Corbel located on south- east quarter 
section 21, where he died in the spring of 1881. 

Warren [DeCamp claimed on section 22, and 
afterward sold to the town site company. Mr. 
Johnson located on section 23; he remained imtil 
about 1862, when he removed to Michigan. Lorin 
Sykes made a claim on section 23, he remained 
about three years, and is now in Montana. Mr. 
LeGrand settled jiist west of the town site, and re- 



326 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



niiiiiioJ until 18ii0, when lio \w\\i to Culorado. 
Mr. Ci)nrad olmnieil on section 14, he sold in 
1857, to S. B. Strait and W. H. Stodder and re- 
moveil to Ohio. Mr. Woodruff located on Bection 
33, whence ho removed to Iowa in 1858. 

Among the Bettlers of 1855 -were: Benjnman 
Bliss, Henry Bauer, Abram Bisson, Martin Lee, 
James McAffrey, Barney McCne, Joseph Coates, 
S. B. Strait, H. B. Strait, Israel Haine, James 
Simmons, William Nicols, W. H. Stodder and 
Charles Pierson. 

Benjamin Bliss lociitcil on section 32, of St. 
Lawrence, and 5 of Belle Plaine. Henry Bauer 
settled on section 33. Abram Bisson located on 
section 28; the three last named still reside on 
their original claims. Martin Lee settled on sec- 
tion 33, and returned in ISGOto Douglas county. 
James McAffrey made a claim on section 33, he 
sold out in 18G5, and removed to Belle Plaine, 
where he died in 1873. Baniey McCue settled on 
sections 32 and 33, he remained but a few years 
■when he removed to Belle Plaine where he died. 
Joseph Coates made a claim on south-east 
quarter of section 23, where he died in 1865. S. 
B. Strait made a claim of 130 acres in section 
12 on the south side of the Minnesota river. He 
obtained about nine hundred acres by hiring par- 
ties to pre-emjjt lor him. He now lives in Shako- 
pee. Major H. B. Strait made a pre-emption of 
north-east quarter of section 13, which he after- 
ward exchanged with S. B. Strait for other land 
near by. Israel Haine located on north-east 
quarter of section 2i ; he remained in the neigh- 
borhood until 1859, when he went to Memphis 
where he ilied. James Simmons made a claim 
on south-west quarter of section 24, where he 
remained until 1870, when he removed to Anoka. 
William Nicols settled on sections 12 and 13; he 
removed to Jordan where he died in 1878. W. 
H. Stodder bought part of claims in and about 
St. Lawrence village; he went east in 1862 where 
he died. 

Charles Pierson also bought claims <ibout the 
vUlage. He returned in 18C0 to Baston, whence 
he came. 

Among other early settlers were W. B. Fuson, 
J. H. Harris, J. W. Waters, Bansom Norton, Wil- 
liam Hinman, Jacob Thomas, E. S. Famham, 
Jo.seph Ferguscn and H. IVI. Cooly. 

First election was held on May 11, 1858. S. B. 
Strait chosen moderator and C. L. Pierson, clerk. 
The following wore elected first ollicers: S. B. 



Strait, chairman; W. H. Stodder and Ed\«ard 
Bragg, supervisors; D. W. Pond, town clerk and 
justice; O. W. Barnes, assessor, collector and con- 
stable: Josejih Coates, justice of peace; D. H. 
Coates, constable; O. B. WiUters, overseer of poor. 

Probably W. F. Strait was the first child bom 
in the town. He is son of S. B. Strait, and he was 
born in 1856. 

Frederick McCarty and Caroline Coates were 
married in 1856, and their's was the first marriage 
in the township. She died in 1858. 

The first physician in the township was Dr. Sal- 
isbury; he came in 1859, imd remained but a 
short time. 

The village of St. Lawrence was surveyed in 
the fall of 1858, and located on section 22, both 
sides of the Minnesota river. It was owned by 
Strait, Stodder, Pierson and De Camp. It has all 
become vacated. Building began in 1857. The 
first was a dwelling-house. A large four-story 
stone hotel was erected; one store and one saw- 
mill; about six dwellings. The saw-mill was built 
by a man named Childs, and later S. B. Strait 
bought a third interest. It cost about $6,000, and 
had a capacity of about 10,000 feet. It was 
burned in 1861. The cause of the decline of the 
village was the ct)nstruction of the Chicago, St. 
Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railroad, which nms 
a mile south of the village, and draws trade in 
another direction. At present only the stone hotel 
building is left, which is now used for a bam. 

First school in the township was taught by 
Mary Everman in a vacated log house in the vil- 
lage in 1858. A school-house was built in 1859, 
and Dr. Salisbury taught the first school held 
therein. 

Post-office at St. Lawrence was established about 
1858, and W. H. Stodder appointed postmaster. 
He was oucceeded by John Hewitt, who held the 
position until 1880, when he resigned and the 
office was discontinued. 

The population of St. Lawrence was 297 by the 
census of 1880. 

Henry F. Bauer is a native of Germany, where 
he was born in 1828. Until 14 years of age be 
attended school, then learned the tailor^' trade. 
He was in military service eighteen months, after 
which he resumed his trade. In the spring of 1854 
he came to Anierii-n; worked in Chicago for a time, 
then removed to Lake coimty, opened a tailor shop 
and remjdned in business there until November, 
1855, when he came to St. Lawrence. He now 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



327 



owns 360 acres inthiatown and 360 in Belle Plaine; 
he has good improvements. Mr. Bauer has for 
some time been school director. He married 
Christiana Simons in Germany in 1853. Their 
living children are Henry, Lydia, Paulina and 
Christiana. 

Benjamin Bliss, born November 22, 1819, is a 
native of England, where he worked at different 
employments. In 1846 he married Mary Kendall 
and in 1849 they came to America, landing at New 
York after a five weeks' voyage. In the fall of 
that year they removed to Kockford, Illinois, and 
his principal occupation was carpentering until 
1855, when he came to St. Lawrence and pre- 
empted 160 acres of land; now has 120 acres with 
good improvements. Built his present dwelling in 
1870 near the original log cabin. Mr. and Mrs. 
Bliss are the parents of five children: Henry, 
(deceased) Bichard, Elenor, now Mrs. George Sly, 
William and John. 

Enos Bragg was bom in Chenango county, New 
York, February 13, 1830. Went witli his parents 
to Michigan in 1844, and two years later to In- 
diana where he resided until 1857, when he came 
to Scott county. He owns one-half section of 
land in St. Lawrence and lives on his farm which 
is under good cultivation. Mr. Bragg lived among 
the Indians and found them friendly until their 
outbreak in 1862, then he fought them under Gen- 
eral Sibley until subdued. He manied Deha 
Norton, of Indiana, November 16, 1853. They 
have sis chDdren: Elcaan, Julius, Le Roy, Ells- 
worth M., George and Rosette. 

Philip Corbel was bom January 26, 1807, in 
the Isle of Jersey. Came to America in 1850 and 
lived at Cincinnati, Ohio, until 1852, when he re- 
moved to Burlington, Iowa. In the summer of 
1854 he located in St. Lawrence and later made 
selection of his present farm of 175 acres. About 
fourteen years previous to his coming to the United 
States he married Nancy Laurens. Mrs. Corbel 
died January 8, 1880. 

Thomas Holmes was bom January 27, 1853. 
His father, William Holmes, was born in Lincoln 
county, Ohio, and wheu young learned the trade of 
miU- Wright. He went to Janesville, Wisconsin, and 
was identified with the laying out and up-build- 
ing of that city. April 8, 1852 he married Su- 
sanna, daughter of Jonas Shook, one of the pio- 
neers of Green coimty. Immediately after their 
marriage they went to Minnesota, but returned to 
Wisconsin again, and the ne,^t year removed to 



Shakopee. He made a claim of 160 acres where 
Jordan now stands and laid out the village, re- 
sided there until 1869, then moved to a farm about 
a mile from the village. In 1866 he bought 160 
acres in St. Lawrence, and lived there until his 
death, September 22, 1873r He was interested in 
the building of various mills in Scott and Carver 
counties. His children are Thomas, Catherine, 
William V., Henry F., and George R. Since his 
death Thomas has conducted the farm. He mar- 
ried Nancy A. Lough, November 16, 1876. Their 
children are Lanora and Ladora (twins), and 
Susie. 

Thomas Knott, a native of Ireland, was born in 
1826, and when a small boy, accompanied his 
parents to Canada. He removed to Minnesota and 
pre-empted 160 acres in Carver county where he 
remained until 1870 then bought his present home 
of 160 acres in St. Lawrence. During the rebellion 
he served for a time in company I, Second Minne- 
sota. Mr. Knott was employed by the Sioux City 
railroad company about two years at their elevator 
in Jordan, and the same length of time as station 
agent; he now resides on his farm about two miles 
from Jordan. In 1847 he was united in marriage 
with Eunice Sweat. They have eight children. 

John Laurens was bom July 18, 1843, in the Isle 
of Jersey, and since the age of four years has lived 
with his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. PhiUp Corbel. 
He went with them to Ohio in 1852, thence to Iowa 
and in 1854 to St. Lawrence, Scott county, Min- 
nesota. Mr. Laurens has made two visits to his 
native country since residing here. For some 
time he has held the office of town clerk. Eliza- 
beth Goodman, a native of this town became his 
wife December 30, 1879. They have one son. 



CHAPTER LL 



BOKOTJGH OF BELLE PLAINE — TOWN OP BBLLB 

PLAINE BLAKELY HELENA CEDAR LAKE 

SPRING LAKE CREDIT RIVER NEW MARKET. 

Belle Plaine city was suiweyed by J. F. Bald- 
•vnn on land o\vned by E. and E. L. Famham in 
the north-west quarter of section 5 and the north- 
east quarter of section 6, and recorded January 
1857. An addition was recorded in May foUow- 
ing, containing nearly two hunlred acres, lying 
north and west of the original site and in sections 
31 and 32, township 114, range 24. The whole 
site was subsequently vacated. 



328 



lIltirOHY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Judge A. G. Olintfidd, a territorial judge ap- 
poiuted by Prcsidi'iit Pioice, came to Miuuesota 
in ISoS and Hettlod at Mciidolii. Hiding im lioree- 
baok and following an Indi:iu triiiltliroitghout his 
circuit, he was forcibly struck with the appear- 
ance of the region now known as Belle Plaine, and 
resolved to make it his home. Aoi'ordingly iuthe 
spring of 1851 ho took a claim of 1!)'2 acres, and a 
town site of 320 acres, all of whieli is now included 
in the present site of Belle Plaine village. The 
name Belle Plaine was given it by Judge Chat- 
field, suggested by the uj)pearance of the site, it 
was siu-veyed in 1855 by W. H. Stodder, on sec- 
tion 1 of township 113, range 25, and section 6, 
township 113, range 24. Additions were made 
from time to time, and by an act of legislature, ap- 
proved March 5, 18C8, it was incorporated as a 
borough, including in all about four square miles, 
all in the town of Belle Plaine, and is now knowii 
as the borough of Belle Plaine. The settlement 
of Belle Plaine borough is so intimately connected 
with that of the town of Belle Plaine that details 
are here unnecessary. 

Shortly after settlement Judge Chatfield, in 
conjunction with W. W. Smith and Major K. H. 
Rose, commenced improvements. In order to in- 
duce rapid settlement and growth of the village, 
Belle Plaine company w;is formed. It was a cor- 
poration, with stock to the amount of .$100,000, 
there being 100 .shares of $1,001) each. Possessed 
of the land that embraced the site of Belle Plaine, 
the com))any in pursuance of its object began the 
sale of village lots. Many lots were disposed of, 
and the v-illage bade fair for a large and prosper- 
ous town, when the crisis of 1857 broke upon it; 
purchasers could not meet their obligations, and 
the company, embarrassed by such failures, was 
compelled to make an assignment. D. W. Inger- 
soU, Esq., of St. Paul, was appointed assignee, 
and by payment of the obligations of the company 
he became owner of the unsold jjortion of the site, 
much of which he still possesses. During the ex- 
istence of the company numerous substantial 
buildings were erected; the growth was of a vig- 
orous nature, and had the financial crisis of 1857 
occurred a few years later the foundation of a 
large town would have been so firmly established 
that it could not have been impeded. The ollicers 
of the company were: Judge A. G. Chatfield, 
]>resident; J. Alexander Pace, secretary; W. W. 
Smitli, treasurer. 

The following were a]>pointcd by the act of in- 



corporation to take charge of the first election : R 
H. Biise, C. T. Metzuer and Jamea Clark. The elec- 
tion was held April, 1869, and the following 
chosen ollicers: E. H. Rose, mayor; S. A. Packer, 
N. Smith and William Henry, council; C. T. 
Metzuer, clerk; Albert Manley, marshal. In 1873 
the u\iml)er of council was increased from three 
to five. Present officers are Martin Kelliher, 
mayor; M. Haly, M. O'Connor, Anton Castel, 
Jacob Smith and M. A. Galvin, council; J. E. 
Townsend, clerk; Daniel Callahan, tre:isurer; H. 
H. Sistermans and William Henry, justices of 
peace; John Moriarty, marshal. 

Belle Plaine post-office was established in the 
winter of 1854, and located on the north J of 
north-east .^, section 7. Edward Berry, postmaster. 
The mail was weekly. In the spring of IboG, the 
oflSce was moved to the original site and J. B. Sly 
appointed postmaster. After various changes, 
Mrs. E. E. Chatfield, widow of Judge Chatfield, 
was appointed in 1876, and still retains the 
position. 

The business interests of Belle Plaine : six gen- 
eral stores; two hardware stores; two drug stores; 
one shoe and clothing store; two millinery stores; 
one furniture store; two jewlery scores; one tailor; 
three wagon shops; three blacksmith shops; one 
harness shop; three shoe shop^; one job printing 
office; two meat markets; two dealers in agricvil- 
tural implements; two lumber yards; one brick 
yard; three hotels; one brewery; eight saloons. 
There are also five churches. Station was estab- 
lished in 1808 and dep(3t built; present agent, A. 
C. McGuire. 

C. L. Sly and W. A. Baldwin built the first mill 
in the townshij). It was a steam saw mill erected 
on section 31, township HI, range 24, at a cost of 
$10,000. It was ojjerated about fifteen years and 
is now useless. 

First grist mill was built in 1857, by the Belle 
Plaine company at a cost of about :f30,000. It 
had three runs of stone and was burned in 18G4. 
It was owned at latter date by S. A. Hooper. No 
mill was erected until 1870, when Park grist mill 
was built by Norris and Doolittle, at a cost of 
about S!),000 with a capacity of fifty barrels per 
day. In 1874, Peter Henry became proprietor or 
the mill and it was enlarged at a cost of S2,000. 
At present it has three runs of stone and a double 
set of rollers; capacity of seventy barrels per day. 

The first brewery in the township was built by 
Anton Swinglor about 1860 on the site of Belle 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



329 



Plaine city. It cost about $500 and was burned 
in 1866. It was rebuilt in 1866 near the site of 
the old one; this was bought in 1871, by Christian 
Schmitt, and was burned in 1877. It was at once 
rebuilt with brick at a cost of $5,000, capacity ten 
barrels per day. 

Belle Plaine elevator was built in 1866 by Chi- 
cago, St. Paul Minneapolis and Omaha Eailroad 
at an expense of $13,000 with a capacity of 45,000 
bushels. About 160,000 bushels are elevated in a 
year. Since erection M. A. Galvin has conducted 
the business. In 1881, Van Dusen c& Co., of 
Eochester, Minnesota leased the property for a 
number of years. 

First services of the Episcopal Chiirch of Trans- 
figuration were held by Bishop Kemper at the 
house of Judge Chatfield in 1855. The fii'st set- 
tled rector was Bev. M. L. Olds. 

The church was formally organized in 1858 by 
Bev. J. B. Van lugen, D. D., of St. Paul, with a 
membership of about six. 

A church was built in 1869 at a cost of |3,500. 
Previous to this time services were held at the town 
hall. Present membership is twenty. 

First burial in church cemetery was that of 
Mary Giles. Services are held monthly by Bev. 
S. K. Miller, of Le Sueur. 

St. Peter and St. Paul's church was organized 
in 1868 by Father Schenk with about thirty-five 
families. In 1869 the society began the erection 
of a church, but wliile in process of erection it was 
much damaged by a storm. Again in 1871 an- 
other church was begim and completed, at a cost 
of about $4,000. It is a brick structure. Present 
membership numbers seventy-five families. Bev. 
Father Cassimer, O. S. F., is officiating priest. 

Presbyterian church was organized about 1865. 
The church building was erected in 1870 at a cost 
of about $8,000 under the direction of Bev. Sloam. 
Membership at organization about twenty, many 
have removed, and at present it is aboat the same. 
Present paster Bev. Cliarles Thayer. 

Church of the Sacred Heart was organized in 
1857 by Father Wittman, and the church built at 
a cost of $1,000. Tlie membership embraced sisty 
families. First resident priest, Father Murray, 
came in 1860. In 1874 a new church was built 
under the direction of Father Kennedy, at a cost 
of $28,000, and a parsonage two years before at a 
cost of $3,000. The church is a brick structure; 
the interior is the most elegantly finished of any 
church in the county. Present membership em- 



braces two hundred and sixty famiUes. A paroch- 
ial school is under charge of the church, taught by 
sisters of O. S. B. 

Father Matthew's Total Abstinence Society was 
organized in 1869 by Rev. Father Kennedy. It is 
divided into two classes — the married and unmar- 
ried men's society, with two sets of officers. The 
total membership numbers about two hundrad and 
fifty. 

King Hiram's Lodge, No. 31, A. F. and A. M., 
was instituted at Belle Plaine about 1861, and con- 
tinued meetings there until 1878, when it was re- 
moved to Jordan. 

In 1876 a severe wind storm passed over Belle 
Plaine village, doing some damage to biiikliugs, 
especially to the Irish Catholic and Presbyterian 
churches, and unroofing the public school-house. 
Population of Belle Plaine, 629. 

Judge A. G. Chatfield (deceased) was born Jan- 
uary 27, 1810, in Otsego county. New York. He 
studied law, and January 13, 1837 was admitted to 
the bar. Until 1849 he practiced in New York, 
then removed to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he 
continued in his profession until appointed asso- 
ciate justice of the territorial coiut of Minnesota, 
April 6, 1853. After serving four years he re- 
sumed the practice of law until January 1, 1870, 
when he was elected judge of the Eighth judicial 
district. It was Judge Chatfield who held the 
first courts in Scott, Sibley, Carver, Le Sueur, Nic- 
ollet, Blue Earth, Bice, Dakota, Henneiain and 
Winona counties. His first journey through the 
Minnesota valley was made on horseback, follow- 
ing an Indian trail part of the way. He was so 
favorably impressed with the beautiful prairie ly- 
ing on Eoberts creek that he made a claim there, 
and when the township was surveyed named it 
Belle Plaine. He soon after laid out a town and 
in company with others commenced improvements. 
The enterprise seemed in a fair way to become a 
success; but the improvements overrun their capi- 
tal, and as the crash of 1857 put an end to the sale 
of their lots, the company was compelled to make 
aji assignment, and Judge Chatfield resumed the 
practice of his profession, about as poor as he com- 
menced. It is seldom a political party will create 
an oftice expressly for the enjoyment of a political 
opponent, yet this was done by the republican 
party in favor of Mr. Chatfield. The Eighth ju- 
dicial district was created by the legislature as a 
compliment to him, with the full expectation that 
he would be seated on the judicial bench. Scott 



330 



llltiTUllV OF THE illNNESOTA V ALLEY. 



county inny lay cliiims to .Tiulge Chatfield as 
ono of tlio founders of a jjiosporous county, and 
Minnesota may justly claim him as one of the 
huilders of a f?rcat stat<>. Eunice E. Berman, horn 
Deconihcr 7, 1H17, in Addison county, New York, 
became his wife June '27, IHIiG. She is at present 
in charge of the post-oUice at BcUo Phiine. Judge 
Chatfiold's death occurred Octoher 3, 1875. 

Peter L. Becker, born in 1830, is a native of 
Prussia. He learned the shot-maker's trade, and 
in 1854 c.ime to America. In the spring of 1857 
he came to Belle Plaine, and continued in trade 
here until 187C when he removed to the farm where 
he now lives. Jlr. Becker has held various town 
offices. He wi\s the first German settler in Belle 
Plaine. In 1854 he married Catherine Peifer, who 
has borne him nine children; three are married and 
all reside in this town. 

Francis Bliss, veteran of the war of 1812 was 
bom August 19, 1793, at Springfield, Massachu- 
setts. From 1809 until 1814 he worked at the 
hatter's trade, then enlisted in the United States 
army; he was wounded at the battle of Chippewa, 
and discharged in April, 1815. After leaving the 
army he spent six years at sea, visiting many for- 
eign ports. In 18r)2 he removed to New York and 
there commenced farming; came to Belle Plaine 
with his family in 185C and took the claim where 
he now resides. Nancy J. Harrington, of West- 
borough, Massachusetts, became his wife in 1825. 

M. A. Galviu, born in 183G, is a native of Ire- 
land. He received a common school education 
and in 1856 came to America. In 1858 he re- 
moved to St. Paul and was a railroad employe five 
years. During the war he was in Imsiness at the 
South, then returned to St. Paul. Mr. Galvin has 
been wheat inspector for the St. Paul & Sioux 
City Railroad Company fifteen years. He mar- 
ried Mary Sullivan in 1802; she has borne him 
six children. 

M. Gates was born in 1814 in Seneca county, 
Ohio. When about four years of age he went with 
his parents to Sheboygan county, Wisconsin. 
Received his education in the common schools 
there, and then worked three years in Sheboygan 
08 an apprentice at boot and shoe making, after 
which he traveled for a time as joixmeyman. He 
enlisted Ai>ril 9, 1802, in Company B, Twelfth 
United States infiiiitry; l)articipated in many 
severe battles, and was wounded in the right arm 
at Cold Harbor. Upon being honorably dis- 
charged in 1865 he returned to his father's place 



in Wisconsin, and the same year went to Mar- 
quette, Michigan. In 18GG he came to Belle 
Plaine and started in business; he purchased the 
block he now occupies in 1877, whore he keeps 
gentlemen's clothing of all kinds, also a full line 
of boots and shoes. Mary A. Sdimidling became 
his wife October 27, 1809. They have had five 
children; the living are Maggie T., John 0. and 
Mary A. 

B. Guenther, a native of Germany, was bom in 
1825, and came to the United States in 1850. He 
learned the tailor's trade; resided eight years in 
St. Louis, and in 1858 removed to Belle Plaine. 
In 1802 he enlisted in Company T, Eighth Minne- 
sota Volunteers; he served through the South 
with General Sherman, and was discharged at the 
close of the war. Mr. Guenther's marriage with 
Elizabeth Shiiltz occurred in 1850; .she was a 
native of St. Louis. They have two children. 

Honorable William Henry, bom January C, 1826, 
is a native of Ireland. When about twenty years 
of age he removed to New York and taught school 
six years in Passaic and ^lorris coiinties, New Jer- 
sey, after which he entered the mercantile busi- 
ness at Danville, New York. In July, 1854, he 
cnnie to Belle Plaine, secured 160 acres in what is 
now Blakely township and n-sidcd there until 1802, 
when he rented it, came to the village and opened 
a general merchandise store. In 1869 he built 
part of the Henry block. He bought the village 
mill projierty in 1874, and at present is superin- 
tendent in the firm of Henry & Co. Mr. Henry 
was elected to the legislature in 1858, and re- 
elected in 1867; he was chosen state senator in 
1808, and again in 1876. Has been judge of pro- 
bate, justice of the peace, superuitendent of public 
instrviction and mayor. Mary McDermott became 
his wife Febniary 7, 1859, at St. PauL 

Frank Hohmann was bom August 14, 1858, in 
Germany, and when about four years of age came 
with his parents to Minnesota. The father worked 
at farming, three miles from Jordan, until his 
death. Frank Hohmann was then about fifteen 
vears of age; he went to St. Peter, and after learn- 
ing the wagon maker's trade came to Belle Plaine 
and entered the employ of Nicholas Metzdorf.. In 
1880 he l)uilt his shop, where he manufactures 
wagons, sleighs, cutters and buggies, and does 
jol> work. 

John Latzke is a native of Prussia, where he 
was bora in 1H34. He came to Minnesota in 1857 
a poor boy and is now one of the most successful 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



331 



farmers and stock raisers in Scott county, owning 
a farm of about 1,000 acres. Mr. Latzke has tive 
children. 

Dr. B. G. Moloney was born in 1847 in Ireland, 
where he attended the national schools, and com- 
pleted his course of studies in Dublin. In De- 
cember, 1872, he arrived at Belle Plaine, and early 
the next year he went to Minneapolis, where he 
studied medicine under Dr. Hutchinson until the 
following autumn, when he attended lectures at 
BeUevue college. New York city. The next sum- 
mer he practiced in St. Paul under Dr. C. E_ 
Smith, and in the fall returned again to New York, 
graduating February, 1875, from the medical de- 
partment of the university of that city. He was 
the successful competitor in the examination at St. 
Vincent hospital, of New York, and was duly ap- 
pointed assistant house surgeon and physician. 
Since the fall of 1875 he has been in practice at 
Belle Plaine. In 1877 he opened a drug store. 

Peter Morgan is a native of Switzerland, where 
he was bom in 1830. He came to the United 
States in 1850 and located in Wisconsin. In 1863 
he enlisted and served on the plains until the close 
of the war. Mr. Morgan's marriage with Char- 
lotte Longley, a native of Prussia, took place in 
1865. They are the parents of five children. In 
1868 they settled in Belle Plame. 

John Schilz was born in 1828, in Prussia. He 
came to the United States in 1852 and worked 
about one year in a broom factory on the Hudson 
river, New York. Afterwards he went to Illinois 
to superintend i-aising broom-corn for the firm in 
whose factory he had been employed. In August, 
1855, he removed to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he 
engaged in the lumber business until 1859, when 
he came to Scott county and made a claim of 160 
acres. He located in Belle Plaine in 1860 and the 
next year opened his general merchandise store. 
Mary Koedr, a native of Prussia, became his wife 
in May, 1860. Mary, John, Theresa, and Ohrista 
are their children. 

C. Schmitt, born in 1818, is a native of Prussia. 
In 1867 he came to America and engaged in the 
brewery business; he manufactures about 1,000 
barreJs of beer per annum. Mr. Schmitt had two 
brothers in service at the time of the Indian 
troubles in 1862, one of whom was killed at Birch 
Cooley. Angeline Hansen, a native of Prussia, 
was married to Mr. Schmitt in 1844. Their chil- 
dren are John, Jacob, Peter, Mathias, Kate and 
Mary. 



Henry H. Sistermans was born in 1838, in Ger- 
many, where he was taught the occupation of silk 
weaver. In his native country he held the office 
of collector of taxes, which he resigned and came 
to America, in 1864. He was employed in diiTer- • 
ent lines of business until 1867, when he settled 
in Belle Plaine. Mr. Sistermans is at present 
justice of the peace and notary public. He mar- 
ried in 1876, Anna M. Dillie, of St. Paul. They 
have six children; the oldest is a sister, in St. 
Francis hospital, New York. 

George E. Sly was born March 2. 1846, in Steu- 
ben county, New York. His mother died when he 
was an infant, and in June, 1855, he came to Belle 
Plaine with his father who had visited this country 
in 1853, and decided to locate here. Their first 
summer was passed, with several other families, in 
the old Spread Eagle, a large log cabin which 
stood near the present site of the Irish Catholic 
church. They erected a saw-mill on the creek, 
not far from where the brewery is now located- 
Mr. George Sly enlisted September 13, 1861, in 
company A, Fourth Minnesota, as musician; 
passed through twelve battles, and was discharged 
in August, 1865. After leaving the army he grad- 
uated from Eastman's business college, at Chicago; 
also studied stenography in that city, then returned 
to Belle Plaine and was ajjpointed oificial reporter 
of the Eighth district, which position he now 
holds. Mr. Sly was for a time engaged in the 
saw-mill, afterward in the stave and barrel factory, 
and at one time was one of the men in charge of 
the salt works here. He married January 1, 1868, 
EUen A. Bliss; they have had two children: one 
is living, Sidney L. 

Anthony Smithe is a native of Germany, where 
he was born in 1858. He accompanied his parents 
to Minnesota, in 1863, and located at Belle Plaine. 
Mr. Smithe is by trade a miUer. 

Thomas Steiren, bom in 1836, is a native of 
Prussia. In 1857 he came to America, lived two 
years in Wisconsin, then removed to Scott county, 
Minnesota. In 1861 he enlisted in the Fifth Iowa 
regiment, and after serving three years was 
discharged on account of physical disability, and 
settled in Belle Plaine. Margaret Sheran became 
his wife in 1864. 

Oonstantin TiU, who was born in 1858, is a 
native of Germany. In 1861 he came with his 
parents to the United States; they located at BeUe 
Plaine, Scott county. Mr. Till's r:;arriage with 
Elizabeth Henekes, took place in 1877. They 



332 



HISTORY OF THE MINXE60TA VALLEY. 



biiv<> throo chiUlron: Mary M., Christine and 
Christoph. 

Jacob "Waleritis is ,i native of Prussia, where he 
was lM>rn in ISGO. He caiuo to America witli his 
jMircnts. in lHfi5, uml prow (« niiiiihootl on a farm. 
In 1H81 he removed to Belle Plaine, and opened a 
saloon and restaurant. 

Judge F. J. Whitlock was bom at Saratoga 
Si:riuKs, New York, Alarch 10. 1820. He is a self- 
made man ; he took his own course in early 
life, and for eip;ht years followed the sea as a sailor. 
From 1839 to 1842 he studied hnv at Schenestady ; 
was then admitted to court of common jjleas, and 
practiced until 1847, when ho was admitted to the 
supreme court and made counselor and solicitor in 
chancery. His health failing shortly afterwards, 
he resorted to outdoor exercise, and learned civil 
engineering. In 1840 he removed to Konosha, 
Wisccmsin, where he remained until 1853, during 
which time he practiced law and civil engineering, 
wrote for the newspapers, and was city justice two 
terms of two years eacli. Through the influence 
of Judge Chatfield, he moved to ISIinuesota in 
1855, and located in Belle Plaine, where he has 
since resided. In the fall of 1856 he was elected 
t<i the territorial legislature, and served that term, 
taking an active and iirominent part in all imjiort- 
ant matters of legislation. Mr. Whitlook has 
always been a democrat. Since living in Minne- 
sota he has been three times county attorney, once 
county commissioner and once judge of probate. 
He is a prominent member and director in the 
State Agricultural Society. For nearly all the 
time that he has lived in Minnesota, be has been 
engaged in farming, and the jiast ten or twelve 
years has devoted special attention to the improve- 
ment of farm products and stock. Judge Whit- 
lock married Kate Sherwin, in 1864. They have 
one son and one daughter. 

BELI/E PLAINE. 

Belle Plaine township is situated in the south- 
western part of Scott county, and is the largest 
townsliip in the county. It formerlj contained 
Ix'side its present dimensions those of the present 
iovnx of Blakely. In 1S74 the township of Blakely 
was formed by an act of legislation; since that 
time the limits of Belle Plaine township have been 
unchanged. 

Tlie first white settler in Belle Plaine township 
was Louis Robert, a French trader; he located his 
Ktati<m in 1852 on the west half of the south-west 
quarter of section 12; he afterward removed to St. 



Paul. Tlie first permanent settlers in the township 
were Josepii and Frederick tJuion and W. .\. 
])a%'iB. They made claims in 1853 on sections 12 
and 13, being the first claims made in the towni- 
ship. The Guion brothers remained until about 
1862, when tlicy removed to Ramsey county. 
Among the claimants of 1854 were the following: 
Judge A. G. Chatfield, William Moore, Thomas 
ButU>rly, Samuel Tniax, Dr. A. B. Walter, Charles 
A. and John E. Sherman, E. G. Covington, Emmet 
and Edward P. Berry and Jonathan Chadderdon. 

William Moore made a claim of 120 acres in 
section 7, where he still resides. Samuel Truax 
and son .John located on 320 acres in sections 4 
and 5. Dr. A. B. Walter made claim on tlie south- 
east quarter of section 1 ; shortly after he sold to 
Robert Rose, and the claim was included in the 
town site. Dr. Walter removed to Jordan, where 
he is ])racticing modicine. Cliarles A. and John 
E. Sherman settled on section 12. township 113, 
range 24, and section 13, township 113, range 25. 
Charles A. was killed by the Indians at Birch 
Cooley in 1862, and John E. was killed at the 
siege of Vicksburg. 

E. G. Covington made a claim of eighty acres 
on the north-east quarter of section 1, township 
113, range 25. In 1855 he sold it for the town 
site, and made another claim on the west half of 
the south-west quarter of section 7, remaining 
there until 1868, when he removed to St. Paul. 

Emmet imd Edward P. Berry made claims on 
sections 6, 7 and 18. Edward afterward returned 
to New York. Jonathan Chadderdon made a 
claim on the north-west quarter of section 8; he 
remained until 1873, when he removed to LeSueur. 

In 1855 among numerous settlers were the fol- 
lowing: W. W. Smith, W. R. Stowe, C. L. Sly, 
W. A. Baldwin, B. A. Irwin and Judge F. J. 
Whitlock. W. W. Smith, W. R. Stowe and R. A. 
Irwin settled on the present village site. C. L. 
Sly and W. A. Baldwin both settled on section 31, 
township 114, range 24. Judge Whitlock made a 
claim on the north half of the north-east quarter 
of section 12, where he still resides. Also in 1855 
the following settled in the interior of the town: 
Matliew Smith, John Fitzsimmons, Martin Mallet, 
Thomas Terry, Thomas Lynch, Florence McCarty, 
John Pendy and three sons and John Shwalier. 

Among the settlers of 1856 were Peter Becker, 
who opened the first sho:> shop, George Bradley, 
J. F. Baldwin and L. B. Wiilson. 

First officers of the town were: Charles L. Slv, 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



333 



obairmau; ThomHS Terry and John Kennedy, su- 
pervisors; John L. MacDouald, clerk; Henry 
Chatlon and William Henry, justices of the peace; 
Mr. Keat, constable. 

Probably the first births in the township were 
those of Susan Sly, daughter of 0. S. Sly, and 
Mahedible Baldwin, daughter of W. A. Baldwin. 
They were both bom in 1855. 

In January, 1858, E. A. Irwin and Celia A. 
Chatficld were married; this was doubtless the first 
marriage in the township. 

First death in township was that of Alexander 
Grow, son of M. Gow, who lived with Judge Whit- 
look. He died in March, 1856. 

The first school taught in the township was held 
in a warehouse at Belle Plaine village in 1857. It 
•was afterwards held in the town hall until, in 1863, 
a frame school-house was erected. This school is 
now under the jurisdiction of the borough of Belle 
Plaine. Seven school-houses are now in the town- 
shij), all frame buildings. 

Kaven Stream post-ofHce, the only post-office in 
town, is situated in the north-eastern portion of 
section thirty-six. It was established in 1863 with 
Henry Kogei's as postmaster. The present post- 
master is Leonard Eech. 

Mount Moriali Christian church on section four, 
was organized about 1865 by Eutaun, of Le Sueur, 
with eighteen members. Previous to the organiza- 
tion and erection of the first church, services were 
held at private houses. In 1866 a log church was 
erected where services were held until 1880, when 
a new frame church was erected at a cost of about 
$125. Present membership, thirty-five; Eev. W. 
O. King, pastor. 

Population of Belle Plaine township, 1,054 by 
census of 1880. 

Ole Antrias, a native of Minnesota, was born in 
Eice county, where his parents now reside. Mr. 
Antrias is vmmarried and living in the town of 
Belle Plaine. 

William Frankland is a native of England, where 
he was born in 1831. He came to the United 
States in 1857, and in August, 1862 enlisted in 
Company I, Sixth Minnesota volunteers; he served 
through the Indian troubles of 1862-'3, and was 
discharged in 1864. He now resides on section 
three, Belle Plaine. Mr. Frankland married at 
St. Paul in 1867, Ellen Cole. They have one 
child: Joseph. 

John L. Gannon a native of New York city was 
born in 1851 and came west with his parents 



in 1855; they were both born in Ireland; the 
father in 1804 and the mother in 1816. Mr. Gan- 
non's father died in 1865 and since that time he 
has, assisted by a younger brother, carried on the 
farm which is located on section thirty-three. 
Belle Plaine. 

John Blahoney, son of Dermis Mahouey, of this 
place, was bom in 1854 in Pennsylvania. In 1855 
he came with his parents to Scott county and here 
received a con m m school education. Mary Con- 
roy was married to Mr. Mahoney in 1881. She 
was a native of St. Paul, and came to Belle Plaine 
in 1860. 

John Pendy, a native of Ireland, was born in 
1806, in county Kerry. He came to America in 
1855 and to Scott county, Minnesota, the same 
year. In 1833 Mr. Pendy married Mary Brost, 
who was also bom in county Kerry in 1807. They 
have five children. 

John Sh waller is a native of Luxembourg , where 
he was born in 1833, and in 1848 came to the Uni- 
ted States. He removed to Minnesota in 1855 
and located at Belle Plaine. Mr. Shwaher's wife 
was Annie Brager. They have one son and two 
daughters: Joseph, Annie and Mary. 

Thomas Terry, a native of Ireland, was born in 
1822. He received a common school education 
and learned the trade of carpenter. In 1847 he 
came to America; lived in New York two yeare, 
then removed to Ohio, and in the fall of 1854 came 
to Scott county and settled on his present place. 
Mr. Terry has for the past six years held the of- 
fice of county commissioner. In 1849 he married 
Honora Lynch, who was born in Ireland. Wil- 
liam, Bridget, John, Edward and Homer are their 
cliildren. 

BLAKELT. 

Blakely is the south-western townshiji of Scott 
county. From the time of its settlement to 1874 
it formed a part of the town of Belle Plaine; on 
March 9, of said year, an act of the legislature was 
approved, forming the township of Blakely out of 
that portion of township 113, range 25, as Ues in 
Scott coimty, excepting the eastemtier of sections 
which is still included in the towuship of Belle 
Plaine. 

The surface is rolling, and the original charac- 
ter of the land was forest. 

In the covmty records we find that the township 
of Brnyere, was formed by the county commis- 
sioners April 5, 1858, and iucludod all of township 
113, range 25, with adjacent parts of other town- 



•6U 



UltiTOHY OF TUt: MlKyEHOTA VALLEY. 



ships lying in Si-ott county along the rivor, hut at 
» nievtiug of tlio county coniinissioucrs, held Ap- 
ril 21, winm year, the township was attached to 
Billo Plainc. Populatou in 1880, 799. 

The lirst settler in Blakely was A. Bmyere, a 
Frenehmiin, as his name indicates; ho nuide a 
claim in 1853 on the north-west (juartor of section 
14, ho remained until ab )ut 1858 when he re- 
moved to St. Louis. 

A. G. MeConnell came about 1853 or '4 and 
made a claim near the east side ol Clark lake 
which he afterwards sold and bought a farm on 
section 15 where he still resides. 

Among numerous settlers of 1854 were William 
Henry, Benjamin Leueier, Aaron, Edward and 
Samuel Eussell, Jonathan Wright, Peter Jackson, 
William Fearing, F. M. Ward. 

William Henry made a claim on the south-west 
quarter of section 11, remaining until the fall of 
1862 when he removed to the borough of Belle 
Plaine and engaged in merchandise and flouring 
interests. 

Benjamin Leueier made a claim on the south- 
west quarter of section 15. He remained there 
until about 1858 and then went to St. Louis. 

Aaron Kussell located his claim on sections 4 
and 9. He remained until about 18G1, when he 
removed to St. Cloud. 

Edward Kussell made a claim on the north-east 
quarter of section 18; he remained there imtil 1862 
when he removed to Dakota county. 

Samuel Kussell located on the south-east quar- 
ter of section 18, where he remained until 1802. 
He then entered the army and at the close of the 
war was appointed collector of customs at Galves- 
ton, Texas, where he is supposed to have been 
murdered in 1879. 

Jonathan Wright settled on the north-west 
quarter of section 15; he remained uutU 1857, and 
then returned to Ohio. 

Peter Jackson made a claim on the north-east 
quarter of section 14, where he remained about 
one year, then made a claim on section 10 where 
he still resides. 

William Fearing made a claim on the south- 
east quarter of section 10, where he now lives. 

P. M. Ward located in the north of section 20, 
where he still resides. 

In 1855 Jacob Brinker, Owen O'NeU, Peter 
Weldon, Mii'hael Moran, Joseph Vancour, Wil- 
liam Kuhlman, Henry WesthofT, Henry Holste, 
Hubert E. G«are, George Holbrook, E. A. Tuckey, 



Louis Beach, James Ward, Sr., William Ward and 
Joseph Wisby made claims. 

The first oflicers of the present town of Blakely 
were: Owen O'Neil, chairman, Peter Jackson and 
Patrick Griffin, sujK'r visors; James Jack, town 
clerk; William Wendelken, a.ssessor; James Kcl- 
loy and Hubert Gtiare, justices of peace. The 
constables did not qualify. 

The first birth in the town was that of the 
daughter of Peter Welden, born in November, 1855. 

The first death was that of .Jane Ward, wife of 
James Ward, which occurred the same year. 

The first marriage took place in 1857. The 
parties were .T. N. Dean and Kelweoa .J. James. 

The first physician was Dr. Leuing, a graduate 
of a German university, who settled in the south- 
east part of the town, where he died in 1858, and 
was buried in the Lutheran cemetery on section 
34; this was the first burial in that cemetery. 

The village of Blakely is situated in the north- 
em part of the town on the Chicago, St. Paul, 
Minneapolis & Omaha railroad. It was surveyed 
by W. H. Wood on land o>vned by E. F. Drake 
and I. N. Dean in the north-e;ist quarter of sec- 
tion 8. Blakely post-office was established in the 
fall of 1867, and I. N. Dean appointed postmaster. 
In 1875 James McKnight received the appoint- 
ment, and he was succeeded by James Kelley, who 
held the position until 1877, when Jacob Brinker, 
the present incumbent, was appointed. 

The business interests of the village are, four 
general stores, one drug store, one shoe shop, one 
blacksmith shop, three cane mills, two elevators, 
three saloons. 

In 1868 the Chicago, St. Paul, Mmneapolis & 
Omaha railroad built an elevator with a capacity 
of 15,000 bushels, at a cost of about 83,000; 
about 40,000 bushels are elevated a year. It is 
under the charge of A. McDerraid. 

In 1874 I. N. Dean built an elevator at a cost 
of about $1,500, with a capacity of 7,000 bushels; 
about 20,000 bushels are handled a year. 

The first saw-mill in the township was built by 
Clingen & Miles. It was situated on the Minne- 
sota river in section 18, and was in use but a year 
when it was removed to Blue Earth county. 

In 1858 a saw-mill was built on Finch's creek 
in section 11 by Belle PlaLne parties. The prop- 
erty came into possession of Donlittlo & Xorris, 
and about 1870 the machinery was removed to 
Belle Plaine and converted into a grist-mill. 

The Gorman M. E. churoh was established about 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



335 



1875 by Kev. Philip Fimk, and a frame cliuroli 
built at a cost of about $600. At organization the 
membership numbered sis families and about thirty 
communicants. Present membership numbers 
seven families and thirty-eight communicants. 
Eev. A. Dulitz is the officiating jiastor. 

FreiJrich's Evangelical Lutheran church was or- 
ganized about 1860 by Eev. Freidrich Nagel, with 
a membership of about thirty families. A log 
church was built this year at a cost of about $50. 
The first permanent pastor was Kev. Wolf. In 
1875 a new brick church was erected under the di- 
rection of Rev. Henry Braun at a co3t of $3,500. 
The present membership numbers about sixty 
families, A parochial school is connected with 
the church. Present pastor is Kev. Jacob Koch- 
ler. The pastor of Friodrich's church holds semi- 
monthly services at the school- house in Blakely 
village. 

The first school taught in Blakely to'wnship was 
in section 20. A term of three months was 
taught in a claim shanty in 1836, and in 1857 a 
board school-house was erected on the same sec- 
tion, and was replaced in 1879 by a frame. There 
are four other school-houses in the townshijj, all of 
which are frame. 

Jacob Brinker was born in 1823, in Armstrong 
county, Pennsylvania. He was engaged in the 
boot and shoe business while living in that state 
and was postmaster at West Middlesex. In 1855 
he came to Minnesota and pre-empted a farm in 
what is now Blakely; he sold it in 1875, came to 
the village and opened a boot and shoe store; two 
years later he put in a stock of drugs and medi- 
cines. Mr. Brinker has been postmaster here a 
number of years; he is assessor and constable, and 
in 1880 took the census of this town. In 1844 he 
married in Pennsylvania, Susan Ward, a native of 
that state, born in 1829. Jane, Mary, Alexander, 
Matilda, Calvin G., Harvey W. and Samuel N. are 
their children. 

I. N. Dean, born in 1835, is a native of Hunt- 
ington, Pennsylvania, where he lived until 1854, 
then moved to Iowa, and thence in 1856, to Min- 
nesota. He bought the land where the village of 
Blakely now stands, and three years later when the 
St. P.aul & Sioux City raih-oad was buUt through 
his place he laid out the %'illage and named it af- 
ter Captain Blakely, of St. Paul. In 1873 it was 
by special act, detached from Belle Plaine, of 
which it was formerly a part. Mr. Dean was the 
first station agent, also the first postmaster in the 



place, and he in company with J. McKnight, 
started the first store here. In September, 1861, 
he entered company A, Fourth Minnesota volun- 
teers, and served until the close of the war. Since 
1874 ho has been engaged iu farming, and recently 
has made a specialty of raising amber sugar cane. 
Rebecca Janes became his wife in February, 1857. 
Their children are, Clara, now Mrs. D. A. Kelly, 
Harry H., Frank E. and Morris S. 

Gotleib Emsting, one of the pioneers of Blakely 
township, was born in 1826 in the Kingdom of 
Hanover, where he received his education. In 1853 
he came to the United States ; after residing three 
years in Illinois he removed to Minnesota and 
made a claim where he now lives, section twenty- 
seven. Ho was at the organization of the town, 
and was the first assessor; has been a member of 
the school board for years. His wife was Miss So- 
phia Thom3. Their children are Mary and Caroline 
(twins), Christian and Henry (twins), Lena, So- 
phia and Dora. 

Patrick Griffin, an old settler in the town, is a 
native of Ireland, born in 1821. At the age of 7 
years he accompanied his parents to Canada, where 
he lived until 18 years of age, then came to the 
United States. Until the fall of 1854 he resided 
at Racine, Wisconsin, at that time he came to Scott 
county and made a claim where he now lives. 
Early the next spring he put up a log cabin and 
began improvements; he now owns a fine farm of 
160 acres. Mr. Griffin has for years been a mem- 
ber of the school board, district thirty-nine. 
Bridget Flynn, who was born in Ireland and came 
to this country at the age of 7 years, was married 
to Mr. Griffin in May, 1848. They have six living 
children : William H., John F., Mary, Thomas E., 
James T. and Daniel E. 

Peter Jackson, a pioneer settler of this town, 
was born in 1813 in Scotland, where he received 
his education. In 1840 he came to America; re- 
sided in New York a few yeara, then removed to 
Wisconsin, and in 1855 came to the Minnesota val- 
ley and took a claim where he has since lived. The 
country was unsurveyed and Indians were very 
numerous here at that time. Mr. Jackson has 
made all the improvements on his farm, which is 
now one of the best. He has been a member of 
the school board and held the office of supervisor. 
At Mankato, in 1857, he married Nancy Ives. They 
have four daughters: EUa and Emma ;ire teachers; 
Adelia audAdell (twins). 

D. A. Kelly, a native of Ohio, was born in 1847 



336 



niSTuUl Ub' THE MINNESOTA VALLEr. 



in Brown county. In 1869 ho came to IMinne- 
sota and worked for u time on a boat running be- 
tween St. Paul and Redwood Falls. He taught 
school in Sibley county and afterward was em- 
ployed three years as clerk tor Mr. Dean, at 
Blakely; then went on the road selling crackers 
and confectionery, which business he followed six 
years. He is now in partnership with Frank Mc- 
Kniglit in a general niorcliandise store; firm name 
McKnight & Kelly. Li 1876 he married Clara, 
daughter of L N. Dean. They have one child: May. 

Henry Luders, born in 1857, is a native of the 
kingdom of Hanover, where he acquired his edu- 
cation and learned the trade of wagon maker. In 
1857 he came to the United States; worked in the 
factory of Furst & Bradly at Chicago eight years. 
His health becoming impaired he decided to leave 
the city ; came to Minnesota and bought the farm 
in Blakely, where he has since resided. Mr. Lud- 
ers married in Chicago Miss Kebecea Wilkins, who 
has borne him six children : Dora, William, Em- 
ma, Rebecca, Henry and Herman. 

A. McDermid was born in 1848 in Canada. In 
early life he was employed as clerk in a general 
store, which he followed until 1869, then removed 
to Minneapolis, where he was seven years engaged 
as surveyor of lumber. Mr. McDermid is now 
employed by the Minneapolis Millers' association 
as wheat buyer, and for the past two years has 
been located at Blakely, in charge of the elevator 
here. His marriage with Miss J. Vogan took 
place in 1871 in Canada, where she was bom in 
1852. Their children are Reuben E., Eber A., 
Olara, Annie V. and D. S. 

Frank McKnight, bom March 5, 1846, is a 
native of Illinois. In 1865 he came to Minnesota 
with his father, who engaged in mercantile busi- 
ness in Carver. Three years later they came to 
Blakely, and he was employed as clerk in the first 
store here; it was owned by his father and I. N. 
Dean. He was engaged in railroad building and 
stock buying about five years. July, 1862, he 
entered Company B, One Hundred and Twenty- 
third Illinois Volunteers and served until mustered 
out in July, 1865. Mary Griffin became his wife 
in 1870. Their children are Susie, Charlie and 
Willie. In 1879 Mr. McKnight, in company with 
D. A. Kelly, bought the busine&s of James Mc- 
Knight. They have a large and prosperous trade. 

S. B. Morse was bom in 1847, in Allegany 
county, New York. At the age of two years he 
moved with his parents to Wisconsin. In 1877 he 



came to Minnesota, and for three years was station 
agent at Heron Lake. Since December, 1880, he 
has been in the employ of the Chicago, St. PatU, 
Minneapolis & Omaha Railroad Company as sta- 
tion agout at Blakely. Mr. Morse married Alice 
ISIaxon in 1877 in Wisconsin. They have one 
child, Maudie, bom November, 1879. 

John Sandberg was l)orn in 1828 in Sweden. 
He learned the l)lacksmith'8 trade and worked in 
his native country until 1861; that year he came 
to America and located in Carver, Minnesota, where 
ho followed his trade. In 1872 he removed to 
Blakely and built the shop here, where he still 
works. Mr. Sandberg married in 1872 Katie 
Peterson, a native of Sweden, bora in 1851. 
George H., Charlie, Hannah S. and Frankie are 
their children. 

B. St. Peter, bom March, 1823. is a native of 
Franklin county. New York, where he resided 
forty years. In 1863 he came to Minnesota and 
settled on the farm in Blakely where he still lives. 
For the past two years he has held the office of 
supervisor. Electa Gadbom was married to Mr. 
St. Peter in January, 1853. They are the parents 
of eleven children: Joseph, Christian, Louis, 
Julius, Louisa, Adell, Sidney, John, Frank, Katie, 
and Willie. 

Dr. William Thorns was born in 1827 in the 
kingdom of Hanover. He was educated there 
and became a student of medicine. In 1852 he 
removed to the state of New York, and three 
years later to Dlinois, where he lived until 1857; 
in the sprmg of that year he made tlie claim in 
Scott county where he at present resides. Mr. 
Tlioms enlisted in 1861 in Company I, Eighth 
Minnesota infantry, iind served at Fort Snelling 
in the medical department nine months, then was 
discharged for disability. After stopping a short 
time in Rochester, ^linnesota, he removed to Mau- 
kato, where he was proprietor of a barber-shop 
twelve years; since that time he has lived on the 
farm. In 1857 he married Eliza Stolzer, who has 
borne him ten children, one boy and nine girls. 

Da-\-id S. Working, farmer, was bom in 1846 in 
Centre county, Pennsylvania. Ho was educated 
at the public schools and learned the trade of 
painter. He removed to Stephenson county, Illi- 
nois, and resided there five years. In 1867 located 
on his farm in Blakely township. Mr. Working 
enlisted in Company A, Forty-sixth Illinois in- 
fantrv, in 1864, and served with the army of the 
Cumberland; was mustered out at the close of the 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



337 



war at Springfield, Illiuois. At Shakopee in 1874 
he married Sarah Khodes. 

HELENA. 

This towu lies on the southern border of Scott 
county, and embraces congressional township 113, 
range 23. It was settled by Germans, principally 
from the Khine province. William Nachbar was 
the first settler. He built the first house on sec- 
tion 5, in November, 1854. After him Jacob and 
Joseph Schwingler located on section 8. These 
■were followed the next year by Jacob and Sebas- 
tian Bauer, Anthon Clows, John Gelchter, John 
Smitz, Valentine Orth, Adam Pfeifer and Joseph 
Fromm. Vingenz Slawick settled on section •! in 
1854. In 1856 among the settlers was Dr. John 
Laudenberger. He established the first store 
m the town on section 29 in 1855. John C. 
Smith settled on section 11 in March 1855, where 
he built a house and store. The next year he had 
his claim laid out in town lots and named the vil- 
lage Helena. With Mr. Smith came Frank Gilkey, 
Benjamin M. Record, Stephen Barnett'and WiUiam 
A. Fuller. In 1856 William Pefl therer started a 
store in the village, and J. C. Smith succeeded in 
having a pcst-cffice established there, of ■which he 
■was appointed postmaster. At one time there ■was 
a Lawyer Smith and Doctor Kice in the village, 
but they soon left. The village never amounted 
to much and the post-office was moved to a way- 
station called Helena, on the Minneapolis & St. 
Louis railroad about four miles distant, and at 
present there are few signs of the former town re- 
maining. 

J. G. Meek is the present postmaster at Helena 
station. The business of the station is represented 
by one steam and water-power saw-mill owned by 
j! G. Mock. 

In the spring of 1856 a meeting was held at the 
house of W-1 iam Nachbar to take measures toward 
erecting a Catholic church. The first religious 
services were held the following spring at the house 
of Nicholas Leonard by Kev. Father Weninger. 
Near this place a log church was erected that year, 
but it was never completed, and a few years later 
St. Benedictus Catholic church was built about one 
mile east of the original church site on section 17. 
The present church is a frame building erected in 
1867; it is commodious and has a good bell. Eev. 
Father Cassimierus Hueppe, O. S. F., is the pastor. 

September 16, 1855, Anna K., daughter of 
William Nachbar, was bom. This ■was the first 
birth in the town. The first marriage is supposed 



to have been that of P. Williams and Mary Sim- 
mer, which occured in the latter part of Decem- 
ber, 1857. 

Anthon PhUipp was the first settler on the site 
of New Prague. In 1856, he began to sell lots to 
settlers ■nithout making a plat of the town. He 
also gave forty acres of land for a Catholic church. 
For this purpose also, Albert Vrtish, Frank Bruzek 
and John Bernas each gave ten acres. Immi- 
grants from Bohemia rapidly settled the town. 
During the year 1856, they attended St. Benedictus 
church, but in the spring they started the Bohe- 
mian Catholic church at New Prague. This was 
a log building, and during the first year the mem- 
bers assembled without a jjriest for religious wor- 
ship. In the spring of 1857, Eev. Father Brans, 
O. S. B., began to hold services periodically. July 
16, 18G1, the first regular mission commenced 
under Kev. Father Peter Maly. Daring his pas- 
torate a log parsonage ■was built. In January, 
1863, the church ■was burned, but services were 
carried on in tlie parsonage until the completion 
of the new brick church in 1868. In 1874 a new 
parish church was built. It is a substantial, well- 
lighted, two-story brick building. During the 
pastorate of Eev. Augustus Lang from 1877 to 
July, 1880, a two-story brick parish school was 
built at a cost of .13,500. In July, 1880, Eev. 
Father Francis Tichy, the present pastor, took 
charge of the church. Under his leadership the 
church debt has been greatly reduced; two bells 
have been bought, one weighing 2,500 pounds; 
and a pipe organ, costing $1,200, has been placed 
in the chiu-ch. Joseph Hovorka, who has charge 
of the parish school, is the organist. 

The school building in New Prague was erected 
in 1865, and is still in use. It is a frame house 
with one room, ;md is well lighted. Frank Swo- 
boda w:as the first teacher. This is school No. 73. 
The school year is nine months. Five other school- 
houses stand within the boundaries of Helena. 
School No. 45 has a two-story frame building, on 
section 20, furnished with pine seats. The build- 
ing of school No. 62, in section 23, is log, and 
furnished ■with long benches. The school-houses 
of schools number 33, 50 and 51 are all frame, fur- 
nished with pine seats. The average length of the 
school year in Helena is five months. 

In 1863 a post-office was established in the 
■vicinity of New Prague, and Joseph Wrabek was 
appointed postmaster. He kept the office on his 
farm on section 36. In 1867 the office wa? re- 



338 



UlUTOHY OF Tin-: MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



raovcd to Kow Prag\ie hy liie son Francis, who 
bus boon postuinstor ever since. 

Tlie boundnrica of the town of Helena were 
fonuod by the county commissioners April 5, 1858. 
No changes have ever been mmlo in them. The 
first town meeting for the election of officers was 
held at tjjo house of J. C. Smith May 12, 1858. 
The following oHicera were elected: C. P. BroNvn, 
chairman, John Laudenljerger and Charles Ehrig, 
Bui)ervi8or8; B. M. Eecord and Jacob Schwingler, 
justices of the peace; Stephen Bamett and Ger- 
hard Brendgen, constables; E. H. Giikey, asses- 
sor; and J. S. Du Bois, town clerk. 

At the spring election, 1881, John Quain was 
elected chairman, Joseph Maashka and Christian 
Busch, supervisora; Bernhard Pisenger, assessor; 
Mathias Nachbar, treasurer; George Mock and 
AVencel Bisck, justices of the peace, and Peter 
Eailcr, town clerk. 

The ^-illage of New Prague lies partly in Scott 
county and partly in Le Sueur county, the main 
street lying directly on the liouudary line between 
the two counties. It is in the center of a rich and 
extensive farming district, which has enabled the 
business men of the village to establish a brisk 
and constantly increasing retail trade. The Min- 
neapolis & St. Louis road runs through the vil- 
lage. The llailroad House, by F. Maertz, is the 
only hotel in the place. It was built in 1878. 
Michael Simmer, Joseph Maertz and A. W. Mer- 
tens are proprietors of tlie principal general mer- 
chandise stores. T. F. Vanasek and A. \V. Mer- 
tens deal in hardware; F. J. Jeliuek and V. V. 
Meshkan manufacture saddles and harness, and 
Joseph Maertz and Simmer & Grinnell deal in 
wheat. Mr. Maertz's elevator has a capacity of 
7,000 bushels, and Simmer & Grinnell's a capacity 
of 40,000 bushels. New Prague has one lawyer, 
F. N. Hagar; and one physician, Joiin Lauden- 
berger. A steam saw-mill is situated just east of 
to>vn on section 35. It is owned by Thomas Han- 
sel, William Nicolay and John Koradek. A frame 
grist-mill in the village, owned by Thomas Siieh- 
omal, has four runs of stone. 

New Prague has three societies. The Bohemian 
society was founded in 1878, for the purposes of 
insurance and mutual benefit. The first officers 
were: T. F. Vanasek, president; V. Drosda, secre- 
tary; Tliomas Zak, treasurer. The ])resent offi- 
cers are: Anthon Rocek, president; Joseph Stepal, 
secretary, and John Sery, treasurer. 

The Bohemian Roman Catholic Benevolent So- 



ciety of New Prague was founded in 1879, and is 
coimected witli the Bohemian Central Unio7i. The 
object of the society is mutual aid and insurance. 
The first and present president, Joseph Hovorka; 
Joseph Janda, secretary; and Frank Wesaely, 
treasurer. It has sixty members. 

The Bohemian Roman Catholic Benevolent So- 
ciety of St. John Ncpomucene of New Prague is 
managed by the officers of the last-named society, 
and was organized for the same objects. It is 
connected with the Second Bohemian Central 
Union. It has eight memlwrs. 

The population of Helena by the last census, 
including that part of New Prague in Scott 
county, is 1,383. 

Stephen Barnett is a native of England, where 
he was born in 1825. He attended school until 
14 years of age, then learned the boot and shoe 
trade. In 1845 he married Sarah Watson and the 
next year they removed to Canada, where they 
lived until 1847, then went back to England for a 
time, but returned to Canada and stayed until 
1853. Resided in Wisecinsin about two years, 
then came to Minnesota and in 185G commenced 
farming in Helena; he owns eighty acres and his 
son Thomas 103 acres. Mr. Barnett enlisted in 
1864 in comjiaiiy A, First IMinnesota heavy ar- 
tillery and served until the close of the war. He 
is the father of seven children: John (deceased), 
William J., Thomas, Francis, Culthbert A., Stei>hen 
A., and George B. 

Andrew J. Bliss was born in Springfield, Mas- 
sachusetts in 1838. He moved to Orleans count y, 
New York in 1853, and two years later came to 
Minnesota and settled in Belle Plaine. In 1873 
he removed to New Prague and engaged in.tcach- 
ing three years; then became interested in agri- 
cultural imiilemsnt business wliich he stiU con- 
tinues. Enlisted in the service of his country in 
18G2, serving until the close of the war. Mr. Bliss 
is the present town supervisor. His wife wia 
Miss Annie Wiista, a native of Bohemia. 

William E. Grinnell, bom in 1837, is a native of 
Ontario, Canada. When 16 years of age he ac- 
companied his ]p:ircnts to Illinois and lived in that 
state until the spring of 1800, then went to Colo- 
rado. He returned in 1865 and after residing in 
Alabama two years went to Wyoming, Montana, 
and Idaho. In the spring of 1877 he removed 
from lUinois to Minneapolis and the same year 
came to New Prague to take the position of station 
agent Mr. Grinnell afterwards bought the ele- 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



339 



vatoi- here and is engaged m buying grain. His 
wife was Lizzie Lennox; their marriage took place 
in Colorado Springs, February 19, 1880. They 
have one child : William. 

Frank N. Hagar, attomey-at-law, was bom 
March 31, 1852, in Plattsburg, New York. He 
received his preparatory education there and at Fort 
Edward; when 17 years of age he entered Cor- 
nell University and in 1873 graduated with the de- 
gree of A. B. Mr. Hagar taught school several 
years after graduating and also studied law. In 
the spring ot 1879 he was admitted to the bar at 
Wabasha, Minnesota, and soon after commenced 
practice in company with T. O'Leary, at Hender- 
son. In the autumn of 1880 he removed to New 
Prague. Mr. Hagar speaks with fluency the 
French, German and Bohemian languages. His 
marriage with Mary, daughter of M. K. Merrill, 
one of the first settlers of Henderson, took place 
April 28, 1881. She was born in that town Jan- 
uary 12, 1861. 

Joseph Hovorka is a native of Bohemia, bom 
July 31, 1854. He attended school in the old 
country until 16 years of age, then came to Amer- 
ica. The year following his parents came and 
they settled in Helena, where his father bought 
240 acres; he died December 15, 1871, and from 
that time until 1875 Mr. Joseph Hovorka had the 
management of the farm. He then entered Saint 
Francis Seminary, Milwaukee, from which he 
graduated in 1878, and received an appointment 
as teacher of the school in connection with the Bo- 
hemian Catholic church of that place. In 1879 
he returned to Minnesota, because of ill health, 
and was apj)ointed teacher in the Bohemian Cath- 
olic school at New Prague; is also the church or- 
ganist. Kosa Staueck became his wife in 1876. 
Their children are Frank, Josephine and Einma. 

Joseph Maertz, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1852 in Bavaria. He came in 1855 with his pa- 
rents to Minnesota; resided for about three 
years on a farm near New Prague, and re- 
ceived his education in this town. After leaving 
school he was employed in St. Paul Ave years as a 
clerk in a boot and shoe store. He then remained 
at home with his parents two years after which he 
started his present business; has a general store. 
In 1875 he married Kosa Simota of this place. 
Their children are Mary and Joseph. 

John Montour is a native of Canada, where he 
was born in 1843. He went to Wisconsin in 1868 
and removed to Minnesota the year following. 



Domatille LeschpeU became his wife, and has borne 
him five children. Mr. Montour enlisted in the 
Eleventh Minnesota in 1863 and served until the 
close of the war. He now lives in the town of 
Wheatland, Eice county. 

John Proshek was l5om in 1853 in Austria, and 
resided in that country until 1870. In INIay of 
that year he came to America; stayed a short time 
in Dubuque, Iowa, then removed to Minnesota. 
For a time he lived on a farm with his parents in 
Le Sueur county, where he was clerk of the court 
two years, then came to New Prague and took the 
position of station agent, which he still holds. 
Mr. Proshek married in May, 1880, Barbara 0. 
Soukup, of this place. 

Mathias Eemes was born in Bohemia in 1836. 
He came to America m 1860, and located in Lanes- 
burgh the same year; is engaged in the mercantile 
trade; also has a meat market and saloon. His 
marriage was with Annie Kubes, a native of Bo- 
hemia. They are the parents of four children. 

Anton Kochek, born in in 1846, is a native of 
Austria, where he lived until 12 years of age. 
With his parents he came to America in 1858, and 
Uved on a farm in Waseca county, Minnesota; 
from there removed to Blue Earth county, and in 
1876 came to New Prague, which place has since 
been his home. Mr. Kochek has served two years 
as president of the village and three years as su- 
pervisor. Catherine Petirecka, of New Prague, 
became his wife in 1870. Frederick, Albina 0. 
and Henry V. are their children. 

Kev. Francis Tichy, bom in 1847, is a native of 
Bohemia. After receiving a preparatory educa- 
tion he entered the theological seminary at 
Prague. In 1873 he came to the United States 
and finished his studies at Saint Francis Seminary 
at Milwaukee. He was ordained to the priesthood 
in 1874 by the Right Eeverend C. Borgess, in De- 
troit, Michigan, and the same year became pastor 
of the Bohemian Catholic church, of that city. 
From 1877 until 1880 he had charge of the Polish 
and Bohemian church of St. Paul. July 20, 
1880, he was appointed pastor at New Prague. 

T. F. Vanasek, a native of Austria, was born in 
1853. He lived there about seven years and came 
in 1859 to New Prague with his parents. After 
receiving his education at La Crosse, Wisconsin, 
he learned the tinner's trade in St. Paul, and in 
1876 started his present business, tin and hard- 
ware, at New Prague. During the outbreak of 
1862 the Vanaseks were obliged to leave their 



340 



IIISTOUY UF THE MISA'EHOTA VALLEY. 



home to esciipe being 8cii1i)pi1 by the waviiges. 
Itosa Jeliuck was miirricj to Mr. Vaiiiisck in 187G. 
Thoj Luvo two cliildrcn : Lndaniicr and Josephine. 
Alljert Wertos is a native of Bohemia, where he 
was borii in 182G. He immigrated to the United 
States in 1855, came to Jlinnesota locating in Now 
Prague. Mr. ^^■ertes' marriage oecnrrcd in Du- 
buque, luwu. He is the rather of nine children. 

CEDAR LAKE. 

The town of Cedar Lake is situated in the south- 
eastern part of Hcott county, and is bounded on 
tlie east by New market, on the north by Spring 
Lake, on the west by Helena township, and on 
the south by Kice coimty; it includes all of con- 
gressional township 113, 22. The town derives 
its name from a lake which lies ])artly in the iowa 
and caUed Cedar lake, from the cedars which grow 
upon its margin. 

Thomas O'Dounell and ^ricliaol Flynn came to 
what has since become Cedar Lake town early in 
the spring of 1855 and were the first white people 
in that vicinity. Michael Flynn remained but a 
short time, but Thomas O'Donuell located the 
same year his claim in the iiortli-east quarter of 
section 18, where he has since resided. During 
several months after his arrival, the vicinity where- 
in he located literally swarmed with Indians, 
he at one time counting over fifty tepees on 
his claim alone. Save these, being unmarried, he 
had no society whatever, and lived in a small log 
claim-cabin, doing his own cooking and house- 
work, which, however, was not very extensive. 

In August, 1K55, A. B. McMiudes located in the 
north-east quarter of section 4. He was the first 
married man that settled in the town, his wife 
being the first white woman. He came from In- 
diana and has since lived on liis original claim. 
Martin Pyne was also an old settler, coming in the 
spring of 1855, remaining but a short time when 
he left for unknown parts. These were followed in 
the fall of the same year by several Irish families, 
among whom may be mentioned the following; 
Patrick Kiley, who located with wife and two 
daughters, section 7; James Clear, wife, one child, 
in section 8; Martin Phelan, unmarried, in section 
30; Edward Murphy, married, with two children, 
in section 6; Martin Timmous, with wife and two 
boys, in section G; Martin Marrinan, in section 3, 
in company with his wife; John Carroll, in sec- 
tion 2, and Edward Camjnon, in section 7. In the 
following year settlers began to come into the 
town with such surprieing rai)idity that an at- 



tem])t to locate them would be futile. The set- 
tlers, as will be noticed from the above, were most- 
ly of Irish nativity, and so the population i«mains 
to the pnseut time. 

The first birth in the town occurred in the fall of 
1855, being a daughter of Patrick and Kate Kiley. 

On the 2Gth day of June, 1858 Alvah Clark was 
united in marriage with Mrs. Betsey Welsh by 
Cornelius Flynn, justice of the peace. This was 
the first marriage in Cedar Lake town. Alvah 
Clark came from Maine to Cedar Lake, Minnesota, 
a short time previous to his marriage. ^ After his 
marriage he settled in the north-east quarter of sec- 
tion 14, where he lived about seventeen years, when 
he moved to Osakis, Douglas county, Minnesota. 

The first death was that of Michael Murphy, son 
of Edward and Eliza Murphy, who died August 
13, 1857. 

At the firet annual town meeting held at the 
house of Thomas Quill, April 11, 1858, the following 
oiBccrs were elected for the ensuing year: Thomas 
Quill, chairman; John Byan and John Marrinan, 
supervisors; A. B. McMiudes, clerk; Wm. Quain, 
assessor ; George Porter, collector ; Thomas H ickey, 
overseer of the poor; Cornelius Flynn and Martin 
Phelan, justices of the peace; Jolin Flynn and 
Michael Phelan, constables; aud Patrick Gordon, 
overseer of roads. 

The first school in Cedar Lake town was taught 
by Cornelius O'Connor, in section 22, in the sum- 
mer of 18C0. About thirty-seven pupils were in 
regular attendance during the first term. Another 
school was started in the following fall at the 
house of Martin Phelan, Mary Phelan being the 
teacher. In ISGl a school was taught by Mrs. 
Mary Ann Quill in a log house situated in the 
8t>uth-east quarter of section 7, where school No. 
32 now is. The following year school districts 
were organized and schools became general 
throughout the iovra. The town contains five 
school-houses, all of which are plain frame build- 
ings, with the necessary furniture. 

St. Patrick's Cathoho church was erected in the 
summer of 1874, at a cost of about 815,000, and 
was dedicated on the 11th day of October, 1874, 
by Kiglit IJev. Thus. L. Grace, of St. 1 aul. It 
is situated in the soiith-east corner of the north- 
east quarter of section 18. The first clergyman 
was Rev. Father Fisher; the present clergyman is 
Rev. Wm. T. Roy. Previous to the building of 
the above mentioned structure services had been 
held at the house of Thomas QuUl as early as 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



341 



1856, which were conducted by Rev. Father 
Fisher, and were probably the first religious ser- 
vices of any kind held in the town. In 1857 a log 
church was commenced, but was not completed 
until 1859, when services were held irregularly by 
Father Fisher until the present church was built. 

Cedar Lake jjost-office was established in 1860, 
Martin Phelan postmaster. It was situated at the 
residence of Mr. Phelan in section 30. Cornelius 
O'Connor, the present incumbent, was appointed 
postmaster in 1866, at which time it was removed 
to the northern part of section 22, where it still 
remains. 

St. Patrick's post-office was established Septem- 
ber 17, 1874. Patrick O'Flynn was appointed 
first postmaster, and has retained the position ever 
since. Mr. O'Flynn also runs a general merchan- 
dise store in connection with the post-office. It is 
situated in the north-western quarter of section 17. 

Plum Creek post-office was established in 1872, 
and was held in the sonth-westem quarter of sec- 
tion 25; Robert Gardner, postmaster. On the 14th 
day of January, 1878, it was removed to the north- 
western quarter of section 25, and J. W. Soules 
appointed postmaster. He stiU holds the office. 

Another post-office was established in the north- 
eastern quarter of section 4 by the name of Lib- 
erty, and A. B. McMindes appointed postmaster. 
He still continues in office. 

The population of Cedar Lake township is 944. 

Anthoney Ries, bom in 1856, is a native of Ger- 
many. In 1857 he came with his parents to 
Minnesota and re.sided with his father-, who bought 
land in New Market, until 1879. He learned the 
blacksmith trade, and in 1880 started a shop at 
Plum Creek, where he is doing a good business. 
Katie Smith became his wife in 1880, April 26. 
She has borne him one child. 

Jolm W. Soules was born in 1841, in Canada, 
where he attended school untQ thirteen years of 
age. In 1854 he came to Scott county with his 
father, who bought 160 acres of land which he 
sold about five years after, and returned east. 
He remained there for a time then engaged in 
farming at Plum Creek, after which he worked 
at railroad business two years in Ohio, and about 
five years in Canada. He returned to Plum Creek 
and opened a general merchandise store, also acts 
as postmaster. Mr. Soules has held the offices of 
school clerk, constable and justice of the peace. 
In 1861 he married Irena Belts, who has borne him 
eight children, six are living. 



Phillip Vogt is a native of Germany, where he 
was born in 1848. When twelve years of age he 
came to America; landed in New Orleans, and from 
there went to Illinois. After residing in that 
state about sixteen years, he came to Scott county, 
located in Cedar Lake township, and bought 
eighty acres of land where he lires with his aged 
parents. 

SPRING liAKB. 

This town includes all of congressional to\vn- 
ship 114, range 22, and is located in the interior 
of Scott county. It derives its name from Spring 
lake, a large and beautiful body of water situated 
in the northern part of the town, which in turn de- 
rives its name from a large spring tributary to it. 
This lake is about a mile and a half long by half 
a mile wide, enclosed by beautiful sandy shores. 

The first settler in Spring Lake was W. H. 
Calkins, who located in the south-eastern quarter 
of section 4, where he stUl resides, in the spring of 
185.3. His claim included all of what afterward 
became the village of Spring Lake. Mr. Calkins 
was followed in a few months by John Battin, 
who with a wife and seven children located in the 
south-western quarter of section 8. No other set- 
tlements were made until the sjjring of 1854, 
when several families came, the earliest of whom 
were the following: George W. Sutton came in 
July, 1854, and located in the south-western quar- 
ter of section 30. He was accompanied by his 
wife and two children. In 1864 he sold his first 
claim and purchased a farm in the north-western 
quarter of section 27, where he stUl resides. Sam- 
uel Squires came to Spring Lake in company 
with his son and located in the north-western 
quarter of section 20, where he lived until his 
death, July 26, 1871. John HoUeran located with 
family in south-western quarter of section 8. J. 
J. .Jones, with wife and family, settled in the south 
part of section 11. Here he remained until the 
war, when he enlisted and met his death in 1863. 
His wife remained on the farm but a short time 
afterward, then she went to Prior Lake village, 
her present residence. Lyman Lyons located in 
the south-western quarter of section 2, remaining 
but one year, when he removed to Mankato. 
Louis O'Blenis came early in the spring, and 
located in the northern part ef section 8, where 
he remained about three years, when he left the 
town. A Mr. Soules also came early in this year 
and settled in the north-western quarter of section 



342 



nrsTony OF the Minnesota valley. 



1 ; rpinaineil nbuut three years, then sold out and 
went to Canada. 

The first birth in the town was a child of Joseph 
Bunigarner, who located in 1854 in section 18; it 
was born on the 15th or IGth of July, 1854. The 
tamily removed shortly after to Indiana, where the 
child died. The first marriage was that of Elisha 
Battiu to Virj,'inia Buingiiruer on the 16th of 
July, 1854. The ceremony was conducted by 
Daniel Apgar, justice of the peace, at the resi- 
dence of the bridegroom. Mr. and Mrs. Battin 
lived in Spring Lake until the sjn-ing of 186G, 
when they removed to Dakota county. The first 
death was that of Lyman Lyons, Jr., a child 
three or four years old. He was buried on the 
farm of his father in section 2. 

The filrst annual town meeting was held May 11, 

1858, at the liouse of W. H. Calkins. John Bat- 
tiu, G. W. Button and L. R. Hawkins were judges 
of election. The following officers were elected: 
D. 0. Fix, chairman; J. J. Jones, M. C. McCol- 
lum, supervisors; G. R. Edgecomb, clerk; G. W. 
Sutton, assessor; \V. H. Calkins, collector; R. 
Frazee, overseer of the poor; Thos. McCollum 
and Jos. Hubbard, justices of the peace; Wm. 
Gardiner and S. O. Hitchcock, constables; Henry 
Frazee, overseer of roads. 

Three town sites have been platted in Spring 
Lake, two of which are in existence at the present 
time. Spring Lake village was surveyed in 1857, 
by W. A. Fuller,- on land owned by C. A. Darling- 
ton, Thomas Holmes, H. C. Copeland and A. B. 
Jones. The gentlemen had purchased the land 
from W. H. Calkins, with a view to locating a vil- 
lage thereon, and accordingly the land was laid 
out and recorded in 1857. A considerable number 
of lots were sold, and the place at one time as- 
sumed an appearance of encouraging prosjicrity. 
A grist-mill with one run of stone was built by 
Griggs & Turner at the outlet of Spring Lake in 

1859, and shortly after a saw and grist-mill, com- 
bined in one building, was erect; d by James H. 
Skinner and John McCall, which did a very good 
business luitil destroyed by tire in the fall of 1876. 
The first store in Spring Lake village was built in 
1865 by Joseph Thornton. Since the building of 
the Hastings & Dakota railway the village has 
gradually declined. There is a cemetery situated 
within the limits of the village, which was laid out 
and recorded in 18G3. It is the general cemetery 
of Spring Lake town. The first person buried in 



it was a child of W. H. Calkins, buried April 
26, 1863. 

Prior Lake village was surveyed in 1875 on land 
owned by C. H. Prior and others in tlie north- 
eastern quarter of section 2, on the Une of the Has- 
tings k Dakota divisif u of the Chicago, Milwau- 
kee & St. Paul railway. The first building erected 
in Prior Lake was a store built by Neal McCall and 
Malcom McCall in 1871. 

Prior Lake post-office was established in 1872, 
Mak'om McCall being the first postmaster. W. 
E. Hull is the present postmaster. 

The dilTorent branches of business are repre- 
sented in Prior Lake as follows : one flour and feed 
mill owned by Joseph Wankey, was built in 1880 
and contains one run of stone; grist work only is 
done; one store containing general merchandise, 
owned by William B. Reed, a non-resident; one 
storehouse for wheat also owned by Williajn B. 
Reed; one blacksmith shop and two saloons. 

Bellefontaine was surveyed by E. B. Hood in 
1856, on land owned by John Battin and a Mr. 
Hamilton. It contained about 115 acres situated 
in the south-eastern quarter of section 5. Several 
lots were sold but no buildings were ever erected, 
and tlie scheme finally collapsed, and the charter 
was surrendered. Mr. Battiu is now in possession 
of the site. 

The first sehool in Spring Lake town was held 
in a building erected for the purpose in section 4, 
in the summer of 1858. Miss Amanda Haw- 
kins was the first school teacher. She mar- 
ried Mr. W. W. Strait, and now resides 
in Colorado. Only eight scholars attended 
during tlie first session. There are seven school 
districts in Spring Lake town, each provided with 
a frame building. 

The first religious service in Spring Lake was 
held at the house of John Battin, in section 5, 
August, 1854, Rev. S. W. Pond, officiating. 

St. Catherine's Catholic church was established 
in 1865, in the southern part of section 35. At 
that time a small log building was erected and 
services were h<^ld irregularly by visiting clergy, 
men. The present building was erected in 1867. 
Father A. Pint was the first and only resident 
priest it has ever bad. He remained a few years 
when he left to take charge of St. Mark's church 
in Shakopee, since when the church has had no 
regular priest. Present membership nbont forty. 
A cemetery is connected with this church, con- 
taining between two and three acres. 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



343 



A Methodist Episcopal church was built in the 
south-western quarter of section 28 in fall of 1855 . 
Services were held irregularly in this church by 
the Rev. Louis Bell. In a few years it was re- 
moved to the south-eastern quarter of section 29. 
Many of the members moving away the parish 
became too small to support a preacher and the 
building was finally torn down and services dis- 
continued. This church gave rise to the Concord 
cemetery, which is situated in the south-eastern 
quarter of section 29. It was donated by members 
of the church. The first person buried in this 
cemetery was a child of Loyd and Delilah Whipps 
—buried in the fall of 1856. 

The Evangelical Lutheran church was organ- 
ized in 1863, and the first services were held in a 
log house at Bellefontaine. Rev. Winters was 
the first clergyman. Number of members at or- 
ganization about twenty. In 1871 the old log 
house being in an inconvenient place and not be- 
ing large enough to accommodate their increas- 
ing congregation, a new church was built in the 
north-eastern quarter of section 28, on the north 
bank of Fish lake. Here Rev. H. Eaedeke took 
charge of the congregation and has continued 
their pastor up to the present time. Present mem- 
bership, twenty-four families. 

The first post-office in Spring Lake was Mount 
Pleasant located in section 1. John Soules first 
postmaster. It w^s afterwards moved to the 
south-eastern quarter of section 4, and W. H. Cal- 
kins appointed postmaster; he still holds the office. 

Lydia post-office was established in 1861, Dr. 
Pewtherer being the first postmaster. John Frazee 
is the present pastmaster. Near Lydia post-office 
is a store and a blacksmith shop, the buildings 
both owned by F. Miller. The store is run by J. 
W. Soules in connection with the post-office. 

Prior Lake post-office has been already men- 
tioned in connection with the village of Prior 
Lake. 

The first blacksmith shop in town was nm by 
D. 0. Fix in 1855. First store by John W. Soules 
in 1856. 

Population of Spring Lake township, 1,166, by 
census of 1880. 

W. H. Calkins, bom June 24, 1822, is a native 
of Columbia county. New York, wliere he Uved until 
1843, then went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 
1852 he came to Minnesota and took a claim join- 
ing the site of Shakopee and Uved there one year, 
then made another claim between Spring lake 



and Long lake. There was a prospect of a rail- 
road being built through that section of country, so 
in 1856 he sold part of his claim to a company 
who wished to lay out a town. He has held vari- 
ous offices. Mr. Calkins helped build the first 
house in Shakopee. In 1855 he married Sarah J. 
Casterline whose people came to this state the year 
before. Only two of the five children bom to 
them are living. 

Lewis R. Hawkins, bom July 23, 1803, in Fair- 
fax county, Connecticut. When twelve years of 
age he went to Danbury to learn hat making ; re- 
mained until the spring of 1822 when he removed 
to Oneida county, New York. He worked at liis 
trade there one year, was in charge of a hat store 
one year and the same length of time in a dry 
goods store. Went to Utica to see Lafayette in 
1824, and the same faU moved to Delhi; attended 
school three months and also read law; in 1832 he 
removed to Smithport, Pennsylvania, and held the 
following offices: Prothonotary of the court of 
common pleas, register of wills and recorder of 
deeds, clerk of orphans' court, court of quarter 
sessions, and court of oyer and terminer, post- 
master, auditor of the county, deputy United 
States marshal and justice of the peace. While 
living in that state he bought 50,000 acres of land 
from twenty-five cents to one dollar per acre. In 
1850 he engaged in real estate business in New 
York city ; lost a large portion of his property in 
1853. Made a claim in Spring Lake in 1855, 
where he resides at present. He was a member of 
the legislature in 1857-'8, has also held the offices 
of county commissioner, justice of the peace, 
judge of probate, superintendent of schools, post- 
master and town treasurer; has been the corres- 
pondent of the government for the bureau of ag- 
riculture for twenty years. Married in 1839 to 
Mary Vose, who was bora July 1819 in Massa- 
chusetts. They have ten children. 

John HoDerau is a native of Ireland, where he 
was born in 1824. He resided in that country 
until twenty-seven years of age, then came to the 
United States. Was employed for a time on the 
New York & Erie railroad; afterward went to Bos- 
ton and thence to New Orleans. After living at 
Elgin, Illinois, two years, he came in 1854 to Min- 
nesota. Mr. Holleran married Mrs. Caton, nee 
Bessie King, .January 27, 1850. They have had 
eight children, six of whom are living. 

George W. Sutton was bom in 1822 in Ohio. 
At the age of three years he went to Indiana, and 



344 



nisTour OF the Minnesota valley. 



lliutstiite was his boiuo twenty-eight years; came 
liore in 185-1 and located on section 29. In Aug- 
ust, lKCi'2. he euhslod in C<)ini)any T, Nintli ^lin- 
nesotii Vohuiteers; was diseharged beeausc of dis- 
ability. Mr. Sutton has held different town 
oBice.s, has also served as county commissioner. 
Fauuie Buins:i;iimon, born January 1, 1830, boeame 
his wife in 1850. A son of tlieirs was the lirst 
white boy born in the town. They have nine 
children: Andrew S., born November 16, 1851, 
Edward E., born February 8, 1853, Alonzo, born 
October 7, 1854, Molissu J., born January 4, 185G, 
Alice A., born August 17, 1858, Maggie M., bora 
November 10, 18G1, Mary O., born September 20, 
1864, Emma E. and George E. (twins), born 
April 4, 18G6. 

CREDIT nrVER. 

By a misapprehension not easily understood the 
dividing line between Scott and Dakota counties 
was disputed. The territorial legislature in 1855 
had establislied this line as extending from the 
mouth of Oi-edit river to the north-east corner of 
townsliip 112, range 21, which would give Credit 
River but a little more than one-halt of a full 
township. Owing to this misapprehension on the 
part of the commissioners, the lands to the east of 
Credit river were in dispute, and were for a time 
assessed in both counties. The town was organ- 
ized as a full township by tlie county comniissit)n- 
ers, but its eastern boundary was really that of the 
county. By an act of the legislature March 6, 
1871, the boundary as it now is was established. 

The earliest settler in Credit Kiver was John 
Spratt, who came from Illinois in the fall of 1854 
and located his pres?nt claim in the same year in 
the north-west quarter of section 30 and south- 
west quarter of section 19. Wm. McQuestion and 
faniilv and Fayette Ufford came later in the fall. 
About the same time Wm. Flavell and John An- 
derson arrived in Credit River, the former locating 
in the south-east quarter of section 19, and the lat- 
ter in the north-east quarter of section 18. In the 
spring of 1855 a large number came into the town, 
among whom were the following: Geo. Wild, 
who located in section 18; John White, in section 
20; JohnSuel, in section 19; Cornelius Cleary, in 
section 8; James Faricy, in section 9; Robert 
Faricy, in section 8; anil also Cornelius Cleary, 
John Hough, Michael Flemming, Michael Regan, 
Daniel Lawler, Henry Reardon, Patrick Sherin, 
Michael Sherin and others. 

The first birth in the town was that of Mary Ann 



Sherin, daughter of Patrick and Mary Sherin. 
The first death was that of Mrs. White, mother of 
.John and Matthew Wliite. The first marriage 
was that of Peter Kleckner to Miss Young, sister 
of Michael Young. 

The first chairman of the town board was M. 
Reagan in 1858, but as no records of the town are 
in exi.stence, previous to 1865, the names oi the 
other officers are not known. The first officers on 
record are those of 1865, and are as follows : Peter 
Cleary, chairman; John Suel and Daniel Lawler, 
supervisors; Patrick Condon, town clerk; Thos. 
Berrisford, assessor; Patrick O'Connell, treasurer; 
Thos. Berrisford and Peter Sauser, justices of the 
peace. In the following year Peter Cleary was 
elected chairman, and held for the succeeding six 
years, when, in 1873, John Coleman was elected; 
Patrick Cassidy was elected in 1874, and has held 
the position ever since, including the present year. 

The first school in the town was taught at the 
residenca of Henry Reardou in the fall of 1857, 
Mrs. Reardon being the teacher. 

Divine worship was first held at the house of 
Cornelius Cleary, by Rev. Father Ravoux, the 
pioneer Catholic missionary priest. The St. Peter 
Catholic church was established in 1860 by Eev, 
A. Oster with about sixty members. The first 
regular priest was Rev. Father Fisher. The 
meetings were held at tliis time in a log house until 
in 1874 the present frame edifice was built at a cost 
of S5,000. Present priest, Rev. P. F. Glennan. 
There is a cemetery in connection with this church 
containing about ten acres, which were donated by 
the parishioners. 

The first post-ofiBce was located in the north- 
western quarter of section 31 and kept by Domi- 
nick McDermott. It was established in 1856 imder 
the name of New Dublin post-office. Afterwards 
it was removed to section 19, when its name was 
chcinged to Suel post-ofiice, John Suel being the 
postmaster. Present postmaster, P. Barbeau. 
Mr. Barbeau has been running a blacksmith shop 
in section 19 since the war. Population of Credit 
River, 383 by the last federal census. 

NEW MARKET. 

New Market townshij) includes all of township 
11.3, range 21. It is situated in the extreme south- 
eastern corner of Scott county, bordering Cedar 
Lake town on the east and Credit River on the 
south. The name of the town when organized 
was Jackson, but so remained only a short time. 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



345 



At tlie election held October 12, 1858, it was known 
as New Market. 

The first settlement in New Market was made by 
Patrick White and 'ndfe, in the spring of 1856, on 
section 5. In the following spring, Thos. Kniit- 
zen located in south-eastern quarter of section 20, 
where he remained four or five years, when he sold 
out and went to Dakota county. Ole Koland came 
in the same spring and located in center of section 
20. He remained but a few years, then went to 
Dakota county. Benjamin Adams came in spring 
of '57, and located in south-western quarter of 
7, where he remained about four years, when he 
left the county. Peter Meis who came the same 
spring, and located in south-western quarter of sec- 
tion 28, has since left the town. Among other 
early settlers, maybe mentioned the following who 
settled prior to the 1st of January, 1858: David 
Giles, C. D. Campbell, Lucian Perry, Theo. Eosen, 
Ole Oleson, John Mahowald, Frank Mahowald, 
John Stork, Peter Hoffelt and Martin Eischen. 

Mary Mies, daughter of Peter and Mary 0. 
Mies, was the first child born in New Market. 
She was born Ajwil 16, 1858, and is now living in 
Hastings. 

The first marriage was that of Anton Degrass, 
and Catharine Mahowald, April 12, 1858. 

The first person who died in the town was Mary 
Hofi'elt, May 24, 1858. She was buried in St. Paul. 

No records appear for the year 1858, of this 
town, and it is also true that it had no representa- 
tive in the first board of county commissioners. 
The records begin with 1859, and at the spring 
election held in that year, Benjamin H. Adams 
was elected chairman, Ole Olsen and Martin Eis- 
chen, supervisors; Lucian I. Perry, clerk; Martin 
Eischen, assessor ; John Mahowald, collector; 
Sereno D. Campbell, overseer of the poor; David 
Giles, justice of the peace; Lucian Perry, consta- 
ble; Patrick White and John Arene, overseers of 
road for districts 1 and 2. 

The first school-house built in the town was er- 
ected on the farm of Peter Wagoner ir^ 1?65. 
The town now has five school-houses, each a frame 
building with plain seats. 

The first religious meeting held in the town was 
at the house of Martin Eischen, April 1858. In 
1861 a CathoUc church was built on the farm of 
Peter J. Baits. This building was ijsed untU 
1873 when St. Nicolaus church was established 
near the site of the old one. The present clergv- 



man of this church is Kev. P. E. Kimmel. This is 
the only church in the town. 

New Market jjost-office, the first and only one 
in the town, was estabhshed in November, 1867' 
P. J. Baits was first postmaster. It was located 
in the north-west quarter of section 28, where it 
still remains, Mr. Baits continuing as postmaster. 
Near the post-office are two stores and hotels com- 
bined and one blacksmith shop. J. Baltes built 
his store and hotel in 1873. Size 20x36 feet, can 
accomodate ten guests. The other store and hotel 
was built by Geo. Harber in AprU, 18C5, and is 
run at present by Mr. Witts. The blacksmith 
shop was built by Mat. Hauer in 1876. It is 
20x44 feet and contains everything necessary to a 
first-class shop. Population of New Market town- 
ship is 955. 

Joseph Baltes, bom in 184G, is a native of Prus- 
sia, where he lived until 1855, then came with his 
parents to America. Resided in Kenosha county, 
Wisconsin, on a farm six years, when he removed 
to Scott county, Minnesota, and worked at fann- 
ing in New Market. Since 1873 he has been en- 
gaged in general mercantile and saloon business. 
Mr. Baltes occupies the office of town clerk. Prom 
1864 until the close of the war he served in the 
First Minnesota heavy artillery. In 1868 he mar- 
ried Mary Borst, who has borne him nine children, 
sis of whom are living. 

Peter J. Baits, a native of Prussia, was born in 
1830. He worked on a farm, and served three 
years in the King's brigade. In 1855 he came 
with his parents to the United States. Until 1860 
resided in Kenosha county, Wisconsin; at that 
date he moved to New Market and bought 160 
acres of land where he now resides. He has been 
postmas.ter fourteen years, justice of the peace six 
years, and town clerk four years; has also been 
chairman of the board of supervisors, county com- 
missioner, notary public and assessor. Anna M. 
Frinks became his wife in 1854. They have buried 
three of the nine children born to them. 

Mathew Hauer was born in 1854 in Germany, 
where he learned the blacksmith's trade, then 
came to America with his brothers. Stayed in 
Chicago about four months and removed from 
there to Iowa, where he worked at his trade three 
years. From Iowa he came to New Market and 
still resides here working at blacksmithing. Mr. 
Hauer married Eosa Segfeird in 1877. They are 
the parents of three childi-en, two of whom are 
living. 



:UG 



lllsrOKY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLKY. 



S. HofT, born in lft2'i. is a native of Germany, 
where he lived until 20 years of iige, then came to 
America. He resided in Kenosha county. Wiscon- 
sin, five years, employed in farming. In 1861 
came to Minnesota and bought the farm of 200 
acres, where he now lives. Mary Wenieh wi.s 
married to Mr. lIolT in 1855. They have lost one 
child and have nine living. 

William F. Witt was born in 1850 iu Pnissia. 
When 7 years of age he came to the United States; 
lived three years in Wisconsin, then removed to 
Brown county, Minnesota; shortly after went to 
Ken villa county and stayed two years; at the end 
of that time they were compelled to leave by hos- 
tile Indians, who murdered Mr. Witt's mother. 
They removed to Belle Phiine where his father 
now resides. In 1881 he engaged in mercantile 
and hotel business at New Market, is also a teacher 
in the school here. He married Antonette Brahy 
in 1880, and has one one child, Helena. 



CHAPTER LH. 



WAK BECORD OF SCOTT COUNTT. 

First Infantry, Company A. — Corporal — E. W. 
Freer, must. Aprl. 29, '61, trans to U. S. cav. Oct. 
23, G2. rrimles—Cx. B. Clark, must. May 17, '61, 
pro. Corp., re-en. in Ist Minn. Bat. Infy. ; C. F. 
Clark, must, May 28, '61, killed July 21, '61 in 
battle of Bull Run; L. F. Canfield, must. May 21, 
'61, trans, to U. S. cav., Oct. 23, '62; W. H. H. 
Dooley, must. Apr. 29, '61, pro. sergt., absent sick 
on dis. of regt.; J. 0. Farwell, must May 17, '61, 
re-en. pro. to Capt. Co. C. 1st Minn. Bat'n. Infy.; 
Stephen Lyons, must. Apr. 29, '68, pro. corp. 
3erg't., dist. with regt.; Harrison Lyons, must. 
May 25, '61, absent, sick on dis. of reg't.; Charles 
MuUer, must. Apr. 29, '61, dis. with reg't.; M. A. 
McLean, must. Miiy 27, '61, dis. with reg't.; Eli J. 
Palmer, must, Apr. 29, '61, dis. with reg't.; S. I. 
Pitkin, must. May 18, "61, dis. with reg't.; David 
.Schooley, must. May 21, '61, killed July 21, '61 
in battle at Bull Run ; Jose])h Theim, must. May 
27, '61, dis. with reg't; G. A. Wells, mu.st. May 18, 
'61, killed July 2, '63 in battle at Gettysburg. 

Company C — Privates — A. J. Barnes, must. May 
21, '61, dis. with reg't.; G. N. DuBois, must Apr. 
29, '61, dis. for disab'y. Aug, 13, 61.;C. H. Dora- 
thy, must. May 21, '61, dis. with reg't.; Nathan 
McMullan, must. May 21, '61, dis. per order Sept. 



3, '61; S. L. Miller, must. May 21, '61, died Nov. 
28, 26; W. L. Reynolds, must. May 21, '61, absent 
in continenicnt upon di.s. of reg't. O. B. Tirrell, 
must May 22, '61, pro. 1st Lieut. Co. A Ist Batt'n. 
Infy., dis. for disab'y. Dec. 14, '64. H. H'. Williams, 
must. May 21, '61, dis. for disab'y in Oct. '62. 
Jiivniit—O. I. Clark, must. Sept. 11, '61, wounded 
at Bidl Run, left on the field. 

Second Infantry, Company C. Drafted. — Henry 
Briiggeman, Must. Nov. 21, '64, dis. with reg't; 
John Moran, Must. May 28, '64, pro. corp. dis. per 
order, June 30, '65- 

Company E. Private. — Fourier Alexis, Must. 
July 5, '61, dis. on es. term, July 4, '64. JieeruiU. 
— Columbus Phillips, Must. Sep. 26, '61, dis on 
ex. of term, Sep. 2.5, '64; Samuel Bowler Must. 
Aug. '01, re-en. Jan. 25, '64, pro. com. Serg't dis. 
with reg't. 

Company F, Must. July 8, 1861. Sergeant. — 
R. M. Wright, dis. for disab'y June 25, '62. Cor- 
porals. — James Brenuan, dis. on ex. of term July 
7, '64.; H. H. Scott, dis. for disab'y Feb. 22, '62. 
Pritatci. — M. V. Atwood, dis. for disab'y June 18, 
'62. George Chadderdon, re-en. Dec. 23, '03, died 
in Jan. '64, at Nashville Tcnn. W. N. Chapman, 
re-en. Dec. 23, '63, pro. corp., and serg't dis. with 
reg't. Abrara Chadderdon, dis. on ex. of term, 
July 7, '04. Charles Force, re-en. Deo. 23, '63, 
pro. Corp., and serg't dis. with reg't. M. B. 
Mitchell, died Oct. 22, '62, at Jackson, Tenn. M. 
B. McLain, died May 22, '62, near Corinth, Miss. 
T. A. Tiernan, dis. on ex. of term, July 7, 04. 
Recruit — J. M. Schooley, must. Oct. 12, '61, re-en. 
Dec. 23, '63, dis. with reg't. Sabstitute- -C&rl 
Ludke, must. Nov. 19, '64, dis. with reg't. 

Company G — Privates — Julias Von Hyderstadt, 
mufit. July 8, '61, dis. on ex. of term, July 7, '64. 
liecruits — John Beckman, mvist. Sept. 13, '61, died 
April 11, '62, at Nashville, Tenn.; Peter Freyer- 
man, must. July 30, '61, w'd at Chickamanga, 
sup'd to be dead; Christian Ihme. must. Feb. 16, 
'64, died at JefTersonville, Ind., Oct. 24, '64. Os- 
wald Ihme, must. Feb. 16, '64, dis. with regt 
Charles Jung, must. Feb. '64, w'd at Jonesboro, 
dis. from hosp. in '65. Ernest Kulims, must. Sept. 
26, '61, re-en. Dec. 26, '63, pro. corp.. dis. with 
regt. Casiuin Karcher, roust. Oct. 1, '01, ren-n. 
Dec. 26, '63, dis. with regt. G. C. Rodell, must. 
Feb. 23, '64, pro. corp., dis. with regt. Nicholas 
Rujiert, must. Oct. 1, '61, jiro. corp.. died June 24, 
'64, of w"ds rec'd at Kenesaw Mt. Charles Scliir- 
mer, must. Sept 26, '01, pro. corp., dis. with regt 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



347 



Jonas Swensen, must. Oct. 4, '61, re-en. Dec. 26, 
'64, dis. with regt. John Wasclienberger, must. 
Sept. 26, '61, re-en. Dec. 26, '63, pro. oorp. aud 
serg't, dis. with regt. Drafted — Henry Brabeu- 
bender, must. July 25, '65, dis. with regt. John 
Unzen, must. Dec. 25, '64, dis. with regt. Joseph 
Unzeu, must. Nov. 25, '64, dis. with regt. Subsii- 
iuie — J. Pisbaok, must. Jan. 19, '65, dis. with regt. 

Company H — Privates — Thos. McDonald, must. 
July 15, '61, re-en. Dec. 21, '63, pro. corp., dis. 
with regt. Jiecmiis — B. F. Cole, must. Feb. 26, 
'64, dis. per order, June 12, '65. J. E. Cole, must. 
Feb. 26, '64, dis. per order May 20, '65. James 
Flanegan, must. Oct. 7, '61, re-en. Dec. 21, '63, pro. 
Corp. and sergt., dis. with regt. W. M. McCul- 
lum, must. Feb. 26, '64, died July 16, '64, at New 
Albany, Ind. Drafted — Samuel McPheters, must. 
Nov. 2, '64, died May 21, '65, at David's Island, 
N. Y. 

Company I — Becruiis — Sylvester Bush, must. 
Feb. 27, '64, pro. corp. dis. with reg't. Drafted — 
William Betts, must. Jan. 30, '65, dis. per order, 
July 18, '65. Patrick Cane, must. Nov. 13, '64, 
dis. with regt. Thomas Knott, must. Mar. 8, '65, 
dis. with reg't. Michael Maloney, must. June 6, 
'64, dis. with reg't. John Phelan, must. June 6, 
'64, dis. with reg't. Michael Sheaw, must. June 6, 
'64, died Oct. 17, '64, at Kome, Ga. Mathew 
White, must. -June 6, '64, dis. with reg't. Com- 
pany K — Privates — W. W. Ward, must. Sep. 26, 
'61, no record. Robert Marshall, must. Sep. 26, 
'61, died Aug. 25, '63 at Cowan Station, Tenn. 

Third Infantry, Company A — Privates — W. P. 
Lincoln, must. Oct. 10, '61, died in Dec, '62. W. 
J. Patteu, must. Oct. 9, '61, dis. for disab'y Mar. 
31, '63. J. H. Phillips, must. Oct. 9, '61, died 
June 15, '64 at Pine Bluff, Ark. Company E — 
Recniil — W. B. Day, must. Aug. 27, '64, dis. per 
order July 28, '65. 

Company I, mustered Nov. 6, 1861 — Corporal 
— ^Frederick Perkins, dis. on ex. ol tenn, Nov. 14, 
'64. Private — E. H. Garlington, dis. on ex. of term, 
Nov. 14, '64. 

Fourth Infantry. Company A, mustered Oc- 
tober 4, 1861. Sergennts—T':,. U. RusseU, pro, 2d 
Lt., 1st Lt. and Capt, res'd Dec. 20, '64. E. A. 
Tuckey, pro. 2d Lt. C. J. Sherwin, died June 10, 
'63 of w'ds. rco'd. Nov. 22, '62. Corporals— F. M. 
Ward, pro. sergt., re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis. for 
disab'y Nov. 10, '64. Z. B. Chatfield, pro. sergt., 
dis. to accept pro. in 12th Col. Inf. July 30, '63. 
Peter Chadderdon, dis. for disab'y. Nov. 15, 62. 



D. W. M'orking, dis. for disab'y Oct. 2, '62. H. 
H. Wise, dis. for disab'y. Nov. 22, '62. Musicians 
— George E. Sly, re-en Jan. 1, '64, dis. with regt. 
M. P. Clark, dis. for disab'y July 12, '62. Privates 
—J. H. Abbott, died July 12, "63. Philander 
Bihs, dis. for disab'y Oct. 5, '62. Mills Babcock, 
wounded, dis. Oct. 11, '64. Andrew Baldwin, dis. 
for disab'y. Oct. 30, '62. J. S. Chatfield, dis. for 
disab'y, Oct. 16, '62. Benjamin Covington, dis. 
on ex. of term, Oct. 11, '64. I. N. Dean, 
dis. on ex. of term. H. P. Edebum, died 
June 9, '62. O. E. Fix, dis. for disab'y Nov. 15, 
'62. Daniel Foster, dis. on ex. of term. P. W. 
Fix, pro. corp. and sergt., re-en Dec. 31, 63, dis, 
July 19, '65. D. B. Frazee, dis. for disab'y March 
1, '62. J. W. Frazee, dis. for disab'y Feb. 13, '63. 
Ai-msted Fielding, dis. for disab'y Aug. 19, '62. 
Patrick Gorham, died July 20, '63. James Hane, 
dis. for disab'y hx May 1863. G. W. Rogers, 
killed Oct. 5, '64. C. E. Smith, dis. for disab'y. 
Apr. 19, '64. Eli Southworth, dis. for disab'y 
Nov. 23, '64. Sidney Smith, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis. 
to enlist in reg. army. Charles Salesbury, dis. for 
disab'y. Aug. 31, '63. Francis Sherman, died in 
June '63. A. H. Smith, dis. for disab'y. Dec. 3, 
'62. Thomas Snail, pro. corp., killed by accidental 
dis of gun, Oct. 12, '62. John Tuckey, dis. for 
disab'y. Nov. 22, '62. John Van Buren, dis. on ex. 
of term, Oct. 11, '64. G. H. Wilson, deserted May 
13, '64. Clarkson Wisby, pro. corj)., re-en. Jan. 
1, '64, dis. July 17, '65. R. P. Wells, pro. corp. 
1st Lt. Capt. of Co. C. Jan. 7, '64, dis. with reg't. 
T. M. Young, pro. corp., com'd 2d Lt. (not must.), 
dis. July 19, '65. John Yoimg, killed in battle 
Oct. 5, '64 at Altoona, Ga. Recruits — ^W. D. Cook, 
must. Mar. 17, '62, dis. on ex. of term, Apr. 
21, '65. J. D. Casterlin, must. March 31, 
'62, dis. for disab'y in Feb., '63. John Casterlin, 
must. Apra 17, '62, dis. for disab'y Sept. 22, '62. 
T. S. Dooley, must. Aug. 24, '64, dis. per order. 
May 24, '65. Solemon Eiseuhour, must. April 1, 
'62, deserted Feb. 2, '63. L. H. Hawkins, must. 
March 27, '62, dis. per order, July 14, '65. Josiah 
Jones, must. March 22, '62, was assigned to comp., 
never joined. Charles Rogers, must. Feb. 2, '62, 
dis. on ex. of time, June 9, '65. Thomas Ringrose, 
must. Api-il 6, '62, dis., per order, April 21, "65. 
I. S. Russell, must. Aug. 22, '64, dis., per order, 
June 12, '65. 0. C. Squire, must. Feb. 7, '62, re- 
en. Feb. 16, '64, pro. corp., dis. by order. F. H. 
Shaw, must. Aug. 27, '64, dis., per order. May 29, 
'65. Frederick Workmg, must. April 6, '62, dis., 



318 



UfSTOIiY OF THE JIiyyEMTA .VALLEY. 



for disnb'v, Nov. 17. Com]>an_v B. Corporal — 
F. M. Beeille, imiat. Oct. 2, "0.1,111611 .\prU 25, '63. 
PriMtes—V. I. .\llgoiir,mu8t. Oct. 2, '61, dia. for dia- 
ali'y, Sopt. 12, 'G2. 6'M/<s«i'tu/<;— Joseph Blum, must. 
Mnrch 18, 'G.'j, dis. July 19, '65. Company C. 
Prirntes—'V! . B. Bandy, must. Oct. 7. '61, dis, for 
disiib'y, Nov. 17, '63. Suhstiluics — Jiimes Whip, 
must. Dec. 12, '64, dis. with reg't. i);vr/y«rf^John 
Linn, mvist. Juno 6, '64, dia. with reg't. L. J. 
Perry, must. June 6, '64, dis. with reg't. Com- 
pany D. Dniflt'd — Christian Klcnkart. must. June 
6, '64, dis. with reg't. James Linn, must. June 
14, '64, dis. with reg't. Company E. Second 
Lieuteiuint — Thomas B. Hunt, must. Nov. 27, '61, 
pro. First Lieut, and reg'l quartermaster, C:ii)tain 
and A. Q. M. in U. S. Army, AprQ 9, '63. Svhsli- 
lute — J. J. Dickinson, must. Dec. 19, '64, dis. 
with reg't. Drafted — J. S. Fredericks, must. 
Dec. 27, '64, dis. with reg't. David Gerald, 
must. Dec. 29, '64, dis. with reg't. • John 
Ir'^ftis, must. Nov. 24, '64, dis. with reg't. 
Ci>m]iany F — Suhitliliilfs — Henry .\rino, must. Dec. 
27, '(li, dis. witli reg't. John Si'harf, must. Dec. 
27, '61, dis. with reg't. Drafted — Matthias Ann<m, 
must. Dec. 28, '64, dis. with reg't. Matthias Ott, 
must. Dee. 28, '64, dis. with reg't. Charles Strunk. 
mu.st. Dec. 28, '64, dis. with reg't. Peter Thul, 
must. Dec. 28, '64, dis. with reg't. Company H, 
mustered Dec. 20, 1861 — Privates — William 
Buniham, dis. for disah'y, July 11, '62. Mason 
Ruliy, dis. f.)r disali'y, .\pr. 11, '63. Company I 
— Dniflfd — Peter Emracr, must. June 6, '64, 
dis. with reg't. Adam Geis, must. Jime 6, '64, 
dis. with reg't. Michael Mather, must. June 6, 
'64, dis. with reg't. Benedict Tiraar, must. June 6, 
'64, dis. with reg't. Company K — -Drnflcd — Henry 
Becknijui, must. Dee. 29. '64, dis. witli reg't. 

Fifth Infantry — Colonel — Rudolf Borgesrode, 
rasigned Aug. 31, '62. Company D, mustered 
March 15, 1862 — Prinitfs — E. A. Boessling, died 
Sep. 10, '63 at Camp Sherman, Miss. William 
Schultz, killed Sep. 15, '62, by Indians at Ft. Ab- 
ercorabie. Company E, mustered April 2, 1862 — 
Sergeant — George Van. Rie.sko, dis. for disab'y, 
July 11, '62. Wagoner — Nicolas Krae, dis. on 
ex. of term. Privates — Peter Barth, pro. corp. and 
serg't., re-en. Mar. 12, '64, dis. Aug. 30, '65. Her- 
man Baumliaer, dis. for disab'y Oct. 10, '62. 
Thoophile »a Frieu, pro. corp. and serg't, re-en 
Mar. 25, '65, dis. with reg't. Frederick Gerard, 
dis. for disab'y, Apr. 26, '63. Mat- 
tliias Heck, re-en. Mar. 12, '64, pro. corp. 



and serg't dis. with reg't. John Mueller, 
dis. for disab'y Mar. 16, '63. Louis Pres- 
cott, trans, to Co. K. May 1, '62, trans, to V. B.C. 
^ay 1, '64. John Schwanenitz, re-en. Feb. 28, 
'64, deserted while on vet. furloiigh in Minn. Aug. 
'64. Adolph Schmalz, re-en. Feb. 28, '64, dis. with 
rogt. J. H. Theis, pro. corp. and sergt., re-en. 
Mar. 25, '64, pro. Ist Lieut., dis. with regt. Wil- 
liam Vierling, dis. on ex. of terra. Joseph Weber, 
dis. for disab'y Nov. 7, '62. Christmas Pichette, 
re-en. Nov. 20, '64, pro. corp. Mar. 19, '65. lie- 
criiit — Henry Scharf, must. Aug. 31, '64, dis. 
with regt. 

Company L Mustered April 30, 1862. Pn- 
tates — Frank Bockinau. dis. on ex. of term, .\pril 
30, '65. Patrick Glynn, kUled May 28, '62, near 
Corinth, Miss. Jacob Pauli, pro. Corp., absent 
sick on dis. of regt. Henry Soner, died Jan. 24, 
'63, at Keokuk, Iowa. Matliias Simon, dis. for 
disab'y. Clemens Sohreiner, pro. corp. and sergt., 
dis. on ex. of term April 30, '65. Joseph Wei- 
bel, died OiC 14, '63, at Memphis, Tenn. Drafted 
— Henry Busch, must. Nov. 16, '64, dis. with regt. 
Christopher Richter, must. Nov. 16, '64, dis. with 
regt. Company E. Private — W. J. H. Foley, 
must. Jan. 18, '62, dis. for disab'y April 29, '63. 

Sixth Infantry. Company C. Mustered Oct. 
3, 1802. Corporal — Enos Jones, dis. for disab'y 
Nov. 12, '64. Private — August Shellenberger, 
died July 16, '64, at Helena, Ark. 

Eighth Infantry. Company F. Private — .Jolm 
Beck, must. Aug. 15, '02, died April 24, '63, at 
Fort Snelling, Mum. Company H— Privates — 
Stuart Ir\ine, must. Oct. 30, '62, dis. with regt. 
Peter Clark, must. Oct. 30, '62, died Mar. 27, '65, 
at Washington, D. C. Company I. Mustered 
Oct. 25, 1862. C(j;)tei7i— Henry L. Walter, dis. 
for disab'y Dec. 1, '62. First /.i>u/.— William L. 
Sylvis, pro. captain, dis. for disab'y Dec. 12, '64. 
Sergeants — A.. J. Dooley, pro. 2d lient., dis. jier 
order April 4, '65. T. C. Ellis, trans, to 3d :^Iinn. 
Bat'y May 1, '63. Charles Lambey, dis. for 
disab'y Jan. 14, '65. Jolm Small, di.s. with regt 
Carl Schulte, dis. per order May 24, '63. Corpo- 
rals -Frank AVood, dis. with regt. John Flamm, 
dis. with regt. C. E. Morrell, dis. with regt. J. 
J. Alieam, dia. with regt. A. G. McConnell, pro. 
serg't, dis. with regt. A. J. McCoy, dis. with regt. 
Peter Schneider, dis. with reg't. D. E. Ellis, dis. 
with reg't. .Uiisirians — E. A. Stone, dis. with 
reg't. Arthur Pearing, dis. with reg't. Wagoner 
— Ransom Norton, dis. with reg't Privates — W. 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



319 



V. Athey, pro. 1st serg't and 1st lieut., dis. with 
reg't. Albert Beer, pro. corp. and serg't, dis. with 
regt. L. H. Baker, pro. Corp., dis. with reg't. A. 
I. E i«, d!.s. with reg't. S. N. BHss, dis. with 
reg't. Frederick Blume, dis. with reg't. John 
Bruestle, dis. with reg't. G. W. Clark, dis. 
with reg't. John Collins, dis. wdth reg't. I. 
N. Dooley, dis. with reg't. H. H. Dean, dis. 
May 10, '65, for wd's rec'd at Murfreesboro. J. K. 
Davis, dis. with reg't. Francois Denoyer, dis. 
with reg't. S. P. Dooley, dis. with regt. 
Henry Dunwell, dis. with reg't. Lewis Fels, 
dis. per order, May 27, '65. Gustavus Erick- 
son, dis. reg't. Morris Eels, dis, with reg't. W. 
B. Ellis, dis. with reg't. Dudley Fearing, died 
Mar. 27, '63, at Ft. Kipley, Minn. D. H. Fear- 
ing, dis. with reg't. Kudolphus Fearing, dis. with 
reg't. Belthazer Guenther, dis. with reg't. Al- 
bert Hawkins, dis. for disab'y, Oct. 1, '63. Chris- 
tian Haas, dis. for disab'y, Mar. 19, '63. John 
Hall, dis. for disab'y, Mar. 27, '63. Peter Henry, 
dis. with reg't. Joseph Hartland, dis. with reg't. 
Kudolf Habbeger, dis. with reg't. G. W. Johnson, 
died Sept. 25, '64, at Ft. Rice, D. Ty. W. H. 
Johnson, dis. with reg't. Frederick Kaiser, dis, 
in hosp. in '65. Thomas Kennedy, dis. for disab'y 
June 16, '63. William Krummery, dis. for disab'y 
Feb. 13, '65. James Kane, pro. corp. dis. with 
reg't. Eobert Lewis, dis. with reg't. Frederick 
Meuseng, dis. with reg't. G. B. McNelly, dis. 
with reg't. J. N. Meacham, died Feb. 16, '65. 
At Murfreesboro, Tenn. August Pisback, dis. for 
disab'y, Mar. 19, '63. Franz Pitheon, dis. with 
reg't. Eudolt Peters, dis. f(.)r disab'y Jan. 15, '63. 
Thomas Quinn, dis. with reg't. Thomas Eowe, 
died Oct. 3, '64, at Intapah river, Minn. Frank 
Boiler, dis. per order June 2, '65. Jacob Schwing- 
ler, trans, to 3d Minn. Batt'y May 1, '63, pro. 
corp. dis. per order July 24, '65. L. L. Smith, 
dis. with reg't. Bernard Stradtootter, dis. with 
reg't. Franz Sehimp, trans, to 3d Minn. Batt'v 
May 1, '63, dis. per order July 24, "65. .John 
Smith, pro. corp. dis. with reg't. Eiohard Scharf, 
dis. with reg't. Joseph Smith, dis. with reg't. 
John Schleicher, dis. for disab'y June 5, '65. L. 
E. Tauf, died Dec. 12, '64, of -wd's rec'd 
at Murfreesboro. WiLhelm Thomas, dis. for 
disab'y, Apr. 11, '63. Joseph Tamplin, 
dis. with reg't. Joseph Walif, dis. with reg't. 
Andrew Young, dis. for disab'y March 25, '64. 
Sylvester Yates, dis. with reg't. Recruits — Charles 
Beer, must. Mar. 1, '64, dis. with reg't. Joseph 



Delany, must, Mar. 1, '64, killed Sept. 2, '64 in 
battle with Indians west of the Mo. river. Joseph 
Habbeger, must. July 3, '63, dis with reg't. 

Ninth Infantry, Company I, mustered October 
12, 1862: C«;;tat/i— Horace B. Strait, pro. major 
Oct. 1, '64, dis. with reg't. First Lieutenant — 
Joseph R. Ashley, dis. for disab'y Dec. 27, '64. 
Sergeants — W. F. Weiser, dis with reg't. George 
Porter, dis. for disab'y May 25, '64. B. M. Record, 
dis. for disab'y Dec. 1, '63. George W. Sutton, 
dis. for disab'y May 12, '63. C. F. McDonald, dis. 
with reg't. Corporals — Josiah Cooper, pro. serg't, 
dis. with reg't. W. T. Swanwick, pro. serg't 
quartermaster. James Ferrier, dis. for disab'y Feb. 
20, '64. M. B. Apgar, dis. for disab'y Feb. 26, 
65. G. F. Lyons, pro. serg't, dis. for disab'y 
Apr. 1, '65. J. B. Pierce, died May 5, '65, at 
Montgomery, Ala. Harrison Allen, dis. for pro. 
Feb. 21, '65. Lawrence Van Bureu, dis. for 
disab'y Sept. 23, '64. Wagoner — George Barclay, 
dis. with reg't. -Privates — J. H. Abbott, pro. 
corp. and serg't, dist. with reg't. Elisha Bat- 
tin, dis. for disab'y Sept. 18, "62. Peter Brown, 
dis. with reg't. Joseph Brown, dis. with reg't. 
Henrick Beis, dis. for disab'y, Nov. 16, '62. John 
Brown, killed Dec. 16, '64, in battle of Nashville. 
A. S. Berry, dis. for disab'y May 12, '62. Peter 
Brine, dis. with reg't. S. D. Campbell, dis. with 
regt. A. T. Cogswell, dis. tor disab'y Mar. 28, 
'63. C. H. Clarke, dis. with reg't. W. D. Cole, 
dis. tor disab'y Jan. 15, '64. Frederick Cords, dis. 
with reg't. Eobert Chisholm, dis. with reg't. H. 
S. Davis, dis. for disab'y April 18, '64. Loyd Dil- 
lon, deserted Feb. 10, '64, while on furlough. .J. 
S. Du Bois, trans, to navy May 13, '64. Steiihen 
Demers, died Jan. 4, '65, of w'ds rec'd in battle of 
Nashville, Tenn. Joseph Demers, pro. corp., dis. 
with reg't. W. I. Dean, pro. corp., dis. with reg't. 
John Finch, dis. for disab'y Feb. 7, '63. F. F. 
Field, dis. with reg't. Frederick Fredericks, dis. 
with reg't. Thomas Ferrier, dis. with reg't. 
Charles Gelhage, dis. with regt. Francis Gel- 
hage, died Feb. 26, '63, at Ft. Eidgely, Minn. 
Elijah Gross, dis. with reg't. Moses Greenleaf, 
pro. com. serg't and 1st lieut., dis. with reg't. 
John Guller, pro. corp., dis. with reg't. Foster 
GifforJ, dis. with reg't. W. T. Henry, died Feb. 
13, '65, of w'ds rec'd at battle of Nashville, Tenn. 
Matthias Jost, dis. with reg't. S. H. Jay, pro. 
cor])., dis. with reg't. Ludwiz Jung, died Aug. 
18, '64, in AndersonvUle prison. P. AV. Kennedy, 
dis. tor disab'y Jan. 20, '65. Nathaniel Kline, dis- 



300 



UISTOltY OF TUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



chiirijoa for ilisnb'y Miiy 27, '64. G. W. Kearny, 
died April 19, 'C5, at Vit-ksljiirg, IMiss. W. A. 
Kinghom, died Sept. 6, '64, nt Memphis, Tenn. 
Georgo KingUoni, pro. corp., dis. with reg't. J. 
JI. Kerlinger, pro. corp. nnd sorg't, dis. with rog't. 
Boruiird Ldgan, dis. for disab'y Jan. 21, 
'63. Nicholas Lenuan, captured at Briee Cross 
Eoads, June 10, '64. John Milam, dis. with 
reg't. Josiah Martin, dis. with reg't. Fred- 
erick Morrill, pro. corp. dis. per order, July 15, 'G5. 
L. M. Maxfield, dis. for disab'y, IMar. 28, '63. John 
O'Connor, dis. with reg't. Jacob Prammger, dis. 
for disab'y July 14, '64. Felix Eeiner, dis. for 
disab'y Apr. 18, '64. Matthew Eonan, dis. with 
reg't. J. C. Record, dis. for disab'y Jan. 16, '63, 
John Eutledge, dis. per order, June 16, '65. 
Thomas Ryan, dis. for disab'y Apr. 11, '65. J. 
B. Savage, dis with reg't. Mattice Sherrer, dis. 
per order Aug. 1, '65. O. A. Stubbs, dis. with 
reg't. D. C, Sycks, dis. with reg't, J. H. Skin- 
ner, dis. for disab'y. May 12, '63. Lewis Schulz, 
pro. corp. dis. with reg't. S. W. Sycks, dis. 
with reg't. Samuel AVhips, dis. for dis- 
ab'y Aug. 30, '63. S. S. Wliips, dis. for dis- 
ab'y Mar. 31, '64. J. A. "tt'ilder, dis. for disab'y 
June 16, '64. i;eo?-M(7«— Sylvester Couklin, must. 
Feb. 1, '64, died July 27, '64 in Andersonville 
prison. Oliver Hercher, ir.ust. Aug. 23, '64, dis. 
per order, June 16, '65. W. F. Hatch, must. Deo. 
22, '63, died Sep. 12, '64, in Andersonville prison. 
James Isenliour, must. Feb. 23, '04, died Aug. 1, 
'64, in Andersonville prison. Thomas Kennedy, 
must. Feb. 23, '64, killed Deo. 15, '64 in battle of 
Nashville, Tenn. F. T. May, must. Aug. 23, '64, 
dis. with reg't. Dennis O'Laughlin, must. Aug. 
30, '(54, died Dec. 29, '65, of wd's rec'd at battle 
of NashWUe, Tenn, Jolm Ryan, must. Apr. 13, 
'64, captured June 10, '64, dis. with reg't. L. F. 
Sycks, must. Nov. 21, '64, di8. with reg't. John 
Sycks, must. Mar. 8, '64, dis. for disab'y Feb. 3, 
'65. R. S. Smiley, must. Jan. 4, '64, dis. for dis- 
ab'y June 27, '65. Edward Stumpfield, must. 
Fel). 29, '64, dis. for disab'y June 27, '65. J. S. 
Weiser, must. Sep. 3, '64, dis. for disab'y, June 27, 
'65. John Milam, must. July 27, '63, dis. for dis- 
ab'y June 27, 05. Henry Zarn, must. Feb. 29, 
'64, killed June 10, '64, at battle of Brice Cross 
Boads. 

Tenth Infantry, Company K, Mustered Oc- 
tober 31, 1862. i/usjc("an— Patrick McCloud, dis. 
with reg't. Pritaki — James Monahan, deserted 
Nov. 10, '62, at St. Peter, Minn. James McKeon, 



dis. with reg't James McCoy, dis. per order Jan. 
10, '6.-). 

Eleventh Infantry, Company B — PrivaU — John 
Lyon, miLst. Aug. 17, '64, dis. with reg't. Com- 
pany D: Corporal — L. M. Maxfield, must. Aug. 
17, '64, dis. with reg't. i>(f<//«— William Gross, 
must. Aug. 16, '64, dis. with reg't. 

First Battaliou Infantry, Comjjany A. Gajitain 
— James C. Farwell, must. May 5, '04, dis. per 
order Sept. 25, '04. First IJcutennnl — Chesley B. 
Tirrell, must. May 12, '64, dis. for w'ds Dec. 15, 
'64. Corporal— G. B. Clark, must. Mar. 24, '64, 
vet. vol. pro. serg't, dis. with bat'n. Pricatc — 
George Rosemeyer, must. Aug, 22, '62, trans, to 
V. R. C. Sept. 22, '64. 

Fij-st Heavy Artillery, Company A, Private — 
Frederick Blume, must. Sept. 20, '64, dis. with 
conip. Stephen Barnett, must. Sept. 20, '64, dis. 
with comp. Garhard Bemdgen, must. Sept. 21, 
'64, pro. Corp., dist with corap. Conrad Bristler, 
must. Sept. 21, '64, died May 10, '65, at Chatta- 
nooga, Tenn. Peter Breck, must. Sept, 27, '64, 
dis. with comp. C. J. Case, must. Sept. 19, '64, 
dis. jjer order Jime 27, '65. Adolph Engel, must. 
Sept. 20, '64, dis. Aug. 5, '65, absent. Peter Hart- 
man, must. Sept. 20, '64, dist with comp. Frank 
Kramer, must. Sept. 19, '64, dis. with comp. 
John Lanigan, must. Sept. 22, '64, dis. 
with comp. Andrew Mislem, must. Sept. 20, 
'64, dis. with comp. Neal McCall, must. Sept. 23, 
'04, dis. with comp. "W. F. Rose, must. Sept. 13, 
'04, pro. Serg't, dis. with comp. John Strong, 
must. Sept. 20, '04, dis. with comp. Peter Theis, 
must. Sept. 20, '64, dis. with comp. Company B. 
Privates — Patrick Cooley, must. Sept. 25, "04, dis. 
with comp. Henry Smith, must. Sept. 14, '64, 
dis. with comp. August Splittstoesser, must. Sept. 
23, '64, dis. with comp. Jolinban Keklay, must. 
Sept. 28, '64, dis. with comp. Company D. Pri- 
vntc — Joseph Baltes, (substitTite"), must. Nov. 2, 
'64, dis. with comp. First Molmted Rangers. 
Surgeon— 3o\\n S. Weiser, must. Oct. 21, '62, killed 
July 24, '63, at battle of Big Mound, D. T. 
Company K. Private — George Rnde, must. Nov. 
17, '62, dis. with comp. Company M. Q. M. 
Sergear.t—J. B. Sly, must. Feb. 18, '65, pro. 2d 
Lieu't, dis. with comp. Prirates — J. R. Augier, 
must. Feb. 18, '65, dis: witli comp. George Bos- 
Bout, must. Feb. 18, '65, dis. in hosp. in '65. F. 
H. Crapeau, must. Feb. 7, '65, dis. with comp. 
' Adolph Lafeber, must. Feb. 15, "65, dis. Sept. 1, 
I '65. Luther LaBlant, must. Feb. 18, '65, dis. with 



SCOTT COUNTY. 



351 



I omp. Le'nie Pigeon, must. Feb. 18, '65, dis. 
■with comj). 

Brackett's Battalion Cavalry'. Comjiany A. 
ScrgadU — John G. Jauicke, must. Sept. 16, '61, 
di.5. lor disab'y Jan. 28, '63. Privates — John Bad- 
tendorf, must. Oct. 4, '61, dis. on ex. of term Oct. 
4, '64. Jiecruits — E. M. Couch, must. Mar. 19, 
'04, dis. for disab'y July 30, '65. J. E. McNelly, 
must. Mar. 23, '65, veteran, dis. for disab'y May 
2J, '63. Company B. Mustured Nov. 1, 1861. 
Sergeants — E. H. Eose, pro. 2d lieut. major of 2d 
Mmu. Cav. Jan. 5, '64, dis. April 2, '66. David 
Musser, trans, to N. 0. S. Jan. 1, '62, re-en. Jan. 1, 
'64. Blacksmith — Stephen Sterner, dis. on ex. of 
term Nov. 27, '64. Frioates — George Doings, 
trans, to marine service Mar. 8, '63. S. M. Doo- 
little, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis. with comp. J. E. 
Friend, dis. for disab'y Oct. 4, '62. H. C. Keith, 
died May 28, '62, in hosp. at Mound City, lU. 
Thomas Steins, dis. for disab'y Nov. 8, '61. lie- 
criw'i^Mahlen McParlan, must. Mar. 31, '64, dis. 
for disab'y Dec. 17, '64. Company C. Frioaies 
W. W. Dorward, must. Nov. 1, '61, re-en. Dec. 
31, '63, dis. with comp. Florence Garen, must. 
Nov. 1, '61, re-en. Dec. 31, '63, dis. per order. J. 
W. Knowlton, must. Nov. 1, '61, re-en. Dec. 31, 
'63, pro. serg't, dis. with comp. John Kaiu, must. 
Nov. 4, '61, re-en. Dec. 31, '63, pro. serg't, dis. 
with comp. Frederick McCarty, must. Nov. 4, '61, 
re-en. Dec. 31, '63, pro. serg't, dis. with comjj. 
William Norton, must. Nov. 4, '61, re-en. Dec. 31, 
'63, dis. with comp. Ole Oleson, must. Nov. 7, 
'61, dis. for disab'y May 8, '62. Charles Siernon, 
must. Nov. 11, '61, dis. on ex. of term Dec, 19, '64. 
E. H. Walter, must. Dec. 12, '61, re-en. Dec. 31, 
'63, dis. lor disab'y. lien-uits — D. H. Coates, 
must. April 1, '64, dis. with comp. E. C. Foss, 
must. Mar. 1, '64, dis. with comp. Nelson Han- 
son, must. Mar. 1, '64, dis. with comp. William 
Jay, must. Mar. 1, '64, dis. with comp. Charles 
McDufi'ee, must. Max. 1, '64, dis. for disab'y Nov. 
18, '65. John McConnell, must. Mar. 9, '64, dis. 
with comp. Nelson Niskern, must. Mar. 1, '64, 
dis. per order May 16, '65. 

Second Cavalry. Company A. Private — Jacob 
Youngs, must. Dec. 5. '63, deserted Dec. 5, '65, from 
Ft. Wadsworth. Company E. Private — W. D. 
L. F. Gunn, must. Deo. 31, '63, dis with comp. 
Company G, Mustered January 4, 1864. Cur- 
pvral — Oscar Hanft, die. with comp. Musieian — ■ 
Melchior Kkschutte, dis. with comp. Privates — 
Clemens Meyer, dis. with comp. John Muuter, 



dis. with comp. Company L, Mustered January 
4, 1864. First Lieut.— Frunk McGrade, dis. with 
C(jmp. Sergeant — A. G. Petrie, dis. per order, Sept. 
22, '65. Corporal — WiUiam Meyer, dis. for disab'y 
Nov. 1, '64. . Privates — Albert Bichoff, dis. -^vith 
comp. F. C. Doritz, dis. with comp. J.J.Dough- 
erty, pro. Corp., dis. with comp. James Dunn, 
dis. with comp. James Dunn, dis. per order, June 
2, '64. Paul Everling, dis. with comp. Armsted 
Fielding, dis. with comp. F. W. Fredericks, dis. 
for disab'y, Nov. 18, '65. Jacob Fais, pro. corp., 
dis. with comp. WiUiam Groshup, dis. with comp. 
H. H. Hawkins, dis. with comp. A. S. Marshall, 
dis. with comp. John Moriarty, dis. mth comp. 
Frederick Pottsmitb, dis. with comp. John Shen, 
dis. with comp. Peter Smith, dis. with comp. J. 
C. Setzer, dis. with comp. William Thomas, dis. 
with comp. Joachim Unze, dis. comp. Jiecruits 
— J. M. Goas, must. Mar. 3, '64, dis. with comp. 
Hugh Hoy, must. Feb. 24, '65, dis. on ex. of term, 
Feb. 23, '66. Company M, mustered Jan. 5, 1864 
— Privates — John Brooks, dis. with comj). Lewis 
Dougal, dis. with comp. Oscar Fadden, deserted 
Oct. 4, '65, at Ft. Snellmg, Minn. 

Independant Battalion Cavalry, Company A, 
Saddler — Dennis Shorelin, must. July 25, '63, dis. 
with comp. Company B. Private — J. D. Barnes, 
must. Aug. 10, '63. vet. dis. with comp. Recruits — 
Alfred Sturtavant, must. Feb. 27,'64, dis. per order, 
May 7,'66- Madison McCoUum, must. Mar. 9, '64, 
dis. with comp. W. B. McDonald, must. Mar. 15,' 64 
dis. with comp. Jasper McCuUan, must. Apr. 1,'64, 
dis. with comp. Comjaany C. Recruits— 3. 0. 
Lawbridge, must. Mar. 2, '64, dis. with comp. ^ 
James Eeynolds, must. Mar. 2, '64, dis. withcomj)- 
John Foggerty, must. Mar. 22, '64, dis. for disab'y 
July 3, '65. Edward Carling, must. Mar. 28, '64, 
dis. with comp. Peter BIcKernan, must. Mar. 28> 
'64, dis. per order. Mar. 22, '66. Company D, 
Mustered, November 10, 1863. Privates — Michael 
Boland, dis. with comp. William Brumb, dis. with 
comp. Alvin Case, dis. with comp. Recruit — 
Peter Lynch, must. Apr. 19, '64, dis. with comp. 



352 



UISTUliY OF THE MlSMiHOTA VALLEY. 



CARVER COUNTY. 



CHAPTER Lin. 

OIUIANIZATION BOUNDARIES TOWNS NAMED— 

COUNTY BULLDINOS. 

By act of the territorial legislature February 
20, 1855, many counties, among which was Car- 
ver, were organized. Section 14 applying to Car- 
ver county, reails: "Tliat so much territory ns is 
embraced in the following boundaries be, and is 
hereby established as the county of Carver: begin- 
ning at the centre of the main channel of the Mui- 
ucsota river,wherc the township lino between ranges 
'24, and 25 crosses said river; thence north along 
said line to the centre, north and south, of town- 
ship 114; thence west along the section line to the 
township line between ranges 25 and 26: thence 
north along said line to the township line between 
townships 114 and 115 north, thence west on said 
line thirty miles to township line between ranges 
30 and 31 west; thence north eighteen miles to 
the township line between 117 and 118 north; 
thence east on said line thirty-six miles to the 
township line between ranges 24 and 25 west of 
the fifth meridian: thence south six miles on said 
line to the township line between townships 116 
and 117 north; thence east on said line twelve 
miles to the township line between ranges 22 and 
23 west; thence south on said line to the centre of 
the Minnesota river; thence up the centre of the 
chimnel of said river to the place of beginning." 

By an act of March 3, 1855, it was declared an 
organized county with all and singular the rights, 
privileges and immunities to which all organized 
counties are entitled, and the county seat thereof 
established and located at San Francisco; that at 
the next general election it shall be competent for 
the legal voters of said county to elect all the of- 
ficers to which said coimty may be entitled, who 
shall quaUfy and enter upon their respective duties 
iks required by law, and until said officers are 
elected and <|ualified, said county is hereby at- 
tached to the county of Heimepin for juilicial pur- 
poses; that there shall be held in said county of 
Carver at least one term of the district court at 
such time as the district judge may designate un- 
til t>therwise fixed by law. The legislature also 
authorized the county commissioneiu to order a 
election at which the location of the county seat 
shoiUd bo decided by vote. 



Although the boundaries as given exceed the 
present limits of the coiuity, the accepted boim- 
daries in 1855 were the same as those now organ- 
ized. 

By the act of March 1, 1850, establishing Mc- 
Leod county tlie present boundaries were fixed; 
except that by the act of May 23, 1857, describ- 
ing the corporate limits of Shakopeo, that part of 
section 1, in township 115, north of range 23 
west, lying north of the river, was detached from 
Carver county and attached to Scott ; except, also, 
that lot 1, of section 31, township 115, range 24, is 
recorded in Carver county. 

Tlu' surface of the county — A contintious line of 
low lilnfTs extends along the river about half a 
mile from its banks, leaving a narrow area of lower 
land between, back of these the surface is undu- 
lating and can almost be called hilly. The uneven 
character of the surface becomes less and less 
marked as we go west from the river, being only 
slightly undulating in Watertown, Waconia, Ben- 
ton, and Hancock, and nearly le%-el in the towns 
of niuge 20. This is one of the "big woods" coun- 
ties, and was originally covered with the hard 
woods belonging to this area, and was for tliis 
reason converted into farms with difficulty. The 
soil a'ong the river is lighter and more inclined to 
sand and gravel than that further back. The bulk 
of the land has a clay subsoil covered with deep, 
black loam. It holds moisture so as to be a j)ro- 
tection against protracted drouth and at the same 
time produces many extensive marshes. For the 
same cause lakes abound, frequently with marshy 
shores, but some have beautiful gravel beaches. 
Of these Waconia, or Clear Water lake is the 
largest and one of the most beautiful lakes in the 
state. Numerous small creeks flow into these 
lakes. South Fork of the Crow river in the north 
is the largest stream in the county. 

The officers of the county appointed by gover- 
nor Gorman to hold jxasitions until their succes- 
sors shouW bo elected and qualified were: John 
Koch, William Foster and John .Allen, county 
commissioners; Tlrira;:s B. Hunt, register of deeds; 
Levi H. Griffin, sheriH". Koch and Griffin are now 
living and are honored citizens of the county. 
Mr. Hunt was colonel in the United States army 
during the late war, and now holds a lucrative po- 
sition under the government. Foster moved to 
California. John Allen lives in Wright county, of 
this state. 

The first election in the toiuity was held in the 



CARVER COUNTY. 



353 



fall of 1855 at the house of A. Cleveland, in what 
is now Ghanhassen. Officers elected: Frederick 
Greiuer, Henry E. Wolfe and Niram Abbott, com- 
missioners. Mr. Greiner was chosen chairman. 
At their first meeting, January 7, 1856, Charles 
Luedloff was appointed in place of Niram Abbott, 
deceased, according to an act of the preceding 
legislature for filling vacancies. June 26th, 
Barrett S. Judd was appointed in place of Charles 
Luedlolf, ineligible by the law that two commis- 
sioners could not be elected from the same pre- 
cinct.. Ezekial Ellsworth, sheriff and collector; 
Gustave Krayeubuhl, treasurer; Henry Eschley, 
register of deeds; John Lyon, clerk and J. A. 
Sargent, county attorney, were appointed at first 
meeting of the board of commissioners. 

Eschley not qualifying, at the second meeting 
of the board, January 21, 1856, T. B. Smith, of 
Chaska, was appointed register of deeds, who also 
acted as auditor, as none was elected at that time. 
Krayenbuhl stated that he could not collect 
enough money the first year to pay the state tax. 
At a meeting of the board of commissioners held 
at San Francisco, March 3, 1856, the county was 
divided into five election preciucts : Ghanhassen, 
Ghaska, San Francisco, Benton and Jefferson. 
Three assessment precincts were formed: first, 
composed of the election precincts of Ghanhassen 
and Jefferson; second, of Chaska and Benton pre- 
cincts, third, San Francisco preoinct. First asses- 
sors: first district, George M. Powers; second 
district, Jacob Beihoffer; third district. Axel Jor- 
genson; Joseph Kessler, coroner; T. B. Hunt, 
clerk of the court, appointed; Jacob Ebenger, 
judge of probate; F. Hecklin, county surveyer, J. 
A. Sargent, county attorney, appointed April 8, 
1856, upon petition by the board. 

January 7, 1856, voted that the treasurer and 
register of deeds may hold their offices at Chaska 
until further orders, as suitable buildings cannot 
be had at the county seat, then San Francisco. 

The election of October 14, 1856, was fix«d upon 
by the commissioners for decidmg the location of 
the county seat according to authority delegated 
to them in the organic act, and an exciting time 
ensued. San Francisco, Carver and Ghaska as- 
pired to the honor. Out of 525 votes east, Ghaska 
received 303 and became the county seat of Carver 
county, which honor it still maintains. Officers: 
J. M. Troll, representative; he was thus the first 
representative of the county to the state legisla- 
ture after the erection of the state government in 

23 



1858; Robert Miller, commissioner; Frederick 
Greiner, register of deeds, though he did not 
qualify; J. O. Brunius, treasurer, who soon re- 
signed; J. A. Sargent, attorney. The number of 
the votes as appeared from the poll list was 458 
for the entire county. 

Carver county belonged to the eleventh council 
district, and at the election held October 14, 1856, 
J. B. Bassatt, of Minneapolis, was elected council- 
man, receiving 471 votes out of the total number, 
532, cast in this county. 

The assessor's report, June 28, 1856, gives the 
following valuation: Personal property, $66,674; 
real estate, $94,480; total for the county, $161,154. 

To meet the expenses of the county, including 
territorial bills of the previous year, schools; etc., 
2J per cent, on the reduced valuation, $153,663.10, 
was voted, amounting to $3,457.31, which was the 
first tax in the coimty. 

Besides the business mentioned, the commis- 
sioners first elected laid out new roads to an m- 
definite extent, established school districts and di- 
rected their energies to such enterprises as would 
facilitate the settlement of the county. 

Johnson Foster was the first justice for San 
Francisco precinct, appointed by the board to hold 
office until the following election, said election to 
be held at the store of Foster & Davis, town site of 
San Francisco. Elections for the other precincts 
were held: Ghaska, at the store of T. B. Smith; 
Ghanhassen, at the school-house of Ghanhassen 
school-district; Benton, at the house of Robert 
Miller; Jefferson, at the house of Christian Schil- 
ling. These elections were ordered by the board. 

The board of supervi jis of the county under 
the system of township organization met first, Sep- 
tember 14, 1858, at Ghaska. Present, H. B. 
Taylor, Camden; E. F. Lewis, Watertown; R. M. 
Kennedy, Farmington; Frederick Greiner, Chaska; 
John Groetsch, St. Valentine; Frank A. Eentz, 
Ghanhassen; Robert Miller, Benton; Marvin White, 
San Francisco; J. S. Letford, Carver; H. Greving, 
Waconia; R. M. Kennedy was chosen chairman. 

June 5, 1860, the system of county representa- 
tion by towns having been changed by act of leg- 
islation to that of districts, the county was divided 
into five commissioners districts. By an act of 
legislation in 1875, the system was changed to 
four districts and a chairman elected iu the coimty 
at large. 

It is a noteworthy fact in the history of this 
county that many of the same names given in the 



354 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLET. 



list of first county oflBcers recur in the roster year 
after year. By years of faithful service they have 
ideutilled thenisolves with the interests ot the 
county. Frederick Grcinor was elected county 
commissioner at the fii'st election; is now register 
of deeds; G. Krayeubuhl who was first treasurer ot 
the county is now clerk of the court and deputy 
auditor; J. A. Sargent who was appointed first 
coimty attorney is now judge of probate. 

In the fall ot 1857, T. B. Smith was elected to 
represent the county in the constitutional conven- 
tion held at St. Paul. Dr. E. Bray and Ernst 
Heyd were elected to first legislature under the 
state constitution. 

We quote from J. A. Sargent's account in the 
files of tlie Weekly Valley Herald a trial held in 
the second term of court December, 1857, before 
Judge Charles E. Flandrau, successor of Judge 
Chatfield. "It was at the fall term ot the district 
court that the somewhat celebrated case — The 
Chaska Company against Nicholas Lang — ^was 
tried by jury. It became celebrated not for the 
amount in controversy, but for the style and word- 
ing of the verdict of the jury. This was so unique 
and original that some wag caused it to be pub- 
lished in Harper's Monthly. The Chaska com- 
pany commenced an action in replevin to recover 
possession of a small building, or house, which, it 
was alleged, of right belonged to the company and 
had been hauled away by defendant. Lang 
denied that he had unlawfully removed it, and the 
ownership claimed by the company and demanded 
a jury to protect his rights. The rich Chaska 
company was represented by Hon. L. M. Brown, 
one ot the most distinguished attorneys of the 
Minnesota valley and poor Lang by J. M. Hol- 
land, Esq. After a long and tedious trial the case 
was given to the jury after an able charge by 
Judge Flandrau. The jury retired and after a 
short time brought into court a verdict in sub- 
stance as follows : ' The verdict ot the jury is that 
Nicholas Lang had a right to move the building 
wherever he d — tl pleased.' Court then adjourned." 
The foreman ot this jury was Charles Sorenson. 

The canal project ot the Shaska company was 
the boldest speculation of that audacious company 
and although it never went any further than a sur- 
vey, it is worthy of mention. The purpose was to 
connect the village ot St. Valentine at Smithtown 
bay, Lake Minnetonka, with Chaska by a canal, 
not for purj)oses of transportation but to make an 
outlet for the lake to the Minnesota river, and uti- 



lize the fall of water obtained for mill pnrpf)se8. 
Hon. Edward Rice, Albert Fuller and others were 
owners by purchase of the town site, St. Val- 
entine, which they sold to the Shaska company 
for S13,00U to be paid in stock ot that company. 
The survey was commenced in December, 1850, 
and ended February, 1857, under the charge ot 
Bookee, engineer, and Seller, assistant, with the 
ro(iuisitc helpers. The survey showed Minnetonka 
lake 126 feet higher than the Minnesota river at 
Chaska and the length ot the proposed canal six 
and three-fourth miles. The Chaska, Minnetonka 
& Liverpool canal was the modest name assumed. 

Carver County Homoepathic society was organ- 
ized February 25, 1869, for sanitary purposes 
with the following officers: Joseph Weinmann, 
president; Frederick Henning, secretary; Edward 
Beusse, treasurer. At organization there were 
fifty-nine members; the present members number 
about eighty. The meetings are generally held 
at Benton village, it being about the center of the 
county; they are held the second Sunday in every 
second month, beginning with February. Present 
oflBcers: Casper Kronschnabel, president; Julius 
SchwarzkoflT, secretary; Harry Heinen, treasurer. 

Carver County German Agricultural society was 
organized March 25, 1856 with about twenty-five 
members and the following officers: Herrmann 
Miller, president; Charles Luedloif, secretary; 
Hermann Sohmids, treasurer. The membership 
increased rapidly until the war and other causes 
greatly retarded its impetus, from the effect of 
which it never recovered. Present membership 
numbers fifteen. Meetings are held at the Dahl- 
gfen post-office, quarterly. Present officers, Wil- 
liam Thessm;m, president; Charles Luedloff, vice- 
president; Herrmann Miller, secretary; John Lor- 
feld, treasurer. 

Carver county poor farm was established in 
1868. It was situated on sections 8 and 17, Dal)l- 
gren, and contained 200 acres. The buildings 
erected by the county were cheap frame buildings. 
Gerhard Douhs was the superintendent during its 
existence. General 'dissatisfaction arose through- 
out the cormty in reference to the expense at which 
it was maintained, the result ot which was a change 
ot law in regard to the poor farm of Carver 
county. Each town provides for its own poor 
under existing law. In March, 1878 the farm was 
sold to the present occupant, John Plfeghaar. 

Schools. In 1857 five school districts had been 
established in the county with an aggregate num- 



C^iliVEE COUNTY. 



355 



ber of 184 scholars; Carver, Chaska, Benton, 
Chanhassan and Groveland. These school dis- 
tricts drew $787.64, which had accumulated as 
school tax. 

Sixty-seven public school-houses are now scat- 
tered at convenient intervals throughout the 
county, besides many private schools under the 
patronage of religious denominations. Several 
districts are joint with other counties. 

Churches. Among the first to preach in the 
English language was the Kev. Mr. Black, a 
Methodist, who had pre-empted a claim at Glencoe 
and occasionally came down and preached the gos- 
jjel to the settlers at Carver and Chaska. He had 
a frail constitution and died afterwards in Illinois, 
his native state. Bevs. Galpin and Sheldon, of 
Excelsior, occasionally preached in the county. 
They still reside respectively at Minneapolis and 
Excelsior. Revs. Bell and Utter, of Shakojiee, 
also preached here. Mr. Cheeseman, a lay 
preacher, who owned a claim in Chanhassan, which 
he worked during the week, preached on Sunday. 
Rev. Mr. Grey, an Episcopal clergyman, frequently 
preached at Carver. Rev. Mr. Stephenson, a Meth- 
odist, included this county in his extensive cu-cuit. 
Rev. Edward Eggleston, the famous author and 
now distinguished clergyman, of New York city, 
visited this county about 1857, traveling on foot, 
engaged in the sale- of religious publications. He 
also conducted rehgious services and astonished 
the people by the contrast between the green 
youthfulness of his appearance and his splended 
extempore lectures. 

Father George was the first German Catholic 
to jireach in the county. He was located at Shak- 
opee, but included this county in his labors. 

Besides these itinerant clergymen settled pastors 
of churches soon came into the field, to whom the 
itinerants gave place. 

The first were Rev. Erdman, of the Moravian 
church; Rev. Peter Carlson, of the Swede Luth- 
eran, F. G. Nelson, of the Swede Baptist. There 
are at present thirty -three churches in the county; 
Cathoho, eight; of this number seven conduct 
services in the German language; Protestant, 
twenty-five. 

The first regular practicing physician in- the 
county was Dr. W. A. GrifBn, who settled in Car- 
ver in 1857. He still continues his successful 
practice. Dr. J. A. MacDonald was an early phy- 
sician, who acted as surgeon during the war, but 
at its close removed to Wisconsin, and has since re- 



sumed practice at Chaska. Dr. Davis, at Carver; 
Dr. Louis GolthoU', at Waconia; Dr. J. S. Rich- 
ardson, Dr. Ames and Dr. S. Grant at Watertown ; 
Dr. Haas, at Chaska; these represent the early 
doctors of the county. 

Newspapers. The "Minnesota Tallboat," printed 
in German, was the first newspaper pubUshed in 
the county. It was established in 1857 at Chaska 
by Fred Ortwein and Albert WolfT. After one 
years' issue it was removed to St. Paul. 

The second was estabUshed in 1858 by L. L. 
and W. R. Baxter, after selling the "Glencoe Reg- 
ister." This was the "Carver Cormty Democrat," 
and was located at Carver. 

The "Chaska Herald," the third and last, was 
established at Chaska in 1860 by Charles Warner. 
F. E. DuToit is now editor. 

Coimty buildings. The history of the construc- 
tion of the county buildings of Carver county 
opens a chapter replete with interest though 
fraught with misfortune and trouble. In the 
early days of the territory, when money was 
scarce and credit below par, various devices were 
resorted to by the towns in their struggle for su- 
premacy. The ambition of Chaska to become the 
county seat for the county of Carver led the owners 
of the town site to adojat a speculative method for 
obtaining the requisite coimty buildings by which 
they could maintain their prerogative as capital 
of Carver county. 

To carry out the plan for raising money and 
securing the erection of county buildings a com- 
pany was formed and incorporated in the territor- 
ial legislajture imder the name of the Shaska Com- 
pany, of which Amasa Mason was president and 
George Fuller secretary. 

By them a deed was executed March 23, 1857, 
of lots 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, m block 27, of Chaska 
•village, as platted and recorded, to the county of 
Carver for the purpose of county buildings. 

On the same day the board of county commis- 
sioners voted to issue bonds of the county to the 
amount of $10,000 in shares of $1,000 each, which 
sum was subsequently increased to f 13,000, -with 
interest coupons attached, bearing interest at the 
rate of 12 per cent, per annum, jjayable semi- 
annually on the first days of January and July of 
each year at the olEce of Duncan, Sherman & Co., 
bankers. New York city. The Shaska company 
received these bonds, giving for security their 
bond for $20,000 for the fulfillment of their con- 
tract in the erection of the county buildings, and 



356 



uinToay OF the Minnesota valley. 



nttcmptcd their negotiation in the city of New 
York. The ncgotiutiou of a portion of the bonds 
was efTec-ted, although at enormous saciifice. 
April 10th ft>Ilowing, B. S. Judd was instructed to 
procure dniwiiigs, spooiHcations, etc., for county 
buildings, iigreoablc to resolution of the board of 
commissioners, and the buildings were begun. 
When the work had progressed to the erection of 
the walls, and before the main building was 
roofed over, the bubble company burst, and the 
bills thus far incurred devolved on tlio county ac- 
cording to the contract of the commissioners, while 
at the same time the holders of the bonds nego- 
tiated demaudcd payment from the county accord- 
ing to their precise terms. 

In February, 1859, the legality of the bonds 
was brought in question, and May 11th following 
the claim, S9.693.38, against the county for bonds 
negotiated was repudiated by the supervisors of 
the county in consequence of the opinion of legal 
counsel employed that the transaction was irregu- 
lar, from the fact that the bonds were issued by the 
commissioners before the work was done. Pro- 
ceedings were instituted in the courts by the hold- 
ers of the Shaska company bonds, and a tedious 
litigation ensued with immense expense, continu- 
ing until September 7, 1872. At that date the 
town of Chaska, stimulated by the rivalry of Wa- 
conia, which town had put in a claim for the county 
seat, effected a settlement with Francis W. Hutch- 
ins and others of New York city, owners of the 
bonds, and the property by virtue of a judgment 
rendered at St. Paul, by which the latter gave a 
quit-claim deed to Lucien Warner, George Faber 
and Philip Heuk for S-1,000, and surrendered all 
claims against the county. On the same day 
Warner, Faber and Henk deeded the property to 
Carver coimty, inserting in the deed a proviso 
that in case of removal of the county seat the title 
should rest in the township of Chaska. 

In their dilemma the county in 1858 hired a 
room of Lucius Howe for county pur]X)ses at a 
rent of 875 per annum. 

September 5, 1861, it was determined to fit up 
rooms in the wing of the court-house for county 
offices and court-room and shingle the main 
buUdiug. 

May 21, 1863, the bill of Marvin White of 
S2,113.H5 for laying brick in the court-house 
building in 1857, according to contract with county 
commissioners, was allowed to the amoimt of 



$1,500, which sum was paid in county bonds and 
accepted as jmyment in full. 

It may be interesting to record that the oonnty 
printing was let to J. L. McDowald, of the Belle 
Plaine Enquirer. Other applicants were R. M. 
Wright, Scott County Democrat, and John H. 
Stevens, Glencoe Register. 

Beginning October 1, 18G1, and continuing to 
May 1, 1863, bonds of the county to the amount 
of S7,440 were issued to take up orders and cover 
the fif)ating debt. 

The first court of the county was held July 17, 
1856, by Judge Andrew G. Chatfield, associate 
jusftce of the supreme court, who held office by ap- 
pointment of the president, and was assigned to 
the third district by the territorial legi-slature. T. 
B. Hunt was clerk of the court. J. H. Brown 
and J. A. Sargent were admitted to the territorial 
bar. Both of these lawyers have been honors to 
the profession. Mr. Brown, after becoming a 
prominent lawyer in the Minnesota valley, moved 
to Wilmar, Kandiyohi coimty, and became judge 
of that judicial district. A murder trial enlivened 
this term of court. John Schlemline was tried for 
the murder of Nicholas Barton near Chaska in a 
quarrel growing out of a claim fight. At this trial 
the first jury in a district court in Carver county 
was empaneled. This was also the first murder 
trial in the county. The case was conducted by 
J. A. Sargent, county attoiney, in behalf of the 
government, and J. M. Holland and Frank War- 
ner for the defense. The jury disagreed, and the 
case was never brought uj) again. Murders in 
early times passed by without much dilliculty. 
This court was held in a frame building near the 
river owned by the Fuller brothers, under the 
charge of their agent, T. B. Smith. H. E. Lowell 
was foreman of the grand jury. 

John Breher, son of Leuhart Breher, who set- 
tled in 1853, the north-east quarter of section 23, 
of Laketown, was born August 1, 1854, and is the 
first child of white parents boni within the limits 
of Carver county. He now lives at Hampton, 
Dakota county. 

The first marriage was that of Joseph Vogel 
and Feronica Kcssler, in August, 1852, iu Chim- 
hassen, ceremouy by a Catholic priest from St- 
Paul. 

The first deaths of which we learn among the 
settlers were those of Joseph Kcssler, in Chan- 
hassen, in 1853, and Ji>hn Muntzn, December 11, 
I of the same year in Chaska. 



CARVER COUNTY. 



357 



The first school taught in this county was that 
in Chanhassen, in the fall of 1855, by Miss Susan 
Hazeltiue. 

The first brick house in the county was built in 
1857, by L. How, and the mason work was done 
b • Lyman W. Noble. The brick were made in 
Chaska and were probably the first made in the 
county. 

The following railroads intersect the county: 
The Hastings and Dakota division of the Chicago, 
Milwaukee & St. Paul was finished to Carver in 
1872, and extended through Bahlgren, Benton and 
Young America to Glencoe, in McLeod county, 
in 1873. The Minneapolis & St. Louis intersects 
only the towns Chanhassen, Chaska and Carver, 
and was built from Minneapolis to Merriam Junc- 
tion in 1871, a distance of twenty-seven miles. 
The Benton cut-ofT, of the Hastings and Dakota 
division, was built from Minneapolis to Benton 
Junction, on the Hastings anl Dakota division, in 
1881, passing diagonally through the towns of 
Chanhassen, Laketowu and Dahlgren, to the 
junction in the town of Dahlgren, called Benton 
Junction. The Pacific extension of the Minne- 
apolis & St. Louis is in process of construction, 
crossing the north-west corner of Chanhassen, 
Laketown diagonally, Waconia, Young America 
and extending through Sibley county; its termi- 
nus is not yet announced. Stations recently es- 
tablished on Benton cut-ofi' of Hastings and 
Dakota division, of Chicago, Milwaukee & St. 
Paul railway : Hazeltine, on west side of Hazeltine 
lake, in Chanhassen, near Geo. M. Powers farm; 
one near the town line between Laketown and 
Dahlgren, not yet named; one near Plieghaar's 
farm in Benton, at the junction with the Hastings 
and Dakota, called Benton Junction. 



CHAPTER LIV. 



OHASKA FrRST SETTLEBS SOHOOIiS CHUBCHES 

BTTSINB5S — BIOaBAPHIES^<;AEVER EARLY SET- 
TLERS — SOCIETIES BUSINESS HOUSES BIOGBA- 

PHICAL. 

The history of Chaska under the pale of civi- 
lization begins with the date of 1851. Thomas 
Holmes obtained a license to trade with the 
Indians at any point he desired to locate on the 
Minnesota river from, McLain the agent for the 
Madahwahkan tribes, and in 1851 he located the 



toNvn site of Shakopee and about the same time 
that of Chaska. In the faU of 1851 David Fuller, 
an eastern man who had located at St. Paid, came 
up the river, led by the desire to speculate in town 
sites, which was the prevaihng epidemic. In the 
sjjring of 1852 Holmes sold him the town site of 
Chaska for $1,000 and he at once set plans in 
operation for its development. The condition at 
this time is worthy of notice. In contrast to the 
surrounding country which belonged to the "big 
woods" and was densely wooded, at the location of 
the town site, about twenty acres was cleared and 
bore evidence of former cultivation. Holmes 
states that strawberries grew here in great abun- 
dance and at one time he picked with the aid of 
some squaws, whom he brought over from Shako- 
pee, a wash-tub full and sent them down to Fuller 
who kept a hotel at St. Paul. Asjiaragus, too, grew 
near the river and indications of a garden and 
quite extensive buildings having once existed near, 
the bend of the river. At a later day bones and 
implements of iron, old gun-locks for flints, ham- 
mers, tongs, etc., to a large amoimt were exhumed 
so that every citizen could, if he chose, obtain reUcs 
of the past. It was thought from the appearance 
of these relics, especially the bones, that they were 
sixty years old. The relics were thought the traces 
of a CathoHc mission, of which the dates are ob- 
scure. It was probably a trading post existing 
not far from the l)eginning of the present century 
and was abandoned years before settlement began 
in the coimty. Another feature of the town site 
of Chaska was the existence of a number ,f sym- 
metrical mounds belonging to the period of an- 
cient mound builders. The situation and form of 
these mounds as well as the rehcs unearthed indi- 
cate that they were different from the mounds of sep- 
ulture so commonly found in this country. They 
were arranged in a circular form to the number of 
six with rising ground extending from one to the 
other as though the whole might at some former 
time have been a fort enclosed for defense. Exca- 
vations have developed bones in large numbers 
but in such positions as to indicate that many had 
been killed in some great battle aud hastily gather- 
ed into one common tomb. Various implements of 
the usual character have also been found in them. 
Doubtless they must be classed among mounds of 
defense. A few of these have been destroyed by 
the improvements of settlement but several are 
preserved in the public park of the village where 
their form and purpose can be easily observed and 



358 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLBT. 



the arcliasologiSts can speculate ou tlicin at their 
leisure. 

The first settlers of Ohnska made their claim in 
1853. The claimants were mostly Germane, who 
had been at St. Paul, and for the most jiart 
brought their families with them to share the trials 
of a pioneer lite. Although they came into an 
unsettled coimtry and found here the Indian 
bands, wlio had not been removed, still the rapid 
settlement left little space to solitude and isolation, 
and the peaceful disposition of the tribes of In- 
dians whose tepees were often clustered in the tim- 
ber excludes Indian barbarities from the history 
of the town. Tlio settlers of 1853 were Jacob 
Ebinger, whose claim in the south-west quarter of 
section 8 is still occupied by his widow; Henry 
Sohns in the south-west of section 7; Charles May, 
south-west of section 4, adjoining the town site; 
John Schmidt, north-west of section 6; John G. 
Loy, familiarly known as butcher Loy, north-east 
of section 8, adjoining the town site; David Eb- 
inger, adjoining the town site on the east in sec- 
tion 9; Henry Moser, north-west of section 5; 
Adam Aamarhein, north-east of section 4; Henry 
Sauerbrei, north-east of section 7. Some of these, 
as Sauerbrei, Schmidt and Loy, who came as sin- 
gle men, were soon married, returning to St. Paul 
for wives. 

In 1854 Samuel Allen, as agent for or under 
contract with David L. Fuller, of St. Paul, settled 
on the town site of Chaska; Joseph Vcit on the 
south-east quarter of section 7; John Humbel on 
the north-east quarter of section 5; Henry Eschley 
on the east half of the east half of section 3; John 
Lee and Gamalial C. Lee bought respectively of 
Hiuabel and Faber, besides building on the town 
site under special contract with the "Shaska" com- 
jiany (the name "Chask.i" was thus mis-spelled 
in the act of incorporation of the company); 
Linus A. Clapp on the south-east quarter of sec- 
tion 5. In 1855 the remainder of the land belong- 
ing to the present limits of Chaska was taken Tip; 
some in smaller tracts than the usual 160 acre 
claims, except a few claims made in 1856; John 
Hau and James C. Katis in section 2; F. Heymel 
in section 3; and Stillman Reid in section 6. 

In the spring of 1854 David Fuller employed 
Samiiel Allen to locate on the town situ claim for 
the purpose of holding it, and he'built a log cabin 
which can still be seen in the western part of the 
village. In June of the same year it was surveyed 
and platted by John T. Halsted, and filed for rec- 



ord Si>ptcriihor 6, 1H54. in the office of the register 
of dooils at Minneapolis. At this time this formed 
a part of Hennepin county for judicial purposes. 
The first settlers voted in that county. After the 
claim had been secured, Allen deeded over the 
claim according to contract, having secured in the 
meantime a fifteen year charter for a ferry across 
the Minnesota river, landing at the foot of Walnut 
street. The Fullers, David L., George and All)ert, 
did not become residents, but lived at St. Paul, 
and devised various schemes for speculation. The 
Shaska company was an important feature in the 
town history, but belongs more properly to that of 
the county. 

The township of Chaska when organized in 
1858 embraced more than three times the area now 
belonging to it. April, 1859, a change was made 
in its boTinds by which sections 15, 16, 17 and 18 
of township 115, range 24, were detached from 
Chaska and became part of Carver. April 21, 
1863, agreeable to petition, that part of Chaska 
and Carver included in township 11.5, range 24, 
wiis organized into a new town called Liberty, 
afterward Dahlgren. 

The name Chaska was derived from the Sioux 
language and means one, and is applied to the 
first born. Doubtless the name cliosen for the 
town site was thought to be a talisman by which it 
should acquire a prominence among the ambitious 
young towns of Minnesota territory. 

The prominent men of Chaska, in 1857, were: 
T. D. Smith, agent for the Fullers: Frederick 
Greiner, Jacob Ebinger, Frederick DuToit, John 
Lee, J. D. Noble, Ezekiel Ellsworth, G. Krayen- 
buhl, Thomas B. Hunt, Frank Miesseler. 

The first election took place at the office of T. 
D. Smith, May 11, 1858: T. D. Smith, moderator; 
0. S. Wright, clerk. The following officers were 
elected : Frederick Greiner, chairman ; Henry 
Eschley and B. Sjice.supervisors; CyriwS. Wright, 
clerk; Jacob Ebinger, assessor; Gustave Dressell, 
collector; Wilham Gessert, overseer of the poor; 
A. C. Fisher and T. D. Smith, justices of the 
peace; Stephen Poland and Frederick Hacklin, 
constables. 

The first tax voted in town was S300 for cur- 
rent expenses October 28, 1858. 

The first action of the town for raising volun- 
teers for the war was August 4, 1864, when it was 
voted to hire the sum of $1,000, payable one-half 
in one year and one-half in two years, with inter- 
est at 10 per cent, {kt annum, to fill the quota of the 



CARVER COUNTY. 



359 



tuwn imder the call of the president, dated July 
18, 1864. March 17, 1865, it was voted to raise 
$510, and that bonds in sums of $15 each be 
issued for that amount, to till the quota under the 
new call of December 19, 1864. 

The greatest burden, however, assumed by the 
town was bonds for the purchase of the county 
buildings. June 20, 1872, it was voted to issue 
the bonds of the town to an amount necessary to 
raise $4,000, for the purchase of the county build- 
ings. Bonds for $5,500 were therefore issued, Sep- 
tember 1, 1872 ; the surplus, over $4,000, being re- 
quired for expenses and discount. The last bond of 
this debt was paid in July 1881, and the debt 
extinguished. 

CHASKA VILLAGE. 

After government survey the town site was en- 
tered by Judge Andrew G. Chatfield in January, 
1856, and ^vith him the abstracts of title of Chaska 
begin. The judge deeded it, June 7, 1856, to 
George Fuller. Samuel Allen deeded, April 22, 
1856, to David Fuller what was platted as addi- 
tions to the original site. 

David sold to George Fuller in 1857. George 
and Albert Fuller deeded to the Shaska Company 
in 1857. The health of David Fuller, long under- 
mined by pulmonary disease, gave way and he re- 
turned to the east where he died. 

After the embarrassment of the Shaska Com- 
pany, they deeded to Abby S. James, and she 
deeded an undivided half in 1863 to Charles A. 
Warner. 

The town was re-surveyed in 1857 by E. B. 
Hood, and December 15, 1857, it was filed for re- 
cord. Additions were at one time made to the 
original site, but they were subsequently vacated. 

March 6, 1871, the village was incorporated. 

Schools. The first school in Chaska was taught 
in the spring of 1858 by Miss Emiliue S. Noble 
who is now Mrs. Linns Lee, of Paxil, in a little 
shanty near where the hotel called Farmers' Home 
now is; she afterward taught over the old store 
building on the levee, owned by the Fullers, where 
T. D. Smith kept a store. While teaching the 
first school she "boarded around" among the var- 
ious families. 

Schools have been maintained by the Moravian 
and Catholic churches, notices of which are found 
in their histories. 

The public schools of the town are now embraced 
in one district, and the various departments are 
kept in the brick school building purchased in 



1874 from the Moravian society. This a brick 
structure with two stories, and the rooms are fur- 
nished with patent seats. The school is graded in 
three departments, the principal receiving $70 per 
month and the teachers in lower dejiartments 
$40. Nine months school is maintained during 
the year. The average attendence during the year 
1881 was 216 pupils. E. A. Taylor, principal. 

Newspaper. The "Chaska Herald" was estab- 
lished in 1860 by Charles Warner. F. E. DuToit 
purchased it in 1865, and in company with his 
brother is stUl its editor. 

Churches. The Moravian church was organ- 
ized January 1, 1858, by Eev. M. A. Erdmann. 
Fifteen members took part in the organization, all 
of whom are still hving. The church was comple- 
ted and dedicated July 26, 1860. Eev. Erdmann's 
connection with the church was that of missionary, 
his circuit extending as far as Henderson. In the 
latter part of 1860 Eev. A. C. Lehmann took the 
charge, continuing until the present incumbent, 
Eev. William H. Oerter, in 1877, took the charge, 
who still continues. 

About 1863 a school was established in con- 
nection with the church and under the control of 
the pastor. At the same time a brick boarding- 
house was erected. The school continued in a 
flourishing condition for some time, but about 
1872, owing to bad management, it declined and 
was closed. In 1874 the building was sold to the 
school district of Chaska for the use of the pubUc 
school. The old boarding-house afibrds a com- 
fortable parsonage to the jDastor. Eev. Mr. Oerter 
preaches to his German congregation in the morn- 
ing and to the English-speaking people in the 
evening. EngUsh sermons can be heard at no 
other church in town. 

The Cathohc church of the Guardian Angels 
was founded in 1858 by the Benedictine Fathers 
of Sbakopee with the purpose of collecting the 
Catholics of the neighborhood into a congrega- 
tion, and the first church built in 1859. The 
Benedictine Fathers governed the congregation 
until 1865, when secular priests took the charge. 
In 1876 it passed over to the charge of the Fran- 
ciscan Fathers, under whom it still continues, em- 
bracing 160 families, nearly all Germans and Hol- 
landers. The new church was built and the school 
connected in 1871 by Father Mayr, the secu- 
lar priest in charge. The fine new school-house 
and monastery of the Franciscian Fathers was built 
in 1880 and the whole is now under one govern- 



3{)0 



niaroiir of tue Minnesota valley. 



ineiit in the olmrge of Peter Clemeiitinus Lor- 
liaclior. The buililiugs ure Inrge luiil iui])osiiig; 
church OdxISO; school-house, 60x40 with adilitiou 
28x28, for sisters employed as teachers; monastery, 
65x33. The school uumbers about 150 pupils 
with three teachers. The cemetery collected with 
the church was established at the siiiue time as the 
cliiiicli. half a mile north-west. The pastors in 
charge have been, Benedictines, Bruno Eiss, 
George Scherer, Mcinolphus Stukcnkcruper, Mag- 
nus Mayr; Secular juicst: William Lette; Fran- 
ciscans: Weudclinus Cirautc and Clcnic iitinus Lor- 
bacher, the present pastor. 

The German Evangelical church was organized 
September 15, 1878, Revs. (Jcorge Hielseher and 
H. E. Linsc olliciating in yargcut's hall. Services 
had been held in 1871 by Itev. William Ludlow. 
The church was built in 1878 and liev. Hielseher 
was first pastor continuing two years. Bev. 
George Holler, the present pastor, took charge in 
May, 1881. The membership is twenty-three. 

Mount Pleasant cemetery is located just north 
of the \-illago limits and embraces nearly four 
acres. It belongs to the Mount Pleasant ceme- 
tery association and in 18C5 was sui-veyed by 
Lucien Warner. 

The post-diliee at Cha.ska was first established 
in 1855 with Thomas B. Hunt postmaster and was 
held in the store belonging to the Fullers. Mails 
were received three times each week, brought on 
foot by G. C. Lee, carrier. After one year Himt 
was succeeded by T. D. Smith, who was succeeded 
in turn by Frederick C. DuToit. At present four 
mails are received daily by railroad, and stages 
supplying commiuiication with neighboring towns 
not on railroad lines. 

. Societies. St. Peters' Benevolent society, was 
organized June 29, 1880, with eighteen charter 
members. Matt. H. Muyers, president; Andrew 
Conschat, vice-president ; Bernard Leivermunn, 
secretary; Frederick Hammer, treasurer; these 
officers are now in office. Meml)ership forty-two. 
The object of the soc^iety is benevolence of all 
kinds, especially aiding widows and orphans of 
deceased members, and it is maintained under the 
auspices of the Catholic chur<'h. Meetings are 
held at the Cathobo school-liouse, on the second 
Monday of each month. 

The Sons of Herman was instituted November 
27, 1879, with twenty-seven charter members. 
Peter Htis, president ; Frederick Oreiner, Jr., vice- 
president; Jerry Ehmann, ex-president; Henry 



Degen, froasurer ; Adi)I|>h Sclmltze, secretary. 
The present oflicers are William Banidt, j)residciit; 
Fred. litis, vice-president; George Weist, treasur- 
er; Theodore Kenning, ex - president; Ernest 
Biesemaun, secretary. Present meml)crship forty- 
five; m( etings, first and third Saturdays of each 
month, at the hall of the National hotel. 

Chaska lodge. No. 55, I. O. O. F., was instituted 
November 3, 1876, with nineteen charter members, 
(rustav Heinemann, N. (r.; John Therker, V. G.; 
Frederick Greiner, secretary; Philip Henk. treas- 
urer. Present membership thirty-.seven. Peter 
litis, N. G.; Charles Moeschler, V. G.; Frederick 
BuUemer, secretary ; Peter Weego, treasurer. 
Meetings are held weekly at their hall over Otto 
Streissguth's store. 

Business. The first store in Chaska was that 
opened in 1854, by the Fullers, on the levee, and 
in charge of their agent, T. D. Smith. Frank 
jNIiesseler ojiened the first blacksmith shop. With- 
out attempting to follow out the changes in busi- 
ness, we give a showing of the present business, 
twenty -seven years later. 

The imj)ortant liusiness of Chaska now centers 
in the brick manufacture. Five yards are in oper- 
ation employing a large number of men. The 
extensive clay pits furnish cream-colored brick of 
a quality that has given Chaska lirick a first-class 
reputation in the markets of Minueapohs and St. 
Paul. It is due to the memory of T. D. Smith 
and Charles A. Warner to state that much of the 
business prosperity of Chaska was due to their 
enterprise when in the early days of comjx'tition 
the weight of one man's character often decides 
the prestige of a town. 

The business interests may be summed wyi as 
follows: Four lawyers, one dentist, one bank, one 
real estate dealer, five Ijrick yards, manufactur- 
ing 9,600,000 brick per year; one newspaper. 
Two steam flouring mills located on Chaska 
creek, from which they receive a portion of their 
power; three elevators, six general merchandise 
stores, two hardware, one drug, two furniture 
stores, one meat market, two establishments farm 
iraj)lemcnts, three millinery stores, two tailors, one 
jeweler, one liaker and manufacturer of confection- 
ery, one confectionery store, three dress mtdcers, 
two carriage manufacturers, five blacksmiths, one 
coo]>or, two harness makers, two shoe makers, two 
barbers, three brewers; fifteen saloons and ten 
hotels. 

Specially worthy of notice is the elevator and 



CARVER COUNTY. 



361 



store of William Seeger k Son. A home market 
for grain is here afforded; the elevator has a capa- 
city of 20,000 bushels. F. W. Henning's store 
opened m 1875, with a small stock, and is now do- 
ing a fine business. 

Mrs. M. Young continues successfully the store 
established by her deceased husband. Several 
other large and successful stores with general 
merchandise are in operation. P. Henk conducts 
a flue hardware store and operates a large mill. 
John G. Eitel's mill is quite an important institu- 
tion, devoted mainly to custom work. 

We cite the following brick establishments as an 
indication of the importance of the business : J. 
W. Gregg and W. B. Griswortl, under the firm 
name of Gregg & Griswold, conduct business with 
a capacity in yard and machinery of 40,000 brick 
per day. George Weist's yard has a capacity of 
16,000, and Bierline & Kiedele 10,000 brick per day. 

Other extensive yards are operated. The total 
product m 1880 of the five yards was 9,600,000 
brick. 

1880 — Valuation real estate, town and village, 
$105,742; personal, $54,153; population, 1,255. 

L. L. Baxter, a native of Vermont, was born in 
Cornwall, June 8, 1832. Was educated at Castle- 
ton and at the Norwich University. Studit d law 
with Horatio Seymour in Middlebury, and in 1853 
came west and practiced law in Geneva, Wiscon- 
sin, until 1857. During that year he removed to 
Glencoe, McLeod county, Minnesota, and there in 
comp my with a brother established the "Glencoe 
Register," the first newspaper edited west of the 
"big woods." In September, 1861, enhsted from 
Carver village as captain of Comj^any A, Fourth 
Minnesota volunteers; in April, 1862, was promo- 
ted major of his regiment. On being mustered 
out of service Oct. 10, 1862, he returned home and 
removed to Shakopee, as he found his house filled 
with Indian refugees. In Kovember, 1864, he re- 
enlisted as -major of First battalion and was pro- 
moted to Ueutenant-colonel in February and to 
colonel the following May. Was honorably dis- 
charged in October, 1865. He resumed the prac- 
tice of law in Shakopee, continuing until 18G8, 
then removed to Chaska where he has since lived, 
but does business in Minneapolis, the law firm be- 
ing Baxter, Grethen & Penny, located at 108 Hen- 
nepin avenue. While living in Carver in 1858, he 
established the "Carver Coivnty Democrat," the 
first English paper in the county. Was elected 
judge of probate in the fall of 1857, and resigned 



within the year; elected attorney of Scott coimty 
in 1863; elected senator in 1864 and re-elected in 
1866. On moving to Carver county in 1868 was 
elected the same fall to' the legislature; was elected 
to the senate in 1869, holding the office five years 
by re-election. In 1874 was again elected to the 
legislature, and since 1878 has held the office. His 
marriage with Miss Emma Ward took place at 
Geneva, Wisconsin, in September, 1856. She died 
in 1872, leaving three children, two of whom, 
Chauncey L. and George A. are living. His sec- 
ond wife was Barbara Deuhs, married in 1874. 
May 10, 1881, she died, leaving one child, Bertha. 

Jacob Beihoffer was born in Germany, October 
6, 1817. Came to America in 1842, and for five 
years Uved in Buffalo, New York, then removed to 
Kacine, Wisconsin. There he followed the trade 
of carpenter nine years, then in St. Paul two years. 
Then made a claim near Chaska, on which he 
lived until 1865, then moved into the village. In 
1877 he started the Old Settlers' Hotel, which he 
still owns. Married December 1, 1844, to Frances 
Eemerman, a native of Germany, who has borne 
him eight children. WilUam, Henry and Jacob 
are living. 

M. Bierline was bom in Ohio in 1851. When 
only six years old he moved with his parents to 
Laketo^vn, Carver county, Minnesota. His father 
made a claim of 120 acres, on which he Uved and 
attended school until eighteen years of age. 
Came to Chaska and began working in the brick- 
yards, remaining until 1876. Removed to Steams 
coimty and started a brick-yard, which he sold 
eight months later and returned to Chaska. He 
continued in the brick-making business eleven 
months, then engaged in milling in Waconia, 
erecting a mill at a cost of $16,000. Ten months 
later he removed the building to Chaska, and con- 
tinued milling two years. He took as a partner 
A. Eiedele in March,. 1881, and started a brick- 
yard. They employ fifteen men, and make from 
ten thousand to twelve thousand per day. Miss 
Bertha Hecklin became his wife in 1874. Ida, 
Oliver and AmUe are their living children. 

Joseph Belsing, who is a blacksmith, was bom 
in Germany in 1853. When a lad of ten years he 
came to America with his parents. After attend- 
in" school one year in Carver, Minnesota, he 
located in Chaska. For two years he followed 
farming, then resolved to leam the blacksmith's 
trade, which he did. Five years he devoted to his 
t rade here, then opened a shop in Winsted, which 



k 



3C2 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



ho ran one ye»T. Eetiirning to Chaska he Imilt 
his present shop, one of the best in the towni, and 
is doing u thriving business. His wife was Lena 
Johnson, married in October, 1878. In January, 
1881, she died, leaving two children. Mary is the 
one living. 

James F. Dilley, a native of Ohio, was bom in 
1841. Until lifteen years old he attended school, 
then witli liis parents came to Webster, Rice 
county, Minnesota. He worked at farming with 
his father until 1861, when he enlisted in the 
Fourth Jliniiesota; he served four years and was 
honorably discharged at St. Paul in August, 1865. 
■Eemoviiig to Farniington he with his brother 
rented 160 acres of laud, which they tilled two 
years, then were interested in livery business two 
years. While residing in Dakota county Mr. Dil- 
ley was twice elected to the legislature. In 1873 
he located in Chaska, and for four or five years 
engaged in livery business, then for one year sold 
machinery. He has since been keeping a hotel in 
this pliiee with success. He has been a member 
of the legislature two terms. Miss Mary Sheri- 
dan became his wife in 1871, and has borne him 
five children, all of whom are living. 

Freileiick E. Du Toit was born in Harrisville, 
Lewis county, New York, September 24, 184.5. 
He acquired a good education. He arrived at 
Chaska in May, 1856, accompanied by bis father's 
family. He aj)prenticed to the printer's trade 
after attending school about three years. Septem- 
ber 26, 1861, enlisted in Company A, Fourth Min- 
nesota, as private; in October, 1864, received the 
commission of second lieutenant of Battery C, First 
Miime.'jota heavy artillery. Was mustered out 
July 4, 1865. Was town clerk from 1867 to '69; 
elected county commiBsioner in 1869 for three 
years; in 1871 was made county superintendent of 
schools and resigned his office of county commis- 
sioner; was representative to the legislatui'e for 
the first district of Carver county in 1872, serving 
two terms by re-election. He now holds the oflBce 
of sheriff, to which jjosition he was elected in 1874. 
In 1880 was appointed enumerator for the census 
for Chanhassen and Chaska. He in company with 
his brother owns and publishes the "Weekly Val- 
ley Herald." Married, May 31, 1879, Miss Jose- 
phine Brinkhaus, who died February 1, 1881. 

John G. Eitel, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1827. He acquired a knowledge of carriage 
making and blacksmithing. In 1849 came to 
America and worked iu a cotton mill in Pittsburg 



sometime. He afterwards was employed at hi; 
trade in the ship yards, then in St. Louis, Missouri, 
Peoria, Illinois, and New Orleans. He then went 
to California. Here he mined three years and on 
returning, located in Chaska in 1855, and pre- 
empted 173 acres of land which he still owns. He 
farmed several years, then visited the mining re- 
gions of Idaho and remained two years. Since 
returning to Chaska he has been proprietor of 
the Valley Flouring mill, and has had a fine busi- 
ness. In 1857 he married Mary Ulmer. Gleorge, 
(jothilf, .Augustus, David, Fred and Adam. 

Samuel Fowler is a native of Yorkshire, Eng- 
land, born !March 18, 1848. When only two years 
old he moved witJi his parents across to Coburg, 
Ontario. He began the study of law in 1866 
with J. D. Armour of that place. Graduated at 
Toronto in 1870, then went to Winnipeg, Mani-- 
toba and began the practice of law. In 1871 he re- 
turned to his former home in Ontario and the next 
year settled in Carver, Minnesota. In February,1873 
was admitted to the practice of law in this state, 
soon after located at Henderson, whore he was 
county attorney of Sibley county two years. In 
1878 he became a resident of Chaska and has since 
pursued the practice of law. Miss Margaret C. 
ScoUie, of Coburg, Ontario, became his wife in 
1872. Five children have been born to them. 

John W. Gregg, one of the pioneer brick makers 
of Carver coiinty, was born in Madison county, 
New York, in 1827. In 1838 moved to Wisconsin 
with his parents. His father, George Gregg, 
owned a large brick yard, and with him John be- 
came acquainted with the business in all its de- 
tails. Remained with his father until 1848, then 
engaged in various pursuits until coming to Min- 
nesota, in 1854. Located in Shakoj)ee and was 
employed at brick making for two years, then re- 
moved to Chaska. In 1864 he took as a partner 
in the business, C. W. Griggs, and three years 
later Mr. Gregg removed to Maukato, Blue Earth 
coimty. In 1874 returned to Chaska and started 
his present brick yard with W. B. Griswold as 
partner. They now employ fifty men and make 
about forty thousand brick per day. In 1853 he 
married Miss Egliston, of AN'isconsin, who has borne 
him five children; Carrie, Caroline, Frank, Wil- 
liam and Harry. 

F. Greiner is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, 
born April 13, 1829. After receiving a public 
school education, he studied architecture. Came 
to America in 1849 and settled in St. Louis, Mis- 



CARVER COUNTY. 



363 



souri, remaining one year. He then came to St. 
Paul, Minnesota, and i'oiir years later took a claim 
near Cliaska. For two years he farmed then gave 
his attention to the mercantile trade at Chaska one 
year. He afterwards ran the Chaska House until 
1872, after which he served as sheriff of Carver 
county two years; was also chairman of first board 
of county commissioners. In 1874 was elected 
register of deeds, and still fills that office. Mar- 
ried in 1853, at St. Paul, to Miss Katrina Faber, 
who has borne him seven children, all living. 

Willianj B. Griswold, dealer in lumber and 
brick, of the firm of Gregg & Griswold, was bom 
near Ypsilanti, Michigan, November 9, 1834. 
When 4 years old he removed to Quincy, Illinois, 
his father being principal of the Mission Institute 
of Quincy. Under his father's guidance his edu- 
cation was acquired, and when 16 years of age 
he began teaching. The year following he went to 
California where he remained until attaining ma- 
jority, engaged in lumbering and mining. Be- 
turning to Quincy in 1855, he entered the law 
office of O. H. Browning and graduated in law 
in 1860. The same year he came to Minnesota and 
was admitted to the bar of the state in the fall of 
that year. He then began practicing his profes- 
sion in Chaska,with J. A. Sargent. During 1863-64 
he edited the Valley Herald, and the next year 
moved to Mankato and published the Mankato 
Union ten years. Was postmaster of Mankato 
during 1869-70. Keturning to Chaska in 1875 he 
became one of the firm of Gregg & Griswold, 
dealers in lumber and brick. Married November 
25, 1862, Mrs. Carohne M. Lathrop nee Gregg. 
They have one son and one daughter. 

George Henk was born December 10, 1861, in 
Chaska, Minnesota; he attended St. John's Col- 
lege in Stearns county, two years; returned to 
Chaska and engaged in the hardware trade in Ms 
father's store three years, thereby becoming thor- 
oughly acqiiaiuted with the business in all its de- 
tails. Went to Minneapolis and was employed in 
the hardware store of Smith & Scribner six months. 
He has since had charge of his father's hardware 
store, with a general supervision of the business. 
They own a fine store, and carry the largest stock 
of hardware in the town. 

P. W. Henning, dealer in dry goods and grocer- 
ies, is a native of Germany, bom May 22, 1836; 
came to America in 1865; previous to his coming 
he spent two years in the German army. Locating 
in Chaska, he began clerking for the firm of 



Charles A. Warner & Co., and continued with 
them nine years. He then embarked in the gen- 
eral merchandise trade, and in the spring of 1878 
admitted his brother Charles as a partner. In 
1868 he married Miss Christiana Kieckbusch, who 
has borne him five children. Four of them are 
still living. 

Frederick Utis was born in 1842, in Elses, 
France. Came with his parents to America when 
only ten years of age, and settled in Du Page 
county, Illinois. Three years later came to Min- 
nesota, locating in Yorkville, near Chaska. In 
1862 Frederick enlisted in Company G, Sixth Min- 
nesota, serving first against the Indians m the 
Sioux war; in 1864 went South, was promoted to 
sergeant of his company, and finally discharged at 
Fort Snelling, August 19, 1865. He then re- 
turned to Chaska and for two years was engaged 
in the hardware trade. For the past seven years 
he has held the office of county commissioner of 
Carver county. He was united in marriage with 
Miss Minnie Miller, of Benton, Carver, county. 
Six of the nine children born to them are living. 

John Kerker, proprietor of Washington House, 
is a native of Switzerland, bom in 1824. He ac- 
quired a collegiate education, preparing in the 
meantime for a teacher; graduated in 1846. He 
then began as a teacher and continued fourteen 
years, coming to America in 1859. For three 
years he was employed as tutor in the schools of 
New York. Eemoving to Minnesota in 1865 he 
followed his profession in Shakopee two years, also 
in Chaska two years. He has also a fine musical 
education, and has the reputation of being a 
thorough teacher in music, both instrumental and 
vocal. In 1872 he erected his present hotel, 
which is one of the best in town. Mary Kich be- 
came his wife in 1847. Dagobert, Thomas, Xavier, 
Monika, Anthony, Christina and Bosa are their 
children. 

Gustave Krayenbuhl is a native of Switzerland, 
born August 22, 1822. Engaged as book-keeper, 
which position he filled in a forwarding and com- 
mission store eleven years. In 1847 came to the 
United States, and after spending eight or nine 
years as a farmer and store-keeper in Lewis county. 
New York, he came to Chaska. Here he spent a 
year or more in the mercantile trade, then became 
a member of the Dakota Land Company, and went 
to the Sioux valley in that territory; was soon 
after appointed postmaster of Medary, Midway 
county, Dakota. He left Medary at the burning 



\ 



3G4 



niSTORr OF THE illNNEtiOTA VALLEY. 



of that town l>y tlio Yankton Indians, returning to 
CliHska in 1858. Mr. Krayenbiihl became treas- 
urer of Carver county in 1855 ; held the office one 
yeixr by aj)))ointment ami two years by election. 
Soon after retiring,' from this office, was elected reg- 
ister of deeds; for eighteen years has been clerk of 
the court and deputy auditor. In December, 
1851, Mi.'<8 Constance Gebner, a native of Switzer- 
land, became tlie wife of Mr. Krayenbuhl. Of 
the eleven children bom to them, seven are living. 
Hemy Krvnuwiede was bom in Chicago, Illi- 
nois, in 185G. Wlien a child of six months he was 
taken by his parents to Belle Plaiue, Jliuucsota, 
where they lived two years. Kemoved to .Tordan, 
Minnesota, and made that village their home until 
Henry reached the age of fourteen years. After 
passing one year in New Ulm he returned to his 
former home and learned the trade of wagon 
making. In March, 1880, he located at Chaska, 
and has a good wagon shop. His marriage with 
Bertha Rudolph took place in 1878. They have 
one child. 

B. Leivermann, proprietor of Chaska brewery, 
was born in Germany in 1842. Came to America 
in 18C7 after having learned the brewing businesis 
in his native country. He located in St. Paul and 
worked at his trade until coming to Chaska in 1875. 
Here he o\vns the Chaska brewery. His wife was 
Miss Bertha Schwartz, married in 1873. Their 
four children are all living. 

E. H. Lewis, M. D., was bom in Lancaster 
county, Pennsylvania, Ai)ril 17, 1842. He Uved 
in Lancaster City until eight years of age, then 
moved with his parents to Washington county, 
Marvhind. At the age of nineteen years he began 
the study of medicine with William Ward, of Clear 
Spring, and graduated from Georgetown Medical 
CoUege in March, 1862. He then enlisted in 
Company E, 13jth Pennsylvania, as hospital 
steward. At the battle of Chancellorsville, May 
3, 18G3, was promoted to assistant surgeon, and 
was transferred to hosjiital No. 8, at Nashville, 
Tennessee, where he served untU the close of the 
war. After practicing medicine at NashWlle one 
year, he moved to Washington, practicing there 
until 1870. Came to Carver, Minnesota, and re- 
mained until June, 1880, then came to Chcska. and 
baa sine* practiced his profession here. Married 
in 1804, Jessie Gibson, of (ieorgetown. District 
of Columbia. Two of their four children are 
living. 

B. Logelin, a native of Fnmoe, was bom in 1820. 



At 14 years of age he learned the tailor's Inide, 
which he followed until 1852. Coming to Amer- 
ica at that time be engaged in the pursuit of his 
trade three years in Ohio. He then removed to 
Hennepin county, Minnesota, and farmed one Inm- 
dred and sixty acres which he pre-empted. On 
account of liis failing health he left his son in 
charge of the farm and traveled some time. He 
subsequently worked at his trade in St. Paul three 
years, and in 1870 became a resident of Chaska, 
still engaged at his trade. In 1852 he man-ied 
Miss Hugin, who has borne him five children. Fe- 
Hx and Mat. are the living ones. 

John Macdouald is about GO years of age, and a 
native of Cilasgow, Soothind. Acquired a collegate 
education, and in 1840 went to Nova Scotia, and 
was principal of St. Andrews school for eight years. 
He loeat 'd at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1849, 
and engaged in teaching four years, then came to 
St. Paul, and soon after made a claim at Belle 
Plaine, on which he lived four years. He then at- 
tended the medical school at Keokuk, Iowa, grad- 
uating in medicine in 1860. Enlisted in 1863 as 
surgeon of the Second cavalry, serving until hon- 
orably discharged in 1805; during the time was 
post surgeon at Fts. Ridgley and Kipley. Subse- 
quently ho located in Clii])i)ewa ct)uuty, Wiscon- 
sin, removing in 1880 to Chaska, where he is now 
practicing hia profession. His wife was Miss Mag- 
gie McKinley, whom he married in Scotland. 

Eeuben Melvin was bom in Burton, Geauga 
county, Ohio, in 1814. His youth was sjwnt in 
his native place, until the fall of 1861 when he en- 
listed in Company H, Twelfth Michigan; served 
one year and was honorably discharged at Cincin- 
nati, t)hio. In 1863 ho came to Chaska, and has 
since been employed in making brick. Married 
January 11, 1864, to Amelia C. Howe. Four of 
their six children are living. 

Lvnian W. Xolile was born . in Dresden, Wash- 
ington county. New York, October 3, 1832. While 
yet a small child he moved with his parents to 
Northampton, Massachusetts, and was tliere educa- 
ted and learned the mason's trade, at which he 
worked some years. He arrived in ^Iinnea|>olis, 
Minnesota, May 22, 1856; after spending one year 
at his trade in Princeton, Illinois. His home was 
in Minneapolis one and one-half years, then in 
1857 he came to Chaska. He built the first brick 
house in Carver county for John Lee, on Chaska 
town site. This town has since been his liome. He 
was elected constable in 1878 and held the office 



CARVEB COUNTY. 



365 



two years. Married January 20, 18C8, to Sarah 
A. Ellsworth, who has born him five children. The 
living are Harvey H., Burt L. and Ella M. 

William C. OdeU was born at Gorham, New 
York, Oct. 20, 1850. When 5 years old he ac- 
companied his parents to Mnskegon, Michigan, 
and attended the jJubUc schools of that place and 
college at Kalamazoo until 1868. He then began 
the study of law at Muskegon; went to Balls- 
ton Spa, New York, in 1869, aud continued his 
studies thereuntil 1871. Keturning to Michigan 
he was admitted to the bar at Grand Haven, Ot- 
tawa county, and began practicing at Muskegon 
with J. Baker. In the fall of 1872 he entered the 
office of C. I. Walker, of Detroit, remaining until 
the fall of 1875, then came to Faribault, Minne- 
sota. He located an office in Jordan, but remained 
only about two months. In 1877 came to Chaska, 
beginning here the practice of law. Two years 
subsequently he was elected county attorney of 
Carver county, which office he still holds. His 
marriage with Miss Lucy Du Toit took place in 
February, 1878. They are the parents of two 
children. 

Eev. W. H. Oerter was born at Bethlehem, Penn- 
sylvania, Ajiril 9, 1848. When a child of 6 years 
h3 atcinpanied his parents to Appanoose county, 
Iowa, remaining west until 13 years of age. Re- 
turning to his native town he was there educated, 
graduating from the Bethlehem Moravian College 
in 1874. Immediately after he assumed charge of 
a church at South Bethlehem, where he labored 
until Octoljer, 1877. Came to Chaska at that time 
and took charge of the Mora\-ian church at that 
place. Married in 1874 to Miss Anna M. Bishop, 
of Bethlehem. 

Charles A. Eamsdill, postma^tsr at Chaska, was 
born in Jefferson county, New York, March 31, 
1843. When a child moved to McHenry county, 
Illinois, making his home there until 1861. En- 
listed in that year in company A, Seventh Ilhnois 
infantry; was taken prisoner at the battle of 
Corinth and held as such two weeks. In October, 
1864, was wounded at the battle of Altoona. This 
disabled him for several months and he was after- 
wards appointed regimental postmaster, servin" in 
that capacity until honoralily discharged at Spring- 
field, Illinois, July 9, 1865. Two years later he 
moved to Wisconsin and worked at the carpenter 
trade in Adams and Columbia counties until 1869, 
then returned to Illinois and spent one year. Be- 
came a resident of Chaska in 1871 and for the 



first five years worked at his trade; was then ap- 
pointed postm.ister. In October, 1866, he married 
Miss Adelia Stevens, of Adams county, Wisconsin. 
They have five children, aU living. 

A. Eiedele, a native of Germany, was born in 
1829. Until attaining majority his time was spent 
in the milling business. Coming about that time 
to America, he spent one year farming near Phila- 
delphia. In 1855 he came to Minnesota and took 
a claim of 200 acres near Chaska and lived on it 
for fourteen years. He then purchased a flouring 
mill which he ran twelve years, selling subse- 
quently both farm and miU. In 1879 he built a 
fine, commodious brick house near the railroad 
and is keeping hotel. In 1881 he formed a part- 
nership with Mr. Bierline. They have a good 
brick yard, employ fifteen men and make about 
15,000 brick per day. In 1855 Miss Neabale be- 
came his wife. Flora, Philip, Antone aud Clara 
are their living children. 

Joseph Augustus Sargent was bom at Hallowell, 
Maine, November 28, 1821. The maternal grand- 
father of our subject, William Griffin, served in 
the war of 1812-15. Joseph S. Sargent moved to 
Portland when his son was fourteen years old. 
Here his literary education was finished at North 
Yarmouth Academy. He read law with B. A. L- 
Codman, of Portland, teaching one term about 
that time. He then went into the mercantile busi- 
ness, thinking then to abandon the law altogether. 
In 1854 Mr. Sargent came to St. Paul, Minnesota, 
and resumed his law studies, reading with Hon. 
C. D. Gillfillan; was admitted to practice in that 
city in the spring of 1855. He immediately 
opened an office in Carver, practiced there 
until 1860, then moved to Chaska, and has since 
continued his practice here. Most of the time he 
has been kept in some public position, often hold- 
ing two offices at the same time. At an early day 
he was county attorney of Carver county two terms; 
was soon after register of deeds an equal length of 
time ; was county superintendent of schools a short 
time; justice of the peace ten yea i-s and has been 
judge of probate for the past seventeen years. He 
is one of the most popular men in the county, 
performing the duties of every office which he holds 
or has held with the utmost faithfulness and to 
the satisfaction of the people. The judge is us- 
ually classed with the democrats, yet often runs 
on an independent ticket, sometimes receiving his 
nominations from the republicans. There is very 
httle of the partisan in his composition ; he finds 



3(56 



HISTORY OF THE MIN^KSOTA VALLKY. 



good men in all pulitical parties and all political 
parties lind a good man in him. In religious be- 
lief ho is an Episcopalian, holding his connection 
with the church in Shakopee. Judge Sargent 
has bixui twice marrieil, the first time in May 1816, 
to Aliss Maria Whiting, of Portland, Maine. She 
had three children by him, and lost one; she too 
passed away in October, 1863. His second mar- 
riage was with Miss Elizabeth Thompson, of Troy, 
New l\>rk, in July, 18G5, Clara M., Emily A. 
and Joseph S., are their children. 

N. Schoenbom, a native of Prussia, was bom in 
1830. Came to America in 1846 and settled in 
Fond du Lac,"\Visconsin makiuc; that place his homo 
for ten years. Coming to Chaskain 1857 he started 
a saloon. Enlisted in 1862 in company E, Fifth 
Minnesota, and served until honorably discharged 
on account of disability at Fort Snelling, in 1865. 
Returning to Chaska, he resumed his former occu- 
pation and still continues it. He has served as 
deputy sheriff of Carver county four years. Mr. 
Schoenbom has been married three times, the first 
in 1854 to Amelia Hurd, a native of New York, 
who died February 22, 1855. His second wife was 
Jliss Delia Smith, married in 1857. She died in 
18(J5, leaWug three children. His present wife 
was Caroline Kronscljnabel who has borne him 
seven children, six of whom are living. 

Frederick P. Seeger is a native of Moscow, Rus- 
sia, bom in 1846. He left his native land with 
his parents, when quite young, and located at 
Cincinnati, Ohio. After leaving school he worked 
in a drug store four years. His parents having 
moved to St. Peter, in the meantime, he followed 
them, and for one and one-half years engaged in 
the manufacture of cigars. Enlisted in the Ninth 
Minnesota infantry, in 1862, and served three 
years; discharged at Fort Snelling, in Septemberj 
1865. RfHurning home he engaged in milling 
until 1875, then became a resident of Chaska. 
He and his father began business together, specu- 
lating in wheat. He now buys the wheat for their 
commodious elevator. In 1872, Mr. Seeger mar- 
ried Miss Elizabeth Mace. They have l-^st one 
child and have four living. 

William Seeger, Sr., is a native of Hamburg, 
Germany, born May 12, 1810. There he remained 
until twenty-six years of age, then went to Mos- 
cow, Ru^^si.i. He was interested in the banking 
and importing business sixteen years, and in 1852, 
came to America, and settled in Cincinnatti, Ohio. 
Until 1857 he was engaged in the leather trade. 



He made St. Peter, Minnesota, his home, and for 
six years gave his attention to brewing and dis- 
tilling, then spent five years at IieSueur, in the 
grain and mercantile trade. After serving four 
years as deputy he was elected to the office of state 
treasurer serving two years. He was instrumen- 
tal in locating and establishing a Russian colony 
in Cottonwood county, Minnesota, acting entirely 
upon his own responsibility. He was thus era- 
ployed about four years. In 1856, in company 
with Colonel William Pfaender, he located a Ger- 
man colony in what is now New Ulm. Enlisted 
in 1862 and served six months in company D, 
Ninth Minnesota; was honorably discharged on 
account of disablilty. His three sons and two 
sons-in-law also servec} in the army. In 1838, 
Mr. Seeger was married to Christiana Wolf, of 
Hamburg, who has borne him five sons and four 
daughters. All are living and all married. In 
1876 he located in Chaska, and has since given 
his attention to grain and mercantile trade. 

Leonard Streukens, bom Septemlier 14, 
1842, is a native of Holland. He attended the 
public schools, also the college, of his native place. 
Came to America with his parents and located at 
Benton, Carver county, Minnesota, where Leonard 
taught a German school. Subsequently he went 
to St. Paul in order to better acquaint him.self with 
the English language; after that he taught sev- 
eral years. In 1868 was appointed jiostmaster at 
Benton, retaining that positicjn until 1873 when he 
was elected auditor of .Carver county. This office 
he still holds. January 13, 1868, Miss Geneva 
Ebborall, a native of Pennsylvania, became his 
wife. They have four living children. 

Prof. Edwin A. Taylor was bom in Tioga 
county. New York, June 5, 1850. He lived in 
Potter county, Pennsylvania, two years, ha\'ing 
moved there with his parents; the family then 
moved to Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, where 
Edwin attended the public scnools. After a nine 
years' residence moved to Eyota, Minnesota, where 
until 1870 his time was divided between attending 
school and farming. He afterward taught one and 
one-halt years in Olmsted county, then cirae to 
Chaska having charge of the public schools for some 
time. In December, 1874, he graduated from the 
Normal school at Winona, then taught in the 
grammar school at Anoka for six months. He then 
completed his oour.se at the Curtiss Business Col- 
lege, of Minneapolis, assisting during the time in 
the preparatory and common school courses. Then 



CARVER COUNTY. 



367 



came to Chaslca. He has since had charge of the 
pubUc schools. 

F. H. Thomas was bora in Madison county, 
New York, November 13, 1844. When 5 years of 
age he went to Hartford, Connecticut, remaining 
eighteen years attending the pubUc schools, also 
Wilbraham, Massachusetts, afterward at Trmity 
College of Hartford, graduating in 1865. In 1861 
enlisted in Company B, Sixteenth Connecticut, and 
served until honorably discharged at Washington, 
in 1863; was wounded at the battle of Antietam. 
In 1866 he went to Philadelphia, where until 1870 
he was employed as a book-keeper. He then came 
to Chaaka and has since been engaged in teach- 
ing. At Minneapolis in 1870 he married Miss 
Sarah French, of New York. Three children have 
been bom to them. 

Frank Waldo was bom in Chicago in 1856. He 
attended school until 16 years of age, then learned 
the barber's trade with his father, P. Waldo, con- 
tinuing with him three years. After his father's 
death, in 1875, he sold the business and began 
working for others. Three years later he came to 
St. Paul, Minnesota, followed his trade one year, 
and removed to Chaska. Here he rents a build- 
ing on Second street. His marriage with Miss 
Florence Disbi'ow, of Illinois occurred in 1876. 
One son, Howard. 

August Weber, a native of Germany, was bom 
in 1847. Came to America iu 1862, settling in New 
York city. Enlisted the same year in Company D, 
One Hundred and Nineteenth New York and 
served three years. Enlisted in the regular army 
in Company D, Twenty-sixth regulars, and hon- 
orably discharged on the Eio Grande in 1868; re- 
enUsted in 1869 in Company K, Nineteenth regu- 
lars, and was honorably discharged at Ft. Wallace 
in 1874. The next year he joined Company B, 
Seventh regulars, and was honorably discharged in 
1880; came at that time to Minnehaha. He married 
March 28, 1880, Miss Louisa Henry. During the 
summer following they became residents of 
Chaska. 

Peter Weego, the present treasurer of Carver 
county, was bom in Sweden, October 1, 1831 ; he 
came to America in 1853 and settled in St. Peter. 
One year he followed farming, and was then 
elected to the office of treasurer of NicoUet county. 
In 1859 came to Carver and was employed as a 
clerk until his enlistment in 1861 in Company A, 
Fourth Minnesota; he served untU honorably dis- 
charged on account of disability in 1862. He 



returned to Carver and in 1864 was elected auditor 
of Carver county, which office he held eight years. 
Until 1875 he continued clerking, and was then 
elected treasurer of Carver county, and still holds 
the position. Mr. Weego has been twice married; 
the first time was in 1861 to Miss Anna Erickson, 
who died in 1868, leaving two children. Miss 
Beitie Erickson became his second wife in 1869, 
and has borne him four children. 

George Wiest was born in 1848, and is a native 
of Pennsylvania. While yet a babe he accompan- 
ied his parents to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they re- 
mained three years, then came to Chaska. His 
father, Michael Wiest, died here in 1866. In 1872 
George began brickmaking, which trade he has 
since followed. Miss Mary Burghler became liis 
wife in 1873. Four of their five children are 
living. 

Henry Young, deceased, was born in Saxony, 
Germany, March 24, 1829. When about thirteen 
years of age his father died. He was about to be 
compelled to learn the shoe trade; it being dis- 
tasteful to him he ran away from home and 
learned cooking. In 1847 he came to America 
and made New I'ork his home four or five years, 
pursuing in the meantime his trade. Coming to 
St. Paul he followed steamboating on the Minne- 
sota river two years. He then engaged in the 
grocery business at Chaska, which he continued 
untU his death, which occurred April 24, 1874, by 
drowning. In 1860 he was united in marriage 
with Miss Madeline litis. Five of their children 
have passed away. The widow and five children 
still survive. 

M. Zeney was born in New York city, August 
26, 1853. Came to Minnesota with his parents 
when two years old. After acquiring an educa- 
tion he learned the printer's trade at Mankato. 
After following his trade for some time he was em- 
ployed by Gregg & Bro. in their brick- yard as a 
day laborer. He remained with him three years, 
and soon after began working for the Mankato 
Brick Company, and was in the employ of the 
company eight years. In March, 1881, he be- 
came a resident of Chaska and entered the em- 
ploy of Gregg & Griswold as foreman of their ex- 
tensive brick-yard, where he still remains. In 
April, 1880, he was united in marriage with Mrs. 
Mary Plant; she had one son, George. One 
son, Frankio, has been born to them. 

CARVER. 

Carver is located in the eastern part of the 



368 



HISTORY OF TUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



county ontht! Miiinpsota rivor, aud since 1877 has 
coiisoil to 1)0 a town aud is whcilly included under 
the village corporation. 

Its liistoi-y as a settlement begins with Axel Jor- 
genson, who in 1H51 or "52 settled on the land now 
occupied by the town site, under the code of squat- 
ter sovereignty. After a few years he sold out such 
title as lie had and removed to Wright county 
where he still hves. John (loodenough, who came 
in 1852, was the next settlor. Eben Ladlee, who 
came from Pennsylvania in 1854 and located in 
the south-western part of section 24, where he now 
resides, is the oldest settler now in Carver. His 
wife was the first white woman in the town. In 
October, 1854, Levi H. Grillin came with his wife. 
He was from Maine, was married in Boston and 
previous to his settlement here had visited Cali- 
fornia aud enjoyed extensive ojiportunities for ad- 
venture. In February, 1854, previous to his re- 
moval from St. Paul to Carver, he had visited this 
point and in company with Alexander Ramsey, C. 
D. Gilltillan, Joseph E. FuUerton, J. W. Havtwoll, 
James K. Hrumijhrey and Mathew Grolf, purchased 
the town site from Axel Jorgensen. Other early 
settlers were Anton Knoblauch, A. G. Anderson, F. 
Strachc and Peter A. Johnson, all of whom came in 
1855. Herman Muihlbuvg and Christian Brustle 
came in 185G; Enoch Holmes, C. A. Blomqiiist, 
Charles D. Dauwalter, and B. Hertz, in 1857. 
From this date settlement went on rapidly. 'WHien 
the towns of the county were first formed, in 1858, 
Carver was organized, a long, narrow town, ex- 
tending with an irregular boundai-y west across 
and including a large portion of what is now 
Dalilgren. One year later its territory was en- 
larged by the addition of four sections taken from 
Gbaska. April 21, 1868, that part of Chaska and 
Carver included in township 115, was organized 
into a new to^v^l first called Liberty, afterwards 
Dalilgren. 

The name Car\er was given to the town by sug- 
gestion of Governor Ramsey, in honor of the dis- 
tinguished explorer whose history is found iu 
this volume. 

The first town meeting was held at the Carver 
House May 11; William A. Griffin, moderator; 
William li. Baxter, clerk and the following officers 
elected: J. S. Letford, chairman; Ole Paulson, 
and Charles Luedloir, supervisors; George A. 
Bucklin, town clerk; Charles Sorenson, assessor; 
Charles Johnson, collector; Elec. Nelson, over- 
eer of poor; Charles Bosler and S. Oleson, con- 



stables; Charles- Johnson and Charles Sorenson, 
justices of the peace. 

The village of Carver was first surveyed in 
February, 1857 by J. S. Halstrd on laud owned 
by the town site company previously enumerated. 
The original site embraced about 415 acres. The 
plat was filed for record June 5, 1857. February 
17, 1877, the village was incorporated and the 
residue of the town of Carver wa.s bv the act of in- 
corporation included within the village and the 
ex-afficio town officers made ita first officers. The 
town of Carver was thus extinguished. 

Eliza O. Grillin, now Mrs. Leslie McBride, was 
the first white child born in Carver. She was born 
May 29, 1555, and was the daughter of Levi H. 
Griffin. The first death was that of a man whose 
name is unknown, knocked from the steamboat by 
a i)rojecting limb: funeral service was read by 
Levi H. Griffin. The first marriage was that of 
John Bloedel to Barbara Bastian, September 
12, 1857. 

The first school in Carver was held in the win- 
ter of 1855-6, in ;ui old claim shanty, with about 
twenty -five pupils; George Bennett, teacher. The 
schools of Carver with their present attendance of 
240 pupils present a strong contrast to this feeble 
beginning. The public .school building, built in 
1878, is the best in the county, and is furnished 
with patent desks, maps, charts, globes and requi- 
site school furniture. The building, 34x70, cost 
!S5,000, including furniture. A Catholic school 
with forty pupils is also maintained, taught by 
Sisters Gertrude and Antonia in a two-story brick 
building. A German school is held in the Ger- 
man Lutheran church, taught by Rev. H. Kae- 
deke, pastor. A Swedish school has been lately 
opened in the Swedish church. 

The German Lutheran church was organized in 
1856 by Rev. INIr. Springier, from Young Amer- 
ica. It had no regular pastor until 1869, when 
Itev. Victor Both took the charge, at that time 
consisting of thirty members. The church, cost- 
ing 81,200, 21x40 feet, built in 18G9, is a wooden 
stnicture. Present membership 45; H. Raedeke, 
pastor. 

The Swedish Methodist church was organized iu 
1875 by C. J. Nelson with three or four members. 
Thev purchased for S050 their church from the 
G.'rmau Evaugelical Association. It is 28x41) feel, 
and its present value is about SI, 000. Present 
membershi)), fifteen ; Axel Gabrielson, pastor. 
The land for the cemetery of Carver was pur- 



Cjuiveu county. 



369 



chased from Frederick Greiner, and was surveyed 
in November, 18G3, by J. O. Brunius. The land 
for the Catholic cemetery was donated by John 
Kiesgraf. 

The German Reading Society of Carver was in- 
stituted February 24, 1866, with ten charter mem- 
bers. The first officers were, H. Muehlberg, pres- 
ident; Jacob Honer, vice-president; Charles Geb- 
hard, secretary; S. Knit, treasurer. The society 
has in its possession a German library, the value 
of which is about SI, 000. Atone time the society 
numbered forty-eight members, but has decreased 
to thirty-eight at the present time. The object of 
the society is to impart knowledge and to promote 
morality. 

Carver Lodge, No. Ill, A. F. and A. M. Dis- 
pensation for a lodge at Carver was issued in Jan- 
uary, 1874. The first meeting U. T>. was held 
February 7, 1874; officers named in dispensation: 
W. H. Mills, W. M.; H. R. Denny, S. W.; A. P. 
Peterson, J. W. The charter was granted in 1875 
and the lodge was constituted, consecrated and of- 
ficers installed February 25, by the R. W., F. L. 
Smith. W. H. Mills, W. M., H. R. Denny, 
S. W., A. P. Peterson, J. W.; G. Krayen- 
buhl, treasurer; H. W. Busse, secretary; 
F. 0. Mosbaugh, S. D.; W. Rhoy, J. D.; 
Jolm O'Brien, S. S.; C. D. Dauwalter, J. S.; 
George Houghton, tyler; charter members, six- 
teen. The lodge owns a fine building, well finished 
and very convenient, and may be said to be in a 
prosperous condition. The present membership 
is thirty -five. 

There are three physicians, one lawyer, one real 
estate and loan office, one flour mill, one elevator, 
six general stores, one carding and feed mill, two 
drug stores, two brick yards, two hardware stores, 
two lumber yards with other business, two farm 
machinery dealers, one grocery, one brewery, two 
watch-makers, two carriage makers, one meat mar- 
ket, one photographer, two harness makers, one 
tailor, one veterinary surgeon, two boot and shoe 
makers, one milliner, one bakery, five saloons and 
two hotels. 

Prominent among the business interests are the 
general merchandise stores of John Bloedel, An- 
derson and Skoog, C. A. Goetze, Peter A. Johnson, 
Brustle & Bengston; Anton Knoblauch deals in 
farm machinery and does a small banking busi- 
ness. G. F. Sunwall conducts a business in grain 
in the elevator belonging to Anton Knoblauch, 
which has a capacity of 35,000 bushels. 

24 



The brick yards are operated, one by J. M. Nye 
& Co., which made last year 1,250,000 brick; the 
other by Ahline & Co. 

Newspaper. The "Carver Free Press" was es- 
tablished in 1875 by W. R. Colton. In 1878, it 
changed hands and was enlarged in size. 1880 
it was further enlarged to its present generous di- 
mensions and in -January, 1881, was purchased by 
the present owner, H. Muehberg. 

A. G. Anderson, a native of Sweden, was born 
on July 14, 1840. Came to America in 1855, and 
located in Carver, where he began attending 
school. In 1857 commenced clerking for G. A. 
Bucklin, remaining with him untO going south to 
Louisiana in 1860. Returning in 1861 he enlisted 
the next year in Company H, Ninth Minnesota; 
was taken prisoner at Guntown, Mississippi, June 
11, 1864, and remained in 4ndersonviIle prison 
until November 18, 1864; was honorably dis- 
charged at Fort Snelling in August, 1865. On 
returning he began clerking for E. Holms, and in 
1872 began business with John Sundine; three 
years subsequently E. Holms was admitted as a 
partner. Mr. Sundine retired in 1878, and in 1880 
Mr. Anderson disposed of his interest to his partner. 
In December of that year, however, he again 
started in business alone. Married in 1862 to 
Emma DeMers, of Carver. They have three chil- 
dren. 

John Bloedel, one of the early settlers of Car- 
ver, is a native of Germany, born in 1834. Came 
to America in 1854, locating in Milwaukee, Wis- 
consin, which was his home only two years. Hav- 
ing learned the blacksmith trade in his native 
country, on coming to Carver in August, 1856, he 
opened a blacksmith shop which he kept in oj)er- 
ation nineteen years. In 1875 started a restaurant 
and saloon, which he continued until 1879, then 
engaged in the mercantile trade. Miss Barbara 
Bastion became his wife at Carver in 1857, the cere- 
mony being performed by Dr. Griffin. Mr. and 
Mrs. Bloedel were the first couple married in Car- 
ver. Of the six children born to them four are 
living. 

C. A. Blomquist was born in Sweden, April 4, 
1833. On coming to America he first located in 
Chicago, and in April, 1854, came to St. Paul. He 
remained until 1857 working at the carpenter's 
trade most of the time. In 1857 came to Carver, 
and soon after began steamboating which he fol- 
lowed until 1868, then bought the Planter's 
House, in which he still remains. Married in 1857 



370 



uimvur OF the Minnesota valley. 



to Henrietta Swnnson.wlio has borne him nine chil- 
dren, six of whom are living. 

Cliristiau Bmstle, a native of Gfermany, was 
born August 8, 1815. Oamo to America in 1856 
with some relatives who settleil in Carver county 
on a farm. He remained with them until 1862, 
then enlisted in Coni])any E, Sixth Minnesota; was 
honorably discharged at Ft. Suolling in 1865. Re- 
turning to Carver he began clerking, followed it 
eight years then engaged in business with M. J. 
Gunter. About six months later he began busi- 
ness with Mr. Bankson, his present partner. Anna 
E. Shoeumakers, of McLeod county, became his 
wife in 1867. Of the six children bom to thorn 
three are living. 

Charles D. Dauwalter is a Grerman, bom in 1833, 
came to America in 1850 and learned the trade of 
blacksmith at Sandusky, Erie county, Ohio, where 
he lived five years. Settled in Carver in 1857 and 
began working at his trade as a journeyman for 
John Bloedol. After remaining with him three 
years he Lu 1860 returned to Ohio. In 1861 he 
married Miss Elizabeth LiU and returned to Car- 
ver. This has since been his home. They have 
three children living and have lost two. 

William A. Gritlin, M. U., was born at Lee, 
New Hampshire, November 25, 1824. At the age 
of thirteen he was bound out for four years to 
work for his board and clothes. Wljen seventeen 
years old he lost his father, and soon after began 
working for himself. He first worked on a farm 
seven months for sixty dollars, next on a farm 
seven months at ten dollars per month. In search- 
ing for work he was often compelled to walk long 
distances from town to town. He finally suc- 
ceeded in getting a position in a tannery at twelve 
dollars j^er month, at Danvers, Massachusetts. 
His aim in life was to become a physician, and he 
determined to begin the study of medicine as soon 
as he could command five himdred dollars. Be- 
fore this coveted sum was gained he was compelled 
to abandon his trade, which he did, and returned 
to his native town. He began attending the Dur- 
ham Academy, and afterward taiight until the 
fall of 1849, when he began the study of medicine 
at Roxbury, Massachusetts, with Dr. Nute; soon 
after studied with Dr. Ira Allen, who had charge 
of the hospital in the city almshouse at Roxbury. 
He remained with him three and one-half years, 
the last two years being assistant surgeon of that 
hospital. Finally, Novemlier 8, 1853, he grad- 
uated at Dartmouth College, receiving a diploma. 



Subsequently he received one from the M-»"!achu- 
setts State Medical Society, and one from the Min- 
nesota State Medical Society. Dr. Griffin was madn 
a master m-.LSon at St. Paul Lodge, at Boston, ir 
1853. In January, 1854, ho was appointed by 
Governor Clifford surgeon of the state almshouso 
at Munson, in which office he remained two years. 
After sjiending the summer of 1856 in Warronton, 
Missiiuri, he came to Minnesota, and has since 
made his home principally in Carver. During the 
war he was examining physician of Carver county, 
He was also first justice of the peace of Carver, 
and has since been president of the village and 
town treasurer. Dr. Griflin has been twice mar- 
ried, the first time in 1855, to Mary A. Spencer, 
of West Springfield, Massachusetts, who died at 
Minneapolis in July, 1874, leaving three children: 
John, .Josephine E. and William A., Jr. Miss 
Anna E. Worthley, of BrookUne, Massachusetts, 
became his second wife. 

Levi H. Griffin was bom October 22, 1822, at 
Vassall)orough, Kennebec county, Maine, and re- 
ceived a common school education. Learned the 
trade of blacksmith at Augusta, and on moving 
to Boston followed it there until 1849. He then 
made a trip to California via Cape Horn on the 
"Leonore." Returned in the fall of 1850, but 
made a second trip in the spring of 1851, return- 
ing the following fall. After spending one year 
in the mercantile trade in Boston he started for 
Minnesota, arriving at St. Paid in April, 1853; re- 
turning to Boston he brought back his family in 
June of that year, and established himself in the 
blacksmith trade. In February, 1854, in com- 
pany with J. E. Fullerton, of St. Paul, Mr. Griffin 
visited Carver and purchased the town site of 
Axel Jorgensen, the first settler. October 25 of 
that year he moved his family to the new place 
and opened a store. He also kept a hotel, which, 
as well as his store, was well known by all the 
early settlers in this and adjoining counties. Mr. 
Griffin was appointed the first sheriff and assessor 
by Governor Gorman, and has held many impor- 
tant offices of the county, and minor offices in the 
town. At Boston, in 1847, he married Miss Eliza 
J. Torrey, who is still living; she has borne him 
nine children, seven of whom are now living. 

0. A. Goetze, merchant, was born April 27, 1843, 
in Germany. He lived in his native country until 
1858, receiving there the advantages of a common 
school education. He first visited Minnesota in 
June, 1858, and for one year worked on his father's 



CARVER COUNTY. 



371 



farm, in what is now Dalilgren township. The 
subsequent two and one-half years he was an ap- 
prentice to the boot and shoe trade, then worked 
at his trade six nionths. In 1863 he opened a shop 
for himself, and the next year added a stock of 
sale boots and shoes. Having since increased his 
stores, he now carries a large stock of general 
merchandise. Mr. Goetze was married in Carver 
county, September 27, 1863, to Miss Maria 0, 
Hartung. Emma, George C. E., William, M. E., 
A.lma, and Otto, J. C, are their living children; 
four have died. 

E. C. Hartley, M. D., was born at Bockford, 
Illinois, August 24, 1855. At the age of nine 
years he "was run over by a train, thereby losing 
his left leg. In 1875 he began studying medicine 
at the Bennett Medical College, of Chicago, grad- 
uating therefrom with the class of '77. He then 
took a course at the Eush Medical College, finally 
graduating in 1879, from the Chicago Medical 
College. In July, of the same year, he became a 
resident of Carver, and has since practiced his 
profession here. 

Berthold Hertz, a native of Baden, Germany, 
was born in 1830. In his native coimtry he 
learned the shoemakers' trade, and came to Amer- 
ica at the age of twenty-one. He remained in 
BulTalo.New York, one summer, then went to Cleve- 
land, Ohio, making that his home one year. 
After working four years in the Lake Superior 
copper mines, he located on a farm in Carver 
county. In 1866 he purchased the brewery in 
Carver. At Cleveland, Ohio, in 1851, he was 
united in marriage with Anna Kronschnabel, who 
has borne him six children, of whom five are living. 

Enoch Holmes, born September 13, 1828, is a 
native of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. While quite 
young, accompanied his parents to Armstrong 
county, and soon after began clerking in a store 
at Rural Valley, remaining about six years. The 
subsequent eight years he clerked at Red Bank 
Furnace, then returned to his native city, and in 
1857 came to Carver. He gave his attention at 
that time to merchandising, and has since been 
closely identified with the business interests of the 
town, although for the past few years he has been 
interested in milling at Minneapolis. In October, 
1878, he moved to Minneapolis for the purpose of 
giving his children better educational advantages. 
Married in 1863 to Jeanette Kennedy, of this 
county. Tney have two children living and one 
deceased. 



H. H. Holms was born November 25, 1847, in 
Norway. He came to America and to Carver in 
1869; remained only a few months, then went to 
Minneapolis. In that city he made his home until 
August, 1876, then visited tlie exposition at Phila- 
delphia, proceeding thence to visit the home of his 
childhood. He remained in Norway imtil the 
spring of 1877, and at that time returned to this 
country. He located again in Carver in 1878, and 
on arriving purchased a stock of general merchan- 
dise and started a store. He has since given his 
attention to his trade, carrying at present a stock 
of $2,000. 

P. A. Jolmson, merchant, was bom December 
11, 1841, in Sweden. He came to St. Paul, Min- 
nesota, September 23, 1852. In July, 1855 
they removed to Carver county and have 
since resided here. Peter stayed with his parents 
until his enlistment, Februaiy 11, 1865 in com- 
pany H, first Minnesota heavy artillery; was dis- 
charged at Fort Snelling in September of that 
year. Returning to the old homestead he re- 
mained until 1877 then moved to Carver village. 
In December, 1880, he purchased a stock of gen- 
ei-al merchandise of John Sundine. Miss Mary 
Johnson became his wife December 11, 1862. Of 
the eight (Jhildren bom to them three are living : 
George E., Lizzie A. and Josephine A. 

Peter Johnson, farmer, is a native of Sweden, 
bom November 29, 1828. He was engaged in 
farming in his native land imtU coming across to 
America in 1861. The same year he came to Car- 
ver county but remained only one winter. Removed 
to Washington county and remained there seven 
years, then settled on a farm of 120 acres in Carver 
on section 30. He has since given his attention 
to agriculture and has been quite successful; has 
added to his original farm seventy acres. Was 
married in 1854 to Miss Mary Ole. Hannah, Anna, 
John and Alfred are their living children. 

Anton Knoblauch, for many years a resident of 
Carver, is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, 
born August 24, 1835. When 18 years of age he 
came to America and for two years lived in Ohio. 
Came ■ to Minnesota and settled at Carver; has 
since made this his abiding place. For eight 
years he was employed as a clerk for E. Walton, 
then embarked in trade for himself, continuing 
for twelve years. He has since been interested in 
machinery and banking business. Married in 1864 
to Miss .\nna .Tohnson, of Carver, who has borne 
him four children; three of them are living. 



372 



UISrORY OF TUH Mli\^EmTA VALLEY. 



Luis Liirscii, proprietor Minneapolis Hotel, born 
July 13, 18i3, is a native of Sweden. Hia youth 
was spent on a farm and in 18(>7 he came to 
America, and to Carver. For nine summers be 
worked wood barges on the Minnesota river and 
during the winter season was employed in the 
wdods. In 18C7 commenced working in a hotel in 
Carver, and in 1877 rented the Washington Hotel 
for three years. At the expiration of the term he 
erected his present house, the Minneapolis Hotel. 
February 6, 1 877, Miss Christiana Holquist became 
his wife. Frank O. and John E. are their children. 

Hermann Muehlberg, proprietor and editor of 
The Carver Free Press, was bom in 1833 in Gross 
I'loethe, Hanover, Germany. Immigrated to the 
United Statts with his parents in 1846. After 
learning the prij)ters' trade in St. Louis Missouri, 
worked at his trade sis years in Dubuque, Iowa. 
Came to Carver, June, 1856, and clerked in a store 
until 18C0, then moved to his farm near Waoonia. 
Served as county surveyor, county commissioner 
and in several town offices. In February, 1862, en- 
listed in company E, Fifth regiment; was soon 
after promoted to sergeant. In August, 1863, was 
promoted captain of company D, serving as such 
till the close of the war. He then removed to 
Wisconsin and there owned and edited the Pioneer 
and Wisconsin at Sauk City. He again located 
at Carver, January 1, 1881, and took possession of 
the Free Press. His marriage with Miss Clara 
Freese occurred at Dubuque, Iowa, in 1854. 
Albert, Clara, Hermann, Doratha, Elise, and Her- 
mine are their children. 

A. P. Peterson, of the fii-m of Holmes, Peterson 
& Co., was bom in April, 1843, and is a native of 
Sweden. In 1858 he came to America, proceed- 
ing to Carver, Minnesota. Began learning the 
trade of tinsmith in 1860, at which he worked 
three years. He then spent two years in Minne- 
apolis, and in 1866 returned to Carver, and worked 
at his trade four years longer. Engaged in the 
hardware and farm machine trade in 1870, in com- 
pany with Mr. Hebeisen. This firm transacted 
business until 1880, when Mr. Peterson purchased 
the interest of Mr. Anderson, in the firm of 
Holmes and Anderson. At Minneapolis, in 1866, 
Miss Anna K. Swanson became the wife of Mr. 
Peterson. They have two daughters: Hattie A. 
and Ellen F. 

r. Strache, proprietor of Temperance Hotel, 
was born May 4, 1818, in Prussia. Came to Amer- 
ica in 1850, locating first in Wisoouain. He soon 



after moved to Indiana, and there worked on a 
railroad until coming to Minnesota in 1855. Since 
that time he has been a resident of Carver county ; 
he first located on a claim of one hundred and 
sixty acres, on wliich he lived until 1862. Kemov- 
ing to Carver he opened the Carver House, of 
which he was manager until 1876. He then built 
the Temperance House, the only strictly temper- 
ance house in the town. Married in Indiana, in 
1853. Mary, William and Bertie are their living 
children. 

Gust. Sunwall, wheat buyer, was bom in 1852, 
in Sweden. Came to America in 1869, locating in 
Carver. Here he remained until 1872, engaged in 
clerking for John Dunn. He then moved to Wal- 
nut Grove and built the first house in the place; 
remained there in trade until 1874. Then went to 
St. Paul. For two years he was in the employ of 
K. Bardon, as wheat buyer, and in 1876 moved to 
Blukely. He was interested in the wheat trade at 
this place also until 1879, when he again located 
in Carver. His time is devoted to buying wheat; 
ho has charge of all the elevators at this point. 
Married in 1878 to Anna E. KeUy, of Bhikely. 
One son and one daughter gladden their home. 

Frank Warner, attorney at law, born at Jeflfersou, 
Ashtabula county, Ohio, May 27, 1831. He re- 
ceived a common school education which was sup- 
plemented by an attendance at the Jefferson 
Academy and Grand Kiver Institute. Was admit- 
ted to the bar at Warren, Trumbull county, Ohio, 
in 1854. The nest year he came to St. Paul, 
Minnesota, but soon after moved to Shakopee and 
began the practice of law. He remained at Sha- 
kopee four years, and during the time was a mem- 
ber of the state constitutional convention from 
Scott county. In 1859 he located at Carver and 
has since practiced his profession at this point. 
In 1862 was elected county attorney, which office 
he held six years; elected judge of probate in 
1877, serving as such one term. Married June 18, 
1859, to Miss Jane Mitchell. They have four 
children living and have lost one. 



CHAPTER LV. 



SAN FKANOISOO — CHANHASSEX LAKETOWN DAHX- 

GREN WATERTOWN. 

San Francisco is the south-eastern town of the 
county, and borders on the Minnesota river. Tlie 
first white settlement is somewhat obscure, from 



CARVER COUNTY. 



373 



the absence of reliable dates. As near as can be 
learned, William Foster, two brothers named 
Sevens, Marvin White, William Sanford, Thomas 
Wells, Louis Stevenson and John Chilstrom came 
in 1854. Mr. Foster located near the Minnesota 
river in the eastern part of the town, and soon 
after had liis claim laid off into town lots and 
started a town. He named his village San 
Francisco, after California's metropolis, and the 
town when organized took the same name. The 
county seat was located there in 1855, but changed 
to Chaska the following year, which served to re- 
tard the growth of the town. The flood of 1863 
swept away the warehouse and several other build- 
ings, and the town was abandoned. It is now 
owned by Henry Grehl as a farm. The Bevens 
brothers located near the mouth of the creek bear- 
ing their name. Sanford located in the south- 
west; he soon sold and took another claim. In 
1863 he went to Idaho. Mr. Wells located on the 
south side of section 3, and was the first settler 
south of Bevens' creek. He remained a short 
time, then moved to Stillwater. Mr. White located 
in section 10, where he lived a number of years, 
then moved to St. Paul. He was the first chair- 
man of the town board. Mr. Stevenson located 
on the east side of section 1. He moved to Kan- 
diyohi county. Mr. Chilstrom joined him on the 
north, where he lived a number of years, when he 
moved to Minneapolis. His son, a boy about 
twelve years of age, was drowned wliile fishing at 
the rapids in the river fronting the village of San 
Fracisco, which was probably the first death in 
the to^vn. In 1855 the population increased 
rapidly. Mr. Bristol located in section 21 near 
the bank of the river, where he lived until his 
death in the fall of 1880. He established a ferry 
in 1877 near his place, which is still operated by 
his son. Mr. Hillstrom is still living in the town 
in section 8. He was one of the members of the 
first town board. Andrew Johnson located in 
section 9. Being a man of considerable means, he 
put ^up a good house, then returned to Massachu- 
setts for his family. On his return trip, while 
coming up the Minnesota river by steamboat, and 
when a few miles below Chaska, he disaj^peared, 
and was never heard of afterward. Mr. Hogstedt 
and Mr. Arvidsen are stiU Hving in the town, 
John Swan in Carver, John H. Johnson in Han- 
cock, and Mr. Nyberg in Minneapolis. Swan 
Johnson located in section 17, where his family 
now live. He became insane about 1865 and 



killed his son, aged about twelve years, by cutting 
his head off with an axe. The deed was commit- 
ted in Sibley county, about twelve miles from his 
home. 

At organization San Francisco extended west, 
including what is now Hancock. In 1868 Han- 
cock became a separate town. The meeting for 
organization was held May 11, 1858 at the ware- 
house of William Foster. Marvin White, modera- 
tor; P. A. Tietsort, clerk. 

Thirty-seven votes were cast. OflScers: Mar- 
vin White, chairman, Peter Thompson and John 
Hillstrom, supervisoi-s; William Foster, assessor, 
John Dunn, collector; Patrick Duify, overseer of 
poor; Edmund Bristol and John Hillstrom jus- 
tices of peace, W. D. Munger and John Dibble, 
constables; July 7, Thomas Knott, assessor, vice 
WiUiam Foster, resigned. 

1881. N. H. Johnson, chairman; James Ander- 
son and C. J. Peterson, supervisors; August Bur- 
ling, clerk; John Ahline, assessor; John Oleson, 
treasurer; John Oleson and A. P. Mellquist, jus- 
tices of the peace; J. A. Oleson and A. P. Felt, 
constables. MeUquist failed to quahfy as justice, 
and J. A. Oleson as constable. 

This town voted August 6, 1864, a bounty of 
$250 to each volunteer, and for this purpose bonds 
to the amount of $5,044.13 were issued. 

San Francisco village was laid out in 1854 on 
land owned by William Foster. In 1855 the firet 
board of county commissioners held their meet- 
ing at this place as the county seat, and also the 
first meeting in 1856, after which they moved to 
Chaska for better accommodations. The buildings 
then consisted of a warehouse about forty feet long, 
one story, for transferring freight on account of 
the rapids,' the store of Foster & Davis 20x25 feet, 
one and a halt stories, and a few shanties uninhab- 
itable in inclement weather. Such was the first 
county seat of Carver county. 

St. La' rrence was laid out by Wilham H. Stod- 
der and Charles L. Pierson in November, 1856, 
and owned by them in company with S. B. Strait 
and Joseph DeCamp. It was situated partly in 
Scott and partly in Carver coimty, and filed for 
record December 13, 1856. This would-be city 
shared the fate of many similar enterprises of 
the day. 

In 1859 Peter Thompson secured a ten year 
charter to operate a ferry across the Minnesota, 
and located it where the Carver and Jordan road 
crosses the river in section 7. Trouble and litiga- 



37i 



IIISTOnr OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



tion grew out of n tmnsfer of tlio Inncl to Andrew 
Atiilorsou, in reterence to tlio owuorxliip of the 
ferry. Tliia wiis finally adjusted, nnd Mr. Thomp- 
son retained llie ferry until lie sold to Peter Peter- 
son, who still operates it. 

The only mill in town is the Bovcns creek mill, 
which was built in 1867, in section 2, by the mnn- 
aj^ers of the St. Ansgar Academy, of Dahlp;i-en. 
After various changes in ownerahip and pro|M>rty 
by which it is an entirely now alTair, it has bocomo 
a first-cWs mill, coml iuing steam and water power, 
and produces seventy-five barrels of patent flour 
per day. 

A blacksmith shop is carried on by John Ed- 
burg, on section 2, built in the fall of 1876. A 
disused shop stands on the same section. 

The first sehool in town was probably that 
taught in the winter of ]8.57-'8 by Levi Williams 
in a log building in the south-east quarter of sec- 
tion 20, with eighteen scholars. The school-house 
first built in 1866 on section 19 is still in use. 
The town has five school-houses; three log and two 
frame. A private school was also established by 
the Swedish element a few years since, which still 
continues holding about six weeks each year; 
school building in section 7. 

In the winter of 1859 Kev. Ballentyne, Baptist, 
preached frequently at the house of John Hewett, 
in section 20; the Rev. Heath also preached dur- 
ing the same \vinter. No church organization re- 
sulted. 

The San Francisco Methodist church was built 
in the winter of 1878-'9 at an expense of S900, lo- 
cated near the center of section 10. The church 
was organized in 1878 with seven members. Ser- 
vices had been conducted for about two years pre- 
vious to organization at private houses and at the 
school-house by Revs. Nelson and Palmquist. Ser- 
vices are at present conducted by Rev. Gulbrand- 
8on, who also jireaches at Carver. 

Present valuation of San Francisco real estate, 
8175,324; personal, 836,301. Population in 
1880, 736. 

Johan Almquist was born in 1811, and is a na- 
tive of Sweden. Came to America in 18G6, luid 
the same year located in Carver county. He has 
since been a resident of the county, and has eighty 
acres of improved land in San Francisco township 
on Bection 5. He was mariicd to Miss Mary Ole- 
Bon in 1871. Five children have been born to 
them, t'.TO sons and three daughters. 

A. J. Carlson was bom April 20, 1837, in Sweden. 



His father owned a grist and saw-mill, and taught 
his sou the trades. In 1854 he came to America, 
locating soon in Illinois. About 1859 made a trip 
"out west" as far as the Platte river. Soon after, 
he returned to Illinois, and in 18(10 came to Min- 
nesota, and first located ou school lands, but va- 
cated them in the spring of 1861, and purchased 
eighty acres on section 7, San Franci.sco township. 
He then made another visit to Illinois, returning 
iu the fall of 1861. On the 21st of August, 1862, 
he enlisted in Company H, Ninth Minnesota, and 
served under General Sibley till the fall of 1863 
then went South, where he was in active ser- 
vice until the clo.se of the war. Was mustered out 
at Fort Snelling, August 24, 1805. In 1867 he 
was employed at the Seven's Creek mill, then a 
small mill with one run of stone. When the mill 
came into the possession of the Beven's Creek 
Mill Company, Mr. Carlson was elected secretary, 
and since that time has had principal control of 
the mill. He was appointed postmaster at East 
Union in 1878, and still retains the position. His 
marriage with Miss ISIaria Oleson took place in 
Cars'er coimty in 1865. Four sons and two 
daughters have been bom to them; one little 
daughter died at the age of five years. 

James Conlin was born in Ireland. Came to 
America in 1848, and lived in Cincinnati, Ohio; 
then moved to Lawrence county in that state, 
where he learned boiler-making. In 1856 came to 
Minnesota and pre-empted 160 acres in Siljley 
county, which he sold, and purchased eightj' acres 
in San Francisco township; has since added to it 
by purchase, and now owns 217 acres. At the 
time of the Indian outbreak Mr. Conlin was lining 
in Sibley county; they moved to Carver; then 
boarded Captain Houghton's boat and went to St. 
Paul, remaining until peace was restored. In 1855 
Miss Ann Conboy became the wife of Mr. Conlin. 
Sis sons and five daughters h&ve been bora to 
them, eight of whom are living. 

John Edberg is a native of Sweden, bom in 
1829. He learned the blacksmith trade. Came to 
America in 1862, and the year following pur- 
chased his present farm, the north-west cjuarter of 
section 2, in San Francisco township. In 1877 he 
built a blacksmith shop on his place; has since 
given a portion of his time to the pursuit of his 
trade. In his native coimtry, in 1852, ho )uarried 
Miss Mary Siena, who has borne him three sous 
and three daughters. 

John A. Hillstrom was Imni in Sweden January 



CARVER COUNTY. 



375 



21, 1820. He learned the carpenter and cabinet 
trades and for nine years worked in an organ fac- 
tory. He landed in Boston in 1848, and there 
spent five years working at bis trade. In 18.53 
he went to Sweden. Eeturning in 1854 he came 
to St. Paul where he built the first house put up 
by a Swede; came to Carver county in 1855 and 
pre-empted in 1856. Since that time he has been 
a resident of the town; has at present a farm of 540 
acres with 170 acres under cultivation. Mr. HiUs- 
trom was a member of the first town board and 
has been largely identified with the political in- 
terests of the town and county since. In Boston 
May 25, 1854 he married Miss Elizabeth Johnson. 
They have foiir living children; one son died. 

Hugh Hoy was bom in Ireland, March 22, 1835. 
When a boy came to New York city. He then 
went to Highland county, Ohio, where he worked 
on a farm: purchased an outfit and for a number 
of years worked at draying at Hillsborough. 
In April, 1855, he came to Minnesota and dur- 
ing the year bought eighty acres in San Fran- 
cisco township. He soon began improving his 
place and has since added to it until he owns 330 
acres, one-half of which is under cultivation. En- 
listed February 23, 1865, in company L, Second 
Minnesota cavalry, and was on the frontier on 
duty untU discharged February 23, 1866. At 
Anoka, February 17, 1857, he married Miss Hose 
Kelly. They have ten children living; one 
daughter died. 

John Olson was bom March 22, 1838, in 
Sweden. Came to Carver comity in 1855 and lo- 
cated on section 5 in San Francisco township, 
which has since been his home. He attended St. 
Ansgar Academy at Red Wing one winter also one 
term after its removal to East CTnion; for ten years 
has been justice of the peace, served four years as 
assessor and in 1881 was elected town treasurer. 
He has also held an interest in the Beven's Creek 
mill since it was erected in 1867, and at the forma- 
tion of the company in 1879, he was elected its 
treasurer. In January, 1865, he enlisted in the 
First Minnesota heavy artOlery and was discharged 
at Fort Snelling during the fall of the same year. 
His marriage with Christine Anderson took place 
in Carver county in 1860. Fourteen children 
were born to them, only four of whom are living: 
Johanna, Emily, Victor E., and Anna V. 

John A. Olson, farmer, was bom in Sweden, in 
1847. Came to America with his parents in 1858. 
His father, Andrew Olson, purchased a fami in 



section 5, San Francisco, on which they lived until 
1868. On purchasing again, a portion of the land 
was in three different townships, Hancock, Dahl- 
gren and San Francisco, the house being in Han- 
cock. Mr. Olson lived with his father until his 
marriage with Miss Mary C. Hanson, of San Fran- 
cisco township". He then lived in Dahlgren until 
purchasing his present farm in section 6 in 1877. 
The same year he built a house which he veneered 
with brick; was tcwn supervisor in 1878. They 
have two sons and three daughters. 

Andrew Wallen, a native of Sweden, was bom 
June 28, 1835. Came to the United States in 1854 
and worked in difi'erent parts of the country until 
enlisting from Carver in 1862 in company H, 
Ninth Minnesota; served until 1865; was in many 
of the leading conflicts, and was present at the ex- 
ecution of the thirty-eight Sioux Indians at Man- 
kato. After being mustered out was married to Miss 
Mary Carlson and settled in San Francisco town- 
ship. Here he has since resided; has served twelve 
years as chairman of the town board. Was one of 
the railroad commissioners to condemn lands for 
the Minneapolis and St. Louis "cut-off" in 1881. 
Mr. and Mrs. Wallen have had eight children, three 
of whom died within three weeks of one another 
with diphtheria. 

John Wallun was bom in 1837 and is a native 
of Sweden. In 1862 came to Carver county and 
in 1865 purchased his present place in San Fran- 
cisco township. He has been quite prosperous 
and has done much toward improving his place. 
Married in 1864, in Carver county. Miss Mary 
Peterson, who has borne him three sons and four 
daughters. 

CHA>rH.\SSEN. 

Chanhassen is situated in the extreme north- 
eastern part of Carver county. The town is dotted 
here and there with beautiful lakes of clear water, 
the largest of which is Lake Minnewashta, in the 
north-western part. Its name is derived from two 
Indian words, Minnie, meaning water, and Wash- 
ta, meaning good. The banks of this lake are 
covered with natural groves, while on the shore in 
many places, particularly on the western side, are 
long stretches of sandy beach. Near the center of 
the town is Lake Hazeltine, so-called in honor of 
Miss Susan Hazeltine, who opened the first school 
in Carver county. Lakes Lucy and Ann, twin 
lakes in the north-eastern part of the town, were 
named after the wives of Burritt S. and William S. 



376 



UISTOHY OF THE AflNNESOTA VALLEY. 



Jadd. Long lake lies east of these, and south of 
this is Lake Siisnn. 

The first claim in Chanhnsson was taken np in 
section 35, township 116, range 23, by Joseph Vo- 
gel, where he settled in June, 1852. He was ac- 
companied by his brothers, Frank and August, who 
remained with him until the n"xt summer, when 
they returned to St. Paul. In August, 1852, 
Joseph Keesler settled on section 30, township 
116, range 23, to whose sister, Miss Feronica Kes- 
sler, Joseph Vogel was married about July 15, 
1854, this being the first marriage in Carver. county. 
The first death that occurred in Chanhassen was 
that of Cornelius Kirscher, in 1853. 

In May, 1853, Arba Cleveland and George M. 
Powers, from Belchertown, Massachusetts, and H. 
M. Lyman and Joshua Moore, from Easthampton, 
Massachusetts, settled near the center of the town. 
Later in the same year J. Cathcart, George Gal- 
pin, Lemuel Griffin, James Ryan, William Tilton 
and Joshua Hillcry settled in the same neighbor- 
hood, after which time the desirable land in the 
town was rapidly taken up. 

In the fall of 1855 the first school in Chanhassen 
and also the first in Carver county was opened at 
the house of Arba Cleveland, by Miss Susan Hazel- 
tine. In a few weeks, however, her school was 
transferred to a new school building which had 
been erected on section 16. There are now seven 
district school-houses iq Chanhassen. 

Charles Galpin preached the first seimon in 
Chanhassen in June, 1854, at the house of H. M. 
Lyman. A Sunday-school was organized at the 
same time. After this services were held every 
two weeks in a grove near Mr. Lyman's place, 
as a branch of the Congregational church 
of Excelsior. In the fall of 1855 services began 
to be held in the school-house near George M. 
Powers' farm, where they were kept up for some 
years, when they were discontinued. The only 
church edifice in the town is St. Hubert Catholic 
church, situated on section 12, and built in 1873. 
This church was established in 1863. 

In the spring of 1854 a post-oflice was estab- 
lished, II. M. Lyman being the first postmaster; 
he held the office for two years. In 1859 the post- 
office was abrilished, since which time there has 
been none in Chanhassen. 

Chanhassen is a strictly agricultural town, there 
never having been a store, mill, or manufactory of 
any kind within its limits. The early pioucers 
did their trading at a town on Lake Minnetouka 



called Smithtown, but at the present time the 
people of Chanhassen divide their patronage 
among all the neighboring towns. 

The first meeting to provide for township or- 
ganization was held by the people of township 
116 -23, May 11, 1858, in the school-house on sec- 
tion 16: Timothy Mc Arty, moderator; and George 
M. Powers), Clerk. Officers elected: F. A. lienze, 
chairman; Timothy McArty and Stilhnan Iteed, 
supervisors; George M. Powers, town clerk; Jos. 
Vogel, collector; D. W. Hull, assessor; Joseph 
Kessler and Wm. S. Judd, justices of the peace; 
Ferdinand Wirsching, overseer of the poor; John 
Ess and Wm. H. Trowbridge, constables; Jesse J. 
Sickler, George Galpin, William Sarver, and Mar- 
tin M. Schneider, overseer of the four road dis- 
tricts. At the suggestion of Eev. H. M. Nichols 
it was voted to call the town Chanhassen, which is 
an Indian word, signifying sugar-maple. The 
supervisors met June 7, 1858, and the assessment 
of the first poll road tax was voted. The only 
roads then in the to^vn were an untraveled mili- 
tary road running to Fort Kidgely, and a road 
between Chaska and Excelsior, established in 1856, 
but immediately upon the organization of the 
town, roads were estabhshed in all directions. 

In March, 1861, Chanhassen was organized into 
a school district, and divided into seven sub-dis- 
tricts, and one hundred and fifty dollars appro- 
priated for the hiring of teachers over and above 
what the town would get from the county. 

In September, 1804, the town of Chanhassen 
was called upon to furnish ten men as its quota to 
meet the call made by President Lincoln. At a 
meeting of the supervisors, September 22, 1864, 
it was resolved that the supervisors of Chanhassen 
pay to each person who should volunteer to fill the 
quota of the town the sum of two hundred and 
fifty dollars in town bonds, drawing seven per 
cent, interest. Soon after the 'rate of interest waa 
raised to ten per cent. The amount raised on 
these bonds was $2,833. 

At the regular meeting held March 8, 1881, 
three hundred dollars were voted for building a 
Uj-vm house. 

1880— Valuation real estate, $237,031; per- 
sonal, $40,224; population, 683. 

Edwin Alldritt, a native of England, was bom 
in 1844. He lived there until ten years old, then 
with his parents came to America, landing at New 
York. Soon after he moved to Illinois, remained 
there three years, then came to Carver county. The 



CARVER COUNTY. 



377 



father pre-empted one btmdred and sixty acres, 
and after selling eiglity acres divided the re- 
mainder between Ms two sons, Edwin and Samuel, 
on which they have since lived. Edwin enlisted 
in 1861 in Company A, First United States sharp- 
shooters; in 1863 was promoted to corporal in 
which position he served until the close of the war. 
During his service he particijsated in thirty bat- 
tles without being wounded. His wife was Anna 
E. Mann, of Hennepin county; married in 1866. 
Four children have been born to them; aU are 
living. 

Samuel Alldritt, an Englishman by birth, was 
bom in 1850. He was about three and one-half 
years old when his parents brought him to Amer- 
ica. They landed in New York, then Hved in Illi- 
nois three years. On coming to Carver county 
they settled in Chanhassen, and in the fall of 1855, 
pre-em23ted one hundred and sixty acres. After 
disposing of eighty acres the remaining eighty 
were equally divided between Samuel and his 
brother. They are both stiU residing on their 
farms. Some trouble was experienced during the 
Indian difficulties, but nothing serious. 

John T. Aspden, constable of Chanhassen, is a 
native of Massachusetts, born in 1850. When a 
lad of six summers he came to Chanhassen with his 
parents and lived with them until 1877. He ran 
the farm for them until that time, then purchased 
one hundred and twenty acres in section 16, on 
which he now lives. His marriage with Miss 
Amelia Krainnig took place in 1877. They have 
had two children, one of whom is living ; Charles 
R. died November 15, 1880. 

James Aspden, a native of England, was bom 
in 1840. Came to America with his parents in 
1849. After a short stay in New York they re- 
moved to Palmer, Massachusetts, remaining only 
one year, however. They afterward visited Web- 
ster, of that state, then retui-ned to Palmer and in 
1856 settled in Carver county. His father pur- 
chased one hundred and sixty acres in Chanhassen, 
and at his death in 1872 James became possessor 
of the homestead, on which he now lives. In 1875 
he engaged in general merchandising in Excelsior, 
continuing until 1879. He then returned to his 
duties on the farm. In December, 1863, he enlisted 
in the Second Minnesota cavalry, serving until 
the close of the war. 

Henry Aspden was bom in England in 1837. 
Came to America and lauded in New York Sep- 
tember 19, 1849. For seven years he lived in 



Thorndike, Hampden coimty, Massachusetts, where 
he attended college, also worked in a weaving es- 
talilishment. From there he came to Chanhassen, 
where his father made a claim of one hundred and 
sixty acres. Henry again resumed his studies in 
the high school at Excelsior, and in 1860 taught 
his first term of school at Farmington. The fol- 
lowing summer he engaged in the insurance busi- 
ness with marked success. He was elected the 
first assessor and treasurer of Chanhassen, and has 
served as town clerk and justice of the peace sev- 
eral times. June 7, 1880 he received injuries by 
being kicked by a horse, which nearly caused his 
death, and from which he has never fully recov- 
ered. He is interested in the Victor Wheat Heater 
Company. Miss Mary A. Wood became his wife 
in 1866, and has borne him one son and one daugh- 
ter: Herbert H. and Ellen. In 1865 Mr. Aspden 
purchased 160 acres, and in 1873 purchased 120 
acres more. 

L. Crigler was born in Indiana in 1815. He 
devoted his early life to the blacksmiths' trade and 
farming. In 1854 he moved to Minnesota and pur- 
chased 105 acres in Chanhassen, on which he now 
lives. He has one of the most desirable places in 
Carver county, situated on the north bank of 
Lake Minnewashta. Mr. Crigler has been married 
three times. His first mfe was Henrietta Ander- 
son, married in 1836; she bore him two children 
and died in 1854. Elizabeth A. Jenkms became 
his wife in 1855; she died in 1867, leaving five 
children. Eichard T., the only one surviving, is a 
promising young man of twenty-three years. One 
son was killed in the army at the battle of Fort 
Gibson. Mr. Crigler married Lucy Parker for his 
third wife in 1868. 

Edward B. Harrison, a native of England, was 
born July 21, 1831. He remained at home until 
eleven years of age, then attended the graded 
school three years and was in the English navy as 
seaman. Coming to America he worked on the 
railroad in Indiana until 1854, then came to Min- 
nesota. The first winter he and his wife spent in 
the pineries tor R. P. Eussell. The two summers 
following he worked on the first suspension bridge 
at Minueapohs. In 1855 he located his present 
property of 160 acres of timber land in Chanhassen 
township. Here he lived with his family in a rude 
log shanty suffering the hardships such as only 
pioneers realize. He now has in place of the 
shanty a fine residence and out buildings and owns 
400 acres of land, 200 acres of which are in Heane- 



378 



niSTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



pin county. Ho lins been chairman of the board 
of snpcrvisiirs for six or seven years, and in 1874 
was a nieiuber of the legisUiture; is now member 
of the board of coiinty conimiBsioners. His mar- 
riniie with Miss Hannah Richardson, of England, 
took place iu 1855. Of their twelve children nine 
are living. 

Alouzo 1). Lcaeh was bom in Caledonia county, 
Vermont, in 1835. When ten years old he moved 
with his parents to Chickopee, Hampden county, 
Massacluisitt.-), and remained four years. While 
there he was made an orphan; then returned to 
Vermont and worked on a farm. Came to Minnesota 
in 1857 and settled at Excelsior. After working at 
the carpenters' trade two years he purchased eighty 
acres on wiiich he lived about six years, then sold 
and bought thirty-two acres in sections 5 and 6; 
the next fall he added sixty acres by purchase. 
After selling forty acres he in 1876 bought 105 
acres more on which he now lives. Mr. Leach has 
held several offices in the school board. His farm 
is an excellent one located on the west bank of 
Minnewashts lake. In February, 1864, he enlisted 
in company H, Ninth Minnesota and served until 
the olose of the war. Married to Miss Khoda 
Alldritt in 1859. Eight cliildren have been bom 
to them ; three are dead. 

W. X. Sigafoos was bom in 1824 in Ohio. For 
two yeare was drover in the Allegheny mountains, 
also learned the hatters' trade and worked on a 
farm. In 1853 he moved to Iowa and bought 240 
acres of land in Poweshiek county. After a resi- 
dence of fifteen years he sold his farm and pur- 
chased another in Missouri. There he lived thir- 
teen years then arranged to trade his land, stock, 
buildings, farm machinery and household goods, 
in fact everything but clothing for the same, with 
a gentleman in Chanhassen. This has been his 
home siuce. During the war he was captain of a 
company of mounted ritlemen in central Iowa. His 
wife was Miss Mary Drake, married in 1851. 
Eight children have been bora to them. 

O. F. Walter, farmer and stock raiser, was bom 
in Vermont in 1842. His parents moved to Massa- 
chusetts when he was only two years of age. ' At 
the ago of four years liis parents died and he was 
taken to his native state and reared by an uncle. 
When sixteen years old he began working on a 
fami. He went to Canada when twenty years old 
and remained eight years. He then came directly 
to Chanhassen and rented a farm of Mr. Leach. 
In 1H71 he ])urcha.sed forty acres in section 7, 



which he sold two years later and purchased his 
present farm of fifty-eight acres. In 1881 he 
erected a very commodious house. Catherine Mc- 
Sherry became his wife in 1861. 

LAKETOWN. 

Lakctown is situated in the norch-eastem 
part of the county, and includes all of con- 
gressional township lie, range 24. The first 
settler in the town was Lenhart lireher. He came 
in .\pril, 1853, and located in the south-east quar- 
ter of section 24, where he has suico hved. About 
the same time came Paul Martel, and located 
in tlie north-west quarter of section 24, where he 
continued until his death a few years siuce. 

Among other early settlers were Lorenz Webber, 
Martin and Lorenz Steger, John Pierson. Anton 
Keller, Andrew Eiedele, Henry and Andrew 
Schraan, John Ban, Henry Grerdsen, John Meiet 
and step-son, Martin Schmidt, John Salter, 
Michael Diethelm, Peter Gregory, John Schmieg, 
John Xeuusinger, Tobias Ottinger and Jacob Rud- 
iger. The most of these men are still living in. 
the town. Mr. Diethelm is now living in Shako- 
pee, and Mr. Riedele iu Cha.ska, where he keeps a 
hotel. Martin Steger served four years in the 
war, and died a few yea^s since. Mr. Neunsinger 
died in Chaska in 1878. Mr. Rudiger died in 
1865. Population is mostly German. A Scan- 
dinavian settlement in the north-west. 

The meeting for organizing under the name of 
the town of Liberty was held at the house of 
Merritt Green, in section 1, May 11, 1858. The 
record of the meeting being lost, a full account of 
it cannot be given. 

Officers elected: John Groetsch, chairman; 
Henry Wctzig and Frederick Reitz, sujjervisors; 
Andrew Rergcpiist, clerk; John G. Maetzold, col- 
lector; Charles Kaufmaun, assessor; Henry Wet- 
zig, overseer of poor; John Groetsch and Joseph 
Schaaf, justices of the peace, and Henry Schwartz, 
constable. 

Considerable dissatisfaction was manifested 
from the fact that comjiaratively few of the elec- 
tors of the newly formed town were present at the 
meeting for organization, and another meeting 
was called to be held at the liojise of Henry Wet- 
zig in section 21, June 12 follo-niug. At this 
meeting a vote was taken apjjroving the acts of 
the meeting held May 11, and another taken 
changing the name of the town to Lakctown. 
The name was suggested by John Salter, and 



CARVER COUNTY. 



379 



adopted as appropriate from the fact of there 
being so many lakes in the town. 

To stimulate the enlistment of soldiers to fill 
out the quota of the town whenever called upon 
for troops during the war with the South, a 
bounty of $250 was voted to each person enlisting 
from the town. Taxes collected upon the prop- 
erty of soldiers then in the field, to raise these 
bounties, were refunded to their families. 

The first school in the town was taught by John 
Groetsch during the winter of 1859 at his resi- 
dence in section 29. It was a double log struc- 
ture, one and a half stories. He bad about twenty 
scholars. Mr. Groetsch taught there several 
terms, when a log school-house was built in the 
south-east quarter of section 29, in what is now 
district number 20. Tliis building was subse- 
quently burned, and a frame erected in its j)lace. 
There are now six school-houses in the town, all 
frame, and furnished with plain seats excepiting 
the one in number 16, which has patent seats. 

In the spring of 1855 a large jsarty of Scandi- 
navians settled in the north-west part of the to-mi, 
along and near the eastern shore of Clearwater 
lake. Their pastor, F. O. Nelson, came with them, 
and their religious services were the first in the 
town. They were condiicted in a bark shanty on 
John Anderson's claim in the south-east quarter 
of section 7. Several families were living in it at 
the time. Services were thus conducted in the 
shanties of the settlers until the following summer, 
when a log church was built in section 7 near the 
east shore of Clearwater lake. This building is 
still in use. The church organization took place 
at Andrew Peterson's house in August, 1855, with 
eleven members. Present pastor, John Fogol- 
strom. 

A cemetery was established on land deeded by 
Andrew Bergquist in section 18, a few rods east of 
the church. The first person buried in it was 
Peter Swenson, of Waconia, buried in 1859. 

Catholic services were held by Father Bruno in 
1856 at the house of Jlichael Diethelm, in section 
13. They were conducted there about a year, 
when the congregation called St. Victoria was es- 
tablished and a log church was built in the same 
section. This building was used until 1870, when 
the present fine brick structure was erected at a 
cost of S7,000. The present pastor is Rev. Father 
Ambrosius, who resides at Chaska. 

A parochial school is taught in connection with 
the church. A new building for this purpose was 



erected just south of the church in 1877. The 
cemetery is located just north of the church. 

The Laketown Moravian church was organized 
October 31, 1858, at the house of John Holtmeier 
in section 11, by the Rev. Martin Erdmann. For 
about two years previous to that time services 
were conducted at his house by difierent denomi- 
nations, among them Lutheran services by Rev. 
A. C. Heyer. In 1860 a log church was built on 
land deeded by Mr. Holtmeier, which was used 
until 1878, when a fine brick church was built near 
the old site at a cost of $2,500. The present mem- 
bership is seventy-four. 

A cemetery is located in the plat of land owned 
by the church. The first person buried in it was 
Mrs. Frederick Klatt, in May, 1861. 

Zoar Moravian church was organized about the 
same time as the above, and by the same minister. 
Their meetings were held at the house of Mr. 
Rudiger in section 33, until their church was built 
in 1863. The lot embraces two acres of 
land in section 32, deeded by Theodore Rudiger. 
When organized the church had about ten mem- 
bers; present pastor Kev. Theodore Sonderman. 
Attached to the church lot is a cemetery. The 
first person buried in it was the wife of Fritz Rudi- 
ger, in the fall of 1856, being one of the first per- 
sons that died in the town. 

The first white birth in the town, also in the 
county, was that of John Breher. He was born 
in August, 1854, and was the son of Lenhart 
Breher. 

The first post-oflBce in the town was Seandia. It 
was established in the fall of 1858; Andrew Berg- 
quist, postmaster, and the ofiice located at his 
house in section 18. It was discontinued about 
1870, and its business transferred to AVaconia. 

Oberle's Comers post-office was established in 
1859, with Fritz Oberle postmaster, and the office 
located at his house near the town line in section 
34. The office is now about a mile further north 
and the postmaster is Anton Keller. 

Laketown post-ofiice was estabhshed in 1860, 
John A. Salter postmaster, and the office loca- 
ted at his house in section 14. Mr. Salter still 
continues to hold the ofiice. 

1880— Valuation of real estate, $235,918; per- 
sonal, .^39,610; population, 1,056. 

John Etzell was born November 4, 1832, and is 
a native of Bavaria. Came to America in 1848; 
located in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania; remained 
there employed by his uncle in a saw-mill, until 



380 



'niSTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



oomiog to Minnesota. He settled in Yoiing Amer- 
ica, Carver county, in 1854, remaining six yccirs. 
In June, 18C1, ho culistod in Company B, Second 
Minnesotii infuntry, serving until mustered out in 
August, 1865. He was twice wounded. Keturned 
to Young America in 18G5, the same year was uni- 
ted in marriiige with Mrs. Magdelina Jetzer, who 
had two children. Soon after Mr. Etzell settled in 
Liiketown, Carver county and opened a saloon. 
Hero he has since resided and in 1877 built the 
"Farmers' Home." Mr. and Mrs. Etzell are the 
parents of five children. 

Jacob Kern, proprietor ot Centennial Lake 
House, was born in Philadelphia, in 1843. For six 
years he was a dairyman, and afterward was pro- 
prietor of the Washington Hotel. At the begin- 
nfng ot the war he enlisted in Company A, Twen- 
ty-tirst Pennsylvania volunteers; passed through 
the first battle of Bull Run and was honorably dis- 
charged in the summer of 1862. Came to St. Paul 
in'187G and the same year settled in Chaska. He 
built his present hotel in Laketown, situated on the 
banks of Centennial lake, and opened it May 1, 
1877. Since that time he has been its proprietor. 
April 28, 18G3, at Philadelphia, his marriage oc- 
curred. Of the four children born to him, only 
one is living; Paul, aged 12 years. 

Mathias Mason, a native of Prussia, was born 
July 20, 1837. Came to America in 1852, pro- 
ceeding to Detroit, Michigan. While living in 
that city his mother died during a cholera epi- 
demic. He afterward went to Chicago, where he 
lived until about one year before the war. In 18G2 
he enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixth Illi- 
nois infantry. Company I, and served until the 
close of the war. Participated in many of the 
principal conflicts. Since the war he has resided 
in Minnesota, and for the past ten years has made 
bis home in Chaska. 

Michael Mergen was bom January 25, 1825, in 
Prussia. Worked on a farm and at the weaver's 
trade. Came to America in 185G, and settled on a 
farm in Heunejiin county. August 2, 1862, he en- 
listed in Company A, Sixth Minnesota, and was 
honorably discharged for disability in February, 
1865. During service he contracted a disease 
from which he has never fully recovered. In 1867 
he settled in Laketown and purchased a farm of 
one hundred and sixty acres , has since sold forty 
acres. In 1849 he married Margareta Becker, 
who died in 1858. In 1862 lie married Ida 
Kercl n T. Two children have been born to them. 



Frank, the oldest, died at Fort Snelling in 1864; 
William is living. Mr. Mergen has three children 
by his lirst wife. 

F. Ernst Poppitz was bom in the kingdom ot 
Saxony in 1822. Came to Amorica in 1849, landed 
in New York, then went to Wisconsin and settled 
about ten miles north of Milwaukee. He started 
and carried on a brick yard, and traveled 
through the ■westom states. Came to Carver 
county in 1856, and settled in Laketown, making a 
claim of one hundred and sixty acres. The next 
year he oj)©ned a saloon, general merchandise store 
and hotel, and in connection carried on his farm. 
In 1879 he built one of the finest bams in the 
county. He married in 1849 Miss Augusta Han- 
schel, who has borne him eight children, six of 
whom are living. 

John A. Salter, a native of Germany, was bom 
in 1829; at fourteen years of age he learned the 
blacksmith trade. Came to America, landing in 
New Orleans in 1846, then went to Cincinnati; 
went to Iowa in 1853 and purchased forty acres 
and made a claim ot eighty acres, but in 1854 he 
came to Minnesota, settling mth his family in 
Laketown, on the north-east quarter of section 
14. Enlisted in August, 1864, in Company A, 
Third Minnesota, and was honorably discharged 
in August, 1865. His wife was Sophia Hartmann, 
married at Laketown in 1859. They have nine 
living children. 

Kcv. D. Z. Smith was born Jime 21. 1821, in 
Georgia. When seven years old he left with 
his parents for North Carolina where he received 
the greater part of his education. He. finally en- 
tered the Moravian Theological College at Bethle- 
hem, Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 
June, 1841. Immediately after he received a call as 
missionary to the Cherokee Indi.ins, in Indian Ter- 
ritory, which he accepted and remained eight 
years. He afterwards received in 1850 a call to 
visit the difl'erent Indian tribes west of the Missis- 
sippi with a view to organizing missions. In 1854 
went as missionary to the Delaware Indians, in 
Kansas, the mission being located where the city 
of Leavenworth now is. While a judge of elec- 
tion November 29, 1854 he was shot at and nar- 
rowly escaped assassination by a mob of Missour- 
ians who tried to overturn the election. In 1862 
was appointed home missionary and stationed at 
Henderson, Sibley county, Minnesota, remaining 
there until 1807; was well known as justice of the 
peace. After an interval of three years he was 



C^iRVER COUNTY. 



381 



appointed IMoravian minister at Chaska, which po- 
sition be filled until 1873 then in consequence of 
ill health removed to North Carolina. During the 
fii'st four years he was Moravian minister at Fried- 
burg, afterwards until 1880 officiated in the same 
capacity at Bethabara, noted as the first settle- 
ment of Moravians in the south. In 1880 settled 
in Laketown, and is now on the list of retu-ed 
clergy but stUl is unofficially engaged in the vari- 
ous churches in the covmty. His marriage with 
Miss E. B. Kummer took place in 1845. She died 
the year following leaving one daughter, Mary G. 
His second marriage was with Miss G. Spaugh in 
1848, who died the same year. His present wife 
was Miss E. A. Eeeksecker, mamed in 1852. Five 
children have been born to them. 

Eev. Thedore Sonderman is a native of Cape 
Town, South Africa, and son of Bev. C. S. Son- 
derman, who was a Moravian missionary. Theo- 
dore was sent to Germany when only seven years 
of age, to be educated. He attended a college in 
Saxony from which he graduated in 1819. In 
1852 he was appointed as Moravian missionary to 
the West Indies. While there he married Miss 
EmUy Thust, in 1855. They returned to Germany 
in 1869 on account of the declining health of his 
wife. The same year he accepted an appointment 
as pastor of a German Moravian church of New 
York and remained in the discharge of his duties 
until removing to Wisconsin in 1877. Settled at 
Green Bay as pastor of the Moravian German 
church and remained in charge until 1879, then 
assumed his present charge of the Zoar church in 
Laketown. Mr. and Mrs. Sonderman are the 
pai'ents of eleven children, five of whom are living. 

DAHLGEEN. 

The settlement of what is now Dahlgren began 
in 1854, and that year a large number located 
within its limits. Among the earliest were 
Nels Alesanderson, Eev. Ole Paulson, Ole Hen- 
drickson, Peter Klevin, Philip Siegel, J. D. 
Skone, Arne Arneson, Charles LuedlofT, George 
Guettler, William Freukes, John Bandomer 
and son, Charles Nickel, Henry Kemkes, Herr- 
mann Miller, Peter Buttendorf, Ferdinand Stra- 
cher, Diedrich Lenzen, Charles Gebhart, Gott- 
lieb Baer, Jacob Beihotfer, Michael Eichelmiller, 
William Glitschka, Frederick Henning, Jacob 
Schlicker, Horace Bryant, Luke Noyes, John Preiss 
and others. About half of this number have 
either died or moved from the town. Mr. Bei- 
hoffer is living in Chaska, and Mr. Buttendorf 



now lives in Carver. Ferdinand Stracher came in 
1855 and located in section 17. He soon after 
opened a saloon and entertainment house, it 
being the first of the kind in the town. He sub- 
sequently moved to Carver. Mr. Gebhart located 
on the west side of section 12, where he opened a 
store, which he kept several years, it being the 
first store within the present limits of the town. 
He was killed in 1866 at Chaska by the falUng of 
a scaffold upon which he was at work. Mr. 
Schlicker located in section 1, and buUt on his 
farm the first brick house in the town. 

Dahlgren did not come into existence as a sep- 
arate organization when the towns of the county 
were first formed in 1858. April 21, 1863, agree- 
able to i^etition, that part of Chaska and Carver 
included in township 115, range 24, was formed 
into a new town called Liberty. Accordingly the 
legal voters met April 5, 1864 at the house of 
Fritz Anton, in section 16, for organization. John 
M. Troll, moderator; Charles J. Sorenson, clerk; 
Peter Buttendorf, Franz Schirmer and Nels Alex- 
anderson, judges of election. 

First officers : Charles Luedloff, chairman, Henry 
Paulson and Charles Aue, supervisors; Julius 
WoK, treasurer; Paul Wolf, town clerk; John D. 
Skone, assessor; Charles J. Sorenson and John M. 
Troll, justices of the peace; Ernest Goetzen and 
Michael Hesse, constables. April 14 Charles J. 
Sorenson was appointed clerk of the board; Phihp 
Siegel, treasurer; Adolph Hesse constable, in place 
of the elected officers who resigned. 

May 9, 1864, the name of the town was changed 
from Liberty to Dahlgren, at the suggestion of 
the state auditor, in honor of our distinguished 
admiral, because the name Liberty had already 
been appropriated by another town in the state. 

The first marriage was that of Burns Aslakson 
and Mary Paulson, June 15, 1855, at the house of 
Swan Goodmanson. Among the first deaths were 
those of Katie Preiss and Michael Eichelmiller; the 
former occurred October 28, 1857, and the latter 
soon after. 

The first school, with twenty-five scholars, was 
taught during the winter of 1857 by Charles Her- 
zog at the house of Jacob Beihofier in the north- 
west quarter of section 1. The school-room was 
upstairs in a story and a half log house. The 
tcwn now has seven school-houses, four frame, two 
of logs and one brick. A school is also taught in 
the German Reform church. 

August 13, 1864, tills town made its first appro- 



382 



iirsTonr of tiik Minnesota valley. 



printion for war funds by voting t<j each volunteer 
8300 iiuil exemption from tlio tnx by which the 
fund wiiH raised. Nearly 68,000 were paid in 
l)<>uiitios. 

Prestnit chairman of town board, A. P. Nord; 
clerk, Herrmann Miller. 

Dahlgren iiost-olTico was establi.shod in February, 

1872, Jolui Lorfekl, pt)stinaster. The ofBce was 
located at his house in section 16, on the Carver 
and Gloncoe road, where it still remains, with Lor- 
feld postmaster. 

East Union post-oflico was established in April, 

1873, on section 35, and lii-st called Bevens Creek; 
A. J. Carlson, postmaster. In tlie fall of 1873 it 
was removed to its present location. In 1875 the 
oflice received its present name. Carlson is still 
postmaster. 

Dahlgren station was established in 1872. 

Mills — John Lorfeld built in 1859 a saw-mill on 
Carver creek. This was the first mill in town, and 
was ojjerated about ton years. A second, built in 
1860 by Ciriffin & Hartman on section 23, was soon 
abandoned. A grist-mill, built in 1861 by Hans 
Erickson, on section 22, was of short duration. 
The grist -miU of Philip Siegel, buUt in 1876 on 
section 23, still continues. It has three nm of 
stone, combining water and steam power. 

Stores — Charles Gebhart's store, previously men- 
tioned, was the first, opened in 1854. Lagerstrom, 
Skog & Co. opened a store in 1873 in the south- 
west of section 35, now owned by Mr. Lagerstrom, 
and conducted by his son. 

East Union Scaudina^-ian Lutheran church — 
Services were first held as early as the spring of 
1855 by Itev. P. A. Scdestam. Rev. Peter Carlson 
was appointed the first local pastor in the fall of 
1858, continuing until the fall of 1880. At pres- 
ent occasional sersices are held, but the church 
has no pastor. St. Ansgar Academy, now located 
at St. Peter, was located here at one time under the 
auspices of this church. The first church was biult 
in 1856; the present brick edifice was built in 
1860 at a cost of $6,000. 

Norwegian Lutheran — Services were held at an 
early day by Rev. Laur Larson, Rev. R. B. Miis 
and Kcv. Johnson, of St. Peter. Rev. Larson or- 
ganized the church. Services were first held in 
private houses, but afterward in the newly erected 
school-house of district number 4. Rev. Christo- 
pher Hoff is the present pastor. A cemetery be- 
longing to this organization is Icx-ated in sec- 
tion 29. 



The German Reformed church was built in 1873 
on the farm of IJiedrich Lenzen. He subsc(|ucnt- 
ly deeded the lot with two acres of land to the 
church, and a small cemet<^ry was attached. Reli- 
gious services had been previously maintained. 
Services have been somewhat irregular. First 
pastor. Rev. Kuhlon; next Rev. Lorenz Ziegler; 
last. Rev. William Kohler, whose charge ended 
March, 1881. 

Lutheran — Services were conducted by the Lu- 
therans at the house of Michael Preiss, in section 
14, as early as 1857, continuing for several years 
irregularly. 

Cemeteries — ^A Catholic cemetery containing 
one acre was established in 1869 in section 24, 
near the town line. An adopted child of Jacob 
Bnche, buried that year, was the first burial. The 
Lutheran cemetery was established in the north- 
west quarter of section 14 in 1857. Katie Preiss, 
whose death has been mentioned, was the first 
buried here. 

Assessed valuation, 1880: Real estate, $276,752; 
personal, 839,382. PopuLition, 1,220. 

Ame Ameson, born October 12, 1832 is a native 
of Norway. Went to Quebec, Canada at the age 
of twenty-one. Thence he went to Chicago and for 
one year he was a sailor on Lake Michigan, then 
came to St. Paul. He first visited Dahlgren in 1854 
and the nest year located on his farm. At Fort 
Snrlling he enlisted in company B, Third regi- 
ment, under Captain Gregg and served three years. 
He was honorably discharged at Fort SneUiug in 
June, 1865. His wife was Christiana Jacobson, 
Married January 11, 1865. Of the seven children 
bom to them six are Uving. 

B. Aslakson, born October 6, 1830, is a nativn of 
Norway. Came to America in 1850 and spent 
five years in Illinois, Ohio and Michigan; came to 
Minnesota in 1855. Was enrolled in company H, 
Ninth Minnesota under Captain Baxter anil served 
three years. Was in the battle of Guntown, Mis- 
sissippi; taken prisoner and confined in Anderson- 
ville prison ten months; was exchanged at Big 
Black, Mississippi, before Vieksburg. Since lo- 
cating at Dahlgren he has been chairman of the 
board of sujjervisors one year and supervisor one 
year. Married July 8, 1855 to Mary Paulson, who 
has borne him five children. 

Ernst F. Goetze, born May 6, 1839, in Prussia, 
Grermany. Lived there until eighteen years of 
age and in 1857 <'U'n(' to .\merica. He is now 
farming and is druggist of the Homeopathic so- 



CARVER COUNTT. 



383 



ciety which was chartered in 1870. Elizabeth 
Kloss became his wife in 1864 and has borne him 
seven children; sis are living. 

J. A. Lagerstrom was born in Geneva, Hhnois, 
December 28, 1855. His father, a blacksmith, 
came to Goodhiie county, Minnesota, in 1861, his 
son with him. In 1873 he settled on a farm in 
Dahlgren township, near Carver. Subsequently 
he engaged in mercantile business at East Union 
and was appointed postmaster, though still super- 
intending his farm. J. A. is now in liusiness at 
that place and serves as assistant postmaster. 
Married June 13, 1880, to Miss Hannah Anderson. 

Andrew Larson, a native of Sweden, was born in 
September, 1846. When ten years old he came 
with his father, Swan Larson, to Carver county 
and located on a farm on section 34. In 1863 en- 
listM in company C, Hatch's battalion; was hon- 
orably discharged at Fort SnelKug after three years 
of service. During the expedition against the 
Indians to Devils lake all their horses were lost 
between Fort Abercrombie and Pembina. Mr. 
Larson married Miss Hannah Larson January 15, 
1873. She has been in this country about twenty 
years; has borne her husband three children. 

Swan Larson, born February 14, 1815, is a 
native of Sweden. For forty-one years he lived 
in his native country as a farmer and came to Car- 
ver county in 1856. He lives on section 33 which 
was nearly unsettled at that time. Married in 
1845 to Miss Mary Swanson. Eleven children 
have been born to them five of whom are living. 

Charles Luedloff was bom September 3, 182.5, in 
Prussia. From 1844 to 1847 he was a soldier be- 
longing to tlje Prussian engineer corps, in which 
lie served as corporal. He came to America m 
1853, settling the same year in Texas; arrived in 
Minnesota October 7, 1854 and settled on section 
21, Dahlgren township. Mr. LneJloff is a man 
of prominence in the German Homeopathic society 
of Carver county, being the first in organizing it. 
The twenty-first anniversary of its organization 
was celebrated March 2, 1881. September 7, 1857, 
he was united in marriage with Miss Charlotte- 
Dunin who has borne him seven children. 

Herrmann Miller, a native of Germany, was 
born in 1822. Came to America in 1848, and to 
St. Paul in 1852, where he lived two years. He 
then took a claim of 160 acres in Dahlgren town- 
ship and on which he has since resided. During 
the years 1866 and '67 he was town clerk and has 
since then held nearly all the town offices. Ameha 



Eudiger became his wife in 1855. She was born 
September 21, 1822. Their hving children are 
Marie S., John H., Henry E., and Sehna A. Frank- 
lin, who was bom in 1857, died December 15, 
1875. 

John D. Skone is a native of Sweden, born in 
1833. He acquired a common school education, 
and on the 10th of August, 1852, he arrived at 
Boston. Thence he went to Dunkirk, New York. 
Two years later he came to Minnesota and settled 
on section 26, Dahlgren township; has been asses- 
sor, town supervisor, collector and justice of the 
peace. July 3, 1854, he was united in marriage 
with Annette Benson. Four children have been 
born to them, all are living. 

Ehas Swanson was born in Sweden, where he 
lived thirty-six years. Came to America in 1862 
and enlisted August 21 of that year in Company 
H, Ninth Minnesota, and served until the close of 
the war. In 1848 he married Miss Mary Swan- 
son. They are the parents of six children, aU of 
whom are Hving. 

Nils Thompson, one of the town supei visors of 
Dahlgren, was born April 14, 1835, in central 
Norway. In 1855 he came to Carver county, lo- 
cating on a farm on section 27, Dahlgren town- 
ship, the next year. Enlisted in Company A, 
Eleventh Minnesota, under Captain Buck, now of 
Henderson. Since the war he has devoted his time 
to the cultivation and improvement of his farm. 
Has been town supervisor for three years. Febru- 
ary 28, 1859, he married Miss Mary Brown, who 
has borne him nine children, eight of whom are 
living. She died in 1880. Mr. Thompson's sec- 
ond wife was Mrs. Juha Munter, nee Arneson. 
They have three children. 

Wilham "Whitehill is a native of Glasgow, Scot- 
land, born May 21, 1840. Camo to this country 
in 1852 with his father and settled in Saratoga 
county, New York. In 1855 William moved to 
Canada. In 1862 he came to Minnesota from 
Iowa for the purpose of enlisting in a Minnesota 
regiment. Was enrolled August 18, 1862, in Com- 
pany H, Seventh infantry, under the command of 
Captain Gilfillan. Eeturned from the South and 
participated in an expedition against the Indians, 
in the battles of Wood Lake, Dead Buffalo Lake 
and Stony Lake. He resigned in January, 1865. 
Mr Whitehill has visisted thirty-two different 
states since coming to America. October 20, 1870, 
he married Miss Mary Thompson, of New Orleans, 
Louisiana, who has borne him three children, only 



384 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VA1,LEY. 



one is living. Mr. Whitebill is now employed 
as Boliool teacher. 

WATEKTOWN. 

This town is situated in the nortbom jiart of 
Carver county, and had, in 1880, a population of 
1,348; real estate valuation of 8227,255 and a per- 
sonal property assessed at 864,982. 

The settlement of Watertown began in 1856 
with John Buhler, Dr. Benedict Lehman, Sera- 
phim Kempf, Anton Sunie, D. F. Justus, B. F. 
Light, J. P. Miller, George Mapes and Edward 
vF. Haiulin. The larger portion of the town 
was settled in 1857; among the comers of that 
year were A. J. Brown, J. P. Hendricks, P. O. 
Johnson, C. Kohlcr, H. Tesch, Frederich Hamann, 
August Krause, George Goetzmann, Peter Mon- 
Bon, J. Tesch, J. P. Akins. 

Celestine Kohler, son of O. Kohler, who made a 
claim on section 29, was probably the first child 
born in the town; his birth occurred January 3, 

1857. P. O. Johnson and Josephine H. Brown, 
whose wedtling took place on Christmas day, 1857, 
were the first to marry. 

A son of Mr. Thomson, who lived on section 2, 
was drowned in Oak lake in the summer of 1857, 
said to be first death in the town. 

The first election was held at the store of E. F. 
Lewis in the village of Watertown, on the second 
Tuesday in April, 1858; ollicers elected: E. F. 
Lewis, chainnan and justice of the peace; L. M. 
Green and George Milligan, supervisors; Edward 

F. Hainhn, town clerk; Nicholas Rogers, assessor; 
J. A. C. Flood, treasurer; Ira D. Kingsley, justice; 
John Cole, constable. 

In 1862 the sum of $3,000 was raised by sub- 
scription to pay bounties to soldiers; the amount 
was 8250 per man. The following year bonds to 
the amount of 8900 were issued to fill the quota of 
the town, allowuig 8300 to each man who en- 
listed. 

Watertown village was surveyed and platted in 

1858, on land owned by C. Lewis, in sections 9, 
4, 5 and 8, on the banks of the Crow river. Feb- 
ruary 26, 1877, the village was incorporated, and 

G. Schlepke, J. A. C. Flood and Peter Campbell 
were appointed to conduct the first election. The 
firnt officers were: J. A. O. Flood, president; W. 
P. Japs, S. P. Kohler, E. Moers, council; C. G. 
Halgren, recorder; C. Kohler, treasurer; Walter 
St. John, justice; A. Kenwanz, niiirshal. 

Watertown postoflice was establislied in 1K57, 
with E. F. Lewis in charge; in 1861 J. A. C. Flood 



was appointed, and held the office until 1877; 
and since then C. G. Halgren has been the post- 
master. 

The village has three general stores, one hard- 
ware, two drug stores, two confectioneries, two 
meat markets, a plow factory, boll foundry, grist 
mill, saw mill, three wagon shops, four shoe shops, 
one brewery. There are also tlnve hotels, one of 
which conducts a stage line to Delano. 

There is an organized fire department with an 
engine; three churches and two societies, freemas- 
ons and Druids. 

The Watertown Plow Company was organzied 
in 1870 and located shops on Lewis street. The 
finn of .Japs and Barnick did repairing and gen- 
eral wagon making business until 1875, when new 
shops were buUt and the business greatly en- 
larged. The firm is no-v Japs Bros. & Barnick. 
Eleven men are employed; sales reach 1,000 plows 
and 200 cultivators per year. They also manu- 
facture a sulky plow. 

Watertown bell foundry was established in 1864 
by W. Bleedom. This is the only stock bell 
foundry in the state, and turns out amiually from 
3,000 to 5,000 bells. 

The first saw-mill in Watertown was built by 
Alexander Mower in the fall of 1856 on the east 
side of the river; aft«r two changes E. F. and I. 
I. Lewis took possession of the mill, and in 1859 
moved it to the west side of the river near its 
present situation and erected a grist-mill, which 
they run in connection with it; tlus miU had a ca- 
pacity of forty barrels per day. In 1865 Lionan 
& Dressier came in pt)s8ession of the entire mill 
property. . In 1870 Mr. Dressier sold his interest 
to C. H. Lienan, brother of the other member of 
the firm. In 1874 the Ynills were burned, and 
that year C. H. Lienan sold his interest to George 
Roescheise. The mills were rebuilt in 1875 by 
Lienan & Roescheise at a cost of 88,000. The ca- 
pacity is sixty barrels per day. The power was 
steam entirely until 1878, when the river was 
dammed at a cost of 86,000, and since that time 
water power has been xised part of the year. In 
1880 the mills were again burned, and at once re- 
built, but were separated from each other. The 
present grist-miU cost 88,000, and can produce 
seventy-five barrels of flour per day. The saw- 
mill cost 82,000 and has a capacity of 10,000 feet 
per day. 

WatertoT\-n brewery was built in 1S65 by Jacob 
Diotz, deceased. In 1872 John Beges married 



CARVER COUNTY. 



385 



the widow of Dietz, and conducted the business 
until 1875, when F. Luders bought the property ~ 
and still carries on the business. 

The first Catholic church in Watertown was 
built in 1863 by Father George, at a cost of about 
SI, (too. At that time the membership numbered 
about eighty families. Previous to the erection of 
the church, services were held at the house of Na- 
poleon Steinmartz. In 1876 a new frame church 
was erected at a cost of $5,000, under the direction 
of Fatlier Weisler. The present membership 
numbers one hundred families. The Catholic 
church cemetery was established about 1861. 

Watertown Lodge No. 50 of A. F. and A. M. was 
instituted October 25, 1865 with eight charter 
members and the following officers : Isaac I. LS^is, 
W. M.; N. C. Eichardson, S. W.; L. D. Freeman, 
J. W. ; S. D. Grant, secretary ; Caleb Lewis, treas- 
urer. The lodge worked under a dispensation 
from January 26, to October 25, 1865. There are 
at present thirty-eight members. 

Franklin Grove No. 2, of United Ancient Order 
of Druids was instituted by dispensation Blarch 2, 
1868, and chartered in August 1868 with the fol- 
lowing members: William Dressier, M. F. 
Lienan, Henry Hagermann, Ferdinand Dressier, 
Celestiue Kohler. Henry Schramm, Henry Geiser, 
Frank Brebec, Vingens Heck, Louis Brandt and 
Egidius Moers. First officers were: William 
Dressier, N. A. ; M. F. Lienan, W. A ; Frank Bre- 
bec, secretary. Present members, sixteen. 

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran church, on 
section 13, was organized in 1868 by Kev. John 
Horst. A log church was built that year at a cost 
of $200. Previous to the erection of the church 
services were held at the school-house on section 
14. Seventeen families were connected with the 
cliureh at organization and at present there are 
twenty. Eev. William Fredrich, of Wacouia, 
holds semi-monthly services. 

In the fall of 1859 a frame school-house was 
erected in the village of Watertown and W. P. 
Buck taught there the first school in the township ! 
the following winter. A school, however, was 
taught in section 21 the same winter by Alpha Cox 
of Watertown village. There are six school build- 
ings in the town, four frame and two log. 

The osmetery on sections 5 and 8 was reserved 
as a public burial ground when the village of 
Watertown was platted in 1858. The first burial 
therein was that of a chairmaker named Watson 
who lived in the village. He died in 1859. 

25 



Oak lake, situated mostly in section 11 is one 
and a half miles long and about one and a fourth 
miles wide with about nine miles of shore, most of 
which is high and gravelly. It is well stocked with 
fish and has two islands in it affording fine pleas- 
ure grounds. 

Swede lake is about one and one-half miles long 
and a mile wide with about five miles of shore. 
The water is clear and affords fine fishing. 

Frank Acker was born in Cattaraugus county, 
New York, in 1834. When fourteen years old he 
came with his parents to Michigan ; remained until 
1857 then went to Illinois. In the meantime he 
acquired a knowledge of the carpenter trade. En- 
listed in 1863 in Company B, 20th Illinois; served 
until the close of the war. He then settled in 
Ohio until 1869 when he came to Minnesota. 
After living two years in Victor township, he spent 
two years in Watonwan, then came to WatertoAv-n 
where he has since engaged in the pursuit of his 
trade. He has served as justice of the peace, and 
in March, 1881, received the appointment of town 
recorder. Miss AngeHne Doyle became his wife 
in 1864. Fred, Grace, Fi-ancis, and Lena M. are 
their children. 

Jonas P. Akins, a native of Sweden, was born 
in 1837. Came to America in 1851, settled in 
Pennsylvania and lived there until 1857. Came 
at that time to Carver county and remained four 
years then run on a boat on the Mississippi river 
for three years. Enlisted in Company L, First 
Minnesota heavy artillery, and after serving six 
months was discharged on account of ill health. 
He came to Watertown, and has since given his at- 
tention to farming. Was elected to the state legis- 
lature in 1876; was county commissioner two 
years and chairman of the town board of super- 
visors four years; has also been justice of the 
peace for seven years past. Married Bliss Jose- 
phine Oberg in 1864. She died July 28, 1880, 
leaving four children : Edwin, Selma, LilHe and 
Lamella. 

John All was born in New York in May, 1831. 
When a child his parents removed to Summit 
county, Illinois, where he grew to manhood and in 
1854 went to Cass county, Indiana. Soon after 
he came to St. Paul, Minnesota, and the next year 
to Watertown which has since been his home. He 
was first employed by the firm of Flood & Dow 
and later by Lewis Brothers, continuing in their 
employ five or six years. He then began teaming 
between Minneapolis and Watertown, which he fol- 



386 



HISTORY OF rilE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



lowed four yenre. He was iifterwnrJs in the em- 
j)l(i_v of Fl(M)il k Van Honi ami in 1875 l«egnn 
the well auger biisiuess, and ha« since given his 
attention to it. In 1855, in Ohio, he married Miss 
Harriet Rice who died in October, 1871. Frank, 
Charles E., Ellen M., and Perry (t., are their chil- 
dren. 

Frank A. Barth, son of C. Barth, is a native of 
Germany, born in 1852. When only two years of 
age he came to .Vmerica witli his parents and set- 
tled in Pennsylvania. In 1856 they moved to 
Wright county, Minnesota, remaining imtil 1865. 
Came to Wat<'rtown; the father engaged in the 
genenU merchandise business until 1870. dur- 
ing which time Frank was his clerk. He 
afterward clerked for Fuller & Simpson, of Minne- 
apolis, two years, then three years in the store of 
Peter Campbell, of Watertown. After attending 
the State University a short time, he in 1875 em- 
barked in general merchandising with Mr. Dress- 
ier as partner. He was united in marriage in 
1880 with Miss Annie Si-hwertz. They have one 
child, George F. 

Frederick Baruick, a native of Prussia, was born 
in 1841. He learned the blacksmith trade and 
followed it tliree and one-half years. He then 
served in the Priissiaii army the same length of 
time, after which he returned again to his trade. 
In 1866 be entered the army ; served nine months 
in the war with Austria. Came to America in 
1867: locating in Carver county. Minnesota, he 
engaged in the general blacksmitliing busine.«s 
for two years, then in company with Mr. Japs 
built a ])low factory in Watertown. and has since 
given his attention to tliat brandi of indu.stry. 
His wife was Miss ^largaret IMelish, married in 
1871. They have an adopted child, George F. 

William Bleedorn, a native of Germany, was 
bora in 1835. Came to America in 1853, and for 
ten years lived in Wisconsin. He enlisted in 1863 
in Company E, First Minnesota infantry: served 
until the expiration of liis term. Keturning he 
located in Watertown ; was one of the town super- 
visors three years and town treasurer two years. 
While living in Wisconsin he learned the bell- 
making trade, which he still pursues. Married 
Miss Minnie Shroder in 1857. Seven children: 
Louis, Henry, Emil. Willie. Oscar, Saleva and 
Ernest. 

John Buhler.one of the earliest settlers of Water- 
town, is a native of Switzerland, born in 1822. 
Learned the carpenter's trade and followed it un- 



til coming to America in 1847. His home was in 

Ohio, then in Indiana until 1854 when he came to 
Minnesota, locating in Benton, Carver county. 
In 1856 he pre-empted the farm on which he has 
since lived and which took in what is now the vil- 
lage of Helvetia. It was he who laid out the site 
and named tlie town. Here he started a small 
store which he kept al>out two years. In March, 
1865, he enlisted in Company D, First Minnesota 
battalion; served until the close of the war. He 
has been justice of the peace three years, and 
has held other town offices. His marriage with 
Miss Catherine Reiman took | lace in 1846. Nine 
children have been born to them. 

Samuel Cunningham was born in Indiana in 
1849. In 1861 he came to. Minnesota with his 
father, Thomas Cunningham; they settled on a 
farm and he remained with his parents until 1873. 
Mrs. Emily .\. Sebrell. widow of B. T. Sebrell and 
daughter of Thomas Surman, who was one of the 
first settlers of Wright county, and who died there 
in 1874, became the wife of Mr. Cunningham in 
1873. She had one child by her first husband. 
George T. Mr. Cunningham al.so has one child. 
Herbert. 

John Dalchow. a native of Germany, was bom 
in 1825, and came to .\merica in 1854. He lived 
in Illinois three and one-half years, then came to 
Minnesota and settled on his present farm in 
Watertown. He first erected a little log cabin 
which he occu])ied until 1879, then built one of 
the finest residences in tlie town. He was m;irried 
in Germany in 1849 to Miss Elizabeth Barow. 
Edith, wife of Charles Putzel.died in 1879, aged 
twenty-three years; Christian,. Fred and Joseph 
liave also passed away. The living are Jolm, 
Henry, Rosa, Amelia, Albert and Louis. 

John Devine is a son of the late Thomas De- 
vine. The father was a native of Ireland, born in 
1829, and wlien twenty years of age was married 
to Miss Mary Kegan. In 1852 they came to 
America and to Massachusett.s. where they lived 
until 1862. Came to Minnesota and located on 
their farm in Watertown: then Mr. I )evine enlisted 
in Company 1), First Minnesota, serving until 
July 22, 1865, at which time he died at Fort 
Snelling. His remains were taken to Watertown 
for interment. He left a wife and five chihlren. 
John, Thcmias, Jr., and Martin P. live on the farm. 
M. W. L. lives in Minneapolis: Catherine, the 
only daughter, met her death September 24. 1874, 
by the explosion of a steam thresher on their farm. 



CAMVER GOUNTT. 



387 



Four other persons were also killed by the ex- 
plosion. 

Isaac B. Edwards, deceased, was a native of 
Nortli Carolina, born in 1804. At an early day 
he removed to Gosport, Indiana, where he lived 
until coming to Minnesota in 1855. Locating in 
Minneajjolis he engaged in the hardware and gen- 
eral merchandise business for five years, and in 
1850 came to Watertown. Here he engaged in 
general merchandising until his death, which oc- 
curred in April, 1862. He was married in 1835 
to Miss Bathsheba Goss, of Gt)sport, Indiana. 
Six children wei'e born to them: Alpha, Joseph, 
Ephraim, John, Hannah and Allie. 

O. G. Halgren is a native of Sweden, borli in 
1840. When twelve years old he with his parents 
came to America, locating in Whiteside county, 
Illinois: he remained until 1858. There he re- 
ceived his early education and learned the prin- 
ter's trade, following it four years. With his 
parents he came to Watertown in 1858; he en- 
listed in Company B, Ninth Minnesota, served 
through the entire rebellion, and was honorably 
discharged August 24, 1865. Returning to Wa- 
tertown be was employed as a clerk until 1875, 
with the exception of a short time spent in Mon- 
tana. He then embarked in the drug trade, in 
which he has since continued. In 1878 he was 
appointed postmaster, which office he still holds. 
He rebuilt and remodeled his store in 1880. At 
the last election the jieople chose him as their 
representative to the legislature. Mr. Halgren 
and Miss Laura Cunningham were united in mar- 
riage in 1869. Harry, Guy and Lottie are their 
children. 

Frank L. Halgren, a native of Sweden, was born 
in 1851, and came to America wth his parents 
when only one year old. ~ They lived in White- 
side county. Illinois, until 1858, then settled in 
Watertown. Until eighteen years old he worked 
at home and attended the public school; com- 
pleted his education when twenty-two years old, 
and has since been engaged in teaching school. 
In 1880 he was appointed census enumerator for 
the town of Watertown. Miss Carrie McKee be- 
came the wife of Mr. Halgren in 1880. 

Ernest Hainlin was bom in New York in 1844; 
with his parents he came to Long Lake. Minne- 
sota in 1855, and the next year settled at Water- 
town on a claim. He lived with his parents until 
1860, then started out for himself. Went to St. 
Paul and clerked for some time in a store; thence 



went to Anoka. April 29, 1861, he enhsted in 
Company H, First Minnesota; served only one 
year; was mustered out in consequence of ill- 
health. In August, 1862, having regained his 
health, he enlisted in Company B, Ninth Minne- 
sota; was sergeant of the company, and was cap- 
tured at the battle of Guntown, Mississippi, in 
June, 1864. He was held at Anderson ville and 
Savannah until November 25, 1864, during which 
time he was commissioned second lieutenant, but 
did not receive it on account of his imprisonment. 
On being released he was acting sergeant-major 
until mustered out in August, 1865. In 1870 he 
was admitted to the bar of Minnesota, and since 
that time he has practiced law; for four years he 
served as county attorney. October 18, 1868, he 
married Miss Mary A., daughter of Mr. Lewis, 
founder of Watertown. Charles E., Eleanor, Al- 
bert and Mary E. are their children. 

Adam Hill was born in Germany in 1842. 
Came to America with his parents when ten years 
of age. The father, John Hill, first settled in 
Wisconsin, where he lived until 1866, removing 
thence to the farm in Watertown, where he died 
the same year. Adam enlisted in 1862 in Com- 
pany A, Second Kansas cavalry, and after the 
close of the war remained in the standing army 
until 1868. During that year he came to Water- 
iown, and has since lived on his father's farm. 
He was elected to the legislature in 1879, was 
county commissioner from 1875 to '80, town as- 
sessor from 1870 to '75, and has also filled other 
important offices. Married in 1869 to Miss 
Amelia Blaing, who has borne him five children: 
Lena, Louis, John, Katie and Willie. 

Cyrus H. Hutchins was born at Mount Vernon, 
Maine, in 1800. He Uved there until 1852, thee 
came to Minnesota, locating in Minneapohs. The 
first five years here he gave his attention to agri- 
culture, then until 1872 engaged in teaming. 
Coming to Watertown in 1872 he purchased his 
present property. He was married in 1823 to 
Miss Rachel C. Chandler, who was born in Maine 
in 1804. Five children have been born to tliem : 
Joseph C. lives in Polk county, Minnesota; Mary 
E. the wife of John Green, of Minneapolis; Fran- 
cis H., Rhoda A. and Charles A. have died. 

Peter lustus was bom in 1840 and is a native of 
Sweden. Came to the United States in 1850 and 
for six years lived in Pennsylvania. On coming 
to Minnesota, he with his parents settled on the 
banks of Swede lake, in Watertown. His father. 



388 



lirsTiiltr OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Daniel IiwtuB, lived on the farm until 18U6 then 
moved to Bt'ckor connty. IMiniicsotii, wlioiv lie Htill 
lives. In IHCl Peter joined Conipiiiiy I, Second 
Minnesota volunteers; served until the close of 
the war. While home on a furlouj^h in 18(53 he 
j)Ureliiis<'d tlio fiirm on whii'h he now lives and to 
which he returned \Nhen the war closed. His wife 
was Miss Anna Peterson, whoni he married in 
in 18()7. They have five children : Jiimes C, Henry 
H., Georye I., Selma A., and Elmer L. 

F. H. Japs is a (rernian hy birth, horn in 1842 
nnd came in 1861 to the United States. He lived 
in Minneapolis, St. Paul and other ])laces until 
18G5, then went to Illinois, remained two yeai-s. 
Oamo to Watertown and engaged in merchandis- 
ing until 1874 ; he then opened a grocery and 
commission house in Minneapolis, and one and 
one-half years later began general merchandising. 
Closing out his stock iu 1879 he became n resident 
of Watertown and purchased one-third interest in 
the Watertown plow works, of which his brother 
is senior partner. In 1874 ho married Miss D. 
Loudwehr, who has borne him three children: 
Anna. Elizabeth and Willielma. 

Philip 0. Johnson is a native of Sweden, born 
in 1833. Came to America and after passing six 
years in Pennsylvania pre-empted a claim in 
Watertown. C>n this he has since lived. In Feb- 
ruary, 18(!.5, he enlisted in the First Minnesota 
heavy artillery and was mustered out after a ser- 
vice of eight months. Ho was one of the town 
supervisors in 1861-74 .nnd '7.5, and lias held other 
offices. December 24, 1857, Miss Josephine Brown 
liecame his wife. Three sons and one daughter 
have been born to them: Florence W., Alford P., 
David E. and Fred N. 

Celestine Kohler was born in Freisenheim, 
Baden, April 7, 1823. At the age of fifteen and 
one-half years he became an orphan. He then 
served an ajijirenticesliip as haniess-maker, after 
which ho traveled through France, Switzerland, 
Wurtemburg and Austria, working at his trade. 
In 1846 returned to his native village and started 
in business as a hamis-sinaker, which he carried 
on with success ten years. In August, 1846, he 
married Magdalena Both and six children were 
born to them in that country: (Justave, Magda- 
lena, Amelia, Caroline, All)ert and Carl. The two 
youngest died in infancy. In Oi'tober, IS.'jC, lie 
immigrated to America with his family, where his 
mother, four brothers and one sister had preceded 
him. He arrived at Dubuque, Iowa, iu November; 



remained until the next spring, then came to Min- 
nesota; he located on the south-west quarter of 
section 2!) of Watertown, which tract he pre- 
empted and lived nn about nine years. During 
the time he experienced the various hardships and 
dilliculties incident to pioneer life. In 18().") he 
purchased the Watertown Hotel and took posses- 
sion the following year; also continues harness- 
making. For some years past he has carried the 
United States mails daily from Watertown to De- 
lano and return, and is iiow])n)prietor of thestage 
route to Delano. Since coming to Watertown six 
more children have been bom to them; the living 
are, Celestine, Josephine, Otto .\., and Louisa. 
February 6, 187H Mrs. Kohler died, and Septem- 
ber 17, 1880 his daughter Caroline passed away. 

M. F. Lienan was born in 1829 in' Germany: his 
youth was passed in his native country, and in 
1856 ho came to America. He m:ide his home in 
New York one year, in Chicago six months, in 
Davenport, Iowa, one year, and in 1864 came to 
Watertown. He purchased the Union mill; the 
mill buriieil in 1H65: he rebuilt and again it was 
consumed by fire in 18H(). On rebuilding he made 
it on a larger and better plan, and has taken as a 
partner Mr. Roescheise. Their water power cost 
about .'i?7,0()0, and when water is low the mills are 
run by steam. Mr. LicTian was married in St. 
Paul in 1862, to Miss Mary Peaisley, who has borne 
him eight children. 

Benjamin F. Light was born iu Frederick 
county, Virginia, in 1823. Learned the trade of 
carpenter and pursued it until 1855: he came the 
ne.\t year to Minnesota, and settled on a claim. 
He served only two mouths in the Second Minne- 
sota cavalry, and has since lived on his farm. Has 
been one of the town board of supervisors about 
ten years; was also elected county commissioner, 
but did not serve; was a delegate to the first 
county convention and a member of the first jury 
in the district court. Miss Esther Haum was mar- 
ried to him in 1845. She was born in 1824. They 
have seven children living : Sarah V., wife of A 
J. Carviii ; Martha A., wife of E. H. Edwards: .Tolin 
G., Esther A., wife of Isaac Shaw, of Illinois; Joel 
B.. .Julia B., wife of Frank McKee, and Susan M. 

Fritz Luders is a native of Germany, born in 
1834. When eighteen years old he came to Amer- 
ica and for six months lived in Wisconsin. May 
2, 1856 became to Minnesota; remained in Cha.ska 
six mouths, then settled on a farm in Hennepin, 
county. He farmed twelve years, and on coming 



CARVER COUNTY. 



389 



to Watertown engaged in tbe liquor trade. After 
seven years experience in saloon lieeping iie started 
the Watertown brewery, which has a capacity of 
800 barrels per year. Mr. Liiders enlisted in the 
11th Minnesota, served until June 23, 186.5, when 
he was mustered out of service. Married April 10, 
1858, to Miss Elizabeth Otto. 

Nelson Mattson, a native of Sweden, was born 
in 1827. In 1855 he moved to Illinois where he 
remained two years, then came to Watertown. He 
settled on a farm in section 15, and lived there un- 
til seven years ago, then sold out and purchased 
'his present farm. In 1865 he served two months 
in the First Minnesota heavy artillery, and was 
mustered out with his regiment. Married in 1858 
Miss Caroline Johnson, who died in 1865. His 
second marriage was with Miss Christine Johnson 
in 1867. John P., Huldy, Charles A., Annie and " 
Frank A. 

William B. McClellan was born in Franklin 
county, New York, in 1847. When five years old 
he with his parents moved to St. Lawrence county. 
At the age of sixteen he enlisted in Company F, 
100th New York; served three years and was must- 
ered out in June, 1865. He received two wounds, 
one in the mouth, the other in the shoulder, which 
rendered him unfit for further duty. He remained 
in the East until 1867, then came to Minnesota. 
Worked at the carpenter's trade two years; then 
went to Illinois, jaursuing his trade there also one 
year, then went to Iowa. In 1875 he located in 
Watertown, and for three years gave his time to 
well driving; he then purchased the hotel he now 
manages. In Illinois, 1870, he married Miss EUen 
McLean, who died at Kolfe, Iowa, in January, 
1872. His second wife was Miss Ann Otto, mar- 
ried in 1877. Eflfie and Lillie are their children. 

A. G. Miller, a native of Sweden, was born in 
1813. Came to America in 1852 and lived in Penn- 
sylvania until 1857, then came to Watertown, lo- 
cating on a farm with his parents. He clerked in 
the store of J. 0. Flood one year, and in August, 
1862, enlisted in Company B, Ninth Minnesota; 
was mustered out in July, 1865. Keturning to 
Watertown he purchased the farm on which he has 
since lived. Was elected assessor in 1868 and 
held the office two terms; re-elected in 1876 and 
still fills the position by re-election. Married in 
1865 to Miss Hanna lustus. Six children have 
been born to them: George U., Ella A., Amanda 
H., L. J., Alvan C. and Walter L. 

Peter Monson, an early settler of Watertown, 



was born in 1816 and is a native of Sweden. Came 
to America in 1852, and settled in Jamestown, New 
York; one and one -half years later went to Pitts- 
field, Pennsylvania. Ho made his home there 
until coming to Minnesota in May, 1857, and set- 
tled ou his present farm. In March, 1846, he mar- 
ried Miss Margaret Samuels. Their Hving chil- 
dren are P. J., who hves in Wright county Minne- 
sota, and Samuel. Mr. Monson sei-ved as town 
supervisor for nine years. 

Ichabod Murphy was born in Indiana, in 1841. 
When seven years old his parents moved to Illinois 
and in 1856 to Minnesota, purchasing a farm in 
Wiight county, where his father still lives. In 
1858 the father bought a farm for his son in 
Watertown, which he has cultivated since attaining 
majority. In September, 1862 he enlisted in com- 
pany C, First Minnesota mounted rangers; served 
until October, 1864; re-enlisted in company F, 
Eleventh ^Minnesota and served until June, 1865. 
He returned to his farm but goon after removed to 
Itedwood county, remaining four years. Since 
that time he has been a resident of Watertown. 
In April, 1871, Miss Bhoda Stewart became the 
wife of Mr. Murphy. .James, Ida, Hannah, and Ke- 
becca A. are their children. 

. George Roesoheise is a native of Germany, born 
in 1841. His father was a miller, and he learned the 
trade and followed it until coming to America in 
1867 ; settled in New Ulm and removed to Minne- 
apolis after one and one-halt years. During his 
four years stay in Minneapolis he worked at his 
trade in the Gibson Union mills; then went to 
Hudson, Wisconsin for five years. After making 
his home in Dayton, Minnesota, three years, he 
went to Waconia and in 1875 settled in Watertown, 
and became a partner with Mr. Leinan in the 
Union mills. He married at Waconia in 1874, 
Miss C. Himelsbach a native of Germany, bom 
in 1844. George, Olga and Oscar are their chil- 
dren. 

Walter St. John was born in Ohio, in 1840. At 
the age of seventeen he learned the jewelers' trade 
in Cleveland, Ohio, and worked at it until his en- 
listment. August 14, 1861, he joined the 29th 
Ohio infantry, and was a member of the regimen- 
tal band, for one year, then engaged in recruiting 
a part of the 105th Ohio, and on May 2, 1864, he 
joined the 164th Ohio, company F. At the close 
of the war he returned to Ohio, but removed in 
1871, to Howard Lake, Minnesota. He taught 
school one term ; subsequently took a ""laim nea 



39U 



HlSTOUr OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY 



St. James; soon after wont to Winstod as acting 
agent for land claims, for a few mouths. In 1874, 
st'ttled in AVatertown, wliero lie has since bad 
charge of the saw-mills. September 20, IHfii. he 
married Mi.xs .lane Doyle, who has borne him live 
children. 

C. O. Tea.s was born in Wavne county, Indiana, 
in 1844. While a young man he learned the 
painters' trade and has since followed it. In 185(1 
be with his parents came to ]Minnesota and settled 
in Miiuietonka township, removing in 1878 to De- 
lano. In February. 1880, he became a resident of 
Watertown, where ho started a jjaint shop. He 
enlisted in 1861 in Company D, 20th Ohio; served 
three months. Ke-enlisted in Company D, 13th 
United States infantry, receiving his discharge at 
the expiration of three years' service. Miss An- 
nette Hawkins became his wife in 1870: she 
died July 1, 187G, leadng one cliild, C. D. His 
second marriage was with Miss .^llie, daughter of 
the late Isaac Edwards, in October, 1880. 

Henry Weygaud, a native of Germany, was 
born in 1826. In 1862 he came to America and 
for four years his home was in Delaware, but in 
1860 he came to Minnesota; since that time 
Watertown has been his home. He is engaged in 
the furniture trade in this town, and is doing a 
good business. Mr. Weygaud was married in 
1860. 

Jacob Yager, a native of Germany, was born in 
1853. ' He lived in his native country until 1863 
when with his parents he came to America. They 
located on a farm in Watertown township, on 
which they lived fourteen years. Since then they 
have lived in the village. Jacob ran a saloon for 
three years and has since been in the meat trade. 
His marriage with Miss Minnie Keital took place 
January 31, 1877. Two daughters have been 
born to them. Clara died at the age of two years; 
Lena was bom July 2, 1880. 



I 



CHAPTER LVI. 



WAOONIA BENTON — HANCOCK YOTJNa AMERICA 

HOLLYWOOD. 

Waconia township is situated in the central part 
of Carver county. The surface is rolling and sup- 
plied with numerous lakes; the largest of which 
is Clearwater. It is a very beautiful lake 
four miles long and nearly three miles wide. It 



has about eighteen miles of shore most of which 
is high with a gravelly beach. The water is very 
clear, hence its name, and well stocked with fish. 
Alxiut a half mile from the village of Waconia is 
an island containing thirty-seven acres. It is sit- 
uated very high and affords fine opportanities for 
])leasure parties. 

Probably Ludwig Suthenncr and Michael 
Sclieidnagel were the first settlers in the town. 
They both came early in the summer of 1855. 
Mr. Suthenner made a claim on the east half of 
section 23 and south-west ipiarter of section 24; 
he made his home on south-west (juart<'r of sec- 
tion 24, where he still resides. Mr. Scheidnagel 
made a claim on the soiith-east quarter of iiection 
24, where he still resides. Other settlers of 1855 
were Charles Kiefer. Simon Moy and E. Hy<le. 
Mr. Keifer made his claim on the north-west quar- 
ter of section 23; be held the claim about two 
months and then returned to St. Paul. Mr. 5Ioy 
made a claim on the north-west quarter of section 
24, where he still resides. Mr. Hyde made a claim 
on the north-west quarter of section 32: he re- 
maiueil there but a few months when he removed 
to the village of Waconia. A great many claims 
were made in the town during 1856; among the 
number were Charles Guggemos, Anton Suchanek, 
Henry Tukan. Fredrich Henkc, Cas])er Volner, 
Jacob Volkenaut, and J. -V. Simon, all of whom 
are still li\-ing upon their original claims. 

The first olecticm in the town was held May 11, 
1858. Officers: Hermann Graeving, chairman 
and justice of the peace; S. Birkard and D. Wag- 
ner, sui)ervisor8; E. Hyde, town clerk and justice 
of the peace; J. Johnson, as8e8.«!or and constable: 
J. Behrenfeld. collector: Hermann Loegeriug, 
overseer of the poor and constable. 

John Moy was born in January, 1856, and this 
was the first birth. Mrs. Thiele, mother of A. 
Thiele, on section 23, died about 1857, and tliis 
was probably the first death. Simon Moy and 
Mary Tommos were married in the spring of 1855, 
and this was the first marriage. 

The \'illage of Waconia was surveyed and plat- 
ted in March. 1857, by G. W. King on land owned 
by K. P. Kusscll of Jlinneapolis, in lots oni' and 
two, section 13 and lot eight, section 14. It is sit- 
uated on the south bank of Clearwater lake and 
also on the Pacific extension of the Mumeapolis 
ife St. Louis railroail, and has 255 inhabitants. A 
steamer is run on the lake; it is sixty feet in length 
and owned bv Miller. Bierline A Johnson. 



cabybh county. 



391 



Waconia post-office was established in 1857; 
E. Hyde, postmaster; he retained the office but a 
short time when Hermann Berrean was appointed 
in his stead. Mr. Berreau held the office until 
1868 when Lewis Golthalf was appointed, and he 
was succeeded in 1872 by Albert Kohler who still 
retains the position. 

The business interests are : Seven general stores, 
two hardware, one drug store and bank, one furni- 
ture store, three 'ooot and shoe shops, one harness 
shop, a tailor shop, three blacksmith shops, two 
wagon shops, one meat market, one boat builder, one 
grist-mill, one saw-miU, one warehouse, one hotel, 
one brewery, five saloons, one steamboat line. The 
village has two churches; one public and two sec- 
tarian schools. 

Fir.-it grist-mill in Waconia to^vnship was built 
in the village of Waconia by Habeck & Enders in 
1867 at a cost of ii;i4,000; capacity thirty barrels 
per day. In that year the same firm also erected a 
saw-mill at a cost of $2,000; capacity 10,000 feet 
per day. In 1878 these mills were burned, and 
immediately Bierline Bros, erected a new saw and 
grist-mill near the site of the old mills at a cost of 
$19,000. The capacity of the saw-mill is 8,000 
feet per day, and of the grist-mill thirty barrels 
per day. In 1879 the grist-mill was remodeled 
throughout. The present owners are Bierline, 
Zahler & Miller. 

Waconia brewery was built in 1865 by Zahler & 
Metz. After various changes in the firm, in 1875 
Mr. Zahler was in the business alone. In that 
year the building was burned; it was immediately 
rebuilt on a larger scale at a cost of $2,000; ca- 
pacity twelve barrels per day. 

Waconia Catholic church was organized in 1857 
by P. Bruno Riss, O. S. B. Previous to 1858 ser- 
vices were held at private houses. In this year a 
church was built at a cost of $600. In 1875 a 
new structure was erected at a cost of $9,000. At 
organization the membership embraced thirty fam- 
ilies; at present it numbers one hundred and fif- 
teen. A parochial school is connected with the 
church. Paceflous Kohnen, O. S. F., is the offi- 
ciating priest. 

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran church was or- 
ganized in 1865, with a membership of twenty 
families. Rev. John Horst was the first pastor, 
and under his direction a church was built, at a 
cost of .'62,000. in 1866. The present member- 
ship numbers one hundred families. A parochial 



school is connected with the church. Eev. Wil- 
liam Fried rich is the present pastor. 

Societies — St. Antonia"s Catholic Mutual Aid 
Society was organized in 1878 with the following 
officers : A. E. Kaeder, president ; Herman Huels- 
beck, secretary ; Anton Wt)rtmann , treasurer. At 
organization there were fifteen members. The 
object, mutual aid and insurance benefit. St. 
Joseph's Society, local, object — support of the 
Catholic school at Waconia. It was organized in 
1861, with Hermann Loegering as president. The 
oflginal object (.)f the society was the support 
of the church; but two years since it was changed 
to the support of the school, and .$500 was turned 
into school fund. 

Zion'a Evangelical church, located on section 6, 
was organized in 1868. Previous to this time ser- 
vices were held at private houses. Eev. Liuse 
was the first minister who preached in the neigh- 
borhood. In 1868 the society built a church, un- 
der the direction of E«v. Eakarz, at a cost of 
1400. Membership was twenty at organization, 
and numbers forty at present. Eev. William Fritz 
is the officiating pastor. 

The first school was taught by Charles Shilling, 
a resident of the town, in 1858. A frame school- 
house, about 15x20, was built in the village of 
Waconia iu that year. The attendance numbered 
about fifteen scholars. There are seven school- 
houses in the town, all frame. 

The first burial in the cemetery on section 24 
was the wife of Zachariah Diehl, who had made a 
claim on or near section 22. 

A cemetery on section 8 was established in 1862, 
and the first burial therein was Theresa Volke- 
' nant, daughter of Jacob Volkenant, who located 
on section 7 in 1856. She died in 1863. 

Jacob Bierline is a native of Minnesota, born in 
Carver county in 1858. He is a son of George 
Bierline, one of the oldest settlers in the county. 
He is a partner with Mr. Zahler in a saw and grist- 
mill at Waconia. 

Anthony Olaesgens, a native of Prussia, was 
born in 1816. He acquired a good practical edu- 
cation and was raised on a farm. He was married 
to Josephine Meager, also a native of Prussia. 
Came to America in 1857 and located in Waconia, 
where he still lives. Mrs. Claesgeus died in 1871, 
leaving eight children. 

Adolph Eiselein is a native of Baden, Germany, 
born in 1836. He learned the printer's trade in 
his native countrv, and iu 1852 came to America. 



392 



UISTOIiV OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



He first mn le his hoina in New Ulin, Imt was com- 
pelled to remove on iiccount ot the Indiun trouble 
in 1862. He enlisted in the United States service 
and WHS stationed on the frontier. In 18()5 he 
located in Career county, and is now engaged in 
the mercantile trade at Waconia. 

William Friedrich is a German, horn in 1839. 
Ho received a good literary education and was also 
educated for the ministry. Came to America in 
18GG and located in Carver ctmnty in 1871. He 
is at pi-esent pastor of the German Lutheran church 
at Waconia. 

C. Guggermos was born in Gennany in 1824. 
His youth was spent at work on his father's farm 
and in school. In 1853 be c;;me to America, and 
two years later moved to Waconia. He served 
nine months in the Second Minnesota vohmteers. 
ami was with General Sherman tlirough Georgia. 
His wife was Miss Emily Frey, married in 1858. 
Five children have lieen bom to them: Charles, 
Joseph, John, Theresa and Annie. 

Albert Kohler was bom in Baden, in 1830. He 
came to America in 1851. In 1861 settled in Wa- 
conia and for four years engaged in farming. He 
enlisted in 1864 and received an honorable dis- 
charge in 1866. Since then he has engaged in the 
hardware and tin trade, keeping a general assort- 
ment of all articles in that line. For nine years 
past Mr. Kolilcr has been postmaster at Waconia. 
In 1854 he married Cathrine Kramer, who has 
borne him ten children. 

D. Van Krevelen, M. D., was bom in Holland 
in 1828. In his native country he received a col- 
legiate education and was also educated as 
a physician in the medical schools of Ger- 
many. Came to America in 1854, landing in Bal- 
timore; was shortly after appointed superintendent 
of a marine hospital at Valparaiso, South America. 
He was still there at the religious and political 
outbreak in 1858-'9. He and his family exper- 
ienced severe difficulties and hardships, and were 
finally taken from the city by the crew of a sloop- 
of-war. Returned to Baltimore in 1860, and dur- 
ing the rebellion was engaged as surgeon in the 
hospital and field work. After peace was restored 
ho spent one year in Europe, then returned and 
settled m Grand Rapids, Micliigan; moved to 
Belle Plaine in 1876, and in 1880 became a resi- 
dent of Waconia. Dr. Van Kreveicn was married 
in Holland in 1849; his wife died in 1867. Ger- 
trude Edons liecome his second wife in 1873. She 
is also a native of Holland. 



A. C. Lassen is a native of Germany, bom in 
1835. Was brought up in the mercantile busi- 
ness. In 1857 he came to America and three years 
later came to Carver county. He went across the 
plains with (icneral Sully in 1862. Returned af- 
terward to Waconia and embarked in the mercan- 
tile trade. Mrs. Rose Niehaus became his wife 
in 1870. 

Benediht MaLser is a native of Wurt<'nibarg, 
Gennany, born in 1830. When fourteen years of age 
be came to America and settled in Waconia in 
1863. He has since been a resident of this village 
and is now engaged in the mercantile business. 

John G. Sauter, retired farmer, was bom in Ger- 
many in 1820. He acquired a knowledge of the 
pottery trade in early life, and later traveled 
throughout the continent of Europe. He took an 
active part in the French rebellion in 1848-"9, and 
in 1851 came to America. He located in the south 
and engaged in various business pursuits until 
1858, then settled in Waconia on his present ])lace. 
During the Indian outbreak he took an active 
part. Miss F. Sauter became his wife in ,1850. 
Four children have been bom to them: J. D., bom 
in Germany, Annie A., Clara and August. 

Andrew F. Schutz, a native of Germany, was 
bom in 1839. He immigrated to Wiscon- 
sin in 1856. He afterward made his home in St. 
Paul from 1865 to 1877, at which time he l)ecame 
a resident of Waconia. He is now proprietor ot 
the Lake Shore Hotel, which is situated on the 
banks of the beautiful Clearwater lake. The 
Lake Shore House is fast becoming a favorite and 
popular resort for traveler or pleasure seeker. Mr. 
Schutz was married in 1867 to Mary J. Muller, who 
has borne him three children; MoUie I., .\ndrew 
and Otto. 

Michael Zahler, who is a native of Germany, 
was born in 1840. He learned the brewing busi- 
ness, and came to America in 1857; in 1865 came 
to Carver county. The same year he married 
Catherine Stenger, and has five children. Mr. 
Zahler is proprietor of the Waconia brewery, also 
one of the owners of the steam saw aud grist-mills. 

BENTON. 

Benton township is in tlie south central |)art of 
Carver co<intv. The town is traversed by Bevens' 
creek, which flows across the southern part. In 
1880 the po|)ulation of Benton was 1,420; valua- 
tion of real estate. S266,116: ix>rsonal property, 
$45,402. The earliest settler in the town of whom 
there is authentic record w as Christian Hebeisem 



CABVER COUNTY. 



393 



who came in May, 1855, and lived on section 2 
until 1876. The same year Gottlieb Urbaoh made 
a claim on section 27. He was followed by Jacob 
Sauter, John Luudheim. .John Etzell, Sr., Robert 
Miller, John Wienmann, .John Guthling, Nicholas 
Henrion aud John Eichelberger. 

The first birth was that of Mary, daughter of 
John Guthling, in the summer of 1855. The iirst 
death was John Miller, son of Robert Miller, who 
resides in Benton village. The child died in 1855, 
when but sis weeks old. It was born in Laketown 
while the mother was on the way to Benton, from 
Ohaska. 

The first town meeting was held at the house of 
Robert Miller, on section 11, May 11, 1858, with 
Joseph Weinmann as moderator aud Edward 
Rensse clerk. Officers elected: Robert Miller, 
chairman and justice; John Etzell and Prank Sei- 
berlich, supervisors; Joseph Weinmann, town 
clerk, collector and constable; William Schneider, 
justice of the peace; Michael Hermann, constable. 

During the war a meeting was called and money 
voted to pay bounties to fill the quota of the town: 
the call was, however, declared illegal, and no fur- 
ther attempts were made in this direction. 

Benton village was surveyed in June, 1880, by 
H. J. Cheever, on land owned by Casper Kronsch- 
nabel and others, on sections 11 and 12, on the 
north side of Benton lake. The village had a 
population of 100 in 1880, and in March, 1881, 
was incorporated. The first village officers were:' 
George Kronschnabel, president: George Bleich- 
ner, Anton Pinger and Joseph Graeber, council; 
Peter Williams, recorder; Priedrich Metzger, 
treasurer; WOHam Hochtman, justice; Henry Witt- 
sock, marshal. 

Benton post-office was established in 1860, with 
George Bleichner as postmaster. His successors 
were Mathias Erst and L. Streukens. In 1879 the 
office was removed to Cologne, but was re-estab- 
lished in Benton in February, 1880, and Casper 
Kronschnabel appointed postmaster. 

The village of Benton has three general stores, 
one hardware, one shoe and harness shop, one 
blacksmith shop, one warehouse, a saw and grist- 
mill, an elevator and three saloons. The saw-mill 
was built in 1866 by Casper Kronschnabel; the 
grist-mill was built by him the following year, 
and was furnished with two run of stone. In 
1874 Nicholas Henrion became a partner in the 
business, and in 1878 the grist-mill was enlarged 
and fitted with four run of stone, three sets of 



rollers and a new sixty horse-power engine. In 
1879 the firm erected an elevator with a capacity 
of 12,000 bushels. 

Cologne was surveyed in August, 1880, bv H.J. 
Cheever, on land owned by Adam and Paul Mohr- 
bacher on the north-west quarter of section 15, on 
the Hastings & Dakota railroad. 

The village was incorporated in 1881. Officers 
elected: Jacob Menwessen, president; Henry 
Plankers, John E. Holm and Charles Schabaker, 
council; Gerhard Bongard, recorder: Paul Morh- 
bacher, treasurer; Lucas Dols, justice of the peace; 
Franz Blackner, marshal. In 1879 the post-office 
was removed from Benton village to Cologne, 
and Peter Wirtz appointed postmaster, which po- 
sition he held until his death in July, 1880, when 
Qerhard Bongard was appointed. The depot was 
built in 1872 and the first station agent was F. M. 
Mallen. The present agent is Gerhard Bongard. 
There are in the village two general stores, one 
hardware store, one drug store and one furniture 
store, one blacksmith shop, one wagon shop, a 
grist-mill aud an elevator. 

In 1880 the Cologne grist-mill was built by 
Bongard & Co., at a cost of $10,000. At fir.-st the 
capacity of the mill was sixty barrels of flour per 
day, since increased to 100 barrels. Three run of 
stone and seven rollers are in use. About 70,000 
bushels of merchant grinding is done in a year in 
addition to a large amount of custom work. Patent 
process is in use. The power is steam, furnished 
by a forty horse-power engine. In the fall of 
1880, Archibald and Ames, of Dundas, erected an 
elevator, cajiable of holding 20,000 bushels. 

Bongard post-office, situated on section 21, was 
established in 1873; Herman Bongard, post- 
master. Theodore Spiecker is the jiresent post- 
master. 

The first school in the township was taught by 
Emma Noyes in the fall of 1857 in a room of F. 
Lutz's house at Benton village. About 1865 a 
frame house was built for the accommodation of 
this school. There are now four other school- 
houses in the town ; three frame and one log. 

St. Bernard's Catholic church was organized in 
1856 by Father Mehlmann, with a membership of 
nineteen families. Services were held at the house 
of John Mohrbacher until 1860, when a church 
was built under direction of P. Bruno Riss, O. S. 
B., at a cost of $500. A few years since a new 
brick church was erected, under the management 
of Rev. Godfrey H. Braun, costing 114.000. The 



394 



UISTORT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



present meinl)er8liip is one Imndreil iind ten fnmi- 
lies. In counwtion with the ehuri-Ii Ih a parochial 
Bcliool with un attoiulaiu'O of ITiO. Stephen Liitz, 
who died in 1857, was the tirst Imricd in the 
church eenieterj'. Fatlier Hraun is still the oltieia- 
tiug priest, 

Zion's United Evanifelieal church, on section 30, 
was orgiinize<l in 1H7(I li_v Hev. Jacob Hurkart. 
Previous Ui this occasional meetings were held at 
private houses. In 1870 a church was built at a 
cost of §1,^00. Present membership, thirty fam- 
ilies. Kev. Edward Herschen. jmstor. 

St. .John's Kefornied chinch, on section 17, was 
organized January 2, 1866, by Bev. John Bomeis 
with sixty connnunicants. Previous to this time 
services were held at private houses. In 1866 a 
church was erected at a cost of S400. Present 
membership, 126 communicants. Officiating pas- 
tor, Rev. L. Ziegler. 

Ebenezer ^lethoiliat Ei)isco])al church, on sec- 
tion 24, wa'f organized with a niemliership of six, 
in 18.06, by Rev. John Schnell. In 1861 a log 
church was built, and in 1881 a frame house of 
worship was erected which cost $1,000. At pres- 
ent the church numbers thirty members. The pas- 
tor is William Cirieve. 

Zion's Evangelical Lutheran chtirch was organ- 
ized in 1858 by Rev. Kahmeir. The first churv?h 
was erected in 1864, and in 1880 a new one, w'hich 
cost S4,300, was built under the direction of the 
present pastor. Rev. Theodore Kmmsieg. There 
are fifty families in connection with this church; 
under it,s management is a parochial .school. 

(teorge Bleichner, a native of France, was born 
in 1827. Came to America with his parents when 
only eighteen mouths old. Tliey landed in Balti- 
more, then ])roceeded by wagon to Pittsburg, 
Pennsylvania, (leorge lived there with his par- 
ents until after the age of twenty-two. In 1850 
he went to California, but returned to Pennsylvania 
two years later. In May, 1853, he married Miss 
Caroline Barbary, and continued there seven years, 
then came to Benton. Here he has since lived, 
and is at present engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness; keeps a boarding house and saloon. Mr. 
and Mrs. Bleichner have had eleven children, nine 
of whom are living. 

G. Bongard, station agent at Cologne, Carver 
county, was boni in Wisconsin in 1852. His par- 
ents moved to Cologne when he was only six ^ears 
old, where his father bought a farm of 160 acres 
on section 17. He resided at the home of his par- 



ents until 1875 when he was employed l)y the 
(Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway as station 
agent at Cologne; be also owns one-third interest 
in the Hour mill at Cologne. Married in 1876 to 
Louisa Mesenbring. who has borne him three 
children. 

Bev. Godfrey H. Braini was boni November Id, 
1852, at Wetter, Westphalia, (iermany. Com- 
menced his Latin studies in 1865 at Hagcii, at the 
college of Paderborn; studied in philosophy, theol- 
ogy and mathematics at Munster and in Septem- 
ber, 1874. started for .'Vmerica; finished his stu- 
dies at the Seminary of St. Francis, of Sales, near 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There he received the 
deaconship from Archbishop Henni, of Milwaukee; 
was ordained by Eight Reverend Bishoj) lirace, 
of St. Paul, May 3. 1876. He was sent to Benton 
as his first mission in June, 1876. Here he has 
been instrumental in building the new brick church 
at a cost of SI 2.000 in 1877, also the new brick 
school-house at a cost of S3,500, in 1880. The 
brick church at Norwood was also erected in 1880 
under his supervision. He attends this congrega- 
tic)n twice per month. His parents and a cousin 
came from Germany, and are living witli him. 

Lucas Uols is a native of Holland, brim in 1846. 
In 1862 he accompanied the family to America. 
From New York they came to St. Paul, then direct- 
ly to Carver county. Lucas learned the caqjcnter 
trade and in 1871 he formed a partnership with 
Peter Jorissen. They are engaged in building 
and cabinet making. Mr. Dols is justice of the 
])eace and director of school board, district nvimber 
twenty-seven. His marriage with Miss Mary 
Jorissen took place in 1871. Lembert, Mary. 
Anna and Catharine are their children. 

Joseph Gr\iber. a cooper by trade, is a native of 
.\ustria, born in 1854. At the age of thirteen 
years he came with his parents to the United Staters, 
they went to St. Paul and remained two years, 
then to Chaska; he remained therewith his parents 
until 1876. In the mean time he learned tlie 
cooper trade of his father. Has since lived in 
Benton, engaged in coopering. He is one of the 
village trustees. Marrried in 1876 to Miss Louisa 
Lutz who has borne liim two children. Emma 
(lied in Mardi, 1880. Mary is living. 

J. C. Harms, native of Germany, was bom in 
1819. From 1836 until 1855 he devoted his time 
to the lumber tratle. Coming to Americra in 1855 
Jie remained in New York a sliort time then went 
to IHinois; in .\pril, 1856, he made a claim of 160 



CARVER COUNTY. 



395 



acres ou which he still lives. In 1860 he added 
eighty acres by purchase and in 1874 bought 
160 acres more at a cost of $3,000. His marriage 
with Margaret Uetzmann took place in 1852. Nine 
children have been born to them, seven of whom 
are living. 

N. Heurion was born in France in 1828. He 
worked at wagon making until twenty years of 
age. In 1848 came to America and after six 
months residence in New Orleand, removed to 
Louisville. Kentucky. He also worked at his trade 
in Indiana and Illinois. Made a claim of KiO acres 
in Benton township in 1855, and still lives there. 
He also owns one-half interest in the flouring mill 
at Benton. In 1861 he enlisted in the Fifth Iowa 
cavalry and served four years; was twice wounded, 
at Sugar Creek and at Waverly, Tennessee. 

J. P. Johnson was born in 1855 in Sweden. The 
family came to this country in 1860, landing in 
New York August 10. They proceeded directly 
to St. Paul, thence to Carver; one year later re- 
moved to Benton, purchasing at the same time 
forty acres on which they now live. In 1866 they 
added twenty acres )iy purchase. J. P. bought 
forty acres from his father in 1880. 

Peter Jorissen, builder and cabinet maker, is a 
native of Holland, born in 1847. When fourteen 
years of age he accompanied his parents and 
family to the United States. The father pur- 
chased 240 acres in Benton township. Peter lived 
at home until twenty-three years of age and dur- 
ing the time learned the carpenter trade. He owns 
twenty-five acres in section 14 but is engaged 
principally in building and cabinet business. Mar- 
ried in 1869 Elizabeth Roadschalders. Cecilia, 
Henry, Catherine, Mary E., John and Lucas are 
their children. 

Casper Kronschnabel was born in Germany in 
1837. With his parents he came to America at 
the age of nine years. He lived with them in 
Ohio until fifteen years of age, then started out 
to earn his own livelihood. He spent one and one- 
half years at Lake Superior, Michigan, and in 
1856 came to St. Paul. Then moved to Chaska, 
making it his home five or six years, engaged in a 
saw-mill. Eeturued to Michigan and remained 
five years; then came back to Chaska and built a 
house on his farm, living there until 1867. He 
then spent about two years in Young America and 
during the time built a flouring mill and sold it. 
Came to Benton in 1868 and erected a saw-mill 
and the next year a flouring mill, both of which ' 



he keeps in operation. In 1861 he was united in 
marriage with Miss Anna Ohler, who has bonie 
him twelve children. Mr. Kronschnabel is chair- 
man of the village board and postmaster at 
Benton. 

Frederick Lemke was born in Germany in 1820. 
For thirty-three years he lived on a farm. He 
was married in 1850 and six years later came to 
America; he visited Chicago, St. Paul and finally 
settled in Benton. Previous to immigrating to 
this country he served three years in the German 
army. Mr. and Mrs Lemke have eight children: 
Caroline, Frank, Ullena, Mary, William, August, 
Minnie and Frederick. . 

Samuel A. Luudborg is a native of Sweden, 
born in 1853. When eight years of age he and 
his parents went to Quebec, Canada, thence to 
St. Paul. The father purchased a farm of 320 
acres in Kandiyohi county, on which they lived 
only one year, when they were driven away by the 
Indians. Samuel was wounded by them and his 
three brothers were killed. The remainder of the 
family moved to Afton, Washington county, and 
lived there until the spring of 1853. They 
rented a farm . in Carver county, and four years 
later returned to their former home. Seven years 
subsequently they sold and located in Benton, 
purchasing 160 acres where they now live. The 
mother died in 1870 at the advanced age of sixty 
years. Mr. Lundborg married in 1874 Anna M. 
Rohnson. Two of the three children born to 
them are living. 

O. Mesenbring was born in Ilhnois in 1853. 
His parents moved to Benton in 1858, where his 
father purchased a farm of 160 acres. At his 
death, which occurred October 15, 1880, Otto took 
possession of the old homestead; his mother lives 
with him. In 1874 he went to Colorado and spent 
six years there, four and one-half years of the time 
being in the grocery trade. November 28th, 
1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Mag- 
gie Fisher. 

Swan Olson, a native of Sweden, was born in 
1845. Until 1866 he lived in the land of his na- 
tivity, and then came to the United States. He 
settled in Benton township in 1869 ou section 36. 
He was married to Mrs. Christine Monson in the 
fall of 1870. They now have a family of four 
children, two by her first hu.sband. 

C. W. Riches, M. D., was born in Davenport, 
Iowa, in 1850. He remained with his jiarents imtil 
10 years of age, then taught school two years; 



39(> 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



he spent three years at collepc, after wliieh lie 
jirnctioed medicine one year. Entering the Meth- 
odist ministry lie remained two years, and in 1876 
eanie to Minnesota; in 1878 toC'arver comity. In 
1881 he located at Colorrne and started iu the 
dnig business, which he still coutinnes. 

Charles Selial inker was born in Wisconsin iu 
1858. The family I'amo to Ht. Paul when lie was 
about two years of age, and in 1870 moved to 
Newport, Washington county. Charles resided 
with his parents until 1875, then learned the 
wagon-maker"s trade in Ht. Paul. He located in 
C<ilogne in 1879 and started a wagon shop. 

Ph. Schiller, a native of Gi«rmany, was bom in 
1852. When nineteen years of age came to 
America. From New York lie came directly to St. 
Paul, thence tvi Carver coimty. Here he worked 
for the farmers until 1880, then purchased one- 
half interest in the hardware store with Mr. Men- 
wisen. He is also assistant postmaster at Cologne. 

Thomas Sheahaii was born in New York in 
1854. When a child of six years he accompanied 
his parents to St. Paul, and remained there with 
them until 187!). He then came to Cologne and 
purchasod ono-lialf interest in tli<> general mer- 
chandise business with Mr. Mohrbacher in 1881. 

M. Sieben is a native of Holland, bom in 1814. 
At the age of fourteen years he began the study 
of law. He continued his stuilies four years; the 
three years previous to his coming to America in 
1864 were passed as a saloon-keeper. He came 
directly from New York to St. Paul. Locating in 
Kenton soon after he bought a farm of fifty-four 
acres, on which he still lives. Miss Catherine Cra- 
mers became his wife in 1842. Eleven children 
have been bom to them, four of whom are living: 
(xertmde, Caroline, .Taue and Henry. 

William Williams was born in 1815 in Holland. 
In 1863 came to America, landing at New York. 
There his stay was brief, as he came to St. Paul, 
and on to Benton. Here he located and jiiirchased 
a farm of 160 acres, for which he paid $2,000. 
He was united in marriage with Miss Caroline 
Jaspers in 1849. They have had twelve children, 
ten of whom are living. 

HANCOCK. 

This town is composed of the north halt of 
township 114 north, of range 24 west, and lies in 
the southern part of Carver county, bordering on 
Sibley. This town was originally a part of San 
Francisco, but on March 4, 1868, in accordance with 
a petition the county commissioners detached 



Hancock from San Francisco. The town is trav- 
ersed by Eleven mile creek which flows from west 
to east, forming a junction with lievens' creek in 
San Francisco. The pojmhition of Ham-ock in 
1880 was 681; valuation of real estate, §122,2.33; 
personal property, $19,349. 

Constantine Dougherty was ])rol)iibIy the first 
settler in the town. He made his chiim iu the 
spring of 1K56, on section 7: in 1862 he removed 
from the town and died in Scott county, in 1881. 
In the same spring, 1856, John Hogan made a 
claim on section 7; after a residence there of 
about five years, he removed to Sibley coiuity. 
Peter Jordan located on section 18 and in 1877 
moved to Rock county. Patrick L^•n(•h made his 
claim on section 17, and still remains. Martin 
Ward also on section 17; James Mur])liy on sec- 
tion 5; in 1875 he removed to Sibley county. On 
section 17 Patrick Gallagher located and resided 
until 1870, then went to Jackson county. 
Thomas Keating also came in the spring of 
1856 and settled on section 18. In the fall of 
that year Patrick Colbert made a claim on section 
8, and in 1857 brought his family: a short time 
after their arrival his liouse was burned; he then 
erected one on section 7 where he still resides. 
Other early settlers were John Wall. John Doherty, 
Patrick Couboy .tnd .Tohn Conlin, all of whom 
came in 1856. 

Daniel Foley and .Joseph Hogan were born in 
June 1856, the first births in the town. They are 
still residents of the t<iwn. John Austin, father 
of Mrs. ^lartin Ward, died in the winter of 1856, 
the first ileatli in the town. Michael Miller and 
Rose Kundschock were married in 1860, the first 
marriage in the town of Hancock. 

The first election in the new town of Hancock 
was held March 23, 1868 at the school house on 
section 10. Patrick Conlin was elected chairman, 
Solomon Nord and Michael Miller, supervisors; 
Patrick Colbert, town clerk; Patrick Conboy, treas- 
urer and constalile; .Tohn Jaeobson, assessor; 
Michael Daley and Solomon Nord, justices of the 
peace: G. Bockmann, constable. 

Assumjition Catholic church, on section 18. was 
organized about 1859, two years later, a frame 
church was erected at a cost of SI, 500, under the 
direction of Father Minolfif. Previous to this 
time services had been held at the house of John 
Bovy. The church now has a membership of 
eighty families. 

West Union Evangelical Lutheran chuivli was 



CARVER COUNTY. 



397 



organized by Eev. P. Carlson and a frame building 
erected on section 1. In 18(18, it was replaced by 
a new structure which cost $2,000, and in 1878, an 
addition was made and the church supplied with a 
pipe organ. The membership is ninety families 
with Kev. Andrew Jackson as pastor. A parochial 
school is connected with the churcli. 

Gotha church is also located on section 1. The 
society was organized in 1876 as a Swedish Lu- 
theran church, by dissenters from the West Union 
church, but in 1879 the denomination was changed 
to Methodist. The church is a frame building 
erected at a cost of S800. Eev. Carlander is 
pastor. 

The first school taught in the town was held at 
Martin O'Mally's bouse in 1863; Mrs. Jordan 
teacher. There are now three schools in Hancock, 
numbers 24, 25 and 26. Two of the houses are 
frame and one is a log structure. 

There are two blacksmith shops, on section 
10 and 1. On section 10 is a steam saw-mill, 
owned and operated by J. H. Jolm.son. It is run 
by a thirty-five horse-power engine and has a ca- 
pacity of about 5,000 feet per day. 

Patrick Cavanaugh was born in Ireland in 1833. 
When sixteen yeare of age went to England, and 
after two years came to America, landing in New 
Orleans, May 8, 1852. He remained in that state 
steamboating and farming until 1860. Came to 
Minnesota that year and purchased eighty acres 
in section 15, Hancock towushijj, which was then 
all wild land with a heavy growth of timber. He 
now has two hundred acres, eighty-five of which 
are under cultivation. He gives considerable at- 
tention to stock-raising, making a specialty of 
short-horns. At New Orleans in 1858 he married 
'Miss Mary Tracy. Their family consists of two 
sons and two daughters: Margaret, Mary, Denis 
and Edward. 

Patrick Conboy, farmer and stock-raiser, is a 
native of Ireland, boru in 1835. He went to Eng- 
land with his mother when eleven years old, resid- 
ing there four years. Came to America and pro- 
ceeded at once to Wheeling, West Virginia. 
Patrick worked there one year in the iron works, 
and in 1854 went to Lawrence county, Ohio, where 
for three years he was employed in a nail factory. 
In 1856 he came to Carver county and located a 
claim of 160 acres on section 12, Hancock town- 
ship, which he still owns. He has 100 acres of it 
under cultivation. In 1878 purchased 160 acres 
on section 18, to which he moved his family. For 



fifteen years previous to 1881 held the office of 
town treasurer. At Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1859, he 
married Miss Catherine Gillern. They have four 
sons and four daughters living. 

Michael Dowd, farmer, is a native of Ireland. 
He came to America when a young man, and first 
located in Orange county. New York, where he 
found employment for one and one-half years. 
Prom there he removed to Indiana, and for two 
years worked on a railroad. In 1855 he located 
in St. Paul, which city was his home two years. 
Coming to Carver county he made a claim of 
eighty acres in Hancock township, on which he 
still reside.s. Enlisted in 1864 in Hatch's battal- 
ion, and served one year. At St, Paul, in 1856, 
he married Miss Catherine Rearden. They are 
the parents of seven children; five sons are living. 
Henry A. Hauncbild, farmer, was bom in 1814 
in Hanover, Germany. He came to America in 
1841, locating first in Ulster county. New York, 
where he worked at the butcher's trade several 
years. In 1846 he enlisted in the Mexican war, in 
the United States navy, marine corps of New York. 
The war ship was named "John Adams." Was 
engaged in the action at Point Isabella on the 8th 
I and 9th of May. Mr. Haunchild was in the ser- 
! vice three years, receiving his discharge at Wash- 
ington. He afterward lived in the state of New 
York several years, and in 1855 enlisted in the 
Tenth United States infantry, which was stationed 
that year at Fort Snelling. In the spring of 1856 
they were ordered to Fort Eidgely, remaining 
there until the fall of 1857, then were disj>atched 
to Fort Bridges, Utah, at which place Mr. Haun- 
child was discharged in 1860. He then returaed 
to Minnesota and purchased 480 acres in sections 
2 and 3 in Hancock township, 320 of which he 
still owns. In 1862 he enlisted in the Second 
Minnesota cavalry, and was commissioned Second 
lieutenant; he was soon discharged, however, on 
account of ill-health and weak eyes. Removing 
to Montana in 1864 he lived there until 1868, when 
he returned to his farm in Minnesota. Here he 
has since resided. At St. Paul, in 1856, Miss C. 
Hanson became his wife. Four sons and one 
daughter were born to them; the sons are still liv- 
ing. Mrs. Haunchild died in Montana in 1881. 
John H. Johnson was born in Sweden in 1834. 
Until twenty years of age he lived in his native 
country, working on a farm and at the carpenter's 
trade. On coming to America in 1854 he settled 
first in Northbridge, Massachusetts, where he en- 



398 



in STORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



gaged iu the slioemiiker's trade eight months, then 
fiinie t<> Carver county. He made a claim of IfiO 
acres on section i), San Francisco tinvnsliip, and 
began improvements. Disposed of this soon after 
and made another chiim of 160 acres on section 
17. and now owns 410 acres. In 1864 he 
purchased a saw-mill in Hmicock township: 
it was run by steam with a thirty-five horse- 
power engine. He commenced running in the 
s])rinf]; of 186.'), and has since tliat time kept 
it iu running order. In 1880 he bought the 
grist-mill known as Glen mill of Le Sueur. It 
is operated by both water and steam, and has also 
four run of stone. During the following winter he 
added to it a saw-mill. Miircli 11, IHCl, lie mar- 
ried Mary H. Btnison, who has borne him five sons 
and two daughters. 

YOl'NO AMERICA. 

This town is situated in the extreme south-west- 
ern part of Carver county. Its name was changed 
t*> Farmingtou, but there being in the state another 
town bearing that name, it was again changed in 
1858. and called Florence, hy which it was known 
until 1863 when it was given the original name of 
Young America. Population in 1880, 1,468. Val- 
uation of real estate, S231, 656: ))ersonal property, 
$72.0-13. 

Jiunes Neal was doubtless the tirst settler in the 
town. He came in the fall of 1855 and located 
on section 4, where he resided until a few years 
since when he removed to McLeod county. The 
following are among those who settled here in 
1856: Joseph Gobel and Isaac Berfield on sec- 
tion 1 : the latter is now postmaster at Plato, Mc- 
Leod county. K. M. Kennedy, a dentist, settled 
on section 11; was one of the founders of the vil- 
lage, and always prominent in atTairs of the town 
and county. He died in 1862. James Slocum, also 
active in tlie organization of the village, lived here 
nntil 1873. when he removed to Norwood where he 
is engaged in the mercantile and grain business. 
Alonzo Brown lived on section 10 until 1880: be- 
coming insane at that time, he was taken to St. 
Peter. Judson Hurrus remained in the town until 
1868, at wliieh time he went to Douglas county. 
John Hutchins made a claim on the north side of 
Tiger lake, but moved to Wisconsin a few years 
later. 

A daughter of Isaac Bertield was the first white 
child bom in the town, and her's was the first 
death. Tlie first marriage occurred in December, 
1856: A. B. Failing with So])hia. daughter of 



Jame.s Neal. Very little information relative to 
earlv organization, can I)e obtained owing to the 
fact tliat the records of the town previous to 1H65 
were destroyed by fire. The first election was held 
at the house of R. M. Kennedy, and the first chair- 
man elected was Mr. Kennedy. Philij) Thomas, 
clerk; Thomas Hartley, as.sessor; J. H. Thomas, 
collector; Isaac lierfield. justice of the peace. 
During the civil war the town raised a bounty to 
fill her quota of men, the amount being S300 
per volunteer. 

Young America village is located in the north- 
eastern ])art of the townshi]), on sections 11 and 
12. on the Pacific extension of the Minneapolis A- 
St. Louis railroad. It was surveyed in the fall of 
1856, on land owned by K. M. Kennedy and James 
Slocum, Jr. The village was ineorjx)rated March 
4, 187!>. and liad in IHSO a pojMilation of 151. 
The post-ottice was established about 1856; R. M. 
Kennedy postmaster. The present incumbent, J. 
H. Ackermann, was appointed in 1873. In the 
village there are two general stores, one boot and 
shoe store and two hardware stores, one harness 
shop, two blacksmith shops, and one wagon shop, 
one meat market and one grist mill. The first 
mill in the townslii]) was built by R. M. Kennedy 
anil James Slocum. .Jr., iu 1856: it was a steam 
saw-miU, and in 1859, a grist mill was added with 
one run of stone; in July, 1862, it was destroyed 
by lire. In 1865 William. Christian and J. H. 
Ackermann built a similar one. Tlie saw-mill had 
a capacity of 800 feet per day and the grist-mill 
had two run of stone. In 1880 they ceased *o 
operate the saw-mill and increased the capacity of 
the grist-mill to 100 barrels of Hour per day; tlie 
patent process is used. A lirewery was built in . 
186(); it was twice burned, the last time in 1878, 
and was not rebuilt. The first house in the vilLige 
was tniilt in 1856 by Kennedy and Slocum: it was 
a one story log structure: the same season they 
erected the first store in the township. 

A Catholic church was organized in 1865 by 
Father Stern, but since 1880 the congregation has 
held services in the larger church erected at Nor- 
wood. 

St. John's Lutheran Evangelical congregation 
was organized in 186!) and services held at private 
houses. At organization there were thirty fami- 
lies connected with tlie church and Rev. C. 
Sprengler was the first pastor. In 1870 a 
house of worslii|i costing S2,000 was erected. 



CARVER COUNTY. 



399 



Sixty families are now connected with the church. 
Rev. Frietlrich Streckfuss is pastor. 

The first school in the township was held in a 
small log shanty in the village during the summer 
of 1858; about a dozen pupils were taught by 
TaV)itha Little. Several years after a frame build- 
ing was erected which is still in use. The town 
has three frame school-houses, three log and one 
brick. 

The Pioneer Mannerchor was established at 
Young America in 1867, and the year following 
built a music hall. This society was originally or- 
ganized in 1861 at Benton. 

Sons of Herman, Goethe Lodge No. 5 was or- 
ganized in November, 1876, with the following 
officers: Gustave Thote, president; Charles 
Fischer, vice-president; Charles Mankenberg, sec- 
retary; Julius Martin, treasurer. The society had 
fourteen charter members; it now numbers nine- 
teen. 

Norwood village is situated one mile south-west 
of Young America on the Hastings & Dakota di- 
vision of the Chicago, Milwaukee k St. Paul rail- 
road. It was surveyed in 1872 on land o^vned by 
Johann Feldmann in sections 14 and 15. When 
the village was first platted it was called Young 
America station, but in 1874 it was given the name 
of Norwood. In 1881 the village was incorporated; 
population, .334. At the first election, held April 
12, 1880, the following village officers were chosen : 
M. Simonitsch, president; Peter Effertz, August 
Hartelt, .John Frantschi and Jacob Krause, council ; 
W. P. Cash, recorder; F. Hoeffken and George 
Mix, justices of the peace. A. O. Lindahl, marshal. 
The post-office was established in 1873. James 
Slocum, Jr., postmastei'. 

The first house in the town was erected by Mr. 
Slocum in 1872. It was burned but rebuilt and is 
occupied as a general store. There are two boot 
and shoe stores, five general stores, one drug store, 
one hardware store and one furniture store, two 
harness shops, two blacksmith shops and two 
wagon shops, one millinery store, two hotels, three 
elevators and two lumber yards, three dealei'S in 
agricultural implements, one contractor and builder, 
one physician and surgeon and one lawyer. Nor- 
wood has also a hook and ladder company. 

The Union elevator was built in 1879 by J. 
Slocum; it has a capacity of 50,000 bushels. 
Farmers' elevator, built in 1879 by M. Simonitsch, 
holds 35,000 bushels; Lange's elevator, erected by 
Ackermann Brothers in 1872, has room for 10,000 



bushels. The station was established in 1872, and 
dejjot built the same year. 

Norwood Methodist church was organized in 
1858, under the direction of Rev. Mr. Black- 
Services were held in a school-hoiise until 1879, 
when at a cost of .|1,700 they erected their 
church. The pastor is Rev. A. G. Wilson. 

The Catholic congregation, that had worshiped 
at Young America from 1865, changed their place 
of service in 1880 to Norwood, where, imder the 
direction of Fatfier Braun, a brick structure cost- 
ing $4,000 had been erected. Both English and 
German services are held. The church includes 
seventy families. 

Humboldt Lodge No. 132, A. F. & A. M., was 
organized in 1877 with seven charter members. 
First officers : George Mix, W. M. ; J. H. Acker- 
mann, S. W.; C. O. Woodworth, J. W.; Charles 
i H. Bachmann, S. 

Sons of Herman, Moltke Lodge No. 8, was or- 
ganized in August, 1878, with fourteen charter 
members. The officers were August Hartelt, pres- 
ident; John Daniels, vice-president; Albert Meyer, 
secretary; Peter Effertz, treasurer. 

Norwood Red Ribbon Club, organized in 1881, 
had sixty charter members. The officers were: 
J. Slocum, president; C. W. Riches, E. Bray and 
Mrs. E. Burton, vice-presidents; N. J. Bray, secr- 
etary; James Failing, treasurer. There are now 
seventy-five members. 

Silver Star (xrange. No, 344. organized with 
about twenty charter members in 1876. had the 
following officers: J. H. Thomas, master; A. W. 
Tiffany, secretary; J. Vogler, treasurer. The 
society built a hall costing about .ifLOOO. 

St. Emanuel's Evangelical Lutheran church, 
section 32, was organized with a membership of 
twenty families, about 1858, by Rev. H. Kahmeir. 
In 1859 a log church was built and services held 
there until 1870, when, at a cost of !i?4.000. they 
erected a frame clmrch. Rev. Andreas Laudeck is 
the pastor, and the church now numbers eighty 
families; in connection there is a parochial school. 

St. Paul's Reformed church, section 34, was or- 
ganized in 1868 by Rev. B. R. Hueker, and a 
church erected which cost $1,200. The member- 
ship has increased from twelve to thirty-three fam- 
ilies. The pastor is Rev. J. C. Ochsner. 

Norwood Cemetery Association was organized 
December, 1876, and grounds located on section 
15. The cemetery on section 6 was laid out in 
1861, on land owned by Robert Ferguson. 



■mo 



HISTORY OP THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Julius II. Ackermann, raorcbant anil poatniiiKter 
of Youns America, was bom .Tiinuary 9, 1844, in 
(terinnny. In lSt)2 lie came to America ami set- 
tleil in Carver county. For the first few months 
he livej on a farm, then engageil in business as a 
clerk at Young America, remaining until 1864. 
He then began mon-antile tnule, and ha.s since 
lH>en identified with the business interests of Ack- 
ermann Brothers. He has been town clerk for the 
past ten years; is also court commissioner of Car- 
ver county, village recorder and notary public. 
Since 1873 he has served a.s ixistmaster. lu 1866 
Miss Paulina Goetz became his wife. They have 
three children living and have lost one. 

Charles H. Baclimann, a native of Germany, 
was bom in 1837. Learned the carjjenters trade, 
and came to America in 1854; went to Pennsylva- 
nia, where for five yeare he pursued his trade. He 
afterward spent two years in New Jersey, then 
came to Benton, Carver county, and bought 1(50 
acres, on which he lived about three vears, then 
sold. In 1864 be enlisted in Company D, Fifth 
Minnesota infantry. Beturned to Benton and re- 
mained until 186(i; located at that time in the vil- 
lage of Young America. He now serves as justice 
of the peace. His marriage with Miss Ida Mack- 
enroth occurred in 1850. Ten children have been 
born to them, eight of whom are living. 

J. P. Croir is a German, bom in 1828. The 
family came to America when he was about four 
and one-half years old, and soon after arriving set- 
tled in Pennsylvania. Here in 1840 his mother 
died, and on the 1st of April, 1849, his father was 
bnmed to death; he then rented the property and 
continued in the lumber trade until 1853. He 
tlieii came to Hennepin coimty and purchased a 
claim; the same year Mr. Cmff came to Y'oung 
America and made a claim of 160 acres, on which 
he lived until 1809, when he disposed of it and re- 
moved to tlie village. He now deals in real estate; 
also gives sometime to the meat trade. In 1854 
he married Angeline Goble, who has borne him 
eight children. 

Peter Eflertz is a native of Prussia, born in 1845 ; 
he learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1864 emi- 
grated. On arrixing at New York he proceeded 
directly to St. Paul, thence to Yoimg America 
Here he worked at his trade until 1868, then re- 
turned to St. Paul, where in 1871 he married Miss 
Elizabeth Bom. During tlie fall of 1872 he i)Ur- 
ohased the first acre of land owned in Norwood, 
also built the first house. He added to the 



hotise in 1877 and opened a hotel, called the 
EITertz House. In 1874 he became owner of 
three village blocks, and four years later bought 
100 acres near the village limits. Mr. EtVcrtz 
is one of the village board, also school director. 

Roliert Elliott was born in Ohio, in 1840. When 
sixteen years of age he accompanied his parents to 
Hennepin county, and after remaining some time 
there and in McLeod county, the father made a 
claim of 160 acres. Roliert remained at home un- 
til 1800, when he went to Carver, where he learned 
the ])riuter's trade. Eemoved to Minneapolis in 
lH(i2 and made it his home two years; then lived 
in Shakopee one year. He then took a homestead 
in McLeod coimty on which he lived ten years. 
Disposing of the farm he went to Kansas for a 
short time, then returned and started a lumber 
yard in Norwood. His marriage with Miss H. M. 
Hankinson 'Occurred in 1801. Elmer and Saida 
are their children. 

Henry Fabel was born January 6, 1836, in 
Hesse — Darmstadt, Germany. He came to Amer- 
ica with his mother in 1850; his father had pre- 
ceded them. He remained in Philadelphia a few 
years and in 1854 came west to St. Paul; remained 
in that city until July, 1856. At that time he 
camo to Carver county and located a claim on sec- 
tion 29, Bt'uton township. Enlisted in 1804 in 
Company D, Fifth Minnesota, as private, and 
served until discharged with his regiment in Oc- 
tober. 1865. On returning from the war he sold 
his farm and moved to St. Paul, remaining until 
July, 1866. Locating in the Wlhige of Young 
America he opened a hotel which he managed till 
1877, then moved to Norwood and embarked in 
the dry gotids trade. In 1879 he retired from that 
branch and soon affer opened a hotel; is now man- 
ager of the Union Hotel at Norwood. Novemlier 
11, 1850, he married Lena ToUksdorff in Benton. 
They have had eleven children; one is dead. 

Jacob Krause was bom inGermantowu, Wiscon- 
sin. When seventeen years old he accompanied 
his parents to Benton, Carver county. He went 
to St. Paul and stayed two years; about nine 
months in Milwaukee in a hardware store, then to 
Nebraska. One year later he came to Norwood 
and embarked in the hardware business with 
Messrs. Hebeisen & Peterson. In 1880 Mr. Peter- 
son disposed of his interest to Hebeisen it Krause. 
Mr. Krause is town treasurer. His wife was Miss 
Mary Safifau, married m 1877. LUlian is their 
only living child. 



CARVER COUNTY. 



401 



Julius Martin, dealer in hardware and agricul- 
tural implements, is a German by birth, born in 
1843. His mother died in 1849 and his father in 
1855. He attended the orphan institute two years, 
then served an apprenticeship of four years, learn- 
ing the trade of locksmith. The subsequent six 
years he spent in traveling through Germany en- 
gaged at his trade; came to America in 1867; 
came directly to St. Paul and on to Young America, 
where he purchased some village lots. In 1869 
he started a hardware and blaeksmithing business 
in Young America. Sold his blacksmith shop in 
1877, and added to his hardware stock, ."agricul- 
tural implements. Mr. Martin is one of the vil- 
lage trustees. In 1870, married Mary Koth. Gus- 
tave, Charles, Albert, Lena, Aimer and Julius are 
their children. 

Julius Sehaler is a native of Germany, born in 
1834. He learned the shoemaker's trade, at which 
he served three years, then passed three years in 
travel. In 1858 he came to the United States and 
lived in Pennsylvania three years, enlisting from 
that state, April 19, 1861, in Company A, Ninth 
Pennsylvania; after serving three months, re-en- 
listed in Company A, 74th regiment Pennsylvania 
volunteers and served two years. Removed to 
New Jersey and i-emained one year and came to 
St. Paul, June 3, 1864. Located soon after in 
Young America and bought an interest in a saw- 
mill, which he ran one season. Returned to St. 
Paul and re-enlisted in Comjjany E, Fifth Minne- 
sota infantry ; receiving his discharge at the end of 
the war ; he embarked in the boot and shoe trade 
at Young America. He was united in marriage 
with Miss Amelia Schaimpf, in 1865. Henry E., 
Clara C, Gustave C, and Bertha A, are their 
living children. 

Johann F. Streckfuss, born in Van Wert county, 
Ohio, September 7, 1852; his father, • George 
Streckfuss, was pastor of the Zion church of that 
place. In 1856 his parents moved to Fort Wayne, 
and in 1860 the father went to Grand Prairie, Illi- 
nois. The son, J. F., attended the parochial 
schools from his fifth to his thirteenth year, then 
entered the Evangelical Lutheran Concordia Col- 
lege, of Fort Wayne; he studied six years. After 
graduating hQ went to St. Louis, there pursuing 
the study of the Lutheran theology iu Concordia 
Seminary. After completing his course in 1874, 
he accepted a call from the Evangelical Lutheran 
church, of Young America., as its pastor. 

Allen W. Tiffany was born in Burlington, Ot- 

26 



sego county. New York, July 8, 1827. During the 
time he was acquiring his education he also taught. 
Studied law at Mohawk, Herkimer county; he was 
admitted to the bar and practiced law in Dixon, 
Illinois. His health failing, he came to Minnesota 
in 1856, and made a claim that year in section 15, 
Young America, which he still possesses, and has 
added land adjoining, amounting in all after de- 
ducting sales to 305 acres. He has since given 
his attention to farming, especially stock raising. 
Mr. Tiffany was elected chairman of the board of 
town supervisors at their first election, and ex- 
offlcio was member of the county board, re-elected 
and held the oflSce four or five years. In 1876 was 
elected county commissioner; was nominated as 
senator for the county in 1872, and was defeated 
by L. L. Baxter, defeated again iu 1878 by W. H. 
MUls. In 1880 was elected senator over the dem- 
ocratic candidate. He held the office of commis- 
sioner from 1876 to 1879, when he was elected 
chairman, which office he still holds. Mr. Tiffany 
and Miss Eliza H. Pierce, of Burlington, New 
York, were married at that place in 1854. Mary, 
George and Annie Laurie are the living children. 
Two died at an early age. 

CAMDEN. 

The town of Camden lies in the western joart of 
Carver county. 

Nathaniel Cole was the first settler. He took 
.a claim on section 35 in July, 1856, and built the 
first house in the town. He remained there until 
the fall of 1808, then removed to the town of 
Young America, where he still resides. Mr. Cole 
came from Warwick county, Indiara, and his new 
home in Camden soon became the headquarters for 
land seekers in that vicinity. Mr. Cole's brother 
Alfred located on the same section, also John 
Wamsby and Jared Merrill. 

In the same year G. W. McCrumber, from 
Maine, William McGee, from Pennsylvania, H. B. 
Taylor, Ulrich Scheidegger, George Ittel and 
George Grow settled iu Camden; there were fol- 
lowed by Benedict Truwe, B. Guttridge and oth- 
ers. Soon after his settlement H. B. Taylor laid 
out a village in the western part of the town where 
he built a saw-mill and opened a general mer- 
chandise store. In the fall of 1856 a post-office 
was established iu the new village of Camden, but 
it was discontinued the next spring. 

The village of St. Clair was surveyed and plat- 
ted in the north-eastern part of the town, on the 
south fork of Crow river in January, 1857. The 



402 



irrsTonr of the Minnesota valley. 



lots were sold to j)eo])le in the eastern states, but 
uo l>uil(liiigs were ever put up, ami wlien the far- 
mers in the neif^lihorhuoil wisheil to hny the lots 
to add to tlieir farms, the owners <'oulil not be 
found and the land was fenced in and taken posses- 
sion of without title, and held to the ])r&sent time. 

The first marriage in Camden was that of Ulrieh 
Soheidegger and Mary L. Truwe, June 26, IK.'JS. 
They are now living in Camden on section 1. 
Mrs. Barbara Tttel was the first who died in this 
town: her death occurred .Tnno 1(5, 1857. The 
first birth was that of Ida Cole, daughter of Na- 
thaniel Cole, August 11, 1858. 

Camden was nnited in 1858 to Toung America 
because not organized according to law, Ijutatown 
meeting was held in Cam len at the house of H. 
B. Taylor in the spring of 1859, at which the toAvn 
wa.s organized and the following officers elected: 
Volney Gay, town clerk; Robert Purgeson, chair- 
man; Jared Morrill, supervisor, and Nathaniel 
Cole, justice of tlie peace. 

In a log house on section 35 Mrs. Susan Wood- 
ruff opened the first school in Camden in 18(50. 
The next year a school-house was built where 
number 47 now stands. There are four entire 
school districts and five joint districts. Five of 
the buildings are within the towu limits, one of 
which is frame and furnished with ])ateut seats. 
The others are log buildings. The average school 
year is five months. 

Benjamin Goodrich was bom in England in 
1822. In 1851 he came to .\merica with his wife, 
and for about six years lived in various parts of 
the south. Came to Minnesota in 1857. He was 
in the United States service for three years with 
Greneral Sibley on the ])lains. During 3858 and 
1859 they were some of the time obliged to live 
on barks of trees and potato tops; had only a lit- 
tle com left and tliis they ground in a coffee mill. 
He is now one of the wealthiest farmers of Carver 
county. Mr. and Mrs. (loodricli have six cliildrpn. 

Mrs. O. Morrill, widow of Jared Merrill, was 
bom in Connecticnt in 1808. She moved to Ohio 
with her parents when a small child. In 1850 she 
came to Minnesota. Her son. C. O. WoodrutT, was 
born in Ohio in 1835, and now resides in Camden, 
Carver county, where he settled in 1861. He mar- 
ried Miss Susan R. Strouds in 1855, who has borne 
him five children: ■ Sedalia I., Eva, Alfred S., 
Francis P., and .\lfred JI. 

James Tj. Smith, a native of England, was born 
in 1830. When only eleven ytars old ho came to 



America, settling in Pennsylvania. Came to Carver 
county in the spring of 1857. On September 21, 
1864, he enlisted in Company B, First heavv ar- 
tillery and was discharged at Nashville, Tennes- 
see, the following April. He then returned to his 
farm in Camden, where he has since resided. His 
marriage with Miss-Sarah Pipe, of McLeod county, 
took place in 18G4. 

HOLIiYWOOD. 

This town lies in the extreme north-west of Car- 
ver county. Hollywood was probably first settletl 
in the year 1856. when Peter Karls, with his three 
sons, Ludwig, John and Nicholas, settled on sec- 
tion 35. In the same year Charles Borehert set- 
tled on section 34; Ferdinand Anthony on section 
30, and Stephen Thompson on section 20. These 
were followed by John Madden, Edward Boyle, 
Lindly and Ames Allen, John Wetter, James Mc- 
Kenley. Mathew Kelly, Anthony Dougherty, Mi- 
chal Burns and others. 

On the 2l8t of November, 1856, only a few 
weeks after his arrival, Peter Karls died at his 
home. This was the first death that ocoirred in 
Hollywood. The first birth in the town was a 
daughter, to James Ryan, who had settled on sec- 
tion 1. The first wedding occurred November 1, 
1857, when John A. Wetter married Miss Anna 
M. Walch. 

The village of Helvetia was laid out in the au- 
tumn of 1856 by John Buhler, who had settled that 
summer on section 31. in Watertown, and Dr. 
Lehmann. Helvetia lies on either side of the 
line between Hollywood and Watertown. Mr. 
Buhler also established the first store in Helvetia, 
wliere he sold groceries and dealt in farm produce. 
This store was on the Watertown side of the vil- 
lage. In 1872 William Greger established the 
first store on the Hollywood side of the town, 
where he dealt in general merchandise. In 1869, 
Jacob Lahr built a steam saw-mill on the same 
side of the village, to which he added a grist-mill 
in 1871. In August, 1875, the first post-office was 
established in Helvetia, witli .Jacob Lahr as post- 
master. At the present time there are two sUires 
both are in Hollywood, and carry a stock of gen- 
eral merchandise. One is owned %by Reinhold 
Zeglin, and the other by Mrs. M. E. Zahlor, who 
also has charge of the post-<iffice. The name Hel- 
vetia was given by the early settlers, derived from 
the European province of that name. 
Previous to the fall of 1859 the town of Helve- 



CARVER COUNTY. 



403 



tia embraced the south one-half of the oongres- ' 
sional townships 117-25 and 117-26, and the 
north one-half of these townships was called Wa- 
tertown. At tlie general election held at the store 
of E. F. Lewis in Watertown village, October 11, 
1859, the boundaries of these towns were changed 
by a vote of the people, so that Watertown should 
embrace congressional township 117-25; and Hel- 
vetia congressional township 117-2(i. On the first 
Tuesday of the following April the people of Hel- 
vetia met to organize the town and elect town 
officers. Micliael Burns was made moderator of 
this meeting. Oflicers elected: Mathew Kelly, 
chairman and assessor; WiUiam Walsh, town 
clerk and justice of the peace; Lindly Allen, jus- 
tice of the pea"e. The name Hollywood was pro- 
posed by Mathew Kelly, saying that he had seen 
that shrub, which is common in Ireland, growing 
in the woods of Helvetia. This name was accord- 
ingly adopted. It was afterward discovered that 
the holly wood did not grow there. 

The first school was organized in 1862 in a log 
school-house which was where scliool number 48 
now stands. Miss Emma Sterman was the 
teacher. There are at present four entire and 
three joint school districts. Six school-houses are 
within the limits of the town. 

The first sermon in Hollywood was delivered in 
the German language by Frederick Emde at the 
house of John Vechsler, on section 34, in the 
summer of 1860. This was the origin of the Ger- 
man Evangelical church in Hollywood. Preach- 
ing was kept up in this manner until 1871, when 
servicps began to be held in the school-house near 
by. In 1872 a neat frame church was built on a 
corner of Mr. Vechsler's faim, and in August of 
that year the first services were held there. Eev. 
William Fritz is the present pastor, who preaches 
here every second Sunday. 

About 1872 the Lutheran church was built on 
section 29 by the Germans of that denomination. 
Services are held every two weeks. 

Jacob Lahr was born in Germany in 183.5, and 
when a small child came to America. Arriving at 
Buffalo, New York, he remained one year, then 
made his home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the 
age of fifteen lie started for himself. After learn- 
ing milling he piirsued his trade in different places 
until locating in St. Paul in 1857. He ran a saw- 
mill there two years, and after a short time in New 
Ulm returned to St. Paul, engaging in the same 
business six years more. He then passed some 



time in Waconia and Helvetia in farming andmill- 
ing. He is now interested in his fann, also his 
saw and grist-mills and saloon at Helvetia. Mar- 
ried in 1861 in St. Paul Miss Leona Rumner who 
has borne him hine children. The living are: 
Amelia, wife of Beinhold Zeglin, of Helvetia, Car- 
oline, Eliza, Katie, .Julia Edward, George and 
-Jacob. 

R. Zeglin, a native of Germany, was born in 
1852. He received his early education at the pub- 
lic schools in his native country, also at a business 
college, after which he was engaged as a clerk in 
a general store. For about a year before coming 
to America he was employed in book-keeping. He 
landed in New York city in 1870 and came to Min- 
nesota. After remaining a short time in Waconia, 
Carver county, he went to St. Paul ; pursued dif- 
ferent vocations until 1875, then came to the vil- 
lage of Helvetia. He started a general merchan- 
dise store, also a saloon, which he still runs. Since 
building the store he has put up a nice house and 
barn. He has been town clerk four years and as- 
sistant postmaster five years. Married in 1876 to 
Miss Amelia Lahr, daughter of Jacob Lahr. 
George G. L. and IMary H. S. are their children. 



CHAPTER LVII. 



WAR KECOBD OF CAEVEE COUNTI. 

First Infantry, Company C — Privates — Charles 
Blanquest, must. April 29, '61, absent, paroled 
prisoner on dis. of reg't. G. W. Buck, must. Apr. 
29, '61, absent paroled prisoner on dis. of reg't. 
John Ellsworth, must. May 22, '61; died Aug. '63 
in hosp. at Gettysburg. S. D. Guard, must. May 

23, '61, dis. for disab'y Feb. 8, '62. A. F. Kreger, 
must. April 29, '61, pro. corp. and serg't. Charles 
Sohns. must. May 2.3, '61, dis. for disal)'y March 

24, '63. Company D — Privates — D. G. Wetmur, 
must. April 29, '61, dis. with reg't. Company H 
Privates — Ernest Hainlin, must. Apr. 29, '61, dis. 
for disab'y July 4, '62. Company I — Privates. — 
Joseph Frey, must. May 30, '61, kUled at Gettys- 
burg, July 2, '63. George Kline, must. May 24, 
'61, dis. for disab'y Feb. 7, '63. 

Second Infantry, Company B, must. June 26, 
1861--^/«s«-«(H— W. H. Palmer, re-en Dec. 28,'63 
deserted Mar. 16, '64. Privates — John Etzell, re- 
en Dec. 28, '63, dis. with reg't. John L. Kinney, 
kUled at battle of Chickamauga, Sept. 20, "63 



404 



HISTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



7)r(i/l!«(7— .Joseph Daily, nmst. March 8. '65, dis. 
with regt. LiizaniB Parks, miist. April 11, '(>!>, 
dis. j>er order June 30, '6.5. Comi>aiiy C — Dnifted 
— Frederiek Diedrick, must. Nov. 1, '64, dis. with 
regt. Samuel Ferguson, must. Tilar. 8, 'C), dis. 
with regt. Charles Walquist, nmst. Sept. 20, 
'64, dis. from hosp. .Tuly, 'fi.5. Siilndiliile — Augus- 
tin Thompson, must. May 27, '6.5, dis. with regt. 
Oompany D. Drafted — James Maxwell, must. 
May 28, '64, pro. oorp.. dis, with regt. Andrew 
MagnusoD, must. .Tuly 26, '64, dis. from hosp. '6.5. 
Subslituies — Charles Etzell, must May, 30, '64, dis. 
with regt. Charles Hearthur, must Nov. 28, '64, 
dis. with regt. Company E. Drafted — John 
Arnzen, must. May 28, '64, dis. with regt. John 
Adelberger, must. Sept. 26, '64, dis. per ftrder 
June 11, '65. Wilham Deidrick, must. Sept. 22, 
'64, dis. per order June 11, '65. Joseph Hagerle, 
must. May 38, '64, dis. with regt. Seraphim 
Kempf, must. May 30, '64, dis. with regt. Geo. 
Shuldice, must. Mar. 8, '65, dis. with regt. Ru- 
dolph Teieb, must. May 28, '64, dis per order May 
10, '65. SuliMiliile — August Telke, must. March 
27, '65, dis with regt. 

Company F. Mustered July 8, 1861. Privates 
A. J. Groves, dis. for disab'y Sept. 1, '63. George 
Lattermer, dis. for disab'y Feb. 1. '62. W. G. 
Maxwell, dis. for disab'y Aug. 8, '62. Charles 
Stalker, deserted at Somerset, Ky., Jan. 23, '62. 
Drafted — Ferdinand Anthony, must. May 28, '64, 
dis. with reg't. Nimrod Fessler, must. May 28, 
'64. dis. with reg't. Charles Guggemios, must. 
Sept. 27, '64, dis. per order June 11, '65. John 
Green, must. May 28, '64, dis. witl: reg't. Com- 
pany G. Musician — Reinhard Seidel, must. July 
8, '61, transf'd to reg. I)and Sept. 1, '61. Remits 
Wm. Kittleman, must. July 30, '61, dis. with reg't. 
Charles Schultz, must. Sept. 11, '61. dis. with 
reg't. Drafted — .Joseph Bull, must. May 28, '64, 
died at Mound City, 111. .Josepli Sclimid, must. 
May 28, '64, dis. with reg't. Benedict Sclimid, 
must. May 28, '64, dis. with reg't. Company H. 
Recruit— W. E. Piper, must. Feb. 24, '64, dis. with 
reg't. Drafteil — Henry Kiraple, must. March 8, 
'65, dis. with reg't. Henry JMakentliem, must. 
March 8, '65, dis. with reg't. Stephen Pool, must. 
March 8, '6.5, dis. from hosp. '65. Bernhard Wal- 
ter, must. March 8, '65, dis. with reg't. Sulisti- 
ttUf — Robert Callihan, must. Feb. 24, '64, dis. with 
reg't. Company I. Senjeanl — Seth M. T. Alex- 
ander, must. July 30, '61, trans, to Co. I, 4th U. 
S. artillery. Corporal — Charles All, must. .Tidy, 



30, '61, died at Watertown, Minn., May 26, '64 
Musician -V. W. Watson, must. July 30, "61, died 
at Louisville, Ky., Mar. 25, '62. Private* — Ferdi- 
nand Emme, must. Aug. 18, '61, re- en. De^^ 19, 
'63, dis. with reg't. Peter Justus, must. .July 30, 
61, re-en. Dec. 19, '63, pro. cor]>., dis. with reg't. 
Will. Kittleman, must. July 30, '01, trans, to Co. 
G, Nov. 1, '61, dis. with reg't. John Mara, must. 
Sept. 8, '61, re-en. Dec. 19, '63, pro. corp., dis. -n-ith 
reg't. Philip Martin, must. Sept. 8, '61, dis. upon 
ex. of term July 29, '64. Ephraim Martin, must. 
Sept. 8, '61, dis. upon ex. of term July 29, '64. 
Andrew Skone, must. July 30, '61, trans, to Inv. 
corps Sept. 23, '63. Adam Wickett, must. Aug. 
8, '61, pro. Corp., captured at Chickamauga, died 
at Andersonville, Ga. Recruits — -William Clark, 
must. Sept. 29, '61, dis. for disab'y Feb. 10, '63. 
V. O. Hardy, must. Feb. 12. '64, dis. from hos)). in 
'65. Drafted— W. A. Mara, must. Sept. 20, '64. 
dis. |)er order May 27, '65. John Yanke, must. 
Nov. 1, '64, dis. with reg't. Company K. Sul>- 
stiliit" — Frederick Bohlig, must. May 28, '64, dia. 
with reg't. 

Third Infantry, Company A, mustered Oct. 28, 
1861. 1st Sergatnt — George McKinley. Pro. 2d 
lieut. resigned Jan. 20, '63. Privates — H. J. Mc- 
Kee, pro. sergeant, re-en. Dec. 23, '63, dis. with 
reg't. Recruits — Sebastian Einsitter, must. Aug. 

29, '64, deserted Nov. 17, '64, supposed drowned. 
George Ivader, must. Mar. 30, '64, died at Pine 
BlufT. Ark., Aug. 5, '64. J. A. Salter, must. Aug. 

30, 64, dis. per order Jidy 23, '65. John Seims, 
must. Aug. 29, '64, dis. per order .July 23, '65. 
Drafted — Gustaf Manteffel, must. June 25, '64. 
dis. with reg't. Thomas Sharrow, must. .June 27, 
'64, died at Little Rock, Ark. Oct. 14, '64. Fred 
Volkenant, must. June 27, '64, died at Pine Bluff, 
Ark. Sept. 4, '64. Company B, mustered Nov. 7, 
1861 — Captain — Chaiuioey W. Giiggs, pro. maj. 
lieut. col. and col, resigned .July 1.5, '63. Privates 
— John Anderson, re-en. Feb. 27, '64, pro. corp. 
dis. with reg't. Arue Arneson, re-en. Feb. 2, '64, 
traus to V. R. C. Jan. 15, '65. John Johnson, re- 
en. Feb. 2, '64, dis. Sept. 2,^65. Charles .Johnson, 
re-en. Feb. 2, '64, dis. per order May 30, '65. Re- 
cruits — August Gusdavison, must. Jan. 14, '6.3, dis. 
with reg't. Andrew Prent, must. Sept. 23, '62, 
dis. for disab'y July 15, '6.3. Drafted — Lars An- 
derson, must. Miir. 30, '64, died at Little Rtick, 
Ark. Lars Johnson, must. June 27, '64, died at 
Pine Bluff, Ark. Nov. 7, '64. John Larson, must. 
June 27, '64, died at Little Rock, Ark. Oct. 21. '64. 



CARVER COUNTY. 



405 



John Munson, must. June 25, '64, died at Little 
Eock, Ark. Nov. 23, '64. Andrew J, Smedberg, 
must. May 29, '64, dis. per order June 10, '65. 
Company H, Recruit — J. F. Kerrott, must. Nov. 9, 
'61, pro. Corp. and serg't., dis. with reg't. Com- 
pany I. Drafted — William McGee, must, June 
27, '64, dis. with reg't. M. J. Parks, must. June 

27, '64, dis. per order May 22, '65. John Staley, 
must. .Tune 6, '64, died at Pine BlufT, Ark., Aug. 

28, '64. 

Fourth Infantry, Company A. Captatn — L. L. 
Baxter, pro. major April 10, '62, resigned Oct. 11, 
'62. 2d Lieutennnt — Charles Johnson, pro. 1st 
lieut. resigned Nov. 20, '62. Sergeant — G. V- 
Smith, trans, to in. corps, Sept. 25, '63. Corporals 
— Andrew Anderson, dis. for disab'y Aug. 9, '62. 
J. F. Allen, dis. on ex. of term, Oct. 11, '64. M. 
P. Noyes, dis. for disab'y Nov. 19, '62. Privates — 
Charles Anderson, dis. on ex. of term Oct. 11, '64. 
John Anderson, dis. for disab'y April, 1863. 
Thomas Anderson, dis. for disab'y Dec. 27, '62. 
John Anderson, 2d, re-en. July 19, '64, dis. July 
19, '65. William Cramer, died in April, '63. Fred. 
E. DuToit, pro. corp. serg't, re-en. Dec. 20, '62, 
dis. for pro. in Ist heavy artillery. Frank De- 
mers re-en. Dec. 31, '63, pro. corp. serg't and maj. 
dis. July 19, '65. Henry Dingman, re-en. Dec. 
31, '63, dis. July 11, '65. F. X. Ess, re-en. Deo. 31, 
'63, dis. July 19, '65. Henry Eriokson, re-en. 
Mar. 7, '64, pro. corp. serg't. dis. July 19, '65. C. 
E. Fladin. re-en. Dec. 31, '63, pro. corp. serg't. dis. 
July 19, '65. John Hugstadt, re-en. Feb. 29, '64. 
dis. July 19, '65. Carl Hanson, dis. for disb'y 
July 19, '63. Jas. Hinsley, died May 7, '63. 
John Johnson, 1st, trans, to V. B. C. Feb. '64. 
John Johnson, 2d re-en. Feb. 29, '64, pro. corp. 
Oscar Jaquith, pro. corp. re-en. Deo. 31, '63, 
Isaac Johnson, dis. for disab'y Aug. 6, '63. L. 
Lee, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis. with reg't. Adolph 
Limm, dis. for disab'y. Feb. 15, '63. Thor Olson, 
died from w'ds, Sept. 19, '62. Osmaud Omandson, 
dis. for w'ds. Sept- 19, '65. Augustus Parrott, re- 
en. Jan. 1, '64, pro corp. dis. July 19, '65. N. P. 
Peterson, dis. for disb'y Dec. 31, '62. Ole Keud, 
pro. corp. dis. Oct. 11, '64. Lewis Reud, dis. for 
disab'y Apr. 19, '64. Ephriam Tipton, died at 
Memphis, Tenn., Feb. 16, '63. John Unsalt, dis. 
from Fort Suelling, Oct. 3, '61. Recruits — P. D. 
Anderson, must. Ayg. 30, "64, dis. on ex. of term, 
June 12, '65. Swan Bengston, must. Aug. 30, '64, 
dis. on ex. of term, June 12, '65. Otto Broberg, 
must. Aug. 30. '64. dis. per order Jan. 12, '05. 



JohnEricson, must. Sep. 1, '64, dis. per order May 
31, '65. Swan Peterson, must. Sep. 1, '64, dis. per 
order June 20, '65. Andrew Swanberg, must. 
Aug. 30, '64, dis. per order May 26, '65. Dnifted 
— Swan Peterson, must. May 30, '64, dis. with 
reg't. John Swanson, must. May 30, '64, dis. 
with reg't. Peter Wherle, must. Dec. 10, '64, 
dis. per order May 29, '65. Gottfried Walter, 
must. Nov. 1, '64, dis. with reg't. 

Company B, mustered Oct. 2, 1861. Primtes — 
Knudt Gunderson, died Sept. 18, '62. William 
Hillburg, dis. for disab'y Sept. 3, '63. Jonas 
Johnson, pro. corp., dis. for disab'y June 10, '64. 
Swan Swanburg, dis. for disab'y Aug., '62. Re- 
cruits — Herman Koopman, must. Dec. 12, '64, dis. 
on ex. of term, July 19, '65. Bernhard Moorman, 
must. Dec. 12, '61, dis. on ex. of term July 19, '64, 
re-en. .Jan, 4, '65. Peter Oleson, must. Mar. 3,'64, 
dis. on ex. of term July 19, '65. Drafted — Joseph 
Brabec, must. May 30, '64, dis. on ex. of term 
July 19, '65. John Goetz, must. May 30, '65, dis. 
on ex. of term July 19, '65. Anthony Vogel, 
must. Mar. 8, '65, dis. on ex. of term July 19, '65. 
Andrew Beck, must. May 30, '64, dis. on ex. of 
term July 19, '65. Christian Bender, must. Mar. 
8, '65, dis. on ex. of term July 19,'65. Suhsiitute — 
Gustave Kader, must. Mar. 18, '65. Company 
C. Drafted— WiWi&m Sarver, must. Mar. 8, '64, 
dis. with regt. SulMitutes — WUliam Beihoifer, 
must. Aug. 29, '64 dis per order June 12, '65. 
John Wirtz, must. Aug. 29, '64, died in hosp. at 
Evansville, Ind., Dec. 4, '64. Company D. 
Drafted^J. H. Thomas, must. May 28, '64, dis 
wrth regt. Substitute — John Danielson, must. Aug 
20, '64, dis with regt. Recruits — Henry Dolhei- 
mer, must. Sept. 5, '64, dis per order June 12, '65. 
Valentine Dolheimer, must. Sept. 5, '64, dis per 
order June 12, '65. Company E. Privates — W. 
Affolter, must. Oct. 22, '61, died at Vicksburg, 
Miss., Aug. 26, '63. John Boss, must. Oct. 17, '61, 
dis. in 1863, day unknown. Joseph Keister, must. 
Oct. 26, '61, died at Vicksburg, Miss., Aug. 11, '63. 
Abraham Ritter, must. Oct. 22, 61, dis for disab'y 
Aug. 8, "62. Jacob Schacker, must. Oct. 17, '61, 
re-en. Jan. 1, 64, dis with regt. Christian Ulmer, 
must. Oct. 26, "61, dis on ex. of term Dec. 21, '64. 
Recruits — Ferdinand Meyers, must. Feb. 24, '62, 
trans, to V. K. O. Feb. 16, '04. Company G, mus- 
tered Nov. 27, 1861. Sergeant^FTedeiiek Seifert, 
dis. for disab'y Sept. 8, '62. Privates — Paul 
Frischli, dis. for disab'y June 19, '63. . Martin 
Sieger, dis. on ex. of term Dec. 21, '64. Lewis 



406 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Sc^halTer, died at Vioksbiirg. Miss., Aug. 7, '63. 
Lorenz Sioger, dis. on ex. of term Dec. 21, '64. 
George Wageman, dis. for disab'y Deo. 21, '63. 
Bernard Westniau, dis. for disab'y Deo. 21, '63. 
Reeru.it — -Carl Bruliii, must. Sej)t. 2, '64, dis. per 
order June 21, '65. Dr(ffted — William Engelew, 
must. June 4. '61, dis. July 19, '6.5. August 
Quast, must. July 19, '65. Company H, mustered 
Dec. 20, 1861. Privates — Frederick EUing, re-en. 
Mar. 22, '64, pro. corp., dia. with regt. Lucian 
Farlin, died at St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 23, '62. 
Henry Koliler, trans. Nov. 28, '63. Recruils— 
Swan Hailing, must. Aug. 31, '64, dis. June 12, 
'65. Muns Johnson, must Aug. 30, '65, dis. June 
12, '65. Muns Peterson, Ist, must. Aug. 30, '64, 
dis. June 12, '64. Muns Peterson, 2d, must. Aug. 
15, '65, dis. sick May 22, '65. Andrew Swanson, 
must. Aug. 30, '65, dis. .June 12, '65. Company 
K. Privates— Charles Shuler, must. Dee. 23, '61, 
trans, to luv. corps Mar. 15, '64. W. E. Smith, 
must. Dec. 23, '61, trans to Co. E, Mar. 1, '62. 

Fifth Infantry, Company D, mustered March 
15, 1862 — '2(1 Lieut, — John Groetsch, resigned 
Aug. 3, '63. 1st Sergeant — Charles Gebhard, dis. 
for disab'y in '63. Corporal — Christian Neliaus, 
dis. for disab'y Sept. 2, '63. Christian Blucher, 
re-en. Feb. 15, '64, pro. serg't. dis. with regt. Pri- 
B((<€« — Christian Bochner, trans, to inv. corps, Sept. 
22, '63. George Brown, died at Young's Point, La., 
July 12,'63. Horace Brown, trans, to Co.G, Feb. 8, 
'63, re-en. Feb. 26,'64, died at Camp Douglas, HI., 
June 1 '65. Charles Drechsel, died at Ft. Aber- 
crombie, D. T.. Oct. 12, '62. Charles Gatz, died at 
Mound City, HI., Aug. 23, '63. Henry Hostemann, 
dis. for disab'y April 11, '63. Henry Hess, dis. on 
ex. of term Mar. 16, '65. Ernst Kunze, died at 
Eden, HI., Aug. 26, '63. E. A. Mann, dis. per 
order of Capt. Nelson, Apr. 8, '62. Balthaser 
MuUer, died at Young's Pt., La., Apr. 22, '63. 
William Neumann, died at Vicksburg, Miss., Nov. 
20, '63. Albert Rhode, re-en Mar. 7, '64, pro. 
serg't-maj. May 1, '64. Edward Schrimpf, died 
at Camp Sherman, Miss., Aug. 30, '63. William 
Schroeder, trans, to inv. corp. William Siegel, 
killed Sep. 6,'63 by Indians at Ft. Abercrombie, D. 
T. John Talbert, tlis. tor disab'y Mar. 18, '63, 
at Ft. Snelhng. Michael Willensen, dis. for 
disab'y Sept. 2, '63. Henry Wildung, died at 
Camp Sherman, Miss., Aug. 26, '63. Recruits — 
C. W. Biichmann, must. Sept 1, '61, dis. per or- 
der Jan. 10, '(14. Gottfried Enime, must. Jan. 28, 
'64, dis. with reg't Henry Bruckschou, en Mar. 



31, '62, dis. for disab'y Apr. 27, '63. Company 
B, Mustered April 2, 1862— 3r; .S«r7e-(n<— Her- 
mann Muehlberg, pro. serg't-major, Capt. of Co. 
]), dis. per order May 15, '65. Corporals — Nicholas 
Schoenborn, pro. serg't, re-en. Feb. 28, '64, dis. 
for disab'y Mar. 30, '65. Frederick Scheuble, dis. 
on ex. of term. Privates — Frederick Butzing, 
trans, to inv. cor])S, July 1, '64. Henry Dies, de- 
serted. Clirist Felker, dis. on ex. of term. Chris- 
tian Freitag, died of wounds Oct. 10, '62. Richard 
Gessert, re-en. Feb. 28, '64, dis. with reg't. Wil- 
liam Hammer, died at Farmington, Miss. Aug. 13, 
'62. Charles Kiesel, dis. for disab'y Oct. 16, '63. 
Bernard Kung, died at Vicksburg, Miss., Oct. 11, 
'63. Charles Klaramer, re-en. Feb. 28, '64, pro. 
Corp., dis. with reg't. John Karels, dis. on ex. of 
term. Franz Schubert, re-en. Feb. 20, '64, dis. 
with reg't. Charles Schleng, pro. corp. Oct. 27, 
'62, dis. for disab'y Sept. 2, '63. Christian Schmalz, 
w'd at battle of Nashville, Dec. 16, '64, dis. with 
reg't. William Schilling, pro. corp., re-en Mar. 25, 
'64, pro. serg't, dis. with reg't. C. G. Schibling, 
dis. on ex. of term. Wendel Schoe, died at Mem- 
phis, Tenn., Feb. 17, '64. Peter Wiest, dis. for 
disab'y Jan. 20, '63. Joseph Wauckey, dis. for 
disab'y Oct. 2, '61. Joseph Wober, dis for disab'y 
Nov. 7, '62. Recruits — Christian Fink, must. Sep. 
1, '64, dis. with reg't. Charles Herrmann, must. 
Sept. 3, '64, pro. corp. dis. with reg't. Michael 
Herrmann, must. Sept. 3, '64, w'd Dec. 16, '64, dis. 
per order, Aug. 4, '64. Iguatz Jetzer, must. 
Sept. 1, '64, mortally w'd in battle of Nashville, 
died December 21, '64. Baptiste Steinor, must. 
September 1, 1804, dis. with reg't. Matthias 
Wessel, must. Sept. 1, '64, dis. with reg't. Julius 
Zchaler, must. Sept. 1, '64, vet. pro. corp., dis. 
■with reg't. Company I — Recruit — Henry Brush- 
oir. must. Sept. 3, '64, dis. at St. Paul, Sept. 26, 
'65. Company K — /'/•<(''//('— Gabriel Okson, must 
Mar. 20, '62, deserted at Ft. Snelling prior to May 

13, 1862. 

Sixth Infantry. Company B. Private — Peter 
Church, must. Oct. 1, '62, dis. with reg't. Com- 
pany E. Primiles — Christian Brustle, must. Oct. 
5, '62, dis. with reg't. Philip Killian, must. Aug. 
18, '62, dis. with reg't. Jacob Mann, must. Aug. 

14, '63, trans, to inv. corps Nov. 20, '03. John 
Simon, must. Oct. 6, '62, dis. with reg't. Louis 
Wetteran, must. Oct. 5, '62, died .Vug. 5, '65, at 
field hosp. at Helena, Ark. John Munson, must. 
June 20, '02, dis. per order May 10, '65. Recruit 
—Henry Wetteran, must. Feb. 5, '64, died at Prai- 



CARVER COUNTY. 



407 



rie du Chien, Wis., Dec. 20, '64. Company G, 
mustered Oct. 1, 1862. \st Corporal — Frederick 
litis, pro. serg't, 1st serg't, dis. with reg't. John 
Suthheimer, dis. with regt. Recruits — Ootzian 
Dummers, en. Feb. 11, '64, dis. with regt. John 
Diimmers, en. Feb. 11, '64, dis with regt. Karl 
Kressin, en. Jan. 8, '64, died at St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 
31, '65. Theodore Moonan, en. Feb. 27, '64, died 
at New Orleans, La., May 25, '65. Henry Moonan, 
en. Feb. 22, '64, dis. with regt. Nicholas Koers, 
en. Feb. 11, '64, dis. for disab'y May 30, '65. 
Peter Schaeffer, en. Feb. 24, '64, dis. with regt. 
August Stenzel, en. Jan. 8, '64, dis. with regt. 
Valentine Stoltz, en. Jan. 29, '64, dis with regt. 
Kenier Fyen, en. Feb. 29, '64, dis. per order May 
26, '65. 

Eighth Infantry, Company K. Private — A. F. 
Stenberg, must. Aug. 21, '62, dis with regt. 

Ninth Infantry. Company B, mustered Nov. 
10, 1862. Sergeants — A. H. Hopkins, dis with 
regt. Ernest HainHn, dis. in hosp. Sep. 12, '65. 
Corporals — C. D. Kingsley, pro. serg't. dis. per 
order May 1, '65. S. M. Tarvin, dis per order 
June 14, '65. Prvmles — David Alexander, dis. per 
order Aug. 1, '65. F. M. Brayton, died Sept. 4, 
'64, in prison at Andersonville. William Doyle, 
killed June 10, '64, in battle af Brioe Cross Roads, 
Miss. E. M. Frank, died Oct. 12, '64, in prison at 
Andersonville. L. M. Green, died at Jefferson 
City, Mo., Deo. 11, '63. C. G. Halgren, app'd 
wagoner May 1, '65, dis with reg't. Daniel Jus- 
tus, dis. for disab'y Feb. 21, '64. Michael Klock, 
died Dec. 29, '64, of w'd in battle of Nashville, 
Tenn. G. E. Mapes, drowned May 9, '63, at St. 
Peter, Minn. A. G. Miller, dis. in hosp. in '65. 
E. M. Munger, dis. for disab'y April 14, '64. Wil- 
liam Murray, dis. for disab'y April 23, '63. J. W. 
Murray, dis. Feb. 17, '64, for pro. as hosp. steward 
in U. S. A. Isaac Rogers, trans, to V. R. C. Oct. 
1, '63. Eli Stone, dis. with reg't. Uri Woods, de- 
serted Jan. 2, '63, at Hutchinson, Minn, Com- 
pany D. Recruita — Joseph Cobb, must. July 23, 
'63, dis. with reg't. 

Company E, mustered Nov. 14, 1862, Privates — 
J. J. Buchanan, dis. with reg't. H. C. Rene, dis. 
with reg't. Company H, mustered Oct. 27, '62. 
Captain— ^'i\M&m R. Baxter, killed June 10, '64, 
at Brice Cross Roads. 1st Lieut. — Joseph Wein- 
man, dis. per order Oct, 11, '64. 2nd Lieut. — Ole 
Paulson, dis. per order ' May 20, '64. Sergeant.'! — 
A. W. Tiffany, pro. 2d lieut., captured before be- 
ing mustered, dis. Aug. 24, '65. W. F. Elliot, 



trans, to N. C. S. Jan. 1, '63. George Groetsch, 
died Oct. 19, '64, in Millen prison. Andrew Matt- 
son, died May 28, '65, at Carver, Minnesota, of 
disease contracted while a prisoner. Carl Denin, 
died Oct. 14, '64, in Millen prison. Corporals — J. 
W. Foreman, pro. serg't, 2d lieut, captured at 
Clifton, Tenn., Jan. 6, '65, (not heard from). A. 
G. Anderson, trans, to N. C. S. Feb. 21, '65. Henry 
Beltz, dis. for disab'y May 23, 64. A. H. Miller, 
dis. with reg't. J. A. Johnson, dis. with reg't. E. 
A. Eddy, pro. serg't, dis. with reg't. G. H. Raitz, 
pro. serg't, dis. with reg't. Nels Olson, pro. serg't, 
dis. with reg't. Musicians — W. S. Reese, captured 
June 10, '64, last heard from at Florence, S. C, 
verysick. Ole Wilson, captured June 10, '64. dis. 
with reg't. Wagoner — John Stack, killed June 10, 
'64, at Brice Cross Roads. Privates — August 
Arndt, dis. per order Aug. 2, '65. John Arndt, 
captured June 10, '64, dis. with reg't. Gotleib 
Arndt, died April 21, '65, at Grant hosp., N. Y. 
Christopher Arndt, dis. for disab'y May 26, '63. 
Burns Aslakson, dis. per order, July 14, '65. J. 
E. Allen, dis. with reg't. Thomas Armitage, died 
Oct. 14, '64, at Millen prison. John Blake, pro. 
Corp. dis. with reg't. John Braden, dis. with reg't. 
Andrew BengtBon, dis per order July 10, '64. 
Andrew Braf, dis. with reg't. Magnus Bengtson, 
died Sep. 22, '64, at Andersonville prison. Mont- 
gomery Berfield, pro, corp. dis. per order May 15, 
'65. O. F. Bryant, dis. per order May 27, '65. 
Lewis Bangson, died Feb. 9, '65, at Cairo, His- 
Joseph Berry, dis. with reg't. Gustav Carlson, 
dis. for disab'y Apr. 28, '64. Peter Carlson, dis . 
with reg't. A. J. Carlson, pro. corp. dis with 
reg't. John Deunin, dis with reg't. Jacob Dunn, 
dis. for disab'y April 11, '63. A. S. Erickson, dis. 
with reg't. Henry Etzell, captured June 10, '64, 
re-joined co. Aug. 14, '65, dis. with reg't. Xavier 
Freischle, died Sep. 17, '64 in Andersonville pris- 
on. Henry Gobelhei, dis. for disab'y Aug. 11 
'63. T. D. Goves, dis with reg't. " Benjamin 
Guttridge, dis. with reg't. G. C. Gay, died Jan. 
12, '65 at Jeffersonville, Ind., of wd's rec'd at the 
battle of Nashville, Tenn. J. R. Goodnow, dis. 
with reg't. John Goetz, dis. with reg't. John 
Gunderson, dis. for disab'y Aug. 26, '63. John 
Hanson, dis. with reg't. Godfrey Hammerburg, 
captured June 10, '64, re-joined co. Aug. 20, '65, 
dis with reg't. John Hebeisen, dis. with reg't. 
Peter Hult, pro corp. dis with reg't. G. K. Ives, 
captured June 10, '64, re-joined co. Aug. 8, '65, 
dis. with reg't. Taylor Johnson, dis. with reg't. 



408 



UI8T0RY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



.1. L. Johnson, dis. with rog't. Alfrnd Johnson, 
(lis. in hosp. '(55. Nils Jolinsou, died Sept. 14, '04 
in AaderHoDville prison. Andrew Johnson, dis. in 
hosp. '(>5. Jonas Johnson, dis. with reg't. Jacob 
Kirsch, dis. with reg't. Liidwig Klos, died Sep. 
18, '64 in Andorsouvillc prison. Frederick Liud- 
qniat, dis. for disab'y May 13, '64. Eric Larson, 
dis. for disab'y May 14, '64. Andrew Larson, dis. 
per order July 7, '0.5. John Larson, die.l Oct. 8, 
'64, at Savannah, tta. while a prinoiier. Jasper 
Livingston, pro. corp. dis. with reg't. Henry 
Lindert, dis. with reg't. Theodore Mayers, oa])- 
tured ,Tiine 10, '04 in Andersonville prison and 
very sick when last heard from. Olo Olson, dis. 
per order May '26, '65. Da\-id Parks, dis. for dis- 
ab'y Apr. 11, '64. Pader Paderson, pro. corp. dis. 
with reg't. Aiignatus Peterson, dis. for disab'y 
May 1.3, '6.5. John Panlson, dis. for pro. in U. S. 
C. Inf'y. Gottlieb Plocker, pro. corp. dis. with 
reg't. Charles Royle. dis. with reg't. John Roth, 
died Oct. 27, '04 in Millen prison. Martin Schaner, 
died Jnne 27, '65 at Marion, .\la. .Vndrew Swan- 
son, dis. with reg't. Elias Swanson, dis. per order 
June 19, '65. John Sundine, trans, to V. E. C. 
Feb. 21, '35. Charles Soiiter, died in Anderson- 
ville prison, no date. Frederick Souter, captured 
June 10, '64, re-joined co. May 8, '65, dis. with 
reg't. J. J. Stor, dis. with reg't. Berger Thurs- 
tensen, dis. with reg't. Melchior Wabl, died July 
24, '04, at Memphis, Tenn. Andrew Wallen, dis. 
with reg't. James Wilson, dis. with reg't. Wil- 
liam Weckerle, dis. tor disab'y May 28, '64. 
George Winter, died Sep. 8, '04 in Andersonville 
prison. Recruits — Peter Dnyman, must. July 9, 
'62, died Jnly 30, '65 at Marion, .Ma. Swan Fram- 
berg, must. Sep. 3, '64, dis. with reg't. A. D. 
Leach, must. Mar. 2, '04, dis. in hosp. in '65. 

Eleventh Infantry, Company A, Mustered Au- 
gust 24, 1804 — 2(1 Lienl. — John O. Briimies, re- 
signed Jan. 24, '65. S«r(7c<in<s— Otto Berreau, dis. 
with reg't. William Behmer, dis. with reg't. 
Corporals — Erbard Rewugens, dis. with reg't. Otto 
Freeae, dis. with reg't. Albert Riebe, dis. with 
reg't. Pritntes — E. G. Anderson, dis. with reg't. 
Frank Anderson, dis. with reg't. John Anderson, 
dis. with reg't. Niels Anderson, dis. with reg't. 
Solomon Anderson, ilis. with reg't. Samuel Ar- 
vidson, dis. with reg't. Jonas Erickson, dis. with 
reg't. Andrew Framberg, dis. with reg't. Nikolas 
Hein, dis. with reg't. Samuel Hoffman, dis. with 
reg't. Andrew Hold, dis. with reg't. August 
JohauBon, dis. with reg't. Albert Kohler, dis. per 



order. May 29, '65. John Lnnberg, dis with 
regt. Joseph May, dis. with regt. James Matt- 
son, dis. with regt. Bodel Oleson, dis. with regt-. 
.John Osborg, dis. with regt. Gottlieb Reich, dis. 
with regt. .John Russell, dis. with regt. John 
Scheubel, dis. with regt. Michael Schneitagle, 
dis. with regt. John Schraalz, dis. with regt. 
John Simon, dia with regt. Svante Skatt, dis. 
with regt. Adam Speckel, dis. with regt. Carl 
Steingraus, died Feb. 20, '0,5, at Gallatin, Tenn. 
Ludwig Sudheimer, dis. with regt. Swan Swan- 
son, dis. with regt. Marlin Tasler. dis with regt. 
Nels Thompson, pro. corp., dis. with regt. H. O. 
Solem, must. Aug. 20, '04, no record. Com- 
pany F. Privates — Ichabod Murphy, must. Aug. 
11, '04, dis. with regt. First Battalion Infantry. 
Company D. Priunle — William Bleedoru, must. 
Mar. 14, '05, dis. with comp. John Buhler, must. 
Mar. 14, '05. dis. with comp. Thomas Devine, 
must. Mar. 14, '65, dis with comp. 

First Heavy Artillery. Company k. Pricates 
— J. H. Logring, must. Sept. 21, '04, dis. with 
comp. .John Peterson, must. Sept. 17, '04, trans, 
to Co. M, July 7, '05, dis with comp. .John 
Southern, must. Sept. 20, '64, dis with comp. 
Thomas Torbertson, must. Sejjt. 22. "64, dis. with 
comp. Company B. Privutcs — Andreas Bye, 
must. Feb. 20, '64, dis. with comp. Jacob Blum, 
must. Feb. 20, '64, dis. with com, Balthus Bit- 
zer, must. Sept. 28, '()4, dis. with comp. Jacob 
Bougards, must. Sept. 28, '04, dis. with comp. 
Hermon Brickhaus, must Sept. 22, '04, dis. — '65, 
absent. Clement Clooten, must. Sept, 14, '64, dis. 
with comp. Charles Dietzel. must. Sept. 29, '65, 
dis with comp. Fidell Hunter, must. Se])t. 30, 
'64, died June 26, '65, at Nashville, Tenn. George 
Ittel, must. Sept. 28, '65, dis with comp. Chris- 
tian Kraus. must. Oct. 5, '64, pro. serg't, dis. wth 
comp. Miehael Kesler, must, Sept. 27, 65, dis. 
with comp. Gustave Kossack, must. Sept. 30, 
'64, trans, tt) co. E, July 7, '65. Ferdinand Lutz, 
must. Sept. 22, '64, dis. with comp. Henry Lu- 
ken, must Sep. 30, '04, dis. with comp. Frank 
Peitz, must. Sept. 30, '64. dis. with comp. J. A. 
Piper, must. Oct. 6, '64, pto. sergt. dis. with 
comp. Andrew Saylstrom, must. Sept. 15, '04, 
dis. with comp. Engelbert St-hneider, must Sept. 
27, '04. dis. with comp. .Joseph Schaaf, must. 
Sept, 27, '64, dis. with comp. H. C. Smith, must. 
Sept. 27, '64, dis. withcomi).. Ernst Souter, must. 
Sept, 28, '04, dis. with comp. J. L. Smith, must. 
Sept. 28, '04. dis. with comp. Peter Stoltti, must. 



CARVER COUNTY. 



409 



Sept. 21, '64, Am. with oomp. Company C. .Tun. 
2d Lieut.— Fred. E. Du Toit, must. Oct. 21, '64, 
dis. July 1, '65. Primtes— Walter Demers, must. 
Sept. 14, '64, dis. with comp. Carl Goetze, must. 
Oct. 1, '64, dis. with comp. Andrew Nulin, must. 
Sept. 26, '64, dis. with comp. J. N. Wcard, must. 
Oct. 13, '64, trans, to Co. F, July 7, '65, dis. —'65. 
Comp. H. Privates — Andrew Hogtall, must. Feb. 
16, '65, dis. with comp. Knud. Holverson, must. 
Feb. 16, '65, dis. with comp. David Johnson, 
must. Feb. 16, '65, dis. with comp. P. A. John- 
son, must. Feb. 16, '65, pro. Corp., dis. with comp. 
A. W. Peterson, must. Feb. 16, '65, dis. with comp. 
A. Stultz, must. Feb. 16, '65, dis. with comp. Com- 
pany L. Privates — J. P. Akins, must. Feb. 16,'65, 
dis. per order Aug. 5,'65. P. Johnson, must. Feb. 
16, '65, pro. Corp., dis. with comp. N. Mattson, 
must. Feb. 16, '65, dis. with comp. John Oberz, 
must. Feb. 16, '65, dis. with comp. Company M. 
Captain — C. Johnson, must. Feb. 27, '65, dis. with 
comp. Sergeant — H. J. Johnson, must. Feb. 18, 
'65, dis. with comp. Corporals — Samuel Geiser, 
must Feb. 16, '65, pro. Q. M.. S'gt Sept. 8, '65. 
Solomon Nord, must. Feb. 18, '65, dis. with comp. 
Andrew Skone, must. Feb. 16, '65, dis. in hosp. in 
'65- Artificer — ^^Lars Skog, must. Feb. 18, '65, dis. 
with reg't. Privates — Gustaf Borgerson, must. 
Feb. 18, '65, dis with comp. Jonas Carlsen, must. 
Feb 18, '65, dis with comp. Hogan Christenson, 
must. Feb. 18, '65, dis with comp. Arne Erick- 
son, must. Feb. 16, '65, dis with comp. Nels 
Iverson, must. Feb. 10, '65, dis per order, Aug. 23, 
'65. Magnus Johnson, mast. Feb. 16, '65, dis 
with comp. Peter Klever, must. Feb. 18, '65, dis. 
with oomp. Swan MOgren, must. Feb. 18, '65, 
dis with comp. Matthias Matterson, must. Feb. 
18, '65, dis with comp. Ole Nelson, must. Feb. 
18, '65, dis with comp. John Oleson, must. Feb. 
16, '65, dis. with comp. Sivert Oleson, must. Feb. 
18, '65, dis. with comp. Swante Oleson, mu.st. 
Feb. 18, '65, died May 15, '65, at Chattanooga, 
Tenn. Peter Peterson, must. Feb. 18, '65, dis. 
with comp. Charles Peterson, must. Feb. 18, '65, 
dis with comp. Andrew Swanson, must. Feb. 18, 
'65, dis per order. May 16, ,65. P. E. Walter, 
must. Feb. 18, '65, dis with comp. 

First Company Sharp Shooters. Musician — 
Watson Seward, dis. per order, Feb., 1862. Pri- 
vates — Edwin Alldritt, re-en., trans, to 1st bat'n 
inf y, Jan. 30, '65. John Donlon, no record. Al- 
exander Livingston, died Sept. 17, '62, of wd's 
rjc'd in battle of Antietam. John Livinestou, dis. 



for disab'y May 25, '62. .T. M. Powers, pro. reg'l 
hosp. stew, in June, '63, re-en"d. J. W. Horton, 
no record. B. O. Hamblet, died July 28, '63, of 
w'd rec'd in battle. William Sarver, dis. for 
disab'y Nov. 27, '61. W. A. Leamons, dis. on ex. 
of term. 

Brackett's Battalion Cavalry, Company A — 
Sergeant — Joseph Buck, must. Sept. 16, '61, pro. 
2d Lieut, resigned Nov. 2, '64. Corporal — Charles 
Sterner, must. Oct. 2, '61, deserted Dec. 16, '63 at 
Dodsonville, Ala. Privates — Andrew Arnold, must. 
Sept. 21, '61, dis. Apr. 16, '63. William Brink- 
haus, must. Oct. 16, '61, dis. on ex. of term. C. 
T. Herman, must. Sept. 23, '61, deserted Aug. 10, 
'63, reported drowned at St. Louis, Mo. Nicholas 
Henrion, must. Oct. 14, '61, rt'-en, .Jan. 1, '64, pro. 
farrier. C. H. Kruger, must. Sept. 30, '61, 
dis. per. order Jan. 28, '62. Simon Riesgraf, must. 
Sept. 25, '61, dis. on ex. of term Sept. 24, '64. 
Recruits — Richard Hellregle, must. Mar. 12, '65, 
dis. with oomp. John Carlson, must.Feb. 17, '65, 
dis. on ex. of term, Feb. 10, '66. Frederick Fonty, 
must. Feb. 17, '65, deserted in Mar. '65 while on 
furlough. J. F. Smith, must. Feb. 17, '65, dis. 
June 6, '65. John Justus, must. Feb. 11, '65, dis. 
for disab'y June 5, '65. Company C. Privates — 
William Ellis, must. Nov. 1, '61, re-en Dec. 31, '63, 
dis. with comp. George Lake, must. Nov. 1, '61, 
re-en. Dec. 31, '63, dis with comp. G. W. Mc- 
Comber, must. Nov. 1, '63, re-en. Dec. 31, '63, pro. 
Corp. dis. with comp. Allen Soper, must. Nov. 7, 
'61, re-en. Dec. 31, '62, dis. for disab'y. Jerome 
Soper, must. Nov. 7, '61, re-en. Dec. 31, '63, dis 
with comp. J. W. Slack, must. Nov. 13, "61, re- 
en. Dec. 31, 6.3, dis with Comp. 

Second Cavalry. Ass't Surgeon — John A. Mc- 
Donald, must. Nov 29, '64, dis Dec 4, '65. Company 
D, Must. Dec. 30, 1863. Corporal — Thomas Bond 
dis with regt. Privates — James Aspen, pro. corp. 
dis. with comp. E. P. Beman, pro. wag. dis. with 
comp. Thomas Healton, dis. with comp. John 
Morris, di,s. with comp. Aquilla Moore, dis. with 
comp. Robert Randall. Company G, Mustered 
January 4, 1864. Private — John Fitz, dis. for 
disab'y Nov. 29, 64. Company I, Mustered Jan. 
4, 1864. Privates — Nathan Bristol, dis with comp. 
Arthur Hewitt, dis with comp. 

Independent Battalion, Cavalry, Company A, 
mustered July 23, 1863. Sergeant— WiWiam Baker, 
dis. with comp. Privates — John Hunger, died 
Mar. 8, '64 at Pembina, D. T. D. B. Watrous, 
dis with comp. Company B, mustered Aug. 10, 



410 



HISTORY OF TEB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



18{i3—Pri'o<//<»— Michael Earley, dis. for disab'y 
May r>, 65. C. W. Rickersjn, pro. t»rp. dis. with 
corap. Conrad Stcen, dis. per order Aug. 1.5, 64. 
Compiiny C, mimtorod SeptciiibiT 11, 1863 — Musi- 
cian— k. S. Aldenuau, pro. corp. serg't, dis. with 
corap. /"rwr/M— Andrew Brink, dis. with comp. 
Andrew Lmuou, di.s. with couii>. Recruit — John 
Torbenson. dis. with comp. Compiiny D, mustered 
Nov. 10, 1863 — /';-*'i!rt^'»— Frederick Hansen, dis. 
with comp. Peter Morgan, dis. with cump. Com- 
pany F—/e«TUff— Michael Dowd, must. Feb. 17, 
65. dis. at ex. of term, Feb. 8, '66. First Battery, 
Light Artillery — frindex—OMveT Dufrane.en.Oct. 
28, 61, died Apr. 22, 62 at Louisville, Ky. Jacob 
Sohoch, en. Nov. 11, 61, dis. on ex. of term, Deo. 
17, 64. Neuman Yowings, en. Nov. 7, 61, dis. 
for disab'y Aug. 5, 62. Recruits— G. E. Krieg, 
en. Mar. 11, 65, dis. with batt'n. 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



CHAPTER LVIII. 

DESOlilPTION BOrND.\BIES — SETTLEMENT 

VALUATION. 

Looking back, over a period of twenty-nine 
years, Sibley county of to-day occupies but a 
small area as compared to the territory then em- 
braced within its limits. While it was recognized 
by the territorial legislature of 1852, it was not 
until March 5, 1853, that it was officially created 
and its limits established. Tlie Ijiil then passed 
l>y the legislature gave the following boundary 
lines: Beginning at the northwest corner of 
Hennepin county; thence up the north fork of 
Crow river to its second fork; thence in a direct 
line to the mouth of Hush river; thence down the 
Minnesota river to Hennepin county; thence 
along the line of said county to the place of be- 
ginning. The same act provided that it should 
be attached to Hennepin county for judicial pur- 
poses. At each of the subsequent sessions of the 
legislature, the boundary lines were diminished 
and changed, and the present limits established iu 
March, 1856, as follows: Boiuided on the north 
by Renville, McLeod and Carver counties, on the 
east by the Minnesota river, south by Nicollet and 
west by Renville coimtiea. It contains fifteen 
complete and two fractional townships, named iu 
tlie order of their organization, Henderson, Kelso, 



Arlington, .Tossonland, Faxon, Wasliington Lake, 
Green Isle, New Auburn, Dryden, Sibley, Transit, 
Alfsborg, Severance, Cornish, Grafton, Bismark 
and Jloltke. The name "Sibley" was chosen in 
honor of that worthy pioneer, Greneral H. H. 
Sibley. 

Before introducing the early settler, building of 
towns, schools and churches, which follow and de- 
pend one upon the other, like links to the chain, 
a glance at the topograpliy of tlie c<mnty will bet- 
ter explain the irregiUarity of ite development. 

With a gently undulating surface it enjoys the 
advantages of prairie and woodland; a rich, deep, 
loamy soil, and a never failing water supjdy from 
numerous deep clear water lakes. Island Creek, 
Rush and the Minnesota rivers. Of the numerous 
lakes so systematically distributed through the 
various townships, as if designed for the especial 
benefit of the husbandman, New Auburn, in the 
township of the same name, is the largest, and ow- 
ing to the fact that a wooded elevated island occu- 
pies its center, the most beautiful. It is nearly 
five miles in length with irregular wooded shores, 
and covers over fifteen himdred acres. The next 
in size is Swan lake, in the town of Severance, 
covering eleven hundred acres, with a strong al- 
kali water, marshy shores, and but few fish. Tit- 
low lake in Dryden is next in size, covering one 

' thousand acres; its shores are elevated and cov- 
ered with oak and butternut timber. Then follow 
Severance, in Green Isle, covering a surface of 

1 eight hundred acres; Silver, in Jessenlaud, six 

' hundred acres; Lake Washington, in Washington 
Lake, six hundred acres; Bucks, iu Grafton, three 
hundred and fifty acres; Indian, in Transit, two 
hundred and fifty acres; Alkah, iu Moltke; Cot- 
tonwood, in Cornish, and Cummings, in Alfsborg, 
all have a surface extent of about two hundred 
acres each. A majority of these lakes are well 
stocked with all kinds of fish usual to Minnesota 
waters. 

Four townships, Jessenland, Faxon, Washing- 
ton Lake and Green Isle arc heavily timbered, 
and Henderson, Arlington and New Auburn are 
two-thirds timberlaud, the south-western portion 
of each being prairie. 

The balance of the county, with the exception 
of a few groves and scattering trees about the 
lakes, is prairie, where there are many boggy 
marshes, which in early days, before roads were 

! graded and corduroys laid, baffled the efforts of 
pioneers to open the country ; we therefore liud 



SIBLET COUNTY. 



411 



the first signs of civilization in the eastern portion 
near that natural roadway the Minnesota river, 
where attractions are not wanting to command the 
eye and attention of the adventurer. High, irreg- 
ular blulfs, broken by deep gorges, here reaching 
out into the valley with rounded, grassy heads; 
there clothed in garments of ancient oak and elm; 
again, gradually r3ceding plateaus, following one 
upoD another, all unite in one harmonious effect. 
This, in brief, is a picture of the county thirty 
years ago, only shorn of the privations and perils 
of a wild country. 

The first settlers of Sibley county were two 
French Canadians from St. Paul, named Hyacinthe 
Camiraud and Esdras Beleveau, who came up from 
St. Paul, landing May 12, 1832, at Henderson, on 
what some one has said was the only dry spot 
they could find, as their coming was at the time 
of a great flood. Although these men estab- 
lished a sort of shop and set up a turning lathe, 
this settlement was insignificant, and only deserves 
notice from the fact that it was first. Claims were 
made and trees blazed by prospectors who came 
up on the Black Oak, as did Thomas Doheny, July 
9, 1852. He made a claim for himself, and blazed 
trees for a dozen more, and returned. 

August 23, 1852, a man landed in the county 
destined to become an important factor in its or- 
ganization and growth. This man was Joseph E. 
Brown, the pioneer town builder of Minnesota. 
He was a prodigy rarely met with. We find him 
first as a drummer boy with the troops that came 
up the river in 1819 to build Fort Snelling. 
Thrown upon the world after his honorable dis- 
charge from the army, he looked about him and 
at once took in the situation, exhibiting a shrewd- 
ness of insight into affairs unequaled by any of 
his compeers. At Gray Cloud Island, at Still- 
water, or Dakota, as he called the town site which 
he caused to become the county seat of St. Croix 
county, he was the important man. His political 
career began in this county by his election to the 
council of the Fifth territorial legislature from the 
sixth precinct, of which this county formed a part. 
It will not be possible here to review his checkered 
career as trader, legislator, and journalist. Here 
he was a speculator. Disappointed in obtaining 
a contract for the government road from St. An- 
thony FaUs to the western boundary of Sibley 
county, he determined to build a road more use- 
sul for transportation from St. Paul to the agency 
which was to be located on the Indian reservation. 



and to Fort Ridgely, about to be erected on the 
reservation. Brown had been up and down the 
river many times before in the capacity of Indian 
trader, and was therefore familiar with the topog- 
raphy of the country, and had selected this point 
as favorable to such a plan as he now had in view. 
He had a little steamboat engaged for transporta- 
tion of men and supplies. Among his crew was 
Jesse Ayer, a brother of Judge E. J. Ayer, John 
Clark, who was made the first sheriff of the county, 
and Claries Blair, who erected the first house on 
the bank of the river in November of the same 
year, witness the following : 

"I came to Henderson, November 1, 1852, and 
assisted Charles Blair to put wp the first house by 
the bank of the river on the 6th day of November. 
The house was covered with hay, for want of other 
material, and not one single nail was to be found 
in the whole house. 

(Signed) Ed. Winkelman." 

At the point selected a road to the prairie was 
easily cut through the timber. The work con- 
sumed only about two weeks, and J. R. Brown got 
the transportation between St. Paul and the fort 
by reason of his superior judgment and prompt 
action. 

As Sibley county is largely German, it will be 
interesting to note that the first German settler 
was Edward Winkelman, mentioned above, who 
took a claim south of what is now called Winkel- 
man lake, in the fall of 1852, and spent tlie winter 
following in Charles Blair's house, which he assis- 
ted in building. Other Germans came about the 
same date. With the spring of 1853 came many 
more settlers under the patronage of Joseph E. 
Brown, who was the leader and organizer in every- 
thing. He furnished the brains and laid the plans 
to which other men worked. For one Scotchman, 
John Watt, came quite a delegation of Germans in 
1853, among them Matti, Fuchs, Tyseus, Conrad, 
Freemont and others. Charles Blair was retained 
by Brown to superintend his work, and Fuchs was 
the cook. Thomas Doheny, the Irishman who 
came up on the Black Oak in July, 1852. and lo- 
cated his own and other claims, returned in the 
spring of 1853, bringing with him several others, 
who formed the nucleus of the Irish settlement. 
Doheny planted a few potatoes and then returned 
to St. Paul while Michael Grimes, Sr., remained 
and built himself a house, and became the first 
Irish settler. The house built by the Scotchman, 
John Watt, under the direction of Charles Blair. 



412 



HISTORY OF THB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



nntoilntos that of Orimoa almut a month. This 
house still HtiiQils i)u the l>lull° behind Henderson, 
the oldest landmark in Sibloy county. 

During the summer of 1853 many other settlers 
came in. .\mimg the Irish, McCormiok and Bray. 
Grover, an Englishman, who it is said was elected 
to the legislature at a subsequent time but did 
not attonil because the territory was too poor to 
l)ay the ex])enses of its representatives, who eon- 
sequentlj' were not called to the capitol. Zephir 
Gendson, Antone Le Ferrier and Michael Baudoin, 
who came in 1853, were Canadian Frenchmen, as 
their names indicate. The bill passed by the 
legislature creating this county, also made 
pro\'ision that an election should be held October 
3; if fifty voters oast ballots, the majority could 
then lawfully elect officers and determine the per- 
manent location of the county seat. Following is 
a list of the oflBcers elected; John Miller, A. 
Waiker, and Conrad Fremont, county commis- 
sioners; Charles Blnir, auditor: Joseph R. Brown, 
recorder; Edward Winkelman.justice of thejieace; 
Carter C. Drew, coimty surveyor; John Clark, 
sheriff; Henry Poehler, treasurer; all being unani- 
mously elected by sixty-two votes, and the county 
became organized. Here it is pertinent to say 
that much relative to official matters of the county, 
from its organization to 1864 is obtained through 
the memory of old settlers; the buildings occu- 
pied by the county officers and containing the 
records, having been destroyed by fire on the 18th 
of October, 1863. Nothing positive can be learned 
as to where the very first meetings were held, one 
old settler. Judge E. J. Ayer, expressing the opin- 
ion that it was in the open air. In 1856, Joseph 
R. Brown erected several small offices for the use 
of the varioiis town officials, which were used un- 
til 1858, when Henry Poehler erected a two-story 
frame building 25x45 feet, at the corner of Main 
and Third streets, the county using the second 
story for their offices; removing to the Welch 
building two blocks further back in 1862, where 
they were burned out the following season. Then 
followed various removals, the first after the fire 
being to a room rented of Jacob Frankenfield, for 
six months atS12 per month. In 1866 a house on 
lot 10, block 50, occupied one year; tlien to a 
building on lot 10. block 58, owned by August 
Biasing. In 1870 removed to building owned by 
WiUiam Carroll. 

At a meeting of the commissioners held January 
2. 1807, a resolution was passed asking the legis- 



lature to pass an act enabling the county to issue 
bonds to the amount of 820,000 for county build- 
ing purposes, provided it should be submitted to 
the people before l>ecomiiig a law. Permission 
was granted at the next session, and on March 11, 
1870, notice was posted, submitting the matter to 
a popular vote, and was carried. On January 4, 
a tract of about four acres was purchased at the 
corner of Main and Sixth streets, and on the 3d of 
the following May the contract was let to Hennan 
Mather for building a two story brick jail and 
sheriff's re-sidence combined for $2,987 ; the build- 
ing to be, and was, completed the following Sep- 
tember. The jail contains three cells and corri- 
dor. At a meeting held March 29, 1879 arrange- 
ments were made for the erection of the present 
county buildings, in which Henderson was to pay 
S5,000 of the cost of buildings and in case of re- 
moval, the privilege to buy them at $3,000. The 
court house was immediately built. It is of brick, 
two and one-half stories and basement; is 48x80 
feet, and contains large, well-ventilated offices for 
the various departments; fire-proof safes for the 
preservation of county documents. The entire 
building is heated by two hot-air furnaces. 

Return again to those earlier days, when society 
matters received their birth. The first religious 
services were held in a new log house built by 
John Fodin, just previous to his occupancy. Be- 
tween twenty-five and thirty settlers attended and 
listened to a sermon by a Methodist Episopal 
missionary and Bible agent. Congregational ser- 
vices were held during the same summer, 1854. in 
a log school-house. Episcopalian services were 
held in a house rented for the purpose in 1858, 
and for scsme time thereafter. The first church 
edifice wiis a house purchased, remodeled and fit- 
ted up by the Methodist Episcopal society, presid- 
ed over by Elder Rich, in 1857 or '8. 

Germans being in the majority throughout the 
county, took the lead in reUgious matters, and 
were generally ahead in establishing societies and 
erecting biiildings. 

Quite a number of Americans had formed a set- 
tlement on Rush river, between Henderson and 
Kelso; also at New Auburn, where Rev. Mr. Mc- 
Night held occasional meetings. Nearly every 
township now has from one to three church socie- 
ties and buildings, more fully detailed in town ar- 
ticles. 

The first school of which there is any authentic 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



413 



account was taught by J. J. Peck, in a log house 
at Henderson, in the winter of 1854'5, and had 
an average attendance of six to ten scholars. The 
following year a frame school-house was built by 
F, Weigan, which answered all purposes until 
supplanted in 1862 by a large and more conven- 
ient house. 

In 1881 fifty-eight districts had been created, 
and all except number 53, which has been discon- 
tinued, had one and some two comfortable school 
buildings. District number 1, at Hendei'son, is 
independent, having a graded school. Aside from 
the public schools the Catholic church at Hender- 
son has a parochial school. 

There are in the county four seci-et societies, 
three of them located at Henderson. Hender- 
son Lodge, No. 13, A. F. & A. M.; Knights of 
Pythias, and Sons of Hermann. The latter also 
has an organization at New Rome. 

While several efi"orts were made in former years 
to establish newspapers, there is but one publica- 
tion in the county, the "Sibley County Indepen- 
dent," a nine column quarto sheet printed by 
Daniel Pickit at Henderson. It was established 
in 1872, but much smaller than at present. It is 
" the official paper of the county. 

Previous to 1881 the county had no railroad, 
and the bulk of business was transacted through 
the St. Paul & Sioux City road, to reach which it 
was necessary to cross the Minnesota river. Up to 
1877 it was accomplished by ferries which proved 
inadequate for the demands of business, and a new 
iron bridge was built by Henderson at a cost of 
$17,000, spanning the river at the foot of Main 
street. It consists of one draw, two hundred and 
ninety feet in length, and wooden approaches. 

The first death irrthe county was undoubtedly 
that of Mrs. E., wife of Paul Jarvis, in the spring 
of 1856. She was buried on Fort Hill, where the 
cemetery was afterward located. Some old set- 
tlers, however, claim tliat a Bohemian stranger 
died a short time previous, and was buried in the 
same locality. 

On the 16th of September, 1855, the first mar- 
riage in the county was celebrated at a school- 
house on section 17, in Jessenland township, 
Michael D. Bray and Miss May Hayes being uni- 
ted by the Rev. Father Somereisen. 

During the spring of 1856 the second nuptual 
knot was tied, the contracting parties being Nich- 
olas Hillger and Miss Susan Mairsh, who were 
married by Justice James C. Pratt, at the resi- 



dence of a Mrs. Blair. In 1865 the couple moved 
to Montana. 

In the fall of 1853 the first child was born, it be- 
ing a daughter, Clara, to John and Sarah Clark. 
She now resides in McLeod county. Joseph Brown 
son of Fletcher and H. Brown, born in 1855, was 
the first boy. 

In speaking of early incidents Jndge E. J. 
Ayer remarked: "Indian corn, ground according 
to the best facilities possessed by settlers was con- 
sidered fair living." "Why," said the old judge, 
with a twinkle in his eye, "One winter in those 
early days, our hotel was glad to get muskrat 
meat, which had been shot with shingle nails." 

On August 11, 1862 the county voted a bounty 
of $25 to volunteers and an additional premium 
of S5 per month, both of which were settled in 1868 
by the payment of .S140 to each claimant. De- 
cember 9, 1873 the county began an action against 
their treasurer on a charge of embezzling bonds. 
On the 23d of the same month he was removed 
from ofiice. A like charge was preferred against 
the register of deeds on December 11, and on the 
16th of the following February he also was re- 
moved from office. 

In 1876 the county suffered most from the grass- 
hopper scourge, many farmers being eaten out of 
everything in the shape of crops and were driven 
from their homes by want of clothing, food and 
fuel; some never returned. 

Sibley county suffered to some extent from the 
Indian massacre of 1862, inasmuch as one of her 
leading citizens, James W. Lyud was the fii-st to 
fall at the lower agency, a few miles from Fort 
Eidgely. While the county suffered to no great 
extent from depredations from the Indians she lost 
several brave men who went to the rescue of 
others. 

The grasshopper plague left its mark in the 
western portion of the county where many poor 
farmers had just planted their first crops, The 
damage was not so great as in some counties since 
there were not so many fields to destroy. In the 
wooded portions settlers suffered less. The pro- 
ductions of the county are largely agricultural, 
wheat being the staple article. The acreage of 
com and amber cane increases yearly. But a 
small amount of stock is shipped. Before the 
timber had been so extensively cut the wood busi- 
ness was one of the leading enterprises, thousands 
of cords being sent to the southwestern prairies. 
The market price averaged four dollars per cord, 



414 



insTORT OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLKY. 



There is but ono incorporatod village, Hender- 
son, and two that hold tlieir original plat, and are 
taxed other than farm land, New Auburn and 
Faxon. The numlier ]>1atted and Hurveved ife 
numerous, many never having a Hingle lot sold. 
Since the advent of the Minneapolis and St. Louis 
railroad in 1881, which runs diagonally through 
the center of the county, a new life has been given 
the towns along its line. In October, 1881, the 
track had l)een laid to the proposed new town of 
Oaylord, in Dryden, near the southern shores of 
Lake Titlow. 

There are four stage routes in the county. The 
first runs from the borough of Henderson to the 
Chic ago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha station, 
Last Henderson, distant one mile, making connec- 
tions with nil passenger trains. The second line 
runs between Henderson and Glencoe via Ar- 
lington, Dryden iind New Auburn. It leaves 
Henderson at 7 A. M. Tuesdays and Saturdays, 
and arrives at 5 P. M. Monditys and Fridays. The 
line makes one extra trip each week between New 
Auburn and Glencoe. The third line is from 
Henderson to Hecter, leaving the former place at 
7 A. M. Mondays and Thursdays, running via 
New Rome, Bismark and Moltke. The third is 
from Now Ulm to Brownton, crossing the county 
^^a Cornish and Transit; two trips each way are 
made weekly. 

Previous to 1881 the roads of the county had 
been in good condition for many years, but tlie 
high water in the spring did great damage, more 
especially in the valley, where the Minnesota 
overflowed lier banks to a depth of seventeen feet 
above low water mark, and three above any high 
water mark within the memory of the oldest pio- 
neers. This flood washed away a large portion of 
the roadway between Henderson and the railroad 
station, and spoiled portions of the valley road. 
It came too early to inflict damage to crops, but 
caused considerable loss to residents living in the 
lower portions of Henderson and a few along the 
valley. In the following October a second flood 
ten feet above low water mark caused a total loss 
of all bottom land hay and a portion of the com 
and potato crop. 

At the fall election of 1880 the county polled 
2,017 votes, giving 431 republican plurality. 
The county contains 320.634 acres of land, at an 
average value of ^7.79 per acre, or 82,499,151 real 
estate valuation; ii?738,7]9 represents the value of 
personal j}eoj)erfy. The total t«.\ for 1880 was 



10 79-100 mills, amounting to 8:44,,585.81, most 
of which was j)romptly piiid. The census for the 
same year returned 10,731 as the population of 
the country. 



CHAPTER LTX. 



j VILLAGE OF HENDERSON PLAT RECORDED— SCHOOLS 

CHDBCHBS BIOaB&PHIES. 

Early events in the history of the borough of 
Henderson are largely identical with those of the 
county, esiJecially as in the matt<?r of settlers, of- 
ficials, schools, religious meetings, etc., and to en- 
ter into details is but to duplicate what has hereto- 
fore been given in the county article. Its location 
is on the western bank of the Minnesota river, in 
the north-eastern jjortion of the township, from 
which it derives its name, upon a grassy jjlateau 
which slightly elevates as it recedes to the high 
bluffs in the rear, thus affording unsuqjassed 
drainage. The first official document found upon 
record in regard to the formation of the \illage is 
as follows : 

HENDERSON. 
Recorded June 3, 18.55. 

Joseph R. Bkown, 
Register of Deeds, Sibley County. 

"The town council of the town of Henderson, in 
the county of Sibley and territory of Minnesota, 
at a session of said town council held this day, did 
accept the within plat as surveyed and platted by 
D. C. Smith, by order of the town council, as pro- 
vided by the act of the legislature of Minnesota to 
incorporate the town of Hendersou, and for village 
or town purposes, the park, and all streets and al- 
leys in said town of Henderson. 
In \vitne8s thereof we have hereunto set our hands 

and aflixed the seal of the town of Henderson, 

this 2d day of June, in the year of our Lord, 

1855. JOSEPH R. BROWN, 

President of the town council of Henderson. 

Atte.-it: C. H. Drew. 

Acknowledged before Thomas Riissel, clerk of 
the district court, June 3, 1855." 

The territory included within this plat was the 
south-west quarter of section 1, and the north-west 
quarter of section number 12. The town site was 
re-surveyed in 1874 by Adam Buck, and recorded 
July 28 of the same year. Various changes were 
made and incorporations granted by the legisla- 
tures of 1858, '62,'66,'67,'C8, '72, and the borough 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



415 



incorporated in 1875, the act reading as follows: 
"That all the district of country known and de- 
scribed as lots 1 and 2, of section number 1, lot 4, 
and the south half of the north-west quarter of sec- 
tion number 12, lot number 4, and the south-east 
quarter of the south-east quarter, and the west 
half of the south-east quarter of section number 2, 
and the east half of the north-east quarter, and the 
east half of the west half of the north-east quarter 
of section number 11, all the foregoing described 
land being in town number 112 north, of range 
number 26 west, shall be and the same is, hereby 
created a borough town by the name of Hender- 
son." The same act also provides privileges gen- 
erally enjoyed by borough towns. The streets 
are laid out at riglit angles with the river, and run 
20 ■^ south of west and north of east. 

Passing over the early schools to 1878, we find the 
town possessed of a two-story, new brick building, 
with all modern improvements. It is located upon 
an elevation fully fifty feet above and in the rear 
of the borough. The school is graded, having 
four departments, primary, intermediate, grammar 
and high school, all being under the charge of 
Prof. E. T. Fitch. In 1881 the enrollment was as 
follows : Primary, in charge of Miss Eleanor Kelly 
— fifty ; intermediate, Miss Mary Stegmier — forty - 
one; grammar, Mrs. Anna Fitch — thirty-eight; 
the high school, under the present supervision of 
Prof. Fitch — forty-four. Aside from a systematic 
course of study, rhetorical exercises are made ob- 
ligatory, and reckon in the scholar's standing. 
There are nine months of school each year. The 
firs^ class of the school graduates in 1882 with six 
members. 

Passing the date of county history in religious 
matters, we find in 1881 five church organizations 
and four church edifices. The St. Judes Episco- 
pal parish, organized in 1859 under guidance of 
Kev. Markus Olds. Services were held in the 
German M. E. church until 1872, a new house of 
their own, costing .11,500, being built in that year 
and furnished, including carpeting, by the Ladies' 
Sewing Society, at a cost of $315 more. There are 
twelve families now connected. 

The German Methodist E. church, organized in 
1866, with seven families connected. A small 
church was built the following season, and in 1875 
a neiv and more commodious structure was erected. 
It is now in charge of Rev. Mr. Wellemeyer, and 
has eight families connected. 

In 1866 a society was formed styled the German 



Evangelical Association, with thirty families. 
A church was erected the following year, and 
Rev. F. Fachtman took charge. There is now a 
membership of sixty persons. 

An American Methodist Episcopal church so- 
ciety was formed at an early date, services at first 
having been held jointly with the German M. E. 
society, and later at the German Evangelical 
church. No local pastor. 

The Catholics organized in 1859 or '60 with 
forty families. Under the guidance of Gebhard 
Durrenberger a large frame church was built on 
the brow of the bluff adjoining the city, in which 
the first services were conducted by Father Som- 
ereisen, of Mankato. The first local priest was 
Rev. Theodore Venn. Rev. A. Stecher is now in 
charge, and has eighty families connected. In 
1874 through the exertions of the present priest a 
two-story parochial school-house was erected, and 
placed in charge of the sisters of Notre Dame. 
There is an attendance of eighty scholars. Dur- 
ing several years past a parochial school was also 
conducted by the German Evangehcal Association, 
but discontinued in 1881. 

From the establishment of the post-office, with 
Charles Blair as postmaster, in 1853, various ap- 
pointments were made. In 1874 the present in- 
cumbent, S. W. Bennett, was appointed. 

Charles Blair, the first postmaster, used a 
pocket handkerchief for a mail-bag, and it is a 
source of much merriment for the old settlers to 
tell how he would go to the steamboats, which ar- 
rived several timas during the season, and after 
receiving the mail, hunt through the handkerchief 
in response to the anxious inquiries for "letters" 
by the little knot of settlers who gathered at the 
wharf. 

At a very early day, some timeprevious to 1860 
the cemetery was set apart for burial purposes, but 
no society was organized until 1872. During that 
year the Brown Cemetery Association was incor- 
porated, receiving its name in memory to Joseph 
R. Brown, who reserved and donated the beautiful 
site. It is located just back of the borough upon 
a wedged shaped elevation of the bluif, with a 
rounding surface, sprinkled with fine shade trees. 
There is also a Catholic cemetery, laid out several 
years ago, located just above the village. 

Three secret societies are in flourishing condi- 
tion: Henderson Lodge, No. 13, A. F. and A. M. 
received a dispensation October 27, 1857, and a 
charter soon after, having ten charter members. 



41(i 



IIlSTOUr OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



The j)resfiit Dllicers are: J. P. Kirby, W. M. ; 
Henry Hiiliiug. S. W.; William' Dretchko, J. W.; 
0. Kliiikert, trenerurer; A. ZinimermuD, secretary. 

Tho Knights of PythiaH organized July (1,1881, 
with twenty-four ehartor members, and tho follow- 
ing oflicers, who still hold: A. F. Poehler, P. C; 
G. E. Emery, C. C. ; Charles Bisson, V. C. ; W. 
Dodge, P. ; Cam. Bisson, K. K. and S. ; Charles 
CominicU, M. of E.; William Sheridan, M. of F. 

Armiuius Bona of Hermann organized in March, 
1880, with twenty-one charter members, now has 
the following officers: A.Shiimacker, president; E. 
A. Kiene,, vice-president; 0. Bonne, secretary; H. 
A. Singer, financial secretary; C. Cominick, treas- 
urer. In 1878 or '79 an inelToetual attempt was 
made to orj^anize a temperance lodge. 

A fire company was organized in 1878 with 
twenty-four charter members. It is divided into 
three departments: Engine Company No. 1, C. 
Bisson. foreman; Hose Company No. 1, William 
Dretchko, first assistant, and Hook and Ladder 
Company No. 1, Tohn Kip]), secimd assistant. 
They have 500 feet of hose, and three two hun- 
dred barrel cisterns, located at convenient points 
to the business center of the town. 

The Pliilanthropic i^lub was organized in De- 
cember, 1870, with seventy-one charter membei-s, 
and capital stock of .Sl,500 divided into .300 shares 
of $5 each, all of which had been subscribed at the 
date of organization. The object of the club was 
to rent suitable (juarters and tit them up for a 
place of amusement for young and old, where 
cards, billiards, pool, and other amusements could 
be indulged in, without liquor. This idea was at 
once carried into effect, and a stock of confection- 
ery, cigars, and temperance drinks added, the whole 
being placed in charge of Camille Bisson. In ad- 
dition to the store and amusement room, the club 
also has a large dancing hall, where select parties 
are given. Thus far the enterprise has proved 
self-sustaining. 

In matter of public enterprise Henderson keeps 
up with the times. Her main street is lighted by 
eight lamps, two posts set to every block, her 
streets are evenly graded and sidewalks as level as 
the slope will permit. Most of the leading com- 
mercial houses were opened ut a very early date. 

.Tosej)h K. Bro\m, who opened with a general 
stock of goods in 1852, was succeeded by Henry 
Poehler, in 1854, he having served for some time 
as clerk, A year or two later his brother August 
arrived and the firm of Poehler Brothers was 



formed. A general busine.ss was transacted in a 
two-story frame building near the river, until their 
trade had grown to such proportions that they 
found it necessary to erect the large double brick 
store which they now occupy, liaving extended 
their Imsiness to the handling of hardware, agri- 
cultural machinery and grain. In 1870 tlie firm 
built a large warehouse, which has a storage capa- 
city for .3.5,000 bushels of grain. Eleven men find 
C(mstant employment with the fii-m. 

L. Wolf succeeded Lungen & Molletore in 1857, 
the firm having established a general merchandise 
business the year previous. He now occupies a 
large brick store and employs four clerks. 

James O'Meara, general merchandise and insur- 
ance agent, began business in 1874 with a mod- 
erate capital. In 1878 he added to bis mercan- 
tile business, insurance, and has built up a large 
business, giving constant employment to ten 
persons. 

Charles JKeller opened a general merchandise 
store in 1870. He now runs in connection with 
his store a lime house, and makes a sjiecialty of 
country produce. He employs five hands. 

J. Miutkiewitz ojiened a general store in 1875, 
and has built up a large business. 

P. Hanson began a general business in 1874, 
and has a large trade. 

J. Franken field established a hardware store in 
1857 and continued until 1879, doing a large bus- 
iness. He sold in that year to his brother, J. S., 
who still continues, having added agricultural 
machinery to his other business. 

Sibl>y County iiank was established January 1, 
1875, by Thomas Welch and Henry Poehler. In 
1877 Mr. Poehler retired, since which Mr. Welch 
has continued alone. The bank has more than 
doubled its business in the past two years. Be- 
sides bauking Mr. Welch also does a general real 
estate business and is agent for a number of ocean 
steamship hues. 

The "Independent," a weekly paper was started 
in 1872 by Daniel Pickit. It is a nine column 
(juarto sheet, and as its name indicates is free from 
party lines politically. It is the official paper of 
the county, In connection with it is also a job 
printing office. 

There are two drug stores, the first started in 
1872 by W. H. Sigler is now in the hands of 
Charles F. Surges. In 1878 the second store was 
ojiened by E. Bolink, who carries in addition to 
general drugs a stock of paints and stationery. 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



417 



Three furniture stores were started by the follow- 
ing: Henry Kunke, in 1880; 0. Stucke, 1875, 
and Louis Sinceyr commenced a second time in 
1880, having had a store several years previous. 
•The boot and shoe business is represented by : 
Henry Goebel, who first began repairing in 1853; 
B. Wentker opened a stock in 1877, and J. B. Prud- 
homme in 1878, all doing an exclusive boot and 
shoe business. 

Harness and trunks are handled by L. Roth- 
mond, established in 1860. Julius Semorow 
opened in 1871, and Mrs. C. Meder, who succeeds 
her husliand, started in 1862, all employing from 
one to three hands in manufacturing. 

Aside . from the general stores, groceries are 
handled by P. Tiemy, began in 1880, and Mrs. A. 
Weis in 1876, who also makes a specialty of con- 
fectionery. Two meat-markets are kept busy; C. 
Tidra began in 1881, and W. M. Nipjioldt, who in 
1881 succeeded J. Wily. Two milHnery and fancy 
goods stores, conducted by Mrs. N. C. James, 
started in 1872, and Mrs. C. Stucke, started three 
years later. There are saloons as follows : John 
Schrieber started in 1879, L. Oberst in 1879, Louis 
Kill in 1873, Charles Groshong in 1881, August 
Stucke in 1877, and A. Schumacher in 1878, in 
the majority of which are billiard and pool tables. 
There is a small barber-shop, kept by T. Schauer; 
a blacksmith and repair shop, by A. Hedtke; 
wagon shop, by S. Heberle, and stationery and 
books, by Miss Nan Bennett. Miss Bennett also 
has a circulating library. 

There are three hotels. The first was estab- 
lished in 1854 or '5 by a Mr. Lester; is now the 
Union House, Benjamin EusseU, proprietor. It 
contains twenty six rooms, including a sample- 
room for the accommodation of traveling men. 
The Minnesota House, established in 1863, has 
since been remodeled, and is now called the Mer- 
chants, in charge of F. J. Altnow & Co. It con- 
tains thirty-two rooms. The McClellan House 
was started in 1865, by C. Hemberle, who was suc- 
ceeded a few years later by O. H. Steinke. There 
is a bar attached. 

The manufacturing industries have received at- 
tention. There is a large flour-miU, built by B. 
F. Paul in 1876, at a cost of 128,000, which had 
six run of stone, and a capacity of 150 barrels of 
flour per day. In 1881 it was converted into a 
roUer mill at an additional cost of $10,000, and 
the capacity increased to 200 barrels per day. It 
is run by a 100 horse-power engine. Two eleva- 

27 



tors are conducted, one with a capacity of 40,000 
bushels, the other 9,000. A feed-mill with one 
run of stone was built in 1877 by H. Jogerson, 
who also runs furniture manufacturing on a small 
scale. A ten horse-power engine runs the ma- 
chinery. A saw-mUl was built in 1861 hy Joseph 
Herman, which is now in the hands of his heirs. 
It has a capacity of 8,000 feet of lumber per day. 

The Henderson brewery was built in 1879, by 
Christian Enes. It was a brick structure with a 
capacity of 6,000 barrels per year. 

The Henderson broom factory began business 
in 1879, and produces annually 1,500 dozen 
brooms. 

In 1875 Charles Bisson established the Hender- 
son machine shops, erecting a substantial two 
story frame stractui-e. 

The pork packing house, rim by Herman Mol- 
lering, handles 8,000 pounds per year. 

The Ijeer keg manufactory and cooper shoji of 
F. Schafer was established in 1867, and has been 
operated by him since. 

The lumber yard established in 1859, by H. 
Poehler & Co., was purchased by Feldman Broth- 
ers, in 1879, since which they have carried on the 
business. 

There is one brick yard, owned by Herman 
Matthei, which produces upwards of 1,000,000 
brick jjer year. The brick are of a dark red color 
and very durable. 

For the past eleven years, Frank Conrad has 
made a specialty of merchant tailoring, keeping a 
shop at his residence. 

The American express company has an office, 
in charge of Frank Douglas. A Uvery, bus and 
freight office is run by E. B. Haney. 

In the professions are three attorneys. Kipp 
Brothers, S. and C, began practice in 1868, Mr. 
O. Kipp being alone at that time. In 1874 he was 
joined by his brother. The firm make a specialty 
of real estate, insurance and loaning money. In 
1880, G. D. Emery began the practice of law, also 
combining insurance and real estate with his 
practice. There are three physicians. Dr. H. J. 
Seigneuret, began practice in 1854 in Jessenland, 
removed to Henderson in 1868, where he has con- 
tinued practice. Dr, M. E. Wilcox has practiced 
in Henderson since 1857, having also held the 
position of clerk of courts for many years. In 
the spring of 1881 Dr. William Dodge opened an 
office. 

Lieutenant John S. Allanson, son of J. S. 



418 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



AUiuiRou, one of the first griuluiites of West Point 
in 1813, w!iH born in FiirininKton, Matianchwsetta. 
He was ediieiit«>il at CiimWridgp and afttTwardH Ite- 
came tutor of mathcmaticM and dra»-iug in Boston. 
For several years ho was employed by the govern- 
ment in surveying and engineering. Was an offi- 
oer in tlie navy about three years, and then Ijecame 
lieutenant in the Second Matwiichnsetts heavy ar- 
tillery, also served, with the same rank, in the First 
New York engineers. After being mustered out in 
June, 18t;.">, he Iwi-ame assistant engineer for the 
Union Pacific railroad company. From April,1867, 
until November, 1870, he was first heutcnant of 
the Twelfth United States infantry. He resigned 
and entered a piece of land near Brown's Valley ; 
then, after passing one year in Georgia, he located 
in Henderson. Since living here, Mr. .\llanson 
has served one term as county surveyor. Married 
in Deceml>er, 1869, Ellen Brown. Their children 
are George G., Henry G. and Mary E. 

F. J. Altnow was bom April 28, 1851, in Ger- 
many. The family came to the United States 
when he was a child and located at Dryden, Sibley 
county; he lived on a farm until twenty-seven 
years of age, then traveled three years selling 
agricultural implements. In December. 1880. he 
opened the ^Merchants Hotel in company with 
Charles Uecker, who was bom January, 1860. at 
Faribault, and in 1877 came to Henderson; since 
April, 1881, Mr. Altnow has been sole proprietor, 
v,-\\\\ H. .T. .\ltnow, his brother, as manager. 

S. W. Bennett was bom in 1842 in New York. 
In 1865 he went to St. Paul and taught school five 
years; removed to Henderson in the autumn of 
1870 and after teaching two years, was elected 
county superintendent which position he filled 
until the fall of 1879: since January. 1875 he has 
been postmaster. Mr. Bennett enlisted in 1864, in 
the Fifth Wisconsin and served one year. 

Camille Bisson was bom in 1856, on the island 
of Jersey. He accompanied the family to America 
in 1858 and lived in .Tessenland, Sibley county 
until 1865. when they returned to Eurojje, but in 
1876 he came again to the United Stat«s and settled 
in Henderson, where he has since resided. Mr. 
Bisson is a machinist by trade. 

H. Bisson, a native of France, was bora in 1841, 
in Paris. In 1856 he immigrated to Henderson, 
and for thirteen years was stejunlxjat engineer on 
the river. During the Sioux war he served under 
General Sibley. In 1869 he went back to the old 



ootintry, but returned seven years later and has 
since l)een engineer in the Eclipse mill. 

A. F. Biasing was bom in 1838, and learned the 
tailors' trade which he folli>wed three years in 
Germany, his birth place. In 1855 he came to 
America, pre-empted 160 acres of land in Hender- 
son, and for two years worked at farming. Since 
1865 he has been in liusiness for himself at his 
jjresent location. Mr. Biasing was married in 1865, 
to Frances Goebel. Seven of their eight children 
are lining. 

E. BoUnk. a native of Holland, was bom in 1845 
and since 1872 has been a resident of the United 
States. After one year passed in St. Paul, he 
came, in 1873, to Henderson, and until 1879 was 
employed as clerk in a drug store: since that time 
he has been engaged in the drug business for 
himself. 

Patrick Bray, a native of Ireland, was bom in 
1830, and in 1847 came to America; he located 
in Binghamton, New York; migrated to Faxon, 
Sibley county, and worked at farming until 1862, 
at which time he went to Montana, where he en- 
gaged in mining and dealing in cattle. Returned 
to Faxon in 1867 and since March, 1869, has been 
sheriff of the county. 

Adam Buck was bom October 12, 1830, in Ger- 
many ; after lea\'ing common school he attended 
college two years and graduated. He followed 
painting five years and then served three years in 
the German army. In 1851 he came to Minnesota 
and after ])ainting one year in St. Paul he pre- 
empted 160 acres of land in Sililey county, and 
farmed five years. He was elected to the state 
legislahire in 1861. and in 1862 assisted in organ- 
izing a com])any to put down the Indian outbreak; 
he afterward resigned his position as first lieuten- 
ant, and coming to Hendeison. opened a drug 
store. In August. 1864. he raised Company A. of 
the 11th Minnesota, and served through the re- 
mainder of the war as their captain. Returned to 
Henderson and opened a hotel which he ran two 
years. In 1865 he was elected to the senate: in 
1868 was chosen as a member of the house, and 
was re-elected in 1870; during this time he was 
also cvn\ engineer and county siirveyor. which po- 
sition he held until 1879. Married in 1854 to 
Eliza Koehler, who has borne him eight children; 
five are li^-ing. 

Charles F. Burger was bom in 1846 in Baden, 
(Germany. He attended common sch<.x>l and then 
entered college, from which he graduated with 



SIBLET COUNTY. 



419 



honor. After clerking for some time he spent over 
four years in the study of pharmacy, and then 
clerked in a drug store six years. Came to Amer- 
ica in 1876 and was in the drug business at Mil- 
waukee until 1880; passed a short time in St. 
Paul, and since March, 1881, has had charge of 
Sigler's drug store, at Henderson. Married in 
1881 Amelia Knaus. 

Jesse Cameraud was born August 17, 1824. He 
attended school, worked at farming and the car- 
penter's trade in Canada, his native country, until 
1846 when he moved to Saratoga Springs, and 
eighteen months later to Providence, Khode Is- 
land; subsequently he was for a short time in New 
York, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Dubuque and 
Chicago. In 1851 he migrated to St. Paul, and 
in May of the following year came to Henderson; 
he pre-empted 160 acres of land. He is the old- 
est settler in Sibley county. Mr. Cameraud mar- 
ried in 1858 Hannah Gabriel. Of their five chil- 
dren three are liviug. 

Christ. Didra, a native of Germany, was bom 
August 3, 1827; he learned the trade of clock- 
maker at which he worked imtil twenty-one years 
of age. In 18.54 he came to America: lived at 
Dubuque one year, then came to Henderson and 
claimed 160 acres of land which he afterward sold 
and engaged in the butcher's business. He en- 
listed in Company H, First Minnesota artUlery, 
and ia 1865 was mustered out as first heutenant. 
Ketumed and continued the butcher trade until 
1871. He has served as postmaster, county audi- 
tor four years, and United States collector the same 
length of time. March 21, 1860 he married EHza 
Buck. They have lost two children and have seven 
living. 

WiUiam Dodge, M. D., was bom April 24, 1857, 
in Grant county, Wisconsin. In 1877 he entered 
Rush Medical College, Chicago, and the year fol- 
lowing graduated at Keokuk, Iowa, after which he 
practiced in his profession three years at St. James. 
Minnesota; m March, 1881, he located in Hender- 
son with a view of making this his permanent 
home. He was united in marriage in 1877 with 
Eosa A., daughter of Bichard J. Simpson, of York- 
shire, England. They have two children, Wil- 
liam and Laura J. Dr. Dodge is a member of a 
family whose father, grandfather and great grand- 
father were eminent phj-sicians ; his father gradu- 
ated at Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, 
and was one of the early settlers of Grant county, 
Wisconsin. 



William Dretchko was bom November 2, 1849, 
in Prussia, and when young came with his parents 
to Henderson. He attended school and worked 
at farming; during the Indian outbreak he had 
charge of cattle, and then for twelve years was 
employed on the plains herding. Afterward he 
learned the tinsmith's trade, which he followed 
three years; also went up the Red River surveying 
with Adam Buck, and for a number of years sold 
farm machinery. In 1879 he began the tin and 
hardware business at Henderson. He served one 
year as marshal and was afterward under Mr. 
Frankeufleld as United States custom inspector. 
Married in 1873 Louisa Korth. They have two 
hving children. His father, Andrew Dretchko, 
enlisted in 1861 and was killed in 1863 at the bat- 
tle of Mill Spring. 

G. D. Emery, bom at Northfield, Minnesota, 
December 26, 1855, was the first white child bom 
in Rice county. September, 1869, he entered the 
Shattuek Military Institute at Faribault, but ill- 
health compelled him to discontinue his studies in 
February, 1873; the following May he went to 
Minneapolis, and for nine months worked in a 
grocery store. From the spring of 1874 until 
1876 he read law at Northfield, and in September, 
1877, was admitted to the bar at Le Sueur Centre; 
he was county attorney of Le Sueur county from 
1879 until 1881, when he opened his law-office at 
Henderson. His father came from New Y'ork to 
Northfield in 1855. 

Christian Enes was born in 1855, and lived in 
Milwaukee, his native city, until 1879, at which 
date he came to Henderson and erected the Mil- 
waukee brewery, which has a capacity of twenty- 
five barrels per day. Mr. Enes' father was in the 
brewing business at Milwaukee twenty-seven 
years. 

D. Feldmann, a native of Missouri, was bom 
December 17, 1850, in Benton county. In 1861 
he moved with his parents to Sibley county, Minn., 
and was employed in farming six years; iifterwaid 
came to Henderson and learned the wagon-maker's 
trade, at which he worked until 1879, and since 
that date has been in the lumber business ; the 
firm name is Fekknann Brothers. Mr. Feld- 
mann's marriage occurred .Tune 10, 1877, with 
Jliss E. Mader. They have two children. 

Patrick Flinn was bom in 1815, the 17th of 
March. After leaving school he spent seven years 
learning carriage-making, and then continued 
working at the trade five years in Ireland, his na- 



420 



HISTORY OF TIIM .IffNNJSSOTA VALLEY. 



tive country; also followed that buBiuess in Lon- 
don for five years. In 1810 ho onnie to America, 
but Khortly after returned U> Ireland, and at the 
expiration of one year ininii{,'ratod to Wisconsin, 
where he took 160 acres of laud; after farming 
there seven years he cnme to Minnesota and took 
a farm in Sibley county : for the past teu years lie 
has not lieeu actively engaf;ed in business. In 
1851 he married, but in 1870 his wife died; Miss 
Kehoe became his second wife. He is the father 
of twelve children, of whom nine are living. 

B. Frank, born August 6, 1830, is a native of 
Prussia. In July, 1867, he eaine to the United 
States, and lived at St. Peter until tlic autumn of 
the year following, when he removed to Hender- 
son. While living in the old country he leanied 
blacksmithing, and has continued in that business 
since coming to America; in 1871 he erected the 
shop where he now carries on his trade. 

John Gerken was Tioru November 11, 1842, in 
Gtermany. Immigrated to St. LouLs with his par- 
ents in 1848, and one year later removed to Ben- 
ton county, Missouri. Left school at the age of 
fourteen and learned wagon-making, at which he 
worked there until 18.59, and afterward in Sililey 
county, this state. In 1862 he enlisted in Com- 
pany H, Seventh Minnesota; after serving three 
years was honorably discharged and returned to 
Henderson. He worked at his trade in St. Paul 
three years, and one year in St. Cloud. In 1873 
he was elected mayor of Henderson, and filled 
that office five years; also served four years as 
coimty treasurer; since 1880 he has been book- 
keeper tor O'Meara & Whitford. Married in 1867 
Ernestine Griesbach. Louis, William, Clara and 
Ida are their children. Albert, born November 21, 
1868, died May 16, 1870. 

Otto (loebel, son of Henry Goebel, was bom in 
1844 in Germany, and when a child accompanied 
his parents to the United States. They located m 
Chicago in 1854, and in the fall of the year fol- 
lowing removed to Henderson; he was in the .shoe- 
making business with his father the greater part 
of the time until 1870, then was employed in dif- 
ferent boot and shoe manufactories of St. Paul, 
Minnea])olis, Chicago and St. Louis; in 1878 he 
returned to Henderson and entered business with 
his father. 

Charles Groshoug, t)orn in 1851, is a native of 
Illinois, but while a child came witli his parents to 
Minnesota and located at Sand Creek, Scott 
county. In 1866 he removed to Dryden, Sibley 



county, and engaged in farming until the fall of 
1880, when he opened a saloon in Henderson. 

E. B. Haney, a native of New Brunswick, was 
boni November 8, 1841, at St. .Tohns. In Octo- 
ber, 1856, he came to Henderson, and was freight- 
ing on the plains in the employ of the government 
until 1867; from tliat date until 1870 he followed 
tliat business on the Missouri and Red rivers; in 
1872 he began in tlic livery and freight btisiness 
at Henderson; since February, 1874, he has been 
an agent for the American Express Company. 
Mr. Haney participated in the expeditions against 
the Indians with (xenerals Sibley and Sully. 

Charles S. Harris was l)orn February 1, 1857, in 
Iowa. When but two years of age he went witli 
his parents to Kansas, where his father took a 
farm, and he attended school until sixteen years 
old. He returned to Iowa and learned the busi- 
ness of an engineer; after buying wheat for the 
Minneapolis millers about one and one-half years, 
he had charge of an elevator at Sioux City four 
months; since that time he has superintended the 
elevator at Henderson for the St. Paid & Sioux 
City railroad company. In 1880 Lydia Dell be- 
came the wife of Mr. Harris. 

Stanislaus Heberle is a native of Germany, 
where he was bom November 11, 1826, and since 
June, 1851, he has been a resident of the United 
States. After living in New York about six 
months he removed to Goshen, Indiana, and four 
years later came to Henderson; he took a home- 
stead on section 6, which he still owns, but since 
1865 has been a resident of the city of Hender8f)n, 
engaged at wagon-making. While living on his 
farm a tornado unroofed his house. 

August Hedtke was born in 1847, and leanied 
blacksmithing ui Prussia, his native land. In 
1860 he came to America and lived at Dahlgren, 
Carver county, Minnesota, until removing to Ar- 
lington, Sibley county, in 1872; since April. 1876, 
he has been a resident of Henderson. Mr. Hedtke 
has worked at the trade of blacksmith since he has 
hved in this country. 

Charles Hemberle, deceased, was bom in 1830, 
in Baden, Germany, and in 1853 emigrated to 
America. Until 1868 he lived in ln<liana: at that 
time ho came to Henderson and built the McClel- 
lan House, which in 1872 was enlarged and refit- 
ted. He practiced as a veterinary surgeon both 
in the old country and since coming to the United 
States. In the summer of 1881 Mr. Hemberle 
was killed by the cars in St. Paul. 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



421 



John H. Henneberg was born December 29, 
1804, and lor twenty-four years worked in Ger- 
many, bis birthplace, in the hardware business. 
In 1842 he immigrated to Missouri, where he 
worked ten years at blacksmithing. tlien removed 
to St. Paul and pre-empted a farm; three years 
later he came to Henderson ; for a number of years 
he was in the real estate business here, then went 
to Montana and farmed three years, but returned 
to his home in Henderson. Mr. Henneberg was 
elected county treasurer in 1856 and served four 
years. His first wife died in 1867, and be married 
Albertina Knies. They have one child living. 

Budolf Herrmann was born March 17, 1851, in 
Baden, Germany. His father, Joseph Herrmann, 
came to the United States in 1854, and in 1858 
the family came; they located in Henderson, and 
the father built a saw-mill, which he operated 
until his death in 1874; since then the son has 
run it, and in 1876 added furniture manufactur- 
ing, but discontinued it one year later. 

H. Jorgenson, a native of Denmark, was born in 
1841. Upon coming to this country they located 
at Neenah, Wisconsin, but in 1869 removed to 
Henderson. In 1877 he built a feed-mill, which 
contains one run of stone and one corn-sheller; 
also has machinery for manufacturing furniture. 
The greater part of the time since coming to 
America Mr. Jorgenson has been in the furniture 
business. 

Charles Keller was born in 1834 in Germany, 
and in 1854 emigrated to the United States. He 
lived in St. Paul, where he was employed as clerk 
in a store until 1859, at which date he came to 
Henderson, and for three years kept boarding- 
bouse. In 1862 he opened a general store, and in 
connection with this business is engaged in buying 
and selling wheat. 

Michael Kelly, born in 1840, is a native of Ire- 
land. He came to America in 1852, and lived at 
Bennington, Vermont, imtil removing to St. Paul 
in 1864; he then worked ten years as traveling 
salesman. In 1874 he went to Blakely, and after 
being employed by the railroad company about 
four years he came to Henderson, where he is in 
the hotel and livery business; is the proprietor of 
the Kelly House. 

E. A. Kiene was born February 20, 1836, in 
Germany. After leaving school he was in the 
hotel business five years, and then came to Amer- 
ica; he passed a short time in New Orleans, in 
Texas and in Cairo, Illinois; afterward went to i 



Missouri and learned the wheelwright's trade, at 
which he worked two years. In 1860 he enlisted 
in the Fourth Missouri, and afterward served one 
year as orderly sergeant in the independent reserve 
corps. After working one year at St. Louis he 
went to St. Paul and thence to Osseo; since 1869 
he has worked at his trade in Henderson. He has 
held town offices for a number of years: justice of 
the peace, alderman, town treasurer and a member 
of the school board. Married in 18G4, Miss M. 
Behning. They have nine living children. 

Louis Kill was bom August 22, 1822, in Ger- 
many. In 1852 he came to America; after trav- 
eling through Wisconsin and Illinois he went to 
Oregon and California; lived sixteen years in the 
latter state engaged in mining; also made a trip 
to Europe, lasting about six months; since 1870 
he has been in Hender.son, where he has a saloon 
and billiard hall. In 1874 he was united in mar- 
riage with Emma Hanft, who has borne him two 
children. 

Sylvester Kipp was bom in 1845 at Bovina, 
New York. In 1868 he removed to Froutenac, Min- 
nesota, where he taught school one term, and in 
December of the same year came to Henderson. 
Mr. Kipp graduated in 1863 from the Delaware 
Academy at Delhi, New York, and in 1868 was ad- 
mitted to the bar at Binghamton, New York. 

Orin Kipp, attorney at law, is a native of New 
York, born in 1848 at Bovina, Delaware county. 
He graduated at the Deposit Academy, and in 
1868 was admitted to practice. 

J. P. Kirby was bom August 6, 1838, in Ire- 
land, but when a child he came to America with 
his parents. Lived in Pennsylvania until 1856, 
then made a claim in New Auburn, Sibley county, 
and lived there until the late rebellion; he enlisted 
in Company I, Third Minnesota; was commissioned 
second lieutenant and transferred to Company K; 
he served four years, being for a time in the In- 
dian war; at the battle of Wood Lake he received 
wounds from which he stiU suffers. Mr. Kirby 
returned to his farm and lived tmtil 1875, when he 
was elected judge of probate, which position he 
still holds. 

Friedi'ich Korth was born May 25, 1824, in 
Prussia, and in 1844 came with his parents to 
America. After staying a short time at Milwau- 
kee, Wisconsin, he removed to Watertown, where, 
July 6, 1847, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Mary Wiegand. In 1855 he came to Henderson. 
Mr. Korth was in the employ of the government 



422 



UIsrORT OP THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



in 1862 nt Fort Ridgolv, niul during the Indian 
troubles of that ycax was badly wounded; nftor 
his recovery he served a year longer and then be- 
came j)ro|)rietor of the Minnesota House, of this 
place, and continued in the' hotel business eight 
years. He has since been engaged as agent for the 
Sprague churn. Mr. and Mrs. Korth have eleven 
children. 

A. A. Lawson, a native of New York, was born 
in tlie year 1849, at Massena. In 1869J he came 
to Minnesota; lived three months at Dundas, eight 
montlis at Oxford, and theu_mad(> Kasota his home 
for about four years; after living in St. Peter one 
year he removed in 1877 to Henderson and com- 
menced work in the Eclipse miU where he ha-s, since 
December, 1878, occupied the position of head 
miller. 

H. C. Leonard, M. D., was bom in the year 1849 
in North Carolina. In 1860 came to Minnesota 
and hved at Sumner, Fillmore county : entered the 
State University at Minneapolis in 1869, and in 
1875 he graduated; then studied medicine at the 
Hahnemann College, Philadelphia, where he grad- 
uated m March, 1878; commenced i)ractice at St. 
Paul in July of the same year, but in November 
removed to Henderson. Dr. Leonard was the first 
homeopathic physician in the place. 

B. G. Lesher was bom in Daii])hin, Pennsylvania, 
in 1828. He came to Henderson in 18.54 and ke])t 
the Valley Hotel for the next two years. He then 
ran a ferry between Henderson and East Hender- 
son. In 1857 started a ferry between Henderson 
and Le Sueur, which he ran five years, then rented 
it; the ferry was run under Mr. Lesher's charter 
for five years after he rented it. He then went to 
Tennessee and to Kansas; returned in 1864, and 
has since been engaged in contracting and build- 
ing. Mr. Lesher was a member of the first board 
of commissioners for Sibley county. 

Fred Manuel was bom in Lower Canada, De- 
cember 21. 1846. Came to Henderson in 1856, 
and lived on a fann. In 1862 enlisted in Tenth 
Minnesota infantry and served three years. In 
1866 went to Montana and engaged in mining 
until 1878 when he retiu'ncd to Henderson and has 
since resided there. His business is dealing in 
real estate and loaning money. 

Hemian Matthei, a native of Pmssia, was bom 
November 22, 1833. In 1856 he came to Wiscon- 
sin and two years later made a trip to Pike's Peak. 
Visited various cities, and while coming north from 
New Orleans was detained for a time as a prisoner 



by the rebels. He came to Henderson in 1863; 
was foreman of a brickyard at Minneapolis and 
then started a brickyard at Henderson. Married 
in 1867 Miss Hoskorden, and has four children 
living. 

William Maurer was born in Germany in 1824. 
Served three years at the blacksmith's trade and 
traveled for two years; served six years in the 
German arniy, during which he received several 
wounds. In 1855 came to Chicago and one year 
later to Henderson; made a claim of 160 acres in 
Dryden township. In 1858 went among the In- 
dians at Yellow Medicine, ami remained three 
years. In 1862 helped to raise a company for 
service against Indians, and later enhsted in the 
Seventh infantry. Company H. lieceived his dis- 
chai'ge in 1865 and for eleven years engaged in 
farming. He has held numerous town offices in 
Dryden; has been county commissioner, register 
of deeds, and is now clerk for the borough of Hen- 
derson. Married in 1856, Miss Wilhehnine who has 
bonie him five children, three of whom are living. 

Peter Mergens, a native of Germany, was bom 
in 1848; came to the United States in 1867 
and for two years lived in Chicago: made Madi- 
.son, Wisconsin, his home for two years, then came 
to Shakopee, Minnesota, where he worked at 
blacksmithing untU 1872. Was in Belle Plaine 
one year, then came to Henderson and has since 
carried on lilacksniith business. 

John Mintkiewitz was born in Prussia, May 1, 
1843. Attended school, and farmed six years; 
served in the German army three years; came to 
America in 1867 and to Hendersim the same year. 
In 1875 he engaged in general merchandising for 
himself and has since continued. Married in 
1867 Miss Protriky: of eight children six are 
living. 

Edward Moore was bom in Queen's county, 
Ireland in 1811. He learned weaving, serving 
seven years at tlie trade, l^esided in England 
fifteen years and came to America in 1843; was in 
the saloon business in Philadelphia for ten years. 
In 1858 came to Henderson and opened a grocery 
and saloon; he had previously ])re-emptcd eighty 
acres of land in Green Isle. In 1862 he lost a 
leg, a timlier falling on it. Mr. Moore married 
Mary Cocklin in 1832, by whom he had nine 
children, five of whom are li\-ing. She died in 
1867 and in 1868 he married Mary G'Toole. 

LawTence Oberst, a native of Germany, was 
bom in 1819 and since 1850 has been a resident 



SIB LET COUNTY. 



423 



of America; be lived in the states of New York, 
Michigan, and Wisconsin until 18.54 ; from that time 
to 1863 he was on his claim in Jessenland, 
Sibley county; has since resided in Henderson. 
He is proprietor of a saloon and also is engaged 
in buying cattle which he sells at the copper mines 
of Lake Superior. 

Daniel Pickit was born November 22, 1839 in 
St. Lawrence county, New York. He graduated 
from William college, Massachusetts with the class 
of 1863 and also from the Albany law school in 
the spring of 1865. The year following he was 
admitted to practice in Massachusetts; came to 
Henderson the same year, was admitted to the bar 
of this state and commenced practice here. He 
has served as county attorney of Sibley county 
several terms, also as county superintendent of 
schools; since January, 1877 he has been register 
of deeds, and is editor and proprietor of the Sibley 
county Independent, which was first issued in April, 
1873. Mr. Pickit has prepared and owns a full 
set of abstracts of which the county has free use. 

H. Kahing was born in 1846 in Germany where 
he attended school and for two years worked in a 
hotel. In 1864 he came to America and the same 
year enlisted in Company E, First Minnesota 
heavy artillery; at the close of the war he was 
honorably discharged. After farming a time he 
worked in a hotel four years and then in a store; 
since 1879 he has been in charge of Mr. Oberst's 
saloon. Miss Meyert became his wife in 1870. 
Four of the five children born to them are living. 

Hon. Henry Poehler was born in 1833, in Ger- 
many. In 1848 he accompanied an uncle to Bur- 
lington, Iowa, and worked on a farm four and one- 
half years. In May, 18.53 he migrated to St. 
Paul and the next year to Henderson; until April 
1855 he was employed as a clerk at a trading post, 
then commenced business in general merchandise. 
He first erected a frame building, then one of liriok, 
which he was afterwards compelled to enlarge, and 
is now having an increasing and prosperous trade. 
In 1857 he was chosen by McLeod and Sibley 
counties to the first state legislature; in 1856 
was elected from Sibley and Nicollet counties, and 
and in 1871 went to the state senate, and served 
two years; in 1875 he was re-elected and again 
served two years; the Second district of Minne- 
sota chose him in 1878, as a representative to the 
United States congress and he served until March, 
1881. Married in 1861 Miss Frankenfield, of 



Pennsylvania. They have had six children, five 
are living. 

Fidel Schafer was bora in 1835 and while living 
in his native land, Germany, learned the business 
of a cooper. In the year 1868 he emigrated to 
the United States and located at Henderson ; since 
coming to this country he has worked at his trade 
and now manufactures the barrels used at the 
Milwaukee brewery of this place. 

H. J. Seigneuret, M. D., was born at Fontaine- 
bleau, France, March 7, 1819, practicing physi- 
cian and surgeon at Henderson, Sibley county, 
Minnesota. Dr. H. J. Seigneuret has evidently 
had so far a very eventful life. Having begun his 
classic studies in a Catholic institution at his 
birth place, he went to Paris at the age of thirteen, 
and at the College Charlemagne completed his 
collegiate education, graduating at the age of sev- 
enteen for the collegiate course. He matriculated 
immediately for the five years course of medical 
lectures ot the Academy of Paris, passed success- 
fully the first grade at the age of twenty-two, re- 
ceived his diploma from the j^rofessors ot the Aca- 
demy ot Paris and University of France in 1841, 
the same countersigned by Professor Orfila, then 
dean of the faculty ot medicine of Paris. (This 
was subsequently confirmed in this country by the 
American University, of Philadelphia, who on Jan- 
uary 7, 1868, granted also to H. J. Seigneuret the 
diploma of M. D.) During his student life he got 
acquainted with ardent republicans, was a fellow 
of the secret society of Eights of Man, par- 
ticipated in two aborted republican insurrections 
against King Louis Philippe, and pushed by am- 
bitious aspirations to become a politician conclu- 
ded to set aside the practice ot medicine and ma- 
triculated at the school of law of Paris for the 
course of three years, and graduated at that school 
in March, 1846. In the same time he attended 
steadily all workingmen and 'popular meetings, 
public or secret, was often a speaker in these reun- 
ions, and was appointed professor of sociology of 
the Workingmen's Polytechnic Association, of 
Paris. 

In the revolution of February, 1848, he was 
with his republican friends in the barricades of the 
insurgents, and after the overthrow of Louis Phil- 
ippe he was a redactor of the daily newspaper, the 
"Commune," of Paris, in copartnership with Marc 
Caussidiere and Sobrier. On the i4th of May, 
1848, he suggested in an article of that paper that 



424 



BISTORT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



the political clubs or Paris ought to sign a petition 
to the natioiiiilj] assembly in favor of oppressseJ 
Poland, and that the presidents "of the various 
clubs meet at the place of La'Bastillc and start 
from'thero to present the petition. Ou the 15th of 
May, at the a])piiinted time and place, he found 
not only the presidents of clubs, but over 300,000 of 
the olubbist's crowd marching toward the assem- 
bly national, (ifty men front and about three miles 
long. Vainly the sober lea<ler tried to stop this 
ayalanche of enthusiastic men, they were singing 
the Marseillaise hymn and marching along like a 
torrent of burning lava coming from a volcano. 
They forced the guards, invaded the assembly, 
whose members losing control of their high char- 
acter and probably afraid of popular violence, ran 
away from their seats and seemed to abandon their 
offices to this exalted mass of men. One Hubert 
then pronounced the national assembly dissolved 
and adjourned the crowd to the Hotel de Ville for 
the formation of a provisionary government. The 
peoj)le went home mostly, the national guard ral- 
lied; they surrounded the Hotel de Ville and cap- 
tured there the new government with the doctor as 
one of the secretaries. The doctor escaped though 
by the collusion of Caussidiero, the prefect of po- 
lice in the charge of whom he was trusted. The 
doctor went direct to the Faubourg St. Denis, one 
of the /oct of red republicanism, and was elected 
brigadier of the national workshop ofLaChapelle 
St. Denis by the workingmen, and no police of- 
ficer dared to arrest him in this stronghold, though 
his name was called before the high court of 
Bourges imder the accusation of high treason. He 
stood there until the insurrection of June, 1848, 
■when he threw himself and all the men of his bri- 
gade into the barricades of the Faubourg St. 
Denis, and those of the Clos St. Lazarre 
where raged a furious fight for four days and five 
nights. At last being very nearly overpowered by 
the continually increasing assailant.'! and the un- 
repaired losses by death, wounds and desertions, 
the commanders of the barricades after a council 
of war broke their command and evacuated their 
fortified position on the night of the 27th of June. 
The troops entered the barricades on the 28th at 
noon, and captured only a few wounded who could 
not be removed before evacuation. The doctor 
succeeded in escaping from France and went on 
the Island of Jersey, one of the Channel Islands, 
wherein the month of April, 1849, he heard of his 
condemnation by the high political court to the 



penalty of deportation, aqueerFrencli pimishment 
by which a man during his natural life is consid- 
ered as really dead,]iis property distributed among 
his heirs, his marriage ties dissolved as liy death, 
and in fact acted upon as if he were a corpse, 
though chained in a dungeon if he could be 
caught. In Jersey the doctor resumed the prac- 
tice of medicine, and started also a printing office 
for revolutionary propaganda. He founded the 
"Jersey Press," a weekly jjaper, for the natives of 
the island, and wrote for them and published the 
history of that remarkable little republic since the 
time it was a college of l)ruid,s, whose Celtic monu- 
ments were by him discovered in (piite a numlier. 
The revolutionary committee, of which the doctor 
was president, started also a political French pa- 
per, the sentinel of the people, which was distribu- 
ted in Paris and in the western part of France, to 
the live republicans. This last publication con- 
tinued until the roup d'etat of Bonaparte, on De- 
cember 2. 1851, when it ended by a call to arms to 
resist the usurpation of Bonaparte. The commit- 
tee landed in France and were the bearers and dis- 
tributors of the call though their heads had a set 
price if they could be captured or shot. This call 
and risk proved a failure; the people ))aralyzedby 
the audacity of Bonaparte, remained quiet and ac- 
quiesced by vote to the doing of Bona- 
parte. This somnolence compelled the com- 
mittee to return in disgust to .Jersey, and the 
doctor after a couple of years more of waiting for 
a reveille, thought best to let the French people 
sleep as long as they would and went to the live 
coimtry of the United States, and landed at Hen- 
derson, Sibley county, Minnesota, on September 
21, 1854, where he continued the practice of medi- 
cine; he was at the organization of the county in 
November, 1854. 

In 1862, when the Sioux Indian outbreak took 
place in Minnesota, he was a])pointed brigade sur- 
geon of the expedition with General H. H. Sibley, 
and went through all that cam])aign until its close, 
by the capture of the Indians and the rescue of 
the white captives. After the engagament, and 
particularly after the battle of Wood Lake, the 
doctor received flattering praise from his genend 
on the field, re-echoed by genend order No. 10. of 
General Pope, commanding at headquarters. Out 
of the 400 male Indians, thirty-eight were 
selected by President Lincoln, from court martial 
records, for execution. Here is a literal copy of 
the certificate of the doctor, addressed to CJeueral 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



425 



Sibley, and by this last officer sent to President 
Lincoln : 

Indian Expedition Headquarters at Mankato, Min- 
nesota, Dec. 26, 1862. 

The undersigned this day witnessed the execu- 
tion by hanging of the above named Indians and 
half-breeds, and after due examination of the 
bodies certifies that they are severally dead. 
H. J. Seigneueet M. D., 
Brigade Surgeon, Indian Expedition. 
The doctor remai^ied with the command guard- 
ing the balance of the prisoners until May, 1863, 
at which time they were incarcerated in the United 
States prison at Davenport. He then resigned 
and received an honorable discharge. Two years 
after, in June, 1865, being offered a position in the 
medical service of the North-west frontier, he 
passed medical examination by the state military 
board of surgeons, and was enlisted in the Inde- 
pendent Battahon of Minnesota volunteer cav- 
alry, then garrisoning the various forts and stock- 
ades of the West, and at the time of his second 
discharge, June 27, 1866, he was probably the 
only surgeon in the volunteer service, having in 
his charge at that time all the frontier posts and 
hospital property from Fort Wadsworth, Dakota, 
to Sauk Centre stockade, Minnesota. Then the 
doctor returned to his home in Henderson, where 
he resumed his civil practice, though his health 
was consideral)ly impaired by exposure id visiting 
his posts during the winter of 1865-6. He is now 
sixty-three years old, considerably broken down 
in health by aggravation of his injuries in the ser- 
vice, and will be compelled by infirmities to give 
up country practice and attend only to office or city 
business. He has since been twelve years United 
States surgeon for soldiers' pensions; examining 
surgeon for most of the stock life insurance com- 
panies of the United States. He occupies the 
same office for various brotherly associations hav- 
ing Hfe insurance in their institutions, such as 
Free Masons, Sons of Hermann, firemen, etc. He 
IS a full citizen of the United States, and a mem- 
ber of the Historical Society of Minnesota. 

H. A. Seigneuret, son of H. .1. Seigneuret, was 
born October 14, 1855, in Jessenland, Sibley 
county. When he was a child the family moved 
to Henderson, and during his early manhood he 
assisted his father in a drug store; he taught 
school in the winter of 1875-6, then was assistant 
county auditor until Jvily, 1879; since which date 
he has been auditor. 



Albert Schumacher was bom December 15, 
1839, in Germany. After leaving school he 
learned the business of confectioner, and followed 
the trade twelve years. In 1864 he came to the 
United States and located in Henderson; he 
worked in different lines of business for a time, 
and was a number of years in the employ of Henry 
Poehler; since 1878 he has kept a saloon and bil- 
liard hall. He married in 1864 Henrietta Maeder, 
who has borne him six children ; two are deceased. 

William Sheridan, a native of Ohio, was born 
October 11, 1855, in Brown county. When he was 
a child the family came to Minnesota and lived on 
a farm in Sibley county. Since 1875 his home 
has been at Henderson, and he has been engaged 
as clerk in different county offices. 

A. Stecher was bom December 19, 1845, in 
Austria. He graduated from high school and also 
from college; in 1870, came to America, catered 
St. Francis College, near Milwaukee, from which 
he graduated, and after being ordained by Arch 
Bishop Henni, went to Faribault where he assis- 
ted Father Sheve one and one-half years. In 
1874 he came to Henderson as pastor of St. 
Joseph's parish. The churches of Le Sueur and 
Arlington have also been in his charge. 

John C. Stoever was bom at Germantown, now 
a part of Philadeljihia, Pennsylvania, January 5, 
1824. At the age of sixteen he entered the office 
of the Germantown "Telegraph"' and at twenty- 
three went to Chicopee, Massachusetts and 
edited the "Telegraph" for eight years; in 
1854 he came to Minnesota and for one year 
edited the St. Peter Courier; in 1855 he came to 
Henderson and was publisher, but not editor, of 
the Democrat one year; since then he has been in 
the real estate business. During the rebellion he 
was paymaster of the army with headquarters at 
Cairo. He was appointed collector of customs at 
Pembina, Dakota, by president Grant; in 1869 
represented Sibly county in the state legislature. 
Mr. Stoever married Lucella Ludington at West 
Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1845; she died at 
Henderson in 1855, leaving one child, Elizabeth. 
April 15, 1856 he married Louisa E. Himes, of 
Shipjiensburg, Pennsylvania. 

M. B. Wilcox, a native of Monroe coimty, New 
York, was bom in 1826. At the age of eight 
years he removed to Ohio, where he attended 
school, studied medicine and graduated. After 
practicing there two years, he went to Kentucky 
and three years later to Michigan, where, in cou- 



426 



HISTORY OF rUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



nection with liis ]>r()f('ssion, ho kojit a ilriig store. 
In 18")7 ho ciinu' to lloiulerson; wns eleoteil clerk 
of the court the same year, and for twenty-three 
years he has faithfully discharged the duties 
of that ollico. He was united in marriage in 
1854 with Susan M. (ireouficld. They are the 
parents of thirtoou children; eleven are living. 

Benjamin Willson, a native of New York, was 
born Aufj;ust'25, 1817, at Louisville, St. Lawrence 
county. He was engaged in farming until 1877, 
at which date he removed to Henderson and opened 
the Union House; he has since enlarged, refur- 
nished and greatly improved this hotel which is 
34x4.') IVct in size and three stories high. 

Anton Witte was born in 1827 in Germany; until 
twenty-one years of age he lived on a farm, then 
served two yeai-s in the German army and after- 
wards worked the same length of time in a brick 
yard. In 18.")4 he came to America; lived eight 
months in Red Wing, a short time in St. Paul and 
in 18.")5 came to Henderson where he took 160 
acres of land. He enlisted in the Seventh Minne- 
sota; went south in 18()3, and served until August, 
1865; has since resided at Henderson. Married 
in 1855, Miss C. Hemmeljerg. They have had 
three children and lost one. 



CHAPTER LX. 



HENDER.SON TOWNSHIP JESSENLAND FAXON 

WASHINGTON LAKE — OREEN LSLE ABLINOTON 

KEr,SO SIBLEY. 

The township of Henderson, named in memory 
to the mother of Josejih R. Brown, that being her 
maiden name, is a fractional township occupying 
the south-eastern portion of the county, its eastern 
boundary following the Minnesota river. 

Along the valley of the Minnesota river are 
wide, fertile flats, some portions under cultivation, 
others covered with heavy timber. All of this land 
is subject to annual overflows, which in the fall of 
1881 did much damage to corn and hay. The 
limd is deep and rich. Between these lowlands 
and the bluffs is a plain, varying in width from a 
few rods to half a mile. This lan<l is more sandy. 
Then comes the ever varying blulfs, some bold 
and steep, others with a gradual slope; most of 
the surface covered with oak, maple and walnut 
timber. For several miles Itack from the bluffs 
the lajid was originally covered with timber, but 
the ax and grub hoe have made way for the plow, 



and an industrious class of farmers occupy most of 
the territory. In tlie extreme western portion the 
prairie makes its appearance. Rush rivor finds ite 
way to the Minnesota very nearly through the 
centre of the township. Containing as it does the 
oldest village, and that having been the county 
seat since the creation of the cimnty, all early in- 
cidents have heretofore been given. 

At the ])resent time there are, aside fnmi the in- 
dependent district of the liorough, four schools, all 
comfortably furnished. 

Aside from the churches in the borough there is 
a German Lutheran located on section 9. It is a 
log structure, linilt several years ago. Services 
are conducted quite regularly by neighlx)ring 
clergymen. 

A saw-mill was built in 1870 by Henry Theis, 
having a capacity of 8,000 feet per day. It is 
located on section 6, and run by steam. 

In 1880 a total vote of .322 was cast. The cen- 
sus of 1880 showed a population of l,fi48: and 
the assessors returns a valuation of S24il,614 
real estate, .S174,4!)f> i.ergonal j)roperty. These 
figures include the borough of Henderson. 

Josejjh Barle, born October 4, 1823, is a native 
of Germany but since 185G has been a resident of 
America. He lived near St. Paul for about eigh- 
teen months, and in 1858 located in Henderson. 
His home is on section 13. Mr. Barle's wife was 
Caroline SchafTer, a native of Germany. They 
have four children: Cliri.stina, Annie, Joseph and 
George. 

Stephen Bock, a native of Germany, was l>om 
December 26, 1854 and in 1857 acoomi>anied his 
parents to the United States. Mr. Bock owns a 
farm of 118 acres on section 4, of Henderson. He 
was united in marriage with Teresa Schmidt who 
was bom in Sibley county. Joseph is their only 
child. 

August Dee was bom February 15, 1830 in 
Prussia. Upon coming to America in 1855 he lo- 
cated in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, but in 18(!6 
removed to Henderson; about two years later he 
came to his farm on section 11. Fanny Palt.s, a 
native of Germany, became his wife and they 
have seven children: Mary ,T., Fanny, Annie, 
August, Eva. Emma and Fred. 

Julius Furch, a native of Prussia, was born 
September 24, 1834. In 1862 he immigrated to 
this country, and after living in Henderson about 
three years, he came to his present home of 148 
acre« on section 4. Mr. Furch was uniteil in 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



427 



marriage with Christena Hansen wlio was born in 
Germany. Their children are Bertha and Ameha. 

John Kirch was bom January 29, 1824, in Ger- 
many, and upon coming to this country in 1852 
he settled in Ohio. Removed from that state to 
Chicago, Illinois; then lived at New Ulm from 
1855 until 1862 as which time he located perma- 
nently in Henderson; his farm on section 22, con- 
sists of 160 acres. Mary Zemah, a German by 
birth, was married to Mr. Kirch and is the mother 
of four children: Susan, Nicholas, Mary and 
John. 

William Krueger was born in Germany in De- 
cember 1837 and since 1843 has lived in America. 
He lived in Wisconsin tliirty-four years engaged 
in various lines of business: Merchandising, 
carpentering and farming ; in 1876 he removed to 
Blue Earth county, Minnesota, and one year later 
came here; he owns, on section 3, 200 acres of land. 
Married Wilhelmena Nell who has liorne him nine 
children: Frank, William, Fred, Julius, Peter, 
Flora, Annie, Phillip and Albert. 

August Mohrenweiser, born April 15, 1825, is a 
native of Germany. In April 1853 he came to the 
United States and still resides where he first located 
on section 3; he is the owner of 188 acres of land. 
Minnie Lukstad, who was also a native of Ger- 
many, became the wife of Mr. Mohrenwieser and 
has four children : August, Henry, Gustav and 
Elizabeth. 

Henry Theis is a native of Germany where he 
was bom in the year 1824. He immigrated to the 
state of Illinois in 1844 and in 1855 removed 
to his home of 160 acres on sect'on 6, 
Henderson. Mr. Theis was imited in marriage 
with Catherine Schultz of Prussia. Henry, Wil- 
liam and Edward are their children. Mrs Theis 
had two children by a former marriage: Louisa 
and Dora. 

Mathias Theissen was born April 22, 1831 in 
Prussia. In 1853 he came to the United States 
and for some time was in the employ of different 
people; he now owns a farm of eighty acres on 
section 3, this town. In 1858 he married Margaret 
Pothen, a native of Prussia. They are the parents 
of eight children: Mary, Susan, Katie, Joseph, 
Henry, John, William and Helena. 

.Tohn Theissen, born March 15, 1832, is a native 

of Prussia. Since coming to America in 1855 he 

has been engaged in farming his place of eighty 

acres on section 3, Henderson; for several years he 

- has been a member of the town board. Mr. 



Theissen's wife was Gertrude Manderfeld, a Ger- 
man by birth. They are the parents of five child- 
ren; Mary, John and Annie are living. 

Friedrich Wegge, a native of Prussia, was bom 
September 25, 1830, and since coming to America 
in 1858 has resided in this county. Mr. Wegge 
has a farm of eighty acres on section 15. In 1862 
he enlisted in Company H, Seventh Minnesota in- 
fantry, and served until honorably discharged in 
1865. His wife was Mary Wigand, of Germany. 
Emma, Selma and Sophia are their children. 

Ferdinand Wigand was born February 16, 1833, 
in Prussia, and upon coming to the United States 
in 1846 located in Jefferson county, Wisconsin; 
in 1855 he emigrated to this state, and one year 
later to his home on section 7, where he has 160 
acres of land. Mr. Wigand has been twice mar- 
ried; his first wife died in 1875, leaving six child- 
ren: Elvina, Louisa, Emil, Charles, Amanda and 
Alma; his second wife, Tekla Pelz, has one child, 
Arthur. 

Henry Wigand was born in 1834 in Prussia, 
and in 1846 came to the United States. He lo- 
cated in Wisconsin, but in 1854 migrated to Min- 
nesota, and since 1866 has lived at his present 
home on section 14. In 1865 he enlisted in the 
First Minnesota heavy artillery, and served eight 
months. Mr. Wigand married Elizabeth Wollte- 
mann, of Dayton, Ohio. Edward, William, 
Henry, Benjamin, Ida and an infant are their 
children. 

John Wiegand was born in Prussia, August 8, 
1829. He immigrated to Jefferson county, Wis- 
consin, in 1846, and since coming here in 1853 he 
has been engaged in farming; owns 110 acres on 
section 14. Mr. Wiegand has served tlie town for 
several years in the capacity of chairman of the 
board. Clara Schmid. a native of Austria, became 
his wife, and has five children: Amos, Eosa, 
Sophia, Clara and Albert. 

Theodor Wigand is a native of German; , where 
he was bom September 16, 1838, and in 1846 
came to the United States. After a residence of 
seven years in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, he 
came in 1853 to his present home of 120 acres 
on section 14. He enlisted in 1865 in the First 
Minnesota heavy artillery, and served eight 
months. Married Amelia Bardon, whose native 
state was New York. William, Emil and AdeUno 
are their children. 

Nicholas Welter, born in 1825, is a native of 
Germany. In 1852 he came to America and 



428 



UlSTORT OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



first sottlpil in Wiishinjjton ooiiiity, but since 1869 
has rosiilcil in tlio town of HtnulcMsou, where be 
o^vIlB KiO acres of laud. His wife, Annie Netins, 
was also a uiitivo of ( •erraany ; she has borne him 
twelve children: Henry, John, Mathew, Annie, 
Charles, Katie, Nicholas, Michael, Louis, Joseph, 
Autou and Maggie. 

Jo8e])h Witsoney, a native of Bohemia, was 
bom July 9, 1854, and has been a resident of 
America since one year of age. He was united in 
marriage with Hannah Rettra. Their children 
are Mary, Lawrence. Louisa, Teressa and Joseph. 
Mr. Witsoney's farm, consisting of eighty-six 
acres, is on section 21, Henderson. His fatlier, 
Jacob Witsoney, was boru in 1811 in Bohemia, and 
in 1854 emigrated to the United States. 

JF.SSENIiAND. 

Just north of Henderson is Jessenland, sup- 
posed to have received its name from the fact that 
Jesse Cameron was the first to arrive; it was tor 
some time known as '-Jesse's Land." It embraces 
all of townshi]) 113, range 26 west, excepting a 
fraction cut otV by the Minnesota river. The sur- 
face is quite irregular. High bluffs along the 
river. intersect*?d by deep ravines. Back from the 
blufTs are found numerous marshes, and in the 
northwestern portion is Silver lake, a large body 
of water well stocked with tisli. High Island 
Creek runs through the township a little below 
the center, emptying into the Minnesota river. 
Originally the surface was covered with a thick 
growth of heavy timber, a large portion of which 
has been cut for wood and to make room for agri- 
cultural pursuits. 

Of the old settlers Thomas Doheny was one of 
the first, having first explored the coimty in July, 
1852; returned in 1853 and settled upon the claim 
where he still resides. His first experience in farm- 
ing was in having his potato crop frozen in the 
fall of 1853, after having been to considerable ex- 
pense to raise them. About the same time Doheny 
settled Jephies Gondreau also took a claim, mak- 
ing it his future home. In September, 1854, H. 
J. Seigneuret, M. 1)., settled upon section 26, af- 
terward removing to Henderson. Then followed 
in 1854 Henry Young, and in '55 Luke Finnegan, 
Edward Grimes, Nelson Norman and several more 
who soon after left. Anthony Weber and Alof 
Marmorin in 1856. 

The township previous to 1858 voted at Hen-' 
derson, but on May 11 of tliat year the first local 
election was held. OlHcers elected: Henrv 



Young, chairman: William Rotert and William 
Carroll, supervisors: ]{ichard Frederick, clerk; 
August Miller, assessor; Anton Weljor, collector; 
P. Sheridan and R. Frederich, justice of the peace. 

The first marriage in the county of which there 
is any record occurred in this town, Michael ]). 
Bray being married to Miss Mary Hayes, on Sep- 
tember 16, 1855. The ceremony was performed 
by Father Somereisen in the new and first log 
school-house on section 17, and made an occasion 
for quite a celebration. The present county audi- 
tor, M. D. Seigneuret, born in October, 1855, was 
the first birth. Louis Kuntz died in 1857; at the 
time of his deatli he was keeping a store near Sil- 
ver lake, having opened for business but a short 
time previous. This was the first death. 

In 1870 the Catholics built a large frame churdi, 
now known as St. Thomas. There were 100 fam- 
ilies connected. In 1881 there were 130 families 
connected, and the church in care of Rev. J. Ryan. 

Schools were taught at an early date, the first 
being in a log school-house built in 1855 on sec- 
tion 1 7. There are now six districts. 

Ignatius Anderley was born in Pennsylvania in 
1839, and while quite young moved with his jiar- 
ents to Ohio. In 1856 he came to Sibley county, 
Minnesota, and located in Jessenland; made a 
claim of 160 acres. The father died in 1863, and 
mother in 1871. Married in 1874 to Mary 
Shauglmessy, who has borne him four children, of 
wlioni throe are living. 

Martin Bach was born in Germany in 1854 and 
came to America with his parents when about two 
years of age. They then came to Minnesota and 
made a claim of 160 acres in .Jessenland. where 
the son, Martin, now lives. Miss Mary Schaffer 
became his wife in 1881. 

William Berger, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1842. The family came to America when he 
was about six years of age, and landed in New Or- 
leans; went to Ohio and there remained six years. 
Came to Jessenland, Minnesota, where the father 
purchased a farm of eighty acres. William re- 
mained at home until the age of twenty -two years^ 
then resided two years in Washington county. 
After spending s<mie time in the copper mines in 
Lake Siqjcrior regions, he returned to Jessenland 
and purchased a farm of eighty acres, on which 
he still resides. Mr. Berger is at present one of 
the to\vn supervisors. Married in 1863 to Eliza- 
beth Zeiher and is the parent of six children. 

Thomas Brown, a native of Cork. Ireland, was 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



429 



born in 1809. When twenty-five years of age he 
left his native country tor America and landed in 
Quebec, Canada. Thence he went to Philadel- 
phia; made that city his home about twenty -two 
years. In 1857 he came to St. Paul, Minnesota, 
and directly to Jessenland, where he claimed 160 
acres, and still resides on that farm. Married in 
1837 Sarah McMannis. Of the twelve children 
born to them, eleven are living. 

Thomas F. BrowTi was born on the 3d of May, 
1847. in Philadelphia. His father came to Minne- 
sota in 18.55, and made a claim near Mendota, 
whicli he subsequently lost. He then claimed an- 
other farm in the north-eastern corner of Jessen- 
land, and in the spring of 1856 made a claim of 
160 acres on section 3. where Thomas now lives. 
His mother died in 1857, and his father in 1866. 
Mr. Brown was married in 1871 to Alice Carey. 
Mary, Patrick, Hannah and .John are their 
children. 

Richard Carroll, a native of Ireland, was born 
in 1818. He came to America in 1827, landing in 
Baltimore; located in Ohio and resided there until 

1857. Coming westward he visited St. Paul, then 
came to Jessenland township and made a claim of 
160 acres, on which he has since lived. Married 
in 1847 Mary Chester. Seven children have been 
born to them, of whom three are living. 

Michael Carroll was born in Jessenland, Minne- 
sota, in 1860, and there remained with his parents 
until their death. His father contracted a disease 
in the army, from which he never recovered suffi- 
ciently to perform labor, and from the eii'ects of 
which he died in 1869, at the age of forty-six 
years. In 1877 the mother died. The old home 
then became the property of Mr. Carroll, where he 
has since lived. The farm contains 160 acres. 
Miss Ida Terrio became the -wife of Mr. Carroll 
in 1881. 

.John Collins was born in Ireland in 1809. 
When forty-two years of age he came to America, 
lamling first in New Orleans; went to Pennsylva- 
nia and resided seven years. Came to St. Paul, 
and soon after made a claim of eighty acres in 
Jessenland township, where he has since resided. 
Married in 1850 Miss Sarah Hazen. They have 
five Hving children. 

Daniel Connolly was born in New York in 1845. 
His father and family moved to Pennsylvania 
about the year 1851, and there remained until 

1858, then came to Jessenland. He made a claim 
of 120 acres, where he still lives. His son Daniel, 



at the age of nineteen, enlisted on the 24th of 
August in Company E, Hatch's battalion, and was 
discharged on the 1st day <if May, 1866. After 
engaging as a drover to Fort Garry, he returned 
and purchased his present farm of eighty acres. 
Married in 1874 Ann Corcoran. .Joseptte, Anna 
D. and Sebina are their children. 

Patrick Connolly was born in 1809 in Ireland; 
learned the trade of shoemaker. Went to Canada 
in 1839, and for two years lived in Montreal: then 
in New York for three years. After living nine 
years in Pennsylvania he came to Jessenland and 
claimed 120 acres, on which he still resides. Mr. 
Connolly is treasurer of school district No. 43. 
Married in 1841 Josetta Norman. Of the fifteen 
children born to them, twelve are Hving. 

Dennis Doheney, a native of Ireland, was born 
in 1831. At the age of nine years he was left an 
orphan, and with a brother and sister came to 
America. They went to Pennsylvania and re- 
mained until 1854, then came west and made a 
claim of 160 acres in Jessenland. Ten years later 
he purchased 450 acres, on which he now lives. 
Married in 1848 'to Alice Cunningham, who died 
in 1860, having boi-ne him five children. His sec- 
ond marriage was in 1861 with Mary A. Miller, 
who has borne him two children. 

John H. Doheny was born in Pennsylvania in 
1853. When nine years old came with his parents 
to Jessenland and made a claim of 160 acres. 
John remained on the farm and assisted his father 
until the age of twenty-two years, then removed 
to Brown county and rented a farm. Two years 
later he returned to Jessenland and bought 120 
acres, where he still lives. Married in 1875, 
Amelia Keel who has borne him four children. 

Thomas Doheny was born in Ireland in 1819; 
learned the trade of carpentering and in 1840 he 
came to America; lived in Pennsylvania eleven 
years. Came to St. Paul in June, 1851 and on 
the 19th of July, 1852, arrived in .Jessenland. He 
located on a farm of 160 acres, which has since 
been his home. In 1838 Miss Honorah Morrisey 
became the wife of Mr. Doheny. They are the 
parents of nine children; six are living. 

James Donovan was born in King's county, Ire- 
land, in 1849. At the age of eighteen years he 
came to America and the first three years made 
his home in New York. Removed to Scott county, 
Illinois, and remained four years, then spent a few 
months in Canada. On the 27th of April, 1857 
Thomas Madden, deceased husband of the present 



430 



HISTORY OP TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Mrs. DdUDViHi, mnde ii claim of 80 acres in Jessen- 
lanJ. He ilieJ in April. 1871 and in August, 1873, 
his widow was united in marriage with Mr. 
Donovan. Tliey now reside on tlie old farm. One 
child has bwu borubv tliis marriage. Mrs. J)ono- 
van had ten children by her first marriage. 

Luke Finuageu was born in Ireland in 1820 
and there spent his time until eighteen years of 
age, learning in the meantime the trade of tanner, 
at which he worked eleven years. In 1838 he 
landed in New York and there remained six years. 
He then removed to Philadelj)hia and after a resi- 
dence there of six years came to Jesseuland. In 
1855 he made a claim of 120 acres. Married in 
1849 Mary Menton and is the parent of six chil- 
dren, of whom five are living. 

Mifhiiel Flinn was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 
1814. When a young man he learned coach mak- 
ing and in 1844 went to England, where he pur- 
sued his trade four years. Came to America and 
landed in New York in 1848 ; after a brief stay in 
the city removed to Wisconsin and seven years 
later came to Jessenland. Here he, in company 
with a brother, botight a section of land and 
started a dairy, having a stock of seventy-five cows. 
In 1872 they sold this enterprise and divided the 
property, Michael taking the farm. It is situated 
on section 20 and comprises 200 acres. 

John Flinn was l)orn in Wisconsin in 1854 and 
moved with his parents to .Tes.senland when only 
one year old. His father bought 160 acres in the 
township and in ISfiS added by purchase 240 
acres. Subsequently he sold and again bought 
a farm which consisted of 120 acres and on which 
his aon, John, and family now live. In 1880 he 
married Miss Katie Malier. One son, -Tames, bom 
on the 15tli of March, 1881. gladdens their home. 

John Flynn was born in Ireland in 1831 and 
in 1849 came to America. After remaining about 
six years in the state of Pennsylvania, be came on 
the 12th of May, 185G, to .Tessenland and claimed 
160 acres of land, where he yet lives. His parents 
died in this town, his father at the age of seyenty- 
fiye years and mother at the age of seventy. In 
1865 he was chosen county commissioner and in 
1878 and "79 was elected chainnan of the board. 
Married m 1856 Bridget Coffe who died in 1870 
leaving eight children, aU of whom are living. 
His eldest daughter, Mary, has since the death of 
her mother cared for the family and household 
afTairs. 

William Furch, a native of Oermany, was bom 



in 1853 and came to America with his parents in 
18G1. While crossing the ocean his father died of 
small pox. The remainder of the family came di- 
rectly to Miiine.'iota and settlinl on a farm of 120 
acres in .Tes.-«»nland townshij). In 1M(;7 Mrs. Furch 
was married to Frederick Young. William re- 
mained at home with them until 1876. During 
that year he was united in marriage with Mary 
Young. He l)ouglit a farm of forty acres on 
which he still lives. Mr. and Mrs. Furch have 
three children, William, Edward and Laura. 

William (labbert was born in Germany in 1840, 
and when twenty-five years of age moved to 
Canada', landing in Quebec. After visiting in 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, ho went t«j St. Paul thence 
directly to Henderson and purchased fifty acres of 
land. Five years later he sold and settled in 
Arlington on a farm of 160 acres. After residing 
on it two years he again disposed of Ids property 
and bought his present farm in Jessenland town- 
ship. Married Miss Mary Schaur in 1872. They 
have five living children. 

Lewis H. (ladlow was born in St. Lawrence 
county. New York, in 1852. There he lived until 
1869, then migrated to St. Paul and remained 
three years. During that time he accpiired the 
trade of carpenter, then removed to Jessenland, 
■where he now resides. Miss Agnes Lefto became 
his wife in 1876. They are the parents of two 
children. 

S. Gondreau, a native of lower Canada, was 
bom in 1833, When twenty years of age he re- 
moved to St. Paul and made his home in that city 
one year. After a brief stay at Henderson, Sibley 
county, he in 185C claimed 150 acres in .Tessenland 
township. On the 13th of August,1862 he enlisted in 
Company H, Seventh Minnesota and was dis- 
charged im the 17tli of August 1865. Married in 
1856 C. Dongal, who has borne him six children, 
of whom five are living. 

Michael Graham was born in Ireland in 1836, 
and remained in his native country untd attaining 
the age of nineteen years. In 1855 he started for 
America, landing in New York on the 7th of July. 
Soon after removed to Ohio and lived in that state 
fourteen years, While there he met and in October, 
1859, married Miss Elizabeth Dri.scoll. They 
came to Jessenland in 1869 and bought 80 acres 
of land on which he still resides. Of the eight 
children bom to them, seven are living. 

Edward (irimes was born in Pennsylvania in 
1834. He acquired the trade of shoemaker in his 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



431 



native state and when seventeen years of age went 
to St. Paul, remaining four years. Came to Jes- 
senland in 1855 and made a olaun of 160 acres, to 
which he siibseqnently added by purchase 140 
acres. He vohmteered during the Indian troubles 
and for some time was in the service. Married in 
1856 Margaret McGowern and has three living 
children. 

James Hartigan was bom in Ireland, in 1835, 
and in 1852 came to America. The first sis years 
his home was in Pennsylvania, he having landed 
in Philadelphia. Came to Minnesota and directly 
to Jessenland in 1858, and here claimed eighty 
acres on which he stiU lives. In 1857 he married 
Miss Margaret Oottor. They have eleven children. 

Michael Higgins was born in Ireland in 1842. 
His mother died when he was five years old which 
caused the separation of the children. AH but 
the eldest were taken by relatives. The father 
and eldest daughter came to America in 1849. 
After living seven years in Vermont they came to 
Jessenland. and took a claim of 160 acres. Mich- 
ael came to America in 1858, and spent five years 
in Vermont, then came to Arlington, Sibley 
county. Ketumed to his former home for a visit 
of one year, but again came to Minnesota; then 
spent six months in the south in the employ of 
the government. In 1868 he settled in Jessenland 
township, and bought eighty acres. Married in 
1867, Mary McNamara, and has a family of seven 
children. 

August .Jache, a native of Germany, was bom 
in 1848. He learned the trade of miller in his 
fatherland, and when twenty years of age came to 
America. From New York he proceeded to Wis- 
consin and remained there three years, then came 
to Henderson; has since been a resident of this 
county and now lives on section 19, Jessenland. 
In April, 1879, he, in company with August Dee, 
bought, a grist and saw-mill which they still own. 
Married in 1872 to Mary Hiuch, who has borne 
him four children. 

Peter Kampp was bom in Germany, in 1832, 
and in 1855 came to America. Enlisted in com- 
pany H, Fourth Minnesota infantry, and was dis- 
charged with the regiment in 1865; participated 
in many battles in which the company engaged. 
He is now residing on section 32, of Jessenland 
township. Married in 1860 to M. Fabel, and has 
five children: Henry, John, Mary, Sophia and 
Emma. 

Casper Kimmet, a native of Germany, was born 



j ia 1818. In 1841 he came with his father to 
America. His father died in 1844, and he re- 
mained with bis mother in Baltimore about six- 
teen years. During the time he learned the 
carpenters' trade; then removed to Indiana and 
remained four years. Came to Sibley county in 
1861, and bought 160 acres in Arlington township, 
on which he lived until 1875, then sold and after- 
wards settled in Jessenland. His present farm 
consists of eighty acres. Married in 1847 to 
Dorotha Petsinger. They are the parents of 
eight children, of whom seven are living. 

Joseph Lawrence was born in Ohio, in 1838, 
and at the age of twenty years came to .Jessenland, 
Sibley county, and in 1863 bought his present 
farm of ninety acres. Mr. Lawrence is serving as 
clerk of school district number 42. His father 
died in 1873, at the age of seventy-three years; 
his mother is still living. Married in 1864 to 
Catherine Trimbo, who has borne eight children 
of whom six are living. 

Henry Lorence was born in Ohio in 1848, and 
when eleven years old came with his father to Jes- 
senland. His father purchased 160 acres in sec- 
tion 2 and eighty acres in section 11. Here Henry 
lives; his father died in 1871 at the age of sixty- 
seven years. His parents were married in 1833, 
and his mother still lives. Mr. Lorence was mar- 
ried in 1876 to Carrie Whoerley. Two children 
have been bom to them; Mary is the only one 
living. 

Peter Manuel was born in Paris, France, in 1798. 
When ten years old he came with his father's fam- 
ily to Canada and settled in the vicinity of Three 
Rivers, where the father bought 100 acres of land. 
He remained with his father until forty-two years 
of age, then went to Quebec and lived there sev- 
eral years, after which he was on the sea five years. 
Came to Minnesota in 1850, and from St. Paul re- 
moved to Kelso, Sibley county, and made a claim 
of 160 acres, and purchased the same amoimt. 
After living there eighteen years he sold and set- 
tled on his farm of 240 acres which he bought in 
Jessenland. His first marriage was in 1841, by 
which he had five children; four are living. In 
1856 he was married to Amelia Gonyon, who has 
borne seven children, of whom six are living. 

Olof Marmorin, a native of Sweden, was bom in 
1824. During youth he learned the trade of shoe- 
maker, then spent about five years in travel through 
Europe. Came to America in 1849, and after a 
short stay in New York sjjcnt nearly seven years 



■t:?2 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



in ililTereiit parts of tlio Unitc.l Stati's. In April, 
1856, ho settled in Jeswenlnntl iinJ miido a claim of 
ICO nores. ou wliioli ho still lives. Mr. Marmorin 
is town troa.siiror. Murrieil in 1858 Marisi .Toliu- 
8on. Of the nine cliililren born to tlieiu, eight are 
living. 

Owen McKeon, a native of Irolaml, was burn in 
1826. Came to America in 1851, landed in New 
Orleans and remained there until the 9th of 
March, 1H53, at which time he started for Ohio. 
His home was in that state until 1855, when he 
came to .Tessenlaud and took his present farm of 
KiO acres, which is saiil tu be the first farm in the 
county that was paid tor. In ISGfi Mr. McKeon 
was ai)pointed county superintendent of schools. 
On the 9th of October," 1858, he was united in 
marriage with Bridget Fox. Of the nine children 
born to them, six are living. 

H\igh McManus was born in Ireland in 1829. 
When seventeen yeai-s of age he came to Amer- 
ica, landing in I'hiladelphia. He remained in 
Pennsylvania ten yesirs, then came to Jessenland, 
Sibley covrnty, imd made a claim of 160 acres, 
which he owned eight years, then sold and bought 
bis present fann of 150 acres. Married in 1860, 
Elizabeth Donovan, who has borne liim eleven 
children, of whom only 6ne is living, Mary A., 
bom October 25, 1861. 

Honora McNamara, relict of the late Michael 
McNamara, a native of Ireland, was bom in 1812. 
She was married in Ireland, and in 1850 came 
with her husband to America, arriving in St. 
Johns, Canada. Went to Maine and remained 
until 1857, then removed t<i St. Paul. One year 
later they settled in .Te.ssenland township on a 
farm of eighty acres, ou which Mrs. Kamara re- 
sides. Her husband died in January, 1880. 
Timothy, the oldest of her three living children, 
resides with her and has charge of the farm. 

Edmund McSweeney, a native of Ireland, was 
bom in 1823. Came to America in 1851, the 
year before Franklin Pierce was elected to the 
presidency of the United States. He lived in 
Vermont seven years; after a residence of one year 
in Wisconsin, he went to St. Paul and thence to 
Jessenland. In this township he made a claim of 
160 acres, and has since continued a resident of 
the town. In 1852 he was imited in marriage 
with Mary MeXamara, who has borne him nine 
children. 

Hector Jlorrell was l)orn in Lower Canada in 
1828, and went with his parents to Illinois when 



nine years of age. After a residence there of four 
months his fatlier died; be remained until 1859 
then came to Jessenland and bought forty acres 
of land on which he now lives. Married in 1862 to 
Saline Oolette. Mr. and Mrs. Morrell have two 
adoj)ted children. 

Nelson Norman was born in Lawrence county, 
Pennsylvania, in 1853. When a child of only 
two years of age, he pame with his parents to 
Jessenland. His father made a claim of 160 acres 
and lived on it until 1880 then sold and removed 
to Dakota. Nelson remained at home until twenty- 
two years of age, then in 1876 purchased a farm 
of 80 acres, which is his present property. In 
1879 he married Anna Ford, who has had two 
children; one is living. 

Joseph O'Keefe, pastor of St. Thomas Catholic 
church, Jessenland. Indebted for the freedom and 
citizenship of the great Republic, to the English 
and landlord-made famine of 1846-48. 

Joseph Scully was born in King's county, Ire- 
land,, in 1826, where he lived until twenty-five 
year of age. Came to America in 1852 laniling 
in New Orleans, from there went to Ohio and re- 
mained until 1857; coming at that time to Jessen- 
kiud, he soon after made a claim on which ho still 
lives, and which consists of 120 acres. He was 
drafted in 1865 and assigned to Company H, Sec- 
ond Mimiesota; was mustered out in 1866. Has 
served as supervisor seven years. Married in 1854. 
Ann Quinn who has borne him nine children, of 
whom eight are living. 

Patrick Shaughnes.sy was borne in Ireland in 
1828. Came to .•America in 1849 and first landed 
in New York and remained in the state until 1857 
then removed to Illinois. One year later he re- 
moved to Washington Lake, Sibley county and 
bought a farm of 160 acres. In 1878 he pur- 
chased 200 acres in Jessenland and moved here 
with his family. He wiis drafted in 1863 l(ut sent 
a substitute. In 1854 his marriage with Rose .\. 
Donlan took place. They have ten children living. 
Hia eldest daughter married John L. Gannon of 
Scott county. 

Catherine Spllacy was bom in Cork, Ireland, in 
1833 where she lived until sixteen years of age. 
Coming to America in 1849 she proceeded from 
New York to riiiladclijliia. While residing there 
she met Mr. Spllacy and on the 29th of AprU, 1850 
was married to him. They remained in the city 
until 1858 then moved to St. Paul, thence to Jes- 
senland. In July, 1858 they purchased 80 acres 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



433 



on section 10, on -which Mrs. Spllacy still lives. Her 
husband died on the 12th of December, 187.5, 
leaving his widow with six children. 

Charles Tierney, a native of Ireland, was born 
in 1823. He left his native Jand for America and 
landed in New York in 18.51. He remained in 
that state six months then for six years made his 
home in Virginia. After a residence of two years 
in Pennsylvania, he went to St. Paul where he re- 
mained four years; came to Jessenland and pur- 
chased his jjresent farm of 120 acres. Mr. Tierney 
is director of school district number 43. Married 
Catharine Welch in 1848 and by her is the parent 
of fourteen children, ten of whom are living. 

Anthony Weber, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1823. When a young man he learned the trade 
of locksmith and worked at it eight years in his 
native country. Came to America and landed in 
New York in 1853; continued there until 1856, 
then came to Jessenland and in 1858 made claim to 
his present farm which consists of 145 acres. Mr. 
Weber is treasurer of school district number 10. 
In 1860 he was united in mariage with Margaret 
Morsch, who has boi-ue him ten children, of whom 
six are living. 

Henry Young, one of the pioneers of Sibley 
county, was born in Ireland, in 1835. His father 
came to America in 1831 but returned again in 
1834. Henry and the remainder of the family 
came in 1840 and joined the father in Kentucky. 
In 1847 they removed to Ohio and there remained 
until 1854, thence to St. Paul, Minnesota, for a 
brief stay. They settled in Jessenland on a claim 
of 160 acres. His father died in 1872 at the age 
of seventy years and his mother in 1879 at the age 
of seventy-three. Mr. Young was married in 
1852, to Alice Doheny, who died in 1864. His 
seoondmarriage was with Mary A. Barger, in 1867. 
Of the five children born to them, four are living. 

FAXON. 

This is one of the oldest settled towns in the 
county. It is located in the northeast comer, bor- 
dering on the Minnesota and contains about twenty 
square miles. The first settlers were the Walkers, 
Josepli, Coraelius and Hartwell, brothers and 
Levi a cousin. About the same time Calvin Lowry 
came. They were from Maine, and came to Faxon 
in May, 1852. They claimed the site of the 
%dllage of Faxon and land adjoining. Hartwell's 
wife came out about a year later, and was the first 
white woman in the town. She died in 1858. 

The first birth was that of Michael, a son of 

28 



Thomas Nally, in May, 1854. He is still living 
in the town with his parents. The first death was 
that of a little daughter, aged about four years, 
of Hartwell Walker. She was buried at Faxon. 

The place where the village of Faxon was laid 
out was known for a number of years as Walker's 
Landing. A po.st-office was established about 
1856, and called Big Hill. Letters used to be ad- 
dressed "Big Hill, Walker's Landing." Hartwell 
Walker was postmaster: he kept it but a short 
time, when Eobert Phillips was appointed. The 
name was subsequently changed to Faxon. The 
present postmaster is Daniel O'Flynn, who depu- 
tized Mrs. M. M. Sass, and she has the ofiice at 
her house on the site of the village. 

A town site company was formed in 1857, which 
gave to the Walkers certain pri^aleges for the use 
of the land for their purpose. The town was sur- 
veyed in April of that year, and located jiartly in 
each of sections 4 and 5, and covered nearly 600 
acres. The name was given in honor of Mr. 
Faxon, one of the company. The first store was 
started by the PhilUps brothers, with a general 
stock of goods; others came in until there were 
three general stores, a blacksmith shop and two 
saloons. A steam saw-mill was put up by the 
company, which soon passed into other hands, and 
ceased operations a few years since. A warehouse 
was also built near the landing. A ferry was es- 
tablished at an early date, which soon after be- 
came the property of Mr. Ferris, who operated 
it until about 1862. It was then transferred to 
Blakely. 

The first school was taught by Mrs. Susan 
Thomjisun, during the summer of 1859, in a small 
log building erected for the j^urpose in the village. 
The town now has four school-houses, all frame. 

About eighteen years ago St. John's parish, 
Catholic, erected a log building in section 23. 
That building was used imtil a few years since, 
when a frame was erected in its stead and located 
near the same site. The present j'astor is Rev. 
Father Kennedy, of Belle Plaine, and the mem- 
bership is about sixty families. 

Anna post-office was established about five years 
ago, and the present incumbent, Mrs. Johanna 
Bailey was appointed postruistress. The oflice is 
located at her house near St. John's church. 

The first town-meeting was held at the house of 
Hartwell Walker, in the village. May 11, 1858. 
The following officers were elected: P. C. Bray, 
chairman, M. MiUer and James Boland, supervi- 



431 



lllsniUY OF Till': MINNKSOTA VM.I.i:y. 



sore; Niitliun WurtliiiiK, flork; John Noliiii, im- 
sessor; Hartwt'll Wiilkor, collector; Patrick Mo- 
Cormiok and Michiiel Egau, justices; Isaac 
Tlioiiij)si)n and ^faitin Morrison, constables. The 
chairmen of Hic town hoanl since have heon: Janies 
Boland, tliree terras; Dennis McOormick, eight 
t<'rins; Michael Kgan, one term: Edward Duggan, 
two terms; Joliii O'Malev. six terms, and Michael 
Sliiely, two terms. 

Patrick Baily was bom in c(juiity Kerry, Ire- 
laud, and there remained with his parents until 
185(1, when he accompanied them to America. 
Ooing to yt. Louis from New York, he remained 
five years, employed on a railroad. Came to Min- 
nesota in 1861 with his father who jmrchased a 
farm at St. Johns, Faxon townshij), Sibley county. 
In 18G5 Mr. Baily married Mi.ss Julia Daly, who 
has borne him six children, of whom three sons 
and one daughter are living. In 1866 he bought 
a farm of eighty acres on section 29, on which he 
still livc.i. 

James Boland was bom in county Tipperary, 
Ireland, iu 1815. He commenced learning the 
trade of carjjenter at the age of sixteen and con- 
tinued it until coming to America in 1840. He 
settled in Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania and 
worked at his trade in different parts of the state 
lor fourteen years. In 1854 migrated to St. Paul, 
Minnesota, where he pursued his trade two years, 
then came to Sibley county and made a claim of 
160 acres on section 31 of Faxon township, and 
has since added to it by purchase. He erected a 
log cabin on his claim in 1850, making the door 
and floor of boards, which he hewed from basswood 
logs; the shingles were split from oaks. He was 
a member of the commission that served in estima- 
ting the value of school lauds throughout the 
county; has also served several years as sujjer- 
visor. On the 24th of October, 1843, in Pennsyl- 
viinia, he was married to Miss A. Dwyre. Of the 
eleven children born to them seven are living. 

Mark Cowly was bom in Ireland, and came to 
America in 1847. He located in Sullivan county, 
New York, and worked for the Delaware & Hudson 
Canal Company three years. Removed thence 
to Ohio and from there he came to Min- 
nesota in the spring of 1855. His means 
being quite limited he hired four or five acres 
which he broke that year and planted com, beans, 
potatoes, etc., thereby supplying the immediate 
needs of his family. He ))re-empte<l 160 acres in 
section 2S, Faxon, and now has 200 acres. Mar- 



ried in Ohio in 1H53, Ann Sheridim. Six children 
have been bom to them. 

Walter E. Doheny is a son of Dennis Doheny, 
wlio came to Sibley county as one of the firet set- 
tlers, and was bom in Pennsylvania in 1850. He 
came with his parents to Faxon township when a 
small boy and has since remained here. In 1877, 
at the Jesseuland churcli, he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Mary Fliuu. The year following 
his father presented him with a farm of 218 acres 
on section 7, on which he now re.sides. Mr. and 
Mrs. Doheny are the j)arents of two sons. 

Felix Doliu is a native of Ireland, born in 1812; 
he learned the trade of weaver. Came to Amer- 
ica in 1840 and located first in Perry county, Ohio ; 
six months later moved to Fayette county, and 
there engaged in farming about fourteen years. 
In 1855 he migrated to Minnesota and made a 
pre-emption claim in Inver Grove, Dakota county. 
He resided in tlie town about nine years; removed 
to Sibley county in 1864 and i)urclia.sed a farm of 
250 acres on sections 6 and 7. Mr. Dolin has 
served as county commissioner one year; also as 
town supervisor. His wife was Elizabeth Clennin 
whom lie married in Ohio. 

Michael Egan was born in county Clare, Ireland, 
and there grew to manhood on a farm. Came to 
America in 1850 and remained about one year Tn 
Elmira and Hurnellsville, New York, then went to 
Massachusetts and worked on a railroad. Six 
months later he returned and for six years was 
employed in a depot in New York city. He came 
to Minuest)ta in 1857 and bought 80 acres on sec- 
tion 30 of Faxon township; at present has 300 
acres. His first house, like that of many pioneers, 
was made of logs, without floor, and split oaks 
for a roof, it being fourteen by fifteen feet in size. 
He had bought three very fine pigs which he care- 
fully penned near his house, supposing them to be 
safe from all intruders. Hearing quite a commo- 
tion during one night, he ran out. and to his sur- 
prise, discovered a large bear making his retreat, 
taking with liim one of the well cared for pigs. 
Mr. Egan was married in 1854 in New Y'ork city 
to Ellen Cary. Seven children have been born to 
them: two sons and two daughters are linng. 

E. Erickson. farmer on section 26 was bom on 
the 20th of April, 1845, in Sweden; came to 
America in 18()5 and settled first in La Porte, 
Indiana, and in 18()6 came to Minnesota, locating 
in Faxon township. Mr. Erickson has a farm of 
142 acres: Has served as town treasurer three 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



435 



years. Married Hannah Nelson, of Sweden. 
John J., Edward, Alhen L., Emma T. and Esther 
L. are their chiUh-en. 

M. Franziscus, born in Germany, accompanied 
his parents in 1861 to America and located with 
them in Belle Plaiue, Scott county, Minnesota. 
In August, 1862, when a boy of only thirteen 
years of age he ran away from home to assist in 
fighting the Indians. He followed the soldiers to the 
frontier and while they were engaged in a battle, 
he attempted firing his gun, when a bullet from the 
enemy cut off the forefinger from his right hand. 
He served five years as an apprentice to a shoe 
maker in Belle Plaine. In 1869 settled in Faxon 
and opened a shoe shop; in 1870 was appointed 
postmaster at Faxon. The office was made into a 
money order office in 1880 and during the subse- 
quent six months he issued 500 orders. In March, 
1881, he resigned the position in favor of D. 
O'Flynn. The same spring he bought a farm of 
eighty acres on section 7. At Faxon, in 1870, he 
married Catherine McCarthy. Four children have 
been born to them. 

John Griffin is a native of Ireland and in 1851 
left that country for America. He settled first in 
Ohio but in 1861 came to Sibley county, Minne- 
sota. He has a farm of 80 acres on section 33. 
His wife was Hannah Burke, also a native of Ire- 
land, who died in 1875, leaving four children: 
Mary, Martin, Hannah and Ellen. 

Peter Lynch was born on the 24th of April, 
1815, in Ireland. He was raised as a farmer and 
received the advantages of the common schools. 
Came to America in 1846, and located in New York 
city, remaining ten years, employed in the sugar 
refining establishment of Booth & Edgar. He came 
to Sibley county, Minnesota, in 1856 and made a 
pre-emption claim of 80 acres on section 20, 
Faxon township. His first house was a good com- 
fortable log one in which he lived some time, 
then erected a commodious frame dwelling. He 
moved to section 23 of the same town in 1873 
where he now resides. In Ireland, in 1845, Mary 
McFadden became the wife of Mr. Lynch, and on 
the 27th of March, 1877 she died. 

Charles McCloskey was bom in Grant county, 
Wisconsin, in 1858, and there grew to manhood, 
receiving a good, common school education. In 
1878 came to Sibley county and settled with his 
uncle, Andrew McCormick who located here in 
1856, and pre-empted 160 acres on sections 30 and 



19, which he sold in 1878 to Mr. McCloskey and 
his brothers, Thomas and Edward. 

D. O'Flynn was born in coimty Kerry, Ireland, 
in 1810. For two years, 1846 and '47, he was in 
the employ of the Irish government as clerk to 
the paymaster of public works. In 1848 he 
landed in Boston, Massachusetts, and remained in 
the state two years; in the fall of 1850 removed 
to Detroit, Michigan. In Sejatember, 1851 he 
went to St. Paul where for one and one-half years 
he worked in the Pioneer office. Made a claim in 
Mendota in 1853 on which he lived until coming 
to Faxon in 1863, having held during the entire 
time the ofBce of assessor; was elected one of the 
first three in Dakota county. Soon after arriving 
in Faxon was elected one of the supervisors; is 
the present town clerk, having held the office fif- 
teen years; has served his district six years as 
county commissioner; has also served as justice 
of the peace several years; in March, 1881 he was 
appointed postmaster at Faxon. Mr. O'Flynn 
was married in 1851 to Miss Jane O'Neill, a native 
of Canada. They have had nine children-, eight 
are living. Their eldest daughter, Mary, joined 
the sisterhood of the Catholic church at the con- 
vent in East Minneapolis, where she died in Feb- 
ruary, 1879 at the age of twenty-five years. She 
was known as "Sister Ursula." 

WASHINGTON LAKE. 

This town is located in the north-eastern part of 
the county, and includes all of C(ragressional town- 
ship 114-26. The name was chosen from the lake 
of the same name in the central part of the town. 
This lake was so called from the fact that two of 
the first settlers on its borders were from Washing- 
ton, D. C. The first settlers in the town were 
John Shaughnessy and Michael Griffin. They 
came in the fall of 1854 and made their claims, 
returning in tlie spring for permanent settlement. 
They located in the south-eastern part of the 
town. Mr. Shaughnessy "s brothers, Martin and 
Michael, came in May following. Martin located 
in section 25, where he now lives. Michael lo- 
cated in section 26. Mr. Griffiii located also in 
section 25. John Eagan came also in 1855 and 
located in section 26. His brother Patrick came 
in the summer of 1856 and located in section 23. 
He married Miss Bridget Kelly late in the fall of 
1857 ; they were the first of the settlers to marry. 

The first birth in the town was that of Edward 
Carlin, in December, 1856. He is a son of Hugh 
Carliu, and is still living at home with his parents. 



436 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Tlie first ilentb was that of Michael Sheily, Sr., oue 
of the e.-irlior settlers. He died in the spring of 
1857, and was buried in tlie .Tessenland cemetery, 
his wife following him soon after. 

The first school was taught by Mrs. Matliew 
Wilson in her own house in section 22, and on 
the south side of Washington lake, during the 
wiut<?r of 1857 -S. Siie taught there two winters, 
and one winter in the house of Patrick Eagan in 
section 23. Schools were thus conducted in pri- 
vate houses several years before a school-house 
was built. The town now has four school-houses, 
three log and one frame. The Catholics have a 
large two-story frame building near their church 
at Green Isle station in which they conduct a 
parochial school. School is conducted three 
months during each summer, with an attendance 
of about fifty pupils. 

The Catholics l)uilt a church in the central j>art 
of section 18, under the supervision of Father 
Venn. The parish is known as Green Isle parish, 
and is now engaged upon the building of a fine 
brick church near the site of the present one, 
which will cost about Sl.5,000. The present pastor 
is Father Thomas Ryan, and the membership about 
eighty families. 

About 180)6 a steam saw-mill wiis built by Wil- 
liam Cairncross in the north-west corner of section 
19; a grist and feed attachment were afterward ad- 
ded. A few years ago the w-hole property was de- 
stroyed by fire. The saw-mill has been rebuilt 
and the feed mill is in process of building. A sim- 
ilar mill was built shortly afterward by the Smith 
Brothers, on the north shore of Washington lake. 
This was also burned and rebuUt, and is now in 
operation. 

In February, 1878, Philip McGrann j)ut a stock 
of goods into one room of his bouse, where he has 
since conducted the business with success. 

Another store was ojiened by Patrick McCor- 
mick at his house in section 18, and kept by him a 
few years. His son Patrick erected a store liuild- 
ing near their residence which was rented to the 
Downs Brothers two years ago, who put in a stock 
of goods and are now doing a good business. 

There is a saloon also kept a short distance from 
the store. 

Green Me post-office was established about 
1866. Christo])her Dolan was a])]>ointcd jwst- 
master and the otlico located at his house in sec- 
tion 13, Green Isle; kept the office a few years 
when Patrick McCormick was appointed and the 



office moved to his store in Washington Lake. In 
April, 1877, Owen ^fcGrann was appointed; ho 
deputized Mr.i. Pliiliji McCirann, and the oiMcc is 
now kept at their store in section 18. 

Assumption post-office wiis established the past 
summer; Thomas Haley is the postmaster, and the 
office is located at his house in the eastern part of 
town. The Pacific extension of the Minneapolis & 
St. Louis railway was built in 1881. 

The village of Green Isle was laid out in the 
central part of section 18, in August, covering 
about fifteen acres; an addition covering about 
nine acres, known as McGrann's addition to Green 
Isle, has been platted. The village now contains 
a station house, an elevator, one store and a saloon. 

The first town meeting was held at the hoii.se of 
Hugh MuUen, May 11, 1858. Owing to the loss 
of the earlier records, we are unable to give an ac- 
count of the proceedings. The chairmen of tlie 
town board since 1858, with one exception, have 
been John Murphy, Mathew Wilson ( about 
twelve years in succession), Thomas Bowser, Pat- 
rick Eagan and Mathew Wilson. 

William Cairncro.ss, a native of Scotland, was 
bom in 1830. At fifteen years of age he went to 
Quebec, and soon after to Montreal, but remained 
only a slwrt time, then worked his pa.ssage to 
Kingston on the boat. For about two years he 
worked on a farm, and in 1847 went to New York 
to meet his parents, whom he expected to arrive 
from his native land. He engaged as driver on the 
Erie canal a short time, then went to Mem])liis, 
Tennessee, and remained until 1853. Removed to 
Wisconsin and purchased a farm a short distance 
from Madison; this he sold iu the fall of 1861 and 
removed to Sibley county, locating in Arlington. 
Followed teaming for several years from Hender- 
son to the Indian reservation, also from St. Paul to 
Big Stone lake. In 1866 settled in Washington 
Lake to\niship and jnirchased a mill-site, erected 
a saw-mill, and in 1874 built a small grist-mill: 
both were destroyed by fire in 1877. He rebuilt 
the saw-mill the same year, which he still runs. 
At IMomjihis, in 1853. he married Catherine Mac- 
Lean, and has a large family. 

John Cotter was bom in Ireland in 1818. He 
remained at home until nineteen years of age, al- 
though he was orphaned when only thirteen. In 
1837 he came to America and remained in New 
York a few months, then went to Maryland and to 
Pennsylvania. There he remained until 1854, 
then came to Sibley county, Minnesota, and settled 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



437 



on a claim of 160 acres in Wiisbington Lake. 
Married in 1846 to Margaret Kogan, who has 
borne him five children; one is dead. Two sons 
were in the army. 

Martin Cunningham, a native of Ireland, was 
born in 1811. In 1830, at the age of nineteen 
years, he married Honora Palday, and the next 
day with his bride started for America. They 
landed first in Quebec, and from there moved to 
Vermont, remaining there about nine years. He 
then resided in difi'erent parts of the state of New 
York, and in 1855 came to Minnesota and bought 
eighty acres of land in Washington Lake town- 
ship, on which he still lives. Mr. and Mrs. Cun- 
ningham are the parents of sixteen children, of 
whom eight are living. 

Dennis Downs, of the firm of Downs Brothers, 
was born in Washington Lake township, Sibley 
county, in 1861, and has since lived here with the 
exception of the five years he attended school in 
St. Paul. In April, 1880, he with his brother 
Michael embarked in the mercantile trade, in which 
they are doing a thriving business. Michael was 
born in Wisconsin in 1856, and when only two 
years of age came to Minnesota with his father. 

Charles Duane was born in Ireland in 1826. 
Came to America in 1851 and with his parents 
landed in New York, then lived in Ohio five years. 
Came to Hastings, Minnesota; followed farming 
two years, and in the spring of 1859 came to 
Washington Lake and made a claim of 160 acres, 
then added by purchase from the government 160 
more. When President Buchanan forced the sale 
of Minnesota lands, he was obliged to dispose of 
all his personal property to pay foi- his farm. Mr. 
Duane has been justice of the peace several years. 
Married in 1854 Honora Lynch, who has borne 
him five children ; three are living. Thomas, his 
son, was the first white child born on the west side 
of Washington lake in this town. 

Daniel Healy was born in Ireland in 1S22, and 
when twenty-six years of age came to America. 
He landed in New York, and from there went to 
Connecticut and remained five or six years engaged 
in farming. In 1854 came to Mendota, Minne- 
sota, and one year later made a claim of 160 acres 
in Washington Lake, his present home. His mar- 
riage with Margaret Tuorney took place in 1846. 
They have six living children. 

Thomas Healy, born in 1848, is a native of Ire- 
land. When only three years old he accompanied 
his parents to America; from New York went to 



Connecticut, and after a residence of about five 
years removed to Hlinois. In 1856 came to Min- 
nesota and settled in Washington Lake township 
with his father. In 1871 he bought a farm of 
eighty acres which he still owns. He was ap- 
pointed postmaster in March, 1881: is also serving 
as justice of the peace. Jennie Bean, of Minne- 
apolis, became his wife in 1879. They have one 
child. 

John Hogan, a native of Ireland, was bom in 
1816. When twenty-six years of age he came to 
America and landing in Quebec, Canada, remained 
there two years, then removed to New York. Three 
years later he located in St. Louis and was there 
emi^loyed on the railroad, remaining until 1856 at 
which time he came to Minnesota and soon after 
settled in Washington Lake township. He pur- 
chased a farm of 120 acres on which he still lives, 
although in very feeble health. His marriage with 
Johannah Mohehar took place in 1841. She died 
in 1879. They had fourteen children, of whom 
eight are living. 

Patrick McCormick is a native of Ireland, born 
in 1803. Came to the United States at the age of 
twenty-four years, and remained in New York city 
about ten years and followed teaming; in 1832 
managed the Olympic Hotel on Broadway. In 
1837 removed to Pennsylvania; lived on a farm 
two years then went to Brooklyn where he worked 
in a glass factory two yeara. Eeturning to his 
former home he engaged as a stone mason on rail- 
road work. Came to St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1852 
and after working at masonry about two years 
came up the Minnesota river to Jessenland, Sibley 
county, and made a claim of 160 acres. He claims 
to be the flr.st man iip the river who made a claim. 
During the war he was postmaster at Faxon and 
continued as such for ten years. In 1869 bought 
twelve acres in Green Isle townshij) and built a 
fine frame store in which he engaged in general 
merchandising. Mr. McCormick has held the of- 
fice of justice of the peace for more than thirty 
years. He married in 1836 Bridget GaUahar, who 
died the same year. Jane McGuire became his 
wife is 1842; she died in 1852. His present wife 
was Caroline Kyan. They have five children. 

Phillip McGrann was born in 1828 and is a na- 
tive of Ireland. Came to America in 1852 and 
settled in Pennsylvania where he remained until 
coming to Minnosota in 1857. He settled in Green 
Isle village and is the proprietor of a hotel and 
general store; is a contractor for the Minneapolis 



438 



HISTORY OF TUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



and St. Lmiis rnilrond now Ijeing bnilt. Married 
Miss Houiira Doiuly in 18fil and is the parent of 
four eliiUlren. 

P. Mc(ruinni8, a native of freland was horn in 
1821 and when a lad of fifteen years moved to 
New York, thence to Louisville, Kentucky. In 
1864 enlisted in company F, Louisville legion and 
served until the close of the war; was mustered 
out at New Orleans. In 1874 he came to Minne- 
sota and became a resident of Washington Lake 
township, making a claim on which he still lives. 

Thoma.s McMelian was born in 1830 in Ireland. 
On attaining majority he went to Quebec. Canada, 
thence to Niagara Falls, where he remained a few 
months, then spent two years in California, and 
while there enjoyed much success in raining. Re- 
turning to New York he bought a farm of 100 
acres, which he sold one year later and came to 
Washington Lake, Mirmesota. On arriving he 
purchased 160 acres and in 1866 added 80 acres 
more. He has been town supervisor several terms 
and was elected county commissioner in 1870 and 
re-elected in 1880. In 18.'52 he married Mi.ss Anna 
Bouzer who has Ijorue him thirteen chililreii; nine 
are living. 

Hugh Midlen was born in Ireland in 1803; he 
went to England and engaged in mining business 
for fifteen years. Came to America in 1832; 
landed in New York and proceeded directly to 
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where he bought a farm. 
In 1856 he sold the farm, came to Sibley county, 
Minnesota, and bought the 160 acres in Washing- 
ton Lake township on which be still lives. His 
marriage with Mary McCory took place in 1834. 
They have six living children. 

Patrick Mullen was born in Ireland in 1820 and 
when about eight years old came to America with 
his parents. From New York he went to Phila- 
delphia and there learned the trade of stone cut- 
ter, at which he worked about five years. His 
father died in 1838 and his mother in 1843: he 
then returned to New York, and three years later 
went to Washington, District of Columbia, re- 
maining until the spring of 18.57. Came to 
Sibley county, Minnesota, and bought a farm of 
160 acres in Washington Lake township. Mr. 
Mullen has been county commissioner one term 
and is at present town treasurer. His wife was 
Julia Fitzpatrick, married in 184-5. Seven chil- 
Ireu have been born to them; Ave are living. 

Michael Mullligan was born in Ireland in 1815 
and came to this countrv in 1847. He remained 



a short time in Cleveland, Ohio, then went 
to Maryland, thence to Virginia, where he was em- 
ployed on the Baltimore .t Ohio railroad, lu 1854 
he removed to (Canada ami was engaged in buying 
wheat three years; came to Minnesota in 1857 and 
to<ik a contract on the first railroad built in the 
state. After a short visit Uy Wisconsin he ' finally 
settled in Wasliington Lake t<iwn8liip on a farm 
whore he has since lived. During the Indian out- 
break he was the last one to leave and the first to 
venture back. His marriage with Miss Mary 
Dillon took place in 1853. They have eight liv- 
ing children. 

Michael Naven was l>orn in Greenfield, Illinois, 
in 1855, and when four years old moved with his 
parents to JlUwaukee. There they remained about 
eighteen years engaged in farming. In 1875 he 
removed to Minneapolis, followed railroading until 
1881, and then bought a farm of 160 acres in 
Washington Lake township, where he still lives 
with his aged mother. His father died in 1859 at 
the age of twenty-nine y^ars. 

Alfred Shaw, a native of England, was born in 
1819. He learned the trade of printing calico, 
and in 1844 immigrated to Philadelphia. Two 
years later he went to Connecticut, but returned to 
his former home in Pennsylvania, after a residence 
there of two years. In 1854 he went to Ottawa, 
Illinois. Enlisted in 1861 in Company H, 53d 
Illinois volunteer infantry as fifer, and served as 
such six months; was transferred to regimental 
I)and, and in 1862 was discharged. Re-enlisted 
in 1863 in the 20th brigade l)aud, with which he 
remained until the close of the war. In 1865 he 
came to Minneapolis and was employed as watch- 
man at the bridge and in a lumber yard twelve 
years. Married in 1844 Elizabeth Howarth. Mr. 
Shaw resides on section 10 of A\'a.shington 
Lake townshij). 

James Smith, a native of England, was bora in 
1832, and left his native country for America in 
1849. He remained in Philadelphia until 1855, 
then located in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, and 
followed farming one year. Came to Sibley 
county and .settled on a farm which he purchased 
in Washington Lake township. Enlisted in Com- 
pany G, 10th Minnejfota, in 1862, and served until 
the close of the war, when he received an honora- 
ble discharge. Married in 1874 Mary Wilson, 
who has borne him three children. 

John Smith, a native of England, was bom in 
1827. When sixteen years of age he accompanied 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



439 



bis parents to America, and remained in Philadel- 
phia until 1861, then came to Minnesota for his 
health. While in Philadelphia he learned calico 
printing, which business he followed abo)it twenty 
years. In 1864 he returned to his former home; 
but four years subsequently came again to Min- 
nesota and bought eighty acres of land in Wash- 
ington Lake townsliip, section 10, on which he 
still resides. His father, Peter Smith, died in De- 
cember, 1879. In 186.5 Miss Emily Maxwell be- 
came the wife of Mr. Smith, and has borne him 
two children. 

William Smith was liorn in England in 1834, 
and when nine years old came to Amei'ica with his 
parents. Kemained in Philadelphia about twelve 
years and worked in a calico factory. In 1857 
came to Minnesota, located in Washington Lake 
townsliip and bought a farm of 160 acres. En- 
listed in 1862 in Company G, 10th Minnesota; was 
wounded in the shoulder at Nashville in 1865 and 
was discharged from Prairie du Chien hospital. 
He served two weeks at Fort Ridgely, under Gen- 
eral H. H. Sibley during the Indian trouble. 
Hannah Engleman became the wife of Mr. Smith 
in 1870, and has borne him five children. 

Mathew Wilson, a native of Ireland, was bom 
in 1824. He engaged in farming in his native 
land until 1844, then came to America, remaining 
in New York three years. While there he learned 
the trade of a stone cutter, then went to Washing- 
ton and worked at his trade untd 1851. Came to 
Minnesota in 1856 and settled in Washington Lake 
township on a farm of 160 acres. Married Cath- 
erine McNare in 1855. They are the parents of 
ten living children. 

GEEEN ISLE. 

Green Isle is another version of "Emerald 
Isle." To Christopher Dolan, a native of said 
isle, belongs the honor of suggesting the name. 
The town includes thirty-six square miles, is located 
in the northern part of the county, and joins 
Washingion Lake on the west and New Auburn on 
the east. 

When first settled the town was almost entirely 
covered by a heavy growth of timber, and to-day 
the wood business is an important industry among 
the people. With the new facilities offered by 
railroad communication with distant markets, it 
bids fair to be the most important for a time. 

No settlement occurred until 1857. Among the 
earlier ones of that year we mention John Mc 
Grann, Patrick O'Mara, Patrick Dwyer, Bernard 



Gray, Patrick Carroll, Thomas Shorter and 
Mathias Bertrang, who began the German settle- 
ment in the south-west. He came in May, and 
located partly in each of sections 28 and 29; he 
put up a blacksmith shop soon after and had one 
also in Arlington. He moved to Henderson in 
1866, where he now lives. The others settled in 
the eastern part. 

The first school was taught liy John McGrann, 
the term was of three months duration, and was 
taught a month each in the houses of Patrick 
O'Mara, Patrick Dwyer and Edward Moore. The 
salary of the teacher was ten dollars per month 
and board around. Schools were thus taught at 
private houses several terms, then a log scliool- 
house was built in the north-west corner of section 
23, and belonged to district number 32; it is still 
in use. ' The town now has five school-houses, all 
log. The Germans conduct a private school in 
their own language, in district number 33, when 
the building is not occupied for public school. 

The German Lutheran church, located in section 
26, is a nice frame building, and was erected a few 
years since. Services were conducted some time 
previous in the school-house. The present pastor 
is Eev. G. E. Ahner, who lives in the parsonage 
near the church. 

The first town meeting was held May 11, 1858, 
at the house of Patrick O'Mara. The records of 
the town previous to 1866 were lost, consequently 
we are unable to give the earlier proceedings. 
Christopher Dolan was elected chairman of the 
town board, and one of the other members was 
Bernard McGowan. The town clerk elected was 
John McGrann, who served in that capacity about 
fifteen years, continuously. The chairmen of the 
town board since have been Miles Slevan, ten 
terms; Edward Connolly, three terms; Charles 
Smith, one term, and P. W. Esser, two terms. 

Charles Brooks, a native of Germany, was bom 
in 1825. Came to America in 1852 and located 
in Green Isle township in 1855. On arriving he 
bought 160 acres of land from the railroad com- 
pany, on which he has since made his home. Dur- 
ing the civil war he served in Company C, Fourth 
regiment Minnesota infantry. Married in 1862 
Caroline Monke. Five children have been born to 
them; four are living. Mr. Brooks has served as 
town supervisor for several years. 

Michael Davitt is a native of Ireland, born in 
1815. On coming to America in 1846 he settled 
in Ohio and in 1857 came to Minnesota, and has 



440 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



since rosiJeil in Greeu Tslo township. He o\vtis a 
farm ot 160 acroa which he ]>urcha.sod from the rail- 
road company. Mr. Davitt was married to his 
first wife, Bridget O'Donnel in 1838. His ])re.sent 
wife wius Bridget Began. He is the parent of four 
sons and two daughters. One son, Michael, was 
assessor of the town two years, and Martin, an- 
other son, was elected to the office one year ago. 

Peter W. Esser is a native of Germany, born in 
1832. For nine years he worked at his trade, that 
of bricklaying, in his native laud, and in 18.")4 left 
for America. He settled first in Erie covinty, Penn- 
sylvania, then went to Freeport, Illinois, which 
place was his home four years. On arriving in 
Minnesota in 185S he made a claim of 160 acres in 
Greeu Isle township; has been assessor ot the 
township for fifteen or sixteen years; chairman of 
sujHTvisors five or six years; and since 186.5 has 
held the office of justice of the peace. In 1863 
was appointed by Governor Swift as captain of 
Company F, 26th regiment of the Minnesota state 
militia. Married in 1853, to Mary A. Duesser, 
who has borne him eleven children, of whom eight 
are living; Mary, Kate, Leonard, Elizabeth and 
Maggie, twins, Gertrude, Peter and Anna. One 
son, Peter, was dro^Tied in Lake Severance on the 
3d of May, 1868, at the age of fourteen years. 

Peter Kain was born in Ohio, in 1837. There 
he remained until 1857 wlien in company with his 
father, Michael Kain, he came to Minnesota, set- 
tling in Green Isle. Until 1871 he spent the win- 
ter months in the pineries, then located on the farm 
which his father had pre-empted. His father died 
in 1879. Two sisters are living in Minneapolis; 
one the wife of Michael Sullivan and the other the 
wife of Dominick Toole. 

Owen McGrann, a native of Ireland, was born in 
1840, and at the age of twelve years moved to 
Pennsylvania. The next year he came with his 
father, .John McGraim, to Green Isle and settled on 
the farm where th^-y still live. The father was 
born in 1800, and is the oldest man in the town- 
ship. Mr. McGrann enlisted in 1862 in Company 
K, 10th Minnesota, and served until the close of 
the war; particii)ated in many severe conflicts. His 
brother, John was also in the army and died while 
in service. After returning to his farm in Green 
Isle he was elected register of deeds for Sibley 
county, serving by re-election from 186!) to 1874, 
and was also town treasurer four years, and clerk 
at Henderson two years. Was married in 1880 to 



Mary A. Dwyer. They have one child, born on 
the 4th of April, 1881. 

Patrick O'Mara, a native of Ireland, was born 
in 1818, ;iiid wlien twonty-three years of age came 
to America, landing in Quebec. Four years later 
he removed to Vermont and remained in the state 
about fifteen years. Removed tlienee in 1857 to 
Greeu Isle, Sibley county. He first made a claim 
of IGO acres, then ])Urcha8ed 160 acres more, and 
is now in independent circumstances. He was 
married in 1845 to Margaret Delaney. Six of the 
ten children bom to them are living. Mr. O'Mara 
has given his children a good education. He was 
school trea.surer five years, also served as road- 
master several terms. 

Charles G. Schmid was born in Germany in 
1815 and there learned the trade of uphols- 
terer. Came to this continent in 1845 and to 
Minnesota in 1857. Made a claim of 160 acres in 
Green Isle township: has since added to his ori- 
ginal farm 200 acres. Was assessor of his tf>wn- 
sliip three years, and served as chairman of the 
town board for two years. Mr. Schmid has been 
twice married. First to Ann Hausmier who died 
in 1859, leaving oue daughter, Caroline. His .sec- 
ond wife was Wilhelma Oldmeir, who has borne 
him nine children, of whom five are living. 

Henry Voss, a native of Germany, was bom in 
1847. WTien a lad of ten years old he came to 
America and directly to Minnesota. He located in 
Green Isle ; was one of the early settlers, and now 
has 240 acres of land on section 1. His marriage 
with Miss Katie Kimplcin took place in 1868. 
They are the parents of three children. For the 
past three years Mr. Voss has been treasurer of the 
town. 

.lohn Ziegler, a native of Germany, was Iwm in 
1829. He came to America in 18.")0 and for eight 
years made his home in Pennsylvania; in 1858 
came to Minnesota and bought o farm of 160 acres 
from Hans Hansen. He served his town for three 
years as suj)ervisor. During tlie Indian war on 
the frontier he enlisted in company F, 27th regi- 
ment militia and went out in service against the 
Indians. On the 4th of July, 1854, he was united 
in marriage with Mary Libness. William, is their 
only child. 

ARLINGTON. 

Arlington is located in tlie eastern part of the 
county, and contains thirty-six square miles. 

Settlement l)egan in 1855. During the fall of 
that year came Lathrop Farlin, W. D. Torry, 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



441 



Diedrick Thole, Amasa ToAvnsend, a Mr. Toll and 
a Mr. Brewster; also about this time Patrick Sul- 
livan. The following spring a large number 
came in. 

The village of Arlington was laid out in section 
9, in 1856, and occupied the south half. A Mr. 
Powell put up a small store and conducted the 
business about two years when he left. John Pal- 
mer had a store just ofif from the town site, having 
for a partner Mr. Hawkins, who remained but a 
short time. Mr. Palmer soon after sold to Christ. 
Klinket, who in turn sold to his son-in-law, Theo- 
dore Streissguth, who now conducts the business in 
much more commodious quarters. J. S. Perry 
and John MoKeever had a store just ofl' the town- 
site which they operated about two years, then 
tailed. Haupt & Wolfe established a store just 
west of the site in section 8. ' About four years ago 
Mr. Wolfe sold out and the firm name changed to 
Haupt & Kill, under the management of Mr. 
Haupt, who also keeps a hotel known as the West 
Arlington House. 

A blacksmith shop was started in 1858 by Mr. 
Mathias Bertrang. His son now has a shop in 
West Arlington, and there is another in East Ar- 
lington. 

The opening of the Pacific extension of the 
Minneapolis & St. Louis railway the past fall 
awakened anew the town site fever. The old one 
was vacated and a new plat surveyed, covering 
about sixty acres. An elevator and a number of 
other buildings were begun but left unfinished on 
account of the approach of winter. 

Arlington post-office was established about 1857 
and J. S. Perry was appointed postmaster. He was 
succeeded by S. R. Cone. In 1867 Capt. Christ. 
Klinket was appointed and held the office until 
1877, when the present incumbent, Theodore 
Streissguth was appointed. 

The first birth was that of a daughter of J. S. 
Perry during the winter of 1856-'7, and the first 
death was that of Alfred Slough who died in June, 
1858, and was buried on the site of Arlington. 

The first school was taught by William Beatty 
during the winter of 1857-'8 in a log building on 
the site of Arlington. The town now has four 
public school buUdings, all frame. The Lutheran 
and Catholic churches each have parochial schools 
attached. 

The first religious services were conducted by 
the Eev. G. L. Teeple, an Adventist, at the log 
school-house on the town site of Arlington, during 



the winter of 1857-'58. No organization of this 
denomination was ever efiected or attempted. A 
union Sabbath- school was organized and main- 
tained for a number of years. As the yeai-s rolled 
on and settlement increased, new religious teach- 
ers came from time to time, and organizations were 
effected, untU now the town contains five, three 
Lutheran, one German Methodist and one Catho- 
lic. With the exception of the Lutheran church 
in the village, which is built of logs and boarded 
over, they are fine, substantial buildings; the 
Catholic church, in the northern part of the town, 
is brick and cost about $3,500. 

The first town meeting was held at the house of 
G. Dolz, in section 9, May 11, 1858. W. D. Torry 
was chosen chairman; D. A. Martin, moderator, 
and J. S. Perry, clerk. The name was taken from 
the village which received its name from Mr. Hurd, 
the proprietor of the site, who came from Arling- 
ton, Vermont. The officers elected for the ensuing 
year were as follows : Thomas Vaughn, chairman; 
Henry Rahler and George Wheaton, supervisors; 
G. L. Teeple, clerk; W. S. Beatty, assessor; Ju- 
lius Eitter, collector; W. D. Torry and Conrad 
Kahling, justices; A. H. Townsend, overseer of 
poor; Elondus Hood and LudTOg Leskie, consta- 
bles. Overseers of highways — A. H. Townsend, 
district number 1; Thomas Vaughn, number 2; 
Thomas Thompson, number 3, and Francis Peltz, 
number 4. The chairmen of the board since have 
been: W. D. Tc>rry, five terms; Stewart Cairn- 
cross, one term; S. E. Cone, one term; Michael 
Engel, five terms; John Fadden, one term; 
Thomas Young, one term; Casper Kuemmit, three 
terms; D. Workings, one term; G. C. Eechenbach ; 
five terms. 

H. Bade, whose native country is Germany, 
was born in 1816. He lived in the land of his 
birth until 1859, then came to America, and soon 
after settled in Arlington township, Sil^ley county, 
Minnesota. He is a prosjjerous farmer, and owns 
one of the largest and finest farms in the county. 
His wife, whom he married in Germany, was born 
in 1826. They are the parents of four children. 

Josej)h Barry was bom in county Cork, Ireland, 
in 1824. On the 9th of April, 1847, he left his 
native land for America and landed in Boston. 
He remained in Boston and vicinity until 1856, 
then came to Minnesota and took a farm on sec- 
tion 2 of Arlington. Subsequently he went to St. 
Paul, which place was his home about three years, 
then returned to the farm, where he has since 



442 



HISTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



lived. Mr. Bnrry was mnrripd in 18")() to Miss 
Hitiiuiih MoSweeuy, who has borne liim seven 
children: Collins, Honora, Mary J., David, John, 
Margaret and Joseph. 

Henry IJening is a native of Oennany, born in 
1846. When about eleven years of age he came 
to America, and soon after settled on section 33, 
Arliugtou township, and this place has since been 
his home. His wife was ^liss Amelia, Riiummer, 
who is a native of (rermany, bom in 1858, ami was 
united with him in marriage in 1872. Rhoda, 
Henry, Emma and Waldo are their children. 

C. H. Beuing, a German by birth, was bom in 
1841. Coming to this continent in 1857 he set- 
tled first in Illinois; afterward came to Arlington, 
Minnesota, and located on section 33 on a farm, 
which is now well cultivated and imjjroved. In 
18G8 Miss Annie Ramar became his wife; she was 
born in Germany in 1848, and came to America 
with her j)areut8. Mr. and Mrs. Bening have four 
children: Miuuie, Annie, Charles and (iusta. 

Frederick Biasing, deceased, was born in 1837, 
and was a native of Germany. He was one of the 
first and oldest settlers of Sibley county. Mr. 
Biasing served his adoj)ted country during two 
terms of enlistment in the late war. He was mar- 
ried in 1866 to Miss Caroline Mathias, who with 
seven children survives him. He died in 1880. 

Henry Bloraa was bom in 1822 in Germany. 
He came to America in 1854, and after a residence 
of four ye;irs in Chicago moved to Sibley county 
and is now residing on section 32, Arliugtou towu- 
ship. He served during the Indian war in 1862, 
and was in the battle of Fort Ridgely. In 1856 
he was juiited in marriage w'ith Dorotha Papeer. 

C. Dapjx^r is a native of Germany, born in 1822. 
In 1854 he came to America and wade Chicago 
his home for three years, then moved to Green 
Isle, Sibley county, remaining there three years. 
After a residence of five years in New Auburn he 
located in Ai'lington on section 8. In the late war 
he served in the First Minnesota heavy artillery; 
enlisted in 1865, and was lionorably discharged at 
the close of the war. His marriage with Miss 
Mary Kemp took ])lace in 1853. They are the 
parents of seven children. 

Jonas Doere was born in Germany in 1823. 
He grew to manhood on a farm, and in 1854 left 
bis native coimtry for America. Mr. Doere located 
on section 23, Arlington township, and has here 
resided for twenty-six years. Was married in 



1852 to Mary Soenfort, who has home him eight 
children. 

James Egan was bora in county Tipperary, Ire- 
land in 1841. He came to New York in 1854; re- 
moved to Milwaukee and remained two years; 
joined the company in their expedition to Dtah 
against the Mormons. After being on the frontier 
two years he went to Natchez. Mississippi; three 
years later he enlisted in the 12th Mississijipi; was 
wounded at Cold Harbor and on tlie27th of .Tune, 
1863, was taken prisoner. After taking the 
oath of allegiance was oll'ered transportation wliich 
he declined to acc»'pt, as he ])referred the south. 
After remaining in Natchez about six months 
he returned to Milwaukee, but soon determined to 
nm the blockade and again reach the south ; was 
at Washington the night President Lincoln was 
assassinated. Soon after he returned again to the 
west and entered the employ of the Milwaukee & 
St. Paul railway com))any; subsequently accepted 
the position of baggiige master on the Chicago & 
North-western railroad. He continued as such 
until 1872 then began in business for himself in 
which he engaged until 1875. During the year he 
came to Minnesota and located in Ailiugton town- 
shij). Mr. Egan was largely instrumental in se- 
curing the Minneapolis & St. Louis railroad 
through the town. Miss Minnie Lynch became 
his wife in 18C8. INIaggie, Joseph, Aggie, Matie, 
Herbert, and Mattie are their children. 

Michael Engol wiis born in (iermany in 1826. 
His youth was spent on a farm and as a sailor. 
After serving in the Pru.ssian army three years he 
in 1854 came to America and settled first in Wis- 
consin, remaining three years. Moved to Minne- 
sota, Sibley county in 1857, and located a farm on 
section 33 of Arlington township. Enlisted in 
1864 in Company G, Fourth Minnesota and served 
until July 3, 1865. He then returned to his farm 
and has since resided here. Married in 1859 to 
Miss W. Laske w'ho has borne eight children: Wil- 
liam, Hugo, Oswald, Hermuth, Waldemeier, Her- 
man, Bruno and Thersia. 

Johan F. Feldman was born in 1817 in Ger- 
many. He was raised to manhood on a farm and 
in 1846 eam(» to America. For fifteen years he 
resided in Missouri, then came to Minnesota. Since 
that time he has lived on his farm on" section 23 
of Arlingtt)n towiisliip; his wife was Mrs. Geske 
Olimai-, who had two children by a former mar- 
riage, .John and Maggie: .Tohn served through ' 
the late war. Jlr. Feldman also has two 



SIB LET COUNTY. 



443 



children by a first marriage, Henry, who was in 
the war and Catherine. By this marriage six 
children have been born to them : Diedrich, Glaus, 
Sophy, Geske and Fred are the living. 

J. C. Fisher is a native of Germany. He came 
to the United States in 1850 and five years later 
came to Minnesota and located in Arlington on 
section 27. He was married to Susan Hunston. 
They are the parents of two children: Mary and 
Henry. 

John Goebel whose native land is Germany, 
was born in 1812. Until 1857 his life was spent 
in his own country, then he came to America and 
has made Arlington townshij) his home since; was 
married to Miss Hammer in 1835 in his father- 
land. One son, Charles, was born in 1844 and 
died while serving his adopted country. His 
death occurred in the south in 1865. Another 
son, Fred, contracted disease in the army, from 
which he died in 1875. The youngest son, August, 
still lives on the farm with his father and in 1877 
was married to Adeline Adolph. One daughter 
and one son have been born to them : Edith and 
Charles. 

John Hunziker was born in Switzerland in 1840. 
He was educated in Europe for the ministry: in 
1865 came to America and for three years lived in 
Illinois. Bemoving to Iowa he remained three 
years then located in Minneapolis. Three years 
later he came to New Rome, Arlington township 
and assumed charge of the Free Evangelical Lu- 
theran church, where he still remains. In 1866 
he was united in marriage with Katie Bahe. They 
have seven children. 

Joseph Haupt, dealer in general merchandise, 
was born in Prussia in 1841. When only one 
year old he came with his parents to America -and 
settled in Cook county, Illinois. There he grew 
to manhood, remaining until 1871, then came to 
Henderson, Sililey county. Soon after, however, 
he settled in Arlington and embarked in general 
merchandise. Married in 1873, to Miss Susan 
Bertrang. They are the parents of five children : 
Sophia, Maggie, Katie, Lizzie, and Bertha. 

Peter HUger was Ijorn in the state of New York 
in 1853. Came to Minnesota with his parents in 
1859 and settled on a farm on section 5 of Arling- 
ton township. In 1866 he went to St. Paul and 
remained two years, then to Hudson and New 
Richmond, Wisconsin, for two years. After visit- 
ing other places in this state he settled perma- 
nently in Arhugton and engaged in a general 



blacksmithing trade. Mr. Hilger was married in 
1876 to Eva Kill, who was born in Germany in 
1855, and came with her parents to America in 
1868, locating ^vith them in Sibley county. Ed- 
ward and Emma are their children. 

Fritz Hofmister was born in March, 1850, near 
Buffalo, New York. Came to Miimesota in 1857. 
On the 31st of August, 1864, he enhsted and 
served four months; participated in the battles of 
Nashville and Moljile, and was honorably dis- 
charged with the regiment at Fort Snelling in 
1865. Returning home he resumed farming, 
and is still located in Arlington on section 27. 

Christ. Klinket was born in 1827 in Germany. 
Came to this country in 1847, landing in New 
York; went to Philadelphia, remained there until 
1857, then moved to Arlington, Minnesota. In 
1863 he enlisted in Company D, Fourth Minne- 
sota; jjarticipated in the battle of Arlington 
Heights and various other engagements; was dis- 
charged in Kansas in 1865. He returned to Ar- 
lington, and in 1866 started in general merchan- 
dise, in which he is still engaged. In 1850, in 
Philadelphia, he was united in marriage with Anna 
C. Klean, who was born in Germany in 1829. 
They have two children: Thomas, who is in busi- 
ness with his father, and Katie, who is married to 
Mr. Kliuket's partner. 

F. Lindekugel is a German by birth, and was 
born in 1828. His life until 1860 was spent in 
his native land, when he came to this country and 
settled first in Belle Plaine, Minnesota. After a 
residence there of two years he moved to Sibley 
county, located on section 21, Arhugton, in 1870, 
and has since made this town his home. Was 
married in 1857 to Dorotha Beist, a native of 
Germany. Frederick, August, William, Louisa 
and Annie are their children. 

Frederich Maeiss was born in Bavaria in 1826. 
His youth was spent in the fatherland, and in 1863 
he left for America. Soon after arriving he set- 
tled on a farm in .Arlington township situated on 
section 21 ; here he has since lived. In 1852 he 
was married. Franz, AmeHa, WiUie, Augusta, 
Annie and August are his children. 

Dan. McSweeny, a native of county Cork, Ire- 
land, was born in 1813. He lived on a farm until 
coming to America in 1848. After a brief stay in 
Troy, New York, he located in Brattloboro, Ver- 
mont, for five years. Removed to Jessenland, Sib- 
ley county, in 1855, and settled on section 3 in 
Arlington. Married m 1853 Abbie O'Neil, a 



444 



BISTORT OF TEE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



native of Irpliind. Tliomiis, Eugene, Joliii, Dan- 
iel, Abbie, Kate and Mary are their children. 
Kate is the wife o( M. O'Brien, and has one child. 

Jolmnn P. MctVert, fanner on section 27, was 
born in 1840, and is a native of Germany. He 
grew to manhood on a farm in liis own country, 
and 18G3 came to America. Until 1876 his home 
was in Illinois, but since then he has been a resi- 
dent of Arlington township. Married in 18(>7 
Mary L. Breman, who has borne him three child- 
ren: John, Henry and Herman. 

John Meier, a native of Prussia, was bom in 
1845. After learning brickmakiug he came to 
America in 1869. Reaching Henderson, Sibley 
county, in 1870, he began contracting, which he 
continued until 1876, then started a brick yard, 
whicli proved a success until the high water of 
1881 destroyed all his maehiuery. Kemoved to 
Arlington and again attempted brick-making, 
which is the first manufacturing enterprise begun 
hi the township: his yard will produce about one- 
half million of brick each season. Mr. Meier was 
married in 1870 to Katie Henzelen, and has four 
children : Joseph, licgind, John and Annie. 

J. G. Mueller, a resident of Arlington since 
1860, was born in 1837 in Germany. On arriving 
in the United States in 1856 he settled in Mis- 
souri, remaining until 1860. Since that time he 
has been a resident of Arlington, residing on sec- 
tion 31. Having learned the trade of a stone 
ma.son in his native land, he gives that some atten- 
tion in addition to farming. He was one of the 
construction corps iu the army from 1863 to 1865. 
Miss M. T. Grucuhageu became the wife of Mr. 
Mueller in 1865. Nine children have been bom 
to them. 

Philip Nagel, farmer on section 27, was born iu 
1822 in Germany. Came to America at the age 
of thirty years, and spent two years in Iowa, then 
moved to Minnesota. He was a resident of Hen- 
derson one year, of .Tessenland twelve years, and 
has since lived in Arlington township. Mr. Nagel 
is the father of eleven children, only four of whom 
arehving: Charles, Martin, William and Henry. 

.John Narr came from Germany where he was 
born in 1831, to .America in 1854. He came to 
Minnesota in 1856 and settled in the town of Ar- 
lington. In 1864 enlisted in Company G, Fourth 
Minnesota, and engaged in all the battles in 
which the company participated; was discharged 
in 1865. He was united iu marriage with Chris- 
tine Klobenbach in 1860. They are the parents of 



ten children: Matilda, Edward. .John, Emma, 
Albert, Herman, Christ, August, jMargaret and 
Charles. 

Cliristain Obcnolte, whose native land is Ger- 
manv, was born in 1826. Came to the United 
States in 1856, and >mtil 1862 resided in Cook 
county, Illinois. He then settled on section 34 in 
Arlington, and has since l)een a resident of this 
township. In 1856 his marriage with MLss Deran 
took place. They have five children living. 

.Jeremiah O'Connors was born in county Tipper- 
ary^ Ireland, in 1823, and there received a practi- 
cal education. Came to America in 1840; re- 
mained in Pennsylvania a few years, then came to 
Wisconsin, and in 1852, to St. Paul. Tlie next 
year he located in Sibley and continued there un- 
til about 1874. In that year he purchiised his 
jjresent farm, which is situated on section 14, Ar- 
lington township. Here he has since lived. In 
1862 he enlisted in the Minnesota mounted ran- 
gers: was in the battles of Birch Cooley and Ue\-il'8 
Lake during the Imlian troubles, was on the 
plains, and was discharged in 1865 at Fort 
Snelling. 

Johan Pomplan, a native of Germany, was l)ora 
on the 9th of September, 1818. He grew to man- 
hood on a farm, and continued in his native cotm- 
try until 1864, then came to the United States. 
The same year he settled on section 31, .Arlington 
township. He was married before coming to this 
country and is the parent of eight children: Al- 
marlia, Amelia, Elvina, Otillia, Louisa, William, 
Herman and Edward. 

August Quast is a native of Gennany, bom iu 
1841. He came to America in 1860; enlisted in 
Company G, Fourth Minnesota, and participated 
in several engagements; was honorably discharged 
in .■Vugust, 1865. His marriage with Miss Bertha 
BuUard took place in 1867. They are the jjarents 
of five children: Fred, Edith, Emil, Henry and 
Albert. 

Conrad Kahling was born in 1813, in Germany. 
He came to the United States in 1847 and in the 
same year settled in Illinois, where he remained 
eight years. In 1856 he came to the Minnesota 
valley and located on a farm on section 17. .Vrling- 
ton township. Married in 1851 to Mary Segar, 
who has borne him seven children. One son, 
Henry, was in the Eighth Illinois cavalry, and 
died at Washington. Ernest HolTmeister, son of 
Mrs. liahling by a former marriage, was in the 



BIBLE T COUNTY. 



445 



Fiftli Minnesota cavalry and was killed by the In- 
dians in Idaho. 

WiUiam Eahling was born in Illinois in 1852. 
When only six years of age he oame to Minnesota 
and has since resided here; his home is now on 
section 27, Arlington township. In 1874 he was 
united in marriage with Miss Louisa Weihya, and 
four children have been bom to them, only two of 
whom are living. 

August Bichmuller is a native of Germany, born 
in 1840. In 1852 he came to America, and for 
four years lived in Illinois; came to Minnesota in 
1856 and has since made this his home. Soon af- 
ter arriving he selected a home in Arlington town- 
ship, on section 22. During the war he served in 
Company D, Eighth Illinois. Married in 1867 
Mary Weilmener, who was born in Germany. 
Seven children have been born to them: live are 
living. 

Christian Bichmuller was born in Germany in 
1816. He acquired a knowledge of the tailor's 
trade in his own country and worked at it until 
coming to America in 1850. After a residence of 
four years in Illinois he moved to Sibley county, 
Minnesota, which renders ' im a very early settler. 
He is located on section 23, of Arlington township. 
In 1839 Mr. Eichmuller was married and has three 
sons: August, Henry and John. 

Fred Sander was born in 1847 in Germany. 
Came to America with his parents in 1852 and 
lived in Illinois two years. Removed to the Min- 
nesota valley in 1854. After residing in Henderson, 
Sibley county xmtil 1870 he moved to Arlington 
township and settled on section 34. Enlisted in 
1864 in Brackett's battalion and served against 
the Indians in three engagements. In 1870 he 
was united in marriage with Mary Straker, who 
was born in Illinois. Anna B., Herman .J., George 
W., Allen and Butherford L. are their children. 

Paul Schauer, whose native country is Prussia, 
was born in 1821. His youth was passed on a 
farm and in 1854 he oame to America. After liv- 
ing in Toledo two years he came in 1856 to Min- 
nesota and tor four years was employed in the 
Pioneer office at St. Paul. Located on bis j^res- 
ent farm in Arlington township in 1860. His first 
marriage took place in Germany in 1849, and 
three children were bom to them. He was mar- 
ried again in 1878. 

Christian Schmidt was born in Germany in 1825. 
On arriving in America in 1859 he settled in Min- 
nesota, Arlington township, where he has since re- 



sided except the time spent in the army. Enlisted 
in 1862 in the Seventh Minnesota, and after a 
service of one year was honorably discharged. In 
1857 he was united in marriage with Dora Sunker. 
They are the parents of six children : Dora, Louisa, 
Augusta, Emma, Charles and Herman. 

Thomas W. Slough is an Englishman, born in 
1837. He acquired the trade of a mechanic and 
in 1851 went to Eussia as an engineer; remained 
for several years, then returned to London. Was 
employed by the London & North-western railroad 
company two years and in 1856 came to America, 
soon after locating in Sibley county, in Arlington. 
Mr. Slough is one of the jiioneers of the coimty. 

William Slough was born in Bedfordshire, Eng- 
land in 1824. After learning the trade of a baker, 
at the age of eighteen years began working in a 
machine shop for the London & North-westem 
railroad company. He was locomotive engineer 
for fifteen years on the railroad and in 1856 
accompanied his father, William Slough to 
America. The father is now residing in Oregon. 
During the war Mr. Slough was employed at Fort 
Snelling. In 1867 Hannah Langguth became 
his wife and has borne him eight children: Wil- 
liam, Minnie, Addie, Thomas, Henry, George, 
Charles and Annie. 

F. Soeffken was bom in 1827 and is a native of 
Germany. Came to America in 1854; spent two 
years in Illinois, then came to Arlington; he is 
settled on a farm on section 28. In 1860 married 
Louisa Meirbarlat, a native of Germany. Henry, 
Amelia, Louisa, Eosa, Emma, Ferdinand, Fred and 
Berta are their children. 

Franz' Wegner was born in Germany in 1826. 
He came to America in 1854 and remained in Wis- 
consin until the next year; came to Minnesota in 
1855 and settled in Le Sueur county and in 1873 
located in Arlington. Enlisted in 1864 in com- 
pany G, Fourth Minnesota; participated in the 
battle of Altoona, and was with General Sherman 
in his "march to the sea;" was honorably dis- 
charged in 1865. Married in 1859 to Bertha 
Wandrie, who has borne him three children: Ma- 
tilda, Henry and Christoph. 

C. Weike was born in the state of Minnesota, 
Sibley county, in 1857. He moved with his parents 
to Illinois, continuing there five years. He then 
returned to Sibley county and now resides on sec- 
tion 22 of Arlington township. While Mr. Weike 
was quite young his father died. 

John Woelpern, a native of Germany, was born 



41*; 



irrsTonr of thk Minnesota valley. 



ill 1851. Accomj)anicd liiH parents to America in 
1858 liuil for tlirt-e years lived iu Missouri. Ar- 
riving in Minnesota iu 1861 he settled iu Drydeu, 
Sililey county, reuiiiiuiuf); there until 1879. Bnr- 
iufj youth his time was cliielly spent in farming, 
but on locating at Arlington in 1879, he started 
u wagon niHuufactorj' which was the first in the 
town. Married iu 1873 to Miss Annie Meyer, who 
was liorn iu (teriuatiy in 1851 and came with her 
parents to America iu 1871. 

August Wentzlerll' wa.s horn iu 1853 and is a 
German hy birth. He came to America on attain- 
ing majority aud j)roceeded soon after to Minne- 
sota where he decided to make a home. He ac- 
cordingly located on section 11 of Arlington 
townshi]). Married in 1878 to Rosa Schauer. 
Tliey are the parents of two daughters: Annie 
aud .Vmelia. 

Tlioraas Young was bom in county Cork, Ire- 
land, iu 1825, and in 1847 came to America. The 
same year while in London he married Jane 
Young. After arriving in this country Mr. Young 
settled in Illinois, remained there imtil 1856 then 
moved to Hastings, Minnesota. Two years later 
he located in Washington Lake, but finally set- 
tled on section 10, of Arlington township. Four 
children have been born to them: Thomas and 
Edward are lawyers at Benson; W. H. is an en- 
terprising farmer of Arlingtfm, and was married iu 
1880 to Haimah Walker; Clara is the wife of Den- 
nis Bray. 

KELSO. 

Directly west of Henderson is Kelso, compris- 
ing township 112 north, range 27 west. The Rush 
river and its two branches affords an abundance of 
water. The soil is deep, rich and slightly sandy, 
and the surface has just enough viiriation to make 
it drain to good advantage. Kelso early attracted 
the attention of pioneers and was one of the first 
of Sibley county towns to become settled, although 
somewhat later in organizing. The name was or- 
iginally np])lied by A. P. Walker when on a sur- 
veying tour in 1854 or "5, and is of Scotch deriva- 
tion. 

A few venturesome individuals undertook to 
open the country iu 185.3, but gave up in favor of 
a wooded country. In 1855 and '0 the first l)er- 
manent settlers arrived, among whom were Cyrus 
Colby, Morgan Lacy, Oliver, Moses and Cyrus 
Peltier, all of whom located iu the former year, 
and John and Patrick (Jeib, Conrad Pucsing, 
Alma Meskar and .Tames Amoit iu the latter. In 



1857. Arnold Delger with his two sons, .\ugU8t 
aud C. H., settk'd on sections 18 and 19, followed 
soon after by Freeman ("olby, Charles Hennesy 
and otliers. Many of the old pioneers still remain 
iu the town. 

While the first township organization was prob- 
ably eflected in 1858 there are no records or data 
to afl'ord j)ositive proof, nor from which to olitain 
the names of subsei|uent olliivm for .several years, 
and the memory of -the oldest settler" is so diver- 
sified that no attempt at giving the first officers is 
made. 

A school was organized iu the winter of 1857, 
taught by a Mr. Putnam at the residence of Mr. 
Clark, in the south-east portion of the town. The 
following year two districts, numbers 6 and 7, 
were created and log houses built on sections 16 
and 34. Later district number 58 was established 
and a large frame building erected with patent 
seats, charts and modern improvements. 

The first marriage was that of Robert Wade to 
Miss Dorothy Bingham, iu 1860 the ceremony be- 
ing performed by Justice Freeman Colby, at the 
residence of a Mr. Kilmer. The death of the 
father of Jonathan Mills in the winter of 1857 
was the first. 

A post-otfice was established near the center 
of the western jiart of the town, and called 
Kelso. The present incumbent is B. Schnackeu- 
l)org. A few years later an oflice was established 
on the Rush river, in the eastern part, but discon- 
tinued soon after. " 

New Rome, on the northern boundary, adjoining 
Arlington township, was established July 1, 1S76, 
the present postmaster, John Groetsch, was ap- 
jjointed, and has held the office since. 

A town site called Freemont was siirveyed and 
])latted in 1857 upon laud owned l>v a Mr. Yale, 
l)ut has never developed further than farm land. 

Statistics for 1880 were; Valuation, $210,597, 
real estate; population, 716 inhabitants. There 
were in the same year 115 votes cast at the fall 
election. 

H. Becker was born iu Germany in 1844, and 
lived in that country until twenty-four years of age. 
On coming to America at that time he settled in 
Baltimore, Maryland, but remained only one year, 
after which until 1876 he spent his lime in the 
cities of New Orleans, Cairo and Louisville. Came 
to Minnesota in 1876, locating in the town of Kelso, 
where he was engaged at the trade of wag<m mak- 
ing. On the 24th of August, 1872 he married 



HIBLEY COUNTY. 



447 



Miss Amelia Schubert. They are the parents of 
four childreu, all living. 

Gustaff Bretch was born in 1853, in Germany. 
When a child of seven years he came to America 
and for the subsequent years until 1869 made his 
home in Green Lake county, Wisconsin. Came to 
Minnesota in 1869 and is now living on section 21. 
Married in 1874 Eliza Bredemar, who has borne 
him two children, both of whom are living: Willie 
and Gustaff. 

H. Budke was born in Germany in 1829. He 
served in the German army, and in 1866 came to 
Minnesota; soon after he settled in Kelso town- 
ship on section 22. He now has a farm of 195 
acres. In 1858 Miss Christine Hermeyer became 
the wife of Mr. Budke. They liave eight child- 
ren, all of whom are living. 

G. Cormier was bom in 1844 in Canada, and 
there lived until thirteen years of age. In 1857 he 
came to St. Paul and worked at his trade, that of 
carpenter, for the government. Subsequently he 
removed to Kelso township, and now resides on 
section 21, where he is farming. Married in 1866 
Miss Louisa Dougal. They are the parents of 
eight living children. 

Arnold Delger, one of the oldest and earliest 
settlers of Kelso, was born on the 2d of April, 
1805, in Germany. Until 1844 he remained in his 
native country, then came to America and subse- 
quently settled in Kelso. He has served in nearly 
aU the town offices. Married in 1834 Miss Mar- 
garet Cordes. They are the parents of three liv- 
ing children. 

C. A. B. Delger was born in Germany in 1838 
and remained in his native land until thirty years 
of age. Came to America and to Minnesota in 
1868, and durmg 1872 and 1873 was in New York 
and New Jersey. He now lives on section 22, 
Kelso township. Since living in this town he has 
been chairman of the board of supervisors for 
three years. Married in 1862 Miss Helen M. 
Timmermann, who has borne him nine children, 
aU of whom are living. 

Conrad H. Delger was born in 1835, and is a 
native of Germany. When eleven years of age he 
came to Ohio, where he remained ten years; after 
a residence of a tew years in Iowa, he came in 1858 
to Minnesota and settled in Kelso township on sec- 
tion 18. Mr. Delger has served his town in the 
offices of supervisor and assessor. On the 9th of 
October, 1859, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Dorothea Knopf. Four children have been 



born to them; only two are living. 

Fred. Drever-Kracht was born in 1822 in Ger- 
many. At the age of thirty years he left his 
native land for America, and in 1856 came to Min- 
nesota. He now lives on section 4 of Kelso town- 
ship. Married in 1858 Miss Louisa Becker, who 
has borne him nine children, all of whom are 
living. 

Charles Frantz, a native of Germany, was bom 
■in 1840. For thirty years he remained in his 
native country, and in 1870 came to the United 
States, proceeding directly to Iowa; in 1871 he 
settled on section 28, Kelso township. His wife 
was Miss Mary Plitinun, whom he married in 1871. 
They are the parents of si.x children. 

F. Fuerstnow was bom in 1849. When twenty- 
eight years of age he came to the United States 
and settled in Dodge covmty, Wisconsin; after a 
residence there of one and one-half years he re- 
moved to Le Sueur, Minnesota; remained, how- 
ever, only six months, and in 1880 became a resi- 
dent of the village of New Rome. During youth 
he learned the trade of shoemaker, and has estab- 
lished a good trade at New Eome. 

Jacob Geili was born in 1839, and is a native of 
Germany. In 1842 he came with his father to 
America and located in Ohio: he resided there 
until 1855, then came to Miimesota, and for two 
years made his home in Yellow Medicine county. 
Enlisted in October, 1861, in Company G, Fifth 
Iowa cavalry, being transferred from Minnesota; 
he was afterward aide-de-camp for General Grant; 
was promoted to the rank of sergeant, and was 
afterward transferred to Brackett's battalion, and 
honorably discharged at the close of the war. His 
home is now on section 9 of Kelso township. He 
has served as town supervisor for five years. Mar- 
ried in 1868 Mary Merehoff, who has b(5rne him 
three children. 

John Geib, a native of Prussia, was born in 1834, 
and when eight years of age immigrated to the 
state of Ohio, but removed thence in 1855 to Min- 
nesota. He located first at Henderson, and from 
1874 to '78 he was engaged in milling. Removing 
to Kelso township he settled on section 3 ; owns a 
farm of 400 acres. In 1862 he enlisted in Com- 
pany H, Seventh Minnesota, and served against 
the Indians until 1863, then went south as wagon- 
master of the 16th army corps; was in many 
prominent engagements in the South, and while 
in the North was engaged in the battles of Birch 
Cooley, Wood Lake, Big Hills and New Ulm; was 



U8 



Ul STORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



htmoraMy discliargoil with liis rpRinient at Fort 
Hnelling. He has lic<'ii county coimnissionor, and 
in 1878 rej>reHentfil his district in tlie legislature. 
Mr. Geib was married in 18r)7 to Miss (fusta San- 
der. Of tlie eight children born to them seven 
are living. 

Valentine Oeih was bom in 1851 in Ohio. When 
a lad of nine years he came to Minnesota and has 
since made this state his home and has acquired a 
practical education. He is now residing on seclicm 
IC of Kelso township. His marriage took place 
in October, 1880. 

John Groetsoh was born in 1826 in Wurtem- 
burg, Germany. There he was educated hi his 
native language and in 1847 came to America. 
After traveling through Upper and Lower Canada 
he went to Rochester, New York, and worked the 
first year in a mill, then carried on a shoe shop 
two years. He removed to Chicago, thence to 
Racine, Wisconsin, where for live years he had a 
shoe shop: then a grocery store. Came to Min- 
nesota in the fall of 18.54 and built the fifth house 
in Maukato. In the spring of 1855 he in com- 
pany with Fred Hecklin went to St. Paul, pur- 
chased a stock of merchandise and started with it 
to Mankato: being unable to get the goods 
through they landed at Chaska. After living 
there one winter Mr. Groetsch made a claim. At 
the organization of Carver county he was elected 
count}' commissioner. He taught schools there, 
both German and English. Removing to Carver 
he purchased the Piont>er Hotel, of which he was 
proprietor for some time, then sold and bought a 
farm on section 4, of Kelso. He has held nearly 
all the offices in the town, and in 1874 represented 
his district in the legislature. Mr. Groetsch was 
instrumental in securing the post-office at New 
Rome, which %illage he named; since the estab- 
lishment of the office he has been postmaster. In 
1862 he recruited Company D, Fifth Minnesota, 
and with it went south iis first lieutenant; was af- 
terward promoted to captain ; resigned August 3, 
186.3. Mariied in 1848, Miss Christine Meinzer, 
who has borne him ten chiUben; nine are lining. 

Charles Hoecke was born in 1837, in Germany. 
When seventeen yeiirs old he came to America and 
settled in Clayton county, Iowa. Came to Min- 
nesota in 1859 but returned to Iowa in 1861, and 
enlisted in Comjiany 1), 27111 regiment, and served 
two years. Participated in many of the promi- 
nent battles, among wliicli were Nashville, Mobile, 
Vicksburg, Spanish Fort and others. He is now 



residing on B<'ction 19, in Kelso. He has served 
his town as chairman of the board of supervi.sors. 
Married, in 1866, Miss Annie Meyer, and is the pa- 
rent of eight children. 

Casper Holzgrove was bom in 1813, in Pnissia, 
and came to this country at the age of forty years. 
He remained in Iowa until 1857, then came to this 
state and settled on section 31, Kelso township; 
has served as suj)ervisor, town clerk and county 
commissioner, and has discharged his duties faith- 
fully. His marriage with Anna Pothoff took place 
in 1852. 

Will. Kuschc was born in 1837, in Prussia, and 
ill 1856 came to .Vmerica. After a brief stay in 
Milwaukee he came to Kelso: settled on section 
17, but has sine* removed to 34. He enUsted in 
1864 in Company A, 11th Minnesota, and was dis- 
charged at Fort Snelliug in 1865. The same year 
he was united in marriage with Miss Bertie Uecker. 
Eight children have been bom to them, five of 
whom are living. 

Carl S. Lund was bom in 1834 in Sweden. He 
lived in his native place until reaching man's es- 
tate, then moved to Norway and remained fourteen 
years. He came to America, and in 1871 located 
at St. Peter, Minnesota, where he lived one and 
one-half years, then rejnoved to Kelso and settled 
on section 27. Married Miss Annie Nelson in 
1864. They are the parents of seven children. 
Mr. Lund .served as a soldier in his native land. 

A. Oberuolte was born in Germany in 1832. 
When twenty-six years of age he immigrated to 
Cook county, Illinois, and there lived five years, 
engaged in the mason's trade three years, and as a 
fanner two years. He came to Minnesota in 1862, 
and is a farmer on section 5 of Kelso township. 
In June, 1854, he married Miss Sophia Guse. Six 
children hiive been born to them. 

John A. Pfarr was born in 1827, and is a native 
of Bavaria. In 1854 he came to the United States. 
-\fter remaining in Ohio and Kentucky a short 
time, he came in 1855 to Minnesota and settled 
first in Sharon, Le Sueur county, where he was 
town clerk and supervisor, also was a member of 
the legislature from that district in 1870. During 
the trouble with the Inilians he joined the com- 
]3any of volunteers who were stationed at New 
Ulni. Mr. I'farr is now residing on section 25, 
Kelso township. Married in 1857 Miss Mary C. 
Kramer. Ten children have been bom to them; 
seven are living. 

Fred. Pioske was bom in Prussia in 1820. 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



449 



There he grew to manhood, and in 1863 came to 
the United States and located in Minnesota. He 
is now fanning on section 32, Kelso township. In 
1851 he was united in marriage with Miss Minnie 
Kuske, who has borne him eight children, three of 
whom are living. 

Herm Prahl, a native of Germany, was bom in 
1840. Until the age of twenty -six years he lived 
in his native land, and in 1866 came to America. 
He settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where lie re- 
mained two and one-halt years, then removed to 
Minnesota. Mr. Prahl is now located on section 

29, Kelso township. His first marriage was in 
1868 with Miss W. Ebert, who died in 1879, leaving 
three children. His present wife was Miss Dora 
Franke, married in 1880. 

Henry Prior is a German by birth. Previous to 
leaving that country he served in the army six 
years. After coming to America he lived in 
Ohio two years and in Iowa until 1857, then came 
to Minnesota. Mr. Prior now resides on section 

30, Kelso township. Married in 1856 Miss Katie 
Werges. Four children have been born to them, 
of whom three are living. 

Luke l\iley was born in 1818 in Ireland. He 
lived in his native country and in England until 
1852, then came to America. Until 1857 he re- 
mained in New York, then came to Minnesota and 
settled on section 18, Kelso township. In 1876 he 
married Miss Clara Woodbury. Mrs. Eiley died 
one year after marriage, leaving an infant child, 
who also died one day after the burial of its 
mother. 

Behrend Schnackenberg was bom in 1835 in 
Germany. In 1851 he came to America, and lived 
at New Orleans, Louisiana, three years; he then 
spent seven years in Mississippi; coming to Min- 
nesota in 1861 he located a home in Kelso town- 
ship, on section 24. On the 13th of August, 
1864, he enlisted in Company A, 11th Minnesota. 
Mr. Schnackenberg has been town supervisor 
three terms, and is now chairman of the board; is 
also serving as postmaster at Kelso. In 1857 his 
marriage with Miss Dorothaha Beckma took place. 
They have had a family of seven children; six are 
living. 

A. K. Steinke was born on the 26th of Novem- 
ber, 1849, in Prussia, and remained in that coun- 
try until the age of fifteen years; he then came to 
America; in 1865 came to Minnesota and settled 
in Kelso, Sibley county. Until 1875 he engaged 
in farming, then served as clerk for H. C. Smith & 

29 



Company. In 1878 he started in the mercantile 
trade in Kelso, and carries a large stock of gen- 
eral merchandise. 

Diedrich Thoele was born in 1800 and is a na- 
tive of Germany. He came to America and Ohio 
in 1833 where he remained until 1856 then came 
to Minnesota and located in Arlington township 
on section 34. He has served as supervisor for 
several years. Married in 1827 Miss Margaret 
Schlicter, who died in 1834, leaving two children. 
He has remarried and has two children. 

Hermann Thoele was born in 1828 in Gei-many 
and when five years of age removed with his 
father to Ohio. Came to Minnesota in 1879 and 
bought land on sections 20 and 21 in Kelso town- 
ship. He has since lived on this farm. On the 
21st of April, 1853, he married Miss Sophia M. 
Kuhlman who has borne him nine children; eight 
are living. 

P. Wendelschaefer, a native of Germany, was 
bom in 1843. When a lad of nine years he immi- 
grated to Pennsylvania and remained one and one - 
half years; thence he moved to Illinois and re- 
sided sis years; in 1860 came to Minnesota. For 
four years he was located in Le Sueur county, then 
spent six months in St. Loui^. After a residence 
of two years in St. Paul, he settled on section 31, 
Kelso to^vnship. Married in 1868 to Miss Minnie 
Kuske. They are the parents of two children. 

F. Werges was bom in 1823 in Germany and 
there spent twenty-nine years. Coming to America 
he worked at the trade of shoemaker in Ohio 
some time, then moved to St. Louis and spent two 
years. Until 1857 he remained in Iowa then 
came to Minnesota and located on his farm in Kelso 
township on section 31; has served his town as 
supervisor several terms. Miss Catherine Morten 
became his wife in 1855. They have six children. 

Andrew Wiest was born in Ohio in 1855 and 
when five years old came to Minnesota and settled 
in Chaska, Carver county. Came to Kelso t()^vn- 
ship in 1881 and settled on section 27. Married 
in 1876 to Miss Louisa Denem who has borne him 
three children; they are all living. 

Frederick Wiest was born in Germany in 1843; 
when three years of age came to America and 
spent ten years in Pennsylvania. In 1856 he 
went to Ohio and four years after came to Carver 
county, Minnesota. EuHsted in February, 1862 
in company E, Fifth Blinnesota; participated in 
many prominent battles; was wounded in the left 
knee and taken to St. Louis hospital, where he re- 



450 



IIISTOUY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



maiiipil Mix mimths; lin wiis thon honorably dis- 
ohiirgi'd but r('-oii)i«tPil in Mississipiii marine 
l>rigaile; was again honorably discharged at 
Vioksbnrg in ISH."). Returning to Carver county 
he coiitinucd there until 18r>9 then settled in Kelso. 
His first home was on section 28, but is now located 
on section 27. Married in 1871 to Miss Charlotte 
Benniiig who died two years after, leaving one 
child. Mr. Wiest's second wife was Miss Augusta 
Bedke who has borne him two children. 

Charles Woehler was bom in 1833 in flermany. 
When twenty-four years of age he came to America 
and proceeded to Minnesota, locating flret in Hen- 
derson. Enlisted in a company known as the Ren- 
ville rangers during the trouble with the Indians; 
while taking a furlough of three days the Indians 
commenced depredations which prevented him re- 
turning to the company. He however was trans- 
ferred to company H, Seventh regiment under 
General Sibley; went as far as Yellow Medicine, 
was stationed at Camp Release and assisted in cap- 
turing the thirty-eight Indians who were executed 
at JIankato. After a service of three years Mr. 
Woehler was discharged at Fort Snelling in 1865. 
Returning home he soon after removed to Sibley 
county an>l located in Kelso township on section 
16; has served as county comiiii.ssiouer two years. 
Married in 18CG to Miss Dorothea Briest who has 
borne him eight children. 

Ernst Yonker was born in 1839 in Germany and 
wlieu thirteen years of age removed to New York; 
there he remained one year and in 1867 came to 
Minnesota. Miss Annie Briest became his wife 
in 1871. They are the parents of four children 
only one of whom is living. 

SIBLEY. 

Sibley, named after the county, is one of the 
center of the most southern tier of to^wiships, em- 
bracing all of township 112 north, range number 
28 west. It is strictly a prairie town, crossed by 
two branches of Rush river, and having several 
small lakes and numerous marshes. 

The soil is deep, ri<'h and very productive, well 
adapted to agriculture and grazing. A small 
strip of timber Iwrders the southern boundary, 
and there is where the first settlement was made, 
a number of Norwegians having taken possession 
in 18.56, of whose history but little can be ascer- 
tained. 

In 18.57, C. H. Spellman. H. H. Schmidt, and 
Harmon Mollering took claims on sections 12 and 
13; Mollering and Schmidt remaining but one 



year. Mr. Spellman still resides \ipon his original 
claim. Early in the spring of 18.58, W. S. Mc 
Ewen took a claim in section 24, where he built, 
and was followed the next year by his family. 

The first election, for the organiziition of the 
town was lieM .July 9. 18(!4, and resulted as fol- 
lows: William S. McEwen, chairman; H. Otting, 
and Ole Overson, board of supervisors; M. R. 
Parks, clerk; H. Koch, treasurer; F. Kus.ske, over- 
seer of poor; Benjamin Snacheuberg, c<jnstal>le: 
C. W. Woodburry, justice. The election was held 
at the residence of Henry Koch. 

The first birth in the town was in October, 1859, 
a daughter being born to Mr. and Mrs. ( '. 11. 
Spellman, on the second of the month. 

It was not until 1866 that cupid registered; 
Charles Wheeler, a non- resident, and Miss Dorothy 
Briest were married by Arnold Delger, a justice 
of the peace. 

The first death was recorded on May 17, 1864, 
being that of Mrs. Anna Otting. 

In the .summer of 18(!4 a new school-house wa.s 
erected, and in the fall the first school was taught 
by Miss Blanche French. There were but few 
scholars. In 1881 there were four districts, each 
having frame buildings. 

Trinity German Lutlieran Church was organ- 
ized in 1806, with Rev. Ferdinand Copelke, pastor. 
The building which was then erected is of log, 
located upon the ea.steni part of section 25. The 
pastor in 1881, was A. H. Merz, wlio had fifty-four 
families under his charge. Adjoining the church 
is a parish cemetery laid out soon after the church 
was built. 

A post-office was established in 1865, in 8ecti<jn 
25, Mr. French, jjostmaster. Later it was removed 
to section 26, where in 1881 Henry Osterman 
acted as postmaster, mails being receiveil once 
each week. 

The valuation for 1880 was as follows: S177,- 
768 real estate, and S31,949 personal property. 
There were eighty-five votes polled the same year. 
Census returns gave a jwpulation of 499 inhabi- 
tants. 

A. Anderson, a native of Sweden, was born in 
1845. Until reaching the age of twenty-five years 
he lived in his native country, then came in 1870 
to Massachusetts. He hii<l ])reviously been a sol- 
dier two 3-ears. Came to Minnesota in 1877, and 
is now located on section 21, Sibley township. 
Married in 1880, Miss Matilda Aim. They have 
one child. 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



451 



August Anderson was born in Sweden, in 1841, 
and when thirty-two years of age moved to Mas- 
sachusetts. After spending two years in that state 
he came to Minnesota and settled on section 22, 
Sibley township. Married in 1877 to Mrs. Ingri 
Fredenberg, who has borne him two children; slie 
also has two children by her tir^it marriage. 

Wilhelm Bierstadt, born in 1846, is a native of 
Germany. On attaining majority he came to 
America and to Illinois; then removed to Iowa. 
Came to Minnesota in 1867 and has since resided 
principally in Sibley township, on section 16. His 
marriage with Miss Amelia Orpsa took place in 
1872. They are the parents of three children, all 
of whom are living. 

Henry Bremer, a native of Prussia, was bom in 
1843, and when fifteen years of age moved to Mis- 
souri; remaining there only year, then resided in 
Iowa ten years. In 1862 he enlisted in Company 
D, 27th Iowa; during the last year was tran.sferred 
to the veteran reserve corps; received an honora- 
ble discharge on the 9th of July, 1866. After 
spending one winter in Iowa he came to Minne- 
sota in thespi'ing of 1867. He married in 1866, 
Mrs. Cook, who has borne him eight children. 

Frederick A. Briard was bom on the 17th of 
September, 1847, on the Isle of Jersey, and came 
with his parents to Minnesota in 1854. He en- 
listed in February, 1865, and served in the west- 
ern army at Chattanooga, under Colonel Baxter. 
After the war he settled in Sibley township, and 
now owns a farm of 120 acres on section 30. On 
the 9th of January, 1869, he married Margaret E. 
Butler, also a native of the Isle of Jersey. Ellen 
S., Susan A., Frederick W., William F., May R. 
and James P. are their living children. Rose M. 
died in infancy. Mr. Briard"s parents were born 
on the Isle of Jersey, and came to this country in 
April, 1852. 

Samuel R. Buckley was born on the 23dof May , 
1859, in Belle Plaine, Scott county, Minnesota, 
and is of German descent. His parents were of 
German birth, and came to this country and set- 
tled in Belle Plaine in 1851. From there they 
came to Sibley county in 1868 and are at present 
living in Sibley township ou section 26, their son, 
, Samuel, Temaining with them. 

Friedrich Dietz was born in 1825, and is a na- 
tive of Germany. He lived in his native country 
until 1873, then came to America and settled in 
Minnesota, in Sibley township. Married Miss 
Fredrica Snyder in 1859, who has borne him eleven 



children, of whom six are living. Mr. Dietz and 
family reside on a farm in section 20. 

John Goodham was bom in Buckinghamshire, 
England, in October, 1826. In 1852 he moved to 
New York, and remained in Troy until coming to 
Minnesota in 1854. He first settled in Jordan, 
and there made a claim of 160 acres; from Scott 
county he came to Sibley in 1866, and the next year 
bought a farm of 320 acres; has since added forty 
acres more. Was married on the 24th of June, 
1855, to Susan Briard, at Shakopee. William W., 
John, Charles, Elizabeth and Rebecca are their 
children. 

Theo. Hedrich, a native of Germany, was born in 
1844. When six years of age he came to America, 
and after a few months spent in Chicago, went to 
Galena. Soon after removed to Henderson, Min- 
nesota, and remained two years. In 1866 he set- 
tled in Sibley townshijx and has since resided on 
section 15. He enlisted in 1864 and served nearly 
two years. On the 4th of June, 1869, he Avas 
united in marriage with Miss Amelia Rotke. 

George Kuehner, a native of Prussia, was bom 
in 1844. On reaching man's estate he came to 
America and settled in Wisconsin; in 1876 he 
came to Minnesota, and has since been a resident 
of Sibley; is now located on section 17. Mr. 
Kuehner has served his town two years as super- 
visor. In 1874 he was united in marriage with 
Miss Mary Warnke, who has borne him three 
children. 

Gustave Kusske, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1842. At the age of twenty years he emigrated 
from his native country in a ship called "Robert 
Pierce;" he arrived at Winona, Minnesota, in 1862, 
and during the same ysar moved to Kelso, Sibley 
county. Enlisted in 1863 in Company A, Fifth 
Iowa, afterward Bracketfs battalion; was under 
General Sully, and honorably discharged in 1865. 
Ou the 14th of April, 1873, Mr. Kusske was 
mairied. 

Adolph Kusske was born in 1838, in Pnissia, 
and on the 17th of November, 1862, started for 
America. On arriving in Minnesota he enlisted in 
Company A, 11th Minnesota, and went into Ten- 
nessee; served at guarcUng the railroad between 
Nashville and Louisville. On returning from the 
war he located in Sibley township, and has since 
held nearly all the town offices. Miss Augusta 
Hahn, a native of Germany, became the wife of 
Mr. Kusske in 1872. Four children have been 
born to them, of whom three are living. 



452 



UlSTORT OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



J. E. Kussko wns born in 1854 in (lemiany, and 
when eight years nld came to this country and to 
Minnesota. After spending a short time in Wi- 
nona and RocliestiT he came to Kelso, Sihiey 
county, in February, 18('il ; two years after lie 
moved into Sibley townshi]). He attended the 
high schools at St. Peter and Le Sueur, then went to 
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and Rosendale, and studied 
two terms at the Appletou University. After 
coming to this township he taught school several 
terras; has been justice of the peace, and is now 
mail carrier. In 1881 Miss Rachel Antonsen be- 
came his wife. 

Peter Larson, a native of Sweden, was born in 
1845. He remained in his native land until 1871, 
then came to America and soon after to Minne- 
sota, locating on section 25, Sibley townshi]), 
where he still resides. His marriage with Miss 
Annie Peterson took place in 1869. They are the 
parents of six children, all of whom are living. 

Ernst Manthey, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1851. When sixteen years of age came to 
America, and since 1871 his home has been in 
Sibley township, Minnesota. He is a farmer on 
section 16. 

Fred. Manthey was born in 1832 in Germany. 
There he spent his childhood after which three 
years were passed as a soldier in the German army. 
Came to America and in 1870 settled on section 
26 of Sibley township. He has since been a resi- 
dent of the town and has held the office of assessor 
and supervisor. Married in 1862, Miss Annie 
S. Denmarchke, who died in 1880. Twelve chil- 
dren were born to them, of whom seven are living. 

Michael Manthey was born in Germany in 1844 
and remained in his native land until the age of 
twenty-five years. In the meantime he served in 
the Gernuin w;ir, then came to America, and sub- 
sequently settled on his j)resent farm on section 16, 
Sibley to\vn8hip, Minnesota. His marriage with 
Miss Eliza Kinke took i)lace in 1873. Of the five 
children born to them, three are living. 

Stejihen Manthey, a native of Gennany, was 
bom in 1840. When twenty-five years old he 
came to this country and for five years remained 
in Wisconsin. Coming to Sibley county, Minne- 
sota in 1870 he settled on a fann in Sibley on sec- 
tion 16, where he still lives. Was married in 1871 
to Miss Augusta Hilderbrandt, a native of Gter- 
many. They are the ])ar(>nts of seven chililren, 
twoof whom are living. 

H. F. Otting was born in 184!) in Germany and 



wlien six years old came to America, to Clayton 
county, Iowa. In 1864 he removed to Sibley, 
Minnesota, and located a fann on section 3. He 
has since served one tenn as suj>ervisor. Married 
in 1873 to .\ugn8tina Dettmann, who has borne 
him six children; five are living. 

Julius Proj)p was born in Prussia, in 1835. 
After spending thirty years of his life in that 
country, he came in 1805 to the United States. 
For six years his home was in Wisconsin: then, in 
1871, he went to St. Peter, Minnesota and came 
to Sibley township in 1873. Mr. Propp is a farmer 
and resides on section 21. In 1860 he was imited 
in marriage witli Miss Amelia TSlode and is by her 
the parent of eight children, all living. 

Johan Kosenfeld was born in 1836 and -s a Ger- 
man l)y birth. He remained in his native land 
until 1872, serving in the meantime in the (ierman 
war. Came to America and resided in Illinois 
three and one-half years, then removed to his 
present farm in Sibley. His marriage with Miss 
Fredrica Hasan took place in 1864. They have 
seven children. 

Andrew Rice, a native of Norway, was bom in 
1821, and there Uved until 1851, spending two 
years, however, as a sailor. Coming to America in 
1851 he proceeded to Minnesota and in 1856 set- 
tled in St. Peter, and kept hotel until mf)ving to 
his farm in Sibley township in 1857. Dnring the 
war he served one year in Coinjiany A. Eleventh 
Miune-aota. In 1847 his marriage with Miss 
Bertha Rice occurred. Seven children have been 
born to them: John, Martha, Louis, Mary, Pauline, 
Nils and Louise. 

John Kice, eldest son of Auilrew Rice, was born 
in Iowa, in 1851 and when five years of age moved 
with his parents to St. Peter, where his father kept 
hotel one year. The next year they came to Sib- 
ley townsliip and settled on the farm which he 
now owns. He has served as justice of the peace, 
constable, and is now acting as chairman of the 
town board of supervisors. By trade he is a car- 
jjenter. Miss Sophia Peterson became his wife 
in 1881. 

Fred. H. Schriber was bom in Syracuse, New 
York, in December, 1850. From there he went to 
Dfctn>it in 1854, and there engaged in the tobacco 
trade fourteen years. Came to Sibley county, 
Minnesota, in 1879, and has since followed farm- 
ing. He has a large farm, 320 acres under culti- 
vation, and has leased 640 acres. Was married in 
September, 1875, to .'Vuna Wheat, wlio was born in 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



453 



Jackson, Michigan. One daughter, Mabel, is 
their only living child. 

August Severin, a native of Prussia, was born in 
1849. He learned the trade of making wooden 
shoes, and worked at that business until twenty- 
three years of age, when he left his native land 
for America. Came to Sibley township, Minne- 
sota, in 1873, and has since resided here; has a 
farm in section 21. In 1873 he was united in 
marriage with Miss Amelia Kropp. Two children 
have been liorn to them; one is liWng. 

Ferd. Sounenburg, a native of Germany, was 
born in 1837, and when thirty years of age came 
to America. For two years his home was in Wis- 
consin, and in 1869 he located in Sibley town- 
ship, Minnesota. Was married in 1872, to Miss 
Augusta Henke, who has borne him five children, 
three of whom are living. 

C. H. Spellman was born October 2, 1835, in 
Hanover, Germany, and in 1847 immigrated to 
New Orleans. Removed to Cincinnati, Ohio; 
finally located in Scioto county and served an ap- 
prenticeship of two years at the baker's trade. 
After this he farmed two years in Clayton county. 
Iowa; in 1854 went to Galena, Illinois, and the 
same year came to Minnesota. Until 1857 he was 
stearuboating on the Mis.->issippi and Minnesota 
rivers. He then made a claim of 160 acres on 
section 13, Sibley township; has at present a fine 
farm of 240 acres. Enlisted in the fall of 1864 m 
Company A, 11th Minnesota, imder Captain Buck, 
At Henderson he married Miss Wilhelmina Goebel. 
Caroline, John, Clara, Emma, Minnie, Augusta 
and Charles are their children. 

Gunder Torgeson, farmer on section 23, was 
bom in Sibley county, Minnesota, in 1856, and 
was among the first white children born here. 
Mr. Torgeson's marriage occurred in the year 
1880; his wife's name was Miss Ella Johnson. 

Fred. Tutzloff, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1856, and when nineteen years of age left his 
native country for America. After remaining in 
New York two months he went to Chicago, and 
in 1876 came to Sibley township and settled on 
section 16. He, with his family, is now living on 
section 23. Was married in 1877 to Miss Helena 
Manthey. They have (me child living. 

Johan Von Eeedon is a native of Germany, bom 
in 1860. There his childhood was passed, and in 
1872 he started for America. He is an enterpris- 
ing young man, and now resides on a farm on sec- 
tion 25 of Sibley township, Minnesota. 



CHAPTER LXI. 

DRTDEN NEW AUBUBN TRANSIT AlFSBOEG 

CORNISH BISMARK OKAPTON MOLTKE — SEV- 
ERANCE. 

Dryden was originally called Williamstown, but 
changed at an early day by request of H. Beatty 
and others. It is one of the border townships di- 
viding the wooded and prairie portions of the 
county, embracing all of township 113 north, 
range 28 west. While the surface is covered with 
the same deep, rich loam which prevails through- 
out the county, it is more diversified, there being 
numerous lakes of various sizes, some with high, 
steep shores, heavily timbered, others with low, 
marshy shores, and still others with gradually ele- 
vated, sandy beaches. The north-eastern portion 
has a Ught covering of young timber, while for 
about one mile back from the shores of Lake Tit- 
low, just south-west of the center of the town, 
there is a heavy stand of oak, maple and butter- 
nut. In 1854 Edward Price and John Dorr took 
the first claims, locating near the centre. In 
1856 Frederick Norton, Thomas Lewis and Henry 
Altnow located upon section 11; William Stevens 
on section 14; William Williams on section 4; 
Frederick Nessay and Thomas Heath on section 10. 

First oflBcers, elected on May 11, 1858: Hamil- 
ton Beatty, chairman, Joseph Tamble and Isaac 
Troxel, board of supervisors; J. W. Beatty, town 
clerk; Robert Beatty, collector; Andrew Beatty, 
assessor; Thomas Heath, overseer of poor; John 
Dresser and H. Beatty, justices; and J. Lewis and 
J. Tamble, constables. 

In March, 1856, Elizabeth Callahan was bom, 
the first birth. The firet marriage took place on 
New Year's day, 1859, James Lewis and Miss 
Mary Hermining being married by Justice H. 
Beatty, at the residence of Charles Nessey. Rob- 
ert Beatty, Jr., died September 6, 1858, aged 
twenty-five years, the first death. 

Three school districts have been established. 
The earlier schools were held at private houses, 
and few records kept. 

An Evangelical church was organized in 1878, 
and a house for worship erected. There is a mem- 
bership of five families, under the charge of Rev. 
August Jedno. 

As early as 1866 the residents in the western 
part of Dryden and eastern portion of Transit uni- 
ted in forming a church society known as 
Johannes German Evangelical Lutheran Associa- 



464 



HISTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



tion. A ohnrcli oilifice whb lit once built just in- 
side the liinitti of Dryden, iiud placed in charge 
«f Rev. Mr. Kiirlow. In 1881 there were seventy 
families counectod with it, and in charge of Rev. 
Charles Kruchmier. A cemetery containing four 
acres, was laid out adjoining the church. The 
earliest schools were taught in this church. 

A post-olHce was established in May, 18(!-t, and 
the present incumbent, Patrick Mohun, appoint<'d 
postmaster. Mails are received twice each week. 

The settlers of this town had quite an experi- 
ence during the great Indian scare of 1862, a 
large uuiuber of the savages indulging in war 
dances and hostile demonstrations in that vicinity. 
A stockade was built and guarded by 300 men, 
for some time. Many of tlie inhabitants tied to 
remote towns; nothing serious resulted. 

Augustus Altnow, born in Prussia in 1849, came 
with his parents to the United States in 1855 and 
lived wit!) thera one year in Watertown, AVisconsin. 
In the summer of 185(3 he came to Dryden, Sili- 
ley county. Here he has since lived and has taken 
a prominent part in the affairs of the town; has 
been stipervisor, justice of the peace, and is now 
a school oflicer. .\t Dryden. in 1871. he married 
Miss Adeline Groshong who lias borne him two 
sons and two daughters: Emma, Francis, August 
and Louisa. 

William Altnow, lirother to Augustus, was also 
bom in Prussia. He came to the United States in 
1854 and to Dryden, Minnesota, in 1856. Was 
also an early settler and figured prominently in 
the organization of the town, and has held several 
important offices. He was a soldier in the late 
war in the Second Minnesota infantry; partici- 
pated in the siege of Atlanta and the other en- 
gagements. About fourteen years ago he left 
Minnesota and settled in the Willamette valley, 
Oregon, where he is successfully engaged in stock 
raising. 

Robert Bcatty was born in the north of Ireland 
in 1803. Came with his parents to America, and 
landed in Quebec. His father, Andrew Beatty, 
located in Pennsylvania, and with him Robert re- 
mained until 185"), then removed to Illinois. Came 
in Minnesota in the spring of 1857 and .settled in 
Dryden, Sibley county, together with his four sons, 
Andrew, Hamilton, Robert and Joseph W.; all 
made claims of 160 acres each. Mr.Beatty was 
married in 1824 to Nancy Wilson; five of their 
twelve children are living. Andrew still lives on 
his claim ; Hamilton is the present tre.'isurer of 



Sibley county; Samuel B., a farmer in the town- 
ship; James R. and George W. r&side with their 
father. James R. was married in 1879 to Emily 
Maas. They have one daughter, Sarah M. 

S. B. Beatty, son of Robt^rt lieatty, was bom in 
Indiana county, Pennsylvania, in 1841. He re- 
mained in his native state until moving with his 
parents to Illinois in 1855. Two years later the 
family came to Minnesota and settlcil in Dryden 
towushi}). Enlisted April 14, 1863, and served 
under Captain M. J. Severance; parsed through 
many severe battles. In 1868 he purcliased a 
farm of IGO acres in Dryden; now owns 230 
acres. He was elected to the legislature in 1878, 
and served one term. Married in 1867 Kate R. 
Storey. The children are Gertrude, Lulu, Cora, 
and Horace D. 

Charles L. Dresser was bora on the 25th of 
February, 1839, in Allegany county. New York. 
During yoiith he learned the trade of mason, and 
in 1857 came to Minnesota, locating soon after in 
Dryden. For the past ten years he has been suc- 
cessfully engaged at his trade. Enlisted in 1862 
in Company H, Fourth Mirmesota, and received 
his discharge in 1865. .\dplaide F.Harris. of New 
York, became the wife of Mr. Dresser, and has 
borne him three children: Milton, Harry and 
Florence. 

Charles Hahn was born in Germany in 1848, 
and when seven years of age came with his par- 
ents to the United States, remaining in Wisconsin 
until 1862. After receiving a good common 
school education he learned the trade of an engi- 
neer, at which he worked two years. Came to 
McLeod county, Minnesota, in 1862, and the next 
year located in Dryden on his farm of 210 acres. 
Mr. Hahn has held town office-s, and is one of the 
trustees of the St. Johannes Lutheran church. 
Married, July 1, 1870, Willhelma Letzke, of Scott 
county. Henry, Teressa, Hannah and Louis are 
their living children. 

William B. Hamilton was bom in PenoKscot 
county, Maine, in 1829, where he remained until 
1864. After leaving school he spent his time in 
farming and lumbering. During the fall of 1864 
he located in Minneajjolis; made his home in that 
city until 18ti8, then came to his present place in 
Dryden, for the purjiose of giving his attention to 
stock raising and farming. He has a fine farm of 
160 acre.s, situated on Lake Titlow, on section 32, 
Married in 1854 Miss Eunice J. Bnxikings, who 
died in Minneapolis in 1868. leaving two children. 



SIBLEY COUNT T. 



455 



Willie and Mabel. His second marriage was with 
Miss Susie Woodard, cousin to Honorable C. 0. 
Washburn. Eddie, Bessie and Flora are their 
children. 

Norman Hubbard was born in Erie county, 
New York, in 1832. He lived with his parents on 
the farm until twenty years of age, when he mi- 
grated to northern Illinois, and two years later 
came to the territory of Minnesota, visiting in the 
meantime Missouri, Iowa and Kansas. He located 
on section 8 a claim of 160 acres, which he subse- 
quently sold and settled on section 4. Mr. Hub- 
bard has a finely improved and well stocked farm. 
He was instrumental in the organization of the 
town of Dryden, where he has held numerous 
ofBces. During the Indian war of 1862 he was 
one of the few men who remained in the vicinity. 
Married in 1858 Miss Frances J. Dresser. Two 
sons and three daughters have been born to them: 
Arcliie, Roy. Paulina, Hattie and Lucy. 

Martin Manusfeldt, a native of north Germany, 
was bom in 1830. While living in that country 
he learned wagon-making. In 1851 immigrated 
to America, and until the summer of 1862 pur- 
sued his trade in Jefferson county, Wisconsin. 
Coming thence to Sibley county, Minnesota, he 
made a claim, which he abandoned during the In- 
dian troubles, but afterward returned. Moved in 
1866 to his present farm, which comprises 240 
acres, on section 20. In 1852 he married Miss 
Sophia Kammer. Theodore, William, Henry, 
Minnie, Martin, Richard and Sophia are their 
chikh-en. William is a wagon-maker, residing in 
McLeod county. Theodore is a blacksmith, Uving 
in St. Peter. 

Patrick Mohan is a native of Ireland, and 
when about twenty-tnree yeaiB of age came to the 
United States. He landed in Boston, Massachu- 
setts, and remained in Provincetown, on Cape Cod, 
until coming to Minnesota, in the meantime work- 
ing as a teamster; also kept a pro\ision store. On 
aniving in this state he settled in Dryden town- 
ship and claimed 160 acres on sections 4 and 9 and 
has since given his time chiefly to farming and 
stock raising; has been town clerk a number of 
years and since May, 1864, has had charge of the 
post-ofiBoe. Married in Boston in 1852, Mary 
Duflf. Their children are John B. P., a farmer in 
Renville county; Thomas D., a merchant in Hec- 
tor, Renville county; James and Mary A. John 
B. P. invented an automatic railraod car coupling, 



which was patented March 6, 1877 and for which 
he has received some liberal otters. 

Peter Mohan was born in Ireland. He left his 
native country in 1847, when about fifteen years 
of age, and came to America, settling in Hlinois 
the same year. Soon after he returned to his old 
home, but came again, landing in Philadelphia 
the next year. After making his home in Pro- 
vincetown, Massachusetts, until 1855 he came west 
and in 1856 settled in Dryden township claiming 
160 acres of land on section 4; here he has since 
resided. In 1854, in Boston, Miss Bridget Duff 
became the wife of Mr. Mohan. One daughter, 
Annie M., has been born to them. 

Friedrich Norteu was born in the Kingdom of 
Hanover, Germany in 1820 and immigrated to the 
United States in 1847, settling first in Cook 
county, IlUinois, near Chicago. He remained in 
that state until 1856, then came to the territory of 
Minnesota and settled in his present home in Dry- 
den. Mr. Norten was the first settler in this part 
of the county. On arriving he claimed 160 acres. 
Married in lUinois in 1852 and is the parent of 
eleven children. Fred, Sarah, wife of August 
Schatz, of McLeod county, Conrad, Henry, Au- 
gust, WiUiam, Albert, Walter, Amelia, Emma and 
Georgia. Conrad is married and is farming in 
Sibley county. 

Thomas O'Neill was bom in Ireland in 1831. 
At the age of seventeen years he moved to Que- 
bec; his brothers and one sister had preceded him. 
He was employed in the copper mines in the vi- 
cinity of Georgian bay and later went to Michi- 
gan and continued in the mines on the peninsula 
until coming to Minnesota in 1857. He had pre- 
viously visited Dulnth in 1855 and made a claim 
which he abandoned and settled in Green Isle 
township two years later, but in 1863 he sold and 
bought his present farm in Dryden. During the 
rebellion he was drafted and assigned to Com- 
pany D, Fourth Minnesota and was honorably dis- 
charged from service at the close of the war. For 
many years Mr. O'Neill lias served as justice of the 
peace and is at present chairman of the town 
board. Married Mary O'Reilly in 1855. Of the 
eleven children burn to them eight are Uving. 

John Paulman was bom in Germany in 1820 
and came to America in 1853. For twelve years 
he lived in Hlinois then came to Sibley county, 
Minnesota, and bought 160 acres of land on sec- 
tion 12. In his native land he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Fredrica Hogan, who has borne 



456 



UISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



hira three children: Minnie, the wife of William 
CoUiiglian, Bertljii, the wife of August Hupken- 
paler, ami John who resides at home. 

Fredrick Kose, a son of Adam Rose, who was 
one of the early settlers and pioneers of Scott 
county, was born in Hesse- Darmstadt, Grermany, 
in 1H43. Immigrated to America with his parents 
in the fall of 1H50 and with them located in Elk- 
hart county. Indiana, on a farm. On the 4th of 
July, 185,5 tliey settled ia Baud Creek township. 
Scott co\inty. During the Indian outbreak he 
was j>ressod into service as a teamstor, and received 
a shot in the left leg at Birch Cooley. In 1869 he 
moved to Sibley county and located on a farm of 
100 acres in Dryden township. Mr. Rose has been 
chairman of the board and town clerk. Married 
Hannah Hahn in 1869 who has borne him three 
children: Emma, Mary and Anna. 

Jacob Rose, second son of Adam Rose, was 
bom in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, in 1848. While 
in infancy he came with his parents to America, 
landing in New York in 1850 and locating in Go- 
shen, Indiana. In 1855 he accompanied his parents 
to Sand Creek township, Scott county, but in 1873 
his father bought a farm in Dryden township 
which is now owned and managed by him; he has 
240 acres on section 7 and his parents reside near 
him. For the past thirteen years Mr. Rose has 
given considerable attention to operating thresh- 
ing machines. Was elected town treasurer in the 
spring of 1881. Married in 1874 to Mary Nieland. 
Fred and Anna are their children. 

Henry Weimier, a native of Germany, was 
born in 1822. His life was passed in that 
country until 1854, the date of his immigration 
to America. He spent three years in Illinois, then 
came to Sibley county, Minnesota. He made a 
claim, also purcliased land, and now has a farm of 
300 acres in section 11. The marriage of INIr. 
Weimier took place in his native land, in 1850; 
his wife's maiden name was Dorotha Horst. Henry, 
William, Hannah, Dorotha, and Mary are their 
children. 

NEW AUBIIRN. 

New Auburn is located in the northern part of 
the county, boimded on the west and north by 
McLeod county, on the east by Green Isle, and on 
the south by Dryden. The western part, includ- 
ing about one-fourth of the town, is a beautiful 
rolling prairie, while the remaining three-fourths 
is a heavily wotjded tract. High Island lake, so 
named foi' a beautiful island, several acres in ex- 



tent, and remarkable for being so high above the 
surface of the lake, extends between the ])rairie 
and wooded tracts. Its outlet is High Island 
creek. 

Settlement began in 1855; in the fall came 
Charles Duncan and son Robert, William Wil- 
liams, and Uriah Wilson. Charles Duncan located 
on the east side of High Island lake, where he 
lived a few years, then moved into the village of 
New Auburn. A number of settlers came in the 
next year. Of the earlier ones, those now remain- 
ing in the town are William Arnold and F. N. 
Gibbs. Mr. Arnold located on the south end of 
tlie lake, in section 33, where he has a fine farm of 
about 200 acres. Mr. Gibbs located where he ncjw 
lives, just west of the town site of New Auburn, in 
section 18. 

The town site of New Auburn was entered by 
Bell k Chapman in 1856. They laid it out in lots 
and called their town High Island. They had a 
man pretend to keep a store, but his customers 
were far apait, and he soon closed up. The pro- 
prietors, failing to make the improvements re- 
quired by law, lost their claims by the jumping 
process, well known to all pioneers. Another ■til- 
lage was inaugurated and called New Auburn, 
from Auburn, New York, from whence some of the 
settlers came. The first store was built by J. U. 
Green and Edward Wright in 1857. A log build- 
ing had been jiartly finished by Bell >t Cha]jman. 
William Williams took possession of this and lin- 
ished it off for a hotel. 

There are two general stores and one boot and 
shoe shop and store, and two hotels. The post- 
office was established in 1857. The first stamp 
used was whittled out by Thomas Scantleburg 
with a jack-knife, and was a wonder of typograph- 
ical art. He acted as postmaster by authority 
from the postmaster at Henderson. The office was 
an unlocked liox fastened to a p;>le, where any one 
coming from Hendefson with mail for parties in 
the neighborhood would drop it. The postmaster, 
from his mill in thi> distance, used to keep his eye 
on the office, and mail dropped into it was taken 
care of by him. The present postmaster is C. P. 
Gardner, and the office is kept at his store in the 
\-illage. 

The first marriage in the town was that of J. 
D. Green and Miss Martha A. Arnold, May 13, 
1858, at the residence of the bride's parents, Wil- 
liam and Ruth Arnold, in section 33. The cere- 
mony was performed by Esquire J. B. Scjmtle- 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



457 



burg. The first birth was that of Louisa, a 
daughter o( James arnl Margaret Jenks. She was 
born November 15, 1856, ami is now married and 
living in the town of Penn, BIcLeod county. The 
first death was that of Fred. Charles, who burned 
to death late in the fall of 1858, in his brother 
Ernest's house, whose wife was also badly burned 
in trying to save herself and children. 

The first school was taught by Miss Abby 
Kamsdell, during the summer of 1858, in a log 
building erected for the purpose in section 33, near 
the south town line. The toivu now has five 
school-houses. 

The first religious services were conducted at 
private houses by a Mr. Shepard, who came from 
Wisconsin m 1850. Kev. A. Mc Wright, of Gle-j- 
coe, a Methodist, began preaching at an early 
date in a room over the store of J. U. Green, in the 
village. A church was built aVwut ten years since 
in connection with the Baptists. The latter have 
at present no regular pastor. The Advent denom- 
ination also have an organization, which has ex- 
isted for a number of years. The Seventh Day 
Baptists have a fine church, which was built in the 
viUage in 1880. 

The first mill was built by Samuel Soantleburg 
& Sons in the summer of 1856. It was a small 
steam saw and grist-mill, and located on the bank 
of the lake and on the village site. In 1863 they 
sold to G. Pigler; not long after, the mill was 
burned, and Mr. Pigler erected in its place a fixie 
steam-power flouring mill with three run of stone. 
The Charles brothers built a steam-power saw and 
grist-mill nearer the north end of the lake in 1857. 
They operated it a few years, sold the machinery 
and abandoned the enterprise. 

The meeting for organizing the town was held 
at William's hotel in the vdlage, May 11, 1858. 
George Hotchkiss was chosen moderator and Ed- 
ward Scantleburg, clerk. The following town 
officers were elected for the ensuing year : J. H. 
May all, chairman; P. M. Weaver and William 
Arnold, supervisors; Edward Scantleburg, clerk; 
N. Pedrick, assessor; J. U. Green, collector; 
Robert Duncan, overseer of the poor; R. Wilkin- 
son and J. B. Scantlebnrg, justices; F. N. Gibbs 
and J. N. Arnold, constables. There were forty- 
eight votes cast. The highest number ever cast 
was in 1879 when 145 votes were polled. Mr. 
Scantleburg resigned as clerk in August and E. P. 
Wright was appointed in his place. The chairmen 
of the town board since have been Edward Scan- 



tleburg, five terms, Thomas Harris two terms, 
WiUiam Arnold nine terms, and a member of the 
board since organization until 1879, E. L. Smith, 
two terms, J. T. Richardson two terms, and Fred 
Streich, three terms. 

William Arnold was born in 1810, in Rhode 
Island and lived there until the age of nineteen 
years. He then went to Pennsylvania and was en- 
gaged in farming until 1856; coming at that time 
to Minnesota he settled on a farm in New Aubum 
where he has since resided. On arriving in the 
township he found but two families in advance of 
him. Mr. Arnold was one of the first board of 
supervisors and continued in the ofiice for about 
twenty consecutive years; was also justice of the 
town for five years. He was imited in marriage in 
1835 with Miss Ruth Wilber, who was bom in 
Dutchess county, New York. Of the seven children 
born to them, four are hving: Job N., James W., 
Martha A. and Alice C. 

James W. Arnold, son of William Arnold, was 
born in Pennsylvania in 1838. When eighteen 
years of age he came with his parents to Minne- 
sota and settled on a farm in New Auburn, where 
the father still lives. February 1862 he enlisted 
in Company H, Fourth Minnesota infantry and 
served until the close of the war in 1865. He 
participated in many hard fought battles and on 
the 22nd of May, 1863, was wounded. After the 
war he remained at home until 1867, then pur- 
chased a farm for himself on which he lived until 
1879; in that year he removed to the village of 
I New Auburn and opened a hotel of which he is 
still proprietor. Married Miss Mariah Missensal 
in 1868. Louis J., Martha and Thomas are their 
children. 

Henry Bailey was born in St. Lawrence county, 
New York in 1835. There he grew to manhood 
and remained until 1864, then came to Minnesota 
and settled on a farm iu Transit township, Sibley 
county. In 1872 he settled in the village of New 
Auburn and has since resided here. In 1879 he 
built a sugar-cane mill which he still runs; it is 
the only one in the locality. Was elected town 
assessor in March, 1880. Married in 1862, Miss 
Abigail Powers, a native of New York. Two 
daughters have been born to them. Minnie R. is 
a teacher. Edith lives at home. 

Ezra Bailey was born in 1826, in St. Lawrence 
county, New York and there resided until 1855. 
He then migrated to Wisconsin and four years 
later came to Minnesota, locating iu Henderson. 



458 



UIST0R7 OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Hooii after lio nn)V<'d to Faxon ti>\n).slii]) tlieut-e to 
Transit, remaining there until 1875. Since lo- 
cating in New Auburn, in 1875, he has led a re- 
tired life. Married in 1851, Miss Emily Aldem, a 
native of New York. Seven ehildren have been 
bom to them: Clarisa, the wife of Abraiu Faddcu; 
Polly A., wifeof A. B. Tupin; Henry B., Thurman, 
Cornelia and Eva live at home; Charles resides in 
Dodge eonnty. 

Arthur Buylan, was born in Ireland in 1829 and 
came to America with his parents when a small 
child. They settled on Prince Edward Island and 
there remained tifteen year^, then resided in Boston 
al)out twenty-tive years. After engaging in a sea 
faring life a short time, Mr. Boylau in 1872 came 
,to Minnesota and settled in New Auburn, where 
he has since resided. In 1858 he married Ellen 
Mohan who has borne him eight children ; Thomas 
E., Arthur S., EUen E., Catherine J., James S. 
and Mary B. are living. Catherine died in in- 
fancy and Francis at the age of eight years. 

L. R. Bcebe is a native of A'ermout, born in 
Franklin county. 1840. There he lived until 1867 
learning and working at the trade of blacksmith. 
In 18(i7 came to Minuc sota and settled in Fari- 
bault, remaining only a brief time, however. Lo- 
cating in New Auburn he built a shop and has 
since pursued his trade. Mr. Beebe also owns two 
fine farms to which he gives considerable atten- 
tion. He served as town treasurer one term. Was 
married in 180(3 to Miss N. Beagle, who is also a 
native of Vermont. Mabel, Herman, Abby, Her- 
bert, Ira and Axie are their children. 

W. W. Bigelow was born in Vermont in 1850 
and when cpiite young accompanied his parents to 
St. Lawrence ooimty, New York. In 18GG he mi- 
grated to Minnesota and after a residence of about 
two years in Fillmore coimty, removed to St. Croix 
county, Wi.sconsin. There he engaged in farming 
for six years then moved to New Auburn and has 
followed farming since. Married in 1871 Miss 
Flora A. Hall, who died in 1879. His second mar- 
riage was in 1880 with Mrs. Euphemia Coon, relict 
of the late Gordon Coon. 

John Bischof, a native of Germany, was born in 
1846. When twenty -six years of age he came to 
America and settled in New Jereey ; resided there 
six years, employed in a foundry. In 1879 he 
settled in New Aulium on a farm in section 1, 
where he still lives. Miss Maggie Hadley became 
his wife in 1873. Barbary, Charles and Maggie 
are their children. 



(Jeorge Blake was born in Cunil)erland in 1827. 
Bemoved with his parents to Nova Scotia when a 
child, and remained seventeen years, then lived in 
Illinois until coming to Minnesota m 1857. Mr. 
Blake settled on a farm in New Auburn, on which 
he has since lived. In 18('i4 lie went intothe army 
in Company M, First Minnesota heavy artillery, 
and while in service lost his sight, and has since 
been totally blind. Miss Margaret Barry became 
his wife in 1848. Patrick, Ellen. .lohn, .Jane, 
James, George, Annie, William and Louis are their 
children. 

Aaron W. Burdick, deceased, was bom in the 
state of New Y'ork in 183C, and on attaining ma- 
jority he removed to Wisconsin. Enlisted in Com- 
pany E, Fifth Wisconsin infantry, and served 
eighteen months: was then discharged on account 
of declining health. Returning to his native state 
he remained until 1871, then came to Minnesota, 
locating first in Grafton township, Sibley county. 
Here he engaged in farming for seven years, and in 
1878 came to New Auburn. He gave his atten- 
tion t« dealing in stock. In 1879 was ajipointed 
mail agent on the Hastings & Dakota railway. 
This position he was comjielled to vacate on ac- 
count of ill health. Was nominated for sheriff of 
Sibley county as a choice of the people, but with- 
drew his name from the political held. On the 
13th of March, 1881, he died, leaving a widow and 
five children. He was married in 1859 to Miss 
Hannah M. Green, also a native of New Y'ork. 
The children are Leslie A.. Mary C, S. H., E. T., 
and D. H. 

J. C. Chapin was born in Tompkins cownty, 
New York, in 1840. When eighteen years of age 
he came to Minnesota and settled in Shakopee; 
remained one year, then went to the vicinity of 
Fort Snelling. Soon after he removed to Sibley 
county and engaged in fanning in Dryden town- 
ship until the Indian outbreak, when he moved his 
family to P'ort Snelling for safety, and went out 
against the Indians. After the excitement had 
subsided he returned to Sililey county, and has 
since been a resident of New Auburn. For eight 
years he kept a hotel in the place; has since been 
a dealer in stock. In 1879 he married Miss L. 
Balinger, a native of Indiana. One daughter, 
DaLsy. 

George G. Coon was born in Madison county, 
New York, in 1837. After leaving school he 
taufjht five years in Wisconsin and Illinois. Came 
to Minnesota in 18G1, and after a brief stay in 



SIB LET COUNTY. 



459 



Freeborn county removed to St. Peter, where he 
taught one term, then came to New Aubm-n. One 
season was spent on a farm, after which he taught 
one and one-half years in Glenooe village. Re- 
turning to New Auburn he bought his present farm, 
which he cultivates summers aud teaches school 
during the winter months. For the past three 
years he has served as justice of the peace. Mar- 
ried in Wisconsin in 1863 Miss M. C. Calegrove. 
They are the parents of two children: Durwood 
and Nellie V. 

Eli Drew is a native of Bangor, Maine, born in 
1848. When about six years old he came with his 
parents to Minnesota, and settled in Hennepin 
coiuity, near Minneapolis; there his parents still 
Uve. In 1876 Mr. Drew purchased the farm on 
which he now lives. Miss Hattie McDougaU be- 
came his wife in 1876. Oelia B. is their only 
child. 

Bernard Eickshen was born in Prussia in 1838; 
lived there until the age of twenty-three years. 
Game to America in 1861 and settled in Carver 
county, Minnesota, where he remained a short 
time, then removed to New Ulm; shortly after he 
went South and remained one year. Keturning to 
Minnesota he located in Young America; during 
his seven years' stay there was engaged as engi- 
neer. Upon returning from a visit to Europe he 
settled in New Auburn township, on section 25, 
where he now resides. Was married in 1871 to 
Miss Anna Butts. They have four chileren: 
Mary, Frederick, Godfrey and Lena. 

Abraham Fadden was boi-n in Stockton, Ver- 
mont, in 1833. When a small boy his parents re- 
moved to Canada and I'esided there until 1855, 
when he came to Minnesota and settled at Hen- 
derson, Sibley county ; six years later he went to 
California, returning to Henderson after an ab- 
sence of one year and a half; came to New Au- 
burn where he has remained since with the excej - 
tion of the time spent in the army. Enlisted in 
1862 in Company I, 10th Minnesota under Gen- 
eral Baker. After serving about one year returned 
to New Anburn and in 1871 purchased his present 
place. His first marriage was in 1856 with Miss 
Margaret Wheeler, who died at New Aubuni it 
1873. Two sous were born to them; Herbert is 
living. Mr. Fadden was married in 1874 to Miss 
Clarisa Baileyt Walter and Warren are their 
children. 

George Faddon was bom in Canada in 1835. 
Came to Minnesota in 1859 and settled first in 



Henderson, where he remained seven years. In 
1862 he joined company I, 10th Minnesota; served 
three years. Eeturning to Minnesota he settled 
on a farm in New Auburn. For several years he 
served as town supervisor, and has also held other 
offices of trust. Miss Anna Richardson became 
his wife in 1854. Sybil, Charles, Horatio, Seward 
and Addie are their children. 

James Fadden was born in Grand Isle county, 
Vermont, in 1818. When a child accompanied 
his parents to Canada, remaining there until the 
age of fifteen years. He then until 1858 lived in 
his native state, also in Massachusetts and Wiscon- 
sin. During that year he came to Minnesota and 
after a residence of five years in Henderson, settled 
in New Auburn on a farm. Was united in mar- 
riage in 1841 with Miss Margaret Thompson, who 
died in 1872. Oscar, Algina, Eugene, Annie, Ellen, 
Eliza, Willie, Ida, Melvin and Jasper are their 
children. 

Daniel Francis was born in the state of New 
York, in 1848. When nine years old he moved 
with his parents to Wisconsin where he lived until 
1863. Enhsted in Company B, Fifth Wisconsin 
and served until the close of the war. Returning 
to his former home in Wisconsin, he attended 
school some time then in 1868 came to Minnesota 
and settled first in Redwood Falls. After a resi- 
dence there of nine years he came to his present 
farm in New Auburn. Married Miss Ellen Saun- 
ders in ] 869. Edward F., Mabel and Irene are 
their children. 

David Freeman was born in Jefferson county, 
Ohio, in 1819 and resided in his native state until 
1855. Came to Minnesota and remained a short 
time in St. Paul then located in Washington Lake 
township where for seven years he did carpenter 
and farm work, then came to New Auburn. His 
first marriage was in 1840 with Miss Elizabeth 
Allen who died on the 6th of March, 1875. Three 
children: John enlisted in Company G, 10th 
Minnesota and died while in service in 1865; 
Lydia is the wife of Peter Smith; Benjamin J. 
lives in New Auburn. In 1875 Mr. Freeman was 
married to Mrs. Rose A. O'Connell, widow of 
Thomas O'Connell who come to his death by freez- 
ing on New Auburn lake. John, Da\'id M. aud 
Ellen are the children by this marriage. 

E. P. Gardner was born in Monson, Hampden 
coimty, Massachusetts, in 1817. He was educated 
in music at the old Boston Musical Academy and 
taught music for several years. He was also sta- 



460 



nrsrojir of the Minnesota valley. 



tion agent at West BrnokfieM, Mimsnohiisetts four 
yeiire nud in 1854 wout t<i Akron, Ohio. 
There he Jealt in u^rienltural im])lenieiit8 four 
yeiirs then went to Wisconsin ami engaged in 
farming until 1873. C'oming theneoto Minnesota 
lie settled on a farm in New Auburn townBhij) but 
in 1H78 inovetl into the village and embarked in 
the drug bn.sine.'w; received tlie appointment of 
|)oBtnui8ter the same year, which office he still 
holds. He was town clerk for two years and for 
the past three years has served as justice of the 
peace. In 1812 he married Miss Lydia Crocker. 
They have had eight children; seven are living: 
Charles H., Mary E., Luelln, Etta A. Henry E., 
AUett G. and Bertram F. 

F. X. Gibbs was born in the state of New York 
in 1827. In 18.)4 he came to Minnesota and set- 
tled on a farm in Richfield, Hennepin county, and 
there resided two years; came in 1856 to New 
Auburn and settled on his farm adjoining the 
present village site. Was cliosen assessor, in 
which office he served twelve years; was also 
ti-easurer of the town one term, and has been con- 
nected with the school board for about twelve 
years. During the Indian outbreak in 18G2, after 
removing his famiiy to Minneapolis as a place of 
safety, he went out as a scout, but served only a 
short time. Miss Mary L. Hathaway became his 
wife in January, 18o7. Seven children have been 
bom to them. 

D. D. Graves wiu* bom in 1842 in Hatfield, 
Hampshire county, Massachusetts. Enlisted in 
18(il in Company B, 32d IMassachnsetts infantry; 
was promoted to lieutenant, which rank he held 
until the close of the war. Served in twenty -six 
engagements, and was slightly wounded once. In 
1871 he came to New Auburn, where he is success- 
fully engaged in the cabinet business. Served 
three years as town treasurer, and has been town 
clerk for the past three years. In 1874 he mar- 
ried Miss Clara Smith, of Franklin county, Mas.sa- 
chusettt. Their only child, Winford E., died at 
the age of four years and ten months on the 10th 
of December, 1880. 

William Hahn, a native of Prussia, was born in 
1849, and came to America with his ])arents at the 
age of five years. He lived in Wisconsin until 
1862, then came to Minnesota and located in 
Hnt'hinson, McLeod county. About one year 
later he removed to Dryden. Sibley county, and in 
lK7it came to New Aubarn and bought his present 
line farm. In 1S7;1 lif «ii8 wedded to Miss Cath- 



arine Rose. Fred, John, August and Emma are 
their children. 

B. F. Hall, whose native state is Vermont, was 
born in 1843. When nineteen years of age he 
went to New York; remained in that state until 
1871, then came to Minnesota. Soon iifter be 
located in New Auburn, and in 1877 purchased 
the place on which he now lives. On coming to 
Minnesota he had no means whatever, I)ut by hard 
work and close economy has acquired a nice prop- 
erty. In February, 1865, Mias Melvina Cleve- 
land became his wife, and has borne him four 
cliildren: Frederick, Etta, Robert and Flora. 

Willard L. Harris was bom in New Jersey in 
1845, and the next year accompanied his parents 
to Pennsylvania. When he was five years old 
they went to Delaware, and in March. 1856, 
started for Minnesota, arriving at St. Paul in 
April. After spending one year in Minneapolis 
they came to New Auburn, where his father, 
Thomas Harris, pre-emj)ted a farm adjoining the 
place where'Willard now lives, and there remained 
until his death, which occurred in September, 1873. 
In 1861 Mr. Harris enlisted in Com])any B, Fourth 
Minnesota volunteers, and served until being mus- 
tered out as orderly sergeant at the close of the 
war. In 1871 he married Miss Josephine Mc- 
Dougall, a native of Canada. Clara, Marshall, 
Wesley and Maud are their children. 

James Higgins was bom in Scotland in 1832. 
Came to America when twenty-thrc« years of age 
and settled in Toronto, Canada, remaining there 
three years. In 1858 he came to Minnesota, and 
has since lived on his farm in New Auburn. Mi.ss 
Mary A. Green became his wife in 1853. John, 
George, Sarah S., Mary E., James, Elizabeth, 
Cora B. and Anna M. are their children. 

G. W. Holmes was born in Lowell, Massachu- 
setts, in 1843. and at the age of eight years re- 
moved to Maine. After a residence of three years 
in that state he went to Wisconsin. In 1861 joined 
Company A, First Wisconsin infantry, and served 
three years. After returning to civil life he came 
to Minnesota, locating soon after on his present 
farm in New Auburn. His marriage to Miss 
Rosalie Benjamin took place in Wisconsin in 1865. 
Four chilli reu have been born to them, of whom 
three are living : Cora A., George M. and Leroy 
H. Clara died in 1867. 

R. A. Kerr, M. D., was bom in Belmont county, 
Ohio, in 1857. When two years of age he accom- 
panied his parents to Wisconsin and received 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



461 



his literary education at Elroy Academy. He 
commenced his medical studies under Senior 
Booth and with him remained one year then en- 
tered the Eush Medical College of Chicago, tak- 
ing two regular courses of one year each. He 
practiced his profession in Kendall, Wisconsin, one 
year, then returned to Rush College to complete 
his studies. He graduated on the 22d of Feb- 
ruary, 1881, and came directly to New Auburn. 

William Kipp was born in Delaware county, 
New York, in 1831. He remained in that state 
until 1877, then came to Minnesota and settled on 
the farm in New Auburn where he now resides. He 
is a brother to Orrin and Sylvester Kipp, practic- 
ing attorneys at Henderson. He was united in 
marriage in 1860 with Miss Ellen Squares, also a 
native of New York. Their children are, Jefferson 
D., Etta J., AUce W., Hattie E., Orrin E. and 
Minnie B. 

Jacob Koons, formerly a resident of New Au- 
burn, but now a resident of Penn, McLeod county, 
was born in Wayne county, Ohio in January, 1836. 
Until attaining man's estate his time was spent at- 
tending school in winter and farming in summer. 
In 18.57 he came to Minnesota and pre-empted the 
farm on which he now lives but until 1866 made a 
home with his brother Joseph in New Auburn. In 
1861 joined Company B, Fourth Minnesota, in 
which he served three years; was sergeant of his 
company one year. He soon after settled on his 
present farm; has held all the town offices and in 
1879 was elected to represent his district in the 
legislature. Miss Harriet A. Harris became his 
wife in 1861. Anna, W. Dennett, C. L. and a little 
girl are their children. 

Joseph Koons was bom 1833 in Ohio and there 
remained until twenty-one years of age; he was 
educated at Heidelberg college in Tiffin, Ohio, 
completing his studies in 1852. After teaching 
school five years he came to Minnesota and located 
on the fann where he now resides. Much time and 
pains have been brought to bear in ornamenting 
and beautifying his country home. During early 
life Mr. Koons developed considerable inventive 
genius. In 1873 he invented the threshing ma- 
chine which is so widely known and highly recom- 
mended, "Minnesota Chief." After bringing it to 
perfection in detail, he sold his entire interest to 
the firm of Seymour, Sabin & Company, of Still- 
water. He is familiarly called by his many ac- 
quaintances, "Threshing Machine Koons." His 
marriage with Bliss Matilda Stomen took place m 



1859. They have only one son, Elmer E., who re- 
sides at home. 

Thompson Laraway was born in Oneida county, 
New York, in 1831. There his life was spent until 
1856. After a residence of one year in Illinois, 
he in 1857 came to Minnesota, locating soon after 
on his present farm in New Auburn. In 1861 he 
enlisted in Company B, Fourth Minnesota and 
served three years. Mr. Laraway was united in 
matrimony with Isabella McCartney in 1850 and 
by this marriage has four children: Hattie, War- 
ren, Eugene and Edith M. 

Edward T. Lawton, a native of Michigan, was 
born in 1841, and when a child accompanied his 
parents to New York. At the age of eighteen he 
moved to Wisconsin and there remained until at- 
taining majority. Enlisted in 1862 in Company 
G, 20th Wisconsin in which he served until the 
close of the war, then returned to Wisconsin and 
in 1868 came to New Auburn. He has a farm on 
section 7. In 1866 he married Miss Teressa Cale- 
grove, who was born in the state of New York. 
Liniel E., Wellington P. and Wyman A. are their 
children. 

H. H. Litchfield was born in 1840, in Virginia, 
when sixteen years of age he began the trade of 
mOler, which he continued in that state until 
1861 ; he then went into the confederate army, not 
from choice but from compulsion; remained until 
the close of the war, then went to Maryland. 
There he engaj^d in milling two years and in 
1867 came to Minnesota and settled in Henderson. 
Until 1873 he was engaged in milling in that place 
then was clerking in a store one year. Went to 
Cottonwood county and remained one year, then 
dealt in wheat at Sioux City three years. Since 
then he has had charge of the New Auburn mills. 
Married in 1868 Miss Catharine Boland. Mary, 
Ellen and Emma are their children. 

F. J. Lynde was born in Guilford, Vermont, in 
1841. In 1862 he joined company E, 11th Ver- 
mont volunteers in which he served until the close 
of the war. He removed to Minnesota, stopping 
a short time on the way in Wisconsin. His first 
home was in Blue Earth coimty, but in 1866 he 
located in New Auburn, and here learned the trade 
of carpenter, which he followed chiefly until 1879. 
He then purchased the general merchandise busi- 
ness of Steicklin and Baker. For three years he 
served as town clerk and one term as justice of the 
peace. Mr. Lynde was married in 1868 to Miss 
Elizabeth Bonuiwell, a native of Wisconsin. 



M-2 



HISTOar OP THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



William Mansfield, a native of Maine, was bom 
iu 1841. In 1861 enlisted in company H, 15th 
Maiiio infantry, served four veaw and eight 
uiontlis, and was lumorably discharged. He re- 
turned to his native state after the war, but soon 
after migrated to Town, thence to Wisconsin. 
Subset luentlv he came to Minnesota with a view 
to locate which he did in New Auburn. For the 
past five years he has been engaged iu stock 
buying. 

Daniel Munro, a native of Scotland, was born 
in 1833, and during early life learned the trade of 
blacksmith. After working at it three years he 
went to Australia, and sjjent five years there in 
the gold mines. In 1860 came to America and 
settled in Wabasha county, Minnesota, which was 
his home thirteen years. Came to New Auburn 
iu 1873 and purchased the beautiful place known 
as The Grove, which is located on the banks of 
New Auburn lake, and which commands a most 
picturesque view of the lake and surroiindings. 
Miss Johanna Eiddock became his wife iu 1867. 
Robert, Noble and Alonzo are their living children. 
Maggie died at the age of two years in 1872. 
Mr. Munro has served several years as town treas- 
urer. Enlisted in 1862 in company G, Eighth 
Minnesota, and served until the close of the war. 

John O'Connell, a native of Ireland, was bom 
in 1823. Remained in hLs native country until 
1850, then came to America and settled in Wash- 
ington county, ^Maryland, where tor three years he 
was employed in a fmindry. Removing thence to 
Jefferson county, Wisconsin, he engaged in fann- 
ing until 1865, then came to Minnesota, and set- 
tled on a farm in New Auburn where he has since 
lived. In 1878 was elected to the office of town 
supervisor, which office he still holds. Married hi 
1850 to Miss Catherine Walsh who has borne him 
ten children, seven of whom arc living: James E., 
Mary A., Catherine, P. J., Teresa B., Ellen E. and 
Daniel. 

Aaron Osendale is a native of England, bom in 
1824. Came to America iu 1851 'and spent the 
first year in Wisconsin: then made a trij) through 
the southern states, thence to California where he 
engaged in mining for three years. Returning to 
Wisconsin he remained until 1857, at which time 
he came to Minnesota and .settled on a farm in 
New Auburn. Was united in marriage with Miss 
Selina Fletcher, in 1850. Six sons and two daugh- 
ters have been bom to them: George H., Charles, 



Jane, John, Annie E., Walter, David P. and 
Wilham W. 

H. F. Palmer was bom in Oneida county. New 
York, in November, 1820. He resided in his 
native state until migrating to Wisi-ousin in 1863. 
His residence was in that state until 1872, when he 
removed to Minnesota and located in New 
Auburn where he has since been interested in the 
manufacture of wagons. He has served his town 
as justice of the peace and as town clerk. In 
1862 he joined the 146th New York regiment, and 
was mustered out after a service of one year. 
His wife was Miss Anna M. Maxson, married in 
1844. Francis M., Effie S., James L., Zuletta E., 
Idella G. and Eliza E. are their children. 

James L. Palmer was born in 1848, in Oneida 
county. New York, and there remained until six- 
teen years of age; then went to Wisconsin. 
Wliile in that state learned the wagon making 
trade and followed it for six years. In February, 
1878, he came to Minnesota and has since followed 
the trade of a carpenter in New Auburn. Mar- 
ried, in 1869, Miss Sarah J. Palmer, who has had 
four children : Emily D., Henry F., Effie S. and 
Mury A. 

Charles Pigler, a native of Hungary, was bom in 
1829. ^^ hen a young man he learned the cabinet 
trade, and followed it there until coming to Amer- 
ica in 1854. He worked at his trade a few months 
iu Philadelphia, then went to Racine, Wisconsin, 
and for two years was employed by J. I. Case & 
Company. In April, 1857, he came to Minnesota; 
settled in Henderson, Sibley county, where in 
company with others he Tan a shingle and saw- 
mill for seven years. In this enterprise he experi- 
enced considerable loss. Coming to New Auburn 
he purchased a small saw-mill which stood on the 
site of his present large mill. After running it one 
year, in 1865 it was destroyed by fire. He imme- 
diately rebuilt, and in 1871 also erected the tioiu-- 
ing-mill adjoining. This he started on a sipall 
scale, his business being only custom work; but 
three years ago it was remodeled, furnished with 
the best improved machinery, and now can produce 
about sixty barrels of flour per daj'. He was 
wedded in 1856 to Miss Christine Jenson. 

Joseph Plieseis is a native of Austria, born in 
1841. When twenty-four years of age he left his 
native comitry for America, and settled in Mis- 
souri, where he lived four years, then came to Min- 
nesota. Locating in Arlington township he en- 
gaged in farming there until about 1878, then 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



463 



bought Lis present farm in New Auburn. In 
March, 1873. he married Miss Eustina Sealonski, 
who has borne him five children : Augusta, Charles, 
Minnie and Amy are the living. 

Fred. Podratz is a native of Prussia, liorn in 
1844. When a lad of ten years of age he came 
with his parents to America, and with them settled 
in Wisconsin. There he remained until 1871, then 
came to New Auburn and entered the employ of 
Mr. Pigler iu his mill; subsequently was placed in 
charge of the engine, which position he still re- 
tains. In 1864 enlisted in Company H, 42d Wis- 
consin, and served until the close of the war. Mar- 
ried in 1866 Miss Mary Lester, who was born in 
Illinois. Charlie and Ella are their children. 

N. A. Kanney was born in Cattaraugus county, 
New York, in 1854. When twelve years old he ac- 
companied his parents to Iowa, and there remained 
until 1878. At that time he went to the Black 
Hills, but soon after returned to Iowa, and the nest 
year came to Minnesota; settled in New Auburn, 
and has since been doing a thriving business in 
the general merchandise trade. Mr. Eanney is a 
nephew to J. W. Ranney, of La Crosse county, 
Wisconsin, who for several years was the leading 
attorney of the state of New York, and who in 
18.53 went to Wisconsin, and has since been inter- 
ested in hop culture. For many years past has 
been judge of the district court of La Crosse 
county, also a member of the state senate of Wis- 
consin. 

John Rose was born in Scott county, Minne- 
sota, in 18-56. His father, John A. Rose, was one 
of the first settlers of the county, having located 
there as early as 1854. There the sou lived until 
1879, then came to New Auburn and purchased 
the place where he now resides. In 1877 he was 
united in marriage with Miss Minnie Piara. ■ They 
have one son and one daughter : John and Minnie. 

Howard Shadinger was bom in Pennsylvania in 
1825, and when quite young removed with his 
parents to Ohio, thence to Indiana. There they 
resided until 1855, then came to Minnesota: his 
home was in Eureka, Dakota county, excepting 
three yeare spent in Northfield, until 1877, when 
he located on his present farm. From 1863 until 
the close of the war he served in the Second Min- 
nesota cavalry. Married in 1850 Miss Mary A. 
Cox. They have six children : Louisa M., wife of 
William Pryor, of Clay county; Sarah E., wife of 
Louis Nelson, of New Auburn; John H., Minnie 



G., wife of Seymour Richardson; Celia M. and 
Guy H. 

B. F. Stocking was bom in Oneida county. New 
York, in 1831. After passing three years as ap- 
prentice to the trade of painter, he went to Nor- 
wich, New York, where he was employed in a 
piano factory untill850. Went to Wisconsin dur- 
ing that year, and after engaging at his trade a 
short time, opened a saloon in La Crosse; also ran 
a brick yard. In 1857 came to Mmnesota, and 
until 1867 made his home in Olmsted county. 
After disposing of his property he came to where 
the village of Brownton now stands, and in 1870 
moved into New Auburn and bought his present 
farm, which is adjoining the village; also pur- 
chased a fine home in the village. He is now one 
of the most extensive bee-growers in the state. 
Mr. Stocking was one of the town board for sev- 
eral years, and at the last election was chosen 
chairman of the board of county commissioners. 
Married in 1855 Miss Mary F. Buley. Eva L. 
and Harriet are their children. 

Fred Streich, a native of Prussia, was born in 
1837. Came to America in 1854, settled in Wis- 
consin and worked on a farm until 1856, then went 
south where he engaged in steamboating on the 
Red river about three years. Returned to Wis- 
consin and in 1863 came to Mionesota. On ar- 
riving at New Auburn he located on his present 
farm. He has taught school in New Auburn for 
three years: in 1871 was elected county commis- 
sioner: in 1877 was nominated for county treas- 
urer and in 1878 received the nomination for county 
auditor. Miss Christina Rickert became the wife 
of Mr. Streich in 1861. Of the fourteen children 
born to them only seven survive. Albert A., 
Henry A., Emil J., Martha, Theodore, Hulda and 
August. 

Ezekiel Willson was bom in Windham county, 
Vermont, in 1812. On attaining majority became 
to the state of New York where he resided until 
1858 then came to New Auburn and settled on 
the farm on which he now lives. During the In- 
dian outbreak he moved his family to Minneapolis 
where they remained two years ; he, however, car- 
ried on his farm the entire time. In 1866 when 
the Baptist church of New Auburn was organized 
Mr. Willson was elected a deacon, which positit)n 
he still retains; he has about his house one of the 
finest groves to be found in the state; about four 
acres of large beautiful trees which he has set out 
and cared for. His wife was Miss Cornelia Cofrin 



iM 



iiwroitr OF rns Minnesota valley. 



to whom he was married in 1831. They are the 
parents of six children : Dennison L. is a resident 
of New York; Abel died iu 1858; Ellen is the wife 
of Edwin Bilker, of New York; Harriet and Adi- 
son live at home; Harrison resides at (Jlencoe. 

John Wisdorf is a native of Prns-sia, born in 
1850. Came to America with his parents when 
Blxmt two years old and for nine years lived in 
Wisconsin; he then came to Minnesota and set- 
tled in Green Isle, Sibley county, remaining there 
nntU 1878, when he removed to New Auburn and 
settled on his farm on section 26. Mr. Wisdorf 
married in 1875 Miss Eva Plenkers. Jacob, Liz- 
zie and Anna are their children. 

Peter Wilkins was born in 1819 in Germany. 
After leaving school he was engaged in teaching 
in Germany, his native country, until the age of 
eighteen years when he came to America. He 
learned engineering in the state of Ohio and for 
six vears run an engine after which he entered a 
mill where for three years he was in charge. In 
1859-60 he served in the state legislature for 
Sibley county; served for one term. From 1873 
imtil 1877 he dealt in general merchandise in New 
Auburn; he has held various town otlices and for 
five years was postmaster. Mr. Wilkins married 
Anna Often in 1840. Their children are, Mary, 
the wife of John Oliver; John W., Charies H.,Wil- 
liam S., Ellen E., now Mrs. C. H. Gardner, and 
Joseph P. 

TRANSIT. 

Transit, one of the central of Sibley county, 
was the first of tlie prairie towns to attract settlers 
to its borders. There is one large lake situated 
near the center of the town, known as Indian lake, 
followed in the west by a chain of smaller lakes 
and marshes. About the shores of these bodies 
of water a few very early pioneera located, but 
soon abandoned their huts for other parts. The 
first |)ermanent settler, Frederick Muchow, located 
in 1858 and still makes the original claim on sec- 
tion 1 his home. For a long time he was the only 
one in the place, but was joined in 1860 and '62 
by a large number, among the most prominent 
Ijeing Ezra Bailey, who located on section 10; 
Fredrick Thuneman, on section 10; F. Wamka, 
section 3; and Ralph Wilkins, August Grumvaldt 
and N. Rhyner in other portions of the town. 
Several of those mentioned and many others after 
a short sojouni left for other parts, finding too 
many difficulties to contend with, the main trouble 
Ijeing the want of wood. As the surrounding 



ooontry became more opened by roads and im- 
provements, one by one new and permanent settle- 
ments were made, so that in 1860 the town con- 
tained a sunicient number of voters to permit an 
olliciid organization. Accordingly an election 
was held and officers elected as follows: A. G. 
Coon, chairman, and John Boumaster board of su- 
pervisors: L. S. Crandall, clerk: C Strasman, as- 
sessor; Frederick Muchow, treasurer; and C. 
Strasman justices. 

Settlers in the eastern portion of the town united 
with the Dryden j>eo[)lo and constructed a church 
just over the township line. Some years later the 
Catholics built a small edifice at the village of 
Mountville, which in 1881 was in charge of Rev. 
A. Steelier of Henderson. 

A German school in the Lutheran church was 
taught for some years. In 1881 theie were four 
school districts, each supplied with a comfortable 
school building. 

Transit now has three post-<jffices. The first, 
named after the town, was established in 1867, 
and L. S. Crandall appointed postmaster; in 1881 
W. F. Babcock held the office. Eagle City post- 
ollice, located on section 29, was formerly estab- 
lished in Alfsborg, the first postmaster having 
been Ole Oleson; in 1881 E. A. Campbell was 
postmaster. The third post-office was established 
at a point near the township line of Dryden, in the 
north-eastern jiart, called Mountville. Louis 
Uber first held the office. The postmaster in 1881 
was Thomas Whalan. 

The village of Mountville was surveyed in 1872 
by Adam Buck, on land owned by F. Thuneman, 
L. and W. Uber. A few lots were sold, but no im- 
provements of importance were ever made. 

The valuation m 1880 stood: .?162,789 worth'of 
real estate, and 827,038 in jjersonal proi>erty. 
Pojjulation, 527. A total of 112 votes were polled 
at the fall election the same year. 

M. F. Babcock was born on the 10th of July, 
1857, in Wisi'onsin. He is a son of Hiram Bab- 
cock, who was born in Madison county. New York, 
in 1819, and moved to Wisconsin in 1856. When 
ten years of age Morton came with his father to 
Transit townsliij), Sililey county, and is now re- 
siding on section 17. His mother was Catherine 
Wells, also of New York. There are six child- 
ren: Edward, Emmagene, Morton, Eloise, Stella 
and Delia. 

George K. Chapin was bom in Herkimer county. 
New York, in 1828. He removed to Allegany 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



465 



county, thence to Dane county, Wisconsin. En- 
listed in Company D, Seventh regiment Wiscon- 
sin infantry, and was discharged from service in 
1864. Came to Minnesota in 1S66, and soon after 
settled on section 28, Transit township. Married 
Emma D. Truman, who was also bom in Herkimer 
county, New York. Kosalia, Damon D. and 
Marshie A. are their children. Mr. Ohapin has 
served his town as clerk. 

O. B. Coon was born on the 8th of October, 1852, 
in Ehode Island. He came to Minnesota in Aug- 
ust, 1862, and settled in New Auburn, Sibley 
county, but one year later located a farm on sec- 
tion 17, Transit township, and has since resided 
here. His farm comprises 160 acres. He is a son 
of A. G. Coon, who was bom in Ehode Island on 
the 2.3d of February. 1820. Phoebe A. Crandall 
became the wife of Mr. Coon; also was a native of 
Rhode Island. 

Erick Erickson, a native of Sweden, was born in 
1831. Came to America in 1868; soon after pro- 
ceeded to Minnesota and located on a farm of 160 
acres on section 26, Transit township. His wife 
was Caroline Olson, of Sweden, who has bome him 
seven children: Annie, Ellen, Caroline, Amelia, 
Hilda, Louis and Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. Erickson 
are identified with the Lutheran church. 

Patrick Gallagher was born in county Gal- 
way. Ireland, in 1854. Came to America in 
1865 and located in Kentucky. Coming to St. 
Paul he remained one and one-half years, then 
located in 'Transit, Sibley county. He received a 
good practical education, and has since taught 
school in this county. 

Robert J. Hall was born in Washington county, 
VeiTQont, in 1852, and came to Minnesota in 1868, 
and located on section 20, Transit township. He 
is a son of Almon Hall, a native of Vermont, who 
was married to Esther Carroll of that state. Their 
children are Benjaniin F., Ellen J., A. E., and 
Robert J. 

August Hass is a native of Prussia, born in 1841. 
Came to America in 1868 and settled in Sibley 
county, Minnesota. He owns 160 acres of fme 
land, situated on section 22. Married Minnie 
Schader, a native of Germany, who has bome him 
four children: Albert, Mary, Charles and Annie. 

Peter Keen an was born in New York city on the 
24th of August, 1832. When twenty years of 
age removed to Sheboygan county, , Wisconsin, 
thence in 1859 to Dane county. He settled in 
Olmsted county, near Rochester, Minnesota, in 

30 



1864, and remained four years: then located on 
his presenf farm in Transit township, situated on 
section 29. Alice Griffin, a native of Ireland, be- 
came his wife, and has borne him six children: 
John. George, Frank, Katie, William and Freder- 
ick. Mr. and Mrs. Keenan are members of the 
Roman Catholic church. 

George Kruger was bom on the 8th of January, 
1846. iu New York. He lived in Milwaukee 
twenty-nine years, and in 1874 came to Transit, 
Sibley county. Mr. Kruger is by trade a mill- 
wright, also a carpenter. He is the present town 
clerk of Transit, and resides on section 22. His 
wife was Caroline Laubs, of Germany. Louis, 
Louisa, John, Paulina and Robert are their 
children. 

Charles Maxson was born in Madison county, 
New York, in 1840, and in 1863 came to Wiscon- 
sin. Two years later he came to Minnesota, and 
has since resided in Transit townsliip; he owns a 
farm of 320 acres on section 8. He has been su- 
pervisor of the town for three years. Was mar- 
ried to Emmagene Babcock, of New York. Nellie 
May is their only child. 

August Muchow was bom in Transit, Sibley 
county, Minnesota, in 1858. He is a son of Fred. 
Muchow, who was born in Prussia in 1830; came 
to America in 1853, and located in Jefferson 
county, Wisconsin. Coming thence to Transit, he 
settled in the town, and has since resided here. 
He married Wilhelmina Lindamann, who has 
bome him five children; August is the eldest; the 
others are Herman, Franz, Minnie and Albert. 

Charles Rathke was born in Prussia in 1834, 
and came to this country in 1857. Proceeding 
directly to Minnesota he located in Dryden town- 
ship, Sibley county, and in 1866 settled in Tran- 
sit. For seven years he has served as chairman of 
the town board. His marriage was with Amelia 
Koehler, also a native of Prussia, born in 1842. 
Bertha, Ida, Ellen, Herman, Ferdinand, Martha, 
Annie and Charles are their children. 

German Soper was liom iu Chenango county. 
New York, on the 4th of August, 1818. From 
there he removed to Jones county, Iowa, and in 
1865 came to Transit, Sibley county. He owns a 
large farm of 480 acres on section 16. For two 
terms has served as one of the supervisors. His 
wife was Phoebe Rogers, a native of the same 
place; she has borne him four children: Horace, 
Caroline, Ida and John G. 

John C. Whelan. a native of Ireland, was burn 



406 



HISTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA V ALLEY. 



on tlie 25tl\ of June, 1849. Ciime to America in ! 
1862 nud BottleJ in ()linst<>a county. Minnesota. 
In 18(!8 locuteil bis liome on section 22 of Transit 
township. He has lield the office of chairman of 
the town board four years; lias also served as 
clerk and justice of the jjoaee. Mr. Whehm in n 
son of Diiuiel and Annie (Chamijionj Wlielan, 
both natives of Ireland. They have six children; 
Keeran F., Thomas, John C, EHzabetb, Annie and 
Mary. 

K. F. Whelan was born in Queen's county Ire- 
land, in 1847. He was raised as a farmer, and in 
1862 emigrated to Quebec, Canada, thence to 
Olmsted county, Minnesota. In 1867 he located 
in Transit township. Sibley county. Since resid- 
ing here he has been town clerk and assessor. 
Was married in 1876 to Honora Leonard, daugh- 
ter of Pat. Leonard, who was an early oettler of 
Sibley county, having located here in 1855. Dan- 
iel, Mary and Honora are their children. 

ALFSBORO. 

Alfsl)org, a roUina; prairie t<)wn, lies in the 
southern and central part of the county, and em- 
braces the whole of congressional township 112 
north, range 29 west. As originally set off it em- 
braced the two towns, Cornish and Severance. In 
the western part are two lakes, Curaraings and 
Sandy, which are the source of the two branches 
of Rush river, both of which run east acrt)S8 the 
to^vn. The soil is a triHe more sandy than in 
other sections of the county, and in very dry sea- 
sons not so reliable for raising wheat. 

A majority of the first who made this town their 
home were Scandinavians, unaccustomed to keep- 
ing anv kind of records, unable to read, write or 
speak the English langiuige, and as a consecpience 
but few of the early incidents can be procured. 
One of the first signs of ci'S'ihzation was a hotel 
l>uilt by .\. Cunimings in the northern part, on the 
old Fort Ridgely road, and supported by travelers 
crossing the country from Henderson to the West. 
That, however, has long since become a thing of 
the past, and even the names of the few who located 
in the vicinity can only be guessed at. 

The first names to be had are those of the first 
officers elected at a town meeting held January 26, 
1869, at the house of Andrew Gustofson, as fol- 
lows: Andrew Swanson, chairman; Peter t)leson 
and Andrew Gustofson, supervisors; Herman An- 
derson, clerk; John Haed, treasurer; Ole Ingdal, 
assessor; S. and H. Anderson, jiistices; John Ost- 
berg and Oustop Larson, constables. 



Not until quite a late date was there much at- 
tention given to school matters. In 1881 there 
were two school districts, numljers 46 and 54, the 
former having two school-houses and the latter one. 
In 1880 the valuation as returned by the asses- 
sor was 8132,179 real estate, and 826,038 ixsrsonal 
projx'rty. There were 477 inhabitants the same 
year. At the fall election eighty-six ballots were 
cast. 

Charley Anderson, a native of Sweden, was bom 
in 1838. Came to America in 1868 and settled in 
St. Peter, Minnesota. He worked in different 
places until 1869, then located on section 7, Alfs- 
borg township. In 1870 he was united in marriage 
with Engie Johnson, a native of Sweden. They 
are the parents of three children: Harry, Ennis 
and Emil. 

Carl W. Anderson was bom in Sweden in 1830 
and grew to manhood <m his father's farm. On ar- 
riving in America in 1865 he settled in Ulinois and 
remained two years, then moved to Minnesota. 
After spending one year in Mankato and St. Peter, 
he settled on his farm on section 4 of Allsborg 
to^vnship. Mr. Anderson has held the office of 
town supervisor several years. Was married in 
New York in 1867 to Anna Hanson; his first wife 
died in Illinois. Lotta, Alfred, Edith, and Annie 
are their children. 

Johan Anderson was born in Sweden in 1841. 
Came to America in 1869 and proceeded directly to 
Minnesota, remaining in Mankato until 1872. He 
then moved to section 11, Alfsborg township where 
he still resides. Miss Lotta Johnson l>ecame his 
wife in 1870. They are the parents of five chil- 
dren. 

Peter Anderson, a native of Sweden was bom 
in 1855 and came to America in 1862. He lived 
in Carver County, Minnesota three years and in 
1869 moved to his present farm on section 34, 
Alfsborg township. His father died in Sweden in 
1860. 

Swan W. Anderson was bom in Sweden in 1848. 
When nineteen years of age he came to America 
and to Minnesota. His home was in Red Wing 
three years, then spent six years in Illinois. Came 
to Alfsborg, Sibley county, in 1877 and now re- 
sides (m section 10. In 1881 his marriage with 
Miss Emma Gustofson took place. 

Swen Anderson, a native of Sweden, was bora 
in 1815. His life was spent in his native land 
until 1862 when he came to the United States and 
until 1866 remiiined in Chicago. Since that time 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



467 



he has been a resident of Alfsborg. Has served 
as justice six years. Married in 1834 to Christine 
Bengt who has borne him twelve children, of whom 
five are hving. 

Andrew Bengstrom,a native of Sweden was born 
in 1824 and came to America in 1856. For twenty 
yeai's he resided in Faxon townshiji, Sibley county, 
then moved to Alfsborg where he still lives. Dur- 
ing his residence in Faxon, he enlisted in 1862 in 
Company H, ninth Minnesota and was honorably 
discharged in 1865; was wounded in the battle of 
Guutown. Married Maiy Johnson in 1847; have 
had twelve sons and three daughters, of whom 
nine are living. 

Andrew Boreu, whose native country is Sweden, 
was born in 1857. UntU ten years of age he re- 
mained on the farm then in 1867 came to America 
and soon after located on section 22, Alfsborg 
township, where he still remains. Married in 1880 
Louisa Peterson, a native of Norway. 

Nels Boren was bom in Sweden in 1848 and 
came to America with his parents when he was 
but two years of age. They settled first in Glen- 
coe, and there remained until coming to Alfsborg 
township in 1860. He is located on section 23. 

Peter S. Brown was born in Sweden in 1829 and 
was rai.sed on a fai'm in his native land. On ar- 
riving in America in 1864 he settled in Carver 
county, Minnesota, and subsequently moved to 
section 10, Alfsborg township. Was married in 
1853 to Betsey Anderson, a native of Sweden, who 
has borne him five children: Frank S., Mary, 
TiUey, August and John. 

Martin Curren was born ui Galway coimty, 
Ireland, in 1831. Came to America in 1849 and 
for several years resided in the New England states. 
In 1856 came to Minnesota and after a brief stay 
in Hastings, settled in Green Isle, Sibley county, 
■where he remained until 1878. He then located a 
home on section 12, of Alfsborg township. In 
1856 he married Bridget Mangeu, who has borne 
him seven children. 

John Englebert, a native of Sweden, was born 
in 1833, and .wlule living in that country learned 
the millers' trade. Immigrated to New York in 
1863 and proceeded thence to St. Paul. His first 
two years were spent at work for Mr. Erickson on 
a government contract. He then went to Scott 
county where for one year he engaged in farming, 
then came to Alfsborg township and located per- 
manently on section 26. Mr. Englebert has served 
as town treasurer for ten years and since 1869 has 



been school treasurer. Married in 1858 to- Mary 
Larson who was bom in Sweden in 1837. One 
son, Magnus, who was born in Sweden, is their 
only child. 

M. Gartner, a native of Germany, was born in 
1831. In 1854 he came to America and for ten 
years lived in Indiana, then moved to Kice county, 
Minnesota. His home was there for sixteen years, 
when, in 1880, he located on section 12, Alfsborg 
township. Mr. Gartner is chairman of the town 
board of supervisors. Married in 1859 to Phoebe 
Keinstein, who was born in Oliio. They have had 
seven children: Delia, wife of C. Bugbee; Louisa, 
the wife of Henry Benson; George, John, Mary, 
Frank and Charles. 

Andrew Gustofson was bom in Sweden in 1818 
and came to America in 1861. He settled in Da- 
kota coivnty, Minnesota and remained three years, 
then came to Alfsborg; he was the first settler in 
the town. In 1841 he married Miss Emma K. 
Hanson who has borne him nine children. 

Gustot Gustofson, a native of Sweden, was born 
in 1846 and when nine years of age came to 
America. After a residence of one year in Wis- 
consin, he removed to Goodhue county, Minnesota, 
remaining thirteen years. Came to Sibley town- 
ship, Sibley eoimty, in 1870 and located soon after 
in Alfsborg, where he has since Uved. Has been 
constable four years and in 1875 was assessor. 
Charles Gustofson, his brother, was a soldier in 
Company D, Third Minnesota and died at DuvaU's 
Bluff, Arkansas. 

August Johnson, farmer on section 34, is a na- 
tive of Sweden, bom in 1849. His childhood was 
passed in his native laud, which he left in 1867 for 
America. Soon after arriving in the United States 
he came to Minnesota and settled in Alfsborg 
township, Sibley county. He is an unmarried man 
and makes his home with a brother. 

Gustof Larson was bom in 1842, in Sweden. 
After reaching man's estate he spent two years in 
Norway, and in 1867 came to America and settled 
in Wisconsin. In 1868 he located a farm in Alfs- 
borg, where his home has .since been. Mr. Larson 
has served as supervisor and constable. M'as 
married in 1873 to Miss Mary Anderson who has 
borne him five children; all are living. 

John Lundborg, a native of Sweden, was born 
in 1846. Came to America in 1861, locating first 
in Carver county, Minnesota. In 1867 he came 
to Alfsborg and now resides on section 34. Miss 
Mary Swauson became the wife of Mr. Lundborg 



46» 



iiiarony of tue Minnesota valley. 



in 1807. Aiuiimla, (ienrge iiiul Clinrli^s are their 
oliililrou. 

Andrew Malin was born in Sweden in 1848. He 
grew to niaiibood on a farm. In IHOf) came to 
America and to Illiuois. tlience to Minnesota and 
settled on section 2, Alfsborj; townsliip. Was 
married in 1871 to Joliannah Jolinaon. John A., 
Edith A., Cliarles and Anna are their children. 

Philh'p Mee was born in Ireland in 1846. His 
youth was spent on the farm and at school. Im- 
migrated to America in 1806 and engaged in vari- 
ous pursuits until 1870, then came to Sililey 
county and located on section 2, Alfsborg town- 
ship. Married in 1873 Kate Hamil, also a native 
of Ireland. Patrick and Mary J. arc their chil- 
dren. Mr. Mee has two brothers located on farms 
adjoining his. IMichael was bom in county Mono- 
han, Ireland, in ISIil and was principally engaged 
as a dealer in stock in his native land. Came to 
America in 1877 and remained in St. Paul, Minne- 
sota until 1880 then located on section 1, Alfsborg 
township. 

August Morshaii was horn in Sweden in 1850. 
He came to this country and settled in Belle Plaine, 
Minnesota, in 1867. After residing there one year 
he came to his ])resent home in Alfsborg. His 
father, John Morshan, who was I)orn in Sweden in 
1817, came to America in 1865. 

Erick Oleson was bom in Sweden in 1836. In 
1866 he came to America, and soon after arriving 
located on his present farm in Alfsborg, on section 
6. In 1862 he was united in marriage with Bet- 
sey Anderson. Two sons have been bom to tliem, 
August and Charles; both were bom in Sweden. 

Swan Kydeen, a farmer on section 9, Alfsborg 
township, Avas Iwrn in 1845 in Sweden. He left 
his native land for America in 1869, and located 
in Alfsborg in 1870. Was married in 1869 to 
Anna Peterson, a native of Sweden. Frank, .loliu, 
Herman, Edward, Lemot and Whichart arc their 
children. Mr. Rydeen has held the oflice of 
school director three years. 

J. Shoberg, a native of Sweden, was bom in 
1821, and came to this country in 1868. Settling 
first in St. Peter he remained there two years, then 
came to Alfsborg, and has since made this town 
his home. In 1842 he married Catherine Jonas, 
who has borne him thirteen children, of whom ten 
are living. 

John M. Sislerwasbom in Preston county, Vir- 
ginia, in 1837. He left his native state when a 
young man, and after a residence of nine years in 



Winona, Minnesota, settled in Sil)ley county, 
Kelso township. In 1878 he moved to section 12 
of Alfsborg township, which has since Ijeen his 
home. While living at Winona he enlisted in the 
Second Minnesota light artillery; particijjated in 
the battles of Stone Kiver, Chickaniaus;a and Ken- 
esaw Mountain. He was marriedin 1863 to Anna 
Peterson, who was born in Ohio in 1845. Ella, 
their only child, was bora in February, 1868. 

Charles A. Swanson was bom in Sweden in 
1835. He came to America in 1866, and located 
at Bed Wing, Minnesota. Removing to Sibley 
county in 1868 he settled on a farm on section 6, 
Alfsborg township. For seven years he officiated 
as postmaster at Eagle City. Married in 1871, 
and has two sons and two daughters: Frank, John, 
Annette and Annie. 

Andrew Wass, l)orn in 1824 in Sweden, remained 
there imtil thirty-two years of age. Came to Car- 
ver county, Minnesota, in 1866, and lived there 
seven years. Removed to Nicollet county in 1873, 
and in 1876 came to Alfsborg township, where he 
has since resided. Mr. \Vas8 has been assessor 
seven years, justice of the peace three years in 
Nicollet county and one year since coming to Sib- 
ley county. His first marriage took place in 1849, 
by which he had one child. In 1850 he remarried, 
and by his second wife had ten children, of whom 
seven are living. His last marriage occurred in 
1878. 

CORNISH. 

Cornish lies between Alfsborg and Severance 
townships, boimded on the north by Bismark and 
on the south by Nicollet county. With the excej)- 
tion of a strip of light timber surrounding Cotton- 
wood lake, in the western j)art, the township is 
prairie, small lakes and marshes abounding in 
some localities. The soil is remarkably productive 
and has been extensively cultivated for the past 
ten years, there having been but few settlers j)re- 
vious to 1871, when the town was organized. A 
few claims were located in 1868, one of the first by 
William .Tames, followed by .\lonzo and Joshua 
Wakefield, and E. F. Kimball, (i. H. Gay lord also 
located the same year. The Wakefield brothers 
settled upon section 22, and were joined by their 
father, J. B., early the next 8i)ring. G. H. Gay- 
lord also located upon section 22, where he still 
resides. 

In 1871 there were a sufficient number of voters 
to form a township organization; accordingly an 
election was held on the 25th of Jauuarv, with the 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



469 



following result: G. H. Gaylord, eliairman, K. B. 
Bennett and Josiah Wakefield, supervisors; WU- 
liam Wakefield, clerk; A. C. Wakefield, treasurer; 
W. and J. B. Wakefield, justices; A. Anderson, 
constable. 

In 1869 the first white child was born, Dora, 
daughter of E. F. and Mary Kimball. During 
July of the same year tlie first marriage occurred. 
Miss Mahala Wright becoming Mrs. Josiah Wake- 
field, the newly married eoujile remaining and 
making Cornish their home. To this couple a 
chOd was born in 1870, which lived btit a short 
time, and was buried on the farm of G. H. 
Gaylord. 

A school-house was built early in 1871, and 
school opened in the fall by Miss Lydia Truman, 
having a fair attendance. On section 22 is where 
the building was located, supplanted later by a 
commodious frame structure, with patent seats. 
There is a second school- house located in the north- 
em part of the township. 

Occasional religious services were held during 
the first ten years after settlement. In 1877 a 
Swede Evangelical Lutheran society was organ- 
ized and a church building erected and placed in 
charge of Kev. Mr. Kydin. The oificiating pastor 
in 1881 was Rev. Mr. Sodermau. 

A Methodist Episcopal society was formed in 
1879, and a church edifice erected on section 34; 
services have been irregularly held since by mis- 
sion clergymen. 

Alonzo 0. Wakefield was appointed first post- 
master in 1869, succeeded soon after by J. B. 
Wakefield, who still holds the office. 

The town received its name through J. B. Wake- 
field, in memory of his native town in New 
Hampshire. 

The valuation for 1880 stood $102,770 real es- 
tate, and $1.3,417 personal property. Population 
for same year, 274 persons, casting forty-one votes. 

Gabriel Anderson, a native of Sweden, was born 
in 1828. Until 1867 he lived in his fatherland, 
then came to America and proceeded soon after to 
Minnesota. On arriving in this state he settled 
on section 26, Cornish township, Sibley county, 
where he still resides. His marriage with Mary 
Suamines took place in 1859. One son and one 
daughter have been born to them: Andrew and 
Betsey. 

Ezra Bennitt was born in Vermont in 1812. 
When a small child he accompanied his parents to 
New York, and there grew to manhood on a farm. 



Came to Minnesota in 1854; located first in Good- 
hue county, and in 1870 settled on his present 
farm of eighty acres on section 14, Cornish town- 
ship. Mr. Bennitt's eldest son joined Company 
F, Sixth Minnesota volunteers, and was subse- 
quently discharged on account of disability. Was 
married in 1842 to Louisa M. Phelps, who has 
borne him four children. 

H. W. Dunwel!, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1843. Came to America in 1858, and after 
spending one year in St. Paul, Minnesota, moved 
to Jordan, Scott county. Enlisted in Company I, 
Eighth Minnesota ; was mustered out at Charles- 
ton, South Carolina, and discharged at Fort Snel- 
Ung in July, 1865. On returning he located in 
Cornish township, Sibley county, and has a farm 
of eighty acres on section 8. Was married in 
1869 to Mrs. Briard, who has bome him four 
children, of whom three are living. 

S. C. Gregory was bom in Ohio in 1837. When 
a lad of about twelve years he removed to Iowa 
and remained in the state twelve years. Came to 
Minnesota in 1861, and in 1873 settled on his 
present farm of 160 acres on section 22, town of 
Cornish. Married Miss Anna Taylor in 1869. 
Edith and Winnie are their children. 

Peter Hagbarg, a native of Sweden, was bom 
in 1817. Came to America in 1854 and settled in 
Rockford, Illinois, where he remained fifteen 
years, then came to Minnesota and bought a claim 
of 160 acres on section 8 of Cornish township, 
where he now resides. In Sweden, in 1841, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Ingermary Nel- 
son. Ten children have been born to them, of 
whom seven are living. 

Nils Johnson was born in Sweden in 1848. He 
lived in his native land until the age of eighteen 
and in 1866 came to America; proceeding in 1871 
to Minnesota, he located soon after in Cornish 
township. Mr. Johnson is one of the successful 
farmers of the township, and has a well cultivated 
farm on section 20. He has been town clerk and 
justice of the peace several years. Was married 
in 1879 to Augusta Gunderson, who has borne him 
one son, Nimrod. 

Elias F. Kimball was born in New Hampshire 
in 1842 and came with his parents to Minnesota 
in 1854 and with them settled in Goodhue 
county, but removed to NicoUet county in 
1862. Enlisted in 1864 in Company F, Sixth Min- 
nesota and went south; was discharged in 1865. 
Returning to Minnesota he settled in Sibley county 



470 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



in 1867 and in the 8]>ring of that year married 
Marv L. Heuuings. Mr. and Mrs. Kimball reside 
on section 28, Cornish township, and have a farm 
of 1(!0 acres. They have had three children, two 
of whom are living. 

Charles Swanson, a native of Sweden, was born 
in 1848. Came to America in 1869 and settled 
first in Goodhue county, Minnesota, reniaining 
two years. He then moved to Sibley county and 
claimed 120 acres of fine farming land on section 
8 of Cornish. Married Miss Elizabeth WiUiams 
in 1876. Their only child died at the age of two 
years. 

William Taylor, a native of Scotland, was bom 
in 1822 and came to America in 1845. He settled 
first in Canada, remaining tliere nine years; in 
1855 came to Minnesota and located in Winona. 
His home was therefor thirteen years; since then 
till about two years ago he was a resident of Man- 
kato, but now owns a farm of 160 acres on section 
26, Coniish. On the 25th day of December, 
1845, Miss Sarah Rolph became the wfe of Mr. 
Taylor. They are the parents of eight children; 
the living are Ann, Mary, Jennie and John S. The 
youngest daughter, Jennie, is a teacher. 

BISMAKK. 

Bismark is a rolling prairie and was one of 
the latest to organize. The oldest settler now living 
here is J. A. Kruger, who located upon section 24 
in 1869 andTias since made it his home. In 1867 
a Mr. Mason and Sanders had located, Mr. Ma- 
son soon after removing to St. Peter and Mr. 
Sanders was removed by^death, probably the first 
in the town. 

T^he organization of the township took place in 
1874, an election being held July 24, with the fol- 
lowing result: Michael King, chainnau; L. Holz 
and J. L. Maxon, supervisors; S. S. Clevenger, 
clerk; J. H. Houston, treasurer; Louis Kiefer and 
E. H. Babcock justices and M. Biirdick and Wil- 
liam Sehauer, constables. 

Two school districts have been formed, one in the 
eastern and one in the western portion of the town, 
both having good buildings. 

Assessments for 1H80 gave the town a valuation 
as follows: §107,687 in real estate, and S9,532 
personal property. There were twenty-nine votes 
cast at the election of 1880, and a population, as 
given by the census returns, of 261 inhabitants. 

John A. Kruger was horn in Prussia, in 1834. 
Came to America in 1864 and settled near Man- 
kato, Minnesota. In 1869 he came to Bismark, 



Sibley county, and has since been a lesident of 
this place; hiis a farm on section 24. He has 
served as a member of the town board of super- 
visors. Married .Vugusta Kosanan, of Prussia, 
who biis borne him nine children: Otto, Herman, 
John A., William J., Alvena, Fred G., Amelia, 
Charles H., and Anuie. 

Frank Thole was born in Quincy, Illinois, in 
1855. When nine years of age he went to Mis- 
souri and there remained until coming to Minne- 
sota, in 1874. He located on section 2 of Bis- 
mark township where he still resides with his 
family. On the 3d of June, 1878, Miss Catherine 
Garmon became his wife. One S(m and one 
daughter have been bom to them. 

GRAFTON. 

Away out in the northwestern corner of the 
comity, Grafton is nearly isolated from her mother- 
land, by the jog made in giving township 114, 
ranges 29 and 30 west, to McLeod county. Like 
the rest of the western towns, this is prauie, with 
its full quota of lakes and marshes. Buck's lake, 
in the northern portion, is the largest, covering 
about 350 acres. 

The first settlors arrived in 1870. Among them 
were James Furlong, who located in section 26; 
John Southard, on section 24; A. M. Burdick, on 
section 14, and Alfred Foss, on section 2. No ad- 
ditions were made to this settlement until the 
spring of 1873, when D. A. Davis arrived, followed 
soon after by a sufficient number to permit the 
organization of the town, which took place the 
following September. Otficprs then elected: A. 
M. Burdick, chairman; George Asal and Joseph 
Mingo, supervisors; George R. Gardner, clerk; 
George Asal, assessor: William Knowles. treasurer; 
A. M. Burdick and L. M. Harrington, justices. 

A school was opened in 1874 by Miss Louisa 
Jenks, in a log house on section 14. The town is 
now divided into three districts, each having a 
substantial school b\iilding, and an attendance of 
twenty scholars. 

The first death reported was a son of Charles 
Thime, in 1875, shortly after his arrival. 

The valuation in 1880 was given as follows: 
848,290 real estate and .•*U,HH7 personal pro]>erty. 
The census gave 259 inhabitants. Tliere were in 
the same year fifty-four votes polled. 

Henry Ahlbreclit, a native' of Germany, was 
bom in 1834. Came to America in 1860 and .set- 
tled in Shakojiee, Minnejiota, remaining there 
seven years. He then removed to Glencoe, and in 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



471 



1879 located in Grafton township on section 33. 
He married Miss Caroline Icbt, a native of Ger- 
many. Lena, Henry, Bertha, Eda, Odelia, Theo- 
dore, Albert and Emil are their children. Mr. and 
Mrs. Ahlbreeht are identified with the Lutheran 
church. 

William Baumgarten, farmer on section 20, was 
born in Germany in 1822. Came to America in 
1853 and first settled in Dodge county, Wiscon- 
sin, where he remained four years. Coming thence 
to Henderson, Sibley county, he engaged in the 
medical practice, also in the drug business, vmtil 
1874, then located on section 20, Grafton town- 
ship. He was united in marriage with Martha 
Mathwig, who has borne him five children : Earn- 
est, Ertman, William, Mary and Helen. 

August Burgstahler was born on the 20th of 
May, 1828, in Baden, Germany. Came to Amer- 
ica in 18.52 and settled first in Buflalo, New York, 
and from there removed to Chicago. He after- 
ward went to La Porte, Indiana, and made that his 
home for seventeen years. He enlisted in 1861 in 
Company B, 73d Indiana, and was in service eight 
months. In 1869 came to Minnesota, and soon 
after settled on section 30 of Grafton. His wife 
was Mary Huser, who haiS borne him seven child- 
ren: Mary, Rosa, John, Gusta, Phillip, Katie and 
Ella. 

D. A. Davis was born in Erie county, Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1834, and came to Dakota county, Min- 
nesota, in 1866. There he resided until 1872, 
when he located in Grafton township on section 28. 
Enlisted in Company P, 169th Pennsylvania, in 
1862, and served nine months; was honorably dis- 
charged, and re-enlisted in the 211th regiment, in 
which he served until the close of the war. Mar- 
ried to Emma Drake, a native of Pennsylvania. 
Cassius and Dolphus are their children. 

R. S. Donaldson was born in Perry county, 
Ohio, in 1828, and came to Minnesota in May, 1855, 
locating in Dakota county. In 1877 he removed 
to section 1 of Grafton township, where he is es- 
tabhshed as a dealer in agricultural implements. 
Enlisted in the Fourth Minnesota as ca))tam, and 
was subsequently promoted to lieutenant-colonel 
of the 12th Louisiana, which was afterward the 
50th United States colored volunteers. Mr. Don- 
aldson married Eliza Curry, of Ohio. Clarence, 
Mary J., Horace,. Cora, Robert and Laura are 
their children. 

Louis Forcier was born in Canada in 1851. 
Came to the United States in 1860 and settled in 



Sibley county, and in 1871 moved to his present 
home on section 14, Grafton township. ~ His wife 
was Salina Degree, a native of Canada, who has 
borne him three children: Joseph, Mary, and an 
infant. 

Alfred Poss was born in Stratford, New Hamp- 
shire, on the 30th of September, 1812. From his 
native state he went to Maine, thence to Kenosha 
county, Wisconsin. After engaging in the lum- 
ber trade in Green Bay county, he in 1864 came to 
Minnesota and settled in Scott county, and in 1872 
came to his present farm on section 1, Grafton. 
He has been a member of the town board since its 
organization until last year. His wife was Har- 
riet Dearborn, a native of Maine. George T., 
Jane, Harriet and Nancy are their children. 

George R. Gardner, carpenter, was born in 
Rensellaer county. New York, in 1841, and com- 
ing to Minnesota in 1S73, located in Grafton where 
he owns a farm of 240 acres. He enlisted in the 
Second New York voiunteere and served two years 
then re-enlisted in New York heavy artillery and 
served two years longer; was discharged at the 
close of the war. Since his location at Grafton he 
has served as town clerk for five years. Married 
Mary F. Bnmdige, a native of New York. Elliott 
B., George F., Mary I., Martha L. and Jessie B. 
are their children. 

James Greig, farmer on section 12, was born in 
Wayne county, Michigan, in 1852. Came to 
Minnesota when only three years of age and lived 
in Dakota county tmtU 1874. He then came to 
Grafton, Sibley county, and has since resided here. 
His marriage was with Miss Emma E. Forga- 
son, of Illinois. They are the parents of two sons, 
George A. and William D. 

John Greig, a native of Scotland, was bom in 
1847 and when only three years old came to 
America. His home was in Wayne county, Michi- 
gan, until 1855, then removed to Dakota county, 
Minnesota, and there resided until 1873, when he 
came to section 24 of Grafton. He enlisted in 
Battery H, First Minnesota heavy artillery in 1864 
and was discharged in 1865. Married Ada Lock- 
wood, of Michigan, and has by her two daughters : 
Nettie A. and Effie G. Mr. Greig was a member 
of the town board six years and its chairman two 
years. 

Robert Greig was born in Scotland in 
1844, and came to America in 1850. He 
removed to Dakota coimty, Minnesota, from 
Miclugan in 1855, and in 1873 settled in 



Hi 



UiarOliY OF TUE MINNESOTA V^iLLEY. 



Now Aulmrn, Siblev county. Two warn siilwe- 
ijueiitly 111" caiui' to (irafton and has since rosiilod 
ou HoutioD 32. Enlisted in Oompuny F, Hcvoutb 
Minnesota, in 1802, and served until 1SC5. Mar- 
ried Hclou (>. Lockwood, of Mieliigan, and is the 
j)arcntof three children: Major L., Joan E. nnd 
Tlieodoro W. 

Joseph Maiitnor is a native of Bavaria, bom in 
1830. 'Oamc to .Vmoricn in 1852 and settled first 
in Le Snour county, Minnesota, where he remained 
until 1877, then removed to Sibley county and 
located a home on section 20, (irafton. His wife 
was Katrina M. Reinliardt. Katrina, Henry, 
Carolina. Annie, Lydia, Arthur, Ida, Ella, and 
John are their children. Mr. Mautner enlisted in 
Company K, Fourth Minnesota, in 18(14 iiml was 
discharged at the dose of the war. 

Simon Moore, a native of Ireland, was bom in 
1838 and when five years old immigrated to Phila- 
delphia. Coming to Sibley county in 18.53 he 
settled in Groeu Isle township nnd in 1878 located 
in Grafton. He has served as town treasurer four 
years and the same length of time as supervisor. 
EnlisU^d in 1862 in Company F, Minnesota 
niount<>d rangers and was out with General Sibley 
against the Indians; after serving one year was 
honorably discharged in 1863. His marriage with 
Miss Johanna Miuohan took place in 187U. Seven 
children have been bom to them. 

J. H. Mullen was born on the 16th of March, 
1843, in Ireland. Came to America when a small 
boy and lived in Massachusetts until the oom- 
mencement of the war then enlisted in company 
B, 12th Connecticut and was afterwards ]u-oniotod 
to captain. He came to Minnesota in 18(),'); set- 
tled in Wabasha county, but sulisocpieutly became 
a resident of Grafton township, Sibley county. 
Married Marion Downer, who was born in New 
York. They are the parents of two children. 

Oh' Rt>ctor was bom iu Norway, in 1853. He 
came to the United States in 1861 nnd settled in 
NicoUet county. Remamed until 1873, then lo- 
cated in Grafton township on section 20, whore ho 
has a fine farm. His wife was .lane Dunn, who 
was bom in Pennsylvania and who has borne him 
three children. Martha M., Louis W. and an in- 
fant. 

John E. Seuescall, farmer on section 34, wns 
bom in 1856 in Dakota county, Minnosotu; his 
]>areuts were among the early settlers of that 
county. In 1879 he came to Grafton, Siblev 
county and located his home on stvtion 34. His 



marriage was with Mary K. Hubbard, who was 
born in Cattaraugus county. New York. Their 
children are Gertrude B., Margaret .■V., nnd 
SiK-ncor W. 

MOl/rKE. 

The last of Sibley county t<iwnshi])S to oflicially 
organize was Moltke, which received its name in 
honor to the Prussian general Count Moltke. Its 
])osition is the most westt^mly of the middle tier 
of townships in the county. 

The surface is an undulating prairie, containing 
marshes and several small lakes, the largest of 
which is called Alkali. This town contains six 
fractional sections over the regular number as- 
signed to townships. 

Settlers arrived and t<K)k claims or purchased in 
the following order: \V. M. Hoofer, ou section 24, 
in 1875; .1. P. Blake, on section 6, in 1876: fol- 
lowed soon after by John Atrops, on section 10. 
These three families still reside where they located. 
In 1877, August Papkc located upon section 29, 
tliore being no more farms o|)eiied until 1878, dur- 
ing which year a colony of fifteen families locat<'d 
at one time. 

On the 21st of August, 1878. an election was 
held and the township organized, with the fol- 
lowing oflicers: J. P. Blake, chairman: .lohn 
Atrops and William lloi'fer, hoard of supervisors; 
F. W. Biennann, clerk; William Hoefer, .Ir., as- 
sessor; Christ Bueckle, treasurer: Louis Neu- 
kirch and V. W. Biermnnn, justices. 

On the 23d of Decemljer, 1879, the first mar- 
riage took place at the residence of the bride's 
parents. Henry Scabrandt and Miss Margaret 
Atrops were united by the Kev. Henry Albreclit. 

The first birth ocL-urred in 1875, a child being 
born to Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Hoefer. 

No death was recorded until March 9. 1880, 
when the daughter of F. W. and Emma Biermaini 
died, and wns buried in a Lutheran cemetery 
which had previously been laid out. 

On the 20th of May, 1878, Rev. Henry Albreclit 
preacheil the first sermon, at the resilience of 
Christ Bueckle, there being an attendance of 
twenty persons. Services were continued quite 
regularly iit Mr. Bueckle's residence until 1880, 
when the St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran 80ci(>ty 
was organized with thirteen families connected. 
A church edifice was erected at a cost of 8600, 
nnd placed under the charge of Bev. Henry 
.\lbrt>olit. The membership in 1881 wns twenty- 
four j)ersoii8, and under the charge of Bev. John 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



473 



Grabarkerwitz. At the building of the church an 
adjoining lot was laid out as a cemetery. 

The first school was held at the residence of 
Andrew Seal)randt, on section i), in the fall of 
1879, and taught l)y IJuibaia SchalTor. In the 
fall of 1881, thare was but one district school; 
tauglit in the church building, and having an 
att<!ndance of sixty- five scholars; V. A. Schrceder 
teacher. 

John Atrops was bom in Prussia in 1832. He 
came to America in 1853 and settled in Carver 
county, Minnesota; removed in 1874 to his pres- 
ent fann on section 10 of Moltke township, Sibley 
county. His wife was Elizabeth Hausmann, a 
native of Prussia, who has bomo him nine child- 
ren: Caroline, Maggie, Annie, Lena, Charlie, 
Belle, Lizzie, .Tohn and Henry. Mr. Atrops has 
served as town supervisor. 

Fred. W. Biermann, a native of Prussia, was 
bom in 1851, and came to this country in 1869. 
He settled first in New York, and in 1876 removed 
to Minnesota, locating in McLcod county ; in 1878 
he came to his present home on section 20 of 
Moltke township. His marriage was with Emma 
Hoppeustedt, of Germany. Fred, and Sojjhia are 
their children. Mr. ]5iermann is now serving as 
town clerk. 

J. P. Blake was boru in Illinois in 1849, and in 
1857 came with his parents to Minnesota, locating 
with them in Hastings. In the spring of 1876 he 
settled in Moltke township on section 2(i, where he 
still resides with his family. He has been a mem- 
ber of the town board, also justice of the peace. 
Miss Catherine Reel, who was born in Minnesota, 
became the wife of Mr. Blake, and has borne him 
three children : Eva, James and in infant. 

C. W. Hoefer, farmer on section 24, was born in 
Germany in 1830. Left his native land for Amer- 
ica in 1861, and located in Pliilailcl))hia. Came to 
Minnesota in 1868; made a home in New Au- 
burn, Sibley county, until 1875, then settled on 
his present farm. Married Christina Wolf, of 
Germany; their children are William, John, Her- 
man, Charles, August, Annie and Fred. 

John Hoefer, who owns a fine farm of 160 acres 
on section 14, was born in Germany in 1858. 
Coming to America in 1862 he located in Pliiladel- 
l)hia and remained until 1875; he then came to 
Moltke township and settled on his present farm. 
He is a son of C. W. Hoefer. 

Fred. Hoppenstedt was liom in Hanover, Ger- 
many, in 1847. When twenty years old he came 



to America and proceeded to Chicago, whore he 
engaged in the dairy business until the spring of 
1881 ; at that date he located in Moltke on section 
29. Married Emma Hoeltge, of Chi(^ago, who has 
borne him five children: Fred, Adolph, William, 
Albert and Henry. 

Louis Neukirch was boru in Piussia in 1835- 
In 1862 he came to Carver county, Minnesota; re- 
mained eight years, then moved to McLeod 
county. (3ame to his present home in Moltko 
township, section 12, in 1878. His wife was Dor- 
otha Meyer, of Germany. Adolph is their only 
child. Mr. Neukirch has served as justice of the 
peace three years, and is at present a member of 
the town board. 

August Papke, a native of Prussia, was bom in 
1847. In 1861 he immigrated to Green Lake 
county, Wisconsin; came to Olmsted county, Min- 
nesota, in 1870, and remained about eight years, 
then proceeded to his present home in Moltke in 
1878. Mr. Papke is chairman of the town board 
of supervisors. Augusta Abraham, a native of 
Prussia, became his wife; they have one son and 
one daughter: Fred, and Emma. 

Fred. Euschmeier, farmer on section 18, was 
bom in Hanover, Germany, in 1839. There he 
lived until 1865, then came to America, settling 
soon after in Chicago. After a short stay removed 
to McLeod county, Minnesota, and in 1878 located 
permanently in Moltke township, Sibley county. 
While a resident of McLeod county he served as 
county commissioner one term; has also served as 
chairman of town board of Moltke. Married 
Elizabeth Jones, of Manchester, England. Henry 
F., John, Ellen, Sarah and Christina are their 
children. 

.SEVERANCE. 

Severarce derives its name from one of the ear- 
ly pioneers of the county of that name. As 
originally organized the town was called Clear 
Lake, the change being necessary, owing to the 
fact of there being another town in the state of 
that name. It occupies the south-east corner of 
the county, and eml)races witliiu its limits six half 
sections more than the usual number, in ('onse- 
qnence of the land overrunning the government 
survey. 

No organization existed until 1870, although 
quite a number of settlers had located s(>veral 
years before, among the earliest being Swan 
Lindstrom, John D. Jacobson.and Peter Kwedlund 
who came previous to 1868 and took claims in the 



474 



HISTORY OF rUE MINNESOTA V ALLEY. 



Honthcrn portion of tlu> town. There are two 
st'hool ilistricts, both hsiviiii; Iniililings and con- 
venient furniture. 

W.\U UECOUK Ol- SIIII.HV C'OrNTT. 

First lufmitrv, Ci)nipiiiiy A. Private* — C. A. 
Kriitkii, must. Miiy 17, 'IJl, triina. to U. S. CnV. 
Oct. 23, "62. N. E. Nelaou, imwt. May 17, '61, 
pro. sergt., dis. for dis.ib'y Nov. 2, '62. W. T. Van 
Woort, must. May 21, '(il, dis. for disah'y Mar. 3, 
'63 Company I. Serymiit—E. I?. Trice, must. 
May 22, '61, dis. with regt. 

Second Infantry, Company B. Pricnte — An- 
drew Drotchko, must. .T)ini' 2*"), "Ol, died of wd's 
rec'd at Mill Spring, .Tan. 20. '(12. Company C. 
Recruits— C. L. Alden, must. Oct. 26, '61, w'd at 
Chickamauga, dia. for w'ds Oct. 27, '63. Drafted 
— John .\braliam, must. Nov. 22, '64, dis. with 
regt. Frederick Goebel, must. Nov. 22, '64, dis. 
with regt. Company D. iJr«/<(;d— Manuel Cam- 
eron, must. June 4, '64, dis. with regt. Cyrus 
Lovett, must. June 4, '64, pro. corp. and sergt., 
dis. with regt. John Ladauke, must. June 2, '64, 
died Aug. 2, '64, at Chattanooga, Tenn. Com- 
pany E. Wagoner — A. 0. Reiiter, must. July 5, 
'61, re-en. Dec. 26, '63, dis. from hosp. July 28, 
' '65. Primtei—I. D. Fowble, must. July 5, "61, 
pro. corp. and sergt., re-en., pro. 1st lieut., dis. 
withreg't. Frank Weudlaudt, must. July 5, '61, 
re-en. Deo. 26, '63, pro. corp., dis. with regt. 
Company G. Privirtai — 'Charles Rt'ichenbach, 
must. July 8, '61. trans, to V. R. C. Apr. 22. "64. 
i)rfl/(!«d— -Rudolf Waclitter, must Nov. 26, '64, dis. 
with regt. John Wesdorf, must. Nov. 22, '64, dis. 
with regt. Company H. Privates — Albert Oras- 
sengar, must. July 15, '61, re-en. Jan. 24, '64, dis. 
with regt. RecruiU — John Carroll, must. June 4, 
'64. Joseph Doyle, must. June 4, '64, dis. with 
regt. Lewis Keifer, must. Feb. 17, '64, dis. with 
regt. SvJjstitutes — James HoUinghead, must. Jan. 
18, '65, dis. from hosp. Aug. 10, '65. August 
Ucker, must. Mar. 27, '65, dis. with reg't. Drafted 
— William Altnow, must. June 4, '64, dia. with 
regt. Andrew Beseke, must. June 4, '64, dis. with 
Michael Collins, must. June 4, "64. dis. with 
William Dandle, must. June 4, '64, dis. with 
Joseph Scully, must. June 4, '64, dis. with 
Com])any T. DraftaJ — .John Prizle, must. 
28, '64. dis. with regt. Mathew Widdron, 
must. Nov. 19, '64, dis. with regt. Company K. 
Recruit — Wellealy Ogilvie, must. Mar. 8, '65, dis. 
with regt. 
Tliird Infantry, Compiuiy D. Recruit — Charles 



regt. 
regt. 
regt. 
regt. 
Nov. 



Ciustafson, must. .Tune 22, '64, dietl at Duvall's 
BlutV, .\rk., Dec. 9, '05. Company I, mustered 
November 6, 1861. Corporal — Joseph P. Kirby, 
pro. serg., re-en, Feb. 26, '64, pro. 2d Lt. co. K 
May 1, '65. and Ist Lt. July 19, '65, dis. with regt. 
Priciites — -David Crosby, deserted .\ug. 9, '62. 
from Benton I'arracks, Mo. James Crosby re-en. 
Jan. 1, '64, jiro. corp. and sergt., dia with regt. 
Edward Carpenter, dLs. for diaab'y in '63. Recruits 
— William Koehler, must. Feb. 11, '64. dia. for 
disab'y, Nov. 20, '64. William Callahan, must. 
Feb. 25, '64, dis. with regt. Drafted— WiWiam 
Oehlerking, must. June 27, '64, died October 25, 
'64. J. T, Ortenay, must. June 25, '64, died Oct. 
26, '64 at .TelTerson Barracks, Mo. Carlton Pauly, 
Must. June 27, '64, died Jan. 4, '65 at DuvaU's 
Bluff, Ark. John Teuchtenhagen, must. June 27, 
'04, dis. per order June 8, '65. 

Fourth Infantry, Company A. Drafted — Anson 
Heilger, must. .Tune 14, '64, dis. with regt. H. P. 
Giltner, must. Nov. 26, '64, dis, with regt. Fred- 
erick Tuuabon, must. Dee. 2, '64, deserted July 1, 
'05 from Louisville, Ky. Peter Wherle, must. Dec. 
10, '64, dis. per order May 29, '65. Company B, 
mustered October 2, 1861. Privates — Willard L. 
Harris, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, pro corp. and sergt., dis, 
July 19, '65. Jacob Koons, dis. at ex. of term, 
Oct. 11, '64. Thomas Lara way, dis. at ex. of term, 
Oct. 11, '64. James McCartney, must. Sept. 26, 
'01, dis. Dec. 3, '63. Recruits— C. H. Goodrich, 
must. Mar. 1, '64, dis. on ex. of term, July 19, '65. 
Champion Shilling, must. Feb. 20, '64, dis. on ex. 
of term. Horatio Vaughn, must. Sept. 3, '64, dis. 
on ex. of term. Substitute — Richmond Fadden, 
must. Mar. 20, '65, dis on ex.. of terra. Comjiany 
D. Drafted — .Tohu Donovan, must. June 4, '64, 
dis. with regt. Christian Ellinket, must. June 4, 
'64, dis. with regt. Thomas O'Neill, must. June 
4, '64, dis. with regt. Company E. Re^•ruits — 
Albi>rt Sauce, must. Mar. 11. '62, re-?n. Mar. 22, 
'64, dis. with regt. Drafted — Henry Frazer, must. 
June 2, '65. dis. with regt. Company F. Recruit — 
Jol) Arnold, must. Feb. 4, '62, re -en. Feb. 24, '64, 
pro. sergt., dis. with regt. Company G. Private 
— A. W. Clark, must, Nov. 20, '61, re-en. Jan. 1. 
'64, dis. with regt. Drafted — Charles Ballard, 
must. June 4, '64, dis. with regt. Charles Brooks, 
must. .Tune 4, '04, dis. with regt. Frederiok Bless- 
ing, must. .Tune 4, '64, dis. with regt. Michael 
Engel, must. June 4, '64, pro. corp, dis. witli regt. 
Frederick Milke, nnist, .Tune 4, '64, dis. July 20, 
'65, absent in hosp. John Narr. must. June 4,'64, 



SIBLEY COUNTY. 



475 



dis. with regt. August Quast, must. June 4, '64, 
dis. with regt. August Roocks, must. Jime 4, '64, 
dis. with regt. Frank Wagner, must. June 4, '64, 
dis. July 19, '6.5. Comjiauy H. Privates — J. W. 
Arnold, must. Dec, 20, "61, dis. from hosp. at 
Madison, Wis., in '64 a good soldier. Charles L. 
Drosser, must. Dec. 20, '61, re-en. Jan. 22, '64, dis. 
for disab'y June 28, '65. W. D. Winslow, must. 
Dec. 20, '61, dis. for disab'y June 12, '65. DrnfUd 
— John Bagh, Dee. 29, '64, dis. with regt Henry 
Hensler, must. Dec. 20, '64, dis. with regt. Peter 
Kamp, must. Dec. 30, '64, dis. with regt. Substi- 
tute — P. A. Arnold, must. .Jan. 9, '65, dis. with 
regt. Company I. Drafted — Charles Wendtlandt, 
must, May 30, '64, dis. with regt. 

Fifth Infantry, Company E. Privates — Anton 
MueUer, must. Mar. 10, '62, re-en. Mar. 72, '64, 
dis. per order May 27, '65. Recruits — Abram 
Freck, must. Sept. 3, '64, w'd Dec. 16, '64, dis. 
June 30, '65. Martin Lorch, must. Sept. 3, '64, 
dis. with regt. 

Sixth Infantry, Company B. Recruits — Michael 
Kemp, must. Mar. 18, '65, dis. with regt. Law- 
rence Kemp, must. Mar. 6, '65, dis. with regt. 
Company C. Private — A. T. Kohler, must. June 
18, '62, dis. on ex. of term. Company I. Re- 
cruit — William Sweeney, must. Feb. 26, '64, dis. 
with regt. Company K. Private — David McKis- 
son, must. Oct. 10, '62, died Aug. 30, '63. 

Seventh Infantry, Company H. Mustered Oc- 
tober 8, 1862, and originally commanded by Cap- 
tain James GilfiUau, of St. Paul, and now a jus- 
tice in the supreme court. With the exception of 
twenty-five men the members of the company were 
from Sibley county. Following appears their 
record: First Lieut. — Adam Buck, resigned Feb. 
12, '63. Sergeants — Charles Bomarth, dis. Feb. 
16, '64, for pro. in 3d Mo. int. A. D. C. Andrew 
P. Walker, deserted Oct. 6, '63, at Ft. SueUing. 
Chauncy B. Wilkinson, pro. 2d lieut. March 13, 
'64, and capt. Dec. 14, '64, dis. with regt. Corpo- 
rals — Thomas Seantleberry, pro. sergt. Feb. 3, '63, 
dis. Jan. 25, '64, for pro. in 2d Mo. col'd infy. 
Edward F. Wright, pro. sergt. Nov. 1, '64, w'd in 
battle of Nashville, dis. with regt. August 
Stiehm, dis. June 9, '65, at St. Paul. Anton Witt, 
Hans Hanson, pro. sergt. Dec. 8, '64, dis with regt. 
William Maurer, dis. with regt. Musician — Les- 
ter B. Winslow, dis. with regt. Wagone) — John 
Geib, dis. with regt. Privates — George Asal, pro. 
Corp. and sergt., dis. with regt. Samuel Borth, 
dis. for disab'}' Apr. 19, '65. Frederick Borchart, 



dis for disab'y Feb. 2, '63. Tliomas Bruss, de- 
serted Mar. 8, '63, in Sibley county. Conrad 
Buessing, dis. with regt. Edward Camiraud, 
trans, to V. R. C. Apr. 1, '65. Fred. H. Fessen- 
den, killed Dec. 16, '64, in battle of Nashville, 
Tenn. LeflErin Goudreau, dis. with regt. Franz 
Grassinger, dis. with regt. John Griggs, dis. with 
regt. WiUiam B. Hodge, deserted June 16, '63, 
at Camp Pope, Minn. Stephen Gervais, dis. with 
regt. Frederick Gervais, died Jan. 7, '64, at St. 
Louis, Mo. Edward Klappenbaoh, dis. per order 
May 22, '65. Beers Johnson, dis. for disab'y Mar. 
14, '63. Albert Koblinger, dis. with regt. Bern- 
hardt Kruger, dis. with regt. Louis Lefervir, dis. 
with regt. Gordon Legg, pro. corp., dis. with 
regt. Henry Luss, dis. with regt. Joseph Nigg, 
dis. with regt. Anton Peltz, pro. corp., dis. with 
regt. Henry Pohl, dis. with regt. John Polzin, 
dis. with regt. Herman Eeimer, dis. with regt. 
Henry Schaeffer, trans, to V. R. C, Apr. 1, '65. 
Christian Schmidt, dis. for disab'y May 11, '63, 
John Schumaker, dis. for disab'y Apr. 17, '65. 
Christopher Surber, dis. for disab'y Jan. 20, '65. 
Edward Schultz, dis. with reg't. Christopher 
Troxel, dis. with regt. George Troxel, pro. corp., 
dis. with regt. William H. Troxel, dis. with regt. 
Bernard H. Theders, pro. corp., dis. with regt. 
John G; Vech, trans, to V. R. C. Apr. 1, '65. 
Alonzo D. Wade, dis. for disab'y Dec. 10, '62. 
Robert B. Wade, dis. with regt. Conrad Warn- 
icke, pro. corp., kUled July 14, '65, in battle of 
Tupelo. Luduiz Weckwarth, died Nov. 6, '64, 
in hosp. at Cairo, Ills. Charles Woehler, dis. with 
regt. John Winter, dis. with regt. John Wollen- 
dorf, trans, to V. R. C. Apr. 1, '65. Frederick 
Wegge, dis. regt. Frederick Jounge, dis. with 
regt. John Gerken, dis. with regt. Joseph 
Krusha, dis. in '65 from hosp. at Prairie du 
Chien, Wis. 

Ninth Infantry, Company H. Prioatc — Andrew 
Bankstrom, must. Oct. 27, '62, dis. per order July 
10, '65. 

Tenth Infantry, Company G, mustered October 
28, 1862. PrwvTto— John Freeman, died Feb. 15, 
'65, at Louisville, Ky. Peter Smith, dis. with 
regt. William Smith, pro. corp., w'd at battle of 
Nashville, Tenn., dis. June 30, '65 from hosp. at 
Prairie du Chien, Wis. James Smith, dis. with 
regt. Recruit— 3. S. Ryker, must. Feb. 9, '64, dis. 
with regt. Company I, mustered November 12, 
1862, and originally commanded by James Gor- 
man. In April 1864 M.J. Severance was promoted 



476 



UlUTUliY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



cnptaiii ami assumeil coinniaiul. When the coiu- 
pauy was first organized, it contained but forty- 
eight members, all save eleven being from Sibley 
coimty. Subsequently fifty-one recruits were 
added. 2(/ Lieut. — M. li. Merrill, pro. 1st Lt. of eo. 
O. May 12, '64, dis. with regt. Sergwnts — John 
W. Peek, dis. for pro. in the 4th Mo. col. Iiif y. 
George W. Reed, dis. witli reg. William Beatty, 
dis. with regt. Corponih — S. M. Mandigo, pro. 
sergt. dis. with regt. Amus Frankenfield, dis. 
July 10, '65, absent. Dominick Ott, dis. May 29, 
'65 at New Orleans, La. (i. H. Walsh, pro' sergt, 
y. M. Sergt., trans to N. C. S. July 1, 'C5, dis. with 
regt. Wagoner — G. J. Iteynolds, died July 9, "64 
at Memphis, Tenn. Privates — Alexander Phillips, 
dis. with reg't. B. B. Beatty pro. corp., dis. with 
regt. N. R. Brown,de,serted Sept. '28, '63 at Hen- 
derson, Minn. Orsey Beardsley, pro. corp., dis. 
with regt. D. P. Blair, dis. with regt. L. H. 
Biasing, dis. with regt. David Doomhover, died 
July 18, '64 at Memphis, Tenn. David Bullis, 
deserted, Apr. 28, '62 at Le Sueur, Minn. A. V. 
Burgen, dis. for disab'y Dec. 10, '62. James 
Clark died in '65 at home in §ibley county. John 
Doolin, died in Minnesota in '65. Thomas Doolin, 
dis. for disab'y Fel). 23, '64. Abram Fadden, de- 
sei-ted Aug. 6, '63 at Hendereon, Minn. George 
W. Fadden, dis. with regt, James Fadden, pro. 
corp. and sergt., dis. with regt. Charles Fadden, 
pro. coi-p. dis. with regt. John Gorman, dis. for 
disab'y. May 13, '63. Frederick Manuel, dis. with 
regt. W. H. McCuen, dis. Aug. 19, '65, absent. 
J. A. McCuen, dis. with regt. J;imes Richard- 
son jjro. corp, dis. July 18, '65 absent. M. J. 
Severence, pro. capt. April 4, '64, dis. with 
regt. Russell Salisbury, dis. with regt. J. D. 
Tennant, died Apr. 22, '63 at Le Sueur, Minn. 
Thomas Walsh, pro, sergt., dis. with regt. Wil- 
liam Whitford, dis. with regt. H. J.Wheatly, dis. 
with regt. Recruits — Samuel B. Beatty. must. 
Ajtril 14. '64, dis. with regt. W. I. Van Woert, 
must. Mar. 29, '(14, dis. with regt. Company K. 
Corporal — Owen McGrann, must. Oct. 13, '62, dis. 
with regt. Privates — Peter Kernan, must. Oct. 
13, '62, deserted Sept. 7, '63 at Fort Snelling, 
killed by ])rovost general while being arrested. 
J. R. McCiraun, must, Oct. 13. '62, died Sept. 27, 
•63 at Ft. Ridgley, Minn. 

Eleventh Infantry, Company A. Mustered 
August 24, 1864. Captain — .\dam Buck, must 
Sept. 4, '64, dis. with regt. First Lieut. — .\ugust 
Sclmell, must. Sept. 4, 'r.4. dis. with regt. Ser- 



geant — .Tames M. Potter, pro. 2d lieut. of Co. B, 
May 12, '(>5, ilis. with regt. Corporal — Gerhard 
Bremer, jiro. sergt. June 3, '65, dis. with regt. 
Prii'dles — Andreas Bauer, died Ajjr. 21, '65, at 
Gallatin, Tenn. Gottfried Briest, dis. with regt. 
Lowell Butterfield, dis. with regt. .Tacob Hafner, 
pro. Corp., dis. with regt. Michael Harey, dis. 
with regt. William Kusche, dis. with regt. 
Adolpli Kusske, dis. with regt. .August Lieske, 
dis. per order June 12, '65. Henrich Otting, dis. 
with regt. William Otto, dis. with regt. Wil- 
liam Polzin, dis. with regt. Andrew Ruse, dis. 
with regt. Benjamin Schnackenberg, dis. with 
regt. Philip Silcher, dis. with rogt. C. H. Spell- 
man, dis. with regt. Gotlob Stubbe, dis. with 
regt. Henrich Thieling, dis. with regt. Henry 
Weihe, pro. corp., dis. with regt. John Wilson, 
dis. with regt. 

First Regiment Heavy Artillery, Company A. 
Privates — Bfujamin Epperson, must. Oct. 1, '64, 
dis. with eoinp. iMilo Townsend, must. Oct. 1, 
'64, dis. with comj). Company B. Privates — 
Walter Doheny, must. Sept. 22, '64, dis. with 
comp. Patrick Doheny, must. Oct. 1, '64, diB_ 
with comp. Xavier Denoyeau. must. Oct. 1, '64, 
dis. with comjj. Company H. Private — Hermon 
Shellenberger, must. Feb. 16, '65, dis. with comp. 
(Company M. Sen. First Z,('««^.-.-Christian Didra, 
must. Feb. 24, '65, dis. with comp. Jun. Second 
Lieut. — Robert V. Heselgrave. must. Feb. 24, '65, 
dis. with comp. Sergeant —}ieurj Altoper, must. 
Feb. 18, '65, dis with comp. Musician — Robert 
Glaive, must. Feb. 16, '65, dis. with comp. Pri- 
vates — Phillip Bardou, must. Feb. 18, '65, pro. 
Corp., dis. with comp. Frederick Briard, must. 
Feb. 18, '65. dis. ^7ith comp. Albert Brnkmeir, 
must. Feb. 16, '65, dis. with comp. Gteorge Blake, 
must. Fel). 16, '65, dis. Nov. 10, '65. Clement 
Dapper, must. Feb. 16, '65, dis with comp. Cas- 
per Dapper, must. Feb. 16, '65, dis. in hosp. in 
'65. Samuel Gabbcrt, must. Feb. 16, '65, dis. 
with comp. Charles Hillemau, must. Feb. 16, "65, 
dis. with comp. Henry Luhring, must. Feb. 16, 
'65, dis. in '65 — absent sick. Frederick Bepert, 
must. Feb. 16, '65, dis. per order Aug. 2, '65- 
Henry Weigand, must. Feb. '16, '65, pro. cor])., 
dis. with comp. Theodore Weigand, must. Feb. 
16, '65, dis. with comp. 

First Regiment Mounted Rangers. Company 
B.— Sergeant— W. H. Hazzard, must. Oct. 20, '62, 
d'S. with com]). Nov. 9, '63. Comjiany F. Cor- 
IHinil — Simon Moore, must. Nov. 24. "62. dis. with 



LE SUEUR COUNTY. 



477 



comp. Private — Ole Halverson, must. Nov. '24,'62, 
dis. with comp. Company K, mustered December 
10, 1862. Corporal — James Grady, pro. sergt. dis. 
with comp. Prirnti's — -Terry Connors, dis. with 
comp. Edward Dugan, pro. corp. dis. with comp. 
Edward Grady, dis. with comp. L. K. Lund, 
died, Sep. 29, 63 at Fort Abercrombie. D. T. Den- 
nis Haurahan, dis. with comp. 

Bractett's Battalion, Cavalry, Company A. — 
Corporal — August Sohnell,' must. Sept. 18, '61, dis. 
for disab'y July 16, '63. Privates — Frederick 
Biasing, must. Oct. 12, '61, dis. per order Jane 28, 
'62. H. W. Busse, must. Oct. 16, '61, dis. on ex. 
of term, Oct. 28, '64. Jacob Geib, must. Oct. 10, 
'61, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, pro. corp. and sergt., dis. 
with comp. Peter Hansen, must. Oct. 12, 61, dis. 
on ex. of term, Oct. 28, '64. Daniel McEwen, 
must. Oct. 12, '61, re-en. Jan, 1, '64, dis. with 
comp. Recruits — Jiilius Biasing, must. Mar. 31, 
'64, dis. with comp. Henry Feldman, must. Mar. 
31, '64, dis. with oomp. Ernest Hoffmister, must. 
Mar. 31, 64, killed Sept. 6, '64 by Indians while 
on detached service. Theodore Hedrick, must. 
Mar. 31, '64, dis. with company. Gustave Kuske, 
must. Mar. 31, '64, dis with comp. Ludwig Kuske, 
must. Mar. 7, '64, dis. with comp. John Kuske, 
must. Mar. 7, '64, dis. on ex. of term, Nov. 29, '65. 
H. L. Kemper, must. Feb. 26, '64. dis, for disab'y 
Mar. 15, '65. Fred Sanders, must. Mar. 31, '64, 
dis. with company. Mathias Young, must. Mar. 
29, '64, dis. with comp. Company B. Recruits — 
Christopher Miller, Apr. 1, '64, dis. with comp. 
John Carter, must. Apr. 29, '64, dis. for disab'y 
Apr. 12, '65. Charles Carter, must. Apr. 15, '64, 
dis. with comp. Company C. Recruit —0. C. 
Cheney, must. Mar. 4, '64, dis. per order June 15, 
1865. 

Second Cavalry. Company H. Recruits- — Adam 
Flecker, must. Feb. 22, '64, dis. with comp. George 
Eude, must. Dec. 5, '63, dis. with comp. Com- 
pany L. Private — John Dugan, must. Jan. 4, '64, 
dis. with comp. Company M. Privates — Ferdi- 
nand Meyert, must. .Jan. 5, '64, dis with comp. 
Wesley Thompson, must. Jan. 5, '64, deserted Oct. 
24, '64 at Ft. Ripley, Minn. 

Independent Battalion, Cavalry, Company A. 
Recruit — WiUiam Popland, must. Sept. 23, '63, dis. 
per order Mar. 29, '66. Company D. Recruits — 
C. A. Duncan, must. Mar. 2, '64, dis. with oomp. 
WilUam MeisenaU, must. Mar. 25, '64, dis. with 
comp. Company E. Primtes — Daniel Connolly 
must. Aug. 24, '64, dis. with comp. Timothy Mc- 



Namara, must. Aug. 24, '64, dis. with comp. 
James McCaffrey, must. Aug. 24, '64, dis. with 
comp. James Riley, must. Aug. 25, '64, dis with 
comp. 

Second Battery, Light Artillery. Private — John 
M. Sisler, must. Feb. 20, '62, re-en. Mar. 22, '64, 
dis. with battery 



LE SUEUR COUNTY. 



CHAPTER LXIL 

OBGANIZATION SETTIEES CHANOE OF COFNTT 

SEAT STATISTICS. 

Le Sueur county, one of the first in the Minne- 
sota valley to be claimed by the whites, is situated 
on the eastern bank of the Minnesota river, 
bounded on the north by Scott county ,east by Rice, 
and south by Waseca and Blue Earth counties. 
Its first organization as a county was on March 5, 
1853, when, by special act of tlie Fourth territorial 
legislature this and several other counties were 
created. 

To provide officers for the county until the 
first regular election, which was to take place the 
following fall. Governor Ramsey made the follow- 
ing appointments: Wallace Swan, register of 
deeds ; K. K. Peck, John E. Christy, and Thomas 
McDonald, commissioners; Tim Beoue, sheriff, 
the embryo village of Le Sueur being made the 
county seat. 

From this date forward the county has enjoyed 
a steady, healthy growth and now stands among 
the most prosperous of the state. 

In 1852, when the hand of civilization was 
reached forth to reclaim it from the red savage 
and wild beasts, a heavy cloak of dense timber 
covered nearly its entire surface, oak, maple, elm 
and basswood abounding. Bordering the Minne- 
sota river from one extremity of the county to 
the other is a range of high bluffs, partially cov- 
ered with scrub oak. while back and below is a 
range of j)rairie varying in width from one half a 
mile to four miles. In the valley, that portion 
subject to annual overflow is very productive, in 
many places having a rich surface soil from one 
to ten feet in depth. One farmer, Mr. Winegar, 
of Ottawa, during the spring flood of 1881, had 
three feet washed from the surface of his bottom 
lands, and it did not lessen its pioductiveness. From 
the bottom lands and banks of the river to the 



478 



UISTOBT OP THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



liigh bluffs, tliere ext«>ndti tt strip of loss prodiu-tive 
luml; the surface soil is samly, sind but slightly 
sprinkled over a peculiarly tinted red sand stone, 
commonly known as "Kasota" stone, and more 
fully treated of in another portion of the work. 
This pi ouliar deposit extends from Ottawa, which 
is near the center of the county, from north to 
south, to the southern boundary. 

The wooded ])ortion of tlie cciunty has a deep, 
rich loam, which years of cultivation fails to ex- 
haust. The land is luidulating, interspersed with 
numerous creeks, and a large number of clear 
crystal lakes; there are no extensive marshes. 

Originally this vast expanse of territory was 
thickly covered with heavy timber, but the hand 
of the early pioneer has left its imprint, and we 
now find large and well cultivated farni.s, many of 
which do not contain a solitary stump, as an in- 
dex to the earlier history. 

Of the numerous lakes so well distributed 
throughout the county, and all well stocked with 
fish, .Tefferson is the largest. It extends along the 
boundary line between Cleveland and M'ashington, 
in the north-western portion of Elysian township. 
It is more irregular in sha])e than any of the lar- 
ger lakes. Next in size come Tetonka, extending 
two-thirds across the center of Waterville township. 
Washington in Washington, German m the nor- 
thern portion of Elysian, Dora in northern part of 
Kilkenny, Gorman in ea.stem Cordova, Scotch in 
central Cleveland, Clear, in northern Lexington, 
These lakes cover from 500 to 1,500 acres each, and 
afford an abundant supply of fresh water. 

There are three streams of water affording 
power for a number of saw and grist-mills. Le 
Sueur, Cherry and Chankaska, all of which empty 
into the Minnesota river. 

It is needless to enter into a minute account of 
the early trials of the pioneers since they are simi- 
lar to those mentioned in other portions of the 
work. One point is, however, worthy of special 
mention. In those early day when few stages, no 
railroads, and very seldom steamboats afforded 
the settlers opportunity for procuring goods, or 
leaving their homes to earn money in the distant 
cities, anew industry was started by the establish- 
ment of a market for ginseng, and many of the 
farmers with their entire families made a business 
of gathering this root. One man in speaking of 
it said, '-It was a Godsend to some of us, as it 
brought ready money and enabled me to buy my 
first stock. I had three children who went int<i 



the woods with me. two looking up the plants and 
showing them to me, when I choj)j)ed them out 
with my grub hoe and the third child picked them 
up and .shook off the dirt." The price then paid 
ranged from six to twenty-five cents per pound. 

It was not until the 3d of June, 1853, that the 
county commissioners ap])ointed by the governor 
held their first meeting, the minutes say -for the 
purpose of taking into consideration the coimty's 
affairs, and a|)pointing a chairman." The meet- 
ing was held at the hotel or boarding-house of 
Peck & Bean, in Le Sueur city. J. E. Christy was 
appointed chairman, 1). C. Sniitli county surveyor, 
and John McKee district attorney. The first 
projjerty of the coimty was ordered at this meet- 
ing, it being a desk for the register of deeds. 

At the second meeting, held in July, the first 
county ordere were drawn, being in favor of the 
commissioners themselves for per diem, to the 
amount of $4 each. 

At the same meeting a license was granted B. 
Marion to operate a ferry across the Minnesota 
river, to pay therefor S5 per annum. This was 
the first license granted in the county. 

The first assessor of the county was aj)poiuted 
at a meeting held August 10, 1853, J. M. McKee 
receiving the appointment. 

The first election, in the fall of 1853, was held 
in the open air near K. K. Peck's house, in Le 
Sueur city; it was the only voting precinct which 
existed at that time. At this election county com- 
missioners were elected as follows: Thomas Mc- 
Donough, chairman, Julius A. Turrill and Maurice 
Wright; George Reisdol])h, assessor; Patrick 
Cantwell, treasurer. 

At the first meeting of the newly elected com- 
missioners, January, 1854, the county was sub- 
divided into three election districts; was again 
sub-di^-ided in 1856, and so remained until April, 
5, 1858, when the commissioners organized the 
county into townships. 

Tlie first financial report of the county, made 
January 2, 1854, showed a balance on the wrong 
side of the sheet: Eec«ipts. S22; expenses, S80.25. 

The first grand and petti t jury was selected 
k.\m\ 3, 1854. The first returns of the as-sessor in 
the spring of 1854 showed a valuation of ^20.679. 
and the rate of taxation was fixed at 2J per cent. 
It cost the county SI 7.50 for the first election 
returns. 

During the s]>ring and summer of 1854 the 
county commissioners were ilooili.l with ])etitions 



LE 8UEUB COUNTY. 



479 



for county roads, and two roads along the Minne- 
sota valley were partially opened. 

The first school districts were established in 
1854, there being two — Nos. 1 and 2. 

Probably the first saw and grist-mill in the 
county was built by J. W. Babcock in 1852 and 
1853. He also established a ferry crossing the 
Minnesota just above the present site of St. Peter, 
which, it is claimed, was the first. The oldest 
inhabitant built the first house near the present 
site of Kasota village. Reuben Butters, who is 
now one of the iufluential citizens of the county, 
and resides at Kasota, claims that honor. 

K. K. Peck was the first postmaster, and the first 
ofiice was established at Le Sueur city in 1853. 

The death of the stranger, Jake , at Le 

Sueur in the fall of 1852 was probably the first in 
the county. Mary Le Sueur Peck was born in 
Le Sueur city, 1853. Hers was the first birth on 
record. Slie was named in honor of the village in 
which she was born. 

On September 26, 1853, the first court convened 
at Le Sueur, Judge A. G. Chatfield officiating. 
After swearing in the grand jury, the first indict- 
ment found by that body was against one of its 
own members, Charles Gadwa, charged with 
selHng liquor to the Indians. He gave bonds in 
the sum of .f 500 to appear at the next term of 
court. ' 

The register of deeds performed his first duties 
by recording a quit-claim deed from N. Myrickto 
J. E. Christy, conveying thirteen lots in Le 
Sueur city for a consideration of $20. The date 
of this document is April 14, 1853. Other legal 
papers had been previously drawn, but this is the 
first filed. 

Nothing of special interest aside from facts 
already given transpired until the meeting of the 
county commissioners on April 5, 1858, when the 
coiinty was organized into townships, as follows : 
Kasota was the first in order, comprising the ter- 
ritory east of the Minnesota river in township 110, 
range 26 west. Next in order were Le Sueur, 
Hillsdale, Young Town, Cleveland, Washington, 
Elysian, Cordova, Lexington, Euggles, Lanes- 
burgh, Kilkenny, Watei-ville, and township 109, 
range 26 west, Troy. At a meeting of the board 
of supervisors held the following September the 
south one-half of Lanesburgh township was set off 
by itself and called Jackson. At the same meet- 
ing the name of Euggles township was changed to 
Derrynane. At the January meeting, 1859, Hills- 



dale was changed to Tyrone, and Jackson to 
Montgomery. In 1860 the north one-half of Troy 
township was added to Kasota. The first meeting 
of the board of supervisors under the township or- 
ganization was held at Le Sueur, September 
14, 1858. 

In the spring of 1858 an attempt was made by 
the town of Cleveland to have the coimty seat re- 
moved from Le Sueur to that place. A majority 
of the voters of the county had voted for the re- 
moval, but owing to some informality in the call. 
Judge Chatfield before whom the case was taken, 
decided adversely to the Cleveland people. Again 
in September, 1859. a second attempt was made to 
remove the county seat. This time there were two 
petitions, one for removal to Cleveland; the other 
to Lexington. This attempt was also unsuccess- 
ful and the Clevelauders felt so indignant that 
they formed an armed company of about one hun- 
dred men, marched to Le Sueur, and secured a 
few maps, an old desk and a very few of the 
county papers. The Le Sueur folks had been no- 
tified of the approach of their indignant neigh- 
bors, and removed and hid the documents and ef- 
fects of the county in a store which was filled with 
armed men. The Cleveland party, after finding 
themselves foiled, took it in good part and re- 
treated to their own town, escorted a portion of 
the way by a large party of Le Sueur enthusiasts, 
who gave them the "Rogue's March" in emphatic 
form, with a tin pan accompaniment. This in- 
vasion resalted in Clevelands having the honor to 
entertain county officials diiriug one session, 
which was held in January, 1860, Le Sueur hold- 
ing the precedence afterward until July, 1875, 
when Judge Chatfield filed an "rder for the re- 
moval of the seat of government to Cleveland, ac- 
cording to a decision of the supreme court, to 
which the case had been carried by Reddlen H. 
Everretts on behalf of the Cleveland people. At 
the election held in the fall of 1874, 2,490 votes 
were cast, a majority being in favor of the removal. 

Durmg December of 1876 the county seat was 
again removed from Cleveland to Le Sueur Centre, 
where a substantial two story brick court house 
had previously been erected. This last removal 
was a compromise between the dissatisfied ele- 
ments of the county, and located the seat at the 
geographical center, where it will undoubtedly re- 
main, several thousand dollars having been spent 
in the erection of a fuie brick jail and the court 
house, mentioned in the Lexiugtou township chap- 



480 



HISTORY OF THE MiA'A'ESOTA VALLEY. 



tor, which have boon jmrchsised by the county. 

Homo time iigo the coiiiity ilisijoseil of its poor 
farm to Michael Sheehy, who still takes care of 
the iiulifjent at the county's expen8t>. The farm is 
located in Kilkenny. 

Tliere are ninety-si.x school districts in the 
county, several of wliich are but joint with other 
counties. Ninety-four, however, have buildings 
of their own within the county, and a majority of 
tlioso arc supplied with patent seats and jiarapher- 
nalia of the latest improvements. As a rule teach- 
ers of experience and good qnalifioations are em- 
ployed and tlie Le Sueur county y<iiith are in con- 
sequence a j)rogre8sive, intelliKent class. The tax 
levy for school jnirposes in 1880 amounted to 1^18,- 
333.70. For the luimber of inhabitants this is a 
heavy tax, l>nt no complaints are made, and the 
tax is paid cheerfully. There are two indepen- 
dent districts; No. 1, at Le Sueur, and No. 9, at 
Waterville, both of which have graded schools. 
Nearly all of the school biiildings are frame struc- 
tures. 

There is a county agricultural society which 
was organized in 1857 or '58, and fairs were an- 
nually held at Cleveland, doing much toward the 
introducti<in of improved machinery and tine 
blooded stock. These fairs were continued at Cleve- 
land until the fall of 1876; since that date they 
have been held at Le Sueur. The organization is 
in a ])ro8j)erou8 condition and has the reputation 
of always paying premiums in full. Present 
officers: F. M. Ireland, president: J. J. Green, 
secretary; H. C. Smith, treasurer. 

The Old Settlers association of Le Sueur county 
was organized Se])tember 20, 1876 with a member- 
ship of twenty-seven and the following officers: 
Rev. E. Sanders, president; J.J. Green, secretary. 
At present the membership numbers sixty-seven. 
Annual meetings and a bampiet are held the sec- 
ond Tuesday in .January at Le Sueur. 

There are at the present time five incorporated 
villages, viz: La Sueur, Waterville, Montgomery, 
New Prague, and Cordova. Nine surveyed and 
platted, viz : Kasota, Ottawa, Elysian, Cleveland, 
Marysburg, East St. Peter, Lexington, Le Sueur 
Centre and Kilkenny. 

Early church and religious matters will be 
found complete in townshij) chapters. There are 
thirty -six churches in the county. The IMinnesota 
valley towns were the first visited by mLssionaries. 

Three railroads jjenetrate the county; the Chi- 
cago. St. Patil, Minneajiolis A- Omaha, formerly 



the St. Paul & Sioux City, which was built as far 
as Le Sueur in the fall of 1867, and was the first 
in the county; the Winona & St. Peter, built in 
1873, and the Minneapolis A St. Louis, built 
througli the county in 1877. 

There are three weekly newspa]>ers, twf) at Le 
Sueur, the Sentinel, established in 1873 by J. J. 
Green, democratic; the News, republican, estab- 
lished in 1H79 by E. P. Huntington and the Stan- 
dard, published at Montgomery by .Tosejtii Chad- 
derdon, started in 1878. The Standard is inde- 
pendent in jiolitics. 

At the general election in 1880, 3,236 votes were 
poUeil. and a democratic majority of 550 was the 
result. The valuation of the county in 1880 was 
as follows: 83,323,963; less pro])erty exempt, 
S339,376. A comparison back eighteen years 
shows the valuation as follows: 1862, S529,347: 
1870, SI, 139,398; 1875, 82.851,140. The total 
tax lened in 1880 was a fraction over twenty-one 
mills and amounted to S66.480.61. This rate of 
tax, however, is above the average, there being an 
extra large special school tax during that year. 
The average value per acre of taxable j)roperty is 
placed at S8.92. Populaticm, 1880, 16,104. 

We here acknowledge our indebtedness to Felix 
A. Borer, the obliging county auditor for much 
valuable information. We feel bound, however, 
to congratulate Le Sueur county that it possesses 
a county auditor whose model set of books and 
general qualification for the otfice are of the high 
order of Mr. Borer's. 



CHAPTER LXin. 



LE SUECR FIB8T CLAIMS .SCHOOLS CHURCHES^ — 

BUSINESS BIOORArHIES. 

The town of Le Sueur, named in honor of the 
early explorer of that name, is the oldest town in 
Le Sueur county, and dates its birth in 1852, one 

, year previous to the creation of the county. It is 
beautifully situated U])on a shelving slo]>e on the 
east bank of the Minnesota river, in the north- 

I western portion of the county; contains three en- 
tire sections ami the fractional part of ten others. 
In its early history there were three villages, Le 
Sueur, Middle Le Sueur and Le Sueur Citv, also 
the township of Le Sueur. Owing to a long dis- 
pute over the title of the proj>erty upon which 

i Le Sueur City now stands, and the destruction of 

I a portion of the town records by fire in 1866, 



LE HUEUR COUNTY. 



481 



many facts relating to the early organizations are 
not to be obtained. 

The first claim was made by George W. Thomp- 
son in the spring of 1852. Soon after, Henry Mc- 
Lean, armed witb a license from the governor to 
operate among the Indians, and upon Indian ter- 
ritory, and in company with John Christy and 
John Cathcart, forced Mr. Thompson to vacate. 
A log h<nise was at once erected, the first in the 
town. Making the best of the situation, Mr. 
Thompson took another claim one mile further up 
the river, where the business portion of the town 
now lies. The log house which. he built that sum- 
mer still stands, one of the oldest landmarks of 
the county. 

In June of the same year J. M. Farmer, James 
Kern and Alexander Eay purchased two-thirds of 
Mr. Thompson's claim, and immediately had it 
surveyed and laid out into a village (Le Sueur) 
by George Nichols, of St. Paul. Several log 
houses were erected during the fall by the above 
company. During this time Messrs. McLean, 
Christy and Cathcart had surveyed their claim, 
also naming the village Le Sueur. Much to their 
surprise they found that the Farmer party had out- 
generaled them by having their plat recorded, and 
thereby stolen their name. They were obUged 
therefore to adopt a new name, and chose Le Sueur 
City. An attempt to establish a third village be- 
tween the others, called Middle Le Sueur, 
added much to the rivalry for supremacy, and a 
dispute arose over the title to the property of Le 
Sueur City, growing out of the forcible seizure by 
McLean, Christy and Cathcart. The incorpora- 
tion of Le Siieur and Le Sueur City was delayed 
until June 10 for the former, and June 17 for the 
latter, 1858. For nine years thereafter the two 
vUlages vied with each other, neither observing 
any regularity in civil matters. On March 9, 
1867, by a special act of the legislature, the two 
rival villages were incorporated in one borough 
town, Le Sueur, and officers appointed as follows : 
J. H. Swan, mayor; K. K. Peck, J. C. Maag and 
H. C. Smitli, councilmen; F. Cadwell, clerk; J. 
Oliver, treasurer; F. Cadwell, attorney; A. J. 
Kutan and G. W. Stewart, justices of the peace; 
L. L. Kulp and J. W. WUkins, constables. Again 
in February, 1871, to avoid the necessity of two 
sets of officials, the township organization was 
done away with, and the entire territory included 
in the borough town of Le Sueur. 

Of the early settlers thus far introduced, J. M. 

31 



Farmer is the only remaining resident. Mr. 
Thompson returned to St. Anthony two years 
later, and was accidentally shot in the pineries the 
following winter. Mr. Christy sold out in 1858, 
and was killed by the Indians in Nebraska. Mr. 
McLean also left at an early date. Mr. Cathcart 
remained until the fall of 1856, having been en- 
gaged in mercantile business in company with H. 
C. Smith during 1855-'6; joined the army and 
was killed during the war. 

The oldest resident pioneers now living are 
Patrick CantweU and his brother Henry, who 
took a claim of 160 acres, building the third house 
in the town in .Time, 1852. Early in the spring 
of 1853 George Bisedorjjh took a claim and built 
a small house, which he soon enlarged and used 
as a hotel, doing a paying business for some time. 
He sold out and moved to Brown's Valley. In 
the fall of the same year Mr. K. K. Peck arrived 
and built a hotel in the lower part of the village. 
He was soon followed by Ira Myrick, who built a 
third hotel not far from Mr. Peck's. For several 
years these hotels did a flourishing business, 
Mr. Peck removed to Faribalt in 1874. 

In 1870 Mr. Myrick sold out and moved to Ely- 
sian. Among the early settlers who are now 
prominent business men of the town are W. H. 
Patton, who came in 1854; Hon. E. K. Smith and 
Dr. Otis' Ayer, in 1856; H. C. Smith and John 
Maag, in 1855; .John Smith in 1857, more ex- 
tended mention of whom will be found in the bio- 
graphical sketches. 

The first postmaster of Le Sueur City was K. 
K. Peck, appointed in 1853; of Le Sueur was 
Wallace Swan, appointed in 1854. 

The first school of which there is any record 
was taugjjt by Silas Myrick in the winter of 1857, 
a small frame school-house having been built in 
the fall. In 1858 Miss Mattie Pearson took 
the school and taught for one year, having an at- 
tendance of fi'om eighteen to twenty-two scholars. 
This building answered for educational purposes 
for some years. Soon after the consolidation in 
1871 a move was made to erect a new building, 
and in 1872 the large, handsome two-story brick 
school-house, of which Le Sueur is justly proud, 
was built. The school is divided into four grades, 
the primary, intermediate, grammar and high. 
Average attendance, 269. Prof. C. M. Green as- 
sumed charge September, 1881. Six assistants 
are imder his charge. 

The organization of rehgious societies was neg- 



482 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



lecteil for ninny years, even after IjO Sueur liiul 
become quite a town. From 1855 to 1858 ser- 
mons were preached by Rev. C. C. KidJer, in 
charge of the Iteil Wing district of the Metliodist 
cliurch; iilso by Benedictine fathers of the Catlio- 
lic missions. The Methodists organized the first 
society in 1856, with C. C. Kidder as mission pas- 
t*>r. Tliere are now tliirty-six members. In conjunc- 
tion with the German Methodists a handsome 
frame church was erected and is jointly occupied 
by both societies. 

In 1858 tlie First Baptist chiirch of Le Sueur 
was orgiinizcd by llev. E. C. Sanders. A small 
frame structure was immediately built, but was 
soon after destroyed by wind, and in 1859 a new 
and more substantial church was erected. Mr. 
Sanders acted as pastor most of the time from the 
organization up to 1879, since which there has 
been no local pastor. 

St. Anne Catholic church was organized by 
Father Venn in IMfj'i, with twenty-six families. A 
small brick structure was built during the same 
year, and services have been held regularly ever 
since. Father Venn oflSciated untU 1870; he was 
followed by Fathers Kennedy and Stecber. In 
April, 1880, Father Wurst was appointed local 
pastor and through his exertions the church has 
been enlarged and a parsonage purchased. There 
are now thirty-live families connected with the 
church. There is a tlourisliing Sunday school. 
The church property is valued at .$10,000. 

The German Methodist society was organized in 
1861 under the supen'ision of Kev. J. Speckman 
with four families. A parsonage was ])urcha8ed 
and an addition built to the house, which answered 
the purpose of a church until 1863, wheu with the 
American Methodists a commodious edifice was 
erected. Kev. Adolph Dulitz is now pastor, and 
has under his charge 125 families. 

The First Presbyterian church of Le Sueur was 
organized in February, 1866, with twenty-one 
families. Kev. Rockwood IMcQuesten took the 
])asttirate and acted until 1872. He was succeeded 
by Rev. Thomas Campbell, who is still pastor. In 
1870 a substantial brick house was erected for 
worship. There are at present ninety-one com- 
municants. 

The German Evangelical congregation was or- 
ganized in 1867 by Kev. George Fachtmann, with 
twelve famihes. He remained pastor for three 
years, the last year building a good frame church. 
Id 1870 he was succeeded by Rev. G. M. Eyrich, 



who is still jiastor, having thirty-four families un- 
der his charge. 

In 1666 the Episcopalians organized a church 
society and ])\it up a frame building. Rev. S. K. 
Miller is rector. Thirty families attend. 

One of the earliest religious incidents of the 
town and county is often sjioken of by the old set- 
tlers. In the fall of 1852 a laborer who had 
come from tlic South was taken sick and after care- 
ful nursing by companions, passed (|uietly away. 
After taking his body to the grave even those 
rough frontiersmen laid it carefully do\ni, and 
with sad faces called upon Patrick Cantwell to say 
a few words in honor of the dead, there being no 
clergyman in the country. The sermon that he 
preached is a model: "Friends, Jake came among 
us a stranger. He reached to us an ever heljiing 
hand, and with a kind, generous heart ever had a 
pleasant word for all. May we, when the trumpet 
sounds, be as well prepared to go as he. And now 
Jake, we bury you with all your faults, and will 
only rememl>or your noble deeds." Thus was the 
first funeral of Le Sueur conducted. 

His remains ^vith several others were interred in 
lower town, but were subsequently removed to the 
Hill cemetery, which was established in 1854. 
This burial place served all purj)oses until 1869 
when the Catholic society organized one of their 
own. 

Le Sueur was the county seat from March 5, 
1853 to July 30, 1875, except for a short time in 
1860, when it was forcibly removed to Cleveland, 
and owing to its situation in one corner of the 
county, other towns became dissatisfied and in 
January, 1860, bloodshed was threatened, one 
town going so far as to send upwards of 100 
armed men to forcibly remove the records and 
offices. 

The first birth was that of Mary Le Sueur 
Peek, daughter of Mr. and INIrs. K. K. Peck. Ijorn 
in 1853. 

The organization of the Le Sueur Christian 
Temperance Union which occurred in the fall of 
1879, was the direct result of a series of temper- 
ance lectures, led by Dr. Tracy. An executive 
board of nine members, selected from the leading 
ladies and gentlemen of the town, rented two 
rooms, one a reading room and thei>thera restaur- 
ant. Various musical and dramatic entertain- 
ments were given, netting over S600 to the society 
which amount was invested in furniture and litera- 
ture. In June of 1881 the rooms were given up. 



LE SUEUR COUNTY. 



483 



since which date the regular Monday meetings, 
when held, have been in one of the town halls. At 
its organization there were over 200 members. 
For the past three years the society has made 
temperance a political issue, succeeding in 1881 in 
electing one councilman. 

There are seven secret organizations. Masonic, 
Union Lodge No. 45, A. P. and A. M., was granted 
a dispensation in AprO, 1863, and in October, 
1864 a charter was granted. Officers: Robert 
Travis, W. M. ; George W. Taylor, secretary; E. 
R. Smith, treasurer. 

A dispensation was granted to the Royal Arch 
Masons, in May, 1881, there being twelve charter 
members. The officers were: F. Caldwell, H. P.; 
J. Kinsey, secretary, and E. R. Smith, treasurer. 

The Eijuitable Aid Union was organized August 
23, 1881, with twenty-four charter members. 
Officers elected: Robert Brown, president; D. W. 
Edwards, secretary, and J. M. Farmer, treasurer. 

The Ancient Order of United Workmen organi- 
zed October 11, 1877, with fifteen charter mem- 
bers. Officers in 1881 were; C. L. Richardson, 
M. W.; John Taylor, recorder; D. Baker, finan- 
cier. 

The I. O. O. F. was organized March 23, 1880, 
with five charter members. The officers in 1881 
were: Robert Brown,- N. G ; C. H. Kinsley, secre- 
tary, and E. Huiisaker, treasurer. 

A charter was issued the Good Templers order, 
January 7, 187.5, there being thirty-one members. 
Officers for 1881 were: W. H. Bangs, W. C. T.: 
S. Brown, recording secretary, and E. Goodwin, 
treasurer. 

A charter was issued to the Knights of Pythias 
Febmary 27, 1875, with twelve charter members. 
Officers in 1881 were: L. L. Kulp, 0. C,; C. C. 
Burdick, K. of R. and S. : S. J. Hewson, M. of F. 

The various societies have united in furnishing 
a large and convenient hall, which is used jointly. 

There are two good weekly newspapers. The 
LeSueur Sentinel, started April 10, 1873, by Hon. 
J. J. Green, is an eight column ijuarto, issued 
every Thursday ; democratic, and the official paper 
of the county. Wliile it is the democratic organ, 
it is, strictly speaking, a local paper, and has 
done much towards the development of the county. 

The LeSueur News started in May, 1879, is the 
republican organ of the county. It is a seven 
column quarto, and is owned and edited by Mr. 
E. P. Huntington. It has a large and growing 
circulation. 



As a commercial town, Le Sueur is not far in 
the rear of the leading villages of the Minnesota 
valley. Four general stores, all doing a good 
business. H. C. Smith, the pioneer, started over 
twenty-five years ago; increasing his stock and 
room as the growth of trade demanded; he now 
occupies a large l)rick store at the comer of. Main 
and Ferry streets, carries a large stock of groceries, 
clothing, boots and shoes, crockery and dry goods; 
also handles sewing machines. 

The double store of W. H. Patten & Co., was 
estabUshed in 1862 by Patten and Taylor. Soon 
after Mr. Taylor retired and Mr. Patten continued 
business alone until 1877 when he gave a one- 
third interest to his son, W. A., and sold a second 
one-third to G. W. Taylor. The firm name has 
since been W. H. Patten & Co. The firm handles 
all kinds of general merchandise, also large quan- 
tities of wood and pork. They have nine em- 
ployes. 

Mrs. L. A. Dane opened a general store in 1873. 
She carries a complete stock of merchandise and 
gives employment to three people. The fourth 
general store was opened in 1877 by Funk Broth- 
ers. J. P. Funk is manager and has built up a 
large business. 

Le Sueur has two banks. The first was estab- 
hshed in 1869 by George D. Snow. The following 
year M. Doran purchased an interest. Several 
changes were subsequently made. In 1878 E. R. 
Smith purchased an interest. A general banking, 
collection and loan business is done. They are 
agents for three steamship lines. The Le Sueur 
county bank was established in 1875 by L. Quack- 
enbush, who is still proprietor. 

Two hardware stores carry everything in their 
line of business. The first was started in 1855 by 
Charles Shefller in a small frame store. In 1877 
C. H. Ginthner bought him out and has since con- 
tinued the business ; now occupies a large store 
and warehouse. He employs four assistants. In 
1868 W. H. Tomlinson started a hardware store 
which has grown from a small business with such 
rapidity that it now takes five men and a store 
room 150 feet in depth to conduct it. 

There are three millinery shops. Mrs. E. S. Brown 
started in 1874. Miss M. A. Salisbury in 1881 
and Daniel Bennett estabUshed in 1868. Mr. Ben- 
nett also does a large dry goods business. 

A drug store was opened by H. Meekstroth & 
Son in 1865. In the spring of 1881 Geltch and 



484 



niSrOKT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Retlivill siiccceiled the old firm, lulding ready 
mixed painU to their stock. 

Pierce Brothers succeeded Dr. Swsiiiie in the 
drug business. They also handle musical goods. 
They occupy a large brick comer store. 

The furniture business was established in 1871 
by Elshoff <fe Compiiny. They manufacture u 
portion of their goods .giving employment to live 
men. In 1881 a second furniture store was opened 
by W. Weaver. He carries a large stock and does 
some manufacturing. 

There are three livery stables; S. Hewson 
started in 1880, E. Rutan in 1879 and the Higgins 
House stable in 1881. 

Two jewelry stores are run by W. C. Ralls, 
started in 1872, and Adolph Bernard, opened in 
1875. 

L. E. Olmstead started an exclusive grocery 
store in the spring of 1881. J. P. Woods, grocer, 
started in 1876, and A. St. John, groceries, teas and 
coffees in 1880. 

The harness and tniuk business is represented 
by two firms; Ui)heber k Baker, successors to 
PaulJtluber, established in 186,5. Ten years later 
a harness shop was opened by J. A. Cosgrove. 

Two firms deal in agricultural machinery. C. 
N. Cosgrove, started in 1875, does a large busi- 
ness, also handles a large amount of stock. In 
1879 T. H. Doescher opened an agricultural im- 
plement agency. He also handles sewing ma- 
chines. There is one exclusive clothing house, 
opened in 1881 by J. E. Ofstie, of Minnea))olis. 

Six saloons are run by the following: H. 
Schiffer, started in 1877; H. Siemering in 1877; 
Paul Huber, 1878; John Ahlf, 1879; Frank Erl- 
hoff, 1878; H. Krenke in 1878. There are four 
wagon shops and six blacksmiths. Two meat 
markets, John Maag and Boettcher & Wright. 
One paint shop, by Johnson & Chadwick. A. G. 
Blaser is a merchant tailor; also F. Baumann. Two 
good hotels do a large business, the Higgins 
House, kept by Cochrane Brothers, a three-story 
brick, and the McColaugh House, a two-story 
brick with mansard roof, is conducted by William 
McColaugh. 

An exclusive boot and shoe house was estab- 
lished by Henry Stiel>eling in 1879. Books and 
stationery, L. B. Davis, estabhshed in 1868. M. 
B. Morton & Company opened a hard and pine 
wood lumber yard in 1876. 

\ 45,000 bushel elevator was built by W. H. 



Patten & Co. in 1879. In 1875 Doran & Smith 
built a 28,000 bushel elevator. 

The Le Sueur roller mill, owned by Doran & 
Smith, was remodeled and enlarged in 1881. It 
now has a capacity of 150 barrels of (lour |)erday, 
giving work to eight men. It is run by an eighty 
horse-power engine. W. H. Stewart o|)erate8 a 
one run of stone custom mill and carding-miU 
combined, biiilt in 1875. .\ cooper shop, operated 
by Dt)ran & Smith, employs eight men, who txvra 
out 125 barrels |)er day. Two brick yards each 
make about one-half raillinn brick annually, o])e- 
rated by Henry Krusi' and H. Dehling. A com- 
mission bouse was opened in 1876 by J. Taylor 
&Co. 

The professions are represented by four phy- 
sicians and five attorneys. E. J. Ayer, M. D., 
began practice in 1854; C. J. Sprattin 1870; Geo. 
D. Swain, 1875, and Dr. Vosterling in 1861 or '2, 
and D. W. Edwards, dentist, has practiced four 
years. The attorneys are A. W. Bangs, C. F. 
Caldwell, W. Bright, Thomas Hessian and O. S. 
Parker. 

There are three public halls, six church edifices, 
one school-house, a depot and freight-house, built 
by the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis A- Omaha 
road, which passes through the place, receiving a 
large ])assenger and freight business. A substan- 
tial iron bridge, which cost $22,000, crosses the 
Minnesota river. It was built entirely by Le 
Sueur. 

John Ahlf, a native of Germany, was born in 
1848. On coming to America he landed first in 
New York, then went to Le Sueur, where for five 
yeaFs he worked on a railroad. He is now en- 
gaged in the liquor trade in Le Sueur. Miss 
Emma Welter became his wife in 1879. They are 
the parents of one son, John. 

Peter Arbes is a German, born in 1850. When 
seventeen years of age he came to America; for 
two years he engaged in farming at New Ulm, 
Minnesota, then was employed in variods pursuits 
for several years; was in a brewery three years, 
manufactured soda-water three seasons, and in 
1877 came to Le Sueur. He now gives his atten- 
tion to brewing lieer. His marriage with Miss 
Seifert took place in 1875. Joe and CharUe are 
their children. 

Otis Aver, M. D., was boni in Hara])ton, Staf- 
ford, now Belknap county, New Hampshire, June 
19, 1817. He resided on a farm with his parents 
until 1835, re<"ei\ing in the meantime a liberal 



LE SUEUR COUNTY. 



485 



academic education. After having read medicine 
with Dr. J. A. Danna at New Hampton for some 
time, he attended Dartmouth College, graduating 
in 1841. In March, 1842, he graduated from 
Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia; re- 
moved to New LoudoYi in 1853, after having en- 
joyed eleven years of successful practice in his 
native town. Three years later he came to Le 
Sueur, where he has since practiced his profession 
with marked success. During the terrible scenes 
of the Sious massacre in 1862 Dr. Ayer, with gun 
in one hand and surgical instruments in the other, 
went from place to place attending the sick and 
wounded. He was the first vice-president of the 
Minnesota State Medical Society, and in 1877 be- 
came its president; is now president of the Minne- 
sota Valley Medical Society. He is surgeon for 
the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha 
Railroad Company. In 1863 was surgeon of the 
Second Minnesota infantry, and ten years was ex- 
amining surgeon for pensions. He is now jiresi- 
dent of the Le Sueur board of health and Old 
Settlers' Association. June 27, 1845, Miss N. V. 
Smith became the wife of Dr. Ayer, but died 
Jime 1, 1873, at Le Sueur. 

David Baker was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, De- 
cember 22, 1852. He moved with his family to 
New Ulm, Minnesota in 1860, and lived on a farm 
about two and one-half miles from the town. At 
the Indian outbreak in 1862 they went to St. Paul. 
After the excitement had somewhat subsided the 
family returned to their farm. David assisted his 
father until 1870, then learned the trade of har- 
ness making in New Ulm. In 1872 he was sworn 
into a militia company, kno^vn as the Ciovernor's 
Guards. Mr. Baker settled in Le Sueur in 1876 
and entered into a partnership with E. Upheber, 
where he still pursues his trade. Was elected as 
representative from Le Sueur county in 1880. 

Daniel Bannatyne, a native of Scotland, was born 
in 1836. He served four and one-half years in the 
dry goods trade. He then went to Glasgow and 
clerked one and one-half years, thence to North 
England, remaining as a clerk three or four years. 
Came to America in 1858 and clerked in New 
York city imtil 1863. Enlisted in Company M, 16th 
N. Y. cavalry, as quartermaster sergeant; was dis- 
charged in 1865. He continued in the capacity of 
clerk in some of the wholesale firms of that city 
until 1869, then came to Le Sueur, started a small 
business and now has one of the finest stocks of 
fancy dry goods west of St. Paul. In 1881 he was 



elected one of the city council. His wife was 
Miss EUzabeth K. Williams, of New York, mar- 
ried in 1869. 

F. Baumann, tailor, was born in 1843 and is a 
native of Germany. In 1868 came to America 
and proceeded westward to Le Sueur. For about 
one year he engaged in different pursuits, then es- 
tablished a tailor shop; he learned that business 
in his native land, and still pursues his chosen 
trade successfully. His wife was Miss Augusta 
Demm. They are the parents of four living 
cliildren. 

Frank Barnard, contractor and builder, and 
dealer in lumber, was bom May 11, 1848, on Prince 
Edward's Island, and graduated from the Normal 
school of his native place. He removed to Boston 
where he worked two years as contractor and 
builder. Coming to Mankato, Minnesota, in 1871, 
he made that town his home six years, then settled 
in Le Sueur in 1877. Mr. Barnard is here inter- 
ested in a lumber yard, also continues his busi- 
ness as contractor and builder. 

Elisha A. Bigelow, proprietor of the Higgins 
House, was born in Clinton county. New York, in 
1824. He engaged in the manufacture of lumber 
two years, then sold out and was employed as book- 
keeper in a glass manufactory two years, and af- 
terward one year in Boston ; " subsequently he 
worked fifteen years as traveling agent. During 
the late war he located in Chicago and clerked for 
a boot and shoe house; afterward manufactured 
until 1871 when he suffered from the great Chi- 
cago conflagration. In 1872 came to Farmington, 
Minnesota, and was manager of a hotel there for 
three years, and in Minneapolis until 1879. Came 
to Le Sueur at that time aud became proprietor 
of the Higgins House. In 1856 he married Caro- 
line A. Henderson. 

E. Blaser, a native of Germany, was born Feb- 
ruary 28, 1853. Learned the taUor's trade in his 
native country, and when twenty years old came 
to America. He remained six months at Hender- 
son, Sibley county, Minnesota, following his 
trade. Since becoming a resident of Le Sueur he 
has continued in the pursuit of his vocation. Miss 
Emma Demm became his wife in 1878. They 
have one child living: Lydia. 

Rev. Henry Boettcher was born January 1, 
1834, in Brunswick, Germany. At the age of 
eleven years he came to America with his parents. 
Spent ten years in Missouri, and settled in Le 
Sueur in 1855, where for five years he gave atten- 



486 



JllSTOUr OF THB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



tion to general inercliandizing. In 1861 be en- 
tered the ministry ot the Methodist Episcopal 
church. Mr. Boettcher has been located iu Roch- 
ester, Red Wing, Salem, Washington circuit, 
Minneiipiilis andSt. Paul, and is now presiding el- 
der of the Mankato district at Le Suenr. His 
mother, aged seventy-seven years, and his father, 
aged eighty, are living with liira, and have limg 
since ceiel)rated their golden wedding. 

Mrs. Julia M. Brown was bom in Detroit, Mich- 
igan, in 1836. She was educated at Kalamazoo 
Theological College, and tauglit school in Kala- 
mazoo county six years, also one year in Wiscon- 
sin. In 1859 she was united in marriage with J. 
W. Brown and settled in Wright county, Minne- 
sota, where they farmed ten years. In ISliS came 
to Le Sueur and purcliased .500 acres of land in 
the county. Mr. Brown has been largely identi- 
fied with the milling interests of the county. Mrs. 
Brown is actively interested in temperance work. 
Of their seven children six are living. 

August Budke is a native of Ohio, born in 1852. 
He came to Le Sueur when fourteen years old and 
after completing his education learned the tin- 
smiths' trade. He worked at the trade eight vears 
then was employed as a clerk two years. Subse- 
quently embarked in general merchandising and 
has since continued, doing a good busine.ss. Mar- 
ried in 1874 to Miss Klauke wlio has borne him 
two cliildren; only one is living. 

P. Cantwell, a native of Ireland, was bom in 
1825. After learning the trades of carpenter and 
wheelwright, he worked in tliat business eight 
years. Uame to America in 1848 locating first in 
Pennsylvania. He worked as a mechiinic two 
years and in 1852 came to Le Sueur, there being 
at that time onlj one small shanty. Taking a 
claim of 160 acres he farmed tlie first year. He and 
his brother then worked a wliip-saw, and by means 
of this slow process obtained suitable material to 
erect a few buildings which they did. In 1864 he 
resumed his trade, at whidi he is still engaged. 
Married in 1864 to Miss Doherty who has borne 
him seven cliildren. 

John M. Cochrane, attomey-at-law, was bom 
March 28, 1859 in Franklin county, Pennsyl- 
vania. When ten years of age he came to Mine- 
apolig and began attending school; three mouths 
later he entered the University of Minnesota and 
studied law during his five years' course. He 
also attended the Curtiss Business College from 
which he graduated; then entered tlie Ann Arbor 



law school; graduated from a two years' course in 
1881 and was admitted to the bar. Came to Le 
Sueur and was admitted to the practice of his pro- 
fession in Minnesota on tlie 26th of May, 1881. 

Hugh Cochrane was bom in Chautauqua county. 
New York in 1835. He lived on the farm until 
seventeen years of age; in 1852 moved to Wiscon- 
sin, resided in that state one year, then located in 
Wabasha county, Minnesota, and in 1869 settled 
in Le Sueur. He is now dealing in agricultund 
implements, etc., with C. M. Cosgrove. 

C. M. Cosgrove was bom in Westfield. Chautaii- 
cpia county. New York. In 1870 he came t<i Min- 
nesota and settled in Wabasha county ; two years 
later he came to Le Sueur where he engaged in 
agriculture and 8t<^)ck raising. He is now in com- 
pany with H. Coclirane, dealing in agricultural 
machinery. In 1872 he married Miss Elizabeth 
Bradley. They have two children. 

Henry J. Dane was bom February 25, 1834 
at Mount Vernon. New Hampsliiie, and when two 
years old removed to .^^mherst. There he lived 
until twelve years of age, then went Groton Mas- 
sachusetts. He afterwards resided in Boston; 
came to Minnesota in 1855. Located first in 
Nicollet county, but remained only a short time 
and came to Le Sueur the same year. In 1866 he 
embarked in general merchandising and is now at 
the head of the house. 

.1. E. Derby is a native of Jackson county, Mis- 
souri, born in 1848. After receiving a common 
school education he was newsboy on a railroad 
one year; then went westward and for three years 
followed the life of a herdsman. After farming 
in Ohio he engaged in the barbers' trade in Illi- 
nois, which he has since continued in different 
places, locating in Le S<ieur in 1872. Here he 
has since followed his trade except one year spent 
in New Ulm. Miss Emily C. Diener became his 
wife in 1876. 

Erastus H. Derby was born in 1810 in Massa- 
chusetts. Moved to Onedia county. New York, 
when two years old and was there educated in tlie 
Waterville academy. He learned the tailor's trade 
which he followed a number of years in different 
states. In 1836 went to Illinois and engaged six 
years ia traffic with the Indians.and served six years 
as deputy sheriff, moved to Missouri and served as 
sheriff two years, then built a saw-mill which he 
ran luitil 1853; tlien worked at carpentering in 
Chicago two years. December 13, ISiJl he en- 
listed in Company B, 68th Ohio infantry, serving 



LE SUEUR COUNTY. 



487 



until May, 1863, when he was discharged on ac- 
count of disability. Subsequently he re-enlisted 
iu the veteran reserve corps and was discharged in 
1865. Came to Le Sueur in 1872 and has since 
resided here. Married Miss R. B. Knowlton. She 
has borne him fourteen children : seven are living. 

August K. Doescher was born December 6, 18il, 
in Hanover, Germany. He received the rudiments 
of his education in the schools of that country, 
and at the age of eighteen immigrated with his 
parents to Le Sueur. In in the fall of 1864 he en- 
listed in tlie 10th Minnesota; participated in the 
battles of Nashville and Tupelo; was finally dis- 
charged on account of protracted illness. Imme- 
diately following the Indian outbreak of 1862 he 
with others went to New Ulm to the rehef of those 
in danger. While at a well to water his team the 
Indians fired volley after voUey into the well- 
house, but he escaped unhurt. 

J. L. Drake,' a native of New York, was bom in 
1823. When fourteen years of age he moved to 
Ashland county, Ohio, with his parents. There 
he completed his education and learned the 
cooper's trade, at which he worked until 1854. 
Came to Le Sueur at that time and made a claim 
of 160 acres of land and built a log house, which 
still stands in good condition. Mr. Drake now 
owns 380 acres in this county. Married in Ohio, 
in 1850, Miss Helen Swan. Three children have 
been born to them; Mary and Erba are the living. 

Reverend Adolph Dulitz, a native of Germany, 
was bom in 1838. He enlisted in 1857 as a pri- 
vate in King William's body guard, serving three 
years. His time was then spent in farming until 
1864, when he came to America. After a brief 
time in St. Louis he went to Illinois, remained 
until 1865, then moved to Iowa. Purchased 100 
acres of land, which he sold four years later and 
bought another farm of the same size. In 1873 
he began preaching in Iowa. Two years later 
located in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, as pastor of the 
German Methodist church. In 1876 he moved to 
Nicollet county, remained two years, also two 
years in Mankato. Located in Le Sueur in 1880, 
and has since been pastor of the German Meth- 
odist church of this place. Miss Catherine Bach- 
haus became his wife in 1867. Four of their five 
children are living. 

David W. Edwards was bom near Beaver Dam, 
Dodge county, Wisconsin, February 1, 1849. In 
1858 he removed ■o'ith his parents to Waterloo, 
Iowa. In 1866 they returned to Columbia cotmty, 



Wisconsin; he remained with his parents until 
nearly twenty-two years old, then started out for 
himself. He succeeded in learning telegraphy, 
and while taking a course in a commercial college 
used the knowledge as a means of earning 
the necessary funds to pursue the study of dent- 
istry. In May, 1878, he located in Le Sueur and 
opened an office for the practice of his profession. 
October 21, 1875, he married Miss Mattie James, 
a teacher in the schools of Columbia county, Wis- 
consin. They are the parents of two little girls. 

Wilham E. Elshoff was born in Germany in 
1834. When only five years of age he came to 
America and settled in Ohio, where he learned cab- 
inet-making and pursued the trade twelve years. 
He came to Le Sueur in 1865; for three years en- 
gaged as a carpenter, then commenced the manu- 
facture of furniture, forming a partnership with 
Charles Steinigeweg, which still exists. This firm 
is one of the most enterprising in the town, and 
carries a large stock of goods. Mr. Elshoff mar- 
ried in 1872 Miss Stieding, who died in 1877. 

Frank Erlhofl", a native of Germany, was bom 
in 1840. Came to America in 1866 and worked in 
a bakery in Chicago until 1873. Come to Le 
Sueur and started a bakery. In 1878 he engaged 
in the saloon and restaurant business, and is also 
running the only bakery in town. Married in 
1869 Miss Shobach. Three children have been 
born to them; all are living. 

W. D. Evans was born in New York in 1853. 
Removed when yoiing with his parents to Penn- 
sjlvania and engaged in farming, also worked in 
a saw-mill. There he learned the engineer's trade, 
and for three years worked in the oil regions. He 
was afterward engineer in a saw-mill in Hlinois a 
few months, and in 1876 came to Le Sueur county. 
For three years he ran engines in different parts 
of the county, and in 1879 accepted the position 
of engineer in the Le Sueur City mills. Miss 
Clara E. Parker became his wife in 1880. 

Reverend G. M. Eyrich, a native of Germany, 
was born in 1850. Attended common school four 
years; afterward graduated from Pasel College, 
and one year later from Steeden College. In 1871 
he immigrated to St. Louis and entered the Con- 
cordia C(^llege, where he graduated; went to St. 
Paul and was ordained in 1873 by Rev. L. Van 
Rague. He had charge of the German Lutheran 
church at St. Peter for nine months; was then 
stationed in Olmsted county nearly sis years, and 
in 1879 came to Le Sueur, is now pastor of the 



iw 



HISTORY OF rUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Qermari Lutlipran churoli at tliis place. His wife 
was Miss Erne.stine Vogol, miirried in 1873. Tbey 
have tliree living ohiklrou. . 

John M. Farmer is a native of Virginia, bom in 
181i». WIk'U nine vears old ho moved to Ohio and 
there received his education; learned the carpen- 
ter's trade in Cleveland. In 18157 he went to Iowa; 
worked at his trade some time, afterward spent 
three years South. Ho resided in Hurliufjtou, 
Iowa, two years, in Galena, Illinois, three years, 
and in 1849 went to California; worked at mining 
nearly two years, then returned to Towa, and in 
18.")1 tirst visited St. Paul. In June of the next 
year he with two or three others came to what is 
now Le Sueur, purchased the town site, laid it 
out, and had it surveyed. Returning to St. Paul 
ho remained imtil 1855: was engaged in grocery 
business; he served there as deputy sheriff. 
Came to Le Sueur again in 1855; he followed 
steamboating a number of years. Was ajipointed 
on the gunboat service as ensign in 18C3; served 
imtil the close of the war. In January, 1874, lie 
was appointed postmaster of Le Sueur, and has 
since held the position; has also been justice of 
the jjeace eight years. 

A. S. Ford, a native of Norway, was bom in 
1855. Came to America in 1875, to Dodge 
county, Minnesota. The first summer he engaged 
in farming, ami the next season went to Austin; 
worked in a railroad shop five months. He learned 
the enguieer's trade in a cotton mill in his native 
country, and has since worked at that business in 
different places. He worked in an elevator and lum- 
ber yard in Brownsdale two years, and in 1878 
settled in Le Sueiir, and has since had charge of 
the engine for Patten & Comjjany. 

Jolm P. Funk, of the firm of Funk Brothers, 
was bom in Illinois in 1850. While young he 
came with his parents to Minnesota, and for a 
short time attended school in St. Paul, then en- 
tered the German Wallace College of Ohio, re- 
mained three years and graduated with honor. 
He then came to Le Sueur and engaged in the 
boot and shoe business with his brother, who is 
now in business in St. Paul. Gradually Mr. Funk 
has added other goods, until now he has a fine 
stock of general merchandise. His wife was Miss 
Kate Heinlein, married in 1879. They have one 
child living. 

Charles H. Ginthner, bom in 1849, is a native of 
Germany, He came to America with his parents 
when quite young, and with them settled in Wa- 



basha county, Minnesota, in 1855, Until sixteen 
years of age he lived on the farm and attended 
school, then learned the tinsmitlTs trade, which he 
followed three years. Removed to Chicago and 
pursued his trade three years, also four years at 
Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 1876 he came to Le 
Sueur; after working as tinsmith two yeai-s he 
established his present hardware business. He 
married in 1H73 Miss Dunn. Mr. Ginthner is a 
member of the council. 

James J. Green was born in Lanciister county, 
Pennsylvania, January 29, 1830 and with his fath- 
er's fiimily moved to Ohio in 1836; finally located 
near Springfield where he served an apprenticeship 
in the printing business, and where for a time he 
was part owner and editor of a newspaper. He 
married Miss Minerva Whitridge in Se])teml>er, 
1853. Removed to Kankakee, Illinois, in April, 
1856 and became joint editor and owner of the 
Kankakee Democrat. August of that year he 
UKived to Minnesota; the fall and winter were 
spent in St. Anthony and in the spiing of 1857, 
after the bill for the removal of the territorial 
capital from St, Paul to St, Peter had passed, he 
removed to the sujiposed new seat of government. 
In August of that year he issued the first number 
of the Traverse des Sioux Reporter which after a 
brief existence of six weeks, was swept into ob- 
livion by the sudden financial crash. In June, 
1858, Mr. Green, nothing daunted, by the absence 
of circulating medium, launched upon the sea of 
journalism again with the Minnesota Statesman, 
which he continued to publish weekly at St, Peter 
until the close of 18C2. Enlisted in Col. McPhaiU's 
regiment of Minnesota mounted rangers in the 
capacity of quartermaster sergeant. His paper 
was revived on his return, and its ])ublication con- 
tinued at St. Peter until April, 18(J5, when it was 
removed to Le Sueur and there destroyed by fire, 
Mr, Green removed to Winona where he bought 
one-half interest in the Winona Weekly Demo- 
crat. In May, 1869, he became editor of the St. 
Cloud Times, which relation was aintinued mitil 
the latter part of Sejjtember, 1870. He then 
moved to Minneapolis and took editorial charge of 
the St. .\nthony Falls Democrat, C(mtinuing in 
that position until January 1, 1873, In April, 
1873, Mr, Green started the Le Sueur Sentinel and 
has continued its publication regularly since, hav- 
ing meanwhile made it one of the most successsful 
and influential weeklies in the state. Mr. Green 
has been identified with the history of Miuue- 



LE SUEUR COUNTY. 



489 



sota since bis entry into it in 1856, not alone as 
the editor of newspapers but has held several re- 
sponsible public positions. He was elected clerk 
of the district court of Nicollet county in October 
1857, for a term of four years; was appointed 
postmaster at St. Peter in 1859, and held the office 
until the new administration of President Lincoln 
came into power; was chosen one of the demo- 
cratic delegates to the national convention in New 
York city in 1868 ; was twice elected a member of 
the board of education of St. Anthony and East 
Minneapolis; was a member of the joint commit- 
tee, which united the cities of MinneapoUs and St. 
Anthony ; is now mayor of the town of Le Sueur. 

Thomas Hessian, county attorney, was born in 
Eockland, Maine, in 1852. Came with his fath- 
er's family in 1866, to Le Sueur, where for two 
and one-halt years lie clerked in a store, after which 
he embarked in the grocery and confectionery 
trade. During his spare time he studied law; 
subsequently he read with Mr. Cadswell for some 
time and in September, 1877, was admitted to the 
bar of Minnesota. For one year he was associated 
with a partner but since 1878 has practiced alone. 
He was elected county attorney in 1880. October 
25, 1877 he married Miss Agnes Barrett. They 
have three children. 

Samuel J. Hewson was born September 28, 1857 
in Detroit, Michigan. He attended school until 
thirteen years of age, then was employed as time 
keeper of two hundred and twenty-five men, for 
two years. He afterwards learned the trade of 
working in tin and slieet iron and followed it until 
1879. After working as assistant foreman in a 
tobacco factory two years he came to Le Sueur in 
the fall of 1880 and engaged in the livery busi- 
ness. 

Ed. P. Huntington was born March 14, 1855, at 
Hudson, St. Croix county, Wisconsin. In his na- 
tive place and New Richmond he was educated, then 
served an apprenticeship of two years in New 
Richmond as a practical printer. Subse- 
quently he worked in various offices and 
with a classmate started the "North Wis- 
consin News," at Clear Lake, Wisconsin. This 
paper was conducted creditably for two years 
when Mr. Huntington sold his interest to his part- 
ner. In May, 1879 he located in Le Sueur, and 
established the "Le Sueur County News," of 
which he is still editor and proprietor. 

John Kreger, born in 1837, is a native of Penn- 
sylvania. Until twenty-five years of age he as- 



sisted his parents on their farm. Previous to 
coming to Le Sueur in 1864 he for five years 
worked in the pineries. Making Le Sueur his 
home he engaged in teaming for the government 
from St. Paul to Fort Ridgely ; subsequently he 
gave his attention to farming, and has since been 
engaged in various pursuits, among which hotel 
keeping has been the principal one. He was man- 
ager of the Key Stone House four years; also four 
years in the Higgins House; he now keeps a pri- 
vate boarding-house. Married in 1863, Miss 
Sarah A. Kulp. Of the three children born to 
them only one is lining. 

Henry Kruse is a native of Ohio, born in 1836. 
Until twenty years of age he lived on the farm 
with his parents; afterward spent two years in 
brick making. Came to Le Sueur in 1861 and 
after engaging two years in farming he began the 
manufacture of brick, which he still continues. 
Married m 1856, Miss Elizabeth RedwiU. They 
are the parents of eight children. 

John C. Maag is a native of Switzerland, born 
April 25, 1811. He learned the butcher's trade, 
which he followed in his native country, also in 
different parts of Europe, until 1838. Returned 
home and remained until 1817, then came to Amer- 
ica and bought a farm in Ohio, which he ran four 
years, then moved into the city of Toledo where he 
engaged in the meat trade until 1855; during that 
year he came to Le Sueur. Making a claim of 
eighty acres he farmed until his enhstment, which 
was in Company H, Fourth Minnesota. For ten 
months he served as bugler of the regiment, under 
Colonel Baxter; had a sunstroke, was also woimded, 
and was honorably discharged from a hospital in 
Missouri. Returned to Le Sueur and again em- 
barked in the meat trade; continued with a thriv- 
ing business until 1880 when he retired. Mr. Maag 
has spent considerable time in travel through Eu- 
rope, Asia and America. Christina A. Maag, of 
Switzerland, became his wife in 1839. Eight 
children have been born to them : John E., Au- 
gusta M., Eliza J. and Odelia P. are the living. 

George Noys was born July 30, 1813, in Eng- 
land. After learning the shoemaker's trade he 
worked at it until 1852, then went to Canada where 
he contuHied his trade three years. Located in 
Le Sueur county in 1855 and made a claim of 
eighty acres wliioh was jumped during the In- 
dian scare. He came to Le Sueur city in 1862, 
where he has since pursued his trade with the ex- 
ception of five years spent in Canada. Married in 



490 



UlSTOItT OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



18-13, Miss Cusheu. Tlipy liave one son living, 
John E. 

Herman Obde, a native of (Jerniany, was bom 
July 4, 1855. Wliilp a mere oliiKi he cnme to 
America with his parents, tliey settling in Wiscon- 
sin. He learned the trade of shoemaker, and when 
seventeen years of age went to Milwaukee to at- 
tend college. During the war he joined the mili- 
tia as drum nuijor of the First Wisconsin; after 
returning he worked at his trade one year in Bos- 
ton. From there he migrated to St. Paul, thence 
to Le Sueur, and has since hiid charge of Mr. 
Schetter's saloon. Heoembcr 25, 1880, he married 
Miss Fine. 

Hon. William H. Patten was liurn June 20, 
1826, in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and at the age 
of eight years moved to ^liddlesex county, U]>per 
Canada. When sixteen years old he commenced a 
seafaring Ufe; subsequently became an Indian 
trader and was so successful as to become the 
owner, with his brother, of a three-mast barque: 
on its second voyage it was wTecked and Mr. Pat- 
ten was thereby made penniless. For some time 
he was captain of a steamer in the Montreal trade, 
and in 1854 settled in Le Sueur, where he took a 
claim. During the Indian outbreak of 1862 Mr. 
Patten went to New Ulm and there joined a relief 
party and particiiiated in the defense of the town. 
In 1863 he began trade in Le Sueur; he is of the 
well-known firm of Patten, Taylor it Co. In 18til 
he was appointed internal revenue assessor, and 
held the office nine years; was elected to the leg- 
islature in 1864 and served one term. He has 
since devoted his entire time to his large and 
growing business. 

W. S. Pierce, of the firm of Pierce Brothers, 
druggists, wars born in Maine in 1849. Came 
West in 1863 and located at Hudson, Wisconsin, 
and one year later moved to New Kichmond. At 
the latter place he with his father and brother en- 
gaged in farming and milling until 1873. In 1874 
he established a drug store at New Richmond and 
after one year his brother, S. H. Pierce, became a 
a partner. After two years the firm removed to 
Le Sueur where they have since been located and 
have built up a fine business. 

Greorge Plowman was born in Ontario in 1839; 
he learned the blacksmith trade and for three 
years followed it. In 1858 he came to Le Sueur, 
and until his enlistment in 1861 pursued his trade. 
He joined Company K, Secimd Minnesota, serving 
one year; then on account of sickness was ilis- 



charged. In 1862 he joined the 10th Minnesota; 
he also took a very active part in the 
defense of New Ulm and was commissioned Reo- 
ond lieutenant of tlie Fourth Minnesota, afterward 
promoted to first lieutenant. Was hounrably dis- 
charged ui 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky. Re- 
turning to Lo Sueur he resumed his chosen trade. 
He married Miss Taylor in 1867 and is the parent 
of one son, George T. 

Livingstone (juackenbiish was bom October 11, 
1840, in Rensselaer county, New York, where he re- 
ceived a common school education. In 1869 he 
came west and settled in Lc Suour where he em- 
barked in the hardware trade and in 1875 started 
the Le Sueur County bank, of which he is now 
president. In 1878 he became a candidate for sen- 
ator. Since then he has declined placing his name 
on any ticket, preferring to give his undivided at- 
tention to his personal business interests. Diiring 
the war Mr. Quaekenbush was drafted but rejected 
on account of physical disability. 

AV. C. Ralls was born in Illinois, in 1835. At 
the age of fifteen years he began learning the 
jeweler's trade in St. Louis, and in 1858 moved to 
RuHJiville. Illinois; followed liis trade until 1861. 
In August of that year he joined Company C, 33d 
Illinois infantry, and participated in many impor- 
tant conflicts: was wonn<led at the battle of Jack- 
son, Tennessee, in which he lost the use of one eye 
and was shortly after wounded in a railroad col- 
lision; served until May, 1865, when he was hon- 
orably discharged at New Orleans. In 1872 he 
became a resident of Le Sueur and is now having 
a good trade in the jewelry busine^ss. His wife 
was Miss Elizabeth King, married in 1877. 

IMrs. Alice IU)bertson, widow of the late John 
Robertson, was born in 1835, and is a native of 
Lower Canada. Until the age of eighteen years 
she attended school, and in 1858 was united in 
marriage with Mr. Robertson. For twenty-two 
years they engaged in farming, then sold their 
farm and came to Minnesota. In 1877 they pur- 
chased another btit soon after Mrs. Robertson was 
left a widow with five children. She is now keep- 
ing a restaurant with a general assortment of con- 
fectionery, cigars, etc. 

E. P. Rutan was bom May 31, 1850, in Wil- 
liams county, Ohio, but when four years old liis 
parents moved to Indiana and remained one year. 
Coming to Minnesota they lived in Tyrone town- 
ship six months, then spent one year on a farm in 
Lexington township. He was subsequently em- 



LE 8UEUB COUNTY. 



491 



ployed on the Sioux City railroad for three years, 
after which he gave his attention to photography 
for the space of five years. In 1880 he began the 
livery business in which he is very successful. In 
1872 Miss Putnam became the wife of Mr. Rutau. 
She has borne him four children: Lula, William 
B., and Rena are the living. 

Herman Schififer, a native of Germany, was 
born December 13, 1848. He learned the tailors' 
trade in his native land and worked at it eight 
years previous to coming to America in 1870. He 
settled first in Henderson, Minnesota, but remained 
only six months; afterwards remained a few 
months in Belle Plaine, also in Blakely; returning 
to Belle Plaine he opened a saloon which he kept 
two and one-half years, and came to Le Sueur in 
1876; here he again opened a saloon and has 
since continued the business. He was united in 
marriage with Miss Passmaun in 1877; Joseph 
and William are their children. 

Hermann Siemering is a German born in 1843. 
In 1871 hecame to America, locating in Le Sueur; 
he was employed on a railroad five years, then re- 
turned to his native land to visit his relatives and 
friends. Returning again to America and to his 
former home in Le Sueur, he soon after began the 
liquor trade in which he still continues. Married 
in 1878, Miss A. Steinke; one son, Theodore. 

Hon. Edson R. Smith was born April 8, 1836, in 
Shoreham, Addison county, Vermont. He worked 
on his father's farm until seventeen years of age, 
then in a store in Shoreham two or three years, 
finishing his education in Newton academy in his 
native town. In 18.56 he came to Le Sueur and 
formed a partnership with his brother in the mer- 
cantile trade, remaining in trade with him until 
1859, when he went into the county auditor's oflBce, 
serving one year as deputy and two years as au- 
ditor. In 1863 he resumed mercantile Hfe in com- 
jjany with his brother, continuing until 1878, when 
he became partner with Hon. M. Doran, in the 
banking business in Le Sueur. Messrs.' Doran & 
Smith own the Le Sueur steam flouring mill and 
elevator. Mr. Smith was a state senator in 1868 
and '70, and was chairman of committee on the 
state prison one year, also committee on enroll- 
ment the nest year; was town councilman five 
years, a member of the school board seven years, 
serving as its treasurer principally. He is also a 
Knight Templar and for three years was master. 
November 3, 1859, he married Mattie A. Pierson, 



of New Hampshire. Lewis O., RoUin E. and Fred 
P. are their children. 

Henry C. Smith was bom March 15, 1834, in 
Vennont, where he received his academical educa- 
tion. In March, 1855, he came to Minnesota; 
after a residence of a few months in St. Paul he 
settled in Le Sueur. On arriving he opened a 
store of general merchandise, which has grown 
into a large and flourishing business. Mr. Smith, 
although thoroughly interested in the business 
and poUtical welfare of the town, has never en- 
tered into pulilic life except a term of four years as 
county treasurer and twelve years as postmaster. 

John Smith was born November 20, 1821, in 
Canton Zurich, Switzerland, where he was edu- 
cated and learned the trade of wagon-maker. On 
the 20th of March, 1857, he left there for Amer- 
ica; arrived at Le Sueur May 9, and has since 
lived here, employed in wagon-making. FoUow- 
ing the Sioux outbreak in 1862 he went to New 
Ulm, where he joined a relief party and went out 
to care for the suffering and bury the dead. Dur- 
ing the attack of the Indians on the memorable 
26th of August, 1862, he participated in the de- 
fense of New Ulm; was wounded in the arm, sent 
to the hospital for treatment, and for three months 
following was disabled. 

Mrs. Harriet C. Snow, whose maiden name was 
Kniffin, was born August 28, 1833, in Cornwall, 
Orange county, New York. At the age of seven- 
teen she accompanied her parents to Hoosick Falls, 
Rensselaer county, where she was married to 
George D. Snow in 1856. She had previously at- 
tended school two years at Pittsfield, Massachu- 
setts. In 1857 she with her husband migrated to 
Minnesota, and after spending a few months at 
St. Anthony, settled in Le Sueur county. Her 
husband died in 1873, and she still resides -at the 
old home. 

Charles Steinigeweg is a native of Gennany, 
bom in 1846. He came to America in 1862 and 
settled first in Ohio, where he learned the carpen- 
ter's trade, at which he worked four years. Came 
to Le Sueur in 1866, and two years later became a 
partner with Mr. Elshoff in the manufacturing of 
furniture. Mr. Steinigeweg was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Annie Bode in 1873. They are 
the parents of three living children. 

Henry StieheUng, a native of Germany, was 
bom in 1846. After learning the shoemaker's 
trade he in 1862 came to America. Locating in 
Chicago he engaged in the pursuit of his trade 



492 



n I STORY OP THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



ten vcars; in tho gront confla-jration he lowt the 
aoiMiiuuUitions of many years of toil. Came to St. 
Paul antl spent two years; then two months in 
Minneapolis and Red Wing. In 1877 became a 
re.sideut of Le Sueur, where he has since lived. 
Married Miss Mary Ludwig in 1863, and by her is 
the parent of twelve children, five of whom are 
living. 

George P. Swaine, M. D., was bom February 
18, 1850, in Wisconsin. Was on. the farm until 
thirteen years of age, when in 18G5 he came to Le 
Sueur county with liis father's family. Began the 
study of mediciue during spare time, and at the 
age of eighteen years gave his time wholly to 
study for two years. He then entered Kush Med- 
ical College at Chicago, and remained three years, 
at the end of which he graduated. Returned to 
his former home and practiced as a physician and 
surgeon six months, then removed to Negaunee, 
Michigan, and there pvirsued his profession until 
locating in Le Sueur in 1874. In 1876 he married 
Miss Ida Stewart. 

George W. Taylor was born in Canada, March 
9, 1841. There he resided until 1863; removed 
at that time to BufTalo, New York, thence in 186.5 
to Minnesota. The same year he went to Fort 
Wads worth, Dakota, and served in the quartermas- 
ter's department three years; ho then returned to 
Le Sueur, and is now one of the firm of Taylor, 
Patten k Company. He had only a common 
school education, but while at Fort Wadsworth 
procured books and spent his leisure in studying 
French and German, which he write:- and speaks 
quite fluently. 

W. H. Tomlinson was born in Franklin county, 
New York, in 1843. He atteuded school until 
twenty years of age at a seminary in Iowa, where 
he had moved when thirteen years old. He then 
clerked one year, after which ho spent two years on 
a farm; removed to Nebr.aska and with his brother 
Charles, was employed by the government in get- 
ting out wood and ties. Two years later he re- 
moved to Iowa and devoted the subsequent two 
years to hotel keeping. In the spring of 1871 he 
became a resident of Le Sueur; embarked in the 
hardware business and now has one of the largest 
assortments of shelf and heavy hardware in town. 
His wife was Miss Mary .\. Thayer, married in 
1862. They have two children. 

Orr Tousley, a native of Vermont, was bom in 
1803. Wlien thirteen years of age he accom- 
panied his parents to New York and completed his 



education in the schools of .TofTerson county. Until 
1831 he engaged in farming tliere, then until 1857 
lived on a farm which he bought in Portage, 
Ohio. One year during the time he was a mer- 
chant. Ho arrived at Le Sueur in 1857 and for 
three years lived on a farm, then was the ferry- 
man at Le Sueur five years; now lives at his farm. 
Mr. Tousley was elected justice of the peace in 
1858 and served two years. In 1828 he married 
Miss Tirzah liiindall, who died January 1, 1866; 
she bore him eight children; two are deceased. 
His second wife is still living. 

Rev. H. J. Van Fossen was bora in Ohio, in 
1847. At the age of twenty-two years he entered 
the Ohio university in which he remained three 
years, then left on account of failing health. One 
year later he entered the Garrett Biblical institute 
at Evanston, IlUnois; remained three years, then 
removed to Michigan and preached two years: 
during the time he continued his studies. In 1877 
he came to Minnesota, was admitted to the con- 
ference and appointed pastor at Heron Lake w-here 
he remained one year. In 1878 he was appointed 
to the Le Sueur pastorate. Miss S. Randolph be- 
came his wife in 1878. One daughter, Mary L. 

Frederick Vast<!rling was born in Germany 
January 11, 1813. He came to America in 1856; 
was for fourteen years previous a shoemaker. Lo- 
cated in Jackson county, Missouri, where he 
farmed and practiced medicine for ten years. 
Coming to Le Sueur county, bo took a claim of 
160 acres on which he lived fifteen years, and 
gave a portion of his time to the practice of medi- 
cine. He is now a resident of Le Sueur and is 
practicing in tho Homeopathic school. In 1836 
he was united in marriage with Miss Sophia 
Leikfet and has had eleven cliildren, only two sur- 
vive: John H. and Henrietta. 

John H. Vasterling, son of Frederick and 
Sophia Vasterling was bom September 3, 1860 in 
Sharon, Le Sueur county. He attended school 
and worked on his father's farm until the age of 
sixteen yelirs, then liogan as brakeman on the Sioux 
City railroad, in which capacity he still serves. 

Rev. Maximilian Wurst was born October 12, 
1855, in Germany, and was educated in the schools 
of that country, but ultimately graduated from 
the Grand seminary of Montreal. He was or- 
dained tothes,icred ministry on the 20th of April, 
1878. by Bishop Grace, of St. Paul. His first 
•charge was in Rochester, Minnesota, and on .\pril 
1, 1880, he was appointed to Le Sueur church. 



LE SUEUR COUNTY. 



493 



CHAPTER LXIV. 

TYBONE OTTAWA — KASOTA WASHINGTON — CLEVE- 
LAND SHARON DERRYNANE LEXINGTON. 

The township of Tyrone, originally called 
Hillsdale, occupies the north-western corner of 
the county, and its settlers are largely foreigners. 
Of the early settlers William Smith was identified 
as one of the most enterprising, operating a ferry 
across the Minnesota, near the present site of 
Henderson, from the year of his arrival, 1856, to 
1861. The first and about the only business ever 
conducted in the township was by Taylor Bros, of 
Henderson, who ran a branch store at East Hen- 
derson for six months in the summer of 1858. 

The first schools were held at private residences. 
There are now six districts in the town, having 
comfortable brick or frame structures. 

In 1870 the German Lutherans formed a society 
and erected a church. 

There is a station called East Henderson located 
on the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha 
railroad. 

A man named Epperson, who died in 1855, was 
probably the first death in the township. 

By the census of 1880 the town had a popula- 
tion of 1,012. 

Atwood Crosby was born in Nova Scotia in 1837. 
He came in 1856 to Minnesota, and settled subse- 
quently on section 4, Tyrone township, where he 
is now engaged in farming. In 1862 he enlisted 
in Company K, 10th Minnesota, and served three 
years, when he was mustered out. He partici- 
pated in the many battles and skirmishes of the 
regiment. Was united in marriage with Miss Au- 
gTista Almich, a native of Germany. EmUy J. 
and .Tames H. are their children. 

John Downs was bom in Germany in 1835. 
Came to America when eight years of age and 
located in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, re- 
maining there until 1873. Coming thence to Min- 
nesota he settled in Tyrone. Mr. Downs is a 
member of the town board of supervisors. His 
marriage was with Miss Catherine Pitzen, who is 
a native of Prussia. Five children have been 
born to them: Christ., August, John, Mary and 
Henry. 

Francis J. Logan was born on the 31st of May, 
1825, in Ireland. After reaching man's estate he 
came to America, and located first in New Hamp- ' 
shire, but removed to Schuyler county, Illinois, 



where he remained four years. In 1851 he made a 
trip to California, returning to Illinois in 1855. He 
then came to Minnesota and located in Tyi'one, on 
section 21. He married Miss Amanda Morton, 
who has borne him eight children. 

Walker Weisel was born in Bridgeton, Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1853. When one year old he moved 
with his parents to Belvidere, New Jersey, and at 
the age of sixteen was made assistant station 
agent, which position he held five years. He then 
entered the superintendent's office at Lambert- 
ville, New Jersey, in the capacity of assistant 
train master and train dispatcher; remained as 
such three years. During the time he also edited 
an amateur paper. Coming to Minnesota he set- 
tled at Henderson, and for about one year served 
as bookkeeper for H. Poehler & Co., then went to 
Le Sueur as night operator in the telegraph of- 
fice. Ketuming to Henderson he clerked for J. 
O'Mara until December, 1880, when he was made 
station agent at East Henderson. Married in 
187.5, Estella Andrews. Two children: Mabel L. 
and Isabel F. 

Hon. William Weyl born July 24, 1830, is 
a native of Pnissia. In 1851 he came to America, 
located in Sandusky City, Ohio, but in 1855 mi- 
grated to Minnesota; after visiting St. Paul a short 
time came to Henderson, and in 1856 settled on 
his present farm in Tyrone township. In 1864 he 
enlisted in Company A, 11th Minnesota; was hon- 
orably discharged in 1865. Mr. Weyl was the 
choice of his party in 1879 as representative to 
the state legislature; has also been town treasurer 
five years and supervisor. He was united in 
marriage with Miss Margaret Bubenheim, who is a 
native of Germany. William, Henry, and Mary, 
are their children. 

OTTAWA. 

Ottawa, situated in the western portion of Le 
Sueur county, upon the east bank of the Minne- 
sota river, dates its history back to the arrival of 
Antoine Young, a Frenchman, who took a claim in 
the southwestern jiortion of the present township, 
in 1853. Mr. Young built a saw and grist-mill on 
Cherry creek, which the Ottawa old settlers claim 
to be the first mill erected in the county. He op- 
erated this mill until the time of his removal to 
Yellow Medicine in 1800, where he was the fii'st 
man shot at the Indian outbreak. Tim Fuller 
took the second claim in Ottawa, soon after the 
arrival of Mr. Young, he being immediately fol- 
lowed by Robert and William Winegar and Samuel 



iOi 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Sanborn, tli(> original proprietors of the town site. 
Tn 1853 Orawfonl & Jones surveyed and platted 
141) aores, calling the town Minnewashta, the In- 
dian for "good water." 

In 1856 the town was re-surveyed and the name 
oliangtHl to Ottawa. A. Roberts, another of the 
earliest settlers who arrived and took a claim in 
1853 V)uilt a ferry across the Minnesota in the up- 
jM>r j)ortion of the town. 

In 1854 Colonel Pratt, of St. Paul, purchased 
twelve lots for other |)arties, who desired to go 
into business. When it came to the making out of 
the deeds, a stipulation was inserted, providing 
that no one should be allowed to sell liciuor of any 
kind. To this tlie purchasers objected and the 
sale fell through. Soon after this a man named 
Miless purchased one of the best comer lots for 
whicli he was to pay $500. Upon discovering the 
liciuor stipiilatidii in the deed he also backed out, 
and from that date the price of town lots has con- 
stantly decreased, until the lot for which Miless 
was to pay .*500 can now bo purchased for SIC. 
The great rush to Ottawa during the first few years 
greatly elated the land owners, and one or two ad- 
ditions were surveyed, several large hotels built, 
and the town gave promise of becoming a leading 
place; but the far-sighted ])ioneer8 who were to 
form the bone and sinew, discovered the insur- 
mountable obstructions ahead, and left for other 
fields. Ottawa was never incorporated as a vil- 
lage, the township officers having supervision. 

The first postmaster was appointed in 1858. 
Allen Lewis, who acted for several years. In 1873 
Charles Needham was appointed postmaster and 
still holds the office. 

The first officer of the town who qualified was 
A. -T. Hrown, justice of the peace, in 1855. 

In 1856 a private school was organized and 
taught by Miss Prude Bacon in a small log house 
built on section 34, just back of the town site. 
There were seventeen scholars. There are now 
three good schools — districts 2, 3 and 12. In the 
village district is buUt a fine two-story stone build- 
ing furnished with comfortable patent desks. The 
attendance averages seventy scholars. 

The first religious organization was that 
of the Welsh, who built a substantial edifice in the 
south-eastern corner of the township in 1859. In 
1861 Rev. Livermore, of St. Peter, organized an 
Episcopal church in the village, with one commu- 
nicant, the settlers generally taking hold and 
helping to build a neat stone house for worship. 



In 1859 the Methodists bnilt a stone ohnrch near 
the centre of the village. In none of these 
churches has there been any local pastor. 

The first marriage which occurred was that of 
J. R. Gardner to Miss Emily Sanborn in 1856. 
In 1855 a son was born to T. M. Raney, it l)eing 
the first wliit«^ child born in the town. .\ man by 
the name of Phillips died in 1853 and his remains 
were interred in Mr. McKey's private burial ground. 
The Ottawa cemetery was laid out in 1857 and 
the first person buried was ^Irs. Abigal Winegar, 
mother of the pioneer settlers, William and 
Robert. 

Business never developed to any great extent, 
although nuich money was spent. In the fall of 
1856 Mclntyre, Donnelly k Hufstott opened a 
general store in a board shanty whicli, however, 
was short lived, being succeeded by J. R. Gardner, 
who also give up in a short time. J. L. Hazzard, 
carried on a lucrative business for a few years. 
He was followed by Charles Needham who opened 
a store in 1860. and has, with the exception of one 
or two years, represented the business of the town 
since. In 1856 Mclntyre, Donnelly & Hufstott 
built a steam saw-miU which did a paying busi- 
ness for several years. 

The township of Ottawa contains more ojien 
prairie than any other in the coimty. 

The business of- the village now consists of 
one general store, kept by Charles Needham. who 
is also postmaster; one hardware and tin shop, 
one wagon shop, two smith shops, one paint shop, 
a flour mill and elevator. There is a good depot 
and freight house. The village is situated upon 
the line of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapols & 
Omaha railroad. 

David Bean, farmer on section 34, Ottawa town- 
ship, was bom in Athens county, Ohio, in 1836. 
There he lived until he came to Minnesota 
in 1870 and settled in Le Sueur county. 
He purchased his ])resent farm in 1877. By trade 
he is a bridge builder, and is engaged on the St. 
Paul A Sioux City railroad. Miss E. MeGill, also 
of Athens county, Ohio, Ijecame his wife, and has 
borne him two daughters: Delia and (rrace. 

GJeorge Drew, whose native state is Vermont, 
was bom in 1828. He came to Minnesota in 1876 
and settled in Ottawa townshi]) on section 34. He 
has served his town as justice of the peace two 
' years and clerk the same length of time. His 
wife, who was Miss Eliza Jones, a native of New 



LE SUEUR COUNTY. 



495 



Hampshire, has borne him two sons, Albert and 
Arthur. 

S. Gibbs, farmer on section 22, was bom in 
Meigs county, Ohio, in 1851. On attaining ma- 
jority he came to Minnesota, locating in Ottawa, 
where he has since lived. He was united in mar- 
riage with Parthiaa Snodgrass, of Indiana. They 
are the parents of three children: John L., Jen- 
netta J. and Harriet G. 

Homer E. Gibbon, teacher, was born in Marion 
county. West Virginia, in 1847. Removed to 
Ohio when but ten years of age. In 1862 he en- 
listed in Company P, 85th Ohio infantry, and 
served three months,; i-e-enlisted in the 129th 
Ohio infantry and served until discharged in 1864. 
His advent into this state was in 1873; he set- 
tled soon after in Ottawa, where he is employed 
in teaching school. His wife, who was Rose L. 
Mead, is a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbon 
are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

L. N. Gray, blacksmith and wagon manufac- 
turer, was born in Delaware county, Indiana, in 
1856; he learned the trade of blacksmith and I 
wagon-maker, which he has since followed with 
success. He is now manufacturing the well known 
and reliable Gray wagon. Married Miss Harriet 
Smith, a native of Minnesota. They are the par- 
ents of one child, an infant. 

James Hayes, section foreman for the Chicago, 
St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railway Com- 
pany, was born in Troy, New York, in 1855. 
Came with his parents to Tyrone township, Minne- 
sota, in 1857. He settled in Ottawa in 1877. His 
wife was Miss Grace Luscombe, of Michigan. 
They have one son, James Nicholas. 

William R. Jones was born in Iowa county, 
Wisconsin, in 1851. Came to Minnesota in 1859 
and settled in this county, and is now a resident 
of Ottawa township, on section 25. He married 
Miss Mary Hughes, who has borne him two child- 
ren : Uriah and William R. 

Andrew Miller, who lives on section 14 of this 
town, was born in Germany in 1824. Came to 
America in 1840 and settled in Ohio; in 1869 re- 
moved to Minnesota, locating soon after on his 
farm. His wife was Miss Matilda Klauke, of 
Prussia. Fred., Annie, Lizzie, Mary, Minnie, 
Christian, Sophia, WiUiam and Ersena are their 
children. 

Charles Needham, postmaster and dealer in gen- 
eral merchandise, was born in Cayuga county, New 
York, in 1833. Came to -Minnesota in 1854, and 



settling in Le Sueur county engaged in general 
merchandising. In 1865 enlisted in Company G, 
First Minnesota heavy artillery. Held the rank 
of junior second lieutenant, and was later pro- 
moted to regimental adjutant; was mustered ovit 
after a service of six months. Augusta Eldridge, 
native of Nova Scotia, became his wife and has 
borne him three children : Maland .J., Artrude O., 
and Ambertie. 

T. M. Raney was born in East Tennessee in 1825. 
In 1855 he came to Minnesota and settled on his 
present farm on section 26, Ottawa township. In 
1862 enlisted in Company B, First Minnesota 
mounted rangers, and served one year. He mar- 
ried Miss Susanna Watson, a native of Indiana. 
Sylva O., Troy O., Minnie, Mate, Man, Edgar, 
Nellie, Josie, Charles E., Bessie, Leon and Blanche 
are their children. 

Louis A. Roberts, son of Anthony Roberts, of 
St. Louis, was bom in Prairie du Chien, Wiscon- 
sin, in 1843. When a child of two years he came 
to Minnesota and lived in Anoka until coming to 
Le Sueur county in 1853. Since then he has been 
a resident of this place, and is one of the earliest 
settlers of the county. Married Millie Jarvis, who 
was boi'n in Sibley county, Minnesota. They re- 
side on section 33. 

KASOTA. 

Kasota claims the oldest inhabitant in the Min- 
nesota valley above Carver county, in the person 
of Reuben Butters, who erected the first board 
house in the county in the fall of 1851, locating 
at the present town site on section 28. Mr. But- 
ters, in company with Geo. W. Thompson and 
James Lindsey, arrived on one of the small steam- 
ers then navigating the Minnesota river, bringing 
with them a sufficient amount of lumber to erect a 
one-story house. Of these old pioneers Mr. But- 
ters is the only one remaining, Mr. Thompson 
having gone to Le Sueur the following spring, and 
Mr. Lindsey having left in 185.5. 

The township of Kasota lies in the south- west- 
em portion of Le Sueur county, and is one-flfth 
larger than the other townships. There are three 
railroad stations in the township: East St. Peter, 
on the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha 
railroad, on the east bank of the Minnesota river, 
opposite St. Peter; Kasota, two miles above on the 
same road, and at the junction of the Winona & 
St. Peter road, and Caroline, at the crossing of the 
two railroads two miles above Kasota. 

East St. Peter exists merely in name, there being 



496 



niaroRY of tub MrNSEsoTA VAi.un-. 



bnt three houses, an elevator and depot. A strong 
iron wagon bridge crosses tlie Minnesota river at 
this |>oint, eoiiiit'ctiug witli St. Peter. 

The village of Kiisotu, eonsisting ot about one 
hundred houses in section 34, is about one-half 
mile from the union depot which serves for 
tlie Chicago. St. Paul. Minneaj)oli» A- Omaha and 
Winoua & St. Peter railroads. Tlie life and thrift 
of Kasota lies iu the ])eculiur and handsome red 
sandstone which has become so popular for build- 
ing jMirposps throughout the North-west. There 
are now two large quarries iu operation, the first 
having been opened in 1865 by Keulien Butters, 
who still owns but leases the quarry. The second 
is operated by a son of J. W. Babcock. Both are 
constantly crowded with orders, and are the source 
of a handsome income. Caroline is merely a rail- 
road station two miles above Kasota, originally 
called Lime. 

It was not until 1863 that any organization was 
formed, the Baptists forming a society in that 
year with twenty members, Ezra Miller being the 
first and only local clergyman ever located in the 
town. In 1870 the Episcopalians organized with 
twenty members, holding serWees every two we<>ks 
in the second story of the school-bouse. The 
only church edifice in the township is located at 
Caroline, and was built by the Methodists. 

J. W. Babcock, one of the earliest comers, had 
the town site of Kasota surveyed in 1854 by Fol- 
som, and subsequently by T. Carter. C. Schaefer 
opened a general store in 1854, and was followed 
by lieuben Butters, who still continues. 

There are now two stone quarries, two grist 
nulls, one hotel, one general store, one blacksmith 
and one wagon shop and one saw-mill. 

From 1854 to the building of the St. Peter 
bridge J. W. Babcock operated a ferry across the 
Minnesota river. A post- office was established in 
1854 with J. W. Babcock postmaster. 

The first election was held on the 11th of May, 
1858, there being aixty-one votes cast. Town 
board — J. P. Buel; chairmen, A. Pettis, and S. W. 
Davis; 0. A. Shaeflfer clerk; T. G. Carter, assessor; 
H.Morrill, collector; Tt. Birdsell, justice. 

Elizabeth Hunt taught the first school in a pri- 
vate residence having an attendance of from fif- 
teen to twenty scholars. This was in 1858. A. 
substantial two story stone school-house was built 
in 1860. The attendance now averages fifty-five 
scholars. There are nine district schools in the 
township. 



A stranger whose name was not known was 
killed by a falling embankment while excavating 
for the Babcock mill in the fall of 1852, being the 
first death on record. A short time after Mrs. 
Pettis, wife of A. Pettis, died and was buried at 
Lake Emily. Isaac Davis and Catherine Pettis 
were married in 1854, being the first marriage. 
The first white jx-rBou born was Clara Babcock, 
daughter of J.W. and M. E. Babcock, in 1854. She 
died in 1861. 

The cemetery in section 33 on the blufl" just 
above and back of the town was laid out in 1854. 
and is the principal one. There is a small ceme- 
tery at East St. Peter, and one at Caroline both of 
whicli were laid out more recently. 

One of the most remarkable crops ever raised 
in Kasota was in the summer of 1853 when R. 
Butters harvested 900 bushels of potatoes from 
five acres of ' land, realizing for the entire lot S2 
jjer bushel. Everybody raised potatoes the next 
year, and they were a drug on the market at ten 
cents per busliel. In 1877 a post-office was estab- 
lished at Caroline, and Conrad Smith appointed 
postmaster, which position he still occupies, also 
carrying on a general mercantile business. There 
is a lime kiln at this place. Lake Washington 
post-office is in the south-western part of the 
town. 

Julius Baker was bom in 1849 in Cortland 
county, New York. In 1855 he accompanied his 
parents to Minnesota and until 1861 lived in Trav- 
erse township, then removed to St. Peter. At the 
age of eighteen years he began learning the mill- 
ing business; has worked in the mills at Minne- 
apolis seven years, and the remaining time in St. 
Peter and vicinity. In company with Mr. Edson 
he leased the Kasota mill, which they are now 
operating under the firm name of Edson k Baker. 
In 1877 Mr. Baker married Miss. Annie Johnson. 
They are the parents of two children. Roy is liv- 
ing, Minnie died at the age of two years. 

E. E. Boutwell was bom in Montague, Frank- 
lin county, Massachusetts, in 1837. His father, 
Charles F. Boutwell, Wiis a cousin to ex-Secretary 
Boutwell, also to the late Hon. J. P. Hale, of New- 
Hampshire. Mr. Boutwell came to Minnesota 
when twenty-one, and settled on a farm in Kasota 
township, where he still lives. In 1862 he enlisted 
in Com])any H, Fourth Minnesota, and after a 
serWce of about one and one-half years returned 
to his farm. His marriage with Miss F. K. Moore 



LB SUEUB COUNTT. 



497 



took place in 1869. Eddie E. and Grace M. are 
their children. Two have died. 

E. Butters, one of the three first settlers of Le 
Sueur, was born in 1816, and is a native of Maine. 
At the age of twelve years he began as a clerk in 
a store, and continued in the mercantile business 
from that time until coming to Minnesota in 
18.51. During that year he, in company with 
James Llndsey and George Thompson came up 
the Minnesota river to where Kasota is now loca- 
ted. Here they settled nearly fifty miles distant 
from any -white person, and built a small shanty 
in which they spent the winter of '51 and '52. In 
February, 1852 they erected the first house in Le 
Sueur, and in 1854 laid out the town site of Kasota. 
Mr. Butters has been engaged in farming most of 
his time since coming to this state. He was a 
member of the first state legislature and has since 
served his district seven terms; has been county 
commissioner a number of years and held several 
other offices of less importance. 

S. B. Carpentei', whose birth place was Brattle- 
boro, Vennont, was born in 1829, and when four 
years old accompanied his parents to Ohio. He 
assisted his father, David Carpenter, who was a 
farmer, until reaching the age of twenty-one, then 
went to Worcester, Massachusetts. In the fall of 

1854 he returned to Ohio, and in the spiing of 

1855 went to Wisconsin. There he rented a farm 
one season, and the following sjjring came to Ka- 
sota and settled on his present farm, which is on 
the banks of Lake Emily. At Worcester, Massa- 
chusetts, in 1854, he married Sarah Wheelock, a 
native of that place. They are the parents of two 
children : Charles W. and M. A. 

George E. Case was born in Manchester, Mich- 
igan, in April, 1841. He removed with his par- 
ents to Ohio when three years old, and to St. An- 
thony, Minnesota, in 1851. This was his home 
mitil he enlisted in 1862 in Company D, Sixth 
Minnesota. He was mustered in as sergeant, pro- 
moted to lieutenant, and was mustered out in 1865 
as captain. He then engaged in railroad build- 
ing; having a contract in Texas he went there in 
1870, and in 1875 went to the mountams and to 
California, where he engaged in mining; returned 
to Minnesota in the spring of 1876, and has since 
devoted his time to farming and railroad building. 
In 1872 he bought his farm, which is situated on 
the banks of Lake EmUy. He was elected to the 
state senate in the fall of 1880. Miss Katie Hunt 
a native of New York, became the wife of Mr. 

32 



Case in 1869. The children are Mary M., Martin 
W. and Mabel A. 

Asa Cheadle, one of the pioneers of Le Sueur 
county was born in Ohio in 1824. He grew to man- 
hood on a farm, receiving in the meantime a good 
common school education. In 1855 he came to Min- 
nesota, locating in Cleveland township, Le Sueur 
county; came in 1863 to his present farm in Kasota. 
He has been called upon to fill all the town offices, 
and was county commissioner three years; in 
1860 was elected to the legislature. He was mar- 
ried in 1846 to Miss Jemima Witham; they have 
six children: Sarah K., wife of Richard Peel, of 
St. Paul; Angeline, wife of N. M. Reed, of Kasota; 
Charles B., a resident of Cottonwood county; 
Adelaide, wife of William Moses, of Kasota; Abbie 
and Lucy live at home. 

O. E. Edson is a native of Pennsylvania, born 
in 1842; in 1855 the family removed to Hlinois 
where they lived until 1860. At the age of fifteen 
he began learning the trade of miller and has 
since continued it with the exception of the time 
spent in the army. He enlisted in 1861 in Com- 
pany B, First California cavalry in which he 
served until 1863; was then commissioned second 
lieutenant of the Third California; served as such 
until the close of the war. He settled in Wiscon- 
sin and engaged in the pursuit of his trade ujitil 
1874; then came to Minneapolis: in 1880 he went 
to New Ulm and in June, 1881 he, in company 
with J. Baker, leased the Kasota mill, in which 
they are doing a thriving business. In 1868 he 
married Martha A. Smith. Their children are: 
JuUa M., Edna V., and Imogine V. 

M. L. French, deceased, was bom in New York 
in 1807. There he lived until 1839 then removed 
to Michigan and remained until 1855; came to 
Minnesota and located on a farm on the banks of 
Lake Emily. With the exception of two years 
spent in the mining districts of Montana he re- 
sided with his family on the farm in Kasota. Mar- 
ried in ] 835 Louisa M. Stores, a native of New 
York. In 1877 Mr. French died; his widow and 
six children survive him. Ernest died at twenty- 
three years of age: Fannie is the wife of S. W. 
Pettis; Edmond M. resides in Mexico; Maretta 
died at the age of eighteen ; Willard lives in Mur- 
ray county, Minnesota; Enos J. lives in California; 
J. W. in Nevada and Arthur B. in Kasota. 

Nicholas Kolbert is a native of Prussia, born in 
1830. After attaining majority he came to 
America and until 1856 resided in Iowa and Illi- 



498 



Ul:iTuliy OF TUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



nois. He tLen removed to Minnesota and soon 
lifter settled on a farm in Kjisota, where he has 
since lived. He wtks married in 18158 to Misw Mary 
Klages, wlio died in 18^5 leaving four children. 
John, Michael, Catherine, and Charlie. His sec- 
ond marriage was in 1871 with Miss Christina 
Siderstron. 

S. F. Holbrook was born in Windham county, 
Vermont in 1822 but when one year old went with 
his parents to New York, remaining until 1854, 
engaged in railroad and hnul)er enterprises. Re- 
moved to Sjjarta, Wisconsin, in 1854; was there 
in the hotel, livery and omnibus business, also car- 
red the United States mails during his entire resi- 
dence of twenty-four years. In 1879 he located 
at Kasota and built the large eating house which 
is generally acknowledged to be one of the best 
in the north-west. Mr. Holbrook married in 1846 
Miss Sophia Woodworth who died in 1863, leaving 
two sons: D.^W. and E. A. Mrs. Susan E. Brit- 
ton became his second wife in 1866. She 
had three children: Charles, died at seventeen 
years of age; Lorin and Susan H. live at home. 

E. P. Hull is a native of London, England, 
bom in 1828. He left his native country with his 
parents when seven years old and emigrated to 
Canada. Commenced learning the blacksmith 
trade which he followed until coming to Minne- 
sota in 1855. His first home in this state was on 
a farm in Blue Earth county where he lived six 
years, then came to his present farm on section 17, 
Kasota township. In 1852 he married Miss Char- 
lotte Woods. 

Jacob Klaseus is a native of Prussia, bom in 
1824. On coming to America in 1851, he settled 
in Troy, New York, hut 8uliKe(|uently removed to 
Boston, Massachusetts, remaining luitil 1856; 
came to Minnesota and settled on section 7, Kasota 
township, and still resides here. Married in 
Boston in 1853, Miss Theressa Tower, who died. 
Miss Rose A Chedpun became his second wife. 
He has fourteen children : Joseph, Jacob, Mike, 
Frank, George, Beatrice, Josephine, Mary, Her- 
man, John, Kate, Sophia, William and Leo. 

John I'. Koenen, whose native land is Prussia, 
w as born in 1827. In 1853 came to America and 
located in Illinois, but in 1856 he migrated to 
Minne8f>ta and has since been a farmer on section 
15 of Kasota. Married Miss Mary Miller in 1857 
and is the parent of six children : Peter, Phillip, 
EUa, John, Frank and Annie. 

William Nason, Jr., was born in 1833 in Wash- 



ington county, Vermont. With his parents re- 
moved to Ohio in 1849 and resided in that state 
until 1855. He then came to Minnesota and set- 
tled in Kasota on the farm where he now lives. 
His father, William Nason, Sr., came alwut two 
years later and was a meral>er of the first board of 
supervisors. Miss Mariah C. Holister and Mr. 
Nason were wedded in 1859 and have a family of 
six children, all living at home. 

R. L. Nason was bom in Lamoille county, Ver- 
mont in 1841 and when eight years old removed to 
Ohio with his parents. In 1857 he, in company 
with his father came to Minnesota and soon after 
settled in Kasota where he has since resided with 
the exception of his service in the army. He en- 
listed in 1861 in the Second Minnesota and served 
until the close of the war, then returned to his 
farm. Was elected to the state legislature in 1875 
and served one term. 

John Ofenloch was bom in (Jermany, in 1843. 
In 1867 he came to America and settled in Lake 
county, Indiana; three years later he removed to 
Minnesota, and after a brief visit in St. Paul, set- 
tled in Ottawa township, LeSunir county for one 
year. In 1871 he came to Kasota and built a 
blacksmith shop in which he still does business. 
Married in 1873 to Miss Mary Menten. Henry, 
Emma and Louisa are their children. 

Alex Pettis was born in Vermont, in 1823, and 
while a child accompanied his parents to Canada, 
where they remained four years, then went to 
Ohio and in 1835 migrated to Illinois. In 1855 
came to Minnesota and settled in St. Peter; 
bought his farm in 1857 and moved on it in 1865; 
three years later he returned to St. Peter, and con- 
tinued living tliere until 1877, since that time has 
resided on the tann. Mr. Pettis participated in 
the defence of New Ulm during the Sioux out- 
break of 1862. Married in 1850, to Miss Louisa 
Davis, who has borne him three childn^n: Orange 
S., Mary A. and Comeha M. Mr. Pettis' father 
was in the war of 1812, and died in Illinois in 1853. 

John R. Pheeney was born in Ohio in 1855, and 
when eight years old removed to Winoua. Minne- 
sota, with his jiarents. Was educated in the 
public schools, and at the age of sixteen entered 
the freight office of the Winona and St. Peter 
Railway Comjtany, remaining until December, 
1880; the last two years he served as caslxier. He 
was then made station agent for the Winona and 
St. Peter, and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapohs and 
Omaha railways at Kasota, which office he still 



LB SUEUR COUNTY. 



499 



holds. Miss Mary Morgan became his wife in 
1878. They have one son, Charles A. 

C. Smith is a native of Switzerland, born in 
1817. In 1852 he came to America. Until 1856 
he lived in Illinois, then came to Minnesota, and 
has since been a resident of Kasota. In 1862 lie 
went into the Indian war, and when at New Ulm, 
had his horse shot while riding him. In 1875 his 
fine set of buildings was erected, and the same 
year tha lime kiln was built. He was appointed 
postmaster of Caroline post-office in 1878. Mar- 
ried Mary Swartz in 1860. Mary and Caroline are 
their children. 

David Street was bom in Ohio, in 1841. When 
eighteen years of age he went to Kentucky and 
there engaged in the saw-mill business until 1861. 
He then joined the Second Kentucky regiment of 
infantry, in which he served during the entire war. 
He went to Illinois and bought a saw-mill which 
he ran about four years; in 1869 came to Minne- 
sota, settled in Kasota, built a saw-mill, and still 
continues in the manufacture of himber. In 1863 
Miss Sarah A. Hite became the wife of Mr. Street. 
They have seven children. 

E. R. Vernon was bom in England in 1830, and 
came to America in 1850. When a boy he went 
to sea; followed a sea-faring life ten years, and on 
coming to America, settled in California. There 
he gave his time and attention to mining and 
farming imtil 1859, then returned to his native 
country. After remaining about one and one-half 
years he came again to this country and has since 
engaged in farming in Kasota township. His 
wife was Miss Sarah A. Bland, married in 1859. 
Eight children have been born to them. 

A. J. Wakefield was bom in Ohio, in 1828. 
Came to Minnesota in 1866, settled in Kasota 
township, near Lake Washington, and in 1871 
bought his present farm. In 1874 he was ap- 
pointed postmaster of Lake Washington. Was 
nominated representative to the state legislature in 
1875; although running ahead of his ticket, he 
was defeated, as the district has a large democratic 
majority. Married in 1851, Esther Skelton, who 
has borne him nine children, all are living. 

James Warrant is a native of England, bom in 
1813. He lived there until attaining the age of 
twenty-three years, then came to America and set- 
tled first in Canada. He was a farmer in that 
country until 1856, then came to Minnesota and 
again began the life of a farmer in Kasota town- 
ship, and has since resided on section 15. Mar- 



ried in 1832, Miss Margaret Kay. They are the 
parents of eleven children, six of whom are 
living. 

John Weger, native of Norway, was bom in 
1822. He came to America in 1850 and until 1861 
lived in Wiscon.sin, then came to Minnesota; set- 
tled in Kasota, and in 1862 went into the army; 
served one year in the Minnesota mounted rangers 
then joined the Second Minnesota cavalry, in which 
he sei-ved imtil the close of the war. Returned to 
Kasota and ■ has since been a resident here; has 
been town clerk for the past four years, and post- 
master since 1879. He was united in marriage 
with Miss Eliza Kennedy in 1860; they have two 
sons, John B. and Charles K. 

WASHINGTON. 

Although one of the smallest of Le Sueur 
county townships, Washington has produced 
several of the more prominent county officials, 
and is the home of numerous energetic farmers. 

John L. Meagher, the present efficient judge of 
probate, who has held the office since 1875, was 
one of the first settlers of the town, taking a claim 
at what is now Marysburgh, on the southern 
boundary ; being appointed postmaster in 1858 and 
having held the position to the present time. In 
1858 P. W. Smith took a claim in the next section 
and from that time forward the improvement of 
the town has been uninterrupted. There are three 
good schools in a flourishing condition, being well 
fitted out with late improvements. 

Church members attend neighboring churches. 
The small town of Marysburgh has a post-office 
hotel, school and cemetery. 

Anselm Biehn is a native of Germany, bom in 
1828. He came to the United States m 1856, and 
after a residence of one year in Illinois, came to 
Minnesota in the spiing of 1857. He was among 
the early settlers of the town and now owns a nice 
farm on sections 4 and 9. He married in Mankato 
in 1859, Miss Phillips. Anselm, Anna, Catharine, 
Sarah, Peter, Joseph, Lawrence, Henry and FeUx 
are their children. 

Henry Biehn was bom in Germany in 1826. 
His yoiith was sjjent in his native laud and in 1854 
he immigrated to Washington township where he 
now resides; his farm is located on section 4. 
He was married in Chicago in 1856 and is the 
father of five children, of whom four are living; 
Mary, Eliza, Louisa and Catharine. The only 
son, Henry, died. 

John L. Meagher was born in Cork county. Ire- 



500 



HIHTOHY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Iniid. iu 1820; immigrated to Bostou, MaBsachn- 
Bofts iu 1818 auil later removed to Maine. Came 
to MinncKota iu 1857; settled on Meetiou 15, Wash- 
ington township; has held the otlifc of postmaster 
since 1858; served in the legishiture in 1863 and 
'64; was county commissioner three years; was 
chosen probate judge in 1875, wbidi office he still 
holds by re-election; was the first justice of the 
peace and is the present town clerk. June 19, 
185'2, in New Hampshire, he was married; Pat- 
rick \A'., Michael, John, Jlary Antonious, James, 
and Mary Josephine are his Hving children. Five 
others are dead. 

Patrick W. Smith was l)orn in Ireland in 1835; 
he came to America in 1852 and settled first in 
Kentucky. Coming in 1858 to Minnesota, he lo- 
cated on section 13. Washington to\vnship. In 
the fall of 1862 he enlisted in the first Minnesota 
mounted rangers and served one year; re-enlisted 
in the fall of 1864 in the 11th Minnesota in which 
he served until the close of the war. Was mar- 
ried in Minnesota to Mary Oakes and has had 
eight children, six of whom are living. 

Mark L. Wildes, born in 1828, is a native of 
Maine where he lived imtil 1849, when he spent two 
years in travel, then returned home and in 1857 
came to Minnesota; resides on section 7, Washington 
township. In 1802 he enlisted and served one year. 
Mr. Wildes has held the various to^vn offices and 
been county commissioner of Le Sueur county, 
also county superintendent. Rebecca, daughter 
of Captain Burke, became his wife in 1865 and has 
borne him five children : William F., Hattie R., 
Annie L., Mark L., Samuel H. M., Sarah £., and 
Nettie D. 

CLEVELAND. 

Cleveland was one of the first of the interior 
townships to be settled. Among the most promi- 
nent of the early settlers are R. H. Everett, Mrs. 
L. Meeker (wife of H. Meeker, now dead) George 
Forsyth and J. W. Chambers who came during or 
prior to 1855. The next season followed Andrew 
Wilfert, Adam Wright, Dennis Hill and Freeman 
Talbot. The first business house was that of 
Forsyth A- Agnew, it being a general store with 
small stock, ojiened in 1856. This firm was suc- 
ceeded the following year by Borer & We'ss who 
continued but one year, Mr. Borer retiring. In 
1857 the pre.sent thriving village of Cleveland 
was started, and from that date business enter- 
prises increased until the village became one of 
the most influential in the county. During 1858 



and for years afterwards there was a great rivalry 
between Cleveland and Le Sueur as to the looi- 
tion of the county seat. Cleveland having several 
times secured a majority of the county votes in 
her favor and being beaten through some infor- 
mality connected with the election, at la.st became 
so incensed that a detachment of armed citizens 
made a partially successful elTort to remove the 
seat by force. It was not until 1875 that Cleve- 
land succeeded in carrying her point, and enjoyed 
her hard earned glory for little more than a year, 
Le Sueur Centre being finally settled ujion as the 
county seat. 

The first death occurred in 1857 ; Mrs. L. .Tones, 
who had been there but a short time, being the 
victim. 

In 1856 a son, Job, was born to Mr. and Mrs. 
David Lloyd; he is still living. The same year a 
daugliter was bom to William Forsyth. The 
first child bom in the rillage was L. Lampman, 
iu 1858, a son to N. B. and M. E. Lampman. 

Educational matters received but little attention 
until 1858, a school tlien being opened in a town 
hall with an attendance of upwards of fifty schol- 
ars. Rev. A. Montgomery was one of the first 
teachers. In 1865 a frame school-house, two 
stories, was erected, but gave place to a larger and 
finer building in 1880, with patent seats and mod- 
em improvements. There are seven other districts 
in the townsliip. 

The Methodists in 1870 organized a society 
with forty nine members, and at once proceeded 
to erect a house of worship, with Rev. Joshua 
Barnard as pastor; he held the charge for three 
years. They were followed in 1874 by the Pres- 
byterians, who organized a society with over 
twenty members, building a neat frame edifice. A 
Welsh church was organized in 1880 and a build- 
ing erected; present pastor, Rev. Mr. Jones. In 
section 27 the German Liitherans have a church 
and cemetery. There are two other cemeteries, 
one on section 20 near Savidge lake, the other a 
Catholic, on Scotch lake, the former laid oiit in 
1876 the latter in 1878. The Catholics were the 
first in the town to form a society and build a 
church; Father Somereiseu, in 1862, awakened 
much interest and succeeded iu forming an organ- 
ization with fifty to sixty families, who at once 
proceeded to build a j)lace of worship. 

There are two good saw-mills located on sections 
5 and 34. 

There is a Masonic lodge, a dispensation hav- 



LE SUEUR COUNTY. 



501 



ing been issued in 1861, as Cleveland lodge, and 
in 1864 a charter granted changing the name to 
Coucord, No. 47, A. F. and A. M.; Presiding 
officers, W. H. Hall, W. M. ; F. L. Eauson, S. W., 
H. Zimmerman, J. W. ; J. W. Chambers, secretary. 

Cleveland is a temperance town, voting no 
lisense. 

The present business is represented by two 
general stores, two blacksmith shops, three wagon 
shops, one hotel, one gun store. Postmaster L. 
Lampman. 

Mrs. Eliza Brown, whose maiden name was 
Eliza Hoifman, was born in Indiana in 1837. In 
1857 she was united in marriage with William 
Brown. Ten years subsequently she came to Min- 
nesota, and is now living in Cleveland, Le Sueur 
county, on section 22. She is the parent of six 
children, four of whom are living. 

J. W. Chambers was bom in 1843 in Washing- 
ton county, Ohio. At the age of twelve years he 
came to Minnesota and settled in Cleveland, where 
he was employed by W. B. Dodd in the construc- 
tion of what is known as the Dodd's road. Re- 
turned to his native state in 1858 and remained 
two years, then again came to Minnesota. In 
1861 enlisted in Company K, Seventh Minnesota. 
After the war he returned to Minnesota and en- 
gaged in farming in Cleveland. He married in 
1868 Miss F. Enfield, who died in June, 1879. 
Mary is their only child. 

Florian Dreuttel, a native of Germany, was 
born in 1837. Came to the United States in 1872 
and for four years made his home in St. Peter, 
Minnesota. He then came to Cleveland, Le Sueur 
county, where he has since resided. He was mar- 
ried to Miss Estella Klinger, a native of Germany. 
They are the parents of four children. 

D. Dugaw was born in Lake county, Oliio, in 
1848. When a child of three years he moved with 
his parents to lUinois and there lived seven years, 
then went to Wisconsin, where he remained until 
1868. From that state he migrated to Martin 
county, Minnesota, and engaged in farming one 
year, then came to Cleveland, locating where he 
now lives. In 1872 he married Miss Jane Rogers, 
who has borne him two children, Charles and 
Henry. 

R. H. Everett is a native of Champaign county, 
Illinois, born in 1833. In 1855 he removed to 
Minnesota and settled in Cherry Creek Run, 
now known as Cleveland. His marriage with Miss 
Ann Flowers, which occurred on the 8th of Jan- 



uary, 1856, was the first in the place. Mr. Everett 
enlisted in Company E, 11th Minnesota, and re- 
received an honorable discharge in July. 1865. 
Has a farm of 1,000 acres, with about 400 under 
cultivation. In 1869 Mr. Everett was elected to 
the legislature by the republicans. In 1872 
changed his views and advocated the election of 
Horace Greeley, since which time he has been a 
democrat. He was a delegate to the democratic 
convention at Cincinnati, in which he cast his vote 
for General Hancock. They have eight children 
living. 

W. A. Flowers was bom in Ohio in 1832. He 
lived on a farm until 1842, then moved to Indiana, 
where he remained until 1856. Comiag thence to 
Le Sueur county, Minnesota, he settled in Cleve- 
land. Enlisted in 1865 in Company G, First 
Miimesota heavy artillery. Miss Margaret Jones 
became his wife in 1859, and has bome him six 
children: Mary E., WiUiam W., Henry H., John 
C, Dora E. and Mabel. 

John R. R(5berts, deceased, was bom in 1833, in 
Oneida county, New York. He came to Minne- 
sota in 1857, and on the 18th day of August, 1862, 
enlisted in Company E, Ninth Minnesota. On 
the 6th of December, 1862, he was wounded at 
the battle of Nashville, from the eSects of which 
he died January 4, 1863, in the city of Nashville, 
Tennessee. At the time of his death he held the 
rank of second lieutenant. 

George Forsyth is a native of Scotland, and was 
bora in 1836. Came to the United States in 1850, 
and four years later located on section 26, Cleve- 
land township. He served in the civil war in Bat- 
tery G, First Minnesota heavy artillery. Return- 
ing from the war he again resumed his farming 
pursuits in Cleveland. Was married in 1860 to 
Miss Angeline Huntly. Six children have been 
born to them, five of whom are living. 

Nelson Goldsmith was born in Kentucky in 
1803. He came to Minnesota in 1864 and now 
lives on section 18, Cleveland township. He was 
united in marriage ■with with Miss Nancy Daws in 
1823. They are the parents of fourteen children, 
ten of whom are living. 

Benjamin W. Harriman was bom in West Vir- 
ginia in 1830. He moved to Dakota coimty, Min- 
nesota in 1854 and remained there nine years; 
then moved to Cleveland in 1863 and located on 
section 14, on which he still resides. In the spring 
of 1865 he enlisted in the First Minnesota and was 
honorably discharged with the regiment. He has 



502 



UISTORT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLET. 



served hh eonuty oommissioner of Lf> Sueur CDuntv. 
Was married in 18r)9, iu West Virginia to Mary 
E. Brown; John, William, Charles, Sophia, Levi, 
Howard, Mary and Henjaniiu jr.. are the children. 

.Tesse Haiikins, i)roft's.si)r of muaic, was born in 
Ohio in 185-1. and was raised as a fanner. The 
family moved to Illinois when he was an infant, 
and in 1859 came to Waterville township, Minne- 
sota; he lived there until 1877, then settled in 
Cleveland where he pursues his profession as mu- 
sician. On the 3d day of May, 1877, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Leona Qilpatrick. 
Two sons. Roy and Ray have been born to them. 
Mr. Hankins is a son of John Hankins, of Cor- 
dova township. 

Denison Hill was bom in Ashtabula county, 
Ohio, in 1838. With his parents he moved to 
Wisconsin in 1843 and ten years later went to Iowa; 
in 1856, became to Minnesota; located at Cleve 
land, and is one of the proprietors of the saw- 
mill. During the Indian outbreak he acted as 
scout and later during the war was deputy United 
States marshal; was also Indian agent at Winne- 
bago agency two yeare. Mr. Hill's tnarriage 
with Caroline Green occurred in 1804. Five chil- 
dren have been bom to them: Viola, William, 
Emma, Nora and Caroline. 

Thomas B. Hobson was bom in Indiana iu 1820. 
Came to Minnesota iu 1856 and is now living on 
section 30, Cleveland township. He served iu the 
defense of the Union three years; joined the Sev- 
enth Minnesota in 1862. His wife was Mary 
Liuder, who has home him si.\ children ; four have 
passed away and two are living. 

H. A. Johnson is a native of the state of New 
Yt)rk and there received a common school educa- 
tion, passing his boyhood on the farm. He came 
to Winona county, Minnesota in 1855; to Cleve- 
land iu 1857, and has since engaged in blaeksmith- 
ing and carriage making. Miss Maria Green, 
daughter of Mathew Green, of Cordova, became 
the wife of Mr. Johnson in 1876; they have one 
girl, Esther. 

N. B. Lampmun was bom on the 25th of March 
1832, in Oneida county, New York. He re- 
mained on the farm until 1853, then for one year 
followed engineering in Illinois. Returning to 
New York he engaged in that business, and the 
next year removed to Pennsylvania. After work- 
ing as civil engineer for some time, he started for 
Minnesota, landing first in St. Peter. Shortly 
after, however, he located in Cleveland. For eight 



years past he has boon engaged in the interests of 
the North Star boot and shoe company of Minne- 
apolis. Mr. Lampman was united in marriage 
in 1857 with Miss Mary E. R<'id. of New York. 
They have had six children: the eldest, L. Lamp- 
man was the first white child born in tlie village 
of Cleveland, and is now engaged in the mercan- 
tile trade. 

Carl Leth is of German birth. Ho came from 
his native land to America in 1856 and the year 
following to Minnesota. He is a farmer located 
on section 29 of Cleveland. In the year 1856 he 
married Miss Mary Ponworth who has borne him 
four children, two of whom died in infancy. 

Mrs. Lydia Meeker, widow of H. Meeker, was 
bom in Ohio, in 1824. When ten years old she 
went to Indiana and in that state made her home 
nineteen years. There, in 1852, she married H. 
Meeker and with him came to Minnesota in 1855, 
locating in Cleveland township, on section 24. 
Her husband died on the 3d day of February, 
1857. His widow with four children sur\"ive him. 

J. J. Oelder is a native of Switzerland, and was 
born in 1810. Coming to America in 1856, he 
cho.se Minnesota as his future home and located in 
Cleveland. He has a farm of eighty acres situated 
on sections 29 and 32. He was married in his 
native country in 1853 to Miss Elizabeth Cramer, 
and is the parent of two children. 

Joseph Pof]jafT is a native of Germany, and was 
bom iu 1830. He immigrated to New York iu 
1854; removed to Minnesota in 1871. His home 
is now on his farm in Cleveland, on sectitm 34. He 
was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Plum, 
in his native country; seven children have been 
born to them, all except two are hving. 

Joseph Ponwitt, who is a native of Grermany, 
was l)orn in 1836. Coming to -America when 
twenty years old, he settled the next year in 
Cleveland towTiship. He stiU resides on his farm 
on section 19. His wife was Geto Philpman, mar- 
ried in 1862; six children have been born to them, 
of whom one died in infancy. 

Lorenzo D. Raudou was born in Kentucky in 
1843. In 1861 enlisted in Company B, 28th Ken- 
tucky infantry: served in the battles of Keneaaw 
Mountnin, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta. Janes- 
borough and others; was mustered out in Decem- 
ber 1865; returning from service to Liiuisville, 
Kentucky, he remained only a short time, then 
came to Cleveland, Minnesota. His time is devoted 
to the manufacture of lumber, in which he does a 



LE SUEUR COUNTY. 



503 _ 



thriving trade. Married in 1871, Miss M. 
Mc Heron; four sons have been bom to them, 
Charles, William, Thomas and Lewis. 

George Einkel was boru in Germany in 1833. 
Came to America in 1854 and the same year pro- 
ceeded to Minnesota; he located in the fall of 1860 
in Cleveland, on section 30. He was united in 
marriage with Widow Fetman in 1860 and has 
had seven children. Mr. and Mrs. Rinkel own 
eighty acres on sections 29 and 30. 

Charles Rjgers, farmer, on section 11, was bom 
in Ohio in 1852. When a lad of eight years he 
removed to Wisconsin, where he remained on a 
farm ten years; removing again in 1870 he settled 
in Martin county, Minnesota, and eight years later 
came to Cleveland. He was married in Martin 
county to Mary Jane Neal and has three children; 
Fayette P., Arthur I., and an infant. 

Lafayette Koot, whose native state is OUo, was 
born in 1836. In 1857 he came west and located 
in Minnesota. He resides in Cleveland township, 
on section 20, and is engaged in farming. During 
the war he served in Company H, sixth Minnesota 
infantry; he enlisted in 1862. In 1867 he was 
united in matrimony with Ella Brown, who died 
two years later. 

Minnie Scahndel was bom in Germany in 1822. 
Came to the United States in 1855 and located at 
St. Peter, Minnesota; after a residence there of ten 
months she came to Cleveland and settled on sec- 
tion 11. She is the parent of seven children; 
Matilda, Betsey, August, Julia, Hammond, Julius, 
and Addie, all of whom are living. 

Hon. Freeman Talbot is a native of Ireland, 
born in 1811. He went in 1818 to western Canada 
with his parents, but removed to Minnesota in 
1856 and settled in Cleveland. During the Indian 
outbreak he was commissioned captain of a com- 
pany to go the relief of New Ulm and took an 
active part in the service. In 1872 and '73 Mr. 
Talbot was the choice of both political parties for 
state senator. He married in 1832, Miss Ann E. 
Clark, a native of Canada. Of the ten children 
born to them, five are living; Martlia is the wife 
of W. B. Hall, of Winnipeg; Mrs. J. W. Kelly is 
a resident of Lake Jefferson ; Charles H. resides in 
Winnipeg; Edward R. R. was killed during the 
late war; Louisa is the wife of Rudolph Yager; 
Benjamin is a resident of Dakota territory. 

Daniel Vanvleet was born in Oliio in 1816. In 
1851 he accompanied his parents to Illinois where 
he lived seven years. In 1868 removed to 



Martin county, Minnesota, and after fanning in 
that coimty eight years settled on section 11 of 
Cleveland township, where he stiU remains en- 
gaged in farming. Married in_1870. Miss Annie 
Dugaw, who has bf)rne him one son and one daugh- 
ter : David and Annie. 

Christain Vollmer was born in Germany in 1816. 
In 1856 he came across to America. His present 
home is in Cleveland township, on section 29; he 
came to Minnesota in 1865. Mr. Vollmer was 
married in 1857 and is the parent of four chil- 
dren. 

Andrew Wilfert, whose native country is] Ger- 
many, was bom in 1833. Came to America in 
1854 and settled first in Indiana, and two years 
later he chose a home in Cleveland. Here he has 
since lived except the time spent in his country's 
service; enlisted in 1862 in Company K, Seventh 
Minnesota; participated in the battles of Tupelo 
and Nashville, also many other minor engage- 
ments; was honorably discharged in July, 1865, 
after a service of three years. The same year he 
married Miss M. Weiss. Their children are Em- 
ily, Henrietta, Annie, Felix A., Ellis, Maggie and 
Mary. Mr. Wilfert has served as chairman of the 
town board of supervisors several years. 

Moses E. Wilson was born in Ohio in 1845. 
During his youth he learned the trade of stone 
mason, in which, together with contracting, he has 
since engaged. In 1862 he enHsted in the 16th 
United States regulars; served until honorably 
discharged in 1864; participated in many severe 
engagements. In 1873 he came to Minnesota and 
now resides in Cleveland in the pursuit of his 
trade. His marriage with Miss Emma Bramshe 
occurred in 1879. One son, John. 

Adam Wright was born in Indiana in 1820, and 
there spent his youthful days. In 1845 he was 
imited in marriage with Miss Mary A. Yager. In 
1856 they came to Minnesota and located in 
Cleveland township on section 28. They have 
four children. Mr. Wright has held several town 
offices. His father lived until reaching the age of 
eighty -four years. 

SHABON. 

Sharon is one of the most populous and wealthy 
townships in the county. It lies directly east of 
Ottawa and the southern half of Le Sueur towns. 
It embraces within its borders a portion of the fer- 
tOe prairie which follows the valley, nearly every 
acre of which is now under cultivation. Fully 
two-thirds of the surface was originally timber 



604 



niSTORT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



land, half of which has given way to the plow and 
reaper. 

Being locateil within eusy accoHs of the Minne- 
sota river iiiivij^iition, it was among the lirstof the 
interior towns to chiim attention from the early 
home-seekers. Among tlie first to settle and make 
this their perinaaent liomo was Christian Schward, 
who with his fiiniilv tookaquarter section of section 
23, in 1851, building one of the first houses in that 
locality. He was followed early the next season 
by Wilham H. King, locating upon section 5, 
where he still resides. Joseph Regonsoheit, on 
section 25, also still occupies tlie old homestead. 

When originally organized the town was named 
Young Town, but subsequently changed through 
the exertions of its citizens. 

In the earlier days of its history a majority of 
those desiring to attend religious services went 
to the river towns wliidi at that day were more ac- 
cessitile to the mission clergymen. In a few years 
new comers added to their strength and one church 
followed another at convenient points throughout 
the town, until there are at the present time seven 
distinct orgsmizations, all liaving substantial 
houses of worship. The (ierrann Baptists are lo- 
cated on the extreme comer of the north-west 
quarter of section 31. 

The German M. E. have a church and cemetery 
on section 8. There is an Evangelical church and 
cemetery on section 19. 

The German Lutherans are located cm the south- 
east quarter of section 3. having a cemetery con- 
nected with the church. 

A cemetery and Christian church are located 
upon section 16. 

The CathoUcs have a large chnrch and ceme- 
tery at St. Henry's. In nearly all these churches 
services are held regularly, most of them having 
Sunday-schools also. 

There are eight school districts. The buildings 
are well equipped for successful teaching. 

There are three post-offices in Sharon, viz: 
Dresselville, section 11; St. Henry, section 25, 
Jacob Muckley, postmaster, and Sharon, on sec- 
tion 17. 

Upon Rice lake in section 10 there is a saw-mill, 
also upon section 7 is a saw and grist-mill in oper- 
ation. A blacksmith shop is located on the south- 
west quarter of section 10. 

Philip Dressel, postmaster at Dres.selville, was 
bom March 20, 1826, in Germany. He was edu- 
cated in the schools of that coilntry, and learned 



the trade of printer. Immigrating to America in 
18 i7, ho arrived at New York, July 1, and soon af- 
ter settled in Montgomery county, Pennyslvania. 
He took up his abode in Minnesota in 1854, set- 
tling first in St. Paul. His first work at uis trade 
was on the "Staats Zeitung," the first German ])a- 
pcr published in the state. During the s])riiig of 
18"»6 111' m >ved to Sharon, L3 Sueur county, aud 
was oneof the eafliest settlers. Since 1864 he licis 
served as jwstmaster at Dresselville, and since 
1869 has been treasurer of Le Sueur county. 

Henry J. Fisher, fanner on section 27, Sharon 
township, was born in 1857, in Ottawa, Le Sueur 
coimty, Minnesota. He is a sou of Benjamin F. 
Fisher, who is a native of Massachusetts, born in 
1814. He came to Minnesota in 1855 and settled 
in Ottawa. His wife was Emily A. Page, of 
Maine, who is the parent of four children : Henry, 
now living in Sharon township; Herbert, EUiston 
iind Sidney. 

Charles Friburk, born in 1857 in Jo Daviess 
county, niiuois, is of German parentage: his father 
was Jacob Friburk. He came with his parents to 
Minnesota when about three years of age and has 
since made his home in this state. He now en- 
gages in farming, and is located on section 26 
of Sharon township, 

John Hciken, a native of Germany, was bom in 
1849, and in 18C5 he came to America. After a 
residence of about four years in Illinois he removed 
to Minnesota; is now living on a farm on section 
33, Sharon township. His wife was Miss Caroline 
Lutske, who has borne him three sous: Edward, 
John and Fred. 

Joseph Huonder, a native of Switzerland, was 
bom in 1831. Coming to America in 1854 he 
settled in Ohio, where he remained until remov- 
ing westward in 1855. On coming to Minnesota 
his first home was in Stillwater, and in 1867 he 
located on his present fann in Sharon, on section 
35. He married Miss Mary Levi, who is a native 
of Italy. They are the parents of seven children : 
Kate, Joseph, Ursilla, Henrietta, Louisa, Lawrence 
and John. 

Peter Imhoff, who is a German, was bom Jan- 
uary 14, 1818. He came to America in 1832 and 
first settled in Ohio; from there removed to Mis- 
souri, where he remained twelve years, and in 
1856 came to Minnesota. He settled on his pres- 
ent farm on section 6 in 1875. His wife was 
Catherine Gregg, of Virginia. David, John and 
Mary are their children. 



LE SUEUR COUNTY. 



505 



S. H. Kast, farmer on section 4, was bom in 
Monroe county, New York, in 1814. He moved to 
Ohio in 1827; remained there nntil 1863, then 
came to Minnesota and settled in Sharon town- 



He was united in marriage with Miss Ehz- 



sliip. 

abeth Bargar, of Medina county, Ohio. Eight 
children have been born to them: Lewis, Luna, 
Dora T., Ida I., Katie, William H., Charles G. and 
Lydia E. He is a minister of the gospel in the 
Methodist Episcopal conference. 

William H. King was born December 10, 1832, 
and is a native of England. Upon coming to 
America in 1845 he settled in New York city; sub- 
sequently located in Cleveland, Ohio, after making 
a visit to his native country. During his residence 
in Cleveland he engaged in the meat trade. Came 
to St. Paul in 1854, and the year following settled 
in Le Sueur county; now resides on section 5 of 
Sharon. Married Miss Elsie E. Culp, who is a 
native of Pennsylvania. They have nine children : 
Sarah, William, Elsie, James, Mary, LiUie, George, 
Victoria, Erbert. 

John Lehnert, who is a native of Germany, was 
bom in 1831. He came to this continent in 1855, 
and for one year lived in Chicago; came to Minne- 
sota and settled in Sharon in 1856; his home is on 
section 7 of this town. Enlisted in Company G, 
10th Minnesota infantry, in which he served three 
years. Mr. Lehnert's wife was Mary Sindle, who 
is a native of Germany. Charles, August, Henry, 
Fred., Caroline, John and Mary are their children. 

William Ludwig was born in Wisconsin in 
1857. When only two years old he came to Min- 
nesota, and has since lived in this state. He re- 
sides in Sharon on section 33. Was united in 
marriage with Miss Augusta Malsom, who is a 
native of Germany, One daughter, Selma, is their 
only child. 

Michael Lynch was bom in Ohio in 1854. His 
parents, Patrick and Catherine Lynch, were 
natives of Ireland, and when quite young came 
with them to Minnesota; Lis home has since been 
in Sharon on section 23. The father died in 1866, 
leaving bis widow with four children, of whom 
Michael is the eldest; the others are Ellen, Lizzie 
and Thomas. 

Jacob M. Muckley, a native of Switzerland, was 
born in 1851. His step-father, John AUick, who 
was born in Switzerland in 1826, came with his 
family to America in 1856, and in 1861 to Minne- 
sota. Jacob has one sister, Josephine. His 
mother was married first to Mr. Muckley; her sec- 



ond marriage was with Mr. Alliek, by whom she 
has two daughters, Mary A. and Margaret. The 
family are now all residing on section 26 in Sharon. 
He is postmaster at St. Henry. 

Charles Eegenscheit is a native of Minnesota, 
born in 1859, and is of Swiss and Gemiau parent- 
age. His father, Josejih Eegenscheit, is a native 
of Switzerland, where he was bom in 1823. He 
came to America in 1854, and settled soon after in 
Le Sueur county. He married Catherine Saffron, 
a native of Germany, who has borne him three 
children, of whom Charles is the eldest. He was 
united in marriage with Miss Margaret Huonder, 
a native of Minnesota. They are located on sec- 
tion 25 of this township. 

Christian Schwarz, farmer on section 23, was 
bom in 1828, and is a German by birth. In 1854 
he came to this continent, and subsequently set- 
tled in Sharon, Minnesota. He married Miss 
Mary Berger, who was bom in Switzerland. They 
are the parents of six children: William, Henry, 
Lizzie, Pauline, Phillijj and Christian. 

Bobert Ulrich is a native of Germany, where he 
was born in 1847. In 1869 he came to America, 
and soon after made his home in Sharon town- 
ship, section 6; here he has since continued to re- 
side. His marriage was with Louisa Anton, of 
Missoui'i. Two children have been horn to them: 
Delia and Von Oertzen. 

Henry Wasman, born in Kacine, Wisconsin, in 
1844, came when eleven years of age to Minne- 
sota, which state has since been his home. In 1864 
he enlisted in Company H, Fourth Blinnesota in- 
fantry, and served until the close of the war. On 
returning from the war he came to Sharon, where 
he still resides on section 5. His wife was Nancy 
Schreve, a native of Virginia. Manoali, Mabel, 
Jolletta and Alma are their children. 

Charles Wandrei is a native of Prussia, and was 
born in 1839. He came to America in 1857; in 
1867 settled in the town of Tyrone, Minnesota; 
subsequently removed with his family to his pres- 
ent farm, situated on section 3G, Sharon. He 
married Miss Louisa Ehrke, a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, who has borne him seven children: Mala, 
Annie, Louis, Albert, Caroline, Abertena and 
Charles. 

DEKRYNANE. 

The center of the northern tier of townships is 
Derrynane, formerly organized as Kuggles. 

There are two post-offices in the town, St. 
Thomas, T. C. Kennedy, postmaster, situated near 



506 



U I STORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



the western bountlary, nncl St. Huberts, in the 
eastern portiim. 

Six school districts are provided with as many 
aubstnutial school-houses. 

In the north-eastern portion of the town is St. 
John's church. On section 13 is a German Lu- 
tlieran church; in the western pfirtion is St. 
Thomas Catholic church, a large and substantial 
frame structure. At this place there is a staam 
saw-mill. 

TownHhip olliccrs — Board, Mathias Hauer, 
James Connelly, and John Merget; J. (i. O'Con- 
nell, clerk; J. P. Shea, assessor; Michfiel 
McCourtney, treasurer. 

Valuation — Iteal estate, $173,911; personal, 
821,770. Population, 899. 

LEXINGTON. 

It was not until the spring of 185.5 that the 
town of Lexington was occupied by the whites, 
Arthur 0"Maley l)eing the lonely pioneer; he was 
followed the next season by H. Earl, Joseph Kirt- 
land, S. Shivel and William Budd, who took up 
claims of lOO acres each, in the northern portion 
of the township and in the \'icinity of Clear lake, 
the claim of H. Earl being afterwards laid out as 
the town of Lexington. In 1858 the township 
was organized with the following officers: Town 
board, B. Abbott, chairman, G. J. Earl, George 
Jackson; H. Childs, clerk; A. Blen, asses-sor; S. 
Shivel, justice. A post-office was estabhshed in 
1856 with H. Earl as postmaster. 

In 1864 a second postoffice was estabhshed, 
called Union Centre, on a farm belonging to J. U, 
Chapman, on the north-east qtiarter of section 32; 
Mr. Chapman being appointed postmaster, hold- 
ing the position until 1877. In that year an 
office was established at the new town and county 
seat, Le Sueur Centre, just one mile north and the 
Union Centre jxjst-office was discontinued. 
Thomas Sullivan was appointed to the new office, 
but being unable to qualify, J. U. Chapman suc- 
ceeded him, still holding the office. 

The town site of Lexington was surveyed in 
1857, nearly 200 acres being laid out into town 
lots. .\ general store was immediately opened by 
Bateman & Smith, who carried on business for 
two years. During the same year O. F. Huntley 
came from the east, juirchascd five acres of land 
and erected a saw-mill, which was burned in 1860 
and rebuilt on the opj)08ite side of Clear lake the 
same season, being greatly enlarged and a grist- 
mill combined, with a capacity of twenty five 



The mill is still operated by Mr. 



barrels per day. 
Huntley. 

.\8 early as the winter of 1856 a school was or- 
ganized with about twenty scholars, taught by S. 
J. Baldwin and held in a private house. In the 
same year the first death occurred, the son of A. 
B. Childs, who was drowned in Clear lake. The 
first marriage was in 1858; Fred Venison and 
Sarah E., daughter of H. Earl. The first white 
child born in the township was a daughter to G. 
J. and C. I). Earl. She was named after the town 
and is called "Lexie." 

ReUgious services were held at the private resi- 
dences for a number of years, the Methodists hav- 
ing organized a society with fourt^-en memljers, in 
the fall of 1856. Services were held every two 
weeks. Rev. Mr. Smith officiating. The first <md 
only church edifice built in the village was erected 
by the Baptists in 1868, the society having been 
formed six years before with thirteen members. 
Rev. E. S. Sanders conducted services. The or- 
ganization in 1879 8i>ld the building for a district 
school, for which purpose it is now occupied. 

The present business of the to^^'n consists of a 
post-office and general store, by H. T. Baxter, 
postmaster; Huntington's flour and grist-mill, and ' 
the largest and only steam amber cane relinery 
in the coimty. This establishment has a capacity 
of 5.000 gallons of synip per season, preparing it 
under a new process. This null was established 
in 1877 by O. S. Huntley. 

Le Sueur Centre is the infant among Le Sueur 
county towns, dating its birth in 1877, wheu a 
company of leading citizens consisting of M. 
Doran, H. C. and E. R. Smith, M. G. Tousley, L. 
Z. Rogers, G. A. Blair and Mr. Knaak by means 
of a largely circulated and signed petition for the 
removal of the county seat to Union Centre, pur- 
chased the south-east quarter of section 29, Lex- 
ington t<iwn8hip and at once proceeded to lay out 
a town site and erect a substantial brick coxirt 
house which at the following election they proposed 
to give the free use of for ten years, providtni the 
county seat was located there. William McCuUough 
being connected with the construction of the new 
court house, erected the first building in the 
village for a boarding house for the laborers. In 
the spring of 1877 P. Kelly built the second house 
which was occupied for a short time by 
Frank Morgan as a saloon. The same .spring 
John A'an Buren erected a hotel and store, in 
which he has been doing a good business since. 



LE aUEUR COUNTY. 



507 



In the summer L. K. Kegley erected a 
thirty horse-power saw-mill which has been in 
operation since. In 1879 a one-story frame school- 
house was built. The village is now the largest 
in the township, having the court house and jail 
with the sheriffs residence attached, four geoeral 
stores, three hotels, three saloons, two blacksmith 
shops, saw-mUl, wagon shop, barber shop and 
post-office. Present postmaster, J. U. Chapman. 
There is also a brass band with seven pieces, E. 
Agnew, leader. 

In 1858 Charles Eeinhardt murdered and 
robbed a man named Burdell, a land hunter. The 
eni-aged citizens took Reinhardt from his place of 
confinement and lynched him. 

During the wint«r of 1857-8 many of the pio- 
neers suffered for want of food and were compelled 
to subsist on com, ground in coffee miUs. 

Valuation in 1880: Heal estate, $176,462; per- 
sonal property, $18,962. The population was 
1,047 the same year. 

E. Agnew was born in Philadelphia in 1850. 
When two years of age he went with his parents 
to Indiana, and in 1857 to Illinois. After leaving 
school he engaged in farming and making brick 
a few years, then spent one year in mining coal. 
He also learned the shoemaker's trade and followed 
it until 1876; subsequently moved to Cleveland, 
Le Sueur county; remained until 1879, then pur- 
sued his trade in Le Sueur Centre until February, 
1881, when he opened a grocery store, and is still 
doing business in that line; also has the only bar- 
ber shop in town. He organized and became 
leader of the Le Sueur Centre band. Mrs. Gray 
became the wife of Mr. Agnew in 1872. One 
child: Alva. 

Thomas Barker was bom in Canada in 1845. 
Entered the Durham Academy at fifteen and re- 
mained three years; afterward attended St. Francis 
College at Richmond, Canada, for two years. In 
1864 moved to Vermont and joined Company G, 
Fifth Vermont infantry, in which he served until 
the close of the war. After spending one year in 
Canada he came to Faribault, Minnesota, in 1866, 
and began school teaching. At Mankato, be 
taught until 1873, then removed to Cleveland and 
engaged in teaching seven years. Located in Le 
Sueur Centre in 1880, and was the same fall chosen 
county superintendent. Mr. Barker was married 
in 1873 to Elizabeth Westover; they have four 
children. 

John A. Burton, son of Samuel and Nancy Bur- 



ton, was bom in Indiana in 1860. At the age of 
twelve years he went to Kansas, where he re- 
mained four years, then removed to Wisconsin ; 
four years later he came to Minnesota, and now 
lives at a farm located on section 35. His father 
was born in 1832. Five sisters and one brother 
are living. 

J. U. Chapman was born November 1, 1813, in 
Albany county. New York. At the age of one 
year his parents died and he was left to the care of 
an aunt. After living in Canada four or five years 
he went to Chicago, which was then known as 
Fort Dearborn. He there selected a life compan- 
ion, and with her settled in Jo Daviess county, 
Illinois; about five years later removed to Wiscon- 
sin ; a few years after he came to Minnesota and 
became one of the pioneers of Le Sueur cotinty. 
Being of an enterprising spirit he took the lead in 
organizing a school district, and building roads 
and bridges; he drew up the petition to congress 
for a mail route, and was appointed postmaster at 
Union Centre. Was chairman of supervisors eight 
years, and justice of peace about the same length 
of time. He is now occupying the office of post- 
master at Le Sueur Centre, and is justice of the 
peace. Of eleven children, eight are living. Two 
sons were in the late civil war; one was killed. 

George J. Earle was born in Middleburgh, New 
York, March 25, 1811. He remained on the farm 
until twenty-one years old, then learned the trade 
of carpenter, which he followed there until 1836. 
Removing to Michigan he continued his trade 
three years, then returned home and engaged in 
the lumber trade fourteen years. Came to Min- 
nesota in 1856, and settled in Lexington township, 
when there were but three or four houses here. 
After claiming 160 acres of land he erected a lit- 
tle log cabin; on arriving at his new home he had 
a cash capital of only ten dollars, and, as he laugh- 
ingly remarks, "Did not have as much fat as I 
could get on my thumb nail." He still owns his 
old claim, but has retired from active life and is 
living with a daughter. Mr. Earle for the past 
sixteen years has held the offices of justice of the 
peace and town supervisor. His marriage with 
Miss C. French took place in 1836. She died in 
1863. They had nine children; seven are living. 

Phillip Hiller was born in Massachusetts in 
1833. He learned the trade of ship carpenter, 
which he followed until coming to Minnesota in 
1861; settled on a farm of eighty acres which he 
bought in Lexington township. In 1862 enlisted 



508 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



in Company Q, 10th Minnesota infantry, and 
served three years: was honorably discharjjed at 
Fort SnoUing in 1865. Returning to Lexington 
ho has since followed farming. 

O. F. Huntley was bom in Vermont in 1823. 
He completed his studies at the Green Mountain 
Academy, and ius.si8tod his father in his mills and 
on the farm. On leaving home he moved to Alla- 
makee county, Iowa; purcha.sed land from the 
government, then followed surveying in the county 
for six years. In 1857 came to the Minnesota val- 
ley, bringing with him the necessary fixtures for 
saw and flouring mills. He chose an excellent site 
and had them erected on the bank of Clear lake, 
Le Sueur county, where he now owns 140 acres of 
land. He is one of the old settlers and has long 
been identified with the interests of the coimty. 
In 1852 he married Ruth Munson, who died in 
1.S53. About three years later he married Miss 
Diana Hawley, who died in January, 1871. Miss 
Lucia L. Pinch became his wife in 1872. 

Mary A. Jackson, formerly Miss Duncan, was 
born in New York in 1816. When quite young 
slie moved to New York city and attended private 
scbool twelve years. She then learned the trade 
of dressmaking, which she afterward engaged in 
several years. In 1851 she was united in mar- 
riage with George Jackson, who was born in Scot- 
land in 1815, and came to America in 1836. The 
year of their marriage they went to Wisconsin 
and bought a farm, on which they remained seven 
years. Coming to Minnesota they Ijought 160 
acres of land on section 9, Lexington township. 
Mr. Jackson died in 1879. His widow is still 
living at tlie farm. 

William Kendall is a native of England, bom 
in 1823; learned the trade of baker at which he 
worked three years; he was then employed as time 
keeper on a railroad until 1849, when he came to 
America, landing at New Orleans. For two years 
his home was in Illinois, then he started overland 
for California; it required five months to reach his 
destination; after mining about four years with 
some success, he returned to his native land, re- 
maining however only a short time. In 1857 he 
came to Lexington and claimed 160 acres, where 
he still resides. He married Miss L. Lambert in 
1857; they have had seven children, six are living. 

Jacob Krcnik is a Bohemian, bom in 1855. 
When a lad of eleven years he came to America, 
to Le Sueur county. Minnesota. Here he farmed, 
until reaching majority, then for two years was in- 



terested in the sale of farm machinery; in 1881 he 
purcliaH<>J the Morgan House, of which he is the 
present jimprietor. His marriage with Miss Annie 
Clialouhskey took place in 1872; they are the 
parents of four children. 

Francis F. Morgan was liorn in New York in 
1851, and until seventeen years of age he attended 
school. Came in 1866, to Le Sueur county, Imt 
soon after went to St. Peter when he was employed 
in a brick yard one season; after farmiug two 
yeai-s in Rice county lie gave his attention to the 
meat trade in Northfield; in 1877 he came to Le 
Sueur Centre, after having been in the Nicollet 
house at St. Peter one year. Here he kept a saliMU 
three years and in 1880 opened Morgan's hotel. 
In 1877 he was united in marriage with Mary A. 
Balf, who has borne him two children. 

Edwin Purrington, an early settler and promi- 
nent citizen of Lexington, was born in Plymouth 
county, Massachusetts, ui 1832. When fourteen 
years old he made a trip on a whaling vessel, to 
the north Atlantic; after an absence of sixteen and 
one-half months he returned and next started from 
New Bedford for the Arctic ocean: on this expedi- 
tion he was absent three years; liis third voyage 
was also of three years duration, and he exper- 
ienced many narrow escajies: through one year of 
the time the sun was visiljle only tw'o days. In 
1857 he came to Lexington, Minnesota, and 
bought 160 acres where he now lives. In 1880 he 
was chosen a member of the legislature; and also 
served as supervisor several years. Miss Hiller 
became his wife in 1857, and has borne him three 
children. 

J. S. Potter is a native of New York, bom Feb- 
ruary 13, 1820. When quite yoving he went to 
Chicago, Illinois, and there made his home until 
1863; was a dealer in general merchandise, also a 
hotel manager; when he went to Chicago there 
was but one building there, a tavern kept by a 
Frenchman. Mr. Potter came to Austin, Minne- 
sota, in 1863; he farmed and carried on the nursery 
business until 1877, when he removed to Lexing- 
ton; located on a farm of 140 acres, which he 
bought soon after his arrival. While a resident of 
Illinois he was sheritf four years, and has held the 
office of justice of the peace sixteen years. Mar- 
ried in 1842, Miss Tuttle, who died in 1860 leav- 
ing four children. His present wife was Miss 
Sarah A. Rowe, married in 1861; they have had 
four children. 

R. L. Saffurd was bom in Vermont in 1829. In 



LE SUEUR COUNTY. 



509 



1856 he removed to Minnesota and located on Lis 
present farm in Lexington, on section 15. Four 
families and a small number of single men were 
the neighbors whom Mr. Stafford found on loca- 
ting. In Vermont in 1856 he married Miss Lois 
Dickinson, who died in May, 1878. His second 
marriage took place in September, 1879, in the 
state of New York, with Miss Annetta Gannon. 
She had two children. 

Stephen Tooker, farmer on section 35, was bom 
in New York in 1857. Until sixteen years of age 
he lived on the farm, and in 1873 came to Minne- 
sota and settled with his parents in Cordova town- 
ship, Le Sueur county; subsequently he located 
on his j)resent farm in Lexington. He was uni- 
ted in marriage in 1879 with Miss Hattie Sykes. 
They have one son, an infant, John K . 

J. L. Whipple, M. D., was born in Ohio in 1829. 
When nineteen years of age he began the study 
of medicine in Bome with Dr. Porter Key, and 
with whom he remained two and one-half years. 
After attending a course of lectures in Cleveland, 
Ohio, he went to Toledo and entered the office of 
Dr. Moser, where he studied two years. Remov- 
ing to Wisconsin in 1854 he practiced his profes- 
sion two years in Eeedsburg, then made his home 
in Illinois eleven years. Enlisted in 1861 in Com- 
pany H, 11th Illinois infantry; served only six 
weeks when he received an injury and was hon- 
orably discharged. In 1863 came to Cleveland, 
Le Sueur county, and has since been pursuing his 
j^rofession in different parts of the county. Be- 
came a resident of Le Sueur Centre in 1880. Mar- 
ried Lucinda Hurst in 1848. They have four 
children. 



CHAPTER LXV. 

OOKDOVA ELTSIAN WATEBVILLE KILKENNY — 

MONTGOMERY LANESBUBGH. 

Cordova, one of the centre townships of the 
county, was first taken possession of by settlers in 
the fall of 1856, A. Hess, H. Nelson, Henry Rich- 
ardson and S. Wheeler taking claims of 160 acres 
each. In the spring of 1857 they were followed 
by a large number of families. Mr. Richardson 
had brought with him a large load of general mer- 
chandise which he began business with after build- 
ing a log store, early in 1857, continuing for 
three years. A second store was started the same 
season by C. Clark, but was short-lived. 



Shortly after his arrival S. Wheeler started a 
saw-mill, as they were obliged to go to St. Paul 
and pay as high as S80 per tliousand feet for lum- 
ber. With some of the first products from his 
mill he built the first frame building, which was 
for years used as a hotel. 

During the first year of their sojourn they were 
called upon to mourn the loss of one of their 
number, Harvey Nelson, who died of consumption. 
The next event of interest was the marriage of 
William McConkey to Miss Mary Hess, in the 
summer of 1857. Early the following year a son, 
Andrew, was born to this couple, the first birth. 

In the fall of 1858 a school was opened in the 
log building erected by H. Richardson for store 
purposes, by Miss Kate Hess, there being seven 
scholars. Three years later a more commodious 
school-house was built. There are now four dis- 
trict schools in the township. 

Mission services were held in the school-house 
from 1859 to 1879, when two societies were organ- 
ized. The Disciples of Christ and United Breth- 
ren; neither society built until 1881. The United 
Brethren had the first local pastor, LTriah Cook. 

A post-office was established in 1857, Duran 
Densmore receiving the appointment, and holding 
the office a number of years. 

Cordova is also an anti-liquor town, and has 
a flourishing temperance organization, the Sons 
of Temjjerance, organized in 1877 with twenty- 
five members. 

Cordova village was incorporated in 1878, but 
has never acted as a separate corporation from the 
township. 

The business now consists of three general 
stores, one hardware, two blacksmiths, one wagon- 
shop, two hotels, two saw-mills; there is also one 
school, one cemetery, two churches ; present post- 
master, W. V. Courtright. 

Niles Cottingham was born September 14, 1842, 
in Indiana, and lived there until eighteen years of 
age. Went to Iowa in 1860 and one year later 
settled in St. Peter, Minnesota, which was his 
home four years. In 1862 he enlisted in Company 
B, First Minnesota mounted rangers; served 
against the Indians fifteen months. He learned 
coopering in Cleveland township and one year 
later removed to Lexington; after a residence of 
eight years there, located in Cordova, where he 
now resides. On the 29th of July, 1866, Miss 
Melissa Moler became his wife. Guy, Ada, Lucy, 
Mildred and Mary are their living children. 



510 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VM.I.KY. 



Edith died in 1868 at the age of nine months. 

John llniikius was bom in Coshocton county, 
Oliio, in 1826. lu 18')(i lio iDcatfd in Kiiiikakw 
county, Illiuois, but in 18(i0 inovotl to Minnesota, 
and has since been a resident of Le Sueur county. 
He was tlie first man from Watervillo to vohmteer 
liis services against the Indians at the Sioux out- 
break in 1862: he i)articii)ated in the movement 
agiiiiist them from Fort Uidgely to Swau hike. 
March 15, 1864, he enlisted in the Third Minne- 
sota light artillery, and after a service of thirteen 
months wivs discharged, having been crippled in 
the right hand. Since returning to Waterville he 
has held numerous town offices. Married in 1848 
Mary J. McBane, who has bom him five chil- 
dren: Nathan S., Jesse and .Jennie are living. 

Orange K. Hogle was born in 1819, in Ohio, 
where he remained until twenty-seven years of 
age, then spent two years in Illinois. He removed 
to Indiana, and in 1856 came to Minnesota; after 
a residence of eight years in Eice county he loca- 
ted in Cordova, Le Sueur county. Here he has 
served as postmaster seventeen years, also kept ho- 
tel; in April, 1881, he resigned his position as 
postmaster. In addition to village property he 
owns a farm on section 14. He was married in 
1844 to Miss Mary Hankins, who has borne him 
one son and two daughters: only one is living. 

Patrick Hunt is a native t>f Ireland, born in 
1828. Until twenty years of age he hved in his 
native country, then in 1848 came to America. 
For five years his home was in Massachusetts; he 
then located in Wisconsin, remaining fourteen 
years. Since that time he has lived in Minnesota, 
and is now located on section 16 of this town. 
His marriage with Miss May Hughes took place 
in 1858. Of the five children born to them two 
are living. 

O. A. Jackson was bom in Indiana in 1825 and 
there lived until 1860. When about six years 
old he began learning the coopers' trade. During 
the fall of 1860 he settled in St. Peter, Minnesota, 
which place was his residence three years. Dur- 
ing the Indian troubles in 1862 he joined the vol- 
unteer company called the "St. Peter Guards" and 
with them was stationed at New Ulm. From St. 
Peter Mr. Jackson moved to Cleveland and three 
years later bought a farm of forty-seven acres in 
Cord(jva township, on which he has since lived. 
Married in 1848 Miss Niincy Sheldon, who was 
bom in 1833. Of the thirteen children born to 
them only five are living. 



Adam Lucus wiis born April 12, 1823, in Ohio. 
When eight years old he moved to Indiana, where 
he received his education and learned the trade of 
millwright. He made a trip to California in 1850 
and for two years engaged in mining. June 14, 
1853 he married Mary Parker, a native of Ohio. 
They removed to Illinois, bought a farm and re- 
mained until 1864, when they came to Cordova. 
Here Mr. Lucus ow^ls a saw and shingle-mill.also a 
grist-mill. He has served as justice of the peace 
and superWsor. Eight children have been bom 
to Mr. and Mrs. Lucus; six are living: Harriet, 
Hortense, Leona, Nancy, Charles, and (ieorge. 

Rose A. McCoy, eldest living daughter of Pat- 
rick and Bridget McCoy, was born in Le Sueur 
Centre, Minnesota, May 13, 1861. Her father was 
one of the first settlers of the county; located here 
in 1856 with a comfortable fortune which he had 
acquired in Califomia. This was his home tmtil 
his death, which occurred in August, 1865. He 
wa.s the piirent of four children, three of whom 
are living. Miss McCoy began her education at 
the age of twelve years, and on returning home at 
the age of seventeen, began her career as teacher 
in the district schools of the county. Her home 
is on section 4, Cordova townsliij), 

John G. Parker, bom in 1826, is a native of 
Ohio. At the age of six years he went to In- 
diana, and after a residence of twenty years in 
that state, moved to Illinois. Enlisted in 1861 in 
the First indejjendent battery of Indiana artillery 
and was discharged eighteen months later. Came 
to Minnesota in the faU of 1862, and in 1864 re- 
enlisted in the Third Muinesota heavy artillery; 
was discharged with the rank of second lieutenant 
of Company L. At the surrender of Harper's 
Ferry, in 1862 he was severely wounded: par- 
ticipated also in three battles with the Indians in 
1864. Married Miss Cassandra Hankins in 1855. 
They have had two children; one is living. 

James F. Richardson was bom in Rochester, 
New York, on the 5th of December, 1858, and 
is one of a family of seven children, six of whom 
are boys. When two years of age he came with 
his parents to Cordova and has since resided here; 
received a common schot)l edui'ation. He owns a 
farm adjoining the village ot Cordova. His 
mother was a native of Limerick county, Ireland; 
his father of Tolland county, Connecticut. Their 
children are, Stejilien, .Tames F., Mary E., John 
C, Adam and .Vrtlmr. 

Jonathan H. Robbins was l)orn in 1835 in In- 



LE SUEUB COUNTY. 



511 



diana. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the 87th 
Indiana, Company F, and was discharged aft«r a 
service of more than two years on account of disa- 
bility, caused by wounds received in battle. Sep- 
tember 20, 1862 he was wounded in the battle of 
Chickamauga, and escaped death almost miracu- 
lously; was struck by shots six times. He was 
taken to the hospital where he lay confined in 
bed forty-four days. On being lifted from the 
field of battle, his knapsack was found to have 
been pierced by bullets in many places, as was 
also the coffee can which himg on his cartridge 
belt at his side. Three times the next soldier at 
his right fell dead, also one at his left. In 1869 
he came to Minnesota and settled on section 14, 
Cordova. His wife was Miss Ann Smith, married 
in 1860. Four of the five children born to them 
are living. 

Mrs. Mary Sierbert, whose maiden name was 
Mary Smith, was born in Germany, in 1842. She 
came to America in 1868; received her edu- 
cation in her native language. Since coming to 
Cordova her home has been on section 31. Her 
late husband, Henry Sierbert, who was also a native 
of Germany, died in 1879. Four children were 
born to them. 

William T. Unger was bom on the 18th of 
February, 1827, in Franklin county, Pennsylvania. 
When eight years old he moved to Ricldand 
county, Ohio, where he learned the trade of a 
blacksmith, serving an apprenticeship of seven 
years, after which he received a diploma. After 
spending several months in Indiana, and in Ohio, 
he located in Indiana, remaining nine years; in 
1852 went to Wisconsin and the next year came to 
Minnesota; lived in Rochester thirteen years. He 
is now located in Cordova in the pursuit of his 
trade. Married Rachael Watson in 1842, who has 
bom him twelve children : Nancy, Mary, Cath- 
erine, Rose A., Susan, and John are the Hving. 

ELYSIAN. 

The township of Elysian, organized in 1858, is 
one of the centre of the most southern tier of 
townships in the county and differs somewhat in 
the nature of its natural surface, being more hilly 
and the soil more sandy than most of the county. 
There are two large, clear lakes within its borders, 
German and Lake Francis, besides numerous 
smaller lakes. Among the earliest settlers in 
Elysian were M. Logan, Geo. Johnson, Edward 
Morshing and Godfrey Dean, all of whom took 
the most available claims of 160 acres in the spring 



of 1855 and proceeded at once to open farms and 
build log houses. During the summer and fall of 
that year large numbers of new settler.i arrived 
and proceeded to make themselves homes. 

As early as 1857 a school was established and a 
small log building erected, which served for several 
years. There are now seven school districts in the 
township and six substantial school-houses. 

In 1859 the German Lutherans organized a 
church society with eleven families; also building 
a log house of worship in which occasional services 
were held by district missionaries. A new frame 
edifice superseded the old log building in 1870, 
and was in charge of Rev. H. Springier, for four 
years thereafter. A few years ago a second 
church was erected on section 30 by a society of 
the United Brethren. A Methodist Episcopal 
church and cemetery is located near the centre of 
the town. 

In September of 1856, the inhabitants were 
thrown into a state of great excitement by the an- 
nouncement that a great fire was approaching 
their section of the country from the south-west. 
The ground was deeply covered with dry leaves 
and great damage was feared, but the sturdy pio- 
neers at once devised a plan which proved succes- 
ful in saving their houses and stock. There is a 
chain of lakes reaching nearly across the town, 
and the settlers at once proceeded to rake leaves, 
plow, ditch, and burn the strips of land between 
the lakes, completing their labors just in time to 
efiectually stop the ravages of the fire. A few 
however, living on the southern shores were not so 
fortunate, having to take refuge in the center of 
their fall plowed fields, and even then being nearly 
smothered by heat and smoke; some lost their all, 
while others saved their houses and portions of 
their stock. Nearly all the hay which was put up 
in the sloughs was destroyed, causing much suf- 
fering to the remaining stock. 

In 1857 the village of Elysian was surveyed, 
and the following year a post-olBce established, 
Aug. Lang being appointed postmaster and hold- 
ing the position until 1880. 

The first death recorded was that of a Mr. Mc- 
Cormick in the summer of 1857. He was buried 
in a private yard, there being no cemeteries laid 
out until about 1870. The following year, 1858, 
Charles Folzmann married Miss Augusta Sperber. 

The present postmaster of the village is G. 
Raeker. The business of the village can be sum- 
med up as follows: Two general stores, three 



512 



IIISrORY OF THE MINNESOTA V ALLEY. 



hotels, two blooksraiths, two wngon shops, steam 
saw-mill, two shm> shops and one carpet weaver. 

John Cliiiilwick was horn in New Ynik in 1828. 
Wlicii :i lad (if eight years he left his native state 
for Ohio, locating in Lake county. His home 
was there for twenty-two years, attention being 
given chieliy to farming. Coming to Minnesota 
in 1857 lie bonght a farm, and still lives in Ely- 
siau township. Enlisted in 1864 in the First Min- 
nesota heavy artillery, and at the close of the war 
was honorably discharged. His marriage with 
Mis.s Vasliti Co\-ill took place in 1850. Four 
children have been born to them, three of whom 
are living. 

.\. D. Chase was born in Maine in 1845; when 
seventeen years of age came to Minnesota. He is 
now located in Elysian township, on section 32. 
Miss Henrietta Smith became the wife of Mr. 
Chase in 1869. She has borne him three child- 
ren, all of whom are living. 

William Clarke is a native of England, bom in 
1839. When twelve years of age he came to 
America, and first settled in Chicago; remained 
there seven years; after spending the winter in 
Iowa he came to Elysian and settled on section 34 
in 1857. He has been chairman of the board of 
supervisors for the past three years. Married in 
1866 Jliss Helena Fitzgibbon, who has borne him 
ten children ; nine are living. 

Ephriam Davis was born in 1809, and is a native 
of New York. Came to Ohio, having previously 
learned the trade of a coojier; after a residence 
there of twelve years he located in Watertown, 
Wisconsin, where he remained twelve years; in 
1858 came to Minnesota, and since that time his 
home has been in Elysian township. Enlisted in 
1861 in Company H, Third Minnesota, and served 
three years; was taken prisoner at Murfreesboro, 
but was soon after paroled and returned to 
Minnesota: served against the Indians at the bat- 
tles of Birch Coolie and Wood Lake. Miss Sarah 
Simons became his wife in 1864. 

Aug. H. E. Lange was bom in Prussia in 1828. 
He resided there until 1851, then came to America 
and worked as a jeweler in Washington five years; 
in 1856 he came to St. Peter, Minnesota, and the 
next spiTng removed to Elysian; is engaged in 
general merchandising here. Represented his dis- 
trict in the legislature in 1878; was postmaster for 
fifteen years, and has ahso otliciated as town treas- 
urer and clerk. During the war Mr. Lange served 
only six months, being discharged on account of 



sickness. His first marriage took place in 1868, 
but his wife died seven months later. His second 
marriage took ])Ince in 1879. 

Frank M. Long was born in 1839 in Ohio. 
There ho lived until 1861, when he enlisted in 
Company B, 26th Ohio, and served four years and 
seven months; was in the battles of Stone River, 
Sliiloli, Chickamauga, Franklin, NashWUe, Mission 
Ridge and other minor engagements. Was mus- 
tered out in the rank of orderly sergeant. He 
visited Minnesota in 1856, ami finally settled in 
Le Sueur county Elysian township, on section 32. 
In Septeml)er, 1871, he married Martha Lewis. 
They are the parents of four children. 

Ira Myrick was born m New York in 1820, 
where he resided until 1851, then came to Wiscon- 
sin. He erected the first frame building in La 
Crosse and remained there three years. Was 
elected county treasurer of La Crosse county in 
1853, but resigned on account of his ;)ro])osed re- 
moval to Minnesota. Built a saw-mill near Le 
Sueur, but subsequently removed it to Elysian, 
where he has since lived and given his attention to 
the manufacture of lumber. Has served as county 
commissioner and justice of the peace. Married 
in 1843 Miss Rosaline Bigelow, a native of New 
York. Of tlic six children born to them, four are 
living. 

A. E. Prosser was born August 14, 1836, in Or- 
ange county, Indiana. In 1855 he started for 
Minnesota, coming from Dubuque to St. Paul on 
the steamer "Lady Franklin." Arrived at St. 
Peter May 10, 1855, and pre-empted a farm. For 
some time he was in the office of the "St. Peter 
Courier." He moved on the farm in 1858, and is 
settled on section 33, Elysian. Enlisted in 1864 
in ComjKiny H, Second Minnesota. Has held 
nearly all the offices in the gift of the citizens; is 
now supervisor and justice of the peace, also re- 
porter to the agricultural department at Wash- 
ington. In December, 1857, he was wedded to 
Miss Elizabeth Ulven, who has borne him eleven 
children; ten are living. 

George H. Sterling was born in Orleans, New 
York, in 1829. When twenty years of age he mi- 
grated to Scott county, luwa, and remained two 
years, thence to Muscatine. Came to Minnesota 
in April, 1853; made a trip from St. Paul to St. 
Louis on a raft; visited Illinois on his return, and 
again reached St. Paul in Se]>tember, 1854. The 
first l)uzz-saw used in sawing cord-wood in that 
city was ojierated by him. On coming to Elysian 



LE SUEUli COUNTY 



513 



in 1856 he found only one family had reached it 
before him. He first settled on section 26, but 
subsequently sold and bought on section 27. 
Miss Ellen Fitzgilibons became the wife of Mr. 
Sterling in 1855. They have had ten cliildren; 
seven are living. 

Asa B. Swaine was born at Athens, Bradford 
county, Pennsylvania, in 1822. When six years 
old he went to Vermont and lived there nineteen 
years, then went to Ohio and remained there three 
years. Went to Wisconsin in 1844; lived there 
until 1865, then came to this state. In the spring 
of 1862 he recruited Company H, 30th Wiscon- 
sin, of which he was chosen captain. He was 
prineipallj' on special duty in Iowa and Minnesota. 
Pour companies of the 30th Wisconsin built and 
located Fort Wadsworth, and were later ordered 
to join Sherman. Mr. Swaine was discharged 
from service hi 1865. Married in November, 1845, 
Miss Catherine Cross. They had eight children; 
four are living. One son, George D., is a prac- 
ticing physician at Le Sueur. 

J. C. Swain was born in Bradford county. Penn- 
sylvania, in 1824. When quite young he went to 
Vermont and remained two years then to Ohio 
two years; returning again to Vermont, he re- 
mained until attaining the age of fifteen; after 
spending five years in Ohio, he went to Wisconsin, 
and in 1856 came to Minnesota; has been chair- 
man of supervisors in Elysian a number of times; 
assessor sixteen years and superintendent of schools 
in the township four years: is at present a county 
commissioner, and in J873 was a member of the 
legislature. January 23, 1845, he was married, 
and has six living children. 

William Warner is a native of Northampton- 
shire, England, where he was born in 1839. Came 
to America in 1853, and for ten years resided in 
Wisconsin. He located in Elysian township in 
1863 and now lives on section 23. He was united 
in marriage in 1864, with Miss Mary Somers who 
has borne him five children; all are living. 

WATERVILLE. 

Waterville occupies the southeastern corner of 
Le Sueur county, and is one of the most prosper- 
ous and thickly settled townships. It contains two 
of the most attractive lakes in that section of the 
state; Tetonka, four miles in length, and Sakata, 
three miles; both have clean sandy shores, the wa- 
ter is of crystal purity and abounds in aU kinds 
of fish. 

The township was first settled by immigrants 

33 



coming from the south and east. Among the 
earliest and most enterprising were Jacob Dawald, 
Samuel Drake, Michael Ferch, Amos Bobinson 
and Charles Christman. 

Early m the spring of 1857 A. Tidball and L. 
Z. Sogers paid the county a visit. Mr. Tidball at 
once locating, followed in the summer by Mr. 
Sogers and his family. Both gentlemen opened 
general stores soon after their arrival; Mr. Tidball 
built the first frame building at the present 
town site, and occupied it as a general store for 
many years. Mr. Sogers upon his second arrival 
brought a large stock of merchandise and imme- 
diately opened a store which he still runs. 

It was in this year that the town of Waterville 
was surveyed and a post-office established, with 
Samuel Drake as postmaster. He resigned in 
August and Mr. Sogers was made his successor. 
On the 29th of August, Major Lewis Stowe, who 
was then acting as deputy, turned over the office 
to Mr. Sogers, bringing the complete outfit in- 
cluding all unclaimed mail matter, in an ordinary 
cigar box. 

A hotel was built the same year by Jacob Daw- 
ald, which has been changed and added to since, 
it being now the leading house in the village. 

The first death which occurred was in the fall of 
1855, the young son of Samuel Drake, who died 
of small pox. In the spring following another 
son was born to Mr. Drake, which was the first 
white child boi-n in the town. During the same 
year Michael Ferch and Miss Francisca Densba- 
bach were united in marriage. 

Of the many towns in that vicinity during the 
great Indian scare of 1862, Waterville was the 
only one which felt safe, and no guards were put 
out. She, however, claims the honor of having 
taken the last Sioux scalp, for which a liberal 
bounty was received. * 

Educational matters received some attention in 
1857; a small frame building was erected, and 
school opened by Miss Davison ( now Mrs. Dr. 
Hitchcock) with an attendance of thirteen schol- 
ars. This building gave place to a large one a few 
years subsequent. The Waterville district is now 
independent, having a .f 9,000 school-hou.se, graded, 
with departments as follows: Primary, intermedi- 
ate, grammar and high: principal, Prof. Hedger. 
In the township there are nine districts, eight of 
which liave good buildings: the ninth is a frac- 
tional district, the buUdiug being located in the ad- 
joining town, Morristown. 



514 



UlSTUliY OF TUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



The Episcopalians were the first to bold relig- 
ious servicos. llev. J. Llovtl Breck preachiiifj; at 
the various houses mid in the school huilding 
from 1858 to 1870. In January of the latter year 
a society was formetl with sixteen members, a 
cliurch edifice was started but not completed until 
1874. There is now a membership of twenty-six. 
Rector, Rev. E. G. Hunter. 

In 1866 the Methodists organized and built a 
frame cliurch. Tliere are at present seventy-six 
mcnihers. Pastor. S. B. Smith. 

September 16th, 18G0 a Bajjtist society was or- 
ganized with eleven members; services being held 
at various places until the M. E. church wa.s built, 
since which time meetings have been held there, 
The present membership is twenty-eight. 

The Presbyterians organized in 1879 with fifteen 
members, services held in the Episcopal church. 

The various organizations unite in a I'nion 
Sunday school, which has proved very successful. 

During 1879 and 1880 Catholic services were 
occasionally held. In 1881 a society was organ- 
iz.?d, a dwelling house piirchased and remodeled, 
now doing service as a church. 

The German Methodists have a church situated 
on the north-east quarter of section 3. There is 
also a cemetery connected with this church. 

The Sakatah Cemetery Association was formed 
and incorporated in 1868. 

There is one Masonic lodge; Sakatah Lodge, 
No. 32, A. F. and A. ^1., dispensation issued June 
18.")9 and a charter granted in 1862. 

The present business of the village is represent- 
ed by energetic men in nearly all branches. 

L. Z. Rogers, the oldest established general 
merchant, began in 18.57 with a moderate stock, 
and in a comparatively small store. He has de- 
veloped with the country and now occupies three 
large stores at the corner of Third and Paquin 
streets, embracing in his stock, groeeries,(clotliing, 
dry goods, boots and shoes, and drugs. It re- 
quires the help of nine assistants to manage the 
business. 

F. W. Knaak also does an extensive business in 
general merchandise. He started in a small way 
in 1866, increasing his trade year by year, until 
he now occupies one of the largest stores in the 
town. 

In 1874 a third general store was opened by F. 
H. Zander, on Main street, which has enjoyed a 
good business. He now occupies a large two 
story frame building. 



A fourth general store was established in 1877 
by D. E. Pott«>r. whii'li has l)ecn doing a large and 
paying business. 

There are two good hardware stores. The first 
was established in 1870 by R. W. Jacklin, with a 
medium sized stock. He now di>es a very large 
business in hardware, stoves and agricultural ma- 
chinery. Carlton & Roberts started in 1877, since 
which date they have worked up a flourishing bus- 
iness. They handle, aside from hardware, agri- 
cultural machinery and sewing machines. 

The Bank of Waternlle was started in Octolier, 
1881, by Green <fe Everett, in a new building 
erected by themselves. Aside from a general 
banking business, they handle insurance, collec- 
tions, real estate, &c. There are two drug stores, 
one by L. Z. Rogers, in connection with his gen- 
eral store, and the second by J. Piper, established 
in the spring of 18H1, at the comer of Main and 
Third streets. One exclusively clothing store, es- 
tablished in 1881 by W. J. .lanisch, is doing a 
large and growing !"usino.>iS. The oldest jewelry 
establishment was started in 1870 by L. H. Fuller, 
who at that time opened a repair shop, adding to 
his slock as trade increased. In the spring of 
1881 & seccn 1 jewelry store was opened by C. E. 
Huiton, with a large variety of goods. He also 
carries a full line of stationery. One furniture 
store, started by J. G. Worlein in 1873, enjoys a 
large trade. Much of the cheajjer grades of goods 
are raan\ifactured at the store. G. C. Kanne is 
proprietor of the only harne.«s shop, which he 
started in 1880. He employs one man. A. Tid- 
ball makes a specialty of bees and honey, having 
been in the business for several years. Two meat 
markets find plenty to do. Botz and Tidball 
opened a market in 1879, and were soon followed 
by P. P. Rice. They both carry a full line of 
fresh and salt meats. Mrs. E. D. Kettlewell has a 
well stocked millinery store on Third street, estab- 
lished in 1878. On Main street Mrs. Todd does a 
large millinery business. Three hotels are well 
supported. The oldest, established over twenty 
years ago, is the Waterville House. Jacob Dawald 
proprietor. It is centrally located, and has a 
commodious barn connected. The Minnesota 
House was opened in 1877 by Herman G. Shulz. 
It is a two-story frame structure, and will accom- 
modate sixteen gu sts. A new hotel was o|>ened 
by James Hanes in the fall of 1881. It is a 
large frame structure. There are three restau- 
rants. H. Giles, on Third street, opened in 



LE SUliUR COUNTY 



515 



spring of 1880. W. T. Edwards, on Main street, 
also opened in 1880, and E. D. Kettle well, on 
Third street, who began in 1878. 

There are two wagon and rejiair shops. D. G. 
Miller started in 1877, doing all his work himself. 
He now gives employment to two hands. John 
Niebels runs a wagon and blacksmith shoi^ com- 
bined. He started business in 1876. Employs 
one assistant. 

The first blacksmith shop was opened late in 
the season of 1857 by A. Sheridan, who now em- 
ploys three men in his business. In 1878 .T. An- 
derson opened a shop. He employs one man. A 
livery stable which had been run for several years 
by Mr. Eastman was purchased by A. Labolt in 
1881, who has added to the livery business a gen- 
eral sale stable. There are five saloons. A small 
lumber yard is run by Mr. Merrill. An elevator, 
operated by L. Z. Eogers, has a capacity of 20,000 
bushels. 

There are several manufactories. In 1881 E. J. 
Oallendar buOt a three story frame flour-mill with 
three run of stone, and does a large business. 

A saw-mill, capacity eight thousand feet per 
day, was built in 1876 by Mr. Higgins. 

Carr and McCarty built a hame factory in the 
spring of 1881 with a capacity of one hundred 
dozen set of hames per day. When in full op- 
eration fifty men can tind employment. 

There is quite an extensive business done hand- 
ling fish by Todd & Smith who keep a fleet of row 
and sail boats. 

The Minneapolis & St. Louis railroad runs 
through the township and village. They have a 
convenient depot and freight house and receive a 
large amount of business, wheat, wood and stock 
being the main articles of traffio. The village was 
incorjjorated in 1878. 

Valuation, including village, $174,557; perso- 
al, $33,681. Population, including village, 1,324. 

Elias Alexander was born in Massachusetts in 
1821. His father dying when he was nine years 
old, he was reared by Colonel R. Hastings in 
Oreenleaf; he worked at gunsmithing a short time 
aud was employed in a carding mill two summei-s. 
Came to Waterville, Minnesota, in May, 1861, and 
located where he still lives. The county at tliat 
time was quite now and many of the settlers cut 
roads through the timber to reach their claims. 
Married in Massachusetts in 1845 Miss Sarah H. 
Wheelock. Larome E., Charlie E. and Lyman are 
their children. 



E. Anderson was born in Blackford county, 
Indiana, in 1852. When but three years of age 
he moved to Rfte county, Minnesota, with his- 
parents and there received his education, also ac- 
quired a knowledge of blacksmithing in Faribault 
with Roberts & Anderson, serving an apprentice- 
ship of three years; afterward served three years 
longer in a horseshoeing shop. Came in 1877 to 
Waterville, where he enjoys a thriving business. 
Married in 1876, Miss Jane McCallow. They 
have had two children, but have lost them both. 

E. P. Case, M. 1)., was born in Grant county, 
Indiana, in 1850. He accompanied his parents to 
Minnesota when only six years old, and located on a 
farm. He was educated in the high school at Fari- 
bault, and graduated in medicine from the Medi- 
cal College at Iowa City ; he is a member of the 
Minnesota State Medical Society; was a delegate 
to the American Medical Association which met 
at Richmond, Virginia, in ]\Iay, 1881. Dr. Case, 
is now located at Waterville in the practice of his 
profession. Married Miss Emma A. Nutting. 
Mason N. is their only child. 

Herman Christman, one of the pioneers of Le 
Sueur county, was bom in Pennsylvania in 1807. 
He learned saddle and harness making. In 1830 
he married Miss Elizabeth Peal, then removed to 
Ohio, where Mrs. Christman was severely burned 
by her clothes accidentally catching fire. After 
her recovery Mr. Christman went to southern Illi- 
nois to engage in business; but experiencing a se- 
vere attack of ague he returned, and went to Mil- 
waukee; after spending one season, he again re- 
turned to Hlinois, but found his former enemy 
ready to welcome him with the shakes so removed 
to the northern part of the state and followed 
farming ten or twelve years. Came to Le Sueur 
county in 1856, and settled on land near Water- 
ville. He has served as justice of the peace several 
terms. 

Nathaniel Damp was born in New York in 183'2. 
At three years of age he accompanied his parents 
to Erie county, Ohio, where he received the rudi- 
ments of his education. Removing to Wisconsin, 
he there completed his studies; resided there six- 
teen years. Came to Rice county, Minnesota, and 
six years later to Le Sueur county, and located 
about two miles from Waterville; has a farm of 
120 acres. Mr. Damp has been twice married, 
first in 1857 to IMiss Dollie Smith, who died No- 
vember 20, 1870, leaving him with two children; 



510 



iiisnmy of tub Minnesota valley. 



T{al|)li anil Fredoriok. His proseuf wife was Mary 
J. Howe, niarrieil June 6, 1H78. 

Jacob Dawalii, a native of Prlfcsin, was born in 
1823. Come to this continent in 1843 and located 
in Lake county, Indiana, wliere for twelve years 
he workeil at farming, tlien nine years in Water- 
ville where he had settled in 1^55; then removed 
into the village of Waterville; engaged in tlie 
mejit trade two years and has since been manager 
of a hotel. On his arrival in this township the 
inlial>itants numbered only fifteen. Miss Barbara 
Bony be<.^ame the wife of Mr. Dawald in 1851, 
the marriage taking place in Indiana. Nine 
children were liorn to them, seven are living. 

(.i. W. Fowler was bom in New Hampshire in 
1848, but when quite young he accompanied his 
parents to Steele county, Minnesota, where he was 
educated, completing his studies .at the Faribault 
school, under the supervision of the Episco])al 
society. He was orjjhaned while quite young and 
was left to battle the storms of life alone. Being 
an engineer by trade he is engaged in the saw-mill 
owned by J. H. Higgins. In 1870 he married 
Miss Calphurnia Higghis, daughter of J. S. Hig- 
gins, of Waterville. Byron .J. is their only child. 

H. Giles, a native of Ohio, was bom in 1834_ 
After reaching majority he came to Minnesota, but 
remained only one year, then returned to Ohio. 
Three years later he again visited Minnesota and 
in 18G7 located in Waterville; he engaged in 
farming and teaching music until 1878; .since 
that time has been successful in the restaurant 
business. In 1855 he was united in marriage with 
Miss Sarah, daughter of Dr. David Shepherd, of 
Ohio. They have one son, Eme.st. 

Henry L. Gish was bom in Clark county, Ohio, 
in 1838; removed with his parents when only three 
years old to Cass county. He is one of the pio- 
neers of Waterville township, having located here 
in August, 1857: now owns a nice farm on section 
9. March 11, 1862, he enlisted m Company I, 
Fourth Minnesota; was wounded at Vicksbiirg 
May 22, 1863 and was discharged March 4, 1864. 
He was a member of the legislature from Le 
Sueur county in 1876; has held the office of jus- 
tice of thejjeaceten years; has Iieen chairman of 
siipervi.sors twelve years and was instrumental in 
organizing the sclioil district in which he hves. 
October 10, 1861 lie was married to Miss Bridget 
Holan. Jacob, John, William G., Louis, Mary J., 
Dora L. and Bertha are their living children. 

Wenzel Groh, born in 1837, is a native of Aus- 



tria. He lived there until 1864. and there ac- 
((uired a good practical education. On coming to 
America he settled first in Stj-ele county, Minne- 
sota, remaining, however, only a short time. Re- 
moving to Le Sueur county he began farming, and 
ulthougli having only five dollars to start with, 
now has a farm of 280 acres situated about two 
miles from Waterville. His wife was Miss Annie 
Fisher, whom he miirried in his native country in 
1864. Nine children have been born to them, 
eight of whom are living. 

J. 0. Hanes was bom in Illinois in 1841. When 
six years old he went to Wisconsin with his parents. 
In 1861 he enlisted in Company I, Fourth Minne- 
sota. At the battle of Vicksburg he was shot 
through the body the shot passing through the 
liver. Since returning to civil life he has tried 
farming. He removed to Faribault and kept 
hotel one year, and to Waterville and ojiened a 
hotel which was subsequently burned ; he is erect- 
ing another which, when complete, wiU be a credit 
to the town. In 1863 he married .Jennie Smith, 
who died April 23, 1871. His second marriage was 
with Martha A. Smith, Novemljer 15, 1877. They 
are the parents of three living children. 

J. S. Higgins, born September 23. 1819, in Con- 
necticut. W^hile young his parents moved to New 
York, where he was educated. He began the 
trade of a mechanic when about seventeen years of 
age, which lie has followed much of the time since. 
After being a builder in Illinois for .some time, he 
in 1855 came to Minnesota. His home was Rice 
and Steele cuuties for twenty years. In 1875 he 
located in Waterville and is here interested in the 
manufacture of lumber. He is a member of the 
Baptist church and for a term of years has been 
one of the deacons, and superintendent of its Sun- 
day school; has also served in a numtier of the 
town offices. His wife was Miss Margaret T. 
Woodman, married in New York. September 17, 
1843. One daughter, Calphurnia, has been born 
to them. 

C. E. Hinton was bom in 1854 in Wisconsin. He 
went to Detroit, Michigan, in 1873 and there was 
employed as a weekly newspaper correspondent. 
From there he came to Faribault, Minnesota, and 
embarked in the jewelry business. May 15. 1881, 
he started in trade in Waterville: keeps a general 
assortment, consisting of jewelry, books, statio- 
nery, etc. 

R. W. Jacklin was born in 1842 in England. 
With his parents he came to .\merica in 1844 and 



LE SUEUR COUNTY. 



517 



made his home in Detroit, Michigan, where he was 
educated. Was a member of the Detroit light 
infantry zouaves and light guards; in the fall of 
1861 enlisted in Captain Dygert's company of 
Brady sharp shooters and served as private until 
Fel^ruary, 1862, when he was promoted to orderly 
sergeant of the company, which was afterwards 
attached and formed the 11th company of the ]6th 
Michigan infantry; he was made lieutenant and 
adjutant of the regiment; one year after was pro- 
moted to captain of Company D, and for meritori- 
ous conduct at the battle of the Wilderness was 
made brevet majcr; was detached from his regi- 
ment and placed in command of a battalion 
of sharp shooters, serving in this command 
until the surrender of General Lee. About 
that time he was commissioned full major and after- 
wards brevet lieutenant-colonel. Major Jacklin 
was the officer who received the flag of truce for 
the surrender of General Lee's army, his division 
having received the surrender by order of General 
Grant. During the war he participated in fifty- 
one battles; had his sword shot from his side, and 
was the only officer mustered from the veteran 
regiment without a wound; received his discharge 
July 21, 1865. The year following became to St. 
Paul and for three years served as clerk in the old 
house of Nicols c& Dean. Since locating in Water- 
villa in 1870, he has been a hardware merchant. 
In 1865 he married Eliza Wingert. 

Vincent Kletschke, a native of Austria, was born 
in 1835. He was there educated and in 1854 
came to America; located on a farm in Michigan, 
but remained only a short time. After devoting 
considerable time to the study of the English 
language, he came in 1856 to Minnesota and lo- 
cated on land in Le Sueur county; now owns one of 
the many fine farms in the county, a short distance 
from M'aterville, and in addition he has a hardware 
store in the village. He participated in the de- 
fense against the depredations of the Indians in 
1862; in 1873 was a member of the legislature. 
Mr. Kletschke married in Iowa, in 1855,Miss Mary 
Risha. Of their ten children eight are living. 

A. Labott was born in New York in 1826. Went 
to Wisconsin and engaged in the livery business, 
also botight horses for the government; afterwards 
spent five years in travel with "Yankee Robinson;" 
and has since continued the livery business in 
Missouri, Des Moines and other places. After be- 
coming a resident of Waterville in 1881 he pur- 
chased a livery stock, and has also a good stable. 



His wife was Miss Oliva Casey, married in 1877. 

R. Lussier, wagon-maker, was bom in Canada 
in 1826. He located in New York in 1845, where 
he learned the trade of cabinet-maker. Came to 
Waterville in August, 1858. and has since lived 
here. Mr. Lussier at once commenced the manu- 
facture of wagons and cabinet furniture, in which 
he successfully continues. He married in New 
York in 1850 Miss E. Yattou. Ten children have 
been bom to them; eight are living, five of whom 
are married. 

W. G. Mathes was born in New Hampshire in 
1810. Until twenty-six years of age he lived on 
the farm, then began contracting and railroad 
building; at Great Falls, Massachusetts, he was 
employed as contractor by the Lawrence Manu- 
facturing Company. Went to California in 1850 
and sjient two years, then returned, but six months 
later went again to California and farmed there 
two years. In October, 1856, he located in Wa- 
seca, Minnesota, where for four years he lived on 
a farm, then bought his present place; owns 350 
acres of land in WatervOJe. In Massachusetts, in 

1846, he married Elizabeth Poor; she died in 

1847, leaving one child, who died in October, 

1848, His second marriage took place in 1855, 
with Helen M. Ricker. Edwm H., Mary S. and 
Lizzie H. are their living children. 

D. G. Miller was born in Canada in 1844. 
When only five years old he moved with his par- 
ents to New Y'ork; learned the trades of wagon- 
maker and blacksmith. After traveling about 
some time he settled in 1866 in Anoka, Minnesota, 
where for four years he gave his attention to gun- 
smithing. He became one of the proprietors of 
the town site of Cambridge, Isanti county, and 
there worked at his trade. Came to Waterville in 
1877, where he is now engaged in the manufacture 
of wagons. At Anoka he married Annie L. An- 
derson. Reuben E. and Morra are their children. 

E. L. Norton was born in Chicago, Illinois, Aug- 
ust 29, 1854. While young he moved with his 
parents to Iowa; remained .sis years and went to 
Charlestown, Massachusetts. At Washington, 
D. C, he attended and graduated from the Frank- 
lin Grammar school. In 1870 came to St. Paul, 
and in the fall of the same year entered the em- 
ploy of the St. Paul & Pacific Railway Company; 
he held various positions for more than sis years; 
then resigned to accept a more lucrative position 
with the Northwestern Telegraph Company. On 
account of iU-health he was compelled to again 



51S 



uiaroui' UF the Minnesota valley. 



resign his position, but in u few months resumed 
business in the employ of tlie Minneapolis i St. 
Louis Railway Company; now has charge of their 
busineas at Waterville. 

Johnston Piper was born in Pennsylvanin in 
1833. Came to Le Sueur county, Minnesota, and 
for eighteen years followed fanning. In 1861 he 
enlisted in Company I, Fourth Minnesota; was 
honorably discharged in August, 186.5. Worked 
at farming until 187i, then engaged in hotel bus- 
iness in Waterville six years; afterward bought 
the drug store formerly o^v^led by J. A. White, 
and is now in the drug trade. Mr. Piper has held 
the oflicj' of justice of the peace two terms, was 
member of the town l)oard two years, and consta- 
ble two years. In 1857 he married Miss Saman- 
tha Evans. They have seven children living; 
three are dead. 

F. A. Pischel, a native of Prussia, was born in 
1842. After receiving a good education in his 
native language he came to America; located on a 
farm in Illinois with his parents: he was there ed- 
ucaU'd in the English language, and afterward 
came io Waterville, where he engaged at once in 
farming. He has been county commissioner, and 
was chairman of the board; in 1880 was a candi- 
date for representative, but was defeated by a ma- 
jority t)f seven votes; for five years lie has served 
on the town board, and is now town clerk. In 
1864 he married Miss Catherine Birkel, wlio has 
borne nine children; seven are living. 

Cajitain D. E. Potter was bom in Washington 
county. New York, in 1836. He grew to man- 
hood on a farm; attended the Fort Edward Col- 
legiate Institute two years, then taught school one 
year. Engaged in teaching and clerking in Illi- 
nois, and in 1857 came to Minnesota, locating at 
Belle Plaine. In 1860 went to Chicago, and in 
July, 1861, enlisted in the Fourth Illinois cavalry: 
in 1863 was promoted to captain of Company A, 
12th Louisiana colored volunteers; he afterward 
resigned, and was commissioned first lieutenant of 
the Third United States cavalry, and acting as.sist- 
ant adjutant general of the Fourth brigade of 
cavalry for the district of West Tennessee. He 
was honorably mustered out in February, 1866, 
and came to Faribault, Minnesota, engaging as 
book-keeper and salesman of school furniture. 
In 1877 he came to Waterville; worked at rail- 
roading a short time, then began his mercantile 
business. In Faribault, in 1867, Mr. Potter and 
Miss Stella A. Cowles were united in marriage. 



She has borne him two children : Eva and Bertha. 

P. P. Bice was born in Illinois in 1843. With 
his parents he went to Wisct.nsin when eight years 
old, and there learned the trade of miller. In 
August, 18C2, enlisti^d in the 29th Wisconsin in- 
fantry; in April, IxfJU. was transferred to the 16th 
Ohio battery; became ill, and was sent, July 4th 
of that year, to the hospital at St. Louis, where he 
remained until October 26. He was again trans- 
ferred to the Second regiment of the veteran re- 
serve coqis, First Itattalion, and sent to Detroit, 
Michigan; ser\'ed there on guard duty until the 
close of the war. He came soon after to Minne- 
sota, and for some time followed farming and mil- 
ling, also railroading; then took a claim in the 
grasshopper reservation, on which he lived four 
years. After being in the mercantile trade he 
started his present meat market in Waterville. 
Married in Michigan, in 1865, Josephine Chrys- 
tler, who has borne him eight children: six are 
living. 

Zoar Rogers was born in Orleans, Massachu- 
setts, January 10, 1801, on the property which his 
ancestors for seven generations had owned. He is 
a legular descendent of John Rogers, the martyr. 
The first ancestor settled in Orleans, Massachu- 
setts, in 1632, and the first on his mother's side 
was Reverend John Mayo who was pastor of a 
church in Boston, in 1637. Mr. Rogers married 
in Orleans, March 4, 1827, Miss Phebe S. Kenrich. 
In 1834 moved to Brewer, Maine; remained until 
ill health of his family and a desire to better edu- 
cate his children jjromjjted a removal to Provi- 
dence, Rhode Island, in 1847. The eldest daughter, 
Maria .7., died there the following year. In 1856 
he moved with his family to Cambridgeport, Mass- 
achusetts; again ill health required a change. 
He located in Waterville in May, 1858, with his 
wife and two daughters. Julia F. and Helen S. 
who is now the wife of C. A. Baker, of Ha.stings. 
Three sons, Albert B., Caleb, E. and Liither Z., 
located in Waterville some time previous to their 
father. Here the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. 
Rogers was celebrated March 4, 1877, attended by 
every child and seven grand children. Mrs. 
Rogers won the love of all and was deeply mimrned 
at her death, which occurred Ajigust 17, 1879. 
Mr. Rogers was active in organizing the Baptist 
church in this town. 

Major A. B. Rogers was bom in Orleans, Barn- 
stable county, Massachusetts, in 1829. His pa- 
rents removed with him to Maine in 1837; and to 



LE SUEUR COUNTY. 



519 



Providence, Rhode Island in 1847. He entered 
the engineering department of tlie Brown Univer- 
sity; subsequently went to Yale College as assist- 
ant to Professor Norton, and there graduated, re- 
ceiving the degree of A. B. He went to New 
York as an engineer, thence to Iowa, and in 1858 
came to Waterville; engaged in mercantile trade 
with L. Z. Rogers until 1865. In 1861 he took 
charge of the construction of the Iowa and Min- 
nesota division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. 
Paul railroad. Mr. Rogers was among the first 
to assist in defending St. Peter against the Indians 
in 1862 ; was aj^pointed major by Governor Ram- 
sey. Since then he has given his entire attention 
to the construction of railroads, and is now in 
charge of the Canadian Pacific road from the 
Pacific Ocean easterly. He married in 1857 Sarah 
Lawton, of New York, who died in Waterville. 
His second marriage was with Nellie Brush, of 
Iowa, who is now deceased. Mr. Rogers makes 
his home with his father. 

Honorable L. Z. Rogers, a native of Maine, 
was bom in 1837. He removed to Providence, 
Rhode Island with his parents, when only ten 
years of age and was educated in the high schools 
of that city. After leaving school he was uicrk in a 
store three years, then began book-keeping in Bos- 
ton, in which he continued three years longer. 
August 22, 1857, Mr. Rogers located in Waterville 
and at once embarked in the mercantile trade. 
Since fifteen years of age he has been in business 
of some kind, and has been out of employment 
only two weeks during the time. He owns an ele- 
vator, also a wood yard three miles distant, and 
the side track leading to it; he has a stock farm 
of 200 acres located near town and owns in aU 
1,500 acres of land. He is deputv grand com- 
mander of the order of Knights Templar of Min- 
nesota; has been president of the council three 
years and president of the school board since its 
organization; was a member of the legislature in 
1865, and was elected to the senate in 1871. His 
marriage with Miss Elizabeth M. Christman oc- 
curred at Waterville in 1861. Ellen M., Charlotte 
L., Florence E., are their living children. 

H. G. Schulz, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1853. Acquired an education in the G«rman 
language and in 1868 came to America, locatiaig in 
Wisconsin, where he followed various pursuits. In 
1872 he migrated to Rochester, Minnesota and 
was there dealing in lumber five years. Became a 
resident of Waterville in 1877, and built the hotel 



known as the Minnesota House, of which he is 
landlord. He was married in Rochester in 1875; 
his wife's maiden name was Louisa Schulz; they 
have one son, Walter H. 

A. Sheriden, a native of Ireland, was born in 
1835. While a small babe his parents came to 
the United States and settled in New York. He 
was educated there and learned the blacksmith's 
trade 'ivith Walter A. Wood. In 1858 he located 
in WaterviUe and has since been actively engaged 
in the blacksmiths' trade. He married in New 
York in 1855; his wife was Sarah Reynolds. 
Thirteen children have been born to them, six of 
whom are living. 

E. J. Stangler was bom in Austria, in 1845. Af- 
ter receiving his education he came in 1860 to 
America; located at Owatonna, Minnesota; was a 
miller six or seven years, then began farming in 
company with his father. Coming to Waterville 
in 1862 he again gave his attention to milling a 
few years, then returned to farming, settling on 
a place near the village; his farm consists of 160 
acres nicely located. Mr. Stangler married Miss 
Rosa Fisher. Ludwig, Ernestine, Eddie and Otto 
are their children. 

A. Tidball, the oldest settler in the village of 
Waterville, was born in Mercer county, Pennsyl- 
vania in 1823. Leaving Pennsylvania in 1845 he 
went to Wisconsin and was instrumental in fram- 
ing that state's constitution. In the spring of 
1857 he came to what is now the village of Water- 
ville; still hves in the house he built in 1857, and 
in which he carried on a large mercantile trade two 
years. In Ohio in 1852 he married Miss Caroline 
Fee, who died in 1869, leaving tliree children. The 
second marriage of Mr. Tidball was with Mrs. M. 
E. Babcock of St. Paul, in 1875. She is a daugh- 
ter of A. O. Wing, deceased, an early settler of 
Waterville. Mr. and Mrs. Tidball are members of 
the Methodist Episcopal church. 

Frank Tousley was born June 19, 1847, in Me- 
dina county, Ohio. Leaving Ohio when nine 
years of age he came to Minnesota with his par- 
ents; settled in Le Sueur county where he was 
educated, and worked on the farm about ten years. 
In 1878 he was appointed route agent between 
Minneapolis and Albert Lea, which position he 
stOl holds with credit to himself and to those rec- 
ommending him to the department. He is pleas- 
antly situated in Waterville. March 30, 1875, he 
married Mrs. S. D. Williams. John W. is their 
only child. 



520 



UI6T0UT OF TUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Asa A. Wait, de.'-easej, wiia bom in Cattaraw- 
giis county, Now York, in 1834. He was reared 
on a farm and attained his education at tbo pub- 
lic schools. t)n moving from his native state he 
went to Mioliigau, tlienc* to Illinois; locating in 
Wisconsin he followed railroad contracting Jintil 
coming to Faribault, Minnesota, in 1855; while 
there be engaged in the milling business, erecting 
a 8t<>am mill. He rei)rGsented his district in the 
legishiture in 1871: was one of the jjroprietors of 
of the town site of Wilton. Waseca county. Mar- 
ried in 1857, Miss Charlotte Field, of Walworth 
county, Wisconsin, and the same fall they came to 
Waterville. Mr. Wait died in 1874. His widow 
and her family still reside at Waterville. Mary, 
the eldest daughter, was among the first white chil- 
dren bom in Water\-ille. 

F. H. Zander, a native of Germany, was bom in 
1849. When six years old he accompanied his 
parents to America, locating first in Wisconsin. 
After farming one year clerked in a general mer- 
chandise store at Beaver Dam three years. Came 
to Faribault, Minnesota, and engaged as a clerk 
two years, and in 1868 located at Waterville; for 
six years he was employed as clerk by L. Z. Rog- 
ers, then embarked in the mercantile trade for him- 
self; erected a good store building and is now do- 
ing a thriving business. He married in Water- 
ville, in 1870, Miss C. A. Sabin. They are the pa- 
rents of four children; three are living. 

KILKENNY. 

Kilkenny is next to the most southern of the 
eastern tier of townships in Le Sueur county. 
John and Dennis Doyle, William Lee, K. Brock 
and H. Richardson located in 1856 being the first 
to settle. Soon after their arrival tlie hardsliips 
proved too much for William Lee and he was 
mourned as the first to die. Consumption claim- 
ing him as a victim. A few raonths later the va- 
cancy in their numbers was filled by the arrival of 
a native pioneer, Stephen, son of H. and K. R. 
Richardson. 

The town, like most of the others in the county, 
was heavily covered with timber. 

In 1857 Dennis Doyle opened the first store, 
which is still in operation by him, having ad- 
vanced with the country, occupying now the lead- 
ing place annmg Kilkenny enterprises. In fact the 
experience of Dennis Doyle forms the larger por- 
tion of the earliest history. He was the first of 
the town to marry, this event taking place the first 
year of his arrival. He taught the first school in 



a log house in 1358, with attendance of fifteen 
scholars. 

The first religious services held under a roof 
were held in his house, one meeting liaving pre- 
viously been held in the woods near his house. He 
was the first ])ostmaster, being appointed in 1859, 
and still retains the position. He was the first 
town clerk and one of the first county commis- 
sioners. 

A Catholic church society was formed in 1858 
with thirty families connected, services being held 
at the various private houses until 1867, during 
which year a small frame church was built. This 
was succeeded in 1880 by a large brick structure, 
costing nearly S4,000, with an average of 150 
families in attendance. 

Tlie village of Kilkenny is situated near the cen- 
tre of the township, and for a town Imt a trifle over 
four years old, presents quite a busini^ss ajtpear- 
ance, there being seven general stores, two hotels, 
three blacksmith shops, one shoe shop, a saw-mill, 
five saloons, one elevator, depot and freight house 
of the Minneapolis & St. Iiouis railroad. 

The county poor farm is located on section 6, 
of this township. 

In the south-western portion of the township is 
a second post-office, Anawauk, which has been in 
charge of A. R. Eckert tor many years. 

On section 30 is a good saw and planing mill. 
The only cemetery is located on section 21. There 
are eight school districts, all with convenient 
buildings and modern improvements. 

Caleb Brock was born in BelleWUe, Virginia, 
in 1819. With his parents moved to Indiana when 
only three years old, and for two years lived near 
Viu<'ennes, then moved to Charlestown. Went to 
Ohio and remained until 1853; returned to In- 
diana, and three years later moved to Minnesota. 
In 1840 he married Mary A. Troy, who was born 
in 1822, and died in April, 1854. Of the six chil- 
dren, four are living: Andrew J., James K., 
Charles T. and Lucy J. Tliree sons were in the 
war; Andrew and Columbus were in Company H, 
First Minnesota infantry. James in Company A, 
Second Minnesota cavalry. At the first battle of 
Bull Run, Columbus was killed; he was the first 
man who fell from the state of Minnesota. One 
son, Lorenzo D., died in infancy. Mr. Brcx-k 
located in Kilkenny, Le Sueur county, with the 
first settlement, and has remained within the lim- 
its of the county since. 

F. A. Carll was born in Port Huron, Michigan, 



LE SUEUR COUNTY. 



521 



August 2, 1846. There he lived until the age of 
eighteen years, and July 19, 18G4, arrived in 
Mower county, Minnesota. The next year he vis- 
ited Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois; returned to 
Minnesota in 1872. He now owns 136 acres on 
sections 30 and 31 of Kilkenny, where he located 
in the fall of 1877. Mr. Carll was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Georgia King, by Reverend Ed- 
mund Gale, at Faribault, Minnesota, February 18, 
1873. Francis E. and Jennie E. are their living 
children; two have died. 

Honorable Dennis Doyle, a native of Ireland, 
was born in 1824. He received a liberal education 
in that country, and until coming to America fol- 
lowed farming; immigrated to St. Paul in 1851 
and there accepted a position as teacher in one of 
the three schools of which the place boasted ; there 
were then but two churches. In 1856 he located 
in what is now Kilkenny; there were then five 
other voters in the precinct in which two hundred 
and fifty votes are now cast. He assisted in 
naming all the towns of the county, was a member 
of the first board of county commissioners, has 
held the offices of probate judge, clerk of district 
court, and county treasurer; for the past twenty- 
five years has been Justice of the peace and post- 
master of Kilkenny, and in 1868 represented Le 
Sueur county in the legislature. He lives on his 
farm, and in connection with his mercantile trade 
he owns and operates the only elevator in the 
place. Blarried Catherine Raway in 1856. They 
have had thirteen children. During the Indian 
outbreak he accompanied his wife to Hastings, 
then returned and was one of the four persons who 
remained. 

Michael Dooly, born in 1826, is a native of Ire- 
land. Immigrated to Illinois in 1852; lived there 
four or five years and removed to Minnesota, 
locating soon after in Kilkenny, on section 8. 
Here he has since lived and now owns a fine farm 
and surroundings. Miss Catherine Sullivan be- 
came his wife in 1858. They have eleven child- 
ren, five sons and six daughters: Richard, James, 
Michael, .John, Mary, Agnes, Catherine, Thomas, 
Hannah, Margaret and Ellen. 

Lewis Doyle is a native of Ireland, born in 
1824. He immigrated-to Michigan in 1840, where 
he made his home fourteen years; after spending 
one year in the Minnesota pineries and one year in 
Mendota, he settled in Kilkenny in 1856, and 
bought eighty acres on section 19. He is a prom- 
inent farmer and a practical gardener, having the 



best cultivated garden in Le Sueur coimty. He 
occasionally writes articles for the agricultural 
papers; several of his contributions have appeared 
in the "Pioneer Press" over the nom de plume of 
"L. D." In 1857 he married Winnifred O'Reilley, 
who bore him eleven children, and at the age of 
thirty-five years departed this life. Clara J., 
Winnifred, Kate, Mary, Patrick H., Thomas A., 
Bridget, Sarah and Margaret are the living 
children. 

Jacob Etsel was bom in Lebanon county, Penn- 
sylvania, in 1838. When seventeen years old he 
went to the city of Philadelphia, and there learned 
shoemaking. In that city in 1857 he married 
Miss Ann Brown, who died in 1861. Mr. Etsel 
enlisted in the 21st Pennsylvania cavalry, and 
served three years; he spent a short time in Chi- 
cago: came from there to Minnesota, but soon after 
returned to Wisconsin. He was married there to 
Margaret Fergus, who bore him three children; 
Patrick, Caroline and an infant son. Returning 
to Minnesota in 1875, Mr. Etsel with his family, 
settled at Shieldsville and four years later located 
at Kilkenny and opened a shoe shop. 

D. Flynn, a native of New York, was born May 
20, 1849. Came to Minnesota in 1855 and made 
a home in Rice county; subsequently he traveled 
through Wisconsin and Illinois and came to Kil- 
kenny township in 1878, and here accepted the po- 
sition of section boss for the Minneapolis and St. 
Louis railroad company. He married in Mont- 
gomery, Anna Ryan. Of their nine children 
five are living; John, Patrick, Mary M., Daniel, 
and Richard. Ellen, Bridget and Elizabeth were 
triplets, who were born July 9, 1873 and died on 
the day of their birth. 

WiUiam Grinnell was born in Spring Green, 
Sauk county, Wisconsin, November 26, 1858. He 
received an excellent education, after which he 
acquired a knowledge of carpentering. His time 
is spent mostly in teaching school at which he is 
successful. At present he is clerking for J. Kenny 
in the Commercial Hotel at Kilkenny. 

C. M. Hall was born November 25, 1827, at 
Willistou, Vermont. At the age of twelve years 
he went to Wisconsin, and there, January 29, 
1852, he married Olive Thurber. In 1867 they 
came to Minnesota and engaged in farming and 
lumbering in Douglas county, until 1874, then 
moved to Hastings. After a residence of four 
years at that place, located on section 31, Kil- 
kenny township, where he owns a farm of eighty 



52:2 



UISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



ncres. He has held various town ofBoes. Mrs. 
Hull ia ii nntivo of Vermont, born in Franklin 
eouiity, in lH3:i. They have had two chililreu O. 
J. and Henry O. Tlie latter died at the age of 
three years at Fort Winnebago. 

Mcrell S. Kendall was born in Wisconsin, Sep- 
tember 11, 1850. At the age of tifteen years he 
came to IMinnesota, and with his father's family 
settled in Cordova township. There he married 
Catharine Vail on the 25th of September. 1872. 
In the fall of 1877 he moved with his family to 
his j)rosent farm of eighty acres on section 30, 
Kilkenny. Mrs. KendaJl was born in 1857. Five 
children have been born to them; Norman, Carrie, 
Jennie, Nora, and William. 

.Tolin Kenny, proj^rietor of the Commercial 
Hotel, was born in 1824, in Ireland. When only 
seven years of age he came alone to America and 
went to Burlington, Vermont, where he engaged 
as oHice boy in the Howard House; there he con- 
tinued until 1840, then followed a sailor's life on 
the lakes for four years. He aftei wards accepted 
a position in Judge Burt's engineer corps; remain- 
ed one year, tlien was foreman of a company of 
men in the Michigan pineries. Mr. Kenny served 
in the Mexican war; was honorably discharged at 
St. Louis in 1840. He was one of the sufferers 
from the Peshtigo, Wisconsin, fire in 1871; lost 
about S;55,000 worth of property. The first build- 
ing erected in Kilkenny was buUt by Mr. Kenny 
who finally settled here in 1877, and for the first 
six montlis was engaged in making railroad ties. 
He is at jiresent the genial landlord of the Com- 
mercial House. At Chicago, in 1849, he married 
Anna O'Brien, who died at Fond du Lac, Wiscon- 
sin, in 1873. leaving seven children, five are living. 

.T. Kent, who is a scliool teacher, is a native of ; 
Ireland. He came to this country in 1848 and 
after makiug-his home in Canada some time came 
to Minnesota. Having acipiired an excellent edu- 
cation in this and his native cunutry, he is fully 
competent for the profession he has chosen. The 
schools iif tliis state have for a numlier of years 
found in him an eflicient and skillful teacher. 

Martin Klingele was born .January 11, 1844, in 
Baden, (lermany. In 186-j he came to America; 
after a residence of one and one-half years in 
New York he visited Toledo, Ohio, then went to 
Wisconsin. In 1878 he came to Minnesota; soon 
after settled in the village of Kilkenny, where he 
served in the capacity of clerk for Scherer & Potter 
for a short time, then embarked in the boot and 



shoe business; be had learned shoemaking previ- 
o\i8 to coming to this country; is aoomfietent 
workman and does all work neatly and jjnimptly. 

John A. Knapp was bom in HesKC-Darmstadt, 
in 1829. The family immigrated to Franklin 
county, Pennsylvania, in 1830, and eight years 
later removed to Posey county, Indiana. He 
there married, in 1852, Mary E. Pittmann. Ke- 
moving to Minnesota in 1867 they settled in Kil- 
kenny township; bought 160 acres which he still 
owns, except tliree acres which he donated to the 
Catholic society for church purposes; also owns a 
village lot on which has been erected a large store 
building. Eight children have been born to Mr. 
and Mrn. Knapp: .Joseph, George, Mary, Barbary, 
Stephen, Elizabeth, Anna and Catharine. 

Dennis Moore was born in Logan county, Ohio, 
January 27, 1823. He removed to Minne.sota in 
1856 and has since lived in this state. His farm is 
on section 31 of Kilkenny township. He enlisted 
in Company K, Fifth Minnesota infantry and 
served one year, being honorably discharged at 
St. Paul in 1865. During the time was imprisoned 
once being obliged to remain two months in An- 
dersonville prison. In 1849 he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Nancy Bennett, who has borne him 
five children; all are living except George, who 
died at the age of fifteen years. 

John Murray was born in Illinois .\i)ril 26. 1854, 
He moved with his father's family to Minnesota in 
1857, and has since lived on section 7, Kilkenny 
township; owns a quarter section of land. He is 
one of a family of nine children, whose father was 
killed by a falling tree subsequent to his coming 
to Kilkenny. 

K. B. O'Hearn was born in Ireland in 1845. 
With his jiaronts he moved to England in 1846 
and in 1850, to Mobile, Alabama, which was their 
home for seven years. Mr. O'Hearn came to Min- 
nesota in Augu.st, 1858; settled in Shi.'ldsville. Kice 
county, where he resided twenty years; in 1878 he 
located in Kilkenny ^•illage and is here engaged 
in the manufacture of lumber. His marriage with 
Elizabeth Larkia occurred at Shieldsville. Wil- 
liam. John. Catharine, Elizabeth, Mary and Aimie 
are their children. Maggie died at the age of 
three years. 

William Oney was born in Prcstouburg. Ken- 
tucky, in 1841. In 1862 he removed to Ohio; 
while in that state he married Miss J. Camiibcll. 
in 1865; she is also a native of Prestonburg, 
Kentucky, bom on the 12th of August, 1849. 



LB SUEUR COUNTY. 



523 



Eight children have been born to them; the liv- 
ing are, John, Richard, Khoda B., Solomon, Wil- 
liam, Martha M., and Theodore. Mr. Oney and 
family now reside on section 30, Kilkenny town- 
ship. 

Anthony Pittmann was born October 19, 1827, in 
Germany. He immigrated to America in 1841; 
lived in Indiana until 1856, then removed to Min- 
nesota and located on his present farm on section 
34 of Kilkenny. Mr. Pittmann has been twice 
married, and is now a widower. His first mar- 
riage was with Louisa Keble in 1852; she died 
August 2, 1872; of their ten children, eight are 
living. In 1873 he married Teressa Hamle who 
died February 2, 1880. Joseph, Mary, Anthony, 
Frank, Robert, Anna, Matilda, and Ludwig are 
the living children by his first marriage. Albert 
and Nicholas died in infancy. 

Joseph Pittmann was born in Indiana in 1852. 
With his parents came to Kilkenny township when 
only four years old; this has since been his home. 
He received a common school education. In 1875 
married Miss Mary L. Unger, of Cordova, Minne- 
sota. They are the parents of three sons : Frank, 
William and Peter. Mr. Pittmann and family re- 
sided on their farm tmtil 1880 then moved into the 
village where they are now living. The firm of 
Slusser & Pittmann does a large business in fuel 
and railroad ties. 

Ira Simpson was born May 10, 1855, in Wa- 
bash county, Indiana. In June, 1878, came to 
Minnesota, locating on section 17, Kilkenny town- 
ship. In April, 1874, he and Miss Mary M. Mil- 
ler were united in marriage. His wife was born 
February 9, 1853. One son and one daughter 
have been born to them : Arthur and Eva May, 
aged respectively six and two years, 

Joseph Smith, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1826, and when about twenty years old came to 
America. He remained in Wisconsin one year 
and enlisted in the Mexican war, in Company I, 
15th volunteer infantry, and after serving eigh- 
teen months was discharged in July, 1848. In 
1853 went to California, where he remained until 
1855 engaged in mining. In the fall of 1856 he 
married Miss Margaret Falhim, who is a native of 
Germany, born October 5, 1834. Soon after mar- 
riage Mr. Smith and wife came to Minnesota and 
settled on section 35, Kilkenny township. In 1864 
he enlisted in Company I, Second Minnesota, and 
was discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, July 11, 
1865. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have eleven children: 



Nicholas, Peter, Frank, Lena, John, Mary A., 
Joseph, Anna C, Elizabeth, George and Mar- 
garet. 

Leopold Zipf was born in Germany, in 1849. 
On coming to America he lived seven years in 
New Jersey, then removed to the state of New 
York. Came to Minnesota in September, 1869. 
In November, 1880, he erected a wood-working 
and blacksmith shop in the village of Kilkenny, 
in which he does a good trade. During the war 
he served as scout under Major General Hancock, 
in Comi^any F, Eighth New Jersey infantry, hav- 
ing enlisted January 14, 1862. Participated in 
many severe battles. Married in 1876, Miss An- 
nie Morris, who was born in Morristown, June 13, 
1858. Mary A. and Leopold are their children. 

MONTGOMEKT. 

In the early history of Montgomery it formed 
one-half of the township of Lanesburgh, but in 
1859 was set off by itself. 

In 1856 August Richter, G. Angst and several 
others arrived, taking claims of 160 acres each^ 
and building the first log houses in the township. 
In 1859 a general merchandise stoi-e was opened 
by A. Richter, not far from the present site of 
Montgomery village, which he continued until 
the advent of the Minneapolis & St. Louis railroad 
in 1877, when he erected a large frame store in the 
village, removing his stock of goods and continu- 
ing business at that point. 

Not until 1860 was there much attention paid 
to educational matters the settlements being so 
few and far between. Several small schools were 
taught at private houses. It was not until within 
the past few years that any system has been ob- 
served. There are now six districts within the 
township, and all have substantial buildings. 

The first post-office, calh d Montgomery, estab- 
lished two miles west of the village, was removed 
after the establishment of the railroad station. 

There are two religious societies. St. Michael's 
Catholic church, on section twenty-six, and a 
Catholic church in the eastern part upon section 7. 

A birth was recorded in the summer of 1857; 
W., daughter of G. Augst. She died m 1870 of 
the small pox. 

Montgomery village, in 1877, when the Minne- 
apohs & St. Louis was first built, was nothing but 
a dense forest of heavy timlier. A resolute class 
of men took the matter in hand, surveyed and 
laid out the village, and at once began active busi- 
ness operations. A. Richter was the first, opening 



•524 



HISTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



u large general store, whioli ia still in snocessful 
operation. 

T. W. Slioeliv it Co. followed immediatoly with 
a large general store, which has greatly increased 
its business, until they now stand at the head. A 
large fiirniture store was opened the same year by 
Frank Havlicek, who still conducts a lucrative 
business. A hardware store was also built tile 
same season by L. Schrautli and Brother. They 
are now one of the leading firms. 

The following year Mr. Joseph Chadderdon lo- 
cated and established a weekly newspaper, the 
"Montgomery Standard," an independent six col- 
umn quarto sheet, which has proved a paying in- 
vestment. Mr. Chadderdon also opened a law 
and insurance office in addition to his newspajier 
business. 

In 1878 a large frame school-house, two stories 
in height, was erected. Thomas G. Hovorka is the 
principal. 

Catholic services wore irregularly held prior to 
1881. During that year, through the exertions of 
Father Prebble, 150 families organized and built a 
substantial church edifice costing over .S3,000. 

When tlie post-offic^e was established in 1877 
Frank Becker was appointed postmaster, and still 
acts in that capacity; also does a large mercantile 
business, l)eing one of the earliest settlers and 
merchants. 

In 1880 a fire company was organized with one 
hook and ladder, hose and engine company. They 
have a hand engine, and good engine house. P. 
D. Smith is chief of the department. 

The business of the village consists of five gen- 
eral merchants, one drug, two hardware, two furni- 
ture, one grocery and three boot and shoe stores, 
one harness, four blacksmith, one wagon, two 
tailor and one barber shop, nine saloons, one dour 
and one saw-mill, one large stave factory, two ele- 
vators, three hotels, weekly paper, job printing of- 
fice and three agricultural machine depots. There 
are three pliysicians, three attorneys and two 
insurance agencies. 

In the southern portion of the township is a 
small railroad station, Doyle; the town consists of 
a shoe shop and two houses. On section 15 is a 
small lirickyard. 

Josepli Chadderdon was born in New York, in 
1845. With his parents he left his native state in 
1846 and settled in Wisconsin, there remaining 
until 1854. He then went to Belle Plaine, Min- 
nesota and in 1871 moved to Jordan; six years 



later he located in Montgomery, Le Snenr ooimty, 
and started the Mf)ntg<imery Standard. In 
1872 73 and '75 he represented Scott county in 
the legishiture. His marriage with Miss Lela 
Earl took place in 18G!). Two daughters have 
been born to them; Lillie and Mable. 

Frank Guslander, manager of the M<jntgomery 
stave factory, was born in Illinois in 1849, and is 
of Swi.'is parentage. During youtli he became 
thoroughly acquainted with the trade of coojier, 
and is now pursuing tliat business in Montgomery, 
where he located in 1874. He previously resided 
in Chisago county. In 1875 he married Miss 
Maggie Sweeney and has three sons; .Joseph H., 
John and Charles. 

T. W. Hammond, M. D., was bom in Plymouth 
county, Masacliusetts, in 1850. After graduating 
from Prince Academy, at Middleborough, in 1866, 
came to Minnesota, to Le Sueur county, and re- 
mained one year; returning to his native state he 
engaged in the grocery business one year then 
spent two years at sea. After visiting New York 
and Minnesota he entered Ann Arbor Medical 
School, where he studied and took a course of lec- 
tures. The next spring removed to Philadeljihia. 
and in 1874 graduated from Jefferson College. 
After remaining some time in Nashville, Tennessee, 
he, in 1877, came to Montgomery and practiced 
medicine until beginning the study of law: is now 
practicing law, having been admitted to the bar in 
the spring of 1881. Mr. Hammond is also justice 
of the jieace. Miss. L. W. Purrington became his 
wife in 1876; they have two children. 

Frank Havlicek is a native of Germany, born in 
1851. Came to America in 18G1 and settled in 
New Prague, Scott county, Minnesota. Removed 
to Montgomery in 1877 and engaged in the fur- 
niture trade; also deals in all kinds of lumber. He 
was married in 1879 to Miss Agnes Patrak. who 
has borne him two sons; Frank and John. 

Thomas G. Hovorka was born in Bohemia in 
1850. He came to America in 1869 and located 
in Scott county, Minnesota. After coming to 
America he acquainted himself thoroughly with 
the English language at .Tefferson College. Mr. 
Hovorka is now principal of the graded sc1i<m)1s at 
Montgomery. He has also served as justice of the 
peace since 1875, and is notary public. Married 
in 1874 Katherine Stanek. Their children are 
Thomas, Josejih, Mary and William. 

August Ricliter was bom in Sax<my in 1837. 
He learned the trade of weaver, and in 1856 came 



LE SUEUR COUNTY. 



525 



to America and to Minnesota. In 1859 settled in 
Montgomery township on section 8. He started 
a small store, and soon after moved to the village 
and engaged in general merchandise business. 
He came here a poor man, hut industry and econ- 
omy have won for him a competence. He now 
owns 1,200 acres of land. His wife was Mary J. 
Krahl, also a native of Saxony, married in 1859. 
William, Charles, Mary, Edward, Herman and 
George are their children. 

L. Sohrauth was born in Ohio in 1848. His 
youth was spent on the farm; received a common 
school education, and left Ohio in 1860 for Fari- 
bault, Minnesota. In 1877 he located in Mont- 
gomery and embarked in the hardware trade 
under the firm name of Sohrauth & Brother. His 
wife was Miss Maggie McBreen, married in 1874. 
Fred., Mary and John are their children. 

T. W. Sheehy was born in county Limerick, 
Ireland, in 1829. He immigrated to Connecticut 
in 1850; lived there two years, then spent four 
years in South Carolina and two years in Ken- 
tucky. After engaging in the mercantile trade in 
St. Paul several years with a brother, he in 1875 
went to Faribault and embarked in business under 
the firm name of Murphy & Sheehy; the partner- 
ship continued until 1880; Mr. Sheehy then came 
to Montgomery, and is now in the mercantile 
trade with liis son John P. as partner; they have 
a fine store and do an extensive business. Miss 
Catherine Brown, also of Irish birth, and Mr. 
Sheehy were married in 1859. Cassy, .John P., 
Mary, Margaret, Richard N. an<l Wilham M. are 
their children. 

J. .T. Thomas was born in Winnebago county, 
Wisconsin, in 1857. He acquired a knowledge of 
the trade of a cooper. Came to Minnesota in 
1881 and located in Montgomery. He married in 
1876 Miss Ida Grey. They have two boys: Albert 
and Walter. 

W. H. Woods, M. D., was born in Ohio in 1823. 
He was educated in the medical profession from 
childhood. After attending college in Cleveland 
and Ann Arbor, Michigan, he graduated at EucUd, 
Ohio. Came to Minnesota and settled in Owa- 
tonna in 1856; remained until 1866. Eemoved to 
Le Sueur and resided there two years, and in 1868 
moved to Madelia. Since 1879 he has lived at 
Montgomery, engaged in practice. Dr. Woods 
was the attending physician upon the notorious 
outlaws, the Younger brothers, after their capture 
at Madelia until their removal to Faribault. He 



has in his possession six teeth from the mouth of 
James Younger and the clothing of Charles Pitts, 
who was killed in the capture. In 1843 Dr. Wood 
married Miss 0. Taisley. They have had fifteen 
children; eleven are living. 

LANESBUKGH. 

Lanesburgh occupies the extreme north-eastern 
portion of the county, and was one of the first in- 
terior towns to invite settlement. Settlers began 
taking claims as early as 1854. Frank Heil and 
A. Stahl taking the lead. They were soon fol- 
lowed by J. Reueck, F. W. Rolars, A. Eichter and 
others. Much of the most available land being in 
the western portion of the township, quite a set- 
tlement was formed by 1869, and a post-office es- 
tablished. Frank Maertz,' postmaster. A Catho- 
lic society was also formed, a church built and 
cemetery located. There are now at this point 
one general store, one shoe shop, blacksmith shop, 
grist and saw mill. Present postmaster Joseph 
Haieal. 

The German Liitheran society have a good 
church edifice and cemetery located upon sec- 
tion 6. 

Six good schools are located at convenient 
points throughout the township. 

Upon section 3, Frank Redley runs a brewery 
built in 1877. 

A fraction of the town of New Prague lies in 
the northern part of section 3, there being but a 
few private dwellings in this fraction, however. 

Joseph Petricka is a native of Bohemia, born in 
1833. He spent his youth in his native country. 
In 1869 he. came to America; he subsequently lo- 
cated in Lanesburgh township, on section 4, where 
he now resides with his family. He was united in 
marriage with Miss Mary Swoboda, who has borne 
him eight children. 



CHAPTER LXVI. 



WAR KECORD OF LE SUEUR COUNTT. 

First Infantry, Company A. Privates — Abel 
Biddle, must. May 18, '61, dis for disab'y Mar. 
2, '63. J. T. Halsted, must. Apr. 29, '61, w'd in 
battle of Bull Run, dis. for disab'y Sep. 1, '62. 

Company G. Privates — James Belote, must. 
May 23, '61, tran. to U. S. cav. Oct. 24, '62. Je- 
rome Farnsworth, must. May 23, '61, died July 
23, '63. S. H. Johnson, must. May 23, '61, dis. 
for disab'y, Dec. 8, 61. 



526 



JU^TOUy OF TUE MINNESOTA VAI.IJCr. 



Second Tiiriiutry; Dr. Otis Aver was oomrais- 
sioned iissistaiit surfjecm February 21, 18()3 and 
resigned l^ecember 23d f)f the siiine year. . Com- 
pany B. Dniftcd - Joaepli Koebeck, must. Nov. 
2, '64, dis. with regt. Company C. DroflaJ—W. 
H. Begordes, must. Nov. 18, '64, dis. per order 
July 1, '61. G. H. Dunburg, must. Nov. 18, '64, 
dis. witli regt. Joseph Davidson, must. Nov, 18, 
'64, dis with regt. Company D. Ihnfteil — Thomas 
O'Cirady, must. June 4, '64, dis. per order June 
22, '6.5. Company E, mustered July .'5, 1861. 
Sergeant — A. E. Al den, pro. Ist Lt. Mar. 20, '62; 
resigned in Nov. '64. Corporal — Solon Cheadle. 
re-en. Dec. 26, '63, w'd at Chickamauga, dis. on 
ex. of term, July 4, 64. Musiciam — R. G. Khodes, 
re-en., pro. sergt., leader of band, dis. with regt. 
Frank Boeur, trans, to comp. I, 4th U. S. art'y in 
Jan. '62. Privates — Alexander Bradbury, dis. for 
disal)'y in '62. A. P. Clark, re-en. Dec. 26, '63, 
di.*. Avith regt. R. S. Chase, dis. on ex. of term, 
July 4. '64. Thomas Downs, re-en, Dec. 26, '63, 
pro. corp. and serg't, dis. with regt. James Kirk, 
re-en. Dec. 26, '(53. dis. with regt. F. A. Sneider, 
dis. on ex. of term, July 4, '64. Warren Si)iuild- 
ing, died in '62, at Keokuk, Iowa. H. P. Thomp- 
son, killed Jan. 19, '63, in battle at Mill Spring, 
Ky. Frank Wondleshafer, trans, to eo. I, 4th U. 
S. art. in '62. Benjamin Warvant, w'd at Chicka- 
mauga, dis. on ex. of term, July 4, '64. Recruits 
—Washington Brockway, must. Oct. 1, '61, died 
at home in Owatonna, Minn. Joseph Dans, 
must. Feb. 26, '64, dis. with regt. Lewis Horst, 
dis. with regt. William Jones, must. Oct. 1, '61, 
dis. on ex. of term, Sep. 30, '64. Drafted— J. H. 
Edwards, must. Oct. 5, '64, dis. with regt. Wil- 
liam Koenig, must. Oct. 8, '64, dis. with regt. 
Willard Thayer, must. Oct. .5, '64, dis. with regt. 
Company G. Recruits — John Turka, must. Jan. 
26, '64, dis. with regt. C. F. Uhlig, must. Sept. 
30, '61, dis. with regt. .Tohn Wesli, must. June 2, 
'64, dis. with regt. Company H. Drafted — 
William Connors, must. June 4, '64, dis. with 
regt. A. E. Prosser, must. Nov. 18, '64, dis. per 
order .June 25, "65. Company T. Drafted — Joseph 
Smith, must. Dec. 25, "64, dis. with regt. Com- 
pany K. Sergeant — J. B. McDonough, must. 
July 12, '61, pro. 2d Lt. June 3, '62, 1st Lt. June 
11, '62, w'd at battle of Mill Spring, and trans, to 
V. R. C. Corpcrnl — J. M. Wilson, must. 3\\\y 31, 
'61, dis. for disab'y. Primtes — D. H. Cobb, must. 
Apr. 1, '65, died Mar. 17. '62, at Lebanon, Ky. 
W. B. C. Eviina, must. Aug. 8, '61, w'd at Mission 



Ridge, dis. on e.\. of term. J. H. Gruell, must. 
July 31, '61, ])ro. Corp., re-en. Dec. 26, '6.3, dis. 
with regt. Andrew Hower, miist Aug. 22, '61, re- 
en. in Dec. "63, pro. coqj, dis. with regt. Jacob 
Hower, must. Aug. 22, '61, re-en in Dec. '63, dis. 
with regt. Mathias Hower, must. Aug. 22, '61, 
pro. Corp., dis. with regt. J. P. Montgomery, 
must. Sep. 11, '61, trans, to V. R. C. Sep. 1, '63. 
George Plowman, must. Aug. 26, '61, dis. for 
disab'y Apr. 19, '(;2; returned home, took part as 
volunteer in Indian war of '62, com'd 2d Lt. in 
CO. I, 4th inf'y A\ig. 23, '64, dis. with regt. Peter 
Ruger, must. Aug. 26, '61, trans, to co. G. H. C. 
Williftras, must. Aug. 1, '61, died Feb. 28, '62, at 
Somerset, Ky. Recruits — C. W. Andrews, must. 
Feb. 25, '64, dis. from hosp. July 13, '65. Wil- 
liam Forsyth, must. Feb. 25, '64, dis. with regt. 
Drafted — Michael Anfang, must. June 4, '64, dis. 
witli regt. Domiiiicus Hill, must June 7,'64, dis. 
with regt. Nicholas Karteug. must. June 4,'64, dis. 
with regt. 

Third Infantry, Company H. Privates — Eph- 
raim Davis, Must. Nov. 9, dis. on ex. of term, 
Nov. 14, '64. H. W. Donaldson, trans, from Co. 
I. Dec. 1, '61, re-en. Dec. 31, '63, dis. for ^Usability 
Jan. 17, '64. Company I, Mustered November 9, 
1861. l-i^. Lieut. — .loseph H. Swan, pro. Capt. 
Dec. 1. '62, resigned Dec. 31, '64. Sergeants — .1. 
G. Cantwell, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, pro. Capt. in 112th 
U. S. Col'd Inf'y in '64. F. H. Dcnison. dis. for 
disab'y, Mav 2, "63. Corporals — Franklin Pickler, 
dis. for disab'y, Feb. 10, '63. O. S. Young, pro. 
sergt., re-en. .Ian. 1, '64, dis. with regt. Musicians 
— J. A. Spelman, pro. corp. and sergt., dis. with 
regt. Michael Farrell, trans, to V. R. C. Apr. 11. 
'65. Wagorur — Henry Earle. dis. for disab'y in 
'62. Privates — Nathan Babcock, died Oct. 4. 63. 
at Memphis, Tenn. Frank Becker, re-en. .Ian. 1, 
'64, pro. 2d lieut. in 112th U. S. Col'd Inf'y. 
Mathew Cantwell, died Oct. 11, '62 of w'd rec'd at 
battle of Wood Lake, ISIinn. David Crosby, 
deserted Aug. 9, '62, from Benton Bar'ks, Mo. 
Byron Canfield. re-en. Jan. 1 '64, dis. with regt. 
E. W. Cline, re-en. Jan. 1, 64. dis. with regt. J. 
C. Cantwell, re-on. Jan. 1. 64, dis. for pro. in col'd 
inf 'y Mar. 8, 64. Mark Damon, dis. for disab'y. 
M. J. Dickinson, re-en. .Ian. 1, '64, pro. corp., dis. 
with regt. H. L. Dean, died .I\ily 28, "63 on 
hosp. boat on Miss, river. H. W. Donaldson, 
trans, to Co. H. Dec. 1, 61. JI. D. Freeman, ilis. 
for disab'y. William Hockridge, died in Minn. 
Sept. 23, '63. Marvin Hathaway, dis. on ex. of 



LE SUEUR COUNTT. 



527 



term. Not. 14, '64. Charles Mattis, dis. for disab'y 
Apr. 12, '62. Delavan Peck, died Hep. 16, '64, at 
Pine Bluff, Ark. John Pope, re-en. Jan. 1. '64, 
dis. for w'ds rec'd in action, May 17, '65. S. S. 
Kichardson, pro. Corp., dis. on ex. of term, Nov. 
14. '64. Charles Richter, dis. on ex. of terra, Nov. 

14, 64. Peter Shipman, re-eu. Jan. 1. '64. dis. for 
pro. in U. S. Col'd Inf'y, Apr. 17, '64. W. I. 
Smith, killed Apr. 1, '64, at battle of Fitzhugh's 
Woods, Ark. Henry Timms, re-en. Jan. 4, "64, 
pro. Corp., dis. with regt. Recniils — Henry Brid- 
enthall, must. J'eb. 26, '64, dis. \yith regt. Augast 
Brindzick, must. Feb. 26, '64, died Nov. 26, '64, 
at Duvall's Bluff, Ark. Adolph Cramer, must. 
Mar. 2, '64, died Aug. 26, '64, at Duvall's Bluff, 
Ark. Judson Coggswell, Must. Feb. 11, '64, died 
in Minn. Sep. 12, '64. Michael Hennesey, must. 
Feb. 26, '64, died Oct. 1.3, '64, at Pine Bluff, Ark. 
William Shea, must. Feb. 11, '64, died Aug. 17, 
'64, at Piue Bluff', Ark. M. C. Wilson, must. Feb. 
26~ '64, dis. with regt. 

Fourth Infantry, Company A. Prmde--.J. B. 
Sanders, must. Oct. 4, '61, pro. corp., re-en. Jan. 
1, '64, pro. serg't, dis. July 19, '65. Company 
D. Recruit — M. W. Bergordis, must. Apr. 4, '64, 
dis. with regt. Substitute — F. F. Fisher, must; 
Aug. 24, '64, died Feb. 28, '65, of small-pox at St. 
Louis, Mo. Drafted — Michael Hertans, must. 
June 4, '64, dis. with regt. Company E, mus- 
tered November 27, 1861. 1st Lieut. — Robert 
Winegar, resigned June 26, '62. Sergeants — J. W. 
Crawford, pro. 2d lieut. and 1st Lieut., resigned 
June 2, '63. J. A. Goodwin, pro. 2d lieut., dis. for 
wd's rec'd at battle of luka, Deo. 25, '63. F. M. 
Joneis, dis. for disab'y Dec. 21, '64. D. G. Towle, 
pro. 2d lieut. Feb. 2.5, '63, 1st lieut. Nov. 7, '63, 
and capt. Jan. 29, '64, dis. per order Apr. 5, '65. 
Corporals — Addison Phelps, trans, to Inv. G. Feb. 

15, '64. Charles Primbs, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, ap'd 
hosp. stew'd, trans, to N. C. S. Daniel Tasker, re- 
en. Jan. 1, '64, pro. 1st sergt. Thomas Rees, w'd 
at Vicksburg, Miss., sent to hosp., rec'd notice of 
death Jan. 20, '63. L. J. Green, dis. for disab'y 
Mar. 29, '62. J. E. Jones, dis. for disab'y Oct. 
13, '62. Musicians — G. F. Herriek, dis. for disab'y 
Oct. 4, '62. G. H. Herriek, dis. for disab'y 
Dec. 21, '62. Wagoner — Harvey Fletcher, re-en. 
Jan. 1, '64, dis. July 19, '65. Privates— Thomas 
Agan, must. Oct. 1, '61, dis. for disab'y Dec. 31, 
'62. Michael Barney, must. Oct. 1, '61, dis. for 
disab'y Aug. 8, '62. Samuel Bridenthall, must. 
Oct. 1, '61, re-eu. Jan. 1, '64, dis. with regt. P. 



A. Briggs,' must. Oct, 1, '61, dis. for disab'y Mar. 
26, '62. J. B. Bodan, must. Oct. 1, '61, re-en. 
Jan. 1, '64, dis. with regt. William Bradley, 
must. Oct. 1, '61, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, pro. corp., dis. 
with regt. Oscar Crandall, must. Oct. 1, '61, dis. 
on ex. of term, Dec. 1, '64. Simeon Case, must. 
Oct. 1, '61, trans, to V. R. C. Seth CadwaDader, 
must. Oct. 1, '61, dis. for disali'y Apr. 4, '63. Mi- 
chael Dolan, must. Oct. 1, '61, re-en. Mar. 2, '64, 
dis. with regt. A. F. De Levergne, must. Oct. 1, 
'61, dis. for disab'y Mar. 2, '62. Joseph Everett, 
must.Oct. 1, '61, dis. on ex. of term, Dec. 21, '64. 
J. M. H. Flin, must. Oct. 1, '61, killed at Vicks- 
burg, Miss., May 16, '63, while storming breast- 
works. John Grear, must. Oct. 1, '61, dis. on ex. 
of term, Dec. 3, '64. Abraham Gadwa, must. Oct. 
1, '61, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis. with regt. Wilham 
Hodgson, must. Oct. 1, '61, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, pro. 
Corp., dis. with regt. W. P. Jones, must. Oct. 1, 
'61, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, pro. corp. and sergt., dis. 
with regt. Orlando Lindersmith, must. Oct. 1, '61. 
re-en. Jan. 1, '64, jiro. corp. Mar. 1, '64. G. M. 
Miles, must. Oct. 1, '61, trans, to Inv. C. Mar. 15, 
'64. T. M. McKee, must. Oct. 1, '61, re-en. Jan. 
1, '64, dis. with regt. Jacob Niebles, must. Oct. 
1, '61, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis. with regt., trans, to 
reg'l band. Frederick Parsons, must. Oct. 1. '61, 
dis. for disab'y July 30, '63. H. H. Phillips, 
must. Oct. 12, '61, dis. on ex. of term, Nov. 26, 
'64. I. N. Rants, must. Oct. 1, '61, re-en. Jan. 1, 
'64,- pro. Corp., died at ShakojDee, Minn., Mar. 26, 
'64. John Risedorf, must. Oct. 1, '61, re-en. Jan. 
1, '64, jjro. corp. and sergt., dis with regt. H. H. 
Randolph, must. Oct. 1, '61, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis. 
with regt. .1. W. Rosenberg, must. Oct. 1, '61, 
dis. for disab'y Jan. 18, '63. Benjamin Siers, 
miist. Oct. 1, '61, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, pro. corp., dis. 
with regt. Ingbert Sorenson, must. Oct. 1, '61, 
re-en. Jan. 1, '64, pro. corp., dis. with regt. 
J. S. Thomas, must. Oct. 1, '61, trans, to Co. K, 
Mar. 14, '62. G. W. Thomas, must. Oct. 1, '61, 
re-en. Jan. 1, '64, pro. corp. sergt. dis. with regt. 
W. S. TuthiU, must. Oct. 1, '61, died Jan. 13, '63, 
at La Grange, Tenu. E. A. Tyler, must. Oct. 1, 
'61, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, pro. corp. sergt, dis. Mar. 
7, '65, for pro. as 1st lieut in Co. L, 1st regt 
heavy art'y. J. A. Town, must. Oct. 19, '61, dis. 
Sep. 21, '62, re-en. Nov. 11, '62, pro corp. dis. with 
regt. James Wilcox, must. Oct. 1, '61, died at St. 
Louis, Mo., date unknown. William Wilson, no 
record. B. J. WilUams, must. Oct. 1, '61, dis. on 
ex. of term, Dec. 3, '64. Recruits — J. W. Baker, 



5-2 S 



JlISTOliY OF THE MINNESOTA VALI.KY. 



must. Mar. 14, '62, dis. for disab'y, Deo. 24, '62. 
Silas Cogswell, must. Fell. 12, '62, died Mar. 26, 
'(U, at St. Pnul, Minn. T. B. Casterline, must. 
Feb. 2(1, ■(■.2, re-eu. Fel). 27, 'fii, dis. witli regt. 
.Tudson Ooggswell, must. Feb. 21, '62, dis. for dis- 
ab'y, Nov. 10, "62. Vnifted — John Dickey, must. 
June 2, '65, dis. with regt. Owen Davis, must. 
.Tuno 2, '0.5, dis. with regt. .Tames Davis, must. 
June 3, 'ti.5, dis. with regt. Nicholas Hower, must. 
June 4, '64, dis. with regt. Joseph Krankee, raugt. 
Dec. 30, '64, dis. with regt. Z. M. Lauey, must. 
Dec. 7, '64, di.«. with regt. John Robinson, must- 
Jan. 2, '6.5, dis. with regt. Albert Troust, must. 
Dec. 29, '64, dis. with regt. Nicholas Bums, must. 
Jan. 2, '65, dis. with regt. Company F. Recruitg 
— K. B. Langdon, must. Sep. 3, "64, dis. per order 
June 12, '65. Drafted — Christopher Lind, must. 
Dec. 7, '64, dis with regt. Company G. Privates 
— Ferdinand Monner, must. Oct. 23, '61, dis. on 
ex. of term. Dee. 21, '64. Recruit — Frank Stov- 
back, en. Sep. 2, '64, di.s. June 12, '65. Company 
H. mustered December 20, 1861. Sergeant — Frank 
Mimton, reduced to ranks, dis. on ex. of term, Deo. 
20, '64. Privates — E. E. Boutwell, served eigh- 
teen months. Leonard Herrick, dis. for disab'y, 
Nov. 8, '62. C. A. Kelley, dis. for disab'y, Nov. 
26, '62. Charles Kelly, dis. for disab'y Jan. 23, 
'63. J. S. Bean, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, pro. sergt. dis. 
with regt. M. W. Cunningham, dis. on ex. of 
term Dec. 20, '64. Christian Hub, dis. on ex. of 
term, Dec. 20, '64. John Maag, dis. for disab'y 
Nov. 13, '62. Washington Muzzy, re-en. Mar. 22, 
'64, dis.regt, trans, to reg'tband. Dennis Springer, 
dis. on ex. of term. Dee. 20, '64. W. R. Smith, 
dis. on ex. of term, Deo. 20, '64. Alfred Springer, 
re-en. Jan. 1, '64, pro. corp. dis. with regt. Pe- 
cniils — George Flowers, mvist. Sep. 1, '64, dis. 
June 12, '65. Henry Wasraan, must. Aug. 29, '64, 
dis. Jime 12, '65. C. H. Savidge, must. Sep. 12, 
'64. pro. chaplain, Dec. 19, '64, dis with regt. 
Company I, mustered December 23, 1861. Cor- 
poral — J. W. Hunter, died July 12, '62, at Farm- 
ington, Miss. Musician — Peter Smith, dis. on ex. 
of term Dec. 26, '64. Wagoner — WilUam Raridan, 
re-en. .Tan. 1, '64, dis. with regt. Privates — Cor- 
nelius Culp, dis. tor disab'y Feb. 23, '63. C. V. 
Lamont, dis. for disab'y Feb. 16, '63. S. E. Liv- 
ingston, re-en. .Tan. 1, '64. dis. with regt. A. .T. 
Moler, dis. on ex. of term, Dec. 26, '64. G. R. 
Moler, dis. Dec. 31, "63, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis. with 
regt. William Preston, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, pro. 
Corp. dis with regt. W. W. Preston, dis. for 



disab'y, Apr. 18, "64. A. H. Ripley, re-en. Jan. 1, 
'64, dis. with regt. C. E. Rogers, dis. for disab'y 
Feb. 9, '63. Runsora Bobbins, ro-en. .Tan. 1, '64, 
pro. serg't, dis. with regt. Alfred Bobbins, died 
.Tune 23, '62, at Camp Big Springs, Miss. H. W. 
Rogers, re-en. .Tan. 1, '64, dis. from wd's rec'd at 
AUtoona. .Tubus Staple, re-en. .Tan. 1, '64, pro. 
corp. dis. with regt. Erasmus Tildeu, deserted 
May 14, at Hamburg Landing, Tenn. Levi Van 
Blaricon, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis. with regt. Willard 
Woolson, dis. for disab'y. July 19, '62. Alfred 
York, no record. Recruits — Hiram Daniels, en. 
Dec. 27, '61, re-en. Feb. 22, '64, pro. corp. dis. 
with regt. A. S. Gish, en. Dec. 28, '61. re-en. .Tan. 
1, '64, died Oct. 7, '64, of wd's rec'd at Alltoona, 
Ga. J. W. Gish, en. Dec. 27, '61, dis. for disab'y 
July 18, '<)2. Kiehard Kelly, en. Feb. 24, '62, 
dis.onex. of term, Feb. 27, '65. .Teremiah Mitch- 
ell, en. Sep. 3, '64, dis. per order June 12, '()5. 
William Nightingale, en. Jan. 22, '62, dis. on ex. 
of term, Apr. 4, '64. Tennessee Robins, en. Aug. 
24, '64, died Feb. 20, '65, at Evansville, Indiana. 
A. F. Stowe, en. Aug. 20, '64, dis. {jer order .Tune 
12, '65. ririck Sohm, en. Aug. 25. '64, killed 
Oct. 5, '64, in battle of Allatoona, Ga. Joseph 
Van Blaricon, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis. with regt. 
Armiston Wing, dis. per order June 12, '64. 
Drafted — Nathaniel Peck, must. Jmie 4, '64, dis. 
with regt. Henry Van Blaricon. must. June 4, 
'64, dis. with regt. Company K. Recruits — A. 
O. Hurst, must. Feb. 18, '62, re-en. Feb. 29, '64, 
dis. with regt. Orris Hurtley, must. Aug. 25, '64. 
dis. per order June 12, '65, .Toseph Mautner, 
must. Aug. 25, '64, dis. with regt. .1. B. Randall, 
must. Aug, 31, '64, dis. per order June 12, '65. J. 
S. Thomas, must. Nov. 1, '61, trans, from Co. E. 
Mar. 13, '62, trans, to Inv. C. Mar. 1.5, '64. 
Israel Wickara, must. Sep. 5, '64, dis. jier order 
June 12, '65. Substitute — David Imhoff, must. 
Sep. 9, '64. dis. with regt. 

Fifth Infantry, Company A. Primte* — Fred- 
erick Bury, must. Mar. 24, '62, taken prisoner at 
Corinth, Miss., Oct. 4, '62, died July 5, '63, at St. 
Louis, Mo. John J. Bury, must. Mar 24, '62, w'd 
at Corinth, Miss., died Sept. 21, '63, at Camp 
Sherman, Miss. (Company F, mustered April 25, 
1862. Privates — John A. Bard, pro. Corp., died 
Aug. 9, '63, at Camp Sherman, Jliss. Jolui N. 
Bard, deserted Mar. 14, '63. Mahlon Edwards, 
deserted Mar. 14, '63, at Memphis. Teun. .Tohn 
KuykendaU, dis. on ex. of tenn. May 22, '65. 

Sixth Inffmtry, Company H. Private — Lafay- 



I.E tiUEUn COUNTY. 



529 



ette Root, must. Nov. 20, '62, pro. corp., clis. with 
regt. Company I. Prmde — F. F. Enfield, must. 
Oct. 4, '62, dis. with regt. Recruit— J. O. Enfield, 
must. Jan. 5, '64, dis. with regt. 

Seventh Infantry. Company H, mustered Oct. 
8, 1862. P/v'Bato— Anthony Gress, trans, to V. K. 
C. Apr. 1, '65. C. F. Root, pro. corp., dis. with 
regt. Jacob Harrisberger, pro. corp., w'd in bat- 
tle of Tupelo. H. L. Schaefier, missing while on 
escort duty on Cumberland river, drowned or de- 
serted. Company K, mustei'ed September 24, 
1862. Captidn — Francis Burke, resigned Feb. 23, 
'63. 1st. Lieut. — Theodore G. Carter, pro. capt. 
Feb. 24, '63. dis. with regt. 2rf Lieut.— Fe\ix A. 
Borer, pro. 1st lieut. Feb. 24, '63, dis. with regt. 
8erge<iHla — N. H. Manning, pro. 2d lieut. Feb. 24, 
'63, res'd Mar. 30, '64. J. B. Turrittin, pro. 2d 
lieut. Apr. 26, '64, dis with regt. D. E. Williams, 
pro. 1st sergt. May 1, '64, dis. with regt. Wil- 
liam Lancaster, w'd at battle of Tupelo, dis. with 
regt. Corporals — N. S. Carter, pro. sergt. May 9, 
'63, dis. per order May 31, '65. M. B. Odell, 
trans, to Inv. Corps Nov. 20, '63. G. C. Clapp, 
pro. sergt. on detached service in 121st U. S. col. 
inf'y on dis. of regt. F. A. Wilds, dis. for disab'y 
Nov. 28, '63. J. S. Turrittin, pro. sergt., dis. per 
order May 28, '65. O. S. Nasou, pro. sergt., dis. 
with regt. B. R. Damrin, dis. for disab'y Nov. 28, 
'63. Thomas Montgomery, dis. for promotion in 
U. 8. col. inf'y. Musicians — Morgan Kingsley, 
dis. while absent in hosp. in '65. F. L. Perry, dis. 
with regt. Wng^mr — Lawson Hill, dis. with regt. 
Pricates — John Arend, dis. with regt. Frederick 
Arter, dis. for disab'y Apr. 4, '65. Philander 
Brown, dis. for disab'y Feb. 26, '64. Herman 
Borer, trans, to Inv. Corps Nov. 29, '63. S. C. 
Bedow, died Nov. 4, '62, at St. Peter, Minn. Seth 
Birdsell, dis. per order May 11, '65. Adalbert 
Carpenter, dis. for disab'y Mar. 25, '63. T. 
M. Conner, pro. corp., dis. with regt. John W. 
Chambers, dis. with regt. J. H. Cooley, dis. with 
regt. 0. O. Chapman, died Jan. 4, '64, at St. 
Louis, Mo. S. H. Conner, dis. with regt. Mi- 
chael Dorn, dis. while absent in hosp. in '65. T. 
B. Davis, dis. per ortler June 9, '65. John Diller, 
pro. Corp., shghtly w'd at Tupelo and Spanish 
Fort, dis. with regt. W. W. Douglas, dis. with 
regt. Thomas Fitch, pro. corp., dis. with regt. 
Manley Grover, com. sergt. from Nov. 3, '63, to 
Dec. 20, '64, dis. with regt. Thomas Haley, w'd 
at Tallahatchie B. Aug. 9, '64, dis. for 
disab'y Apr. 4, '65. T. B. Hobsou, dis. 

34 



in hosp. in '65. R. W. Holcomb, pro. corp. 
Marvin Harrier, w'd slightly in battles of Nash- 
ville and Spanish Fort, dis. with regt. J. N. Hess, 
dis. Oct. 29, '64, for pro. in 1st Minn. Heavy Art. 
Thomas Hannigan, pro. corp., dis. with regt. J. 
N. Hoyt, died Dec. 28, '63, at St. Louis, Mo. H. 
F. Halleck, w'd at Nashville, Tenn. dis. for disab'y 
May 31. '65. Patrick Hoey, pro. corp., dis. per 
order, May 31, '65. S. K. Hodges, trans, to inv. 
corps Nov. 20, '63. C. E. Hess, dis. -svith regt. 
David Johnson, dis. with regt. E. L. .Johnson, 
pro. sergt., died July 26, '64, at Memphis, Tenn. 
Rudolph .Jaeger, dis. per order, May 16, '65. C. 
C. Kendall, dis. per order, .Tune 9, '65. S. T. 
Keithley, dis. per order. May 22, '65. Michael 
Keogh, dis. with regt. C. P. Little, died Aug. 20, 
'64, at Memphis, Tenn. James McNeil, dis. with 
regt. Paddock Morris, pro. Corp., died Dec, 20, 
'64, at Kasota, Minn. Peter McCabe, dis. with 
regt. J. T. Mitchell, died Feb. 7, '63, at Mankato, 
Minn. T. C. Nason, dis. per order, June 23, '65. 
W. H. Pettis, dis. for disab'y, May 11, '63. C. C. 
Pettis, dis. with regt. O. S. Redfield, died Apr. 12, 
'6.5, at New Albany, Ind. Thomas Small, died 
Jan. 15, '63, at Mankato, Minn. George Simp- 
son, w'd in battle of Tupelo, dis, with regt. Arch- 
ibald Savidge, pro. corp., w'd severely in battle of 
Tupelo, killed in battle of Nashville, Dec 16, '64. 
Joseph Shepperle, trans, to inv. corps Nov. 20, '63. 
E. R. R. Talbot, dis. Mar. 17, '64, for pro, as 1st 
lieut. in 68th U. S. Col. Inf 'y. O. C. Tibbets, pro. 
Corp. sergt., dis. with regt. Edward Tolan, dis. 
with regt. G. T. Virtue, dis. for disab"ty, Mar. 
25, '63. Martin Meisseuritter, dis. from hosp. in 
'65. Andrew Wilfert, dis. July 1, '65, at Mem- 
phis, Tenn. J. F. Westlake, dis. with regt. 
Recruits — Francis Burke, Jr., must. Feb. 27, 64, 
w'd slightly in battle of Nashville, pro. corp., dis. 
with regt. O. C. Conway, must. Jan. 9, '64, dis. 
with regt. Joseph Davis, en. .Jan. 29, '63. Timo- 
thy Donohue, pro. corp., dis. with regt. Anthony 
Farrell, must. Feb. 27, '64, dis. with regt. Otis 
E. Fowble, must. Feb. 27, '64, dis. per order. May 
24, '65. WiUiam McConky, must. Jan. 4, '64, dis. 
pet order. May 31, '65. Patrick Radigan, must. 
Feb. 11, '64, died July 11, '65, at Selma, Ala. 
John Standenmaier, must. Jan. 9, 64, dis. with regt. 
Eighth Infantry, Company H. Privates — Arthur 
O'Maley, must. Oct. 30, '62. dis. in hosp. in '65. 
Company K. Curponil — William Do\vua, must. 
Sep. 23, '62, killed Dec. 7, '64, in battle of Cedars 
near Murfreesboro, Tenn. 



530 



lUSrOHY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Ninth Infnnhy, Company D. Muneian — Ferdi- 
nand Seeger, must. Sep. 2'A, '62, dis. with regt. 
PritKite — Paul Seeger, must. Sep. 23. 'fi2, (lis. with 
regt. Company E, nmstored November 14, 18G2. 
Pr*rrt<«»— EdwarEvans.capt'd at Brioe Cross Roads, 
dis. with regt. H. R. Roberts, w'd and capt'd at 
Brice Cross Roads June 10, '64. reporteil dead. 
Company F. Recruit— G. W. Brook.s, must. July 
2, "63, dis. in bosp. in '65. 

Tenth Infantry, Company (t, must. Sept. 28, 
1862. Captnin — Edxvin C. Sanders.pro. major Jan. 
15, 'G5, dis. with regt. \st Lieut — George W. 
Stuart, pro. Capt. February 17, '65, dis. with regt. 
2rf Lieutenant — Oliver B. Smitli. died Jan. 1, '64, 
at St. Louis, Mo. Sergeants — I. M. Francis, dis. 
for disab'y Apr. 30, '()4. S. J. Wise, dis. per order 
June 30, '65. Adam ZeC; dis. for disab'y July 
14, '65. John Smith, dis. July 21, '65, absent. 
Henry Kinsey, dis. .Tune 30, "65. Corporals — James 
Poherty, pro. serg't, dis. with regt. Henry Assen- 
maker, pro. serg't, dis. with regt. Phillip R. Hiller, 
dis. with regt. Criss Bader, pro. serg't, dis. with 
regt. A. C. Hanley, acciden'y killed Nov. 12, '64. 
Abraham Dahl, dis. with regt. Simon Stone, dis. 
with regt. Henry Vasterling, killed Dec. 16, '64, 
in battle of Nashville. Musiciann — Joseph Beach, 
dis. for disab'y May 13, '63. T. R. Davis, dis. per 
order May 4, '65. Wagoner — P. S. Bateman, dis. 
with regt. Privates — J. D. Abbott, dis. in '65,' 
■absent. Frederich Almich, dis. with regt. Samuel 
Biiflington, dis. in '65, absent. W. H. Bigelow, 
dis. with regt. .John Brcnloclir, dis. .\ug. 29, '65, 
absent. John Ci ffee, dis. with regt. Atwood 
Crosby, pro. Corp., dis. with regt. Lemuel Crosby, 
dis. with regt. Wellington Canfiold, dis. ^vith 
regt. Eli Crosby, dis. with regt. John Capperts, 
killed Dec. 16, '64, in battle of Nashville, Tenn. 
L. A. Canfield, dis. with regt. Flori Cori, died 
May 10, '65, at New Orleans, La., of wounds rec'd 
in siege of Spanish Fort. Hiram De Lavergne, 
dis. |)er order May 16, '(iS. Hugh Dobbins, 
drowned May 30, '63 at Usher's Landing, Mo. 
river, while bathing. Samuel Doherty, dis. with 
regt. Caeser Deigneau, dis. for disability 
August 2'.>. '63. August Dictz, dis. per order 
May 17, '65. Frederick Erkle, pro. corp, dis. with 
regt. John Fogler, dis. with regt. Frank Fred- 
erick, died Feb. 19, '63, at Kelso, Minn. J. M. 
Faddis, dis. with regt. W. H. Gibbs, dis. with 
regt. Ferdinand Geigerick, dis. with regt. M. 
M. Hynson, dis. with regt. James Harris, dis. per 
order May 16, '65. Ferdinand Kroska, dis. with 



regt. Peter Klinkhammer, dis. with regt. Jnmes 
Linnen, dis. in hosj). Aug. 15, '65. H. A. Lumpp, 
pro. Corp. dis. with regt. William Laab.s, pro. 
corp, dis. with regt. John Lehnert, dis. July 14, 
'65, absent. John Lipke, dis. for disab'y Dec. 4. 
'63. Dennis Murphy, dis. with regt. Louis Mag- 
edens, dis. witli regt. Charles Nagle, dis. for dis- 
ab'y. May 13, '63. Frederick Nagle, ]>ro. corp. 
and serg't, dis. with regt. E. F. Nettleton, dis. 
with regt. A. R. Peck, dis. with regt. James 
Randall, died at JefTerson bar'ks, Mo., date un- 
known. Boyd Randall, dis. for disab'y ^Iny 13, 
'63. William Randall, dis. July 26, '65, absent. 
S. A. Randolph, pro. corp. dis. with regt. John 
Ruggles, dis. with regt. George Smith, Jr., dis. 
for disaby. Hep. 28, '(;4. Frederick Schwartz, 
trans, to V. R. C. Apr. 1, '65. J. E. Seal, no rec- 
ord. Charles Scldagel, pro. corp. dis. with regt. 
Herman Sunderman, dis. with regt. Louis 
S])arr, dis. with regt. F. A. Storbeck, pro. corp. 
dis. with regt. Peter Sauter, dis. May 11, '65, 
absent. A. W. Thomas, dis. with regt. Matthew 
Tobias, dis. with regt. George Wagner, dis. with 
regt. Nicholas Willwording. deserted Feb. 18, 
'63, at Kelso, Minn. Thomas King, killed July 
14, '64, in battle of Tujjelo. Owen Donahue, 
drowned Apr. 23, '()4, l)y falling overboard in the 
Miss, river. Recruits — Norman Coggswell, must. 
Aug. 11, '63, dis. in '65, absent. J. H. Da\-i8, 
must. Aug. 11, '63, dis. with regt. J. H. De- 
Laughter, must. Mar. 4, '64. dis. with regt, ab- 
sent. Patrick Doherty, must. Apr. 4, '64, dis. jier 
order May 11, 'Ii5. August R. Doescher, must. 
Feb. 9, '64, dis. per order June 5, '65. Thomas 
Fowler, must. Mar. 1, '64, died Feb. 22, 'fJS at 
Cairo, El. C. M. Gibbs, must. Feb. 9, '64, dis. 
with regt. John Hochstatter, must. Aug. 11. '63. 
dis. with regt. Mike Item, must. Dec. 31, '62, 
died Jan. 18, '65, at JetTersonville, Ind. Jacob 
Item. must. Dec. 31. '62. died Feb. 15, '65, at 
Memphis, Tenn. Benjamin Kulj), must. Feb. 9, 
'64. dis. for disab'y, Aug. 6, '64. Cieorge Norton, 
must. Apr. 18, '65, dis. per order May 29, '65. 
Company I. Recruit — John Conrad, must. June 
26, "63. pro. corji. dis. with regt. 

Eleventh Infantry, Ci>mp;uiy A., mustered .\ug. 
24, 1864. Corjioral — Frederick Denzer, dis. with 
regt. Privates — Charles Denzer, dis. with regt. 
Henry Denzer. dis. with regt. Pet^ r Harrisberger, 
died May 22, '6.5, at Gallatin, Tenn. William 

I Weyl, dis. with regt. Company C. Privates — B. 

i F. Elwood, must. Aug. 27, '64, dis. with regt. W. 



LE SUEUR COUNTY. 



531 



H. Harding, must. Aug. 21, '64, dis. with regt. 
George Root, must. Aug. 27, '64, tlis. with regt. 
Patrick W. Smith, must. Aug. 29, '64, dis. with 
regt. Thomas Smith, must. Aug. 28, '64, dis. 
•with regt. L. W. Smith, must. Aug. 29, '64, dis. 
with regt. Company E. Sergeants — J. H. Covey, 
must. Aug. 26, '64, dis. with regt. A. O. Smith, 
must. Aug. 26, '64, reduced for disab'y, dis. with 
regt. Corporal — Jacob Gleasou, must. Sept. 3, '64, 
dis. with tegt. Privates — P. M. Bond, must. Aug. 
23, '64, dis. with regt. P. K. Bond, must. Aug. 
23, "64, dis. with regt. George Batdorf, must. 
Aug. 2G, '64, dis. with regt. M. S. Cheadle, must. 
Aug. 26, '64, dis. with regt. P. W. Cunningham, 
must. Aug. 23, '64, dis. with regt. R. H. Everett, 
must. Aug. 2.5, '64, dis. with regt. C. R. Edsell, 
must. Aug. 26, '64, dis. with regt. 

First Regiment Heavy Artillery, Company A. 
Artificer — John Van Antwerp, must. Sept. 28, '64, 
dis. with comp. Private — Aaron Decker, must. 
Sep. 23, '64, dis. with comp. Company B. 
Private — John Ohurick, must. Sep. 19, '64, dis. 
with comp. Company C. Ist Sergeant — Grayson 
Maynard, must. O^t. 7, '64, dis. with comp. 
Corporals — D. F. Bard, must. Oct 7, '64,- dis. with 
comp. John Cliadwick, must. Oct. 7, '64, dis. 
with crimp. Cornelius Ciilp, must. Oct. 7, '64, 
dis. with comp. H. A. Christman, must. Oct. 7, '64, 
dis. June 15, '65, absent. Privates — D. M. Culp, 
must. Oct. 7, '64, dis. with comp. G. W. Gould, 
must. 0?t. 7, '61, pro. corp., dis. with comp. 
Joachim Pfalzgrofft, miist. Oct. 10, '64, trans, to 
Co. D, dis. with comp. Ferdinand Rosenau, must. 
Oct. 7, '64, dis. with comp. Michael Redel, must. 
Oct. 10, '64, trans, to Co. D, dis. with comp. 
James Watkins, must. Oct. 7, '64, dis. with comp. 
Joseph Warburton, must. Oct. 7, '64. dis. with 
comp. O. F. Whitton, must. Oct. 7, '64, dis. with 
comp. 

Company D. Private — J. H. Foster, must. Oct. 
10, '64, dis. June 20, '65. Company E. Sen. 
First Lienit. — John Hess, must. Feb. 11, '65, dis. 
with comp. Privates — Henry Rahning, must. Feb. 
7, '65, dis. with comp. S. P. Humphrey, must. 
Jan. 28, '65, dis. with comp. J. S. Mitchell, must. 
Jan. 31, '65, dis. with company. Company G. 
Jun. Second Lieut. — Charles Needham, must. Feb. 
16, '65, pro. reg'l adj't Sep. 6, '65. Sergeant — 
Simeon Kysar, must. Feb. 15, '65, dis. with comp. 
Prirate.i — Charles Bomeman, must. Feb. 15, '65, 
dis. with comp. Theo. H. Doescher, must. Feb. 
16, '65, pro. Corp. dis. with comp. William A. 



Flowers, must. Feb. 15, '65, dis. with comp. J. R. 
McKee, must. Feb. 15, '65, dis. in '65, absent. 
George Porter, must. Feb. 1, '65, dis. in '65, absent. 
Henry Steinberg, must. Feb. 15, '65, dis. with 
comp. Conrad Shields, must Feb. 15, '65, dis. 
with comp. H. C. Smith, must. Feb. 15, 65, dis. 
in '65, absent. L. L. Scott, must. Feb. 15, '65 
dis. with comp. George Vickmann, must. Feb. 
15, '65, dis. with comp. Henry Zimmermann, 
must. Feb. 15, '65, dis. with comp. Company K. 
Sen. First Lieut. — Ezra A. Tyler, must. Mar. 4, '65 
dis. with comp. 

First Company Sliarp Shooters. Wagoner — 
George F. Slocum, dis. for disab'y .Jan. 24, '62. 

First Regiment, Mounted Rangers, Company 
B, mustered October 29. 1862. Sergeant — Jud 
Jones dismissed with comp. Corporals — T. 
M. Raney, dismissed per order May 12, '63. 
Henry Plowman, pro. sergt. dis. with regt. 
Bla eksmith — Peter Banta, dis. with comp. Privates 
Ezra Bacon, dis. with comp.. N. S. Burgess, dis. 
with comp. Niles Cottingham, dis. with comp. 
E. H. Davis, dis. with comp. John Farrell, dis. 
with comp. B. F. Fisher, dis for disalj'y June 17, 
'63. Joseph LaLond, dis. with comp. P. E. Van 
Blaricon, dis. with comp. Company E. mustered 
December 10, 1862. Sergeant — Patrick L. Maher, 
reduced to ranks Apr. 12, '63, dis. with comp. 
James Clearey, reduced to ranks Apr. 12, '63, dis. 
with comp. Corporal — James Corcoran, dis. with 
comp. Privates — Thomas Carr, dis. with comp. 
Daniel Carroll, dis. with comp. O. C. Conway, 
dis. with comp. James Gegan, dis. with comp. 
Philip Kahler, dis. with comp. Floyd Lanson, 
dis. with comp. M. L. Maher, pro. corp. dis. with 
comp. Cornelius McCarty, dis. w ith comp. Jere- 
miah McCarty, dis. with comp. Owen McArth, 
died Oct. 1,'63, at home. Patrick W. Smith, dis. 
with comp. Company H, mustered December 5, 
1862. Teamster — James Herd, dis. with Cf)mp. 
Blacksmith — S. J. Clemens, dis. with comp. Pri- 
vate — G. M. Field, dis with comp. Company K. 
Privates — Andiew Robert, en. Dec. 8, '62, dis. with 
comp. John Weger, en. Nov. 27, '62. dis. with 
comp. 

Brackett's Battalion Cavalry, Company A. 
Sergeant — William Robek, must. Sep. 18, '61, died 
Apr. 24, '63, at Fort Donnelson, Tenn. Privates — 
William Busking, must. Oct. 4, '61, dis. per order 
June 28, '62. August Cebert, must. Oct. 4, '61, 
dis. on. ex. of term, Oct. 4, '64. Anton Meyer, 
must. Oct. 29, '61, died May 19, '62, at Fort Hie- 



632 



UliiTuny OF TUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



man. Ky. Ctmipiinv C. Private — George Dilley, 
must. Nov. 1!(, '(!1. re-en. Dec. 31, 'G3, dis per 
order Mar. 29, '(!(!. 

Second Cavalry, Company B. mustered Decem- 
ber 24, 18t)3. St'n/niiils — Henry Plowman, jjro. 
2d lieut. Nov. 28, '114, dis. with comp. Ezra Ba- 
con, dis. in Dec, '(iS. Corporal — Gunther CJeyer, 
dis. with comp. Privates — Birone Bunta, dis. with 
comp. D. M. McDole, dis. with comp. C. G. 
llcrtman, dis. with comp. August Kastoo. dis. 
with ct)nip. J. H. Li])sey, dis. v'itli comp. A. W. 
Dhlij;;, dis. with comp. Company G, mustered 
January 4, 1864. Corporal — S. P. Miles, dis. with 
comp. Prh'fitfs — John Bland, dis. with com]). 
Henry Bland, dis. with comp. O. S. RedfieUl, dis. 
with comp. John Warrant, dis. for disab'y Nov. 
9, '64. Company H, mustered January 4, 1804. 
Q. M. Serf/diii) — John Weger, vet., dis. with 
comp. Miuieidii — Charles Kennedy, reduced, dis. 
with comp. Private — Edward Bebe, dis. with 
comp. Company M. Private — O. P. Myler, 
must. .Tan. 5, '64, dis. with comp. 

Independent Battalion, Cavalry. Company C, 
mustered September 11,1863. Corporal — Newton 
Brown, reduced, dis. with comp. Primtes — C. M. 
Brown, dis. with comp. E. M. Brown, dis with 
com]). Martin Bakor, dis. with comp. W. C. 
Dickerson, dis. with comp. John Gahring, died 
Apr. 24, '64, at Pembina. Company D. Corporal 
— E. E. Evans, must. Nov. 19, '63, dis with comp. 
Prirate — G. W. Evans, m>ist. Nov. 19, '68, dis. 
Dec. 5, '63. 

Third Battery Light Artillery. Privotex — John 
Hankius, must. Mar. 17, '64, dis. for disab'y Apr. 
1."), '(i.5. Garvis Wing, must. Apr. 1, '64, dis. with 
battery. 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



CHAPTER LXVn. 

DE-SCRIPTION SETTLEMENT OBOANIZATION DE- 
VELOPMENT. 

Blue Earth coimty takes its title from the river 
of that name which enters the county on the south 
and forms a junction with the Minnesota river at 
its great south bend, which forms the northern 
boundary ot the county. Prairie and timber are 
well blended, and its soil is rich, deep and dur- 
able. 



Tlie settlement of the county dat*>8 from 1852, 
when P. K.Johnson and Henry Jackson located at 
Mankato. The organization of Blue Earth ccmnty 
was efTected by act of the legislature, pa.ssed in 
March, 1853. The governor appointed J. W. 
Babcock. John 8. Hinckley and Jamis Hanna 
commissioners. Edwin Perkins was the first reg- 
ister of deeds, but held the office only a short 
time. His resignation was followed by the suc- 
cession of P. K. .Johnson to the position. The act 
creating the county was approved March 5 ; it was 
entitled "an act to organize certain counties and 
for certain purposes." This act, also called into 
existence ten other counties at the same time. Sec- 
tion 34 j)rovided: "Thatsomucli territory lying 
south of the Minnesota river, as remains of Waba- 
sha and Dakota counties, undivided by this act, is 
hereby created into the county of Blue Earth." 
The first election was held in October, 1853, and 
resulted in the poUing of eighteen votes. In 1855 
eighty-six votes were cast; in 1856, 216, and in 
1857, 1,131. The census for the year 1857 gave 
a population of 3,629. 

The county boundaries have been changed sev- 
eral times. In fact, for many years after its or- 
ganization, at every session of the legislature, some 
attem j)t was made to effect changes of various de- 
scriptions; attempts not always successful, how- 
ever. 

In 1855 Kasota was cut off from Blue Earth 
county. J. W. Babcock then resided there, and 
this measure was through his efforts; he wanted 
to make it the county seat of Le Sueur county. 
The next year, however, 1856, one-half of that 
townshi)> and one-half of another wore included 
within the boundaries of Blue Earth. Tliese two 
halves are those now marked on the map as Lime 
and Jamestown. 

As amended in 1856, the boundaries were as fol- 
lows: Beginning at the southwest comer of 
township 105 north, range 24 west, running thence 
west, on said township hne, thirty miles between 
ranges 29 and 30, tlience north on said township 
line to the centre of the Minnesota river; thence 
down said river to the centre of township 109, in 
range 26, between sections number 18 imd 19, 
thence due east through the centre of said town- 
ship, and tomishi]) number 109, of range number 
25, west, to the line between ranges 24 and 25, 
west, then south to the place of beginning." At 
the same time the county of Brown was created 
out of a former part of the county of Blue Earth. 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



533 



On Felmiary 23, 1856, the county of Piiribault 
was organized and attached to Blue Earth for ju- 
dicial purposes. 

Soon after the first settlement was made at Man- 
kato, other parts of the region were explored and 
desirable portions located upon. A peculiar fea- 
ture of these early settlements was the method by 
which many were eiiected; a means which usually 
took the shape of the organization of companies, 
as they were called. They were not really bodies 
corporate, but simply the association together of 
any number of individuals for the purpose of mu- 
tual protection and assistance. In this way were 
many places settled. That it was a form of colo- 
nization much in vogue in the decade commenc- 
ing with the year 1850 is manifestly apparent, 
when the records are inspected. These compan- 
ies, too, were as a rule formed for the purpose of 
making claim to town-sites, and the fact that no 
government survey had been made had no doubt 
much to do with their organization. 

South Bend and Lake Crystal appear to have 
been the two places next in point of time to re- 
ceive the footprints of civilization. The former 
place, in its early day.s, was quite a rival to Man- 
kato, and for long disputed the right of fiuprem- 
acy. When Amos D. Seward arrived at Miinkato, 
in 1855, he says that there were only five houses of 
board and six of logs, and that there were only 
four horses in the entire region, two being at Ijake 
Crystal and two at Mankato. At quite an early 
date, in reply to the question as to "whether wheat 
could be raised in the county" he said that "he 
did not know." It was then as yet an untried ex- 
periment. 

The first saw-mill to be erected in the county 
was built in 1854 by Van Brunt on the Le Sueur 
river, some six miles south-east from Mankato. 
This property, however, soon after had to l>e aban- 
doned on account of its being on the territory as- 
signed to the Winnebago Indians by the general 
government. 

The first meeting of the board of county com- 
missionei-s was held at Mankato, August fi, 1853; 
it was then ordered that Blue Earth county be 
divided into two election precincts, the first to be 
"that which lies south of a line starting from the 
St. Peters ( now Minnesota ) river at the northern 
portion of the claim of James Bablin and running 
due east to the other extremity of the county, and 
shall be known by the name of Mankato precinct; 
and that the other precinct shall be composed of 



all that portion of Blue Earth coimty not contained 
in Mankato precinct, and shall be called and 
known by the name of Babcock's mill precinct." 
Henry .Jackson, Edwin Howe and Jacob Guenther 
were appointed judges of election for Mankato 
precinct; and R. Butters, C. C. Mack and Philan- 
der P. Hiimphrey for Babcock's precinct. The 
elections were ordered to be held at the "new hotel 
in Mankato," and at the house of J. W. Babcock, 
and resulted in the selection of J. W. Babcock, 
Ephraim Cole and Jacob Guenther as county com- 
missionei-s. This comprised the first elective 
board, the names previously mentioned being 
those appointed by the governor to hold until the 
election. At the first meeting it was resolved that 
" the county seat for Blue Earth county be, and 
hereby is, located at Mankato." At a special 
meeting held some time later at the office of the 
register of deeds, Basil Moreland was appointed 
treasurer, and T. D. Warren justice of the peace 
for Blue Earth county. 

The first assessment districts were divided as 
follows: "All that portion of land lying north of 
the creek about half way from Babcock's to Man- 
kato, and generally known as the half-way creek, 
is to comprise the lower district, and all that por- 
tion of land lying between said half-way creek 
and Blue Earth river is to comprise the middle 
district; and all that portion of land west of the 
Blue Earth river is to comprise the upper disti ict." 

The county was sul jsequently divided into four 
road districts and supervisors appointed for each. 
Surveys were soon afterwards made and a number 
of good county roads constructed during the year 
1854. At a meeting held February 6, 1854 it was 
resolved that the chairman of the board be and 
hereby is, authorized to provide some suitable 
room or building in the town of Mankato), for the 
use of the sheriif, register of deeds and such other 
county officers as the law requires the county 
commissioners to provide. 

On April 3, 1854 the name of Babcock's Mill 
precinct was changed to that of Kasota precinct. 
About the same time the county was divided into 
two school districts, the bovmdaries of which were 
made to accord with those of the election pre- 
cincts. 

At an extra meeting held September 4, 1854, 
Basil Moreland presented in writing his resigna- 
tion to the office of sheriff. Minard Mills also 
resigned his office of judge of probate and justice 
of the peace, and Jacob Guenther resigned his 



534 



uisrour of the Minnesota valley. 



plficp as county commissioner. Eilwin Howe was 
iiumi'iliiitoly api)oiut<'J sheiitV iu ])liice of Basil 
Mori'liiud and actiou iloforred in the other cases. 

That portion of the county above the Blue 
Earth river, includinij; South Bend, soon began to 
get i>retty well settled, and in accordance with a 
petition presented by the residents thereof it was 
formed into a separate election precinct, and 
Messrs. Evans, Bangs and Matthews apiminted 
judges of election. 

The first term of district court was held by the 
Hon. Andrew G. Chatfield, on May 4, 18.54, at 
Maukato, which then constituted part of the third 
judicial district of the territory. Basil Moreland 
was sheriff; Jelfrey T. Adams, clerk; Charles E. 
Flandrau, acting United States district attorney; 
George Maxfield, crier; J. J. Noah, interpret<'r; 
Hoxie Rathburn, bailiff. 

Two cases only were before the court, George 
Maxtield versus Henry Jackson, and Henry .Jack- 
son versus T. D. Warren. Both were appeal cases 
from justices court, and botli appeals were dis- 
missed. These district courts were then held an- 
nually. 

In 1857 Charles E. Flandrau appears as judge, 
at which term, John E. Tourtellotte, S. F. Barney, 
Cramer Burt, Daniel Buck, Horace Austin. Charles 
W. Miller, and Kichard W. V'ardcn, eacli made ap- 
plication for admission to practice as attorneys, 
and after a public examination were all admitted. 

In 18.58 the first term of court under the state 
constitution was held by Judge Lewis Branson. 
J. T. Williams was clerk. 

That the payment of taxes was not any more 
favorably received then than now, the following 
entry in the minutes of the county commissioners 
proceedings, under date of .January 4, 1 855 would 
imply ; on motion of E. Cole, Mr. Howe was au- 
thorized to emjjloy a lawyer to answer complaints 
against him, of N. Myriok, in writ of replevin of 
one yoke of oxen taken for taxes, taken by said 
Howe. 

An indication of gro^-th is afforded at this time 
by the necessity arising for the division of Man- 
kato school district into two districts. There was 
reported to be forty -.seven inhabitants between the 
ages of four and twenty-one, iu Easota and eighty 
in the Mankato district. A montli after this, town- 
shij) 10! I was created a school district of itself, as 
number 4. Progress was rapidly made in settle- 
ment and new districts were therefore constantly 
being made and township governments t)rganized, 



roads and bridges constructed and other public im- 
provements effected. By the year 1859 South 
Iteud, Judson, Butternut Valley, Garden City, 
Watonwan, Vernon, Shelbyville, and Mapleton, 
were all thriving centers of industry and there 
were also at that date a very large number of •' pa- 
per towns;" indeed it is safe to say they greatly 
outnumbered the really settled towns. 

In 1853 the total valuation of jirop-'rty in the 
county, for ])urp(>ses of assessment, was $5,500; 
the valuation in 1858 was Sl.OOS.dlo. 

In 1873 the totid area of land under cultivation 
was 90,515 acres; of this over 61,000 acres was 
in wheat. This acreage was divided into 1,981 
farms. In the same year there were 124 organ- 
ized school districts; persons between the ages of 
five and twenty-one, and entitled to the privileges 
of public schools, 7,494, of which 3,785 were 
males and 3,709 females; number enrolled in 
winter schools was 4,016; the number of school- 
houses in the county was as follows: Log, thirty- 
five; frame, seventy -seven; brick, six; stone, one; 
total, 119; the value of the same was estimated at 
S84,320. At the same date the total bonded in- 
debtedness of the county was only S20,000 which 
had been incurred principally for the erection of 
bridges, of which there were then three wooden 
truss and two iron truss. 

It is gratifying to observe that the coimty 
finances have always been judiciously managed, 
and the rate of taxation, with the exception of one 
or two years, has been lower than that of any 
other county in the state. 

A great drawback was the presence of the Win- 
nebago Indians and tlie agency established in the 
most thickly pojmlated portiim of the county. 
They were located there in 1855, when by a treaty 
with the United States, these Indians disposed of 
all their land on the Upper Mississippi, and re- 
ceived in exchange, a certain sum of money and 
portions of land in the southern part of the ter- 
ritory of Minnesota, which was not to exceed ten 
townships.and which was to be reserved as their jjer- 
manent home. This reservation, which was to have 
been selected by their agent, was not to approach 
nearer the Minnesota river than where the Le 
Sueur empties into the Blue Earth. It was rep- 
resented at Wasliington that this point was at least 
thirty-five miles from Maukato. By this luifortu- 
nate mistake, or unpardonable misrejiresentation, 
the Indians were placed withm two miles of Man- 
kato, and became the possessors of six and one- 



BLUE EAMTU COUNTY. 



535 



half townships of land almost in the heart of 
the county. These townships were those now 
known as Rapidan, Decoria, McPherson, Beau- 
ford, Medo, Lyra, and the south tier of sections of 
Maukato, Leroy and South Bend. There were sever- 
al persons who had settled on these lands, among 
them Van Brunt, who had erected the mill already 
referred to, all of whom had to leave. William S. 
Sargent, the register of deeds, writing on the mat- 
ter some time in Jime, 18.59, says that "during 
last March a delegation of chiefs, with their agent 
visited Washington city for the purpose of treating 
for a whole or a part of these reservations: and it 
is stated that they made arrangements to dispose 
of four townships and an odd tier of sections, 
twelve in number, lying . directly south of Man- 
kato, and including the country watered by the 
Blue Earth, Maple, and Big and Little Cobb 
rivers. In this portion of the reservation there 
are no better farming lands in America; and it 
also includes the much prized mill privilege on 
the Blue Earth called the -rapids,' which will 
readily bring S20,000. If put up for sale I know 
parties that will give that sum for it. As to the 
manner by which this reservation is to be dis- 
posed of (providing the treaty shall be ratified,) 
is a matter of doubt; some say by sealed bids, 
and others at public auction." 

But unfortunately for the interests of the set- 
tlers, the treaty was not ratified; and it was not 
until 1863 that the removal of the Indians was 
eifected, when the lands were purchased for their 
benefit and the occupants transferred to a point 
west of the Missouri and north-east of Nebraska. 

During the dark days of the Sionx massacre 
the inhabitants of the county became determined 
to obtain the conveyance of these Winnebagos to 
some other place, and many means were adopted 
looking to that end. One of the most dangerous 
manifestations of this determination took the form 
of the organization of a secret society called the 
"Knights of the Forest," which was composed of 
some of the most prominent people in the county. 
Lodges were established in various parts of the 
state, all of which flourished for some time. One 
lodge, in Mankato, numbered some fifty active 
members. When the removal of the Winnebagos 
became an accomplished fact the tirder died a 
natural death. 

The terrible Indian massacre was indeed a jus- 
tification for the existence of suah a society as 
this; friends, relations and property were killed 



and doomed to destruction. The unfortunate 
country lying around Mankato was the theatre of 
many an appalling scene of conflict and butchery. 
Repetition here is useless, as these fearful atroci- 
ties and the heroic resistance offered by the settlers 
have been fully treated in other parts of this 
work . 

There also evidently existed other societies with 
similar objects in the county, as a letter, written 
to the St. Paul "Union," protesting against show- 
ing any mercy to the captives held by the military, 
contained, among other matter, the following : "All 
the Quakers this side of eternity cannot save a sin- 
gle red devil * * * * So we of 
the frontier watch and wait — Lodge No. 28, 
Sioux exterminators, has among many other regu- 
lations the good by-law, 'Necessity knows no law.' " 

In May, 1865, the county commissioners ofi'ered 
a bounty of fifty dollars for each Indian scalp 
taken in Blue Earth county. By a probable over- 
sight or carlessness in framing the resolution it 
was not made to cover those taken from hostile In- 
dians alone. No distinction at all was made. 
This stood until as late a date as seven or eight 
years afterwards, when attention being directed to 
the matter by A. D. Seward, who saw whOe 
going through the records that the reward was 
still in force, the statute was repealed. 

In the meantime it should be stated that a com- 
missioner, E. P. Evans, during the time of the . 
raids, had been sent into the southern states to ob- 
tain some bloodhounds; the money for the pur- 
pose was obtained by popular subscription. He 
returned with some six or seven. After that there 
were no more raids made in the sections of coun- 
try where the bloodhounds were. 

In the early days of the county there evidently 
existed in the minds of the commissioners a some- 
what obscured notion as to the extent of powers 
possessed, for it is related that one of the earliest 
boards, on application being made to it, granted a 
a divorce. 

In 1854. when the county seat was located at 
Mankato, it was ordered that the corners of block 
50 be surveyed as the law directed, so as to define 
its boundaries for the purpose of locating thereon 
a court house. Nothing more was done until 
July 10, 1856, when it was ordered that there be 
erected, at the expense of Blue Earth county, a 
court house and jail, to be used for county pur- 
poses, and that there be a tax levied to pay for the 
same. The dimensions of said building were to 



536 



UISTUliY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Ix'tliirty liy forty feet, two stories in height, and 
for whioli the clerk wus ordoroil to luiike spoeifioa- 
tioua. On Septemlier 1, of the same year, propo- 
sals were receivoil for the erection of the build- 
ing, hut for TiiriouH reivsons, the contract was de- 
ferred another year. 

November 1, 1857, the contract for building a 
jail to contain two cells was let to Francis Btinker; 
jail to cost S!)00. It was finislied .January 1, 
1857, and was in use until 18(111, when the present 
jail was built. 

January 7, 1857, it was ordered by the county 
commissioners that a stone building, 24x24 feet, 
be erected on the court house sipiare, in Man- 
kato. Tlie contract for this building was let to 
Isaac N. Britten and Francis Bunker, July 28, 
1857, for the sum of S15,000. This building was 
small and inconvenient, but was used until 1877, 
when the front was toni out and large additions 
made to the original building. The entire front 
is now of brick, as well as the other portions of the 
addition . 

When the post-office, the first in the county, was 
established at Mankato, George Marsh, of Man- 
kato, and J. W. Babcoek, of Kasota, had the first 
contract for carrying the mail from Mankato to 
St. Paul and to Sioux City. They had a very lib- 
eral contract for the service, and were allowed the 
privilege of pre-empting a section of land every 
twenty miles on both routes. Each twenty mile 
distance was regarded as a station, at which cabins 
were built. They were obliged to send a mail 
thnnigh at least once a month. Hoxie Rathbum, 
who was employed on these errands, was frozen to 
deatli while making a trip. 

The soil of Blue Earth county being so well 
adapted for agricultural purposes, the newspapers, 
and others, in 1859 began to agitate the necessity 
of a union of the peojile for the purpose of holding 
agricultural fairs, so as to bring the advantages 
of the county more prominently before the world. 
This resulted in tlie formation of a society and the 
holding of a fair, which took place at the Min- 
neinneopa House, lialf a mile west of South Bend, 
on October 11, 1859, the opening address being 
delivered by Daniel Buck. 

From that period dates the beginning of the 
agricultural prosperity of the eountv. Previous 
to that time but little real husbimdry had been en- 
gaged in — not enough grain, in fact, had been 
raised in any one year to supjily the home demand. 
The agricultural interest received a series of severe 



blows, indicted by the grasshopper scourge. The 
grcMitest damage done was in 1874 and '75. In 
several sections of the county entire crops were 
destroyed. To add impulse to tlie destruction of 
these pests, the county othcials offered a rewanl of 
ten cents per quart for dead grasshoppers; 
about 832,000 was paid out in ten days for this 
purpose, the amount of grasshoppers measured by 
the commissioner, Chris. Arnold, was about 
1(!,000 Ijushels. They were buried in the ground, 
but the stench becoming unbearable, they were 
covered with wood and Imrncd. The state paid 
back to the county onc-lialf of the sum j)aid in 
bounties. In 1877 they again ai)peared in large 
numbers, the up river towns sulFering most. As 
soon as the insects acquired wings they decamped 
in clouds to parts unknown, and have not since 
reappeared. 

The county possesses excellent railway facili- 
ties, more than one-half, of the townships being 
traversed. The St. Paul & Sioux City railroad 
was completed through the county in 1868. The 
Winonii k St. Peter was completed in the fall of 
1870 an<l winter of ■71. The Central Railroad of 
Minnesota was linishod to Mankato in 1874. and 
the branch of the Sioux (^ity road from Lake 
Crystal to Blue Earth City in 1879. 

The first ferry licenses were those granted .Jan- 
uary 3, 1854, to N. Armstrong for a ferry across 
the Minnesota riv(>r i>|i]iosite the town of Eureka, 
and to Hoxie Katlibnrn for one across the same 
river at Mankato. On March 6, of the same year, 
J. W. Babcoek received a license to keep and 
maintain a ferry at his landing, with the exclusive 
right for such privilege for a distance of half a 
mile above and below. Rates were establishrd by 
the commissioners and the license granted for a 
period of six years. A. .J. My rick received a 
license at the same time, under similar conditions, 
to establish and maintain a ferry at or near the 
mouth of the Cottonwood river. August 21, 
1855, license was granted to M. Thompson to run 
a ferry at the public landing for a period of ten 
years at the town of South Bend. Another ferry 
was at the same time established at Mankato by 
Francis Bunker, the license granted being for a 
term of three years — the annual charge therefor 
being set at five dollars. 

Tlie first bridge built over the Blue Earth river 
at Mankato was finished in 1856. This was car- 
ried off by the Hoods in 1862. The present bridge 
was erected in 1869, about the same time that the 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



537 



railroad bridge was constructed. The old rail- 
road bridge, which was originally a wooden one, 
was replaced two or three years ago by a more 
substantial one ot iron. When the bridge over 
the Blue Earth was carried off a ferry was estab- 
_lished there and maintained until the bridge was 
replaced. In 1870 a wooden bridge was erected 
across the river at Garden City at a cost of S15,000. 
During a severe wind-storm in 1880 the entire su- 
perstructure was blown from off its abutments and 
carried into the river below. Soon after a con- 
tract was entered into for the erection of a better 
bridge, this time to be an iron one. 

Besides tlie city of Mankato, the village of Lake 
Crystal and that ot Mapleton, there are twenty - 
three township organizations in the county. 



CHAPTER LXVIII. 



CITY OF MANKATO — SETTLERS — TOWN SITE DIFFI- 
CULTIES EXECUTION OF INDIANS BUSINESS. 

The first persons to settle within the present 
limits of Mankato, were Henry .Jackson and P. 
K. .Johnson; both arrived in the spring of 1852, 
and commenced the erection of log houses; P. K. 
Johnson's was on the south-east corner of Main 
and Front streets, Henry Jackson's a little further 
south, between Main and Walnut streets. 

At that time Henry .Jackson had been granted a 
license by the Indian agent, to whom he was re- 
lated, to trade with the Indians, and the two pio- 
neers, jt)ining together, formed the firm of Jack- 
son & .Johnson. Tlieir entire stock of goods did 
not amount, in value, to over $300, and the trading 
post was not, of itself, the principal reason for 
their settlement. P. K. Johnson, who knew some- 
thing about the country, having been liere in 1850, 
on the excursion steamer " Yankee," an account of 
which is on page 165, had been instrumental in 
organizing, in St. Paul, a town site company, on 
the 14th day of February, 1852. It consisted of 
Henry Jackson, P. K. .Johnson, John S. Hinckley, 
Daniel A. Robertson, Samuel Leech, J. C. Ramsey, 
John M. Castner, Robert Kennedy, William Harts- 
horn and A. S. Brawley. Of the above named 
only the three first settled permanently at Man- 
kato. 

Samuel Leech acted for some time as agent of 
the company, and resided there during the sum- 
mers, returning home in the fall of the year. 



The object ot this organization was to make a 
claim to the town of Mankato. The claim was 
made, a survey effected, and platted, by S. P. 
Folsom, in May, 1852, and recorded in Ramsey 
county. They were evidently men of large ideas, 
and though the Indian title was not yet extinct, 
each one of the ten claimed a quarter section of 
land joining each other, or mostly so. Five hun- 
dred acres were included in the first survey, after 
which some additions were made to the plat, so 
that the total area embraced some 600 acres, all 
intended for town site purposes. This plat, of 
course, did not conform to the government lines, 
and the amount of land was in excess of that al- 
lowed by congress for town site purposes, and so 
when it was subsequently entered it had to be cut 
down to .320 acres. This old plat makes a remark- 
ably fine ajjpearance on paper, the streets are all 
at right angles and large spaces are marked off 
for parks and other ornamental and useful pur- 
poses. Two very large squares, designated college 
grove and capitol square, were in that portion that 
had to be left out of the later plats. 

The name of this association was the Mankato 
Claim Company ; in later years it was always re- 
ferred to as the " old company," to distinguish it 
from the " new company," a rival organization 
which later on made a claim to the property. 

Its name was derived from the Indian name for 
the Blue Earth river, which was Mah-ka-to, or as 
some say, Mahn-ka-to. The name was suggested 
by D. A. Robertson. 

From time to time different surveys and plats 
were made to meet the exigencies of the various 
claimants to the property embraced in the present 
city. The litigation that resulted from these di- 
vers interests kept lawyers fighting in the courts 
for many years and retarded the growth of the 
town to a large extent. 

The dates ot the record of acknowledgement, 
of the principal plats are as follows : S. P. Fol- 
som's. May, 1852; J. T. Everett's, May 23, 1855; 
E. D. Bruuer's, August 3, 1857; A. D. McSweeny's, 
December, 1857; 0. A. Chapman's, December, 
1857. 

Besides the above, in July, 1853, Daniel F. 
Turpin made a survey. The plat was never ac- 
knowledged or recorded. Turpin and his party 
were stopped in running some outside boundary 
lines through lands claimed by T. D. Warren. 
■ The surveyor had finished all but the last boimd- 



538 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



ary line, when stopped by Wnrrcn, who was living 
in the ueighborhooil. 

Johnsdii ami Jiicksoii Piiiiio up in the ateamer 
"Tiger," which was chart^^red by the company, 
anil lived in Miinkato a year before sending for 
their wives, who reniaiucil in St. Paul, and "a 
rough time wo had <>r it" says Johnson; "no mail, 
precious little whisky, and nothing to eat but 
suckers and milk." 

Soon after the arrival of these two pioneers 
other persons i)vit in an appearance and began to 
make claims, among the first of whom was .John 
S. Hinckley, one of the members of the company. 
There having been no survey as yet made by the 
government, to prevent confusion and suljsequent 
disp\ites arising, the Blue Earth settlement claim 
a.s8ociation was formed, an organization with a set 
of by-laws and secretary, or recorder, P. K. John- 
son being selected for the latter position. The 
preamble of this document states that : "The sub- 
scribers to this constitution, unite for the purpose 
of securing each other in the rightful and peace- 
able possession of lands by them claimed in the 
Blue Earth settlement." The members of this 
association, twenty- four in all, represented the 
number of men comprising the settlement. The 
records were kept by P. K. Johnson, in an account 
book of the Maukato claim company, and in 
which are written the claims of the different 
members of the association and some subsequent 
sales and transfers. This same book, at a later 
date, became the repository of the minutes and 
transactions of the first board of county commis- 
sioners of Blue Earth coimty, and was used for a 
similar purposse up to as late a date as 1858, by 
successive boards. 

When any one made a claim any where near 
Mankato, he would report it to P. K. Johnson, who 
would record it and enter its description. In this 
way were the boundaries of all claims preserved 
until the government survey took place. The 
Blue Earth settlement claim association, how-ever, 
hardly fulfilled the sanguine expectations of its 
organizers, for as the land became more valuable 
and other settlers arrived, many contests arose as 
to ownership of dilferent claims. 

At first, however, but slow progress was made 
in settlement and harmony prevailed. A good idea 
of the then existing state of affairs can be gained 
from some testimony given by Samuel Leech in one 
of the many town site cases that were tried. The 
case in reference took place at Owatonna, Steele 



county, in July, 1859, on a change of venue. He 
said that he arrived at Mankato, from below, about 
May 27, 1H53; at the time he arrived he found P. 
K. Johnson living in a log cabin, a new one, on lot 
1, block 14, by Bruner's survey, which is lot 1, 
section 7, of the government survey. .Johnson was 
occupying the building with his family. At the 
same time he found Evans (ioodrich occupying a 
log house as a trading post on lot 4, block 15, 
which lot belonged to D. A Robertson, one of the 
comi>any. this lot was in the same lot 1, section 7. 
Cxoodrich had some Indian goods there and had 
been trading with the Indians. 

Henry .Jackson came up to Mankato from St. 
Paul, he having returned there on business, with 
Samuel Leech, at the time referred to. Jackson 
about this time removed his family into a log 
house, on lot 5, in block 14, which was a house 
just erected and not quite finished, on the same 
government stib-division. Jackson continued to 
reside in that house with his family until his death 
August 1, 1857. He (Leach) says that he found 
Minard Mills on his arrival at the time referred to, 
residing there with his family, in a log shanty on 
a lot owucd,or claimed, by Castner. In this connec- 
tion should be stated that Mrs. Minard Mills, now 
Mrs. Lulsdorff, enjoys the distinction of being the 
first white woman to set foot on the soil of Man- 
kato, although Mrs. .Johnson and Mrs. Jackson ar- 
rived almost immediately after. During the sum- 
mer several improvements were made at the set- 
tlement chief of which was tlft» commeni'emont of 
a hotel, for the construction of which, a hotel com- 
pany had been formed, consisting of some of the 
Mimkato claim company and one or two others. 

Samuel Leecli before he left St. Paul had been 
appointed agent of this company to suiiorintend 
the erection of the hotel. This hotel was to be 
built imder a contract made before he went to 
Mankato, and part of the timber was on the ground 
when he arrived there. He employed hands and 
proceeded with the building for the company, 
whose joint fimds paid for the same. Tlie size of 
the house was 32x50 feet, two stories high, with an 
L l()x24 feet. This is the ])roperty now known as 
the Mankato House. The building was raised, in 
the fore part, about the Gth or 7th of .July follow- 
ing (1853). Leech had to leave Mankato on ac- 
count of bad health, but returned the May follow- 
ing. The building was enclosed that season, the 
Hoor laid, and the partitions set up. Afterward 
stairs were run up, and doors hung, but it was not 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



539 



plastered that season. The next spring (1854), 
about the 23d or 2ith of May, Leeeh returned to 
Maukato, and the same month sold the hotel and 
two lots, 1 and 2, in biock 12, as the agent of the 
company, to Henry Shaubut. Up to that time 
about $2,500 had been expended on the property, 
but it was sold for .'91,200 in order to have it occu- 
pied as a hotel. Mr. Shaubut went on to par- 
tially finish it that year, but did not move his 
family into it until the spring of 1855. 

In 1853 Basil Moreland built a house, in the 
tall of the year, on the north half of the north- 
west quarter of section 18, on lot 2, in block 6. 
He went there by permission of P. K. Johnson. 
Tliis house was subsequently used for many years 
as a storehouse. During the same fall Samuel 
Leech commenced the erection of a frame store. 
In the spring of 1854 Mr. Mills leased block 4 
from the company and occupied it for three years. 
C. P. Kron built a log house on lot 4, block 17, in 
1853, by permission of .1. C. Ramsey, one of the 
company. He also, in a year or two afterward, 
built a house for a hotel on lot 5, in the same 
block, by permission of J. M. Castner. It was 
called the Minnesota House. 

Henry Jackson, John S. Hinckley and Samuel 
Leech built a board shanty on lot 3, section 7, and 
leased it to Hoxie R:ithburn and Levi Sides, by 
written agreement, June 6, 1853. Sides did not 
have his family with him; he went off to get them 
and never returned. Rathburn's family moved in 
within a tew days and occupied it, as tenant of the 
company. This shanty was upon a hill near the 
rock quarry. In the following fall Rath burn 
took the shanty down and used the boards in a log 
house, which he built under the hill, on the same 
subdivision, and which he had a right by the lease 
to do. He occupied this house until his death, 
which took place some three years later. 

In 1855 steamboats were running at stated in- 
tervals, and supplies and mails were received reg- 
ularly. This had the effect of increasing immigra- 
tion, and resulted in the erection of a number of 
houses during the year. 

A saw-mill was built in 1856 by George W. 
Lay, and continued in operation until 1863, when 
it was burned. In 1857 A. D. Seward & Co. built 
an extensive lumber and flour-mill, which was run 
by steam power. This, too, was destroyed by fire, 
which occurred during the Indian troubles. It 
was supposed that it was fired by the Indians, and, 
as it was some distance from the centre of the 



town, it was burnt to the ground before any one 
would venture near it, it being in the night time, 
and therefore not safe tor any one to expose them- 
selves to attack in the dark. 

Up to 1855 no government lines had been run ; 
but the peojjle seamed to get along without that 
usually necessary proceeding without apparent in- 
convenience. 

The government survey, which was made hy 
John T. Everett, opened the flood gates of litiga- 
tion. The initiative was taken by the formation of 
a new company, which undertook to "jump" the 
property claimed by the old company and to hold 
it on the ground that they were the first claim- 
ants after the government survey. They obtained 
the services of the same Everett that ran the gov- 
ernment lines, and had a plat made, which was ac- 
knowledged June 4, 1855, and to which were ap- 
pended the signatures of the following men : Dan- 
iel T. Bunker, Quartus B. Abbott, George Max- 
field, Robert Wardlow, David W. Branson, Eph- 
riam Cole, Johann Schreder and Basil Moreland. 
They claimed possession of the property Tipon the 
ground that the old company were not the lawful 
owners of the land because they took possession 
before the Indian title was extinguished, and be- 
fore the government survey was made. 

This action necessarily precipitated litigation, 
and the succeeding jears proved ones of harvest 
for the lawyers. 

In this connection it sliould be stated that about 
the year 1853 George Maxfleld had settled on lot 
3 as an agricultural claimant. This claim was 
recognized by the so-caUed new company, and lot 
3 was not included in the Everett plat, made for 
their use. In March, 1856, George Blaxfield ap- 
plied to enter his lot as an agricultural claim, and 
he gave notice to the old company of contest. In 
reply the old company appeared and applied to 
enter the town site, including said lot 3. In the 
hearing of the contest the register and receiver 
were divided in opinion, and in consequence thereof 
the case had to go to the land commissioner. The 
latter decided in Maxfield's favor. The old com- 
pany thereupon appealed from this decision to the 
secretary of the interior, who finally decided that 
lot 3 was a portion of the town site, and should be 
included in the entry of the town of Mankato. 

These transactions took about two years, and in 
the meantime, as stat<'d previously, the new com- 
pany had been formed, and in the fall of 1856 had 
caused the entry to be made at the local land of- 



51U 



UISTORT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



fiw, wliioh entry did not inclndo the lot cLiimed 
by MaxlioUl. 

Wliile these proeeodiiigs were in course of op- 
eration settlers were coming in rapidly, and it was 
impossible for them to buy lots, as the two com- 
jiauies claimed the property. The town was long 
kept back by tliis imcertainty as to title, as no one 
could purchase a lot with any surety of being able 
to hold it. Tlie result of this doubtful state of af- 
fairs was to make Mankato a shanty town, as the 
people were naturally afraid to put up durable j 
baildiugs. 

To add to existing complications, in 1856 the 
settlers got it into their heads that the law, above 
referred to, was mtendcd for the Vienefit and pro- 
tection of actual, not constructive, occupants; that 
it was not for the advantage of land speculators. 

The greatest number of the lota being vacant 
different individuals commenced to select places 
on which to settle, and took possession of them by 
squatter's right. This was at the time when the 
great tide of immigration was rolling into Minneso- 
ta, and Mankato naturally received large accessions 
to its population. These new arrivals, joining 
with the others, a general onslaught was made 
during 1857, and claim jumping became the order 
of the day, so that in a short time nearly all the 
lots were occupied by "jumpers," as they were 
termed, in the language of the day. 

Towards the end of the summer of tliis year, 
1857, the troubles between the two companies still 
existing, the settlers combined, and formed for 
their mutual benefit and protection, an organiza- 
tion known as the Mankato Settlers' Association. 
The first meeting was called to order in the school- 
house on the evening of August 31; A. D. Sew- 
ard was elected president; Samuel Kitchen, vice- 
president; W. G. Milhgan, secretary, and Leo 
Lamm, treasurer. A number of committees were 
also appointed. They caused a new survey to be 
made and platted by C. A. Chapman, who was 
then deputy county surveyor, which plat did not 
include the disputed Maxfield lot. The plat thus 
prepared was acknowledged before John A. Will- 
ard, the Itlth, 17th, IHth, and 19th days of Decem- 
ber, 1857, and bore nearly two hundred names of 
actual occupants of claims. 

About this time, also, the old company, by vir- 
tue of the secretary's decision in the Maxfield case, 
were getting a new plat made, which was execut-ed 
by E. D. Bruiler, and certified to August 3, 1857, 
some time before the Chapman plat was ready. 



This decision indeed required that a new plat be 
made, and it was al.so that, whi(!h stimulated the 
Settlers" Association to have their jilat made. 

Early in 1858 the entry of the town site was 
perfected at the local land oflSce, and on July 5, 
1858, the members of the old comi)any brought 
suit against the occupants of the lots; these suits 
numbered some 300 in all. 

A decision was arrived at in one of these cases 
(Castner versos Guenther), in favor of the old 
company, which was of great importance, as in 
that case the supreme court held that the applica- 
tion to enter the town, though pending during the 
two years of litigation in the Maxfield case, took 
effect March, 185(), when they claimed the appli- 
cation was made, and therefore, the "jumpers," 
not being able to date their settlement prior to 
that period would be excluded. Although this 
case was equal to a test ca.se, and its decision in 
favor of the old company, would neces-sarily in- 
volve similar results in all the other eases, the set- 
tlers would not accept it iis final, but kept up re- 
sistance all the time. The resultant litigation was 
enormo)ls and was carried on during a period of 
many years. Finally, however, by compromise, 
mutual concessions and otherwise and partly by 
the persistent holding of claims, all these litigious 
troubles were ended and the jiroperty now rests 
upon a secure basis, so that transfers can be made 
without the slightest fear of a cloud resting upon 
the title. 

During the Hush times preceding the great 
financial revolution of 18.")7, when real estate 8])ec- 
ulation was at its highest flood, Henry McKenty, 
then of St. Paul, laid out a ])a])er town a short dis- 
tance outside of the limits of Mankato, and called 
it Mankato City. Many people were induced to 
buy lots who thought their j)urchase was of valu- 
able property in a real, not a paper, to\vn. How- 
ever, that too has been absorbed, and is now, in 
truth, part of the city of Mankato. 

In early days the steamboat interest was an im- 
portant one. For some time there was a tri- weekly 
hue of Davidson's boats from St. Paul, and the 
total yearly arrivals were <]uite numerous. In 
1858, there only lacked one week of a season of 
eight months of navigation; there was that year 
179 arrivals. In 1859 the number of arrivals re- 
corded was 131. Of late years the water has l>een 
insufficient for [)uri)osesot navigatiim, except dur- 
ing the epd of September and beginning of Octo- 
ber, 1881, when the continuous rains of several 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



541 



weeks duration, caused liigher water than for ten 
years previoiisly. 

The railway facilities, however, are excellent and 
afford complete compensation for the loss of water 
transit. In opposition to these jjresent ample 
means of communication, the rejoicing caused by 
the estabhshment of a stage line is sufficient to 
cause a smUe. The Mankato Record of November 
22, 1859, notices the e'stablisliment of a new line, 
as follows: "Mr. Davis, the enterprising proprie- 
tor of the mail line to Owatonna, informs us that 
he is making arrangements to run a tri-weekly 
line of stages, connecting promptly at Owatonna 
with two tri-weekly lines from that point to La 
Crescent, on the Mississippi. The fare is .1^6.50 
and time occupied in making this journey but two 
and a half days." 

A substantial trade was enjoyed at an early 
period by the merchants of the village. The 
Record in an article commenting on the respective 
future prospects of Shakopee and Mankato, under 
date of July 12, 1859, says: '-The past growth 
of Mankato, considering the disadvantages under 
which it labored, has been very rapid, yet it has 
not grown beyond the proportionate developement 
of its back country. We venture the assertion, 
that to-day more improvements are being made in 
Mankato than any other city or town of the state, 
outside of St. Paul. Its trade continues brisk, 
notwithstanding the currency difficulties, and more 
freights are brought to this point than to any 
other two towns on the river." 

Notwithstanding all the excitement attending 
"claim jumping" the settlers found other means of 
occupying their time, one of which was the orga- 
nization of a lodge of the Sons of Malta. The 
order was very strong and flourished lustily for 
some time. During the summer of 1859, the 
members had a midnight parade, dressed in white 
sheets, the procession being headed by a loud 
sounding gong. It was rumored among the peo- 
ple that it was a celebration that took place, by 
the order, only once in a hundred years, and a 
large number of the inhabitants waited beyond 
their usual bedtime to see the parade pass. 

In these early times, too, there was the Mankato 
Glee Club. During 1858 and the succeeding year 
or two, it was in the zenith of its fame. It gave 
concerts here and in St. Peter, and was a means of 
amusement and recreation that was held in high 
esteem. The Mankato Lyceum was another insti- 
tution that was running prosperously about the 



same time, as a literary and debating association. 

Mankato has l)een doubly unfortunate in sub- 
jection to causes retarding its growth. Besides 
the real estate troubles, and the resultant distur- 
bances that flowed from such a source of irritation, 
the Indian events of 18152 were made disastrously 
manifest at this point. 

The remembrance of the woful scenes enacted 
by the Indians still lingers in the minds of many. 
The outbreak forms the saddest episode in the his- 
tory of the state. It is a subject treated so fully 
in the chapters of this work devoted to & portrayal 
of the horrible events of that period, that it would 
be a work of supererogation to more than briefly 
advert to the matter in this connection. 

Great excitement prevailed here and in the en- 
tire valley, when it became known that efforts were 
being made in eastern cities, to save from exe- 
cution, the .300 captives, held by military force at 
Camp Lincoln. This state of feeling culminated 
in an attempted raid upon the place where the 
prisoners were confined for the purpose of exercis- 
ing summary justice upon the wretches. The 
movement seemed to be spontaneous and without 
pre-conception. It was rashly attempted and 
foolishly conducted, without recognized leaders, 
and only the good nature and firmness of the mili- 
tary commanders prevented serious results from 
accruing. After this demonstration the Indians 
were removed to new quarters, adjoining Leech's 
stone buUding, at Mankato. Strong guards were 
placed around the building at the entrance and 
along Main street. The new quarters were con- 
structed of heavy logs, covered with a board roof. 

At a public meeting of the citizens, held at 
Mankato, December 3, 1862, a series of resolutions 
were adopted, demanding of the president of the 
United States, the speedy execution of the 300 
convicted savages, then in prison at that place, 
and protesting against the action of the society of 
Friends, who were endeavoring at that time to 
dissuade the president from signing their death 
warrant. They were denounced as " sickly hu- 
manitarians, whose zeal is without knowledge, as 
well as impertinent ; and who are alike the 
enemies of the people of this State, and pernici- 
ous advisers of the government." The president's 
final decision to sign an order for the hanging of 
thirty-nine of the condemned Indians was com- 
mented upon by saying that " the precedent this 
established by the president we hcijje will be fol- 
lowed by our State courts in disjjosiug of the 



54'^ 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



remnining 260. Under date of December 17, 

18G2, lit Miinkato, Stephen Miller, the colonel 
comiiianiling the 7tli iMimirsota regiment volun- 
teers, issued speeial order number eleven, in which 
the following ai)peared: "The president of the 
United States having directed the execution of 
thirty-nine of the Sioux and half-breed prisoners 
now in my charge, on Friday the 2f)th instjmt— 
he having postponed the time from the 19th 
instant' — said execution will be carried into effect 
in front of the Indian prison, at this place, on that 
day, at ten o'clock a. m." 

For the better preservation of order, on the day 
of execution, the citizens of Mankato addressed a 
note to Colonel Miller, retiuesting him to declare 
martial law in the town and Wcinity, which was 
accordingly done, and the sale of liquors to en- 
listed men prohibited. On Monday, before the ex- 
ecution, tlie tliirty-nine Indians sentenced were 
oontined in an apartment sejiarate and distinct 
from the others, and the death warrant read to 
them in English, by Colonel Miller, and inter- 
preted by Rev. Mr. Kiggs, during which very little 
emotion was manifested liy the Indians, although 
each listened, several of theni smoking their pipes 
composedly. The Indians under sentence were 
then confined in a back room on tlie first floor of 
Leech's stone building, chained in pairs and closely 
and strongly guarded. 

On the Thursday night before the execution, a 
special order was received by Colonel Miller, post- 
poning the execution of Ta-ti-mi-ma, reducing 
the number to thirty-eight. All night long, and 
up to the hour of execution, persons were con- 
stantly arriving to witness the hanging. Tlie 
streets were densely crowded most of the night 
with soldiers and visitors. A sand bar in the river, 
the opposite bank, and all eligible places were oc- 
cujjied by sjiectators. The military force present 
and their numbers, were; Sixth regiment, Lieut. 
Col. Averill, 200; Seventh regiment. Col. Miller, 
42.5; Ninth regiment, Col. Wilkin, 101; 10th regi- 
ment, Col. Baker, 325; Captain White's mounted 
men, 3-5; first Regiment Mounted Rangers, 273; 
making a total of 1,419. The gallows, constructed 
of heavy square timbers, was located on the level 
opposite the headquarters. It was twenty -four 
feet square, and in the form of a diamond. It 
was al)Out twenty feet in height. The drop was 
held by a large rope attached to a pole in the cen- 
ter of the frame. The arms of the condemned 
were tied; some were painted and all wore blankets 



or shawls over their shoulders. The last hour was 
occupied by Father Ravoux in religious service. 
Captain Burt was ollic<'r of the day inul ollicer of 
the guard. Captain (J. 1). liedficld was j)rovost 
marshal. The prisoners were conducted to the 
scaffold between two files of soldiers stationed on 
the route. Eight men were detailed, one to each 
section of the platform, to act as executioners, 
and two men armed w'ith axes were ready for any 
emergency. Upon reaching the gallows they as- 
cended the steps, and as they took their j)laces 
commenced singing a death song. When all was 
ready Major Brown, signal otficer, beat three dis- 
tinct taps upon the drum. At the third stroke, 
William .1. Duly, of the Mounted Scouts, cut the 
rope, the dro)) fell, and in a second all but one were 
suspended by the neck. The rope broke with him 
and he fell to the ground, but his neck had been 
broken in the jerk and fall. He was instantly 
strung up again. The majority died easily, but 
a few struggled violently. As the droi)fell a loud 
huzzah went up from the soldiers and sjjectators. 
Doctors Seigneuret and Finch were detailed to ex- 
amine the bodies. After all signs of life had dis- 
appeared they were cut down and deposited in 
wagons, which were conveyed to the place of 
burial, under an armed escort. The place of in- 
terment was a low flat between the river and Front 
street. 

As a matter of history, also, it should be men- 
tioned that these bodies were not allowed to re- 
main there long. Physicians and surgeons from 
all parts of the adjacent country made efforts to 
obtain the cadavers as subjects for dissection; one 
man wrote from Chicago to ask if he could be sup- 
])lied with no less than three of them. His a]>pli- 
cation was too late, for as soon as night fell after 
the day of execution the bodies had all been ex- 
humed. Some one of the citizens finding out the 
operations of the resurrectionists hastened tt) Col. 
Miller and informed liim of the circumstances 
then trans])iring; on this a guard was dispatched 
to watch the ground and prevent any more depre- 
dations being committed. It is confidently as.serted, 
however, that every one of them had been removed 
prior to the arrival of the military guard. In the 
great haste made to get away before the soldiers 
put a stop to the ])roceedings one of the bodies 
Wits dropped, some distance from the pla<'e of in- 
terment, and left lying there. It had evidently 
fallen from a wagon, and remained a ghastly refu- 
tation of the denial of their removal. 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



o-ia 



When all again was quiet in the valley the nat- 
ural advantages of Blankato asserted themselves, 
and settlers began to come in, and business im- 
proved with the bright prospects of tlie future; 
which were greatly enhanced with the ending, 
also, of the war of the rebellion. 

Mankato continued under its township organ- 
ization until March 2, 1865, when an act was 
passed giving it a separate corporate existence as 
a village. The village organization existed until 
March 6, 1868, when the first city charter was 
granted. The first city elections were held on the 
fourth Tuesday of the same month of March. 
Since then some two or three amendments have 
been made to the original city charter. 

The present city hall, which is a fine brick edi- 
fice, three stories in height, 44x80 feet in dimen- 
sions, was built in 1877. It stands on the spot 
where the steamboats, in old days, used to make 
their landing. 

The firs department consists of the Mankato 
Hook and Ladder Company, which was organized 
April 6, 1860, and two hose companies, each pos- 
sessing hose carts. 

No steamers are necessary as the water works 
are on the celebrated Holly system, which afford 
ample pressure and supply for fire purposes. 
These works were completed in 1879. 

The first postmaster was P. K. Johnson, who 
acted in that capacity in 185.5. The succeeding 

changes were Basil Moreland, Ferdinand, 

K. J. Sibley, Anna M. Sibley, James Thompson, 
W. D. Griswold, Orville Brown; the latter having 
held the position since April 1871. 

Elevators. There are two elevators in Mankato, 
and another in course of erection. The one on the 
line of the Chicago & Northwestern railway is 
owned by Messrs. B. D. Hubbard & Co. Its capa- 
city is sufBcient to accommodate 60,000 bushels. 
They also own one neai-ly conpleted whicli will 
have a capacity of 175,000 bushels. The elevator 
on the Sioux City road, which has a capacity of 
about 35,000 bushels, is owned and used by Messrs. 
G. W. Van Duzen & Co. as a cleaning elevator. 

Schools. Mankato enjoys the advantage of 
possessing efficiently conducted schools. The 
first instruction was given by Miss Sarah J. Hanna 
in a private house. The first school-house was 
built in the fall of 1855, of logs, and was situated 
in the rear of where the present Union school 
building now stands; the first school was taught 
in this structure by L. G. M. Fletcher, in the win- 



ter of 1855-'6. This continued to be the only 
public school building until 1866, when the pres- 
ent Union school-house was commenced. Next 
year the building was completed and occupied: 
The first graded school commenced in September, 
1867, the principal of which was Prof. Jennesson. 
Nine teachers are now employed. The other pub- 
lic schools are the Pleasant Grove, which was 
built in 1871, in which there are eight teachers; 
and the Franklin, buOt in 1873, which has four 
teachers . 

The Second State Normal School is also among 
the ediicational institutions of Mankato. The bill 
creating it was introduced into the legislature by 
Hon. D. Buck, and was approved in 1866. The 
act appropriated iS5,000 for erecting the necessary 
buildings and paying the professors and teachers 
of the Second State Normal School, provided the 
city of Mankato should donate an equal amount 
for the same purpose. The city complied with 
the condition, and the school was opened in the 
basement of the M. E. church, September 1, 1 868, 
under the superintendency of Prof. George M. 
Gage. On the '26th of October following it was 
removed to the second story of J. J. Shaubut's 
store, corner of Front and Main streets. The school 
continued there until April 26, 1870, when the 
Normal building was formally opened and occu- 
pied, about one month previous to the graduation 
of the first class. Prof. Gage continued in the 
principalship until June, 1872, when he resigned 
and was succeeded by Miss Julia A. Sears, who 
served in that capacity for one year. She was 
succeeded", July 22, 1873, by Eev. D. C. John, who 
in turn was succeeded by the present incumbent, 
Edward Searing, in 1880. 

Until the year 1874 text-books were furnished 
to the pupils gratis; since then they have been re- 
quired to provide such articles at their own ex- 
pense. The total expense of erecting and keeping 
the building in repair has been nearly S60,000. 
The faculty consists of nine instructors. Since its 
opening nearly 2,000 students have been enrolled 
in the normal department, and the graduates 
number 222. The building has three full stories 
and basement, the latter of stone, the former of 
brick. The towers are of cut stone, with rustic 
comers, cupolas and small spires. The building 
is very ornate in appearance. 

Besides the above schools there is Saints Peter 
and Paul's parish school in connection ^-ith the 
Catholic church, and in wliich some 350 children 



>ll 



HISTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLKY. 



are being educated. It lias also a higli Bohool de- 
piirtment, with an atteudaiioe of about fifty. 
Tliroc nial(> and six femalo teachers are employed. 
The Luthoniiis also have a school iu connection 
with their church. 

Churches: Father Ravoux, on June 24, 185.5, 
celebrated the first ina.s8 in the county, at a log 
house hcloiigiu!]; to Michael Hunt, situated about 
fi>ur miles north of Maukato, iu Lime towusliip. 
In 1855 a gathering of people was held in Leo 
Lamm's sho]), for the purpose of nrrangin<j about 
the building of a church. Michael Hunt had 
bought a block, with the understanding that it 
was to be used for church purposes, when the time 
came, in the winter of 1854-'55. It was valued at 
S600, of which the half was paid in cash, and the 
other half donated by the old company, the owner 
of the property. In the fall of 1855 arrange- 
ments were perfected to build a stone church — the 
foundations were laid and the walls st.irted. In 
the spring of 18.56 they went on with the work until 
the walls were up, but no roof was put on. In 
October of this year Father Winninger held a mis- 
sion, during which he urged the people to put the 
roof on, which was done, and the churdi used for 
purposes of worship. He closed his mission the 
same fall. Prom the time the first mass was held, 
Michael Hunt's log lu>use (another one a mile 
east of town, not the first house mentioned) was 
used for church purpose.s, and services were held 
by Father Vivalti. In the summer of 1855 Bishop 
Cretin ^^sited the place, and it was through his 
efforts, chiefly, that the church spoken of was put 
up. He himself gave two twenty-dollar gold 
pieces toward the project, and a young student, 
afterward Father Oster, gave ten dollars. In 
March, 1856, Father Somereiscn came to Mankato 
as the priest, and then the people moved Himt's 
log boiise to the church block, where it was used 
for church i)urpo8es, and as the residence of the 
priest, .\fter the stone church was finished the 
log house was somewhat improved and wa.s used 
as the private residence until Father Somereisen 
built himself a new residence. After he vacated 
his old place some sisters of Notre Harae came ( in 
1864) and used it as a residence and for school pur- 
jjoses. 

In 1859 an addition was made to the church 
and another story put on — the uj)j5er part being 
iwed as a church and the lower as a school. In 
1868 the new church was begim, the foundations 
laid, and then nothing more was done for some 



time. In 1870 Father Somereisen went on a visit 
to France, where he was kept by the war for over 
a year and a half, during which time Father Wisel 
held services for a short time in his place, until 
Father Holzer relieved him of the charge. The 
latter remained until .January. 1871, when Father 
Wirth came a8j)ri<'st, under whose supervision the 
new church was built as it now is. In 1H74 it 
was put under the charge of the Jesuit order, with 
Father Schnitzler as superior of the order at Man- 
kato, who soon began and finished the church as it 
now stands, in 187(i, at a cost of S40,000. 

The Presbyterian church was organized August 
31, 18.55, with seventeen members, of whom four- 
teen are still living. The Rev. .Tames Thompson 
was the first minister: Amos 1). Seward elder. 
The congregation fir.st occupied the .school-house, 
the various halls in town and other places of meet- 
ing, until their church edifice, a brick one, was 
erected, and occupied in an uufinislied condition 
in the winter of 1864. The church was finished 
and dedicated September, 1865. The Itev. .Tames 
Thompson continued as minister until 18(52, when 
the Rev. Marcus Hicks succeeded him, who finally 
became seriously sick, while in charge, and while 
away in search of health, he died, in 1864, at Cin- 
cinnati. Then there was no minister in charge 
until .Tanuary, 1865, >ihen the Rev. Thomas Mar- 
shall became the pastor and continued as such 
until 1869, after which the Eev. Jo.sci)h R. Little 
succeeded and remained in charge until June, 1881, 
since when the pulpit has been vacant. The pres- 
ent membership is 300. 

The Centenary Methodist Episcopal church had 
im organization as early as 1855 or 185(>; the 
meetings, like all the early churches being held in 
different places. The present church building, on 
the corner of Second and Cherry streets, was 
erected in 1866. The first regular pastor of the 
congregation was Rev. W. S. Gunn, who was in 
charge from some time iu 1858 until Febru.-iry 
1859, the remainder of which year was filled out 
by B. Y. Coflin. The successive pastors have been : 
Revs. John Kerns, Mr. Pence. Mr. Smith, S. A. 
Chubbuck, Thomas Day, David Tice, E. R. La- 
throp, 8. A. Gale, J. R. Creighton, James DtK)r, 
Thomas McClary, .T. W. Macomljer, and C. W. 
Savidge. 

Baptist Church: It is not known to a certainty 
who was the first Baptist minister to ])reach in 
Mankato, although it is supposed to have been 
Rev. A. Gale, who was state missionary. The 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



545 



first Baptist organization was effected August 21, 
1859. with fifteen members, so it is stated; only 
the names of twelve, however, can be found on the 
records. They are: Rev. J. E. Ash, M. J. Ash, A. L. 
Hazelton, M. A. Hezelton, F. T.Waitt, Louisa Waitt, 
Isaac Andrews, Uncle Andrews, Mary Ward, .Jane 
Mellard, Eliza Ross and Mary Fowler. Tlie first 
deacon was D. I. Andrews, who was succeeded by 
F. T. Waitt, who now fiUs the position. D. A. 
Thayer and W. P. Gilson, were also selected to be 
deacons with him. At first the congregation wor- 
shipped at any place they could obtain for the pur- 
pose, at the Masonic hall, a st(ire building on 
Front street, the log school-house, etc., until in 
186i, under the pastorate of Rev. J. G. Craven 
the present edifice was constructed. The next 
pastor was Rev. E. R. Cressy, who came May .3, 
1868; he wasfoUowed by Rev. L. B. Tefft, R. F. 
Gray, .T. W. Reese, J. W. Whitney and J. T. Mer- 
riam February 1881. The last named is the pres- 
ent pastor. Last summer important improve- 
ments and enlargements were made in the church 
biiilding at an expense of nearly .'81,000. 

Welch Calvanistic Church: Was organized in 
the fall of 1865, under the auspices of Rev. Joseph 
Eees, of Butternut valley, with about twenty -five 
members. The ei-ection of a structure for church 
piirposes was commenced the same fall and fin- 
ished the next spring. It is a frame and cost 
about $2,000. Until 1872 the church was included 
in a circuit, but since that time Rev. R. F. Jones 
has been stationed here as local pastor. The pres- 
ent membership is about fifty. 

St. Johns' Episcopal Church : The meeting for 
the purpose of incorporating the society was held 
July 9, 1866. Its corporators were Rev. Alpheus 
Spor, A. T. Lindholm, C. S. Dunscomb, N. Finch, 
P. B. Sparrow, J. Hollenbeck, J. C. Jones, E. D. 
B. Porter. Services had been conducted at Shoe- 
maker's hall and elsewhere for some time previous. 
The church was built in 1867. Its membership 
has grown from a number in 1866 barely sufficient 
for organization to about sixty at present. The 
first services held at Mankato, before the church 
was built were by Rev. Blow in 1863; the next 
was Rev. Tanner in 1865, who was succeeded by 
Bev. Alpheus Spor in 1866. The next rector was 
Rev. G. W. Dunbar, followed by Rev. F. C. Oool- 
baugh, R«v. S. J. Yundt and William Richmond. 
The latter resigned September 21, 1881, since when 
there has been no regular pastor. 

German Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel Con- 

35 



gregatiou U. A. C. was organized in 1866. The 
church l)uilding was erected the succeeding year, 
at which period the membership consisted of thirty 
families. Rev. W. Vomhof was the first minister 
of the congregation, who arrived September 1, 
1867. On the 7th of July, 1868 he moved to 
Davenport, Iowa, and the Rev. A. Kuhn was called 
to the office of pastor, in April, 1869, and has since 
continued to officiate. The present membership 
of the church is ninety families. 

Jerusalem church of the Evangelical association 
of North America, was incorporated in 1868 with a 
very few members. They gathered together in 
private houses, the log school-house and other 
places until 1873, when the present church was 
erected on Second street. The following is a list of 
the various pastors, many of whom came as mis- 
sionaries before the church organization was per- 
fected. Rev. August Huelster, in 1860; Rev. E. 
A. Healscher, together with Rev. WOliam Geasy, 
F. Emde, A. Strohmeier, P. Botte, W. Oehler, G. 
Knebel, F. Sahr, Hermann Ohs; the latter is the 
present pastor. 

The Norwegian Evangelical church was organ- 
ized in 1867 with about twenty-five members. 
Rev. T. H. Dahl was the first pastor. Up to 1875 
they rented the German Lutheran church, which 
they occujjied when not in use by its congrega- 
tion, and then erected their present church build- 
ing at a cost of .f 7,000. The present member- 
ship is about 100. The pastors since Rev. T. H. 
Dahl have been Rev. Hatrem, Rev. H. G. Stubb, 
and Rev. M. Borge, who now ofiiciates. 

Trinity Lutheran Evangelical church: Norwe- 
gian. This society was organized in 1869, and 
the first meetings held at the court house hall. 
The first regular pastor was the Rev. Nels Olson, 
who continued as pastor for about five years, when 
N. S. Heggemess, in 1875 took his place, and has 
since continued to occupy it. In 1875 the con- 
gregation built the church now used. 

Congregational church. The ecclesiastical so- 
ciety of the First Congregational church met for 
the adoption of a constittition and organization 
October 29. 1870. An organization was soon after 
perfected and a church built. Tlie Rev. C. H. 
Merrill was pastor from 1870 until Rev. L. W. 
Chaney succeeded him, in 1873, who remained 
until the spring of 1881. when Rev. Joseph A. 
Freeman was called and has since remained. 

First German society of the Methodist Episco- 
pal church. The first missionary was the Rev. J. 



54C 



niSTOJtr OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



C. .Tnlin, who was Btationed at Mankato Septem- 
ber 29, 1873. at which time Rev. E. E. Schuette was 
presidiug elJor of the district in which Mankato 
waa siliiatod. At this ihite tlicro was only one 
family in Mankato that belonged to this clmrch. 
The first mooting was held in the same house in 
which the miuistor lived, and up to May 18, 1879, 
all meetings wore held in private houses. The 
quarterly conference, hold August 15, 187(). 
passed a resolution that a meeting house should 
be built at Mank;ito which should cost about 
$1,000. The members not being able to makeup 
that sum Rev. E. E. Schuette, the presiding elder, 
went abroad in the spring of 1877, to coUect funds 
with which to build. This resulted in the 
building of a clmrch edifice at the corner of Broad 
and Spring streets 30x50 feet in dimension, brick 
veneered, in gothic style, which was commenced 
in May, 1878. The church was dedicated May 18, 
1879. The cost of the same was .■53.200. The 
present pastor is Rev. E. E. Schuette; the present 
membership. 58. Between the ofliciation of the 
Revs. Jahn and Schuette, from 1876 to 1877, Rev. 
Chris Manor, and fnim 1877 to 1880, Rev. W. H. 
Rolfing, acted as ministers. 

The Swedish Lutheran clmrch was organized in 
1873 under tlie auajjices of the Rev. Lunilell, of St. 
Peter. A lot was obtained aud next year, 1874, 
the present clmrch edifice was constructed of brick. 
The first regular pastor wa.s Rev. J. G. Lagers- 
trom, who comm?nced his pastorate in 1874. The 
ministers since have been Rev. J. P. Nyquist and 
Rev. A. Anderson, the latter being the present 
pastor. The present membership is about fifty. 

Seventh Day Adventists This sect built a 
a church on ground given, in 1874, by J. R. Tink- 
cora. This was the fir.^t Seventh Day Adventist 
clmrch biiilt in Miuacsota. The first to occupy 
the pulpit was Ferdinand Morse. At present no 
minister is in charge, although meetings are held 
regularly every Satunlay. 

Christian church. This organization dates back 
some twelve years. The first to fill the pulpit was 
Rev. A. B. Council, the second. Rev. E. T. C. Ben- 
nett, and the third Rev. Edwin Rogers. The lat- 
ter was pastor, commencing in the fall of 1875 
and ccmtinued for two and a half years. Since the 
retirement of the latter no regular ]iastor has been 
in charge. Meetings, however, are regularly held. 
The member.slii]) is .ibout seventy. 

Societies. On March 10, 185('i. a dispensation was 
granted Mankato Lodge, No. 12, A. F. aud A. M.; 



January 0, 1857, the lodge was duly' chartered. 
The first meetings were held in a room over the 
store occupied by Robert AVardlow. During 
1857 quarters were secured in a log house on the 
corner of Hickory and Socoud streets, which is 
still standing. Subsecjucutly the meetings were 
held for sometime in Moms in the building used 
as a city hall, until better accommodation was ob- 
tained in the third story of White \- Marks' build- 
ing, which was used until 1877, when the second 
story of the building on tlie corner of Hickory and 
Second streets, was leased for a period of ninetj-- 
nine years. There arc 120 members. 

Blue Earth Cliapter, No. 7, Royal Arch Masons, 
was instituted in 1863. Present number of mem- 
bers, sixty. 

Mankato Coraraandery. No. 4, Knights Tem- 
plar, was organized in 1865: number of members 
at present, sixty. 

Cereal Chapter, No. 2. Order of the Eastern 
Star, was organized in 1871; number of members, 
forty. 

Osiris Lodge of Perfection, No. 5, of the ancient 
and accepted Scottish rite, was instituted July 16, 
1880; present number of members, seventeen. 

Mankato Lodge. No. 15, I. O. O. F., was institu- 
ted November 17, 1866, with six charter members. 
At first the meetings were held in Higgins' store 
building. In 1868 they moved into their present 
commodious quarters in the Barr building. The 
lodge at present consists of ninety-eight mem- 
bers. 

Schiller Lodge, No. 29, 1. O. O. F., was formed 
by the withdr.awal of a number of those who pre- 
ferred to work in the German language. It was 
instituted August 27, 1870, with twelve charter 
members: at present it consists of fifty. 

Blue Eartli Encampment, No. 8, 1. O. O. F., was 
instituted March 6, 1872, with eight charter 
members. There are now nineteen members. 

Mankato Lodge No. 2053, K. of H., was organ- 
ized in the winter of 1879-'80 with twenty-five 
charter members. 

Mankato Lodge No. 27, A. O. V. W., was or- 
ganized September 24, 1877. with twelve charter 
, members. 

i Mankato Union No. 355, of the Equitable Aid 
1 Union, was organized with thirty-two charter 
members, August 18, 1881. 

The Lalies .\id So^-iety is composed of the 
members of various churches of the city, and has 
for its object the assisting of poor families. It has 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



547 



a large and active membership and has been or- 
ganized aboiit ten years. 

The Old Settlers Society was started by J.S.Hinck- 
ley. It originated in 1870 at a gathering of old 
settlers held at Mr. Hinckley's house. An organ- 
ization was efl'ected and the year 1855 was set as 
the date previous to which it was necessary to 
have been a settler in order to join the society. 
This date has since lieen changed to the years of 
1856-'7, and the time when Minnesota became a 
state. 

The Library Association was one of the few in- 
corporations efl'ected under the territorial legisla- 
ture, which was obtained in 1857. Its real organ- 
ization was not perfected until some years later. 
It obtained the nucleus of a good library, but the 
difficulty of obtaining suitalile rooms, and some 
one to act as librarian, caused the association to 
turn the books over to the Y. M. C. A. At present 
it exists merely in name. 

The Mankato Driving Park was incorporated in 
1873, by several energetic individuals, for the pur- 
pose of holding fairs, and other cognate objects. 
A large plat of ground belongs to the association. 
About a year after its inception the South-western 
Minnesota Poultry Association was organized and 
held its first annual exhibition on their grounds. 

The Mankato Cemetery Association was incor- 
porated July 15, 1869, for the purpose of creating 
Glenwood cemetery. Twenty -five acres of ground 
were purchased, about a mile in a south-eastern di- 
rection from the city. The land was laid out and 
the plat recorded January 2, 1870. It is being 
improved, and is getting to be a very handsome 
place. 

The Mankato Mutual Building and Loan Asso- 
ciation was organized February, 1881. The gen- 
eral purpose of the corporation is the raising and 
accumulation of funds to be loaned to its mem- 
bers to enable them to build houses and purchase 
real estate. 

The Young Men's Christian Association was first 
organized in the year 1868, with G. B. Cleveland 
as president and Dr. A. C. May secretary. A re- 
organization was effected December 15, 1874, 
and E. M. Pope elected president and J. S. Rob- 
inson secretary. It has, since the last date, been 
in active operation, has had a reading-room, has 
had the library of the Mankato Library Associa- 
tion in charge since 1875, has sustained mission 
schools, held jail services, and held weekly meet- 
ings during all the time. Under its auspices lec- 



ture courses were maintained for a number of 
winters. 

The Board of Trade was organized September 
16, 1868, the first president being J. H. Barr. It 
is simply an association of jirominent business 
men, who hold meetings for the consideration and 
furtherance of matters and projects likely to prove 
of benefit to the city. It possesses no executive 
functions. 

Newspapers : The first newspaper to be printed 
in Mankato was the Independent, which was 
started in 1857 by the firm of Hensley & Gunning. 
Mr. Hensley died in 1862, and the paper was con- 
ducted until the fall of the same year by Mr. Gun- 
ning, when Mr. C. H. Slocum, now of Blue Earth 
city, purchased the entire outfit and started the 
Mankato Union, which was continued by Slocum 
until 1865, when he sold it to W. B. Griswold, now 
of Chaska. In 1872 he sold an interest to Judge 
Cleveland, and the paper was conducted by the 
firm of Griswold & Cleveland, who continued until 
it became the sole property of Judge Cleveland, 
who in 1877 sold it to George W. Neff, who in 
turn sold it to General J. H. Baker, who afterward 
merged it and the Mankato Record into the Free 
Press. 

The Free Press was started by General Baker in 
1879. He sold an interest subsequently to J. 
Lute Christie, now of the Blue Earth City Journal. 
In September, 1880, the firm of Woodard &• Foss 
became the owners of the paper and conducted it 
until the spring of 1881, when George C. Cham- 
berlin, formerly of the Jackson (Minn.) Republic, 
bought Foss' interest, and the firm of Woodard ct 
Chamberlain was formed. In the fall of 1881, Mr. 
Chamberlain retired on account of failing eye-sight. 

The Mankato Review is the successor of the 
Record, which latter was established as a demo- 
cratic journal July 5, 1 859, by .John C. Wise. It 
was then an eight column weekly, 24x36 inches in 
size. It was continued as such until July 3, 1860, 
when it appeared as a semi- weekly, and was issued 
as such until August, 1862, when it became again 
a hebdomadal publication. In November, 1868, 
Mr. Wise sold the paper to Mr. Orville Brown ( the 
present postmaster of Mankato), who ran it as a 
republican journal until it was merged into the 
Free Press by General Baker, who purchased it, in 
October, 1879, and then started the Free Press. 

In the meantime E. C. Payne and Mr. Wise 
formed a partnership, in 1869, and started the 
Mankato Review. The firm continued in existence 



548 



IIISTOHV OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



for one year, nt which time Mr. Wise purchased 
his partners interest and has since conducted the 
Review alone. Tlie Heview is democratic in poli- 
tics, is issued every Tuesday, )i()ssesse8 a large cir- 
culation and wields much influence in tlu' county. 
It is well edited and inth'pendent and outspoken 
in all tilings. 

The Public Spirit, a weekly independent repub- 
lican joiunal now published at Maukato, was first 
established nt Lake Crystal, in Pecemlier, 1879, by 
J. P. (Juane. In December, 1880, he reniove<l the 
otlice, material, etc. to Mankato, where he located 
on the comer of Mulberry and Front streets. In 
May, 1881, he removed to his present location, 
number 4.5, South Front street. Much enterprise 
has been displaTe<l in tlie management of the 
paper, which has resulted in building up a very 
good circulation. An editor is still maintained at 
Lake Crystal, so that it may be considered to be 
divided into two departments. 

The Minnesota Beobachter is the outgrowth of 
a German paper published first in 1873 by L. 
Schramm. It was only continued for a little longer 
than a year wlien John M. Broome purchased the 
property and changed its title to the above. He 
has since continued to edit it. Its size is 24x36. 

G. W. NefT, who formerly was one of the pro- 
prietors of the Mankato Union, is engaged in 
business as a general book and job printer at 63 
South Front street. He started the enterprise in 
Marcli, 1880. C. B. Boeck, in May, 1880, estab- 
lished a book bindery. 

Hotels -The Mankato House, as previously 
stated was the first hotel erected in the settlement. 
It was owned and occupied by Henry Shaubut 
until 1H60. when it was rented to F. C. Roosevelt, 
who had been a clerk for some time. The house 
was conducted by various parties until 1863, 
when G. C. Burt and D. F. Law bought the house. 
Mr. Burt obtained entire control in 1864 and has 
since owned and carried on the house alone. In 
1870 the house was comj)letely rebuilt and refitted. 
In 1881 another addition was made necessary by 
the increase of trade. The house is of brick, three 
stories in lieiglit and is fiOxOO feet in dimensions. 

The Merchants' Hotel was opened as a first-class 
hotel by the present proprietor, Miner Porter. 

The Minnesota House was originally a log 
building put up in 1853 by Clemens Kron. In 
185(i Mr. Kron erected a new building which he 
occupied until 1870, when he built the present 
structure. The family still own the hoiise but rent 



it to J. C. Klein. Mr. Kron's son, Joseph, bom 
May 21, 1854 was the first child bom in Mankato. 

The Cliftim house was first o|)ened bv M. T. C. 
Flower and has passed through many changes in 
ownership and management. 8. S. Ingram is the 
present pro])rietor. 

The City Hotel was opened in 1868 by H. Him- 
melman, tliei)resent proprietor. The Gates House, 
owned by Richard Gates it Son, was built by An- 
drew Donnelly about 1867. The house was leased 
to Mr. Pratt in September, 1881. The Minneopa 
House was erected in 1858 by the West Mankato 
company. It was sold and removed to its present 
site; A. Baker now conducts it. Besides the above 
mentioned, there are the Union House, .Vmerican 
House. Washington House and several smaller 
ones. 

The first livery bu!>iness was started in connec- 
tion with the Mankato House by Shaubut S: Hud- 
son in 1856. In 1857 a stable was built 
by Hanua & Ayers, but they failed in 1858 and 
the stable was taken charge of by B. 1). Pay, 
who ran it it several months. In 1858 Tyner and 
Hoover started a stable. In 1862 B. D. Pay be- 
came a partner with 1). H. Tyner and the business 
was continued untU 1873 when the stable was 
burned, .\bout 1864 a man named Swain started 
in the business which he sold the next sea-son to 
C. Kron, of the Minnesota House, who closed it 
out about a year later. About 1866 Tompkins 
& Qninn started business in the Mankato House 
stable. The firm underwent several changes, 
Frank Tompkins retaining his share. In 1869 E. 
L. Rosebrook Ijecame his partner and the firm 
continued until .Tune, 1881, when the present 
firm of Roselirook .t Phillips was formed. 

In 1864 B. ]). Pay started his present livery 
business. In 1866 sold to Tuttle k Zuel and in 
January following bought the latter's interest, and 
the following summer secured entire control and 
has since conducted the business. His present 
premises are very fine and in every way adapted 
for their special purpose. The entire edifice was 
completed in 1881. The City livery and sale 
stable of George W. Monks, is the outgrowth of 
the stable conducted by C. J. Klein hi 1871. The 
barn was burned in 1873 and soon after, Mr. 
Monks obtained full ownership and has since con- 
tinued the busine.is alime. 

Banks: The first attempt to start a bank in 
Mankato was made by eastern parties, about 1854 
or 1855. They went as far as to jirint their notes 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



549 



and send on their cashier to perfect arrangements. 
A published account of the attempt says, but "on 
account of some unforeseen diiBculty the organiza- 
tion was never made, and the cashier pre-empted 
a farm across the river and went to splitting rails. 
A pair of shears with which the victimized official 
proposed to out the note-sheets, and a few of the 
blank notes, may still be seen in a down town in- 
surance office." 

R. J. Sibley, in 1857, assumed the title of banker. 
His business, however, could hardly be called that 
of a banker in the proper sense of the word, as he 
did very little, if any, bank business. His jirinci- 
pal pursuits would come under the heads of con- 
veyancing, brokerage and notary public. 

The first real bank was that started by the late 
Major Edward Randolph Parry, under the firm 
name of Parry & Brother, his brother, Richard 
Randolph Parry, being associated with him in the 
enterprise. The firm was possessed of ample 
financial means, drew its own bills of exchange on 
Europe, and was in all respects a solvent institu- 
tion. It was established in 1856, and continued 
for several years, when the bank was closed on ac- 
count of there not being sufficient scope for its op- 
erations. Both the brothers were from Philadel- 
phia, Pa. 

When the state railroad bonds became a basis of 
banking, a bank was started at Garden City, 
known as the Garden City Bank. About 1860 it 
was removed from there to Mankato, its name 
changed, and au attempt made to do business, 
which, however, failed, from the fact that the city 
was then not far enough advanced in wealth and 
population to maintain a l^ank. It was dosed up 
and its circuhition all redeemed. 

The firm of E. H. Smith & Co., which subse- 
quently became Smith & Tinkcom, was another of 
the early banking institutions, which flourished 
from the fall of 1862 until about the latter part of 
1863 or the beginning of 1864. 

In October, 1865, the firm of J. J. Thornton & 
Company, composed of J. J. Thornton, John N. 
Hall, M. S. Wilkinson and Mrs. Katie A. Hubbell, 
was organized for the purjjose of engaging in the 
banking business. John N. Hall was the man- 
ager, and the capital invested was about $10,000. 
This was continued until Sept. 10, 1868, when the 
First National Bank was organized, with a capital 
of $60,000. The amount of circulation issued was 
154,000. The first officers were A. 0. Woolfalk, 
president; John F. Meagher, vice-president, and 



John N. Hall, cashier. The latter continued to 
fill the position of cashier until 1880, since when 
H. C. Akers has acted in that capacity. The 
amount of capital has since been increased to $75,- 
000. The present president of the bank is Jolin 
A. Willard. 

In 1866 another banking house was established 
by Lewis & Shaubut. In the spring of 1867 J. 
H. Barr was admitted into partnership, when the 
firm name became Lewis, Shaubut & Co., and con- 
tinued so until the spring of 1868, when Mr. Barr 
sold out his interest, and the firm again became 
Lewis & Shaubut. On October 1, 1876, H. M. 
Hamilton was admitted into partnership, and the 
firm became known as Lewis, Shaubut & Hamil- 
ton, since which it has remained the same. The 
institution is known as the City Bank, enjoys the 
confidence of the community, and does a good 
business. The first building occupied was where 
the Mankato post-office now is. The next was the 
brick building opposite the Mankato House, in 
which the Odd Fellow's Hall is situated, which 
was built by the firm. On October 1, 1877, they 
bought, and afterward remodeled, the present 
premises used, which are in every way adapted to 
their special purposes. 

The Citizens' National Bank is the moat recent 
of Mankato fiscal institutions. It was organized 
in July, 1872, with John P. Meagher as president, 
who has since continued to fill that position. The 
name of the present cashier is J. H. Ray. The 
capital invested is $70,000. 

Manufactures — The Mankato Linseed Oil Com- 
pany manufactures linseed oil and oil cake. The 
company was established in 1872, with a cash 
capital invested of .$150,000. The buildings oc- 
cupied are well constructed, of brick, and are of 
large dimensions. Employment is furnished to 
about twenty men. Tlie officers of the company 
are, J. A. Willard, president; R. D. Hubbard, treas- 
urer and general superintendent ; G. Palmer, secre- 
tary. 

The large flouring mill built in 1878-9 by the 
Mankato Mill Company is now owned and operated 
by R. D. Hubbard & Co. The senior member of 
the present fum was the principal owner in the old 
company, there being two other members each 
with only small interests which were afterwards 
purchased by R. D. Hubbard. In 1880 P. L. 
Waters bought an interest in the concern, the cor- 
porate name still remaining as the Mankato Mill 
Company; this latter was changed to its present 



650 



niSTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



style in 1881. The capacity of the mill is 500 
barrels of Hour daily. Tlie roller process is the 
method used iu pro i action. An average number 
of thirty-five hands are employed. 

Messrs. Sage operate the Farmers' mill, whiclj 
is engaged in tlie ])r(>ductii>ii of custom work. It 
is an old estalilished mill, and contains two run of 
stone. 

Septimus P. Morrison conducts a steam feed mill, 
which has been in oj)eration by him for some six 
or seven years. 

J. B. & W. Wittrock are largely engaged iu the 
manufacture of flour and other barrels and turn 
out 400 l)arrels per day. 

Kichard Bros, iiro also engaged in business as 
coopers, their location being in the upper part of 
town. The business was established in 1880 
The firm employs from ten to fifteen hands and 
turn out an average of 12.^ flour barrels daily. 

The firm of John G. Dauber .Jr. & Co. was es- 
tablished September 15, 1881. They are pro- 
prietors of the North Star Plow Works which busi- 
ness was originally founded in 1869. by Molier k 
Dauber. 

The pump works now operated by W. D. Tom- 
kins were established in 1867 by Tomkins & 
Phelps. 

The Mankato Carriage Works, of which A. M. 
Smith is the proprietor, were established by Mr. 
Smith and Hiram Shaw in 18Gfi. All descriptions 
of carriages and wagons are manufactured and a 
large trade enjoyed. 

Messrs. Jensen & Hoerr are engaged in the pro- 
duction of carriages, wagons, etc., besides doing a 
lorge amount of general blacksmithing. The 
business was established in 1871 by H. P. Jensen 
and A. Miller at the present location, corner of 
Second and .Tackson streets. The business fur- 
nishes employment to ten men. 

There are several other firms and individuals en- 
gaged in business as wagon makers and black- 
smiths, among whom should be mentioned Will- 
iams & Beach. A. Mayer, A. Mayer, Jr., F. Lorentz, 
Lorentz k Mayer, Helle.sheim k Lorentz, Hclles- 
liiem k Eoll, J. Meihofer, J. A. Pepper, C. Vosbeck, 
Dougherty Bros, and some otliers. 

James Cannon, should also be mentioned in this 
connection as a dealer in wagons and carriages. 
He has been engaged in business since 18.58. 

Mankato Machine Company ; This enterprise 
Was established as a stock com))any in 1874. The 
shops are quite extensive aud contain all neces- 



sary appliances and machinery. The principal 
articles of manufacture are plows and other agri- 
cultural machinery, of which a large number are 
annually turned out. The officers of the com- 
])any are L. Q. M. Fletcher, president; Robert 
Koberts, secretary; H. K. Lee, su])erintendent and 
treasurer. There is another machine shop at the 
other end of the city, located near the Sioux City 
railroad depot. It is conducted by Fred. Boegan, 
who has been engaged in business for quite a 
number of years. 

S. Le Chilson manufactures steam boilers, his 
location being at 177 South Front street. The 
enterprise was established by himself in the fall of 
1876. 

Mankato Woolen Mills: This business was first 
established by Jacob Bierbauer, about 1867, when 
he built the present structure at a cost of about 
$20,030. In 1871 Mr. Ross obtained po.sse8sion 
and has since conducted the enterprise successfully. 
The business is about equally divided between 
merchants aud custom work. In connection with 
the mill is a store, situated at number 177 North 
l''rout street. The business is conducted by the 
^Mankato Woolen Manufacturing company, the 
capital stock of which is S25,000. Of this amount 
$22,000 is owned by Mr. Rosa. 

The production of brick is quite an interest in 
Mankato, there being four yards in active opera- 
tion. There are also several stone quarries worked 
and several lime kilns. 

The brewing interest is represented by three 
breweries. Gassier k Co., of West Mankato, com- 
menced in 1874. Their business was established 
by Messrs. Wolf & Traut, and has pasrted under 
several ownerships until it came inti> possession of 
the pre.sent firm. They brew from 1,100 to 1,400 
barrels per annum. The firm consists of W. Gass- 
ier and John Nagle. 

The brewerv now owned by Messrs. Graber & 
Co. was also built by Messrs. Welch & Wolf. Af- 
ter several firm changes it became the property of 
the present jjroprietors iu tlie fall of 1879. The 
])resnnt structure was rebuilt iu 1874. .About 500 
barrels per annum is the amount produced. 

The brewery conducted by .Toseph Ibach, which 
is situated in the south-east portion of the city 
was established in 1868 by Conrad Boeckle. In 
187G he sold it to .V. Jacoby, who, in 1878, dis- 
jKised of it to Joseph Ibach. 

The North Star marble works were established 
in 1876 by A. R. Eckle. In 1)J79 J. T. Odegard 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



551 



became a partner and the firm is now A. E. Eckle 
& Co. Theodore Scattergood began in 1866 to 
manufacture fanning mills, and afterwards added 
sulky rakes and similar articles to the products. 
Since 1879 Mr. Scattergood has been county audi- 
tor, and but little manufacturing has been done. 

The only tanning establishment in the Minne- 
sota valley is run by Edwin Grubb. The busi- 
ness was started in 1872. 

N. Webster & Co. have recently commenced the 
manufacture of separators and other kinds of mill 
machinery. Henry Boegan conducts a saw, plan- 
ing and feed mill. There is another planing mill, 
not in operation at present. 

Business interests — G. E. Brett, fancy and sta- 
ple dry goods, established business in 1868, and 
moved to his present store in 1880. The firm of 
McConnell & Co. began dry goods biisiness in 
1878. Boots and shoes, millinei'y and carpets 
have since been added to the lines carried. Frink 
& Brown are wholesale and retail dealers in dry 
goods; business was established in 1872 by D. A. 
Jones, Jr. Christenson Brothers, dealers in dry 
goods and groceries, was begun in 1859 by H. P. 
Christenson. Miller & Busch conduct a large 
business in dry goods, groceries, etc. Mrs. J. P. 
Krost carries on a general dry goods and grocery 
trade, dating from 1871. F. Kron Las dealt in 
dry goods and groceries for the past five years. 

E. J. Thomas has been in the grocery business 
for si.xteen yea.is. Other dealers in groceries are: 
John Glavin, J. A. Presley & Son, B. F. Davis & 
Son, Clements & Piper, Allen & Pardy, G.M.Bay, 
T. J. Pierce, J. Fresholtz, N. S. Karmany, M. A. 
Sherk & Son, W. J. Martin, John Mahowald. 
Stephen Lamm, an old settler, started business in 
the same block in which he is now located, in 
1856. He has a prosperous trade in dr}' goods and 
groceries. 

Besides those above mentioned, are others en- 
gaged in similar lines of trade, among them 
Joseph Menth and E. O'Leary; the latter is also 
engaged in the commission business. 

Leo Lamm, an early settler, has been in the 
boot and shoe business in his present location 
since 1855, and with the growth of the town has 
built up a good trade. Griebel & Brother is a 
boot and shoe firm that has coutiniied business 
without change since 1865. C. H. Austin & Son, 
dealers in boots and shoes; business started in 
1866. J. G. Andrews commenced the sale of boots 
and shoes in 1879. Peter Larson began business 



in 1864 as boot and shoe maker. Besides the 
above, B. Kohler and several others are engaged 
in business as boot and shoe makers, of whom E. 
Oglesby is one of the oldest established, having 
commenced in 1857. 

The hardware business is represented by five 
houses. John F. Meagher is one of the oldest, 
having started in 1858. L. L. Davis is the suc- 
cessor of the business established in 1863 by P. B. 
Sparrows. Gerhard Lulsdorff has been in the 
hardware business for thirteen years. Weis & 
Gebhard was established in 1875 by J. Gebhard & 
Son. Benjamin Tuttle, dealer in hardware and 
agricultural implements, began iu 1870. I. N. 
Dean deals in farm machinery. J. D. Fireston is 
the general agent of C. Aultman «& Co., farm ma- 
chinery. Gebhard & Schweitzer are agents for D. 
M. Osborne & Co.'s agricultural implements. H. 
E. Howard and Pope & Mohr also deal in farm 
machinery. 

Isidor Longiui & Co., proprietors of the Star 
clothing house, carry heavy stocks of clothing, 
gents' furnishing goods, trunks, valises, etc. The 
business was established in "1872. Pond Brothers 
occupy a fine brick budding and opened in Man- 
kato in September, 1881. They carry a full line 
of clothing. L. Henlein runs the Philadelphia 
clothing house. W. B. Smith, dealer in clothing 
and merchant tailor, is successor of Samuel Ean- 
dall, established in 1863. Other merchant tailors 
are Jorgensen & Modson, M. O. Sundt, O. Mick- 
elson and Dentinger. 

The business of John A. Samborn is the combi- 
nation of three drug houses. It was formerly 
Samborn & Walz. The former business of D. A. 
Condit and Frisbee & Shepard are also merged 
with it. The latter house was the first drug busi- 
ness in Mankato and dates back to 1859. A large 
stock of drugs is carried, snd musical instruments, 
music and sewing machines are also goods 
handled. 

W. Hodapp is the successor of the drug firm of 
Hodapp & Tollman, established in 1872. J. E. 
Jones, druggist, succeeded to the business started 
by Warner Bros, in 1861. He carries a good 
stock and also manufactures some proprietary 
medicines. N. Webster succeeded to the business 
formerly conducted by G. W. Austin, who began 
in 1870. Snow & Andrews are located at 100 South 
Front Street. 

E. A. Tiffany conducts a well arranged store for 
the sale of books, stationery, music, sewing ma- 



552 



UISTOUY OF rUE illNNESOTA VALLEY. 



chines, etc. .T. H. Cliapman oarries a fall stock of 
china, glass, crockery and stationery. Manderfeld 
& Williams deal in paints, oils and paper hangings. 
C. D. Taylor carrie.s a fine assortment of jewelry, 
watches, clocks, etc. P. K. Wiser, jeweler, com- 
menced in 18G6. S. B. Martin began jewelry 
business in 1877. 

John Klein oi)ened a furniture, carpet and up- 
holstery store in 18()9. .T. Kreutzer is also en- 
gaged in the furniture liusiness. There are five 
saddlery and harness shops — AV. B. Walker k Co., 
G. Schmidt, L. C. NeLson, W. T. Liedloff and 
and H. Guth. 

The bakery and confectionery business is repre- 
sented by Levi Banc rofl", Arnold (loesmau, Jr., 
R. W. Beebe,T. F. Phelps, H. A. Moos. There 
are three photographers — E. F. Everitt, I). D. 
Ingram and W. Davies. 

A. B. Todd deals in millinery and milliners' 
goods at wholesale and retail. Mrs. M. L. 
Foulke, Miss Carrie Stephens, Mrs. Levi Suder- 
mann, Mrs. M. Dittmau and Mrs. F. H. Fowler 
are also engaged in the millinery business. 

J. H. Long & Co. are engaged as butter and 
egg .shippers. Oargill Bros, are grain dealers; P. 
E. Pirath and A. S. Rouse & Son deal in flour, 
feed and grain; Nicholas Lang, hide and wool 
dealer. Staples & Winship are large lumber deal- 
ers; Laird, Norton & Co. also have a lumber yard 
here. 

P. H. Carney since 1873 has succeeded in build- 
ing up a very extensive trade in wines and liquors, 
which he deals in at wholesale and retail. He has 
a very large stock of all descriptions of wines, 
liquors, cigars, etc., and handles only first-class 
articles. 

Evans Goodrich, an old settler in Mankato, also 
carries a good stock of liquors. In 1880 he 
bought out the business, started in 1871 by S. S. 
Ashby. Besides the above there are over twenty 
saloons in town, in addition to those connected 
with hotels. 

Isaac Marks for many years has been engaged 
in handling and preparuig ginseng. It is quite 
an extensive business, and has been so for many 
years. It is shipped direct from Mankato to 
China, where it is much esteemed. 

There are six meat markets, of which the 
leading two are those of J. H. & J. S. Davis, and 
that of ,1. M. Karmany. 

The Singer Sewing Machine Company is repre- 
sented by A. J. Winters, who has represented the 



company since May, 1880. L. C. Schroeder deals 
in sewing machine parts. 

W. Boeck and Charles Tesch conduct a laundry. 
J. W. Fowler keei)s a paint shop and does general 
painting. Wickcrshain & Brown, since May, 
1881, have been in business as pluniliors. 

Roberts Bros., since the fall of 1879, have been 
dealers in all kinds of well pumps. 

The legal profession is well repre.sented by the 
following named attorneys: M. (i. Willard. John 
C. Noe, W. L. Coon, O. (). Pit<-lier, C. W. GUmore. 
Thomas & Washburn. Waite & Porter, S. F. Bar- 
ney, Brown & Wiswell. F. W. Muff, W. B. Torrey, 
Freeman \- Pfau, J. F. Walsh, P. A. Foster and 
Hon. Daniel Buck. 

The following are the names of the practicing 
physicians: C. F. Warner, S. F. Snow. William 
Frisbie, C. J. Davis, T. G. Vincent. W. R. Mc- 
Mahan, Oscar Trinkler. J. L. Domberg, Z. G. Har- 
rington, E. H. Foster. The dentists are Drs. Mc- 
Grew, Curryer and Wood. 



CHAPTER LXIX. 

MANKATO — fllOORAl'IIIC.VL. 

Henry C. Akers, a native of Ohio, was bom in 
1847, at Cincinnati, and when three years of age 
accompanied his parents to St. Paul, Minnesota, 
where his education was attained. In 18(!8 he 
came to Mankato, and until May, 1881, was em- 
ployed by John Meagher as book-keeper: since 
that date he has held the position of cashier at the 
First National bank. Miss Mary Rooney was 
married to Mr. Akers in 1874. They have one 
child, Marie. 

William H. AUen was born -\ugust 9, 1837 at 
Ticonderoga, New York. His occupation, until 
186.5 was farming; also followed the hotel busi- 
ness two years in Rice county, Minnesota. Since 
1868 he hfip been engaged in the grocery trade at 
Mankato. In 1872-3 he served the city as alder- 
man. His wife was Emma Noble: October 18, 
1859 is the date of their marriage. George H. is 
their only child. 

Captain .1. R. Beatty, bom November 5, 1831, 
is a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylva- 
nia. In 1857 he located at Mankato, and during 
1859-60 he taught a select school which he had 
opened. He served as coiinty superintendent in 
1867-8, and since then has been in the stone and 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



553 



lime business; is owner of tlie Beatty quarry and 
has also a large lime kiln. Mr. Beatty enlisteil in 
Company H, Second Minnesota; was mustered in 
as fir.st lieutenant and afterward was made captain ; 
acted for a time as acting assistant adjutant gen- 
eral. In 1864 he married Laura Maxfield who 
came to Mankato when eleven years of age. 
James M., Belle, John G., Emma and Laura are 
their children. 

Jacob Bierbauer, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1819, and in 1850 came to America. After 
passing two years in New York he removed to 
Pennsylvania and engaged in the brewing busi- 
ness; from 1856 until 1863, he followed the same 
work at Mankato in company with a brother, then 
sold his interest, and, with Wm. Rookey built the 
Mankato City MiU. He sold in 1867 and put up 
the Frontier woolen miU, which he operated until 
1874, then passed about one and one-half years in 
Oregon. Mr. Bierbauer returned to Mankato and 
is now manufacturing a middlings purifier, which 
he invented, called the Millers' Favorite. Married 
December 14, 1854, Bertha Dornberg. Their 
children are Oscar, Ida, Emma, Alma, Eugene and 
Herman. 

William Bierbauer, a native of Germany, was 
bom February 26, 1826, and in November 1849 
came to the United States. He lived in different 
cities of New York until 1855, when he removed to 
Mankato. In company with his brother he built 
the first brewery in Blue Earth county; in 1858, 
put up another of wood and in 1873 erected his 
brick brewery. Louisa, daughter of Dr. Dornberg 
became his wife in November, 1859, and has borne 
him sis children; Albert G.. Bruno, Kudolph, 
William, Adelheid and Ella. 

B. Bradley, a native of New York, was born in 
1829 and educated in the common schools of that 
state. In 1855 he migrated to St. Paul and for 
about nine years was employed as a clerk in a 
grocery. For the past seventeen years he has 
been agent of the American Express Company and 
is now located at Mankato. Mr. Bradley's mar- 
riage with Miss E. S. Moore, occurred in 1873, at 
St. Paul. They have one child, Ellen E. 

W. W. Bragdon was born April 29, 1827, in 
Cumberland county, Maine. Since eighteen years 
of age he has worked at the trade of carpenter; 
he went to Shakopee in April, 1857, and there fol- 
lowed contracting and building, but in the fall of 
1860 returned to New York city. He enlisted 
April 20, 1861, in the 11th regiment and served 



under Ellsworth. In 1865 he came again to Min- 
nesota, and in 1868 to Mankato. For ten years, 
has worked as railroad bridge builder. In 1864 
he married Miss Utley. Willard W. and George 
D. are their children. 

John Braxmeier, born in 1840, is a native of 
Germany. In the year 1857 he came to the 
United States and learned the barber's trade in St. 
Louis; after working several years he removed to 
Quincy, Illinois, and followed his trade there until 
1871, at which time he came to Mankato. Mr. 
Braxmeier is having a good business at his shop in 
this city. 

George H. Brewster was born in Sheffield, Mass- 
achusetts, and when very young his parents moved 
to Litchfield county, Connecticut, where he was 
educated and also studied surveying. When 
eighteen years old he was appointed county sur- 
veyor. In 1860 he removed to Burlington, Indi- 
ana, and until February 1869, engaged in mer- 
cantile pursuits; at that time he came to Mankato 
and is a partner in the firm of Hall & Brewster, 
abstracts and titles; is also agent for the McCor- 
mick harvesting machine company. Married in 
1869, Mattie E. Smith, who has borne him three 
children; the living are Carrie and Grace. 

John M. Broome was born September 26, 1826, 
in Albersweiler, Rhine Bavaria. He received an 
academical education and afterward graduated 
from the Normal School at Spire. In January, 
1852, he came to the United States; was employed 
in school and music teaching, also as draughts- 
man and express messenger. M. Dina Brandt be- 
came his wife in 1856 and has borne him two chil- 
dren: Estella is living. Mr. Broome established at 
Portsmouth, Ohio, in 1860 a German weekly. In 
the war he served as leader of a regiment band. He 
removed to St. Paul, thence to St. Cloud, where for 
a time he published another German paper, then 
taught school three years at New Ulm. In 1874 es- 
tablished at Mankato the Minnesota Beobachter, 
the only German newspaper published in south- 
western Minnesota. 

James Brown was bom March 14, 1821, in But- 
ler county, Ohio. In 1845 he graduated from the 
Miami University at Oxford, Ohio. During his 
senior years he devoted all spare time to the study 
of law, and upon graduating entered the office of 
O. S. Witherby. On the 26th of March, 1846, he 
was admitted to the bar in Union county, Indiana, 
and shortly after opened an office at Winchester, 
that state. September 14th of the same year oc- 



554 



HISTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



c'urred his marriage with Caroline Irwin. In 1849 
he was electeil U) the state legislature and in 1854 
the governor a] ipoiateil liiin juJgc of the court of 
ooiunion pleas; lie also, for several years, lield the 
position of eounty examiner of schools. During 
the lat€ rebellion lie gave his sia])port to the cause 
of the Union ami did much to alhiy partisan strife. 
Company E. of tiie S-lth Indiana, wa.s raised chiefly 
by his exertions. At the democratic state conven- 
tion in 1864 he was chosen a presidential elector, 
and the same fall was nominated for congre.«is. Tlie 
health of Mrs. Brown necessitating a change of 
climate, the family removed to Minuesota.arriving 
August I'J, 1865 at Mankato. Since coming to 
this city Mr. Brown has confined himself closely 
to the practice of his profession and since 1806 has 
been in partnership with Hon. J. A. Wiswell. 

O. Brown, a native of New York, was born in 
1810 in JefTerson county. He came west in 1848 
and worked at railroading in Ohio and Indiana 
from 1851 until 1856, when he removed to Mine- 
sota. From Chatfield he went to Faribault in 
1858, and there edited and published the first re- 
publican nows[)aper in the county. In 1869 he 
came to Mankato and bought the Record which he 
published until 1879, having changed its politics 
to 'republican. In 187;^ he Avas appointed post- 
master of tliis city, his commission extending to 
1883. Mr. Brown's first wife was Kuth Earle, 
by whom he had four children : Nancy M., Pardon, 
Delevan and Christopher. In June. 1865 he mar- 
ried Carrie Omdit. Frank O.. Arthur H,, Theo- 
dore M. and Clarence are their children. 

Daniel Buck, attorney-at-law, was born in 1829 
in the state of New York and acquired his educa- 
tion there. He was admitted to the bar in New 
York in 1856 and has practiced his profession 
since coming to Minnesota; May 17, 1857, lie 
located at Mankato. Mr. Buck's marriage with' 
Miss Louisa Ward occurred in 1858 at Elgin, Illi- 
nois. Charley D., Alfred A., and Laura M. are their 
children. 

S. W. Burgess, was born at Grafton, Vermont, 
in 1840 and in 1847 moved with his parents to 
New Hampshire. In 1850 the family removed to 
Wisconsin, thence in 185(i, to St. Charles, Minne- 
sota. Mr. Burgess enlisted in Company K, First 
Minnesota in 1861 and in 1863 was discharged for 
disability, but re-enlisted in the fall of the same 
year; Second Minnesota cavalry; May 6, 1866 
was mustered out as first sergeant. He located a 
claim in Jackson county in 1865, and in 1872 



oarae to Mankato to engage in lumber business. 
In 1870 Eleanor L. Wilde was married to him. 
Their children are George F. and Gertrude L. 

G. C. Burt, of llio Mankato House, was born 
May 28, 1827 at Oswego, New York. Wlien nine 
years of age he went with his patents to a farm in 
Hannibal, the same state, and in 1856 removed to 
Faribault. Minnesota, wliere for nearly seven years 
he was in tlie mercimtile business. He came to 
Mankato in 1863 and has since been in the hotel 
with the exception of one year that he was en- 
gaged in wheat buying. Mr. Burt lias been in 
the city coimeil three times, and is at present a 
member. Married in 1866 Phccbe Laflin, of Ver 
mont. They have one child, Nellie. 

Morgan Carpenter was born in 1820 in the state 
of New York and lived on a fann until twenty-one 
years old. He moved to Illinois, learned the car- 
penter trade and woiked at it ten years, then after 
farming about twelve years he, in 1861. came to 
Waseca county, Minnesota and continued his trade 
for three years. In 1874 he removed to Blue 
Earth county and two years later came to Man- 
kato where he has a saloon. He married in 1869, 
Miss .Jaquea. 

Hon. George C. Chamberlain was bom Februhry 
24, 1837 at Newburg, Vermont. In 185(i he was 
apprenticed to learn the printers' trade and in 1860 
-2 published the Orange County Telegraph. He 
enlisted in 18()3, in the Ninth ^'ermout; was after- 
wards commissioned first lieutenant and acting 
adjutant of his regiment; served until the close 
of the war. In 1866 he came to Minnesota and 
locating at Jackson, established, and for eleven 
years published the Jackson Republic. He was 
two years county auditor; has also served as mem- 
ber of the legislature and of the state board of 
equalization. In 1S81 he came to Mankato and 
purchased one-half interest in the Free Press, of 
which he was one of the editors until the threat- 
ened loss of eye-sight compelJed him to retire. 

Charles A. Chajiman, born October 14, 1833, is 
a native of Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 1856 
he graduated in civil engineering from Harvard 
college, then went to Iowa and beci.nie engineer 
for the Dcs Moines river improvement company. 
He came to Mankato in the spring of 1857 and 
in 1859 was made surveyor: in 1862 was elected 
county auditor; was also the firet city engineer 
of Mankato, served three years. Since 1874 he hits 
been in the real estate and insurance business. 
Married in 1859, Hannah A. Chapman, who has 



BLUE. EARTH COUNTY. 



555 



borne him three children: James F. is living. 

Samuel L. Ohilsou, a native of Pennsylvania, 
was born March 5, 1841. and in early manhood 
learned boiler-making. He went to Des Moines, 
Iowa, in 1871, and remained thereuntil coming to 
Mankato in 1876; he owns shops in this city and 
does a large business. In 1862 he married E. 
Diiwnard, who died in 1868. William was their 
only child. Susan Brimmage became his wife in 
1870, and is the mother of four children: Albert, 
Margaret, Charles and George. 

J. B. Clock was born in 1816, in Madison 
county. New York, and when a child went with 
his parents to Ohio. When eighteen years old he 
removed to Missouri, thence in 1847 to Wihvau- 
kee, Wisconsin, and since 1853 has been con- 
nected with the Chicago & North-western railroad 
company. For eleven years he was conductor, 
and it was he who ran the first train froniFond du 
Lac to Chicago. Since 1874 he has been in charge 
of the station at Mankato. Mr. Clock married in 
1847 Eliza J. Simmons, who has borne him four 
children: Vira, Jennie and .Jim a're living; Dollie 
died in February, 1879. at the age of seventeen 
years. 

W. E. Clark, a native of Illinois, was born in 
1845, and lived on a farm with liis parents until 
fifteen years of age. In 1861 he removed to Min- 
nesota; worked at farming seven years, and since 
then has been engaged in the dairy business. 
Mr. Clark's marriage occurred in 1866 witli ?iliss 
R. A. Foster, a native of Maine. 

Marshall Comstock, born in 1827, is a native of 
Herkimer county. New York. At the age of six- 
teen he commenced learning his trade, that of car- 
riage-maker. In 1853 he came to Mankato and 
took a claim, a part of whi;-h the city now includes. 
The jnost of Mr. Comstock's time is devoted to his 
farms in Decoria and Mankato townships. Sarah 
E. Patten, one of Mankato's early settlers, became 
his wife in 1860; of their six children the living 
are Willard, Minnetta, Edna, Grace and Marshall. 

W. L. Coon was born December, 1821, in 
Dutchess county, New York. After leaving school 
he taught for twelve years in New York. Wiscon- 
sin and Missouri. In 1860 he was admitted to the 
bar of Wisconsin, having in 1852 commenced the 
study of law. September 1. 1856, is the date of 
his location at Mankato. In 1862 he enlisted in 
Company E. Second Minnesota cavalry, and 
served through the remainder of the war, since 
which time he has practiced law at Mankato. In 



1853 he married Mary J. Paddock, who has had 
three children; only Mary is living. 

J. C. Carryer, dentist, was born November 7, 
1837, in Shelby county, Ohio, and at an early age 
moved to Butler county. In 1861 he commenced 
the study of medicine and dentistry at Cincinnati, 
and in 1863 graduated from the Physio -Medical 
College. He practiced in Butler county and in 
Cincinnati until removing to Thornton, Indiana, in 
1867; from there he came to Mankato in March, 
1871, and has since practiced dentistry exclusively. 
Mr. Curryer's wife was Sarah E. Drake, whom he 
married in 1863, and who has borne him three 
children: Alva B., Ivan D. and John H. 

Benjamin F. Davis was born November 8, 1823, 
at Evansburgh, Pennsylvania. He learned the 
carpenter's trade when young, and in 1847 en- 
listed in the Mexican war; while charging the 
enemy's works at Chepultepec he received in the 
right shoulder a severe wound, for which injury 
he receives a pension; July 10, 1848, he was dis- 
charged fi'om service with the rank of sergeant. 
After returning he worked at his trade, and in 1852 
engaged in mercantile business. In 1855 he 
went to Iowa ; about two years later to Minnesota, 
thence to Ohio, and in 1869 engaged in dry goo^s 
and grocery trade in Illinois. After a few years 
residence at Nortlifield he came in 1877 to Man- 
kato and established here a grocery and provision 
trade; the firm is B. F. Davis & Son. His wife 
was Anna Evans. Their children are Quitman S., 
Willard S.. Anna M., Charles M. and D. Lloyd. 

J. H. D.ivis, a native of Vermont, was born in 
February, 1843, and in 1850 removed to Wiscon- 
sin. Mr. Davis was brought up as a farmer. In 
1864 he enlisted for one year, and served in the 
quartermaster's department. He came to Man- 
kato in 1866, and in September of that year 
opened his meat market. On the 4th of July, 
1877, Miss Zada Parks was married to Mr. Davis. 

Isaac N. Dean, a native of Massachusetts, was 
born January 6, 1839, at Adams. He attended 
Harvard College two years. Mr. Dean owned, in 
company with his fatlier, two tanneries. In 1861 
he enlisted for nine months in the Forty-ninth 
Massachusetts. He married. May 20, 1860, Miss 
Augusta Dodge, who died in 1804, having borne 
him one daughter, Maud A. In 1872 he moved to 
Owatouua, Minnesota, and March 1, 1873, came to 
Mankato. September 16, 1872, his marriage 
with Eva Yates took place. He is a member of 



5.06 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



the firm Davis & Dean, dealers in hardware and 
agrioultiiriil implomentB. 

H. W. Do Groodt was boni in Oliio in 1841, and 
iu 185t> came to Minnesota. In 18<i2 lie enlisted 
as quartermaster sergeant in Company I, Minne- 
sota mountod rangers, and served thirteen months. 
For two years he was in the hotel l)usiness at Car- 
ver; came to Mankato iu 1807, and has here been 
in the hoot and shoe trade and the saloon busi- 
ness. He has leased for ten years a hotel at Ex- 
celsior, Lake Minnetonka, oallod the De Groodt 
House. Married in 1807 Miss McKee. They 
have three children. 

William Diekhut, a native of Wisconsin, was 
lioni in IS")!) in JetTereon county. He worked at 
shoemaking iu that state until 1873; moved to 
Olmsted county, Minnesota, and followed his trade 
until coming to Mankato in 1880; since that time 
he has been in the saloon business. He married in 
187-1 Miss Fose. They have one child. 

Judge 1). A. Dickinson was born October 28, 
183it, iu Windsor county, Vermont. He gradua- 
ted from Dartmouth college in 1860, and the year 
following poraraenccd the study of law; was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1802 in Now York, and 
commenced practice in Plattsburg. He entered 
the United States navy in 1863 and served until 
186.5 as assistant paymaster. Attended lectures at 
Albany law school about nine months and prac- 
ticed in New York until 1868; since that time he 
has been at Mankato. He was city attorney two 
years, aud .since 1874 has been district judge. In 
1867 May E. Weed became his wife. They have 
lost one child. Sarah W. and Anna M. are living. 

Dr. k. L. Doraberg, a native of Germany, was 
born iu 1828, and in 1848 came to the United 
States. He entered the homeopathic college at 
Cleveland, aud in 1854 graduated. Removed to 
Erie and practiced one year, then ten years in In- 
diana, aud since 1864 has followed his profession 
at Mankato. Dr. D^irnberg married in 1857, 
Miss Bryan. They have five chihlren. 

.Tames Dougherty was bom in 1845 in Ireland, 
and iu 1851 came to the United States. He 
learned the trade of blacksmith in York county, 
Pennsylvania, aud worked iu Washington aud in 
Philadelphia. Came to Minnesota in 1866; fol- 
lowed his trade for a time in St. Paul and Roches- 
ter; also one year at Fort Wadsworth, Dakota, as 
post blacksmith; since 1868 he has been in busi- 
ness at Mankato. Married in 1809, Miss Gready. 
They have five children. 



John Dougherty, a native of Ireland, was bom 
in 1847, and in 1852 immigrated to Philadelphia, 
where he learned the blacksmith trade. H<' came 
to Mankatd in IHO!) and after working at his trade 
for a time entered into partnershij) with his brother 
James. In 1874 occurred his marriage with Miss 
Buckley. They are the parents of four living 
childi'ou. 

Benjamin Durkee was born November 13, 1812, 
in Madison county. New York. He learned glass 
blowing, and after working a number of years in 
his native state removed to New .Jersey, most of 
the time being foreman of the glass works when he 
was employed. In 1856 he came to this state and 
made a claim in Mankato; after farming four 
years he commenced the marketing l)usiness in 
Mankato city. Since 1877 he has been manufac- 
turing Dunkee's balsam, for all disease of the 
lungs. He has since 186!) held the office of 
cormty coroner. Married in 1839, Isabel McCan 
who died November 20, 1854. Four of their six 
children are living. In 1805 Elizabeth Bunker 
became his wife. 

William C. Durkee was bom May 27, 1842, in 
St. Lawrence county. New I'^ork. In 1856 he ac- 
companied his parents to Mankato. He enlisted 
in 1861 in Company H, Second Minnesota; Feb- 
ruary of the next year he was discharged for disa- 
bility, but in August enlisted as sergeant in Com- 
pany E, Ninth regiment; December, 1863, was 
commissioned captain of the Sixty-second colored 
regiment aud served until August 1866. In May, 
1868, he graduated from the law department of 
Ann Arbor college, and was admitted to practice in 
Michigan; returned to Mankato and was admit- 
ted to the bar in this state. Since 1861) has lieen 
clerk of the district court. ^lary Davis became 
his wife in 1869, and has borne him five children. 
The living are Emma, Ella S., William C. and 
Gertrude M. 

David C. Evans, born.Vpril 28, 1820, is a native 
of Wales. Came to the United States, and from 
1836 until 1843 lived at Palmyra, Ohio, then in 
Iowa county and La Crosse, Wisconsin, until com- 
ing iu 1853 to Blue Earth county; he was one of 
the organizers of South Bend. In 1854-'5-"6 he 
served as county commissioner; was a member of 
the state senate in 1859 and during the Indian war 
of 1862 was commissioned brigadier-general of 
miUtia. Since 1874 he has held the office of 
county treasurer and resided at Mankato. Mar- 
ried in 1848, Mary Herbert, who died iu 1852; in 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



bbl 



1855 Jane Morgan became his wife. The 
living children are Sarah A., Thomas M., David 
M., Job M., Arthur Ap., Mary J., Meredith, Myr- 
thin and Miriam. 

E. F. Everitt was born in 1837 at Westfleld, 
Pennsylvania. In 1858 he settled in Meeker 
county, Minnesota, but in 1863 returned to his 
native state and spent the following winter hunt- 
ing and trapping in northern New York. He 
commenced photographing in 1862 and since 1867 
has been at Mankato; he occupies the fine brick 
building erected in 1875 by him. Margaret Mc- 
Kinley in 1869, became the wife of Mr. Everitt. 

M. L. Fallenstein, born in 1854, is a native of 
Pennsylvania. He moved to Wabasha county, 
Minnesota, and learned the barber's trade. In 
1873 he removed to Mankato, opened a shop and 
is having a good trade. Mr. Fallenstein's mar- 
riage occurred in 1875 with Emma Dauber. They 
have two li-iing children. 

Jacob Flachsenhar was born in Hessen, city of 
Darmstadt, in July, 1855, and while living in his 
native country learned the trade of carpenter. 
Came to New York city in May, 1873, and in the 
fall of the same year to Mankato, where he worked 
in the sash factory. He now keeps a saloon and 
is also in the insurance business. Married in 1876, 
Lizzie Horr. 

L. G. M. Fletcher was born in 1830 in the state 
of New York. In 1854 he located in Mankato and 
engaged in surveying. The first school-house in 
this county was built of logs, where the Union 
school building is now, in Mankato, and Mr. 
Fletcher was the first teacher; since that time he 
has been engaged in the real estate business, grain 
buying and farming. He married in 1868, Lu- 
cina B. Foot, who died September 17, 1870, leav- 
ing three children; George H., Carrie D. and 
Emma A. In 1872 he married Siisan M. Dyer, 
by whom he has five children; LucinaE., Ella M., 
Jennie D., Nellie and an infant. 

J. B. Ford, a native of Canada, was born in 
1848, and in 1849 moved with his parents to Wis- 
consin, where he resided until twenty-two years of 
age, engaged iu farming. In 1870 he came to 
Minnesota and located at Mankato. He learned 
the barber's trade, at which he has since worked 
and has a good shop here. In 1875 Miss Daly 
became his wife. 

F. H. Fowler was born April 11, 1832, in Eng- 
land. Came to America in 1839 and located at St. 
Louis; he went to St. Paul iu 1842, thence in 1844 



to St. Anthony, and in 1854 removed to Judson. 
Mr. Fowler has been a resident of Mankato since 
1856, and is doing Inisiness as a commission mer- 
chant. In 1863 he enlisted in the Second Minne- 
sota cavalry and served until war ceased. Mar- 
ried in 1872 and has two sons. 

J. G. Fowler was bom in Yorkshire, England, 
June 20, 1844, and with his parents in 1850 immi- 
grated to St. Louis; six months later they re- 
moved to St. Paul, then to St. Anthony; in 1857 
they went to Jordan and the year following to 
Mankato. He enlisted in 1862 in Company E, 
ninth Minnesota, and served ten months; returned 
to this city and was in the aiiction business until 
1870, when he went to Chicago, but the next year 
was burned out. He returned and since 1876 has 
been register of deeds. Married in 1867, Ellen 
Cheney, since deceased. Of their four children 
the living are Hattie E., Walter H., Benwilfred. 

E. P. Freeman was born in Hartford, Connecti- 
cut, .January 22, 1837. He graduated from Yale 
College in 1860; studied law and in 1861 was ad- 
mitted to the courts of New York and shortly after- 
ward to the courts of Minnesota; came to Mankato 
in 1861 and has since been engaged in his profes- 
sion. In 1867-8 he was county attorney, then 
served in the state senate, after which, until 1873 
he was register of United States land office at 
.Jackson; again in 1874-5 was in the state senate. 
He resumed practice at Mankato; in 1878 was 
elected county attorney and in 1880 was re-elected. 
Eliza K. Morris became his wife in 1861 and has 
borne him five childrrn; Minnesota M., Elma H. 
and Edward are living, 

W. Gassier, born in 1845, is a native of Baden. 
He immigrated to the United States in 1865, and 
for four years was employed in a brewery at Mil- 
waukee; after doing the same work in Winona 
about nine months he came to Mankato ; continued 
working in the brewing business three years, then 
started for himself where he now is, West Mankato 
brewery. In 1874 he married Miss Marti, and 
has one ehUd living. 

John Glavin is a native of Canada, where he was 
born in 1845, and imtil 1869 lived on a farm. At 
that time he moved to Michigan for about three 
years and in 1872, came to Mankato and opened 
his grocery store; he keeps a full line of goods 
but makes a specialty of fruits. In 1873 Mr. 
Glavin married Mary E. Parker. Their children 
are James and Mortimer. 

Evans Goodrich was born July 6, 1823, in 



55H 



IU!<T01iy OF THE MINNESOTA VAI.I.EY. 



Cbautanqua connty, New York. From 1850 until 
1852 he resided at St. Paul, tlicn cniue to Mankato; 
be was the firet oimntv surveyor iiud first justice 
of tlie poiice; wasiippoiuted bj' (rovenior Ramsey. 
In Novemljer, ISlil, lie enlisted in Second company 
sharp-sliooters, which afterwards became Company 
L, first refjiment, of which ho was sergeant; Feb- 
ruary liS(i:i he was disL'liargcd lor disability. 
Lived on his farm until 1877 and has sin^'e been 
in the wholesale liquor business. Married in 1855, 
Mary Rathburn, and has seven children. 

Robert Goodyear was born in 1827, in Connecti- 
cut, and remained there until coming, in 1856, to 
Minnesota. He took 120 acres of land in Maple- 
ton, which he afterward sold and bought a farm in 
,Tudson, Mhere for ten years he carried on the 
nursery business. Mr. Goodyear came to Man- 
kato and bought a farm of thirty-four acres, well 
adapted to his business, that of raising various 
kinds of fruits and berries. In 1864 he married 
Mary J. Perry. Julia, Amanda, Abbie and Mabel 
are their children. 

Nicholas Graeber is a native of Germany, where 
he was born in 182(). Came in 1849 to America; 
after making Cincinnati his home for three years 
he removed to St. Louis, where he was in the ho- 
tel business two years. Li 1855 he went to Red 
Wing; kej)! hotel two years then followed gar- 
dening until coming to Maukato in 1880; he is 
now running the Blue Earth brewery. Miss Welch 
was married to Mr. Graeber in 1857 and has six 
children. 

J. G. Griebel, born April 1, 1838, came to Amer- 
ica in 1853 and lociited in Chicago, and learned 
the shoemaker's trade. He went to St. Paul in 
1857, and a few years later removed to Indiana and 
opened a .shop; came to Mankato in September, 
1865. and is a member of the firm of Grieliel & 
Brother; they have the largest establishment of 
the kind in the city. In 1864 Mr. Griebel mar- 
ried and has four children. 

Edmund (Triibb, a native of Pennsylvania, was 
born in 1821 in Lehigh county. Learned the tan- 
ner's trade and worked at it twenty-two years. In 
18r>l he enlisted in Company I, Second Pennsyl- 
vania cavalry, and served until the clo.se of the 
war. After leaving the army he was one year in 
the oil busines-s, and in 1867 came to Mankato; he 
is engaged iu the tanning trade, also manufactures 
gloves. In 1845 Miss Housel became his wife. 
They have five children. 

H. L. Gude, born in 1826, is a native of Hol- 



land. He learned the trade of tailor and then had 
a shop of his own. In 1846 ho immigrated to 
Now York city where he worked ten years, and in 
May, 1856. came to Mankato: he had a tailor shop 
here fifteen years and has since been in the saloon 
Ijusiness. Mr. Gude has served as justice of the 
peace and was also pustmaster for a time. 

John N. Hall was born May 15, 1822 in Litch- 
field comity, Connecticut. From 1838 until 1858 
he was in mercantile business in Fairfield county, 
and then until 18(!2 in Mankato; at that time he 
was ap])ointed collector of internal revenue. In 
18()5 he organized and was partner in the bank- 
ing firm of J. J. Thornton & Co. He was ca,shier 
of the Firet National bank from its incorjjoration 
until 1880, when he engaged in the business of 
abstracts and titles. Married iu 1846, Esther M. 
Comstock. They have lost one child; the living 
are Roger L., Emma M., Carrie C, Mary C. and 
John N., Jr. 

Z. G. Harrington, M. D., was bom August 20, 
1830, in Windham county, Vermont. At the age 
of thirteen he removed to Bennington and finished 
his education at the seminary of that place. He 
first studied medicine with IJr. L. G. Whiting, of 
Chester, and inl857 graduated from Albany Medi- 
cal school; he then associated himself with Dr. 
Whiting and practiced at Chester until, in 1872, he 
came to Mankato and has since labored in the pro- 
fession here. In 1874 Julia E. Robbius, of Ches- 
ter, Vermont, became his wife. 

P. J. Hawley, an Englishmaili, was bom in 1849 
and coming to America at the age of thirteen 
with his mother settled in Milwaukee. Af- 
ter leaving school he was emjiloyed by the Chi- 
cago & Northwestern railroad company as clerk in 
I the superintendent's office. He was station mas- 
ter at Lanesboro eleven years and in the spring 
of 1881 took charge of the Chicago, Milwaukee & 
St. Paul station at Mankato. 

F. G. Heinze, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1848 and in 1850 immigrated to Milwaukee, 
Wisconsin. He worked at farming seven years 
and in 1857 made a claim in Mankato of 160 acres 
where he lived five years. Mr. Heinze learned the 
baker's trade, and is now doing a g<iod business, 
having in 1880 started for himself. Married in 
1874, Mary Schuerer, and has three children. 

Henry Himmclman was bom in Germany in 
1834, and in that country learned the wagon mak- 
er's trade. In 1854 he came to America and for a 
time worked at his trade in St. Charles; removed 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



559 



to Minnesota in 1856, and established himself at 
Mankato in the wagon making and blacksmith 
business. Mr. Himmelraan built the City Hotel 
on Plum and Second streets; he is also the owner 
of Union Hall. In 1858 he married Miss Paulina 
Heinze, a native of Germany. They have five 
children: Eosina, Henry, Tvbo is general mana- 
ger of the hotel, Ferdinand, Edward and Ida. 

John S. Hinckley was boru June 30, 1816, in 
Stonington, Connecticut. He learned the trade of 
jjainter and in 1849 moved to St. Paul; came to 
Mankato in 1852 and the next year put ujj a 
shanty where the Citizens' bank now stands. He 
was one of the original town site company. In 
1854 he pre-empted 160 acres of land and built a 
log cabin which was burned the next year by In- 
dians. Mr. Hinckley was one of the first county 
commissioners. He married in 1864, Mrs. Ange- 
line Jackson, who was born April 11, 1817 in Erie 
county, New York, and in 1842 went to St. Paul 
when there were only a few shanties there; hers 
was the first shingled house. In May, 1838 she 
married Henry Jackson, who died in 1857. 

J. W. Hoerr, born June 27, 1834, is a German 
by birth. Came to America in 1852 and located 
in Ohio, where he worked at cabinet making. In 
1856 he removed to Mankato and took 160 acres 
of land which he afterward ti'aded for hotel prop- 
erty. Mr. Hoerr has held various town offices and 
for a number of years has been county treasurer. 
In 1858 he married Miss Schatfer. They have 
eight children. Is a member of the firm of Jensen 
& Hoerr, carriage works. 

L. N. Hohnes, born in 1822, is a native of New 
York. He learned the blacksmith's trade, at 
which he worked three years; removed to Wis- 
consin and was there engaged in difl'erent kinds of 
employments. In 1858 he came to this state, made 
a claim at Blue Earth City, and after farming one 
year came to Mankato. He enlisted as a private in 
the Second Minnesota and after serving four years 
was discharged with the rank of captain. Returned 
to this city, operated a mill three years and has 
since been doing carpenter woi-k. Is a large pro- 
ducer of honey; has one hundred hives of bees. 
Married in 1868 Amanda Gale. Myrtle is their 
only child; one is deceased. 

E. D. Hubbard, a native of New York, was born 
December 14, 1837, in Otsego county. When 
fifteen years old he went to California ; after living 
there ten years he returned to his old home. Pre- 
vious to coming to Mankato in 1S70 he had been 



in Pennsylvania engaged in the grocery trade. 
In July, 1870 he took another trip to California 

but returned to Mankato; for two years was in the 
wheat business and in 1872 built the linseed oil mill. 
He married in 1863, Mary E. Cook, who died in 
1877 leaving one child. Jay. October, 1879, Fran- 
ces GrifRtli became his wife. 

James B. Hubbell was born JIarch 18,1836,and is 
a native of West WinBted,Conneoticut. In 1857 he 
came to Mankato and engaged in mercantile busi- 
ness. Mr. Hubbell served the county one term as 
register of deeds; in 1861 he was appointed In- 
dian trader, and was at Fort Thompson for a time; 
he was interested in building the railroad from 
Mankato to Wells. Since 1878 he has carried on 
business in Montana as contractor, freighter and 
dealer in general merchandise. Married Sejitem- 
ber 9, 1858, Katie A. Tew. Their children are 
Louis B., Grace, Henrietta M., James B. Andrew 
L.,_Hattie T. and Eobert W. 

Thomas Ireland was born March 10, 1812, in 
Washington county, Pennsylvania, and lived in 
that state, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois until 1859 
when he settled in Minnesota. At the Indian out- 
break in 1862 he was living at Lake Shetek and 
on the 24th of August as he was mowing hay he 
received a warning to leave, as the Indians were 
murdering the whites. Started with his family 
before breakfast and soon after saw three Indians, 
one of whom shot at him. The Indians soon joined 
the main body of two hundred and the jaarty of 
fugitives, augmented by the arrival of several 
families, resumed their flight. The Indians soon 
discovered tlie direction they had taken, and the 
women and children were hid in the grass. A 
parley then ensued, the Indians saying they only 
wanted the horses; this ended in eight Indians 
firing at the party, and wounding two women and 
three children. Two of the men, Smith and Ehodes, 
ran away. Smith's wife begging him not to desert 
her. These men escaped. About thirty Indians 
surrounded the party and the chief, "Lean Bear'' 
started for Mr. Ireland, who raised his gun to 
shoot him. The chief bared his breast and told 
him to tire, which he did, and the chief fell dead. 
He then shot another Indian, after which firing 
ceased for half an hour. The chief then in com- 
mand called for the whites to come out and 
they would not be harmed. Mr. Ireland had by 
this time received a wound in the thigh and Wil- 
liam Everts was also badly wounded. The women 
told the Indians that the men were aU killed. The 



560 



HISTORY OP TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Indians tuld them to come out and go to their 
houses; they started iind the chief toUl Irehiud to 
come out, mid not be afraid. He replied that he 
was not afraid but was shot. He went toward the 
Indians nn<l when within about seven rods of them 
they tired a volley, several bullets striking him, 
one in enoli lung. His wife asked bim how long 
he would live and he answered that he did not 
know. It was then rainini; and he was bleeding 
from every wound and would have died soon had 
not the rain stopjjed the flow of blood. To end 
his sufferings he requested the women to shoot 
him in the head, and thus prevent the Indians 
from scalping him alive. The band of Indians 
started away, taking the women and children, 
leaving Mr. Ireland for dead. He lay where he 
fell until four o'clock, when Mr. Easthck's boy 
came along carrying his infant brother. After 
many efforts Mr. Ireland gained his feet and walked 
with the boy for alwut half a mile, when he was 
overcome by weakness and laid in that spot for 
three days. After the end of that time he walked 
eighteen mUes and reached a place known as 
"Dutch Charlie's" twenty miles from where the 
party was attacked. The place was deserted and 
he made a bed in the stalile and fully expected to 
die there. After remaining there twenty-four 
hours, the mail carrier, on his way to New Ulm, 
discovered Mr. Ireland but could not help him as 
he had Mrs. Eastlick who was badly woumlcd. 
The small party started hoping to reach New Ulm. 
The fourth day after Mr. Ireland was wounded was 
spent on the prairie. The fifth day they overtook 
Mrs. Eastlick's boy with his little brother; the 
next morning they reached Brown's place and there 
the mail carrier left them and said he would send 
help from New Ulm, and would return on the third 
day. Upon his arrival at New Ulm he found the 
place deserted and was obliged to return to the 
refngees without aid, and started on his retiu-n to 
Sioux Falls, from which place he would send aid in 
four days. At the end of that time Mr. Ireland, 
though suffering greatly from his wounds, started 
for New Ulm, and from there sent help to the wo- 
men left at Brown's. He remained in New Ulm 
about four days then came to Mankato and re- 
mained until he recf)vered from his wounds. Two 
years later he went to Illinois and returned to 
Minnesota with his son; in 1866 went again to 
Lake Shetek, lived there six years, then came to 
Mankato and has since resided on section 16, 
Mankato township. Mr. Ireland was married in 



1832 to Sarah Harrison who bore him seven chil- 
dren, two of whom are living. In 1854 he married 
So])hia Watters; by this marriage had four chil- 
dren, two of whom are living. His third mar- 
riage wa.s with Mrs. Sully Haddock in lHC)t;. HLs 
two daughters, K(jse and Ellen, Wire held captives 
by the Indians for four months. ' They were sold 
by the Sioux to the Yanktons for a pony each, and 
taken to Fort Pierre, where they were given )ij) to 
the whites. 

Joseph Jacoby, a native of Minnesota, was bom 
in 1858, in Blue Earth county. His education 
was attained at the school of the Catholic Sisters 
in Mankato. Mr. Jacoby worked at farming two 
years after leaving school, and since that has been 
employed in house and carriage painting. 

H. P. Jensen, born in 1844, is a native of Den- 
mark. When but fourteen years old he com- 
menced learning the blacksmith's trade, and 
coming to Fredonia, New York, he worked one 
year for others: then jjassed the same length of 
time in Mankato, after which he returned to New 
York, but in 1869 came again to this city. In 
1872 the firm of .Tensen k MUler was formed, and 
in 1873 the present firm of Jensen & Hoerr suc- 
ceeded them. December 4, 1869, is the date of 
Mr. Jensen's marriage. 

P. K. Johnson was born in 1816 in Rutland 
county, Vermont. He learned the tailor's trade, 
and resided in Rockford, Illinois, from 1837 until 
1841, when he removed to Wisconsin. In 1847 he 
went to St. Paul, where he erected a building and 
continued at his trade; he was in 1849 a member 
of the first legislature. In 1852 he came to Man- 
kato, one of the first settlers here; he with others 
laid out the town and had it surveyed ; also made 
a claim of 160 acres and opened a small trading 
store. Mr. Johnson was the first register of deeils 
in this county, also first justice of the peace and 
postmaster; in 1855-6 was in the legislature. 
Married in 1850 Laura Bevins. They have four 
children living. 

Hans Jorgensen, born in 1848, is a native of 
Norway. In 1870 he came to tlie United States, 
and in 1871 to Mankato; had previously lived one 
year at Madelia. He is engaged in the merchant 
tailoruig business in this city. Mr. Jorgeuson 
married, Fel)ruary 28, 1875, Annie Johnson. They 
have two children, John A. and Josephine A. 

Nicholas Keber, born in 1841, is a native of 
Germany. In 1860 he immigrated to St. Louis; 
after farming one year he removed to Wisconsin 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



561 



and learned carriage-making, at which he worked 
three years. He enlisted in Company F, First 
Missouri cavalry, in 1864, and served nineteen 
months, then farmed in Illinois three years. 
Came to Mankato in 1868; worked at carpenter- 
ing and as a clerk several years, after which he en- 
gaged for himself in the grocery and dry goods 
trade; now has a saloon. Married in 1872 Miss 
Aachen. They have two children. 

Jacob 0. Knolf was born in Norway in 1854, 
and coming to America in 1870 located in Trem- 
pealeau county, Wisconsin. He removed to Mar- 
tin county, Minnesota, in 1871; came to Mankato 
in 1873 and learned the trade of harness-maker; he 
is now one of the firm Nelson & Knoff. In 1877 
be married Johanna Johnson. They have one 
child : Mathea Josephine. 

B. Kohler, a native of Germany, was bom Aug- 
ust 16, 1827, in Baden, where he learned shoemak- 
ing. In 1851 he came to America; worked sis 
months in New York, then in Ohio until 1855, at 
which time he came to Mankato, and the year fol- 
lowing embarked in the boot and shoe business. 
Caroline Keble became his ■wife in 1857, and has 
borne him seven children; the living are Albert, 
Charles C, Emma and Bertha. 

J. E. Roller is a native of Indiana, where he 
was bom October 15, 1857, and was raised as a 
farmer. On the last day of August, 1879, he came 
to Mankato, and is now business manager at the 
Central warehouse, established some eight years. 

Joseph Kraus was born in Bavaria in 1830, and 
in 1852 came to America; he had learned the 
jeweler's trade, at which he worked three years 
in the old country. He went to Pennsylvania, 
where he had different kinds of employment, and 
for about two years did carpenter work; after 
living in Ohio a time he went in 1855 to St. Paul, 
thence to Mankato the nest year. During the In- 
dian troubles he joined the home guard. In 1871 
he engaged in the jeweler's business and had a 
fine store; now keeps a saloon. Married iu 1856 
Eva Kothmayer. They have one child living: 
Theressa. 

Joseph Kron, a native of Mankato, was the first 
white boy born in the town; May 21, 1855, is the 
date of his birth. From 1877 until 1880 he was 
proprietor at the Minnesota House, which building 
he owns. In 1880 he erected the beer saloon 
which he now occupies. 

Peter Larson was born in 1837 in Norway, 
where he worked seven years at shoemaking. 

36 



Came to America in 1858; after six years at his 
trade in Chicago he removed in 1861 to Mankato 
and continues in the same vocation. Jlr. Larson 
has the reputation of a first-class shoemaker. Miss 
Oleaon became his wife in 1858, and has five 
children living. 

Quirinus Le(mard is a native of Germany, born 
in 1835. In 1853 he came to America and after 
attending school in Wisconsin, he taught for eigh- 
teen years. He held offices of trust in Scott 
county for a number of years previous to 1876, 
the date of his coming to Mankato. Mr. Leonard 
is engaged in the dry goods and grocery business 
here. In 1878 he was elected city justice and 
holds the office now. Married in 1863, Elizabeth 
Keber. They have four children. 

O. P. Lieberg was born iu Norway in 1831 and 
worked there seven years at the barbers' trade; 
then in 1852 came to America and followed the 
same business at Chicago and various other places. 
In 1862 he took a claim near St. James, liut aban- 
doned it during the Indian troubles and in 1865 
took another 160 acres in Blue Earth county; 
worked at farming ten years. He is now engaged 
at his trade iu Mankato. Married in 1857, Caro- 
line F. Solberg. They have six children. 

William F. Liedloff, a native of Wisconsin, was 
born in 1850 and remained fifteen years in that 
state. He came to Mankato and learned the har- 
ness makers' trade, at which he worked for others 
until 1869, when he engaged in business for him- 
self; he keeps a fine stock and is having a good 
trade. Miss Ikier married Mr. Liedloff in 1874 
and has three children. 

Isidor Longini, a native of Prance, was born in 
1854. He learned the German language, then 
kept books for his father four years and in 1872 
came to America. He clerked five years in Man- 
kato for A. Longini, also three years for his brother 
and in January 1881 bought their business; he 
keejDs a full line of clothing. 

Herman Lorenz, born in 1836, is a native of 
Germany. He learned the business of florist, at 
which he worked in the old country until 1870, 
when he came to America; from New York he 
went to Wisconsin; one year later to Kan- 
sas City and in 1872 to St. Paiil, where he remain- 
ed two years. Since 1874 he has i-esided at Man- 
kato; his is the only green-house in the city. Miss 
Falkman became his wife in 1879; they have one 
child living. 

H. A. Maas was born in Germany, in 1856, and 



562 



nisronY OF tub Minnesota vallky. 



coming to America in 1862 with bis parents, set- 
tled in Detroit, Michijc;nn. He learned the gilders' 
trad(>, and fioiu 1874 until 1878 worked in Minne- 
apolis; had also lea rued tho confectioners' business 
and when he came to Mankato engaged in the 
manufacture of candy; now has a fine store and 
ice cream saloon. In 1878 Miss Inveen became 
his wife. 

Martin Meihofer, born in 1832, Ls a native of 
Prussia. In 1859 he came to Mankato; worked at 
farming one year and two years in a brewery; then 
manufactured brick one year at La Crosse, Wis- 
consin and lias since been engaged in that bu.sinc.ss 
in this city; in 1880 he erected a fine building at 
the corner of Front and Elm streets, where he now 
has a saloon. He married in 1858, Christine 
Drahar. Arnstene, William P., Albert, Emma, 
Adolph, Ida and Henry are their children. 

Dr. D. F. McGraw, a native of Illinois, was born 
February 19, 1856, in Du Page county. Removed 
to Mankato in 18(!3 and has since resided here. 
He studied dentistry first with Dr. Stauffer of this 
city, and afterwards with Dr. Myers, of Davenport, 
Iowa. Since 1876 he has been in practice here. 

W. R. McMahan, M. D. was bom in Clark 
county, Kentucky, and when young moved to In- 
diana. He studied medicine in that state and re- 
ceived his diploma; practiced several years in 
Ottumwa and l)ubu<pie and since 1856 has fol- 
lowed liis profession in Mankato. In 1857 he was 
a member of the constitutional convention; was 
county physician eight or ten years, and was 
several years in the city council; he was one of tlie 
procurers of the charter for the Minnesota and 
North-western railroad and was twice its president; 
be is a member of the State Medical Society and 
for six years has been examiner for pensions. 
Married in 1842, Mary C. Condict, who died in 
1873. Ten children were bom to them; the living 
are Isadore F., Elizabeth P., Charles C, Joseph 
C, Helen C, William R. and James C. 

Hugh McMurtrie was born in Pennsylvania, in 
1837, and when young moved to Michigan with 
his parents. He learned the carpenters' trade and 
in the spring of 1859 came to Mankato; w-as in 
the employ of the government three years at 
Winnebago agency, then farmed until the Sioux 
massacre when he volunteered his services in the 
defense of New Ulm. In 1863 he enlisted in com- 
pany E, Second Minnesota cavalry and served 
through the remainder of the war. After spend- 
ing a time in St. Paul and Faribault he came to 



Mankato. He is a prominent member in Free- 
masonry. Married in 1871, Sarah D, King. 
Bertie, Sadie and .Tames H, are their children. 

.James McMurtrie, a native of Pennsylvania, was 
bom in 1828, in Union county. He came to Man- 
kato in 1853, when there were but four houses in 
the town; he, in company with George Van Brunt 
and M. T. Comstock, built the first saw-mill in 
this county; the mill was afterwards sold to the 
government. He was then for two years in busi- 
ness in ^lankato and was afterward until 1860, 
8U])eriut<mdent of a farm on the Indian reserva- 
tion. He lived several years in St. Paul, but re- 
turned to this city in 1868; worked in a fanniug- 
mill manufactory and has since been engineer at 
the linseed oil mill. His wife is the widow of his 
old partner, (leorge Van Brunt. 

Andrew Madson was born in 1857, and is native 
of Denmark. In 1870 he immigrated to Minne- 
sota; after working five year.sat farming in Butter- 
nut Valley he returned to Mankato and learned 
the trade of tailor; he was employed in that busi- 
ness four years and since 1879 has been in part- 
nership with Hans .Torgensen; they are said to do 
first-class work. Married in 1880. Carrie Alfden 
who has borne him one child, Henry. 

Joseph Manderfeld, born in 1837, is a native of 
Prussia. In 1854 he located at Chicago and 
worked at his trade, that of painter. He came to 
Mankato in 1864 and in 1869 established himself 
in business with a stock of paints, glass and paper. 
In 1873 he erected the fine two story brick block 
which he is occupying. He took a ])artncr in 
1879 and the firm now is Manderfeld it Williams. 

Charles Mansfield was born July 9, 1828, in 
Monroe county, New York. In 1849 he went to 
Sharon, Wisconsin, and taught school; then after 
spending some time in ('alifornia and Oregon he 
returned to New York; in 1854 came to Mankato; 
took some land in what is now McPhorson, but the 
next year he came back to Mankato. In May. 18(il, 
he went into Company 11, First Minnesota, and 
wivs mustered out in May, 1864. Was employed 
by fur traders until 1866, when he returned to this 
city; was ajipointed assistant assessor of internal 
revenue; served in that position and as deputy 
collector until 1879. Married in 1876 Louisa. 
Burchard, who has borne him Charles, Jr., .John 
A., Mary L. and an infant. 

.T. P. Menth, a native of Prussia, was born in 
1848, and in 1852 came to America with his par- 
ents, who settled on a farm in Wisconsin. He re- 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



563 



mained with tliem until twenty-five years of age, 
then fitted himself for a teacher, and until 1880 
taught in different parts of Minnesota; since then 
he has been engaged in general merchandise in 
Mankato. In 1872 Miss Meyer became his wife. 
They have three children. 

Isaac Marks was born in 1823 in East Prussia. 
In 1840 be immigrated to St. Louis and lived in 
that city until the spring of 184(1, when he went 
on horseback to Illinois; sold bis horse and pro- 
ceeded by steamer from Galena to Prairie du 
Ohien. Lived at LaCrosse until May, 1848, then 
went to Minnesota; he helped build the first raft 
that came down the Mississippi, of pine logs, to 
be used for buildings at Sauk Rapids. He was 
for a time justice of the peace, and performed the 
ceremony uniting the fiist couple married in Ben- 
ton county; it was Mr. Marks who built the first 
trading house at Winnebago Agency. Since 1857 
he has been a resident of Mankato. Married, Aug- 
ust 15, 1862, Anna Schoffman, who died Novem- 
ber 22, 1879, at Philadelphia. 

George H. Marsh was born November 26, 1833, 
in Chesterfield, New Hampshire. After a. few 
years residence in Boston he came in 1853 to Man- 
kato and built a store, which was standing until 
1880 on Front and Mulberry streets. Mr. Marsh 
had in 1854 the first mail contract from St. Paul 
to Mankato, and in 1856 from St. Paul to Sioux 
City; he was register of deeds in 1856-7. At the 
Indian outbreak of 1862 he was at Redwood, and 
brought the flrat tidings to this city. Married in 
1858 Cornelia M. Darling. Mr. Marsh is in the 
real estate business. 

J. Q. A. Marsh, a native of New Hampshire, 
was bom October 13, 1827, in Chesterfield. From 
the age of twenty-three until coming to Mankato 
in 1854 he was in mercantile trade in that place> 
and until 1859 he continued the business here; 
since that date he has been engaged in real estate 
and money loaning business. He was in company 
with his brother George in contracting to carry 
the mail from St. Paul to Mankato and Sicaix City. 
At diflerent times he has served the town by fill- 
ing with credit various offices. In 1859 he mar- 
ried Sarah J. Hannah. Their children are Charles 
M. and Mary E. 

S. B. Martin is a native of Norway, where he 
was bom in 1846. In 1869 he came to the United 
States and located in Chicago; he traveled in dif- 
ferent states until 1871, then settled in Mankato. 
Mr. Martin's business is that of a jeweler; he com- 



menced learning the trade when but sixteen years 
old. In 1873 occurred hi.s marriage with Miss 
Catherine Schaffer. 

Oliver R. Blather was born October 20, 1832, in 
Hartford county, Connecticut. When twenty-one 
years of age he moved to Dane county, Wiscon- 
sin, and worked at building and brick-making 
there until coming to Blue Earth county in 1864; 
lived on a farm near Willow creek. Since 1872 
he has been building, making brick and burning 
lime in Mankato. Married in 1854 Phoebe A. 
Gibbons. Jennie, Mattie and Mary are their 
children. 

George Maxfleld, bom October 20, 1810, is a 
native of Monongalia county, Virginia. Until 
1829 he was farming; at that time he went to 
Ohio and learned wagon-making. In the spring 
of 1853 he came to Mankato; after working in a 
store and at his trade a few years he commenced 
his present business, quarrying and running a 
lime kihi. Married in November, 1831, Sarah 
Boden. Of the twelve children bom to them the 
living are Wesley, Emma J., Laui-a E., Kinsey, 
George, Nettie, Charles P. and Anna M. 

George W. Mead was born September 4, 1845, 
in Youngstown, Ohio. From 1855 until 1857 he 
lived in Wisconsin, then removed to Garden City, 
Blue Earth county. Enlisted in August, 1862, in 
Company E, Ninth Minnesota; was wounded at Mo- 
bile; mustered out August 24, 1865. He returned 
to Garden City and did carpenter work until 1872, 
then came to Mankato. Mr. Mead served as dep- 
uty clerk of the district court until the fall of 1880, 
when he was elette.l judge of probate; he had 
been admitted to the l)ar in 1879. Nettie Cram 
became his wife in .January, 1868, and has borne 
him two children: ElBe M. and Jessie. 

John F. Meagher was bom April 11, 1836, in 
Ireland. Moved to La Salle county, Illinois, in 
1847; learned the trade of tinner and worked there 
until removing in 1857 to Minnesota. Came to 
Mankato in June, 1858; was employed at his trade 
until 1862, then started in business. He served as 
county treasurer two years, county commissioner 
one year; was a member of the city council three 
years, and is now its president; has also been in 
the state senate and legislature. Married in 1866, 
Mary Battelle. Their children are John B., 
Alonzo E., Jeremiah W., Felix K. and Kitty. 

Jacob Miller, a German, was born in 1842; 
came to America in 1854 and until 1861 lived at 
Milwaukee. He enlisted in Company F, Sixth 



664 



UISrORT OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



WiscoiiBin; was wonncled in 18G4 and tlisoharged 
from the hoBpital. Came to Maiikatu and for a 
number of years followed the cariioiiter's trade; is 
now in the butcher business. In 1869 he married 
Miss Bravander. Tliey have five children. 

James E. Miller, n native of Indiana, was bom 
January 4, 1853, in Lafayette. In 1857 he accom- 
panied his parents to Shelby, where they engaged 
in farming. He removed to Mankato in 1877 and 
worked at teaming until December, 1879; since 
that time he has been studying; law. 

W. T. Mills was born in 1839 in the state of 
New York. When about eighteen years old he 
went with his jjarents to Illinois and in 1856 to 
Mower county, Minnesota. In 1861 he enlisted 
in Company 0, Second Minnesota infantry, and 
at the close of the war was mustered out as first 
lieutenant. After leaving the army he worked at 
farming and for the Northwestern stage company 
several years; is now located at Mankato and en- 
gaged in buying butter and eggs. Married in 
1867, Fannie Oakley, who in 1872 died, leaving 
one child, Lillie. Emma Wood became his wife 
in 1874 and has borne him two children; Nellie 
and Flora. 

John A. Nelson, bom in 1844, is a native of Swe- 
den. In 1871 he came to the United States and 
located first at Mankato; in March of the next year 
he sailed for England; spent some time in Sweden 
visited Havana, and then in 1875 returned to 
Mankato. Until 1881 he was employed by the 
Sioux City railroad company: at that time he be- 
came proprietor of the Milwaukee hotel, opposite 
the depot. 

L. C. Nelson, a native of Norway, was born in 
1843, and in 1844 came to the United States. He 
located in Wisconsin and learned the harness mak- 
er's trade at Madison. In 1869 he came to Man- 
kato and worked for some time at his trade; May 
18, 1878, he established his jiresent business. Mr. 
Nelson's wife was Miss Jennie Kuoff. 

John C. Noe, bom May 2, 1844, at Newburg, 
New York. Received his early education there, 
and in 1866 was admitted to the bar at Pough- 
keepsie; practiced his profession in that state un- 
til 1873 when he came to Mankato; in October, 
1873. he was admitted to the courts of Minnesota. 
Mr. Noe's marriage occurred in 1868 with Anna 
Chandler, of Fishkill, Now York. 

Edward Oglesby, was born in 1823 in England, 
where he learned the trade of shoemaker. In 1850 
he came to America and landed at New York; re- 



mained in that state until 1853 then went to Mich- 
igan. Wisconsin, Illinois, and since 1857 has been 
working at his trade in Mankato. He makes 
boots and shoes and does repairing neatly. 

F. Polchow, a German, was born in 1843, and in 
1870 came to the United States; resided two years 
in the state of New York, and in 1872 removed to 
Mankato. Until 1877 he was employed here in 
the brick yards, then bought an interest in the bus- 
iness and has since lieen in company with J. A. 
WUlard. Mr. Tolchow married in 1870, Wil- 
helme Chultz. Frederick, William. .John, Lena 
and Louis are their children. 

Lawrence D. Pardy, a native of New Y'ork, was 
born November 26, 1836, in Clinton county. In 
June, 1872, he came to Mankato, and in company 
with Mr. Allen, his partner, built the store the fol- 
lowing year, which they occupy in their wholesale 
and retail grocery trade. Mr. Pardy's early life 
was spent in the mercantile business. 

Benjamin Pay was born in 1831 in England; 
when six years old he came to America with his 
parents and located at Watertown, New Y'ork. Af- 
ter leaving school he traveled seven years for a 
cracker manufactory. For a while he was farming 
in Vemon, Minnesota, and the greater part of the 
time since 1856 has been in the livery business; he 
now has the finest stables in Mankato. During 
the Sioux troubles of 1862 he was engaged in con- 
veying dispatches over the country and had sev- 
eral very narrow escapes from death by the In- 
dians. Mr. Pay has served as idderman, also de- 
puty sheriff, and is now chief engineer of the fire 
department. Married in 1853, Mary A. Roper. 
They have four children. 

J. A. Piper, bom in 1848, is a native of Penn- 
sylvania. While young he moved to Adams 
county, Wisconsin, and in 1861 came to Blue 
Earth county; for a time he worked at famiing 
and then learned tlie trade of blacksmith at Gar- 
den City; has been since 1880 engaged in that busi- 
ness in the city of Mankato. Married in 1875 
Miss Gerry. 

H. W. Perry, a n.-itive of New York, was Iiom in 
1828, in Cattaraugus county. In 1838 he removed 
to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, thence, in 1857, to 
Mankatt) and made a claim in Ceresco. He now 
owns a farm in Vernon, which is carried on by liis 
son. Mr. Perry was working as teamster for the 
government and heli)ed take the Indians to Man- 
kato, who were executed there. Married Decem- 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



565 



ber 7, 1850 MissL. A. Perry. They have one son, 
E. A., who is now married. 

A. E. Pfaii, a native of Germany, was bom Feb- 
ruary 14, 1847 and in 1849 immigrated to New 
York; his parents died on the journey. He was 
educated in that state and studied law with Judge 
R. S. Hart; removed to Wisconsin and was ad- 
mitted to the courts there in 1868; in the spring 
of the next year he came to Mankato and has 
since been in practice here. Mr. Pfau served four 
terms as county attorney. In 1871 he married 
Caroline, daughter of Judge Brown, of Indiana. 
Their children are James F., Albert B., Caroline 
and Edith. 

O. O. Pitcher was bom May 30, 1830, in Cat- 
taraugus county, New York. He spent some time 
in that state, Illinois and Minnesota, attending 
school and teaching; came to Mankato in 1857, 
studied law and in 1859 was admitted to the bar. 
For four years he served as prosecuting attorney; 
is now alderman of the city; since 1875 has been 
resident director of the State Normal school and 
in 1868 -'9 he was a member of the state legisla- 
ture. Married in 1859, Mary Warren. Their 
children are Plumer W., Grace and Fannie. 

George Pond, a native of Wisconsin, was born 
in 1857 in Dane county, and until twenty years 
of age he attended school, then worked at farming 
one year. He went to Sioux City, where for three 
years he was employed as clerk in a clothing 
house then removed to Mankato and is here en- 
gaged in the clothing business with his brother. 

S. C. Pond was bom in 1849, in Dane county, 
Wisconsin. He was in school until the age of 
twenty years, after which he farmed for about 
three years and passed the same length of time as 
clerk in a general merchandise stoi-e. For some 
time he was clerking in Sioux City previous to 
1881 when he came to Mankato and in company 
with George Pond opened a fine clothing store. 

E. Price was bom in 1847 in Wales and at the 
age of two years removed with his parents to Wis- 
consin; in 1854 he came to Blue Earth county. 
He enlisted in 1863 in the Second Minnesota cav- 
alry and served until the war closed, after which 
he returned to Mankato. For five years he drove 
stage and was in the omnibus business the same 
length of time; now keeps a livery. Married in 
1867, Miss Edwards. Two children have been 
born to them, Ida M. and Edward E. 

John Quann, a native of Ireland, was bom March 
6, 1825 and in 1829 went with his parents to 



Quebec. He learned stone cutting in Canada; 
removed in 1846 to Illinois where he worked at 
bis trade and farming; thence in 1855 to St. 
Peter and in 1861 to Mankato. Since 1862 he has 
been proprietor of the Washington Hotel. Mar- 
ried in 1846, Alicia Lamb who died in 1857. One 
child living: Margaret. In 1860 he married 
Margaret Smith; her living children are Jennie 
and Esther. 

A. J. Eichter, born in 1856, is a native of Aus- 
tria. In 1869 he came to Minnesota and located 
at New Ulm where he attended school; afterwards 
worked four years in the brewery at that place and 
was employed the same length of time in a brew- 
ery in Mankato. Since 1879 he has kept a sa- 
loon here. 

Andrew J. Eichter, a native of Germany, was 
born in 1856, and in 1860 came to the United 
States. He came to Mankato in 1876 and has 
since been engaged in the saloon business hei'e. 
In 1877 Mary Stiener became his wife. Their 
children are Annie C. and Mary. 

I. Eolfson, born in 1846, is a native of Norway. 
In 1870 he came to America, and to Mankato; 
worked one year on a railroad, then took 160 acres 
of land in Murray county and after farming sis 
years, returned to Mankato; worked another year 
on a railroad and in 1878 opened his saloon. -Mar- 
ried in 1880, Eliza Elsen. Rudolph is their only 
child. 

Christian Eoos was bom in Germany in 1831 ; 
in 1851 came to America and two years later to 
Mankato. He made a claim and lived on it untO. 
1862 then for one year was engaged in buying 
and selling horses ; afterwards operated a saw-mill 
several years, and after visiting the old country, 
he returned and bought a farm on which he built a 
saw-mill. In 1873, he came to the city and en- 
gaged in woolen manufacturing. Married in 1863 
Caroline Grafe. The children are Charles, George 
William, Edward and Eva. 

Major Robert M. Rose was born June 30, 1831, 
in Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, and in 1847 
entered Princeton College. For three years he 
was engaged in the hardware trade in Maine; in 
1855 he came to St. Paul, and in 1857 was one of 
the proprietors of the town site of Belle Plaine. 
He enlisted November 1, 1861, in the second com- 
pany organized in the state; was promoted to 
major and served gallantly in the civil war until 
1864, when he was sent on Sully's expedition to 
the Yellowstone; he built Fort Wadsworth that 



566 



n I STORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



year, and nras in command there until April, 1866, 
when he wft3 honorably disciharged. In 1873 he 
established at Maukato a general renl estate and 
insuranoe agency: his son, Dickinson L. Kose, is 
in business with him. Mrs. Rose, married in 1852, 
was Charlotte S. Ladd, of Maine. Their daugh- 
ter, Fannie E., is an artist of much promise. In 
1871-2 Major Rose was in the state senate. 

E. L. R isebrook was born April 21, 1828, in Al- 
legany county, New York. In 1810 he went to 
Michigan and lived in dillcreut parts of the state, 
engaged in steamboating, farming and mercantile 
pursuits; after traveling a time in Ohio for a 
Cleveland firm, lie returned to Michigan, and in 
18(!9 came to Mankato, where lie has since been in 
the livery and hack business. In 1854 he married 
Mary Lopper. One child is deceased, Hubert R. 
is hving. 

L. L. Sage, a native of Canada, was born in 
1849, and when a young man learned the miller's 
trade. He came to Mankato in 1878 and worked 
in dilleient mills until February, 1881, when he 
bought a half interest in the Farmer's mill. In 
1875 occurred his marriage with Sophia Smith. 
Two children have been born to them: Mabel G. 
and Abbie. 

Charles A. Sanborn, born in 1846, is a native of 
Iowa. He came with his parents in 1855 to 
Minnesota and lived on a farm at Cannon City ; 
in 1805 removed to Blue Earth county and worked 
a farm in Sterling. Since 1874 he has been at 
Mankato, engaged in the lumber business. He 
■was married that year to Mary B. Burgess. 

J. A. Samboru was born August 16, 1848, in 
Grafton county. New Hampshire, and finished his 
education at Dartmouth College. He came to 
Maukato in 1870 and clerked until starting in the 
drug business in 1872; in 1877 the firm became 
Samborn & Walz; besides drugs they keep sheet 
music and are agents for sewing machines. Mr. 
Samborn married in 1878 Lizzie Sliauliut. NeUie 
G. is their only child. 

Theodore Soattergood was bom September 19, 
1840, in Plymouth, Michigan. In 18(51 he went 
to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where for two years 
he manufactured farming tools; came to Mankato 
in 1804 and untU 1800 was engaged as a mer- 
chant; he then resumed the miinufacture of agri- 
cultural implements, and continued that business 
until in 1880 he was elected au<litor of Blue Earth 
county. His wife was Miss Gertrude Blackman, 



of Book Island, Illinois. Their children are Char- 
lotte C. and Alfred T. 

Gottlieb Schmidt, born April 17, 1820, is a 
native of Prussia. In 1854 he came to the United 
States and located in Iowa; the year following he 
removed to Mankato, when there were but five 
houses here, and opened the first harness shop in 
the place. He is still in the harness trade; also 
does carriage trimming and upholstering. Mr. 
Schmidt married in 1863 Ida Gotucker. They 
have one scm. Wilhelm ().; Hugo O. isdecea-sed. 

.John Schweitzer, born October, 1H1:J, is a native 
of Germany; he came in IHOO witli his parents to 
Winona, Minnesota, and until 1808 lived there on 
a farm; then removed to Faribault and kept a 
hotel one year; was also proprietor of a hotel in 
Mankato the same lengtli of time; since then he 
has kept a saloon in this city. In 1809 he married 
Mary Snider, a native of France. 

Peter Schweitzer, a native of Germany, was Iwm 
April 27, 1835, and in 1854 came to the United 
States. He worked at farming until 1859, when 
he returned to Europe, but in 1861 came back and 
settled in Winona county, Minnesota. After an- 
otiier visit to Europe he returned, and in 1805 
went to Montana, but came again to his farm and 
remained until removing in 1870 to Mankato. 
Since 1877 he has been county sherilT. Married 
in 1871 P^lizabeth Ullman. Their living children 
are Mary, Mathias P., William and Laura. 

Edward Searing, president of the State Normal 
School at Mankato, was born at Aurora, Cayuga 
coivuty New Y'ork, .Inly 14. 1835. His boyhood 
was passed on a farm and the rudiments of his 
education were received at the district school. His 
higher education was obtained solely by his own 
eflbrts. At tlie age of sixteen he taught his first 
term of four months. He then passed two years 
at the academy at Cortland, New York, paying 
his expenses by teaching winters. He ccmtinued 
his studies at Cazenovia Seminary and held the 
position of assistant teacher of Latin, until his re- 
moval to Michigan a year or two later. At Bay 
City he was for a year principal of the graded 
school. In 1857 he removed to Wisconsin and 
opened a jirivate school in Uni<m, Rock county; 
remained two years and returned to Michigan. 
In 18()1 came back to Wisconsin and re-opened the 
school at Union, and in the fall of 1803 removed 
to Milton and remained in the academy there imtil 
his election, in the fall of 1873, to the office of 
state superintendent of public instruction. He be- 



BLUE eauth county. 



567 



came piominent as a public speaker and as au au- 
thor of classical text-books. In 187(3 he had charge 
of the educational exhibit of Wisconsin at the Cen- 
tennial, and obtained for the state an honorable 
award. He was re-nominated by his party in 1877 
and again in 1879, but the party was so largely 
in the minority that the ettbrts of his friends were 
fruitless, though he ran ahead of his ticket about 
5,000. Retiring from office January 1, 1878, he 
spent the balance of the winter in the South, and 
soon after moved his family to the homestead at 
Milton, where he resumed his college work. In 
the spring of 1880, he came to Mankato and as- 
sumed charge of the State Normal School and has 
by his untiring energy and standard of scholar- 
ship been exalted in all grades and the attend- 
ance largely increased. 

M. J. Severance was born December 24, 1826, 
in Franklin county, Massachusetts, and lived on 
his fathers farm until the age of eighteen. He 
concluded his studies in 1848, at Williston Semi- 
nary. Read law and in 1852 was admitted to the 
courts of Massachusetts; located in 1856, at 
Henderson, Minnesota, and there commenced 
practice. In 1859 and 1861 he was elected from 
that county to the house of representatives of Min- 
nesota. He enlisted as a private, August 14, 186.3 
in Company I, 10th Minnesota; in 1864, he was 
miistered out, and mustered in as captain of his 
company; served till August 1865. Resumed his 
practice, and in 1870 came to Mankato; he acted 
as local attorney for the St. Paul and Sioux City 
railroad company. In 1881 he removed to St. 
Paul and formed a law partnership with W. P. 
Warren ; the same year he was appointed judge of 
the district court for the sixth judicial district, in 
place of Hon. D. A. Dickinson, appointed to the 
supreme bench, and now holds the position by 
election. 

Henry Shaubut was born March 22, 1822, in 
Franklin county, Pennsylvania. In 1836 he re- 
moved to Ohio, thence m 1841 to Indiana; he 
came to this city in 1854 and built the Mankato 
Hguse, of which he was proprietor five years. 
He lived at his farm in Lime, with the exception 
of one year at the hotel, until 1867 when he came 
again to Mankato. Mr. Shaubut is president of 
the City bank. In 1847 he married Hannah Col- 
lett. Of the ten children born to them the living 
are Benjamin F., Viola, Lizzie, Harry, Luella and 
Grace. 

John C. Shaubut was born in 18.j4, in Wabash 



county, Indiana. He is a graduate of Bryant 
and Stratton's Business college, Chicago; his father 
John J. Shaubut came to Mankato in 1856, and 
the next year engaged in the dry goods trade. 
John 0. Shaubut became a partner of Mr. Jones 
in the bakery business in 1880, and the year fol- 
lowing the firm became Beebe & Shaubut. 

J. J. Shaubut was born July 21, 1818, in Frank- 
lin county, Pennsylvania. In 1836 he went with 
his parents to Richland county, Ohio, and four 
years later removed to Wabash county, Indiana, 
where, October 3d, 1847, he married Anna Com- 
stock, who was born October 15, 1826, in Ohio. 
In 1856 he came with his family to Mankato, and 
engaged in mercantile business here twenty-two 
years. Mr. Shaubut was councilman when the 
city of Mankato was organized, and when the 
Union school building was erected he was trustee 
of the school board. The children of Mr. and 
Mrs. Shaubut are: Emma J., John C, Ella, Libby, 
Eva, Bertha, Katie, and Guy W. 

Theodore J. Sherk was born in 1853, in Leba- 
non county, Pennsylvania, and when but fourteen 
years old, started in life for himself. After pass- 
ing one year in Illinois he went to Iowa, and 
engaged as clerk in a general store; came to 
Mankato in 1869, and until 1874 engaged in the 
grocery trade ; at that time he entered the butcher 
business, and now has sole charge of the Pioneer 
meat market. Married in 1874, Miss L. J. Tyler. 
They have but one child : Edith L. 

A. M. Smith is a native of New York, where he 
was born in 1835. At the age of fifteen years he 
went with his parents to Michigan, and while re- 
siding in that state learned the trade of carriage 
maker. In 1866, after spending three months in 
Faribault, he came to Mankato, and has since 
continued his trade here. He married Miss Wil- 
liams in 1860. They have two children living. 

Cal. Smith was bom October 30, 1852, in Os- 
wego county, New York, and iu early life moved 
with his parents to Michigan, where he attended 
school and graduated. He enlisted August 9, 
1862, in Company H, 23d Michigan infantry, and 
was mustered out with the rank of first lieutenant. 
Returned in 1865 and engaged in painting, also 
carried on a livery ; in September, 1869, he came 
to Mankato where he does wagon and carriage 
painting'. Married in 1869, Miss Griswold. 

J. P. Smith was bom in April, 1847, in Lake 
county, Illinois, and was reared on a farm. He 
enlisted September 4, 1864, in the 146th Hlinois, 



668 



HISTORY OP THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



and served until the war closed. At the time of 
Presideat Lineoln's funeral be was an escort to 
Springfield. In 18(5.5 ho went ti5 GniuJ Rapids, 
Micliigun, and in 1875 came to Maukato; since 
1877 has Iieon engaged in maunfacturing the Em- 
pire middlings purifier. Married in 1875, Miss 
Pattee. Tliey have one son and two daughters. 

Dr. S. F. Snow, born in 182!), is a native of 
Ohio. After graduating from the Medical college 
of Cleveland, he entered the Cincinnati Medical 
school. He practiced in Ohio fifteen years, and 
part of that time kept a drug store. Since 1873 
he has followed his jirofession at M.inkato, and 
has an extensive practice. In 1856 Miss Mc- 
Grew became his wife. They have four children. 

M. J. Sontag, a native of Germany, was born in 
1832, and in 1854 came to America. From Wis- 
consin he went to St. Paul and thence on foot to 
Mankato; made a claim which he afterwards sold 
and visited St. Paul, Chicago and Racine, then re- 
turned to Mankato. He made another claim, and 
until 1861 worked at farming. Enlisted in Com- 
pany H, Second Minnesota infantry, and served 
until war ceased. Returned to this city and has 
since been proprietor of Sontag's hotel and res- 
taurant. In 1867 he married Mrs. Bohn. They 
have two children. 

M. O. Sundt is a native of Norway, bom Octo- 
ber 11, 1843. When seventeen years old he 
learned the tailor's trade and has followed it con- 
tinually since. In 18(;9 he came to America and 
settled in Rochester, ^Minnesota; removed to Man- 
kato in 1872, and the following spring estabhshcd 
himself in business. He married in 1868 and has 
three daughters. 

C. D. Taylor was born in 1838 in Canada. His 
father was a jeweler for thirty-six years and in 
1861 he commenced learning the trade with him; 
his business was established at Mankato in 1878 
and he now has a largo and flourishing trade. Mr. 
Taylor's marriage occurred October 5, 1875 with 
Lillian H. Pearson, of Morristm, Illinois. Anna 
and Edith are their cliildren. 

Nickolas Theissen, a native of Germany, was 
born in 1841. He learned the wagon makers' 
trade and worked at it five years. In 1868 he 
came to the United States; after staying seven 
months at New Ulm he came to Mankato, and al- 
though commencing business in a very small way 
he has now a fine trade. In 1870, Anna Ecks- 
tein became his wife; they are the parents of 
seven children. 



B. J. Thomas was bom April 8, 1826 in Wales, 
and in 1848 oame to America. Until 1863 he was 
employed in milling at Racine, Wisconsin, then 
went to Soutli Bend, Indiana, and did a general 
mercantile business until coming to Mankato in 
1865, since which time he has been in the grocery 
trade. Sarah Baxter, of Wales was married to 
Mr. Tliom.is in 1852 and has l)orne him four chil- 
dren; the living are John R., Elizabeth E. and 
Sarah J. 

.1. J. Thompson was bom August 28, 1834. in 
Madison county, Illinois; at an early age he moved 
to St. Louis, where he learned the trade of ma- 
chinist. From 1853 until 1855 he worked in St. 
Paul then returned to St. Louis and was in the 
lumber Ijusiness until 1861, when he again went 
to St. Paul. In 1863 he came to Mankato; for 
a time was buying furs, then went into the lumber 
and produce business and afterwards owned a 
brick yard. He became county auditor in 1879; 
has also been mayor, alderman and chairman of 
the board of county commissioners. IMarried in 
1863, Fanny Parks who died in 1866. His .second 
marriage took place in 186S) with Emma Garinguig- 
uer. The living children arc Gregg A., Sayre J. 
and NorrisG. 

Henry G. Thorns, a native of Germany, was 
born in 1836; at the age of seventeen he learned the 
barbers' trade ; came to America in 1856 and fol- 
lowed his trade one year in Chicago, also in St. 
Paul the same length of time and then removed 
to Belle Plaine; one year later he went to St. Peter 
and remained until coming in 1860 to Maukato. 
Mr. Thoms has a neat shop and does good work. 
His first wife died in 1863 and the year following 
he married Christina Fuerst; have five chiklren. 

H. C. Tibbets, bom in 1828, is a native of 
Maine. In 1848 he went to Massachusetts and in 
1855 located at Maukato; he worked as painter 
here until 1857. In June, 1861 he enlisted in 
company H, Second Minnesota and in 1865 was 
discharged at St. Paul. At present he is working 
at the painters trade. Mr. Tibbets' wife died in 
1875; lier maiden name was Lydia WaUingford. 
The children are, Annie, Hattie and Eva M. 

E. A. Tiffany was born May 23, 1847, in Buffalo 
New York, where he learned the trade of carriage 
maker. lu 1866 he settled in St. Paul; worked' 
there at hia trade, also at piano tuning and for a 
time engaged in the post-office. He came to Man- 
kato January 1880 and started iu his present busi- 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



569 



ness — books and stationery. Mr. Tiffany married 
in 1875, Mary West, of Canada. 

John W. Trask was born in 1810, in New Lon- 
don county, Connecticut. At tliree years of age 
he accompanied his parents to the state of New 
York and lived there on a farm until 1855 then 
removed to Wisconsin, and in 1858 to Minnesota. 
In the Sioux trouble of 1862 he went to New Ulm; 
afterward when all seemed quiet he started to re- 
turn to his farm but was surroimded and fired 
upon by Indians, the first shot broke bis wrist; he 
ran, closely pursued by a mounted Indian who 
was vainly trying to shoot him, but the gun only 
snapped; at last he succeeded in firing and the bul- 
let just grazed Mr. Trask's temple; after lying in- 
sensible for a time he was found by soldiers and 
taken to Mankato hospital, where his right arm 
was amputated above the elbow. Until 1867 he 
continued farming, then came to Mankato, his 
present home. Married in 1834, Julia E. Lamb. 
Two of their three children are living. 

Dr. Oscar Trenkler, a native of Germany was 
bom in 1829. He studied medicine and graduated 
previous to coming to America, in 1856; for a time 
he was in Boston, as assistant to a celebrated phy- 
sician there, and finally changed from the allopathic 
to the homeojjathic practice. In 1861 he enlisted 
as assistant surgeon in the 15th Wisconsin, and 
served eleven months. He came to Minnesota and 
remained until 1876, then passed one year in Ger- 
many, but returned to this state and is now resid- 
ing at Mankato. Married in 1877, Amelia Oehler. 

B. Tuttle, a native of New York, was bom in 
1839, in Jefferson county. In 1850 he went to 
HUnois with his parents and in July, 1869 came 
to Mankato; he entered the hardware trade in 1871 
at Blue Earth City and afterward at Farming- 
ton, but in 1874 returned to Mankato. He 
deals in hardware and is agent for the Adams & 
French harvester and Sweepstakes thresher. Mr. 
Tuttle is married and has one daughter. 

T. G. Vincent, M. D., was born in 1850, at Plain- 
field Vermont, and in 1854 moved to Whitewater, 
Wisconsin with his parents. He graduated in 1873 
from Hannibal Medical College, Chicago; then 
spent one year abroad in the hospitals of London, 
and in that city studied practical surgery. In 
1875 he returned to America and located at Eock- 
ford, Hlinois, where his marriage occurred, with 
Anna C. Blake. In July, 1878 he removed to 
Mankato; he makes a specialty, in surgery of the 
eye and ear, is also a thorough and skilled phy- 



sician with an increasing practice. Mr. and Mrs. 
Vincent have four children; Hattie, Ethel and a 
pair of infant twins. 

George Wagner is a native of Bohemia. He 
passed some time in the study of music, also 
learned the tailor's trade, at which he worked five 
years previous to coming to America. Went to 
Milwaukee in 1869 and in July of that year came 
to Mankato ; in 1874 he opened his merchant tailors 
store and continues engaged in the same business. 

Hon. Franklin H. Waite was born in February 
1813, in Windham county, Vermont, and when 
three years of age moved with his parents to 
Jamestown, New York, where for a great many 
years his father was a leading attorney. At 
twenty years of age he commenced the study of 
law with his father and three years after was ad- 
mitted to practice in the supreme court of the state ; 
ten years later he was appointed judge of the 
courts of common pleas and held that position 
until the office was abolished. In 1860 became to 
Mankato; continued his practice and in 1867 was 
elected to the state senate; in 1869 he was elected 
judge of the sixth judicial district of Minnesota, 
and five years later resigned, having tilled the 
ofBce with distinction. Since retiring from the 
bench the judge has continued the practice of law. 
In June, 1844, he married Adeline Holman. Jose- . 
phine and A. F. are their children. 

F. A. Walker, a native of Pennsylvania, was 
born in 1852, and at the age of nineteen years 
commenced learning the trade of harness maker. 
He came to Minnesota in January, 1872 ; worked 
five years in Eochester ;tnd the remainder of the 
time in Mankato; he is a member of the firm of 
W. B. Walker and Company. In 1875 occurred 
his marriage; he has one son and two daughters. 

W. B. Walker was bom in 1830, in Genesee 
county. New York, and when but three years of 
age moved with his parents to Pennsylvania. 
When twenty years old he began the harness 
makers' trade, and in 1857 removed to Freebom 
county, Minnesota. He enbsted in 1861 in the 
Fourth Minnesota, and in December, 1864 was 
mustered out of service. The following year he 
was married and settled in Mankato. They have 
two sons. The firm of W. B. Walker and Com- 
pany do both retail and wholesale business m har- 
nesses and saddles. 

J. F. Walsh, a native of MTchigan, was bom in 
1852 at Detroit, and when five years old came 
with his parents to Le Sueur county, Minnesota. 



570 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



He attended St. John's College two years, then 
read law; in 1874 was admitted to the bar and 
entered into partnership with Mr. Bangs; two 
years later he went to Henderson and practiced 
about three years. Since 1880 he has been in the 
practice of his profession at Manknto. In 1878 
he married Miss Rice; they have one child. 

Dr. Charles F. Wiirner was born August 30, 
1832, in Gene.see county, New York. He studied 
medicine with liis father, who was a physiciim, 
and attained his literary education at the Wes- 
leyan Seminary, of Lima, New York. In 1854 he 
graduated from Jefferson Medical College, of 
Philadelphia, and practiced in Livingston county. 
New York, until coming to Mankato. Dr. Warner 
entered the army as assistant surgeon, but ill- 
health oiimpelled him to resign. Since the au- 
tumn of 1869 he has been in practice at Mankato. 
He was a member of the Livingston county Med- 
ical Association and State M( dical Society; is now 
vice-president of the Minnesota Valley Medical 
Association. In 18.14 he married Esther S. Town. 
They have lost one child; the living are Lillaette 
and Clayton E. 

F. L. Watter.s, a native of Ohio, was born May 
1, 18.51, in Kent: when qnite young he accom- 
panied liis parents to Akron, the same state. He 
learned the trade of millwright and worked at that 
business in different places; in 1878 ho came to 
Mankato to superintend the constniction of the 
Hubbard niiU, in which, in 1880, he bought an 
interest. In 1876 occurred his marriage with 
Carrie Kline. Maud is their only child. 

M. G. Willard was born October 23, 1842, in 
Oneida county, New York. He attended Whites- 
town Seminary of that county, and in 1868 grad- 
uated from Hamilton College; while in school he 
had read law, and the year of liis graduation from 
college he was admitted to the bar of New York. 
•On coming to Mankato he was admitted to 
practice in this state. For five years he has 
been counselor for the Fii-st National Bank 
here, also for the Central Minnesota Bail- 
road Company. Julia E. Nolton became his 
wife in 1870, and died in 1876, leaving two 
children, Charles N. and Elkins C. His second 
wife, Mary W. Willard, married in 1879, has liorne 
him one daughter, Frances H. 

Theodore H. Williams, son of Harvey Williams, 
was born November 3, 1855, in Charlotte, Michi- 
gan, and in 1866 the family canK" to Miinkat<i. He 
engaged as clerk in the store of J. H. Hay, and in 



1872 became teller at the Citizens' National Bank; 
afterward went to Massachusetts and attended the 
Williston Seminary; returned to Mankato, and in 
1879 became a ])artner in the lirm Manderfeld k 
Williams. He was married the same year to Alice 
H. Cromwell; one child: Julia May. 

Jolm C. Wise, born September 4, 1834, is a 
native of Hagerstown, Maryland. In 1852 he 
published a news])aper in Washington county, and 
m 1855 he started, in company with W. .\8h- 
ton, the "Sujjerior Chronicle," the first new8j)aper 
at the head of Lake Superior. In 1858 he was 
connected with the "Congressional Olobe," and the 
year following he came to Mankato and published 
the " Mankato Record," which he sold in 1868. 
The year follomng he and E. C. Paine established 
the "Review," of which since 1870 he has been sole 
editor and proprietor. ISIr. Wise was connected 
with the school board eight years, and for two 
years has been president of the board of educa- 
tion. Married in 1857 Amanda Flory. Charles 
E., Kitty, John C, Nellie and Amanda F. are 
their children. 

James A. Wiswell was born September 15, 1828, 
in Windham county, Vermont, and when four 
years of age moved with his parents to Broome 
county, New York. In 1853 he graduated from 
Union College at Schenectady, then studied law, 
and in 1850 was admitted to the bar. He came 
to Blue Earth county in 1857, and located at Gar- 
den City ; was elected three successive terms to the 
state legislature, in which he did good service. In 
1864 he removed to Mankato, and in 1868 was 
mayor of the city, also in 187C-7-8; now he is in 
jjractice here. He was united in marriage in 
1863 with Helen M. Carey, who h;is borne him 
two children; Gertrude L. is living. 

AVilliam W. Woodard, bom August 6, 1851, is a 
native of Geauga county, Ohio. Wlien he was 
but three years old his mother died, and he after- 
ward accompanied his father to Illinois, from there 
to Wisconsin, and thence in 1865 to .\ustni, Min- 
nesota. In 1869 he graduated from Eastman's 
Business College at Poughkeepsie, and then for 
ten years was connected with a drug store, which 
he opened at Welles, Faribault county; was cdso a 
partner and editor of the "Welles Advocate" five 
years, and ten years postmaster. In 1880 became 
to Mankato and bought the "Free Press," which 
was established in 1856; G. C. Chambeil.iin pur- 
chased one-half interest in 1881. Mary V. Knox 
became his wife in 1873. and has two children. 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



571 



CHAPTER LXX. 

TOWN OF MANKATO LIME — JAMEi3T0WN LB RAT 

SODTH BEND — JUDSON — CAMBRIA BUTTERNUT 

VALLEY LINCOLN GARDEN CITY. 

At the session of the county commissioners held 
April 6, 1858, the town of Mankato was given the 
territory included in congressional townsliip 108, 
range 26, lying east of the Minnesota river, and 
that part of township 108, range 27, lying east of 
the Blue Earth, excepting the southern tier of sec- 
tions in both townships; April 16 following that 
tier was added. The boundaries remain the same 
with the exception of the part included in the cor- 
porate limits of the city of Mankato. 

It is probable that the first settlers outside of 
the city limits were Columbus Ballard and H. B. 
Kauffinan. They came in 1853. Mr. Ballard lo- 
cated in sections 19 and 20, and Kauifman on sec- 
tion 26. 

The village of Tivoli was surveyed in April, 
1858, on land owned by Moses Bennett and oth- 
ers, in section 25. Mr. Bennett built a saw-miU 
and some other improvements were made, but the 
town proved unsuccessful and the plat was vaca- 
ted in 1870. The mill has not been in operation 
for some time. 

Tivoli post-office was established in 1858. Mr. 
Bennett was appointed postmaster; the present 
postmaster is Enoch Morse. 

The Bed Jacket mill was built by Messrs. Scott 
& Elliot. It at one time had a capacity of one 
hundred barrels per day. After passing through 
various hands the mill was burned about two 
years ago. The White Star mill and the saw- 
mill adjacent were built by N. W. Dickerson. 
Neither have been in operation for a year past. 
Hodapp Brothers own a saw-miU in section 32, 
which was built in 1876 at a cost of $5,000, with a 
capacity of six thousand feet of lumber per day. 

The town now has six school-houses, all frame 
but the one in district 72, which is stone. They 
are furnished with modern school appliances. 

The town was organized in connection with the 
present city of Mankato, May 11, 1858. The 
first members of the board were, S. M. Walker, 
chairman; James Shoemaker and J. Q. A. Marsh, 
with S. C. Kitchen as clerk. The first election 
separate from the city was held April 7, 1868, at 
the school-house in district 53. The chairmen of 
the town board since then have been Peter Fren- 
zel and Henry Euegg. 



Adam Arnold was bom May 21, 1833. He 
learned the trade of baker, at which he worked in 
Germany, his native land, until 1854, when he 
immigrated to New York. The next year he went 
to Pennsylvania where he remained until coming 
in 1859 to Mankato; in 1860 he located on his 
farm of 250 acres, and in January of the year fol- 
lowing married Ernstin Margraf, who died I'ebru- 
ary 19, 1880. She was the mother of nine chil- 
dren, of whom seven are living. Mr. Arnold has 
for nine years been town clerk. 

E. Carr was born June 13, 1851, in Illinois, and 
while very young went with his parents to New 
York; about eight years later they removed to 
Ohio, and in 1865 to Garden City, Minnesota. In 
1874 he came to Mankato and worked some time 
in the hardware store of L. L. Davis ; also was en- 
gaged in the lumber business for a while in Mich- 
igan; afterward was in the employ of Long & 
Co., Mankato city. For the past year Mr. Carr 
has lived on a farm on section 27. Married in 
1874, Mary Hanch. Three children are living; 
one is deceased. 

Lorenzo Carr, a native of New York, was born 
September 23, 1815; he was brought up on a farm 
in Erie comity and learned the trade of mason. In 
1844 he went to Dliaois and lived ten years on a 
fai-m, after which he went back to New York and 
five years later removed to Ohio. In 1861 he en- 
listed in Company F, Eighth Ohio, but was dis- 
charged for disability one year after, and returned 
to Ohio. He removed to Garden City, Minnesota, 
in 1865, and in. 1877 came to his present home. 
Married Mary Tyler in 1839; they have had five 
children ; the oldest son was kiUed at the battle of 
Chickamauga. 

O. B. Caswell was born in Vermont in 1824, and 
remained there imtil 1837, when he went to 
Wisconsin with his parents. In 1864 he removed 
to Minnesota and the same autumn enlisted in the 
Sixth regiment of this state; he served from that 
time until war ceased. Mr. Caswell's marriage 
occurred in 1850 with Julia Wagner. Minnie 
and Edmund are their children. Neither of his 
parents are living ; he has one brother who was in 
congress several terms, and also does business at 
Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, as a banker. 

Daniel Foley was born January 10, 1819, in 
county Claire, Ireland. About 1844 he emigrated 
to Canada, and one year later to Dutchess county. 
New York, where he worked at gardening two 



572 



HISTORY OP TEE MINNESOTA V^iLLBY. 



yeare. Tn 1847 ho wns omplovpil on the Vennont 
Central railroiul, but resumed again his liusiness 
of gardening in New York. He came to Man- 
kato in ISoG, and in 1805 bought his present farm 
of 80 acres. Rosa Newman was married in 1850 
to Mr. Foley, and has five children. 

Peter Frenzell is a native of (lennany, born Au- 
gust 7, 1822, but since 1850 has been a resident 
of the United States. He lived in New Orleans 
two years; then visited St. Louis, Galena and St. 
Paul, remaining a short time in each place, and in 
1853 located at Mankato. He moved to his farm 
in 1855, a })art of which is now in the city limits. 
For several years he has been chairman of the 
town board. Married in 184(1, Julia A. Schmidt. 
Their living children are Michael, Lena, Albert 
and Mary. 

Captain George W. Haigh was bom December 
11, 1838, in Seneca county. New York, and when 
fifteen years old moved to Michigan with his par- 
ents; in these two states he \Tas given a good edu- 
cation. He enlisted in September, 1861, and the 
next February was discharged, but re-enlisted in 
August following, in Company D, 24th Michigan; 
he was twice wounded, and when discharged held 
the rank of captain. Ketnrncil to Michigan where 
for two years he was assessor of internal revenue. 
In 1873 he came to Minnesota, and in 1875 to 
the farm he now owns. Esther Marston became 
his wife in 1868. Gtarry S. and Alexander T. 
are their children. 

John Hanny was bom March 24, 1825 and 
lived until eighteen years of age on Prince Ed- 
ward's Island, his birth place. He went to Massa- 
chusetts, afterwards to Rhode Island, and thence 
to AVisconsin where he was engaged in the lumber 
business imtil the civil war, when he enlisted in 
C'ompany G. Seventh Wisconsin. He partici])ated 
in many very severe battles; was captured at the 
battle of the Wilderness and taken to Anderson- 
ville. Upon being honorably dischargetl at the 
close of the war, he enlisted for eighteen months 
in the regular United States army. In 186S) he 
came to Minnesota, and in 1878 to his honie on 
section 27. 

George Kiffe, a native of Prussia, was bom June 
16, 1831, and in 1851, came to the United States. 
He settled at St. Charles, IVIissouri and remained 
there until the spring of 1856 when he came to 
Mankato, and pre-empted eighty acres on section 
19; he now has 124 acres. !Mr. Kilfc served as 
town supervisor for six years. Gertrude Anitman 



became his wife in 1854 and is the mother of twelve 
children; one is deceased. 

Antoine La ChapeUe was bora April 2, 1831, in 
Prarie du Chien, Wisconsin. His father was a 
carpenter and he also worked some at that trade. 
When aljout seventeen years old he came to Minne- 
sota with a party on an exploring expedition, and 
remained in this state. He volunteered his ser- 
vices at the time of the Sioux troubles, and dur- 
ing the massacre was stationed at New Ulm, in 
charge of a company. After the war he went to 
farming in Rice county, also kept a small general 
store at Winnebago Agency. Since 1874 he has 
lived at his farm on section 26. Married in 1856, 
Julia La Quire. Ten of their thirteen children 
are living. 

J. B. Orr, born July 21, 1841, is a native of 
Harrison county, Oliio. In 1855 he went witlihis 
parents to Iowa, where he worked at the carpenter 
trade untU enlisting in Company I, Sixth Iowa; 
he was in both Greueral Sibley's and General 
Sully's expeditions, and served until the close of 
the war, when he returned to Iowa. Came to Min- 
nesota, and in 1877 to his farm where he now lives. 
Mary Wilcox was married to Mr. Orr in 1864 and 
has seven boys living. 

John Pobl was bom January 12, 1820, in Prus- 
sia where he learned blacksmithing. In 1850 ho 
came to America and after living in Milwaukee a 
short time, removed to Patterson, New Jersey, 
where he worked four and one-half years in the 
locomotive shops; subsequently he worked at 
locomotive building a short time at Milwaukee. In 
1855 he came to Mankato and took 160 acres in 
Nicollet county, but did not settle there, and soon 
after bought the same amount of land in Mankato 
where he has since lived. Married in 1855, Mary 
A. Becker. Elizabeth, Henry and Frank are their 
children. 

Meikel Reinbold, bom .January 20, 1824, is a 
native of France. In 1845 he came to America 
and until 1854 lived in the Southern states; at 
that time he came to Minnesota and took a claim 
of eighty acres in Mankato township, his present 
home. In 1848, occurred Mr. Reinbold's marriage 
with Mary Wessall. Thirteen children have been 
born to them, and nine are living. 

David Rivers was born August 19, 1837, in 
Clinton county. New York. In 1858 he migrated 
to Wisconsin and at the time of the rebellion en- 
listed in Company G. Wisconsin cavalry and Sep- 
tember, 1864, was honorably discharged; he re- 



BLUE EjiRTH COUNTY. 



573 



mained six months longer in the government em- 
ploy, then returned to Wisconsin. He came to 
this state in 1865 and lived five years on a farm in 
Mankato, after which he went to Iowa hnt in 1877 
he came again to Mankato and in 1880 went to the 
farm where he is now living. Married in 1858 
Louisa Tollman ; his second marriage took place 
in 1866, with Mrs. Sarah Fletcher. He has nine 
children living. 

Henry Ruegg, born in 1816, is a native of Ger- 
many. In 1843 he came to the United States and 
first located in St. Louis, Missouri, where he dealt 
in groceries and provisions. He removed to Ohio 
in 1850, and his marriage occurred in 1853 in that 
state; his children are Henrietta and PermeHa. He 
served as justice of the peace and for ten years 
was chairman of the town board. Mr. Ruegg en- 
listed in 1862 in the Second Minnesota and was 
mustered out in 1865 as first lieutenant. 

LIME. 

This is one of the original towns, and was set off 
by the county board in April, 1858. It is situ- 
ated in the northern part of the county, bounded 
on the west by the Minnesota river, and on the 
north by Le Sueur county. It contains the 
south half of congressional township 109, range 26, 
and that part of the south half of 109-27 lying 
east of the Minnesota river. It was one of the 
earliest settled towns in the county. As early as 
July, 1852, we find James Rablin and family 
located in section 32. A child of Rablui and wife 
was the first born in the to".7n, and his wife was 
the first white woman who settled here. 

In 1853 quite a number of settlers came, 
among them we find J. Lewis, H. J. Puller, O. S. 
Redfield, Robert Wardlow, William Wood and 
James Talmadge. The settlement from this time 
was comparatively slow until 1856, when emigra- 
tion came in rapidly. 

The first death in the town was that of J. W. 
Farnham in the spring of 1855. He owned what 
is now known as the Knowles farm. The first 
school in the town was taught during the winter 
of 1857-8 by Rev. B. Y. CofiBn. The school-house 
was a small log structure, located on the west side 
of section 29 and east of the old Sioux City and 
Mendota road. This building was used a few 
years, then a dwelling-house formerly belonging 
to Daniel Steele was occupied for the purpose. 
This was used until a few years since, when a 
brick building was erected, which was blown down 
during a hurricane in Jiuie, 1880. The district 



has since erected a frame house. The town now 
has four school-houses, all frame. 

Religious services were held at an early date in 
the old log school-house before mentioned, by the 
Rev. Cotfin. 

A few years since Mr. Charles Forster put up a 
saw-mill on the north shore of Eagle lake, which 
is still m his possession and operated by him. 

The first meeting for the purpose of organizing 
the town was held May 11, 1858. Daniel Camp- 
bell was chosen chairman of the town board, and 
Henry Goodrich was elected town clerk. 

Jacob Born, a native of Switzerland, was bom 
in 1831. Came to the United States in 1844 and 
settled in Hardin county, Ohio; came to Lime town- 
ship, Minnesota, in 1866, and located on section 34. 
He has held the office of coimty commissioner for 
three years, and has been town clerk since his res- 
idence here. Married Miss Mary A. Miller in 
Ohio in 1854. They are the parents of four child- 
ren: .John U., Eliza, Celia and Mary A. 

Anton Dank, a native of Germany, was bom in 
1828. Came to the United States in 1853, locating 
soon after in Missouri. His home was in that 
state four and one-half years, and in the spring of 
1868 he came to Minnesota and settled on his jsres- 
ent farm of 110 acres in Lime. In his native 
country, in 1853, he married Miss Elizabeth Kague, 
who has borne him six children. 

Charles H. Forster was bom in Prussia in 1842. 
When thirteen years old he came with his parents 
to Illinois; from 1865 to 1869 he lived in NicoUet 
county, Blinnesota; then bought a saw-mill at 
Marysburgh, Le Sueur county, and ran it two 
years. Coining to Lime he brought with him the 
machinery from his saw-mill, and has since, to- 
gether with farming, engaged in the manufacture 
of lumber. Enlisted in May, 1861, m the 15th 
Illinois infantry, and served until September, 1865. 
He has served here as county commissioner three 
terms. In 1866 he married Alvina Hynes. Car- 
oline, Theodore, Rosanna, Henry and Emma are 
the children. 

Mrs. Marie Annie Hilgers, widow of the late B. 
Hilgers, is a native of Germany, born in 1852. 
When four years of age she accompanied her par- 
ents to Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin ; remained 
one year. Her jjarents were named Romer. In 
1857 they catoe to Minnesota, and have since re- 
sided in Lime. Mrs. Hilgers' marriage occurred 
in May, 1870; nine years later her husband met 
his death. In February, 1879, he was killed by a 



574 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VAI.LET. 



falliug tree, leaving hia widow with three small 
children: Albert, Gertrude and Jacob. 

Frank Mann was born in Germany in 1826. 
Caine to America in 1H51 and settled in Washing- 
ton county, Wisconsin. In IHHIJ he caine to Min- 
nesota, and has since lived on his farm in Lime. 
He was united ui marriage in .Tainiary, 185C, with 
Miss Mary LeadlolT. She has borne him seven 
children, five sons and two daughters: Paulina, 
Loiiisa, William, Atwood, Frank, Oscar and 
August. 

Phillip Mueller, a native of Germany, was born 
in l.S'29. C!ame to America in 185.3, and the first 
year remained iu New York city. They then made 
Chicago their home until 185(), and after a short 
visit in Wisconsin came to Minnesota; sj)ent a few 
weeks in Mankato, then settled in Lime. Has 
been a school officer many years, also supervisor. 
At Mankato in 1864 he married Miss Augusta 
LudlofT, who is a native of Germany. They are 
the parents of five children; Louis P. is the only 
surviving one. 

John Rauseh, farmer was born in Germany, in 
1828. On arriving in the United States in 1847 set- 
tled in Fond du Lac county, Wis., where ho re- 
mained until 185fi,^hen came to Lime, Minnesota. 
Married in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, in 
1854, Mary A. Yome, Jacob, Jolin and Ellen are 
their children. August 2, 1881, Jacob was united 
in marriage with Miss Annie Appert. EUen is also 
married and has one son, George. 

Peter Schulte is a native of Germany, boni in 
1817. Coming to America in 1847 he made his 
home in St. Charles, Missouri, until 1854; came to 
Minnesota that year and settled in Lime the same 
fall. Married in Missouri in September, 1849, 
Clara M. Eckler. They have seven living chil- 
dren: Henry, Frank, George, August, Dinah, 
Mary and Elizabeth. Three children died when 
young. Henry, George and Dinah are married. 

JAMKSTOWN. 

This town is located in the extreme north-east 
part of the county. When first formed it only 
constituted the south half of congressional town- 
ship 109, range 25, but the county lioard at their 
second session, held a few days later, added all of 
township 108, range 25. This was subsequently 
detached and formed into another township. 

The settlement of this town did not begin until 
1856; among the settlers of that year were John 
Heron, Albert Volk, Charles Doran, Lawrence 
Byrne, Patrick Mullen, Michael Murtaugli, Joseph 



GilfiUan and a number of others. Mr. Hen m was 
the first to settle, and located in section 19. 

Tlie first birth in the town was that of Clara 
Thomas. She was born Maroli 14, 1858. The 
first death, that of Mrs. Lawrence Byrne, occurred 
in August, 1858. May 10, 1857, Peter Jackson 
and Nancy W. Ives were united in marriage by 
Rev. A. H. Kerr. 

The first school in the town was taught by Mrs. 
Sarah M. Davis, at the house of A. P. Davis, dur- 
ing the summer of 1857. Only eleven scholars at- 
tended that term. The town now has nine school- 
houses. 

The first town meeting was held May 11, 1858. 
William L. Rappley was chosen clerk. Tlie town 
officers elected for the ensuing year were Timothy 
Sullivan, chainnan ; Robert Heslepand John Cum- 
mings, supervisors; A. P. Da\'is, clerk; Solon 
Webster, assessor; Patrick MuUin, collector; 
Lawrence Byrne and J. L. Burgess, justices; 
George Bennett and Timothy Murtaugh, con- 
stables. 

■Joseph Fisher, a native of Germany, was bom in 
1826, and upon coming to America in 1853 loca- 
ted in Ohio, but removed thence in 1856 to Man- 
kato, Minnesota, and four years later came to 
Jamestown. Mr. Fisher was united in marriage 
with Regenia Wolf in 1869. Their children are 
Stephen and Annie. 

LE BAY. 

Le Bay is situated in the north-eastern part of 
the county. It was formerly a part of James- 
town. U]JOn petition it was set off for separate 
organization, by the comity board January 4, 
1860, and included all of congressional township 
108,range 25, except the south tier of sections, which 
at thiit time belonged to the Winnebago reserva- 
tion; they were, however, added to the town in 
March, 1864, making it six miles square. When 
set off from Jamestown the town was called Lake; 
in June following thename was changed tti Tivoli, 
and again in September, 1860, to Le R<iy. 

The year 1856 witnessed a large immigration to 
the county, and as that was the year which began 
the settlement of Le Ray, a great many claims 
were taken, though comparatively few of them 
were made by permanent settlers. Of these 
earlier arrivals there are still lining in the lovra 
William Gilfillau. Michael Beireis, Augu.st Glock- 
zin, Roliert Hcslep, Conrad Sch{>gll, 0(H>rge Chap- 
man, WUliam Morris, James Douglass and the 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



Til-) 



Burgess family. H. B. Lane came also that 
year. 

The first death which occurred was that 
of the wife of A. A. Stewart. She died iu the fall 
of 1858 and was buried on the farm. The first 
birth was that of George F. Burgess, March 12, 
18.57. He is the son of J. L. and Miranda Bur- 
gess. Albert Turner and Miss Oummings were 
united in marriage by Elder Small in June, 1859; 
the first marriage. 

The first school was taught by Miss Hannah 
Haslitt in a claim shanty on section 18. She had 
an average attendance of about fourteen; now 
there are seven school-houses. 

The village of Eagle Lake was surveyed in 
November, 1872, on land o^vned by Freeman A. 
Gate, in the north-west quarter of section 18 and 
on the line of the Winona & St. Peter raili'oad. 
The next year other parties had another site sur- 
veyed just east of it, and called Lake Eagle. The 
two together comprise a thriving village. The 
first store was established in 1871, by a Mr. Tex- 
ley, in a log building. His store was for the pur- 
pose of supplying those engaged in building the 
railroad and was therefore transient. The first 
permanent business house was erected tlie fall fol- 
lowing by H. C. & T. F. Burgess, and filled with 
a stock of general merchandise. Aside from this 
the town now contains four general stores, one 
meat market, two livery stables, one blacksmith 
shop, one wagon shop, one flouring mill, two saw- 
mills, one planing mill, one elevator, one billiard 
hall and two hotels. 

There are two churches, Methodist Ejjiscopal 
and Christian. The former was organized in 
1868, with about sixty members; Eev. John 
Powell was their first pastor. Meetings were for- 
merly held in the school-house; a frame. church 
was built in 1879 at a cost of fifteen hundred dol- 
lars. The Christian church was organized in the 
town of Mankato, in December, 1856, with six- 
teen members, and their pastor was the Eev. J. 
M. Harris. The church was transferred to Eagle 
Lake, and a building erected in 1879, at a cost of 
about one thousand dollars. The present member- 
ship is eighty-two, and the pastor is W. H. 
Burgess. 

Spier post-office was established about ten years 
since, with Freeman A. Gate as post-master. The 
name was subsequently changed to Eagle Lake. 
The present post-master, W. W. Phelps, received 
his appointment in 1875. 



Michael Beireis was bom in 1857, in Cleveland, 
Ohio. When only three years old he came to 
Minnesota, and for two years lived in St. Paul. 
Since 1856 he has been a resident of LeRay to\\Ti- 
ship. Blue Earth county. Married at Mankato, 
in 1880, Miss CeUa Richards. 

Freeman A. Cate, a native of New Hampshire, 
was born in 18.36. In 1858, migrated to Boston, 
Massachusetts; enlisted in the First Massachusetts 
cavalry, and served three years; was mustered out 
at Washington. Came to Minnesota in 1865, and 
engaged in farming until 1876; purchased at that 
time a grist-mill; his time is now devoted to mill- 
ing and farming. Martha A. Dickerson became 
his wife in 1866. John H., Lillian and Freeman 
are their children. 

Tompkins Coffin was born in New York, in 1825. 
From his native place, in 1853, he moved to Illi- 
nois, thence in 1866 to Minnesota, locating in Le 
Ray township, on section 21. Married in 1846, 
Jane Davis. Their children areAdelia, Benjamin, 
Abraham, Edward and Libbie. 

John Dagan is a German by birth, born in 1840. 
For thirty years he lived iu his native country, and 
in 1870 came to America. Five years later he 
came to Blue Eartli county, locating in LeRay 
township on section 28. He was united in marriage 
in 1875 with Miss Margaret Kisendoper. 

Jerome Dane was born iu New York in 1827. 
At the age of seventeen he enlisted in the Mexican 
war; served three years. In 1848 he moved to 
Wisconsin, and to Minnesota in 1858; located in 
LeRay. During the spring of 1861 he enlisted in 
the Second Minnesota infantry, receiving the com- 
mission of second lieutenant; he resigned in 1862 
but the same year re-enlisted as captain in the 11th 
Minnesota. In 185.3 he married Nancy J. Mills. 
Orphia A., Orlo and Lucy M. are their children. 
Mr. Dane has held many town offices. 

T. E. Davis, whose parents are natives of New 
York, was born in Wisconsin in 1850. When six 
years old he came with his father's family to Min- 
nesota and the same fall located in LeRay. Dur- 
ing the trouble with the Indians he took an active 
tive part and received a gun shot wound in the 
arm. His father, David Davis, died in Mankato in 
September, 1861, at the age of fifty-one years. 

F. J. DooUttle was born in Hudsion, Summit 
county, Ohio, in 1851. Until 1874 he lived in his 
native town, then located in Mankato, where he 
worked at his trade, that of engineer, in a saw- 
mill, until 1877. Diu-hig the fall of that year he 



576 



HiaTOliT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLBT. 



moved to LeRay and locntoil on section 19. His 
niarriiigo wtth Miss MutiIJa Macbeth took place 
January 21, 1880. They have one son, Bertram. 

Cliester Ewer is a native of New York, born in 
17!1i). He was raised on a farm, then learned the 
carpenters' trade. In 1822 he married Miss Mary 
Hamilton. R<»mained in New York until 1839. 
He lived in Wisconsin until 18(i6, then came to 
Minnesota and for two years resided at Maiikato. 
Settled in LeKay on section 10 in 18(58. Elmira, 
Alvira, Thomas, Mary J., and Cordelia are the 
children born to Mr, and Mrs. Doolittle. 

Isaac N. Ewing was l)orn in Blunt county Ten- 
nessee, June 22, 1825. He jHissed his youth on 
his parents' farm in lUinois, having moved there 
with them in 1827. In 1867, came to Minnesota 
and settled on a farm in LeRay. In July, 1862 
he enlisted in the 79th Illinois infantry: served 
through the remainder of the war. Married in 
1849, Amanda Casick. WUUam H., Mary L., 
Kate B., Albert B., Arthur, Esther E„ Gideon A., 
Charles H. and Hettie are their children. Mr. 
Ewing also served one year in the Mexican war. 

William Gilfillan was born in Jefferson county, 
New York, 1832. In 18.56 came to Minnesota and 
soon after located at LeRay; removed to Eagle 
Lake in 1875. Ho at first engaged in wagon mak- 
ing, later embarked in the hotel business. Mr. 
Gilfillan has served as town clerk and constable. 
Married in March 1860 Hattie O. Dailey. who has 
borne him five children. William C, Carrie E., 
Charles W. and Nettie are the living. Addie M. 
died at the age of seventeen months. 

August Glockzin is a native of Prussia, bom in 
1835. Emigrated to Canada, in 1854 and while 
there worked on a railroad. In 1855 he arrived 
at Detroit and from there went to Milwaukee. On 
coming to Minnesota in 1856 located first in Man- 
kato, then made a claim on sections 25 and 26. 
For fotir years he was engaged in driving stage 
and carrying the United States mail, then gave 
his attention to farming. Mr. Glockzin has served 
as town sTipervisor three years. He married iSliss 
E. C. Zilke, who has borne him seven children; six 
are living. 

Robert Heslep, a native of Ireland, was born in 
1803. He came to America in 1831, and for three 
years lived in Essex coimty. New York, then 
moved to Pennsylvania; lived in Erie and Mercer 
counties until 1855, when he came to Minnesota; 
located in Le Ray. Miss Elizabeth Boyd became 
his wife iu 1830. Twelve children have been bom 



to them; Nancy, Emma, Arena, Belle, William, 
James, Mary, John, Robert and Elizabeth are the 
living. 

E. M. B. Laird was bom in Vermont in 1814. 
When four years old he moved with his parents to 
Monroe county, New York; in 1831 went to Mich- 
igan; returning to New York he was engaged in 
contracting and farming, also hotel keeping; in 
1858 came west and afterward kept hotel in West 
Mankato and South Bend, then opened a farm 
where Madelia now stands. At the time of the 
Sioux war scare he assisted in erecting Fort Cox; 
remained at his farm and had his httle son Ezekiel 
stand on the house-top to give the alarm if In- 
dians approached; the family experienced some 
narrow escapes; one son, Alvara, was surprised 
while at work and wounded in the thigh by In- 
dians who escajied. In 1841 he married Cynthia 
C. Parker. Phebe, Alvara E., Joseph D., Anna 
M., Ezekiel M. B., James, Charlotte and Nellie M., 
are their living children. 

Mrs. Angeline L. Lane, widow of the late Henry 

B. Lane, was born in Oswego, New York, Decem- 
ber 7, 1826. She went in 1845, with her parents, 
to Wisconsin, where in 1848, she was married to 
Mr. Lane, who was born in Ulster county. Now 
York, iu 1820. They moved to Minnesota in 1856 
and settled in Le Ray. Mr. Lane died August 8, 
1879. Susan A., Byron H., Wesley O., Elizateth 

C. anil Abraham L. are their children. Charles 
W. died May 12, 1881. 

Adolph Leui, a native of Switzerland, was born 
in 1848. When a child of about five years he ac- 
companied his parents to America; settled in 
BufTalo, Now York: from 1855 to 1875 he lived in 
Galena, Dlinois, where he learned blacksmithing; 
came to Minnesota in 1875 and worked at his trade 
four years, then moved to his farm in Le Ray. 
Married at Galena, Miss Sophia Koppen. They are 
the parents of four children ; William, Annie, Clara 
and Elmer. 

Orrin Mills was born in St. Lawrence county. 
New York, in 1840. When six years old he ac- 
companied his parents to Jefferson, Wisconsin, 
where his father died in the spring of 1858, at the 
age of sixty-eight years. The same year Orrin, 
accompanied by his mother came to Jlinnewota, 
and located on section 29 of Le Ray township. 
Married in 1868, Martha E. Brit. Carrie B., 
Orrin O., Nancy H., Mary F. and William B. are 
their children. 

L. L. Miner, was bom in Pennsylvania in 1849. 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



577 



Lived at home until 1858, then moved to New 
York, and farmed there until coming to Fillmore 
county, Minnesota, in 1861; for three years was 
farming iu that county and in the fall of 1864 
moved to Jackson county. In 1876 he settled in 
Eagle Lake, where he is engaged in the manufac- 
ture and repairing of wagons, etc. In 1867 mar- 
ried Miss Louisa Dayton, of Canada. Their chil- 
dren are William 0., Millie M., Myrtle B., Jennie 
and Spencer. 

Zimri Moon was born in Clinton coimty, Ohio, 
in 1817. In 1852 he moved with his parents to 
Miami county, Indiana, thence in 1855 to Iowa. 
In 1862 he located in Houston county, Minnesota, 
hut since 1874 has resided in Le Eay. Married 
in Houston county, in 1865, Cornelia Wait. Clara 
E., Rose B., George F., Laura, Pearl F., and Ina 
R., are their children. In connection with his farm, 
Mr. Moon is interested in the manufacture of lum- 
ber; the saw-mill is owned by the firm, Moon and 
Brother. 

Edward Mynard was born in Wyoming coimty, 
New York, near Warsaw, in 1845. When seven- 
teen years of age he started out to earn his own 
living; in 1866 went to Warren comaty, Penn- 
sylvania, where for five years he manufactured J 
lumber. On coming to Minnesota he first settled 
in Freeborn county, where he farmed two years, 
then in 1873 came to Eagle Lake; here he has a 
blacksmith and general repair shop; is also inter- 
ested in the only drug store in the village; firm 
name, Mynard & Wells. His wife was Miss Mary 
E. Howard, married in 1862. Merton A. is their 
only child. Johnnie died when quite young. 

Henry Robertson was burn, in Western Virginia, 
in 1826. Removed with his parents to Ohio in 1832. 
He settled on section 31, Le Ray, Minnesota, in 
1857, and has since resided here. Enlisted in 1864 
in the 11th Minuesota and served until the close of 
the war as an inde^^endent scout. Married in 1848, 
Sarah J. Kurlinger, of Ohio. Samuel M., Eliza 
E., Brenton, Elmer, Henrietta, Emery, Emma and 
Isabel, are their living children. 

Conrad Schogll, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1814. He came to America in 1844; lived in 
Hudson county. New York, five years; in 1849 re- 
moved to Wisconsin and in 1856 came to Minne- 
sota; still lives on his farm in Le Ray. In New 
York, in 1853, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Lora Hinton, a native of Germany. Of their 
four children, only Louisa survives. 

Xavier Schaub is a native of Germany, born iu 

37 



1821. His life was passed in his native land until 
1868; then came to America; soon afterwards pro- 
ceeded westward to Minnesota and located a home 
on section 9 of LeEay. His marriage with Helena 
Schaub took place in Germany in 1844. Three 
sons have been born to them : Lambert, Frank and 
Martin. 

John Sieren, a native of Germany was born iu 
1832. . Came to America when about thirteen 
years of age, and made his home in Seneca county, 
Ohio; he came to Minnesota in 1857 and settled 
in LeRay ; has served as supervisor, town treasurer 
and treasurer of school district. His marriage 
with Miss Margaret Wagner took place in Ohio. 
Nine children have been born to them. 

A. C. Smith, M. D., was born near Dayton, Ohio, 
in September, 1833. When eighteen years of age 
began the study of medicine. At twenty-two he 
began practice and in 1858 migrated to Cleveland, 
Minnesota, where he was actively engaged in his 
profession until enlisting in the spring of 1864 in 
the 11th Minnesota. In 1867 he made a profes- 
sional tour through Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and 
Wisconsin, returning to Cleveland in 1870; five 
years later he located in Iowa but in 1877 came to 
Eagle Lake. January 23, 1868 he married Miss 
Charlotte A. Hurst. Arthur A., Mary M. and 
Robert J. are their living children. 

George F. Sower was born about twenty-four 
miles from Washington, in Loudoun comity, Vir- 
ginia, in 1826. He learned the trade of mechanic. 
Married iu the spring of 1849, Catherine Graham, 
bom in 1821. In 1860 they came to Minnesota 
and made a home in LeEay. In the fall of 1862 
Mr.Sower enlisted in Company E, Ninth INIiunesota 
infantry, and served until mustered out at St. Paul 
August 24, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Sower have four 
children: Martha E., Octava A. Brook W. and 
Jessie. 

Charles F. Stokes was horn in Rock county, 
Wisconsin, in 1842. Enlisted in 1862 in the 33d 
Wisconsin infantry and was honorably discharged 
at the close of the war; then came to Miimesota 
settled in LeRay and began the manufacture of 
lumber. He deals in fuel and railroad ties, and is 
interested somewhat in farming; is also postmaster 
at Smith's Mill. June 1, 1869 he married Lucy 
D. Baker, who died in 1872. Lavina Clark be- 
came Ms wife April 2, 1873. They have two chil- 
dren ; Florence E. and Kenneth M. 

Amasa Taber was born in Indiana in 1835. He 
lived in his native state until 1S05 then came to 



578 



HISTORY OP THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Minnesota ami settled in LeRay ti)^\T]sliip. He 
has been elected to muuy of the towu otlioes. In 
bis native state in 185'.) ho was united in marriage 
witli Elizabetli Rrit wlio has borne oneson and one 
daughter: Earl C. and Mary A. 

Albert Tarno was born in Erie county, Tennsyl- 
vania, near Fairview, about rourteen miles from 
Erie, in 1859. He was raised on a farm and with 
his parents i-anic to Minnesota in 1870. They lo- 
cated in LeKay township, on section 26. Four 
years later, in 1874, his father was killed by a 
falling tree; he was fifty one years of age. Mr. 
Tarno still livej* on the farm. 

August Tarao, farmer, was boni in Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1857, and lived on the farm with his 
parents until coming with them to Minnesota in 
1870. He locat<'d witli them on section 26 of Le- 
Kay township. 

J. M. Turner was born in 18i7, and is a native 
of ULster county, New York. When three years 
old he moved with his parents to Wisconsin ; they 
remained in different parts of the state engaged in 
farming, until coming to Minnesota in 1857. Lo- 
cated on section 23 in Le Kay town.sbip. Mr. 
Turner now lives on his farm on section 26. For 
twelve years he has been interested in the school of 
liis district as one of its officers, has also been su- 
pervisor several terms. 

James B. Wagner was bom in Tioga coiinty, 
New York, in 1839. When nine years old he ac- 
companied his parents to Jefferson county, Wis- 
consin, where his mother died. Went to La 
Crosse in 1851, then up Root river where he loca- 
ted. Enlisted in 18(!4 in the 186th New York in- 
fantry; served one year. He lived in Jefferson 
county. New York, until 1870, then came to Min- 
nesota and to Eagle Lake in 1872. Since 1880 he 
has l)een engaged in the manufacture of lumber. 
Married Miss P. A. Corey; Minnie, Charles F., 
John S. and James D. are their living children. 

Irvin Wells was bom in Onondaga c<mnty, New 
York, 1852. When only two years old he was 
left an orphan and the next year went to Wiscon- 
sin, where in Dodge and Pierce counties be grew 
to manhood. In the fall of 1877 he located in Le 
Ray and engaged in farming until the fall of 
1880, then embarked in the drug trade at Eagle 
Lake with Mr. Mynard as partner. Married in 
1874, Miss Mary C. Finer. Amy V. and Oscar 
are their living children. 

R. (t. Wood was born in Onondaga county. New 
York in 1829. He learned the trade of mechanic 



and in 1845 moved to Wisconsin for three years; 
then served one year in the Mexican war, after 
which be lived in Wisconsin until coming to Min- 
nesota in 1856. He lived in Steele county five 
years, then went to Le Suear county, and linally 
settled in Le Ray. In 1853 he married Miss 
PbebeA. Howe. Alice M. and an infant are their 
children. 

SOUTH BEXD. 

This is one of the smallest towns in the county; 
its area is about twenty square miles. It is situa- 
ted in the northern part of the county at thej>oint 
where the Miiuiesota river makes the great "south 
liend," from which the town derives its name. 
■\Vhen first formed in 1858 it contained all of con- 
gressional township 108, range 27, lying west of 
the Blue Earth river, excepting the tier of sections 
on the south. At another meeting, held a few 
days later, the county board attached that tier. 

In June, 1853, a small steamboat, named the 
Clarion, landed at the bank where the village of 
South Bend afterward came into existence. She 
was commanded by Capt. Samuel Humbertson. He 
had with him his nephew, Thomas Lameraux, bis 
clerk. Alden Bryant and his engineer, John Mann. 
The location so pleased them that they deter- 
mined to settle there and start a town. With that 
object in view Mr. Humbertson built a small 
shanty and placed his nephew in charge of his 
interests wliile he was away furthering his ])ro- 
ject. Shortly after they left I. S. Lyon ( called 
Buckskin Lyon, because of his wearing a suit of 
buckskin V came in from Iowa with an ox team. 
Lyman Matthews and D. C. Evans came in July. 
Later in the fall came E. R. May and Owen Her- 
bert, the latter in the employ of Mr. Evans. Mr. 
May returned to St. Paul but the rest remained 
on the ground all winter. During the winter Mr. 
Evans built a log house, l()x24 feet, and three 
stories high. This was the first permanent build- 
ing erected in the town. 

In the spring of 1854 Captain Humbertson 
started for South Bend in a new boat named "The 
Minnesota Belle," having on board fifteen families, 
bound for the new settlement. When they reached 
the rapids in the river a few miles above Carver, 
the water was so low they could come no ftjrther, 
and were obliged to return to St. Paul. Mr. M. 
Thompson was the only one that came on to 
South Bend. He brought his family and became 
interested in the town, and so also did Mr. May by 
buying out Bryant & Maun. 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



579 



The town was laid out in December, 1853, and 
continued to increase until the population 
amounted to about a thousand Lnhabitants. Aliout 
this time the Indian outbreak occurred and crea- 
ted a panic, causing many to leave. The bridge 
across the Blue Earth was also washed away by a 
freshet. In the meantime, Mankato being the 
county seat, had obtained the advantage and be- 
gan to flourish, while South Bend gradually lost 
prestige, her business melted away until now 
there is but one store and one hotel in the place. 

The first marriage occurred in the summer of 
1854; it was that of Noah Armstrong and Hannah 
Howd, a half sister of Lyman Matthews. 

The town site of La Hillier City was laid out on 
Mr. Armstrong's claim a sliort distance above the 
mouth of Blue Earth river, in September, 1857. 
A hotel wasbiiilt, but never used as such. A flood 
the next spring dampened the rising aspirations 
of the embryo city. 

West La HiUier was also platted that year, but 
never amounted to anything. Upon the county 
records is the only place it can be found. 

The village of Miuneopa was platted in Septem- 
ber, 1870, on section 20. It is at jjresent only a 
flag station. It was named from the falls near, 
which the Indians called "Miuniinninopa," mean- 
ing the stream of two falls or dotrble falls. 

A post-office was established at South Bend in 
1855, and Matthew Thompson api^ointed postmas- 
ter. He was succeeded in the spring of 1859 by 
Lars Lee. The postmasters since have been P. F. 
Eckstorm, W. E. Price and D. P. Davis the pres- 
ent incumbent. 

The firat religious services were conducted by 
the Eev. William Williams, a Baptist minister 
from Big Kock, Illinois, in the spring of 1855 at 
the home of D. C. Evans. That same fall the 
Rev. Jenkin Jenkins, a Congregationahst, preached 
at the same place. This was the germ of a church 
organization which occurred soon after, resulting 
in a imion church. About this time Eev. .T. W. Pow- 
ell, a Methodist, held services at Mr. Evan's house. 
The two first mentioned preached in the Welch 
language. The union organization also took 
place at Mr. Evans' house. 

The Congregationalists built a church in 1857, 
costing about $800, which is still used by them. 
The Calvanistic Methodists built in 1861 ; they 
subsequently became PresViyterians, and have re- 
mained so since, still occujjying their church. 
About the time the Congregationalists built their 



church, another branch of the Calvinistic Metho- 
dists built one about one and one-half miles south- 
east of Minneojia Falls. 

Probably the fli'st Bilile class in the county was 
organized at the house of D. D. Evans on Christ- 
mas day, 1855. A Sunday school was organized 
at the same place in June previous, with Dr. Ed- 
ward Thomas as superintendent. 

The first school in the town was taught by Mrs. 
Joshua Barnard in 1855. A school district had 
been organized in 1854, being the second one or- 
ganized in the present limits of the county. 
There are now in the town four school-houses. 

The Minneopa Hotel was started in 1858 by 
Mr. Miner Porter on his farm a short distance west 
of South Bend tillage. He subsequently fitted 
up the grounds as a summer resort for visitors to 
the falls. He is now proprietor of the Merchants 
Hotel, Mankato. 

The meeting for the organization of the town 
was held May 11, 1858, at the village of South 
Bend. The followiug were the officers elected: 
Lyman Matthews, chairman, L. G. Barrett and J. 
A. .Tones, supervisors; Edmund Purnell, clerk; D. 
.J. Lewis, assessor; Lars Lee, collector; E. K. 
Bangs and L. Abbott, justices; Lars Lee and W. 
P. Goodell, constables. During the war with the 
South the town paid $1,500 in bounties to volun- 
teers, beside what was paid to assist the families 
of those in the field. 

William K. Davis is a native of Wales, born in 
1841. He came to America when four years old, 
and until 1871 made his home in Waukesha county, 
Wisconsin, then removed to Blue Earth county, 
and in 1874 estabhshed himself in the grain trade, 
which he still continues. His wife was Miss Sarah 
A. Evans, a native of Minnesota, who has borne 
him three children: Catherine, Claudia and Jane. 

Owen Herbert, a native of Wales, was born in 
1826. He immigratad to this country in 1852 
and the next year settled in South Bend, Minne- 
sota: one year later located on his present farm. 
A company, of whom one was Mr. Herbert, laid out 
and staked the village of South Bend. In 1859 
he married Miss .Jane Edwards. David, Mary, 
.John, Ellen, William, Alice, Albert and Kate are 
their children. 

Thomas Hughes was born in Wales, in 1826. 
In 1846 came to America; lived eight years in 
Jefferson county, Wisconsin, and ten years in La 
Crosse county: came to Minnesota in 1861, and 
settled in Judson; in 1872 located his present farm. 



580 



HI STORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



For four rears he was dopntv slierifT, also lipid town 
offices. He married Jane Roberts. William, 
Elizabeth, Mary and Lydia are their children. 

Griffith Jones was horn in Wales. He came to 
this country in 1S41 and for one year made his 
home in Oneida county. New York, then moved to 
Madison county. In 1847 migrated to Wisconsin 
and in 1853 to Minnesota. He was married one 
year previous to Miss M. Jones; they were the first 
permanent settlors west of South Bend, and were 
obliged to go to St. Paul for provisions. During 
the Indian outbreaks in 18.5r> and 1802 Mr. and 
Mrs. Jones suffered much from loss of crops and 
the depredations of the savages. Their children 
are Emma J., who died in 1871; Margaret who is 
now Mrs. Wilson; John, Sarah, Thomas, William. 

George M. Keeuan, a native of Ireland was born 
in 1821. He immigrated to this country in 1848 
and farmed in Pennsylvania until 1855 then set- 
tled near Vernon Center, Minnesota. In 1857 he 
bought four lots in Lo Hillier and erected a large 
stone house. In 18fi2 enlisted for 100 days and 
was stationed at South Bend; at the expiration of 
that time he enlisted in a company of mounted 
rangers under General H. H. Sibley. Returning 
he made a homestead in Butternut Valley, which 
he sold in 1870, and l)ought a home here; has held 
different town offices. Married Agnes Wallace in 
1842, she and their two children died during the 
voyage to America. He married in 1850 Eliza- 
beth Steele. Samuel, Margaret, George, Elizabeth 
Hannah, Nellie and Nina are their living children. 

D. J. Lewis, a native of Wales, was born in 1823. 
He came to Oneida county, New York, in 1842; 
migrated to Minnesota in 1855 and made a claim 
which is his present farm. He was one of the first 
settlers of the town; was appi>iuted the first asses- 
sor: he has held that office four years. Married 
Miss Margaret .Tones, of Waukesha county, Wis- 
consin, in 1859. Joseph R., Anna R., Thomas D., 
Eliza J., Mary A., Daniel E., T<la M., and Hum- 
]>hrey E. are their children. 

JUDSON. 

The town of Judson hies in the northern part of 
the county in the second tier from the west. It 
is drained in the nortli by the Minnesota river and 
in the south by Miuiieopa creek. .\( anearly date 
in the settlement, the creek was called Switehel 
creek and later Lyon's creek. I»it the jiresent name 
has been generally adopted as more ap|)ropriate. 
The ])opulation is almost entirely Welch. The 
Scandinavian el.:njnt is represented in the north 



along the river. The temperance element has al- 
ways ruled the town, as a consequence no saloons 
were ever allowed. 

The first white settlers of the town were Calvin 
Webb and family and .Tohn Johnson. They came 
in the fall of 1854. Mrs. Webb was the first white 
woman in the town. 

In the spring of 1855, W. J. Roljerts, Hugh 
Edwards and Daniel Evans came with their fami- 
lies. They were part of a train of eleven families 
that came from Wisconsin. The remainder settled 
in South Bend. 

The first religions services were held in the sum- 
mer of 1855, by Rev. .John Powell, a Methodist. 
Services were condvicted at private houses until the 
school-house was built the following winter, when 
they were transferred to that. There are now 
three churclies in the town; two Welch Calvanistic 
Methodist and one Presbyterian. The Jerusalem 
church is located in section 5 and was the first or- 
ganized. Their minister at that time was the 
Rev. William Roberts. At first a log church was 
built. Their present church is frame and cost 
about S2,0{)0. The present pastor is Etv. W. M. 
.Tones. The Presbyterians organized later, imder 
the auspices of the Rev. Kerr, of St. Peter. The 
first pastor was Rev. Joseph Rees. Their church 
is located on the east side of section 18 and cost 
about .S2,000. Tlie Carmel church is located in the 
center of section 15, and cost about S2,70ll. The 
society was organized at the school-house in the 
district early in 1869, under the direction of Rev. 
William Roberts, with twenty-eight members; 
there are now about thirty-five members, and Rev. 
R. r. Jones is their pastor. A Baptist organiza- 
tion was effected by Rev. William Williams at the 
school-house in Judson village, which continued a 
number of years, but is now extinct. 

The first birth was that of Griffith Roberts, a 
son of W. J. Roberts and wife, born in August, 
1855. The first marriage was that of R. T. Roli- 
erts and Margaret Edwards. She was a daughter 
of Hugh Edwards, and the marriage took place at 
liis house in June, 1850. 

The village of Judson was surveyed in Novem- 
ber, 1850, and located partly on sections 3 and 4, 
township lOS and sections 33 and 34. township 
109. range 28. \ steam saw- mill was built by 
Messrs. Fowler, Patterson and Goodwin. A store, 
blacksmith shop and small hotel were also built. 
The village being unfavorably located never flour- 
ished to any extent. The mill soon passed into 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



581 



the hands of 0. S. Terry, who added a grist-mill. 
On account of subsequent financial embarrassment 
of Mr. Terry, the mill passed into other hands and 
was moved across the river to Nicollet county. 
Most of the village lots are now vacated and the 
only business done is a small store belonging to 
Borrie Sanstrom. A post-office, established in the 
early days of the village stUl exists. Rev. William 
Williams was appointed postmaster. He held the 
office until a few years since, when the present in- 
cumbent, Mr. Wolfe was appointed. Another vil- 
lage was laid out at an early date on the north 
shore of Crystal lake, and called Seymour. On 
account of disagreement between the proprietors 
the plat was never recorded and although some 
improvements were begun, the village was allowed 
to die in its infancy. 

The first school was taught in a log house on 
the site of Judson village. The town now has 
five school-houses all frame. 

The meeting for organization* under the town- 
ship law, was held May 11, 18.58, in the village of 
Judson. A. J. Crisp was chosen moderator, and 
and W. H. Thurston, clerk. Officers elected — 
Robert Patterson, chairman; William Jenkins and 
A. J. Crisp, supervisors; T. R. Coulsou, clerk; W. 
H. Thurston, assessor; J. A. Tidlg-nd, collector; G. 
Johnson, overseer of poor; John Goodwin and J. 
O. Robinson, justices; David Reed and S. R. Dean, 
constables. 

Edward Evans, son of the late Evan H. Evans, 
who was one of the early settlers of South Bend 
was bom in Wisconsin, 1853. At the age of two 
years he accompanied his parents who came to 
Minnesota and settled in South Bend. His home 
was in that place until 1877, then he settled in 
Judson on his present farm. Miss Anna WiUiams 
became his wife in 1877. 

David E. Evans, a native of Wales, was born in 
1830. Arrived at New York m 1847 and remained 
in that state six years; afterward in Wisconsin tor 
about one year, then came to Faribault, Minnesota, 
In 1858 he became a resident of Judson. He was 
imited in marriage in 1859 -with Miss Mary Hughs. 
Two sons have been born to them, John and Charles. 

Daniel Edwards was born in Dodge county, 
Wisconsin in 1848. When seven years old he came 
with his parents to Minnesota, and has since been 
a resident of Judson, living on a farm; has held 
many of the town offices. His father Hugh Ed- 
wards died here at the age of sixty-six years. In 
1872 he married Miss Mary J. Roberts, who has 



borne him five children. Emma, Maggie, Hugh, 
Adeline and Moses. 

Hugh H. Edwards was born in 1842, in Oneida 
county. New York. When five years old he went 
to Wisconsin with his parents, and lived there until 
1855; then came to Minnesota and settled in Jud- 
son. He held all the principal town offices. In 
1873 he was appointed mail agent for the North- 
ern Pacific Railroad Company and after a service of 
four years was transferred to the Sioux City. His 
wife was Miss Ann Roberts, married in 1862, John, 
Daniel, Elizabeth and Emma are their children. 

John Edwards was born in 1847, in New Y''ork, 
when a chiki he went with his parents to Wiscon- 
sin, thence, in 1854, to Judson, Minnesota. Here 
he has since lived with the exception of his time of 
service in the army. Enlisted in 1862, in Company 
E, Ninth Minnesota. At the battle of Mobile he 
received a wound which rendered him a lifelong 
cripple. In December, 1865, he married Miss 
Jane Jones. They are the parents of six children ; 
Hugh, Thomas, Henry, David, William, George. 

John. J. James, a native of Wales, was born in 
1889. Came to America at the age of eight years 
with his parents. They settled in Oneida county. 
New York, and from there he enUsted in 1862 in 
company B, 146th New York infantry, serving 
until 1865. After the war he came to Minnesota, 
and has since made his home in Judson. He mar- 
ried, in 1868, Miss Hannah Meriditb, who has 
borne him three children: Charles, Robert and 
Vzaleel. 

William W. James, town treasurer, was born m 
1850; a native of Wales. When a small child he 
was brought by his parents to Oneida county. 
New York, where he lived until the age of fifteen 
years; then came to Minnesota. He has since 
been a resident of Judson, and has been engaged 
in farming. Mr. James has served his town as 
treasurer. In 1877 he married Miss Sarah Jones. 
William and John are their chOdren. 

Humphrey H. Jones was born in South Wales 
in 1839. When ten years of age he came to Amer- 
ica with his parents, who settled m Wisconsin. 
Until 1866 he lived in that state chiefly, then vis- 
ited Minnesota and chose a home in Judson. For 
a number of years he served as chairman of the 
town board. In 1868 Margaret James became his 
wife. Six children: John, Hugh, Elizabeth, Lla- 
wylen, Carodoy and Gomer. 

Humphrey Jones, a native of North Wales, was 
born in 1819. In 1848 he came to the United 



682 



IIISTOUY OF THE MINN SHOT A VALLEY. 



States and made his home in Pennsylvania. Siib- 
seqiieutly went to Ohio, but in 1855 ciimo to Min- 
nesota and loi'nted on tho farm on which he now 
lives. He soon after returned to Pennsylvania and 
worked in tin' coal mine.s for several years, but since 
1867 has remained in Judson. His wife was Mrs. 
Ellen Evans, whom he married in 181)7. 

Hugh Jones was born in North Wales, in 1849, 
and came to America when a child. Until six 
years of age his home was in Pennsylvania; then 
in Wisconsin until 1803; coming to Minnesota he 
settled in Judson. When seventeen years old he 
began teaching, and for twelve years followed the 
profession — one term at South Bond, and the re- 
maining time in Judson. During tlie great snow 
storms of 1873 he, with thirty-fivo scholars, was 
obliged to remain in the school building two days 
and nights, unable t« get home. Mr. Jones has 
been town cleik for the past six years. In 1879 
he married Mary Wigley. They have (me child: 
Richard. 

lieverend William M. Jones, a native of Wales, 
was b!)rn in 1835. After receiving a lil)eral edu- 
cation he entered upon the duties of the ministry, 
and preached five years in his native land. 
In 18(57 he came to .-Vmerica and settled in Cam- 
bria, Wisconsin, where he made his home four 
years; coming to Minnesota he accepted a call to 
the pastorate of Jerusalem and Salem churches at 
Judson. In December, 1868, he married Miss 
Alice WilUams. Owen, Richie and Katie are their 
children. 

Reverend R. W. Jones was born in North Wales 
in 1823. On reaching majority he came to Amer- 
ica, and for a short time tiirried in Now York; then 
went to Pennsylvania; was ordained a minister of 
the Welsh Presbyterian church, and officiated 
there two years; then was in Oneida county. New 
York, until 1863, when he came to Minnesota and 
settled on his present farm. Married, in 1848, 
Phoebe Jones. They have four children : Phcebe, 
Jane A., William H,, and John T. 

W. R. Jones was born in 1827, and is a native of 
North Wales. Ho learned the carpenter's trade in 
that country, and followed it there until coming to 
America in 1854. For one year he lived in Brook- 
lyn, New York, then moved to Wisconsin, and in 
1857 came to Minnesota. After a residence of one 
year in Rochester he settled in Judson. Married, 
in 1853, Jane Williams. Of the eleven children 
bom to them, six are living: Caroline G., Annie, 
Marion, Christopher C, Elizabeth and Hugh W. 



John W. Lewis, a native of Wales, was bom in 

1833; came to .\meriea in 1S55; lived in Wiscon- 
sin until coming to Minnesota in 1858; settled in 
Judson, where he has held various town offices. 
Married, in 1855, Catherine Evans, who has borne 
him six children: Jonn T., Elizabeth A., Mary J., 
Carrie, Thomas and Alice. 

Richard Lewis was born in Wales in 1833, and 
came to this country in 1847 with his parents. He 
settled in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, and was 
there engaged in farming until 18()2: then located 
in Judson. Has served in iill the principal town 
offices, and in 1880 was a member of the legis- 
lature. In 1854 he was united in marriage with 
Margaret Lloyd, who has borne him seven chil- 
dren — five are living: William, Richard Jr., Mag- 
gie, John and Eddie. 

A. B. Little was born in New .Jersey in 1826. At 
the age of ten years went witli his parents to Can- 
ada. When he reiiched the age of eighteen years 
he moved to Illinois, where he engaged in farming 
and mercantile trade. Moved to Minnesota in 
1869: made Mankato his home three years; then 
located in Judson. Mr. Little married, in 1850, 
Miss M. Smith, who died in 1870, leaving seven 
children. His second wife was Jennie Hanson, 
married in 1875. They have four children. 

Martin Nilson is a native of Sweden, bom in 
1830; learned the carpenter's trade and, in 1857, 
came to America. He followed his trade in his 
native country and, on arriving in America, settled 
in Judson. Married, in 1863, Miss Johimna John- 
son. Anna, .John and Henry are their children. 

O. R. Owens was born in Herkimer county. New 
York, in 1830. Came West in 1863. He settled 
on a farm in Judson. and has served here as super- 
visor and school officer. In 1865 he was united in 
marriage with Miss Margaret Meredith, a native 
of New York. They are the jiarents of four chil- 
dren : Jo8ei)h, Maggie, Emma and Robert. 

Thomas W. Pliilhps, a native of South Wales, 
was born in 1826. Came to America in 1845 and 
settled in Pennsylvania. He was there engaged 
in the iron works four years. In 1849 removed to 
Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming until 
1855, then came to Minnesota, locating first in 
Scott county. In 1866 came to Judson. He has 
been chairman of the board of supervisors three 
years. Married Mary A. Pliilli]>s in 1855. They 
have fotir children. 

Rowland W. Price is a native of Wales, born in 
1839. Came to the United States with his parents 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



583 



when about nine years old, and until 1855 lived in 
New York and Wisconsin. Came to Minnesota 
and was engaged in the milling business fourteen 
years at South Bend, then located on a farm in 
Judson. Married in 1858 Miss Sarah Woods. 
Six children have been born to them: WQliam, Ed- 
ward, Anna, Mary, David and John. 

John Eees was born in South Wales in 1817. 
In 1852 came to America; went from New York to 
Canada, and soon after settled in Pennsylvania. 
In October, 1855, he came to Minnesota; lived at 
South Bend and in Nicollet county until 1866; 
came to Judson at that time. His wife, Margaret 
Jenkins, was married in 1839, and died in 1856, 
leaving seven children. Thomas, the eldest son, 
enlisted in 1861 in Company E, Fourth Minnesota, 
of which he was sergeant; was wounded in the 
battle of Vicksburg, and died in Memphis in 1863, 
at the age of twenty-three. The next son, Wil- 
liam, enlisted in 1862 in Company E, Ninth Min- 
nesota; was taken prisoner in 1864, and died at 
Andersonville prison, after a confinement of four 
months, at the age of twenty-two. The other 
children are Rachel, Ann, Jane, Margaret and 
Mary. 

Henry E. Roberts, son of Owen Roberts, was 
born in 1850 in Ohio. In 1855 his parents came 
to Minnesota and settled in Judson on the farm 
where his father stiU lives, and where Henry was 
raised. In the year 1874 he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Mary Rees. Mr. and Mrs. Rob- 
erts have one child: Katie. 

Owen Roberts is a native of Wales, born in 
1826. He came with his family to America in 
1850, and for five years lived in Ohio. In 1855 
came Ut his present farm in Judson, and has since 
lived here, an honored and respected resident. He 
was united in marriage in his native country with 
Miss Catherine Jones. Humphrey, Henry R. and 
Margaret are their children. 

William J. Roberts was born in Wales in 1825. 
Came to this country in 1841 ; the first five years 
of life in America were passed in Utioa, New York. 
He then removed to Wisconsin; remained there 
until 1855, at which time he migrated to Minne- 
sota, and Judson has since been his home. Mar- 
ried in 1845 Miss Anna Rollins. They have five 
children living: John. Thomas, David, Caroline 
and May. 

John Wigley was born in Wales in 1835. When 
twenty years old he came to America ; settled first 
in Wisconsin and engaged in farming until 1857, 



then came to Minnesota and has since made his 
home in Judson. Enlisted in 1863 in the Second 
Minnesota cavalry, and served until the close of 
the war. For six years he has held the office of 
assessor. Miss Caroline Roberts became his wife 
in 1862. Elizabeth, William, Sarah, Anna and 
Jane are their children. 

Richard Wigley ia a native of Wales, bom in 
1833. He was reared to manhood in the land of 
his birth, but since 1857 has been a resident of 
the United States. After spending one year at 
Racine, Wisconsin, he came to Minnesota and has 
since lived in .Judson township. He has held many 
of the town offices and was cotinty commissioner 
in 1875-'76 and '77. His wife was Miss Mary Wil- 
liams, married in 1856;they have nine children. 

Thomas D. Williams was born in Bradford 
county, Pennsylvania, in 1836. In the spring of 
1855 he migrated to Minnesota ; resided in Nicol- 
let, NicoUet county, until coming to Judson in 
1870. In 1862 he married Mrs. Sarah Thomas, 
widow of David Thomas. She had five children 
by her first marriage: Mary A., William R., David 
J., John E. and Rees W. Mr. and Mrs. Wil- 
liams have two children; Margaret J. and Har- 
riet A. 

CAMBRIA. 

The name of this town is derived from the prin- 
cipality of that name in Wales, from whence nearly 
all the settlers came. It is situated in the extreme 
north-western part of the county, and was for- 
merly included in Butternut Valley, but was sepa- 
rated from it in 1867; it includes all south of the 
Minnesota river, of congressional township 109, 
range 29. Its area is about twenty square miles. 
June 3, 1867, the people met at the school-house 
in district number 10, and organized. The of- 
ficers elected for the year were, J. S. Davis, chair- 
man; W. P. Jones and W. R. Lewis, supervisors; 
W. E. Davis, clerk; Evan Bowen, assessor; T. Y. 
Davis, treasurer ; S. D. Shaw and Edward Rowe, 
justices; David Thomas and D. L. Harris, con- 
stables. 

No settlement of whites occurred until 1855. 
That year we find D. J. Davis, W. J. and D. J. 
Williams, John Davis, George Gilley, D. A. Davis 
and Morris Lewis. The Rev. .Jenkin Jenkins came 
that year and looked the ground over, but did not 
locate until the next year. 

The first birth in the town was that of Cather- 
ine, a daughter of D. J. Davis. The first death 
was that of a little girl, in the summer of 1856. 



584 



niSTOHY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Sbe was tlie dnughter of David Price. They 
were ni<>viii<; from their claim shanty into their 
new house, iiiij the ehiid being left alone a short 
time, in some unaccountable manner fell forward 
into the fire and was burned to death. 

The first niarrijige was that of James Morgan 
and Mary ])avis. in the spring of 1857 by the 
Kev. Richard Davis at the house of the bride's 
father, D. P. Davis. 

The first religious services were conducted by 
the Kev. .Tenkin Jenkins in a small shanty near the 
center of section 20 in the latter part of June, 

1856. The Rev. Richard Davis also preached near 
the same place at the house of John Sliields the 
following fall. 

Horeb church (Calvanistic Methodist) was 
built in 1858. The organization of the church 
took place in 1857 with about twenty memters; 
present membership about fifty, and the [jastor is 
Rev. Griffith Roberts. 

Salem church (Welch Congregation) is located 
near the center of section 28. The first services 
connected with this church were conducted by 
Rev. Jenkin Jenkins who organized it in October, 
1855, at the house of John Watkins, with thirteen 
members. It was the first organized Welch church 
in the county. They subsequently changed their 
place of holding meetings to Cambria and con- 
ducted services at private houses and the school- 
house in district number 10 until 1874, when 
their present church was built. Tlie membersliip 
is about forty and the pastor is Rev. J. W. 
Powell. 

The first school was taught during the winter 
of 1857-'8 in a log building erected by "log sub- 
scription" and a general turnout to put it up. It 
was located in section 20, near the site of the pres- 
ent school house belonging to district number 11. 
The teacher was Ed w'ard Thomas; he had about 
thirty scholars. The town now has two school- 
houses, both frame. 

Butternut Valley post-office was established in 

1857. S. D. Shaw was appointed postmaster and 
the office located in section 19; the jjostmasters 
were changed several times and the office moved 
in accordance with these changes, the last loca- 
tion being at the house of .Jolm Shields. His 
daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Burgess, had charge 
from 18C8 until ' 1880, when the office was dis- 
continued. 

In lives lost during the Indian war, this town 
suffered more than any other in the county. Dur- 



ing a horse stealing raid in September 1862, not 
long after the evacuation of New Ulm. the Indians 
killed James Edwards, N. J. Davis, J. S. Jones 
and Jonas Mohr of this town and Robert Jones of 
Brown county. 

Da\nd T. Davis was born in 1824 in Wales. He 
came to the United States in 1852 and located in 
Illinois, but in the fall of 1855 removed to Minne- 
sota and worked at farming in Judson; in 1863 he 
came to his farm in Cambria. Mr. Davis married 
in the year 1854 Magdaline Evans, who died in 
Cambria at the age of 42 years. Jane Williams 
became his wife in 1869. He is the father of eight 
children; the living are Anna, Elizabeth, Ellen, 
Evan and ,Iohn. 

R. H. Hughes, born in 1832, is a native of 
Wales. He immigrated to Oneida coimty. New 
York, in 1845. From New York, removed to Wis- 
consin, thence in 1862 to Judson, Minnesotji, and 
in 1865 came to Cambria. Mr. Hughes has filled 
various town offices and has been in the state 
legislature. His wife was Hannah Hughes, whom 
he married in 1853. Twelve children have been 
born to them; the living are, Mary, Hugh, Wil- 
liam, Byron, Amelia, Everett, Catharine, Emeet 
Robert and LleweUin. 

Jenkin Jenkins is a native of Wales, where he 
was l)orn in 1803. He located in New York in 1832 
and for about fifteen months studied at a seminary 
in. Auburn; removed to Pennsylvania and labored 
as home missionary in that state a number of 
years, then followed his caUiug in Ohio, Wiscon- 
sin and Illiniiis. He came to Minnesota in 1855 
and located at Cambria. It was Mr. Jenkins who 
organized the first church in Cambria and labored 
here for a great many years. He married in 1836 
Anna Jenkins. Five of their ten children are 
living: Jenett, Benjamin, Anna, Josei)h and 
Phillip. 

John C. Jones was bom in 1837 in Wales, and 
accompanied his parents to America in 1846. 
They located in Wisconsin, but in 1854 removed 
to South Bend, Minnesota, where both his parents 
died. Mr. Jones now resides in Cambria. He 
enlisted in company E, 2d cavalry in 18()3 and 
served through the remainder of the war. In 1862 
Rachel Lewis became his wife. Maggie J., !Mary. 
Sarah A., Esther, Willie, Morris, Thomas, Emma, 
Tuter and Idris arc their children. 

W. P. Jones, bom in 1828, is a native of Wales. 
In 1846 he came to the United States; livetl for a 
time in New York city and Utica. then after do- 



BLUE EARTU COUNTY. 



585 



ing business in Ohio several years, came to Min- 
nesota and in 1856 settled in Cambria, where he 
owns 300 acres of land. Mr. Jones has held dif- 
ferent to^Tn oiBces and in 1877 was a member of 
the stat« legislature. In 1852 he married Marga- 
ret Walters. Fifteen children have been born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Jones. 

Edwin Eeed, a native of New York, was born 
in 1816, in Columbia county. After leaving 
school he learned the trade of mUl-wright and 
worked at building in that state and Michigan 
until 1865; at that date he came to Minnesota and 
lived in Judson until coming to Cambria in 1870. 
E. Van Slyck, who was born in New York, was 
married to Mr. Reed in 1841 and has five living 
children: Augusta, Frank, Emeline, Mary and 
Daniel. Edward and Jiilia died in Michigan. 

Samuel D. Shaw was born in Otsego county. 
New Y'ork in 1802 and received a good education 
in that state. After leaving school he worked a 
number of years as civil engineer, then studied 
law with Gen. John A. Dix; was admitted to the 
bar and practiced about nine years. Upon advice 
of his physician be left the office, and afterwards 
followed farming; came to Minnesota in 1855 and 
located in Cambria. In 1826 he married EUza 
Osborn, who died November 6, 1879. But two of 
their six children are living; three died of eon- 
sumption and one son died at St. Peter in 1862 
from a cold, contracted at the battle of New Ulm. 

John J. Shields, liorn in 1818, is a native of 
Wales. He immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1841, 
where he worked in the coal mines, also lived lor 
a time in Maryland and Ohio; then passed three 
years mining in California. In 1856 he came to 
Minnesota and located in Cambria. He married 
JaneTanley in 1841 and in 1877 she died at Cam- 
bria. Of the seven children born to them, five are 
living. Their son John, who was born in 1852, 
was educated at the High school of Blue Earth 
and the Mankato Normal school, and married Ann 
Evans. 

A. S. Van Patten was bom in 1834 in New 
York and removed with his parents, in 1846, to 
Rock county, Wisconsin. In the spring of 1855 
he came to Brown county, Minnesota, and finally 
settled on section 18 in Cambria; has held a num- 
ber of to^vn offices. Mr. Van Patten married, in 
18.58, Caroline L. Shaw, who has borne him two 
children : Frederick and Arthur. 

BUTTERNUT VAIjIiET. 

This is the second town from the north-west cor- 



ner and in the west tier in the county. Originally 
it included what is now Cambria and was so or- 
ganized. Its present limits include the congres- 
sional township 108-29. The present population 
is principally Scandinavian and Welch. The first 
settlers were Andrew Strom, a Norwegian, and a 
Swede; they came in the latter part of 1856. The 
Swede located in the south-west part of section 17, 
but remained only a short time. Mr. Strom located 
in section 19 on the east shore of Strom lake, so 
named for him, where he remained until about 
four years since, when he moved to Renville county. 
A son of bis, Odin, was born in the faU of 1857, 
and was the first child born in the town. Quite a 
number of settlers came in the next year and lo- 
cated principally in the north and west part of the 
town. 

The first school in the town was taught by a 
lady from Madelia, during the fall of 1860 in the 
house of Andi-ew Strom. Schools were thus taught 
in private houses for several years. There are now 
four school-houses in the town. 

Religious services were conducted at an early 
date by the Scandinavians, at private houses; for a 
few years past, meetings have been held at the 
school-house in district number 12. The present 
pastor is the Rev. Lars Gren, of Madelia, who con- 
ducts services once in four weeks. The present 
membership is about fifty. Salem church (Cal- 
vanistic Methodist) is situated on the east town 
line in section 24, and was buUt about twelve years 
ago. The pastor is Rev. W. M. Jones and the 
membership about forty. Bethel church is located 
in the south-east quarter of section 4, and was 
built in 1870. The pastor is Rev. Griffith Roberts, 
of Cambria. 

The organization of the town took place May 
13, 1858. David Davis was elected chairman of 
the town board, and J. S. Davis, clerk. 

E. D. Evans, born in 1837 in Wales, immi- 
grated in 1857 to Cambria, Wisconsin; removed 
in 1859 to California, where for twenty-one years 
he followed gold mining. He came to Minnesota 
and bought a farm in Judson, also one in Butter- 
nut Valley, then went again to California and 
continued mining; he returned to Minnesota and 
settled on his present farm. In July, 1881, his 
house was swept away by the cyclone that de- 
stroyed the village of New Ulm. In 1865 occurred 
Mr. Evans' marriage with Jane Williams, of Wis- 
consin. Their children are David, Richard, WU- 
liam, Evan, Walter and Jennie. 



586 



UISTORT OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



H. P. Felcb, u native of Canada, was born in 
1840, in Farubam. In company witb bis parents 
be settled on a farm in 1853 near Brandon, Wis- 
consin, wbere liis fatber yet remains. IMrs. Har- 
riet Parratt became bis wife April 20, 1862; tbey 
lived on a farm, and be also carried on tbe cigar 
trade until 186(), wbon tbey removed to Minnesota. 
Tbe same year be made a claim to tbe farm be 
now owns. Tbey bave bad five children; tbe living 
are Carrie J., Edward E. and Clemmie B; tbey 
lost two, Uelljert P. and l^elia M. 

Manley Mott is a native of Cortland county, 
New York, wbere be was bom in 1835; witb his 
parents migrated to Wisconsin in 1856, and lived 
on a farm in Green Lake county. He enlisted in 
1862 in Company H, 20tb Wisconsin, and served 
through tbe war. Upon leaving tbe army be 
came to Minnesota; Uved tbe first yearnear Koch- 
ester, then removed to the farm where he resides 
at present. In 1856 occurred bis marriage witb 
Susan Locke, of Onondaga county, New York. 
Frank is their only-child. 

Charles H. Shelby was born in Norway in 1834, 
and in 1845 settled witb bis parents in Wisconsin. 
He learned sboemaking, which trade be followed, 
living for a time at Madison, Wisconsin, Decorab, 
Iowa, St. Anthony and Taylor's Falls, Minnesota. 
In 1862 he opened a f.-irm in Watonwan county, 
but the same year was driven from it by Indians, 
and the year following he went to Mankato and 
resumed bis trade, taking as a homestead the 
farm lie now owns. Maria Solberg was married to 
Mr. Shelby in 1858, and has borne him seven 
cbildre n : Casper M., Theodore F., Matilda C, Al- 
bert H., Franklin O., Ida and Emraa M. Mr. 
Shelby was in tbe legislature in 1872, and for 
twelve years was justice of tbe peace. 

Daniel Zempel, born in 1826, is a native of 
Prussia. In 1849 be entered tbe army and re- 
mained two years. He came to this country in 
1857 and lived for a time in Lake county, Wiscon- 
sin, then sold his land there and took a claim near 
Waseca, Minnesota, which he sold in 1878 and 
bought the farm where he lives; has 200 acres, 
with good improvements. Married in 1853 Caro- 
line Ducks. Of tbe fourteen children born to 
them, eight are living: Gotleib, Etta. Theua, 
August, Lena, Ameba, Hermon and Louisa. 

LINCOLN. 

At tbe session of the county commissioners held 
April 6, 1858, this town was called Richfield, and 
attached to Ceresco for official purposes. At a 



session held April 16, following, the name was 
changed to Fox Lake, which it retained until 
1865, when it received the present name jirepara- 
tory to organization. It comprises all of con- 
gressional township 107, range 29. The first set- 
tlers in the town were Isaac Slocum, Archibald 
Law and J. C. Tibil; they came in the spring of 
1856. Tbe population has increased slowly, there 
being at this date a large area of land in the 
hands of tbe railroad company and jirivate specu- 
lators. 

The first school was taught by Henry Goff diu-- 
iug the winter of 1862-3, in Isaac Slocum's house. 
There were about fifteen scholars enrolled. The 
first scliool-bouse was built by private subscrip- 
tion. It was a log building, and now belongs to 
district No. 15. There are now five school-bouses 
in the to^vn, four frame and one log. 

In 1868 the Swede Baptist society was organized 
under tbe ministry of tbe Rev. J. A. Peterson, with 
twenty-five members. Until 1870 they conducted 
services at private houses, then at a school-bouse 
until 1881, when their present church was built at 
a cost of about 31,200. Mr. Peterson was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. John Erickson in 1875. and he by 
the present pastor, Rev. Frank Peterson, in 1877 
The present membership is about sixty. 

Tbe town meeting for organization was held at 
the bouse of J. W. Trask, Septemlwr 26, 1865. 
The following oflScers were elected for the ensuing 
year: Isaac Slocum, chairman, C. D. Ht)lloway 
and Isaac Bundy, supervisors: .T. W. Trask. clerk; 
J. C. Tibil, treasurer; Andrew Keech and William 
Roberts, justices; A. H. Fairbank and M. H. Mil- 
ler, constables. 

tJohn Chase, a native of Allegany county New 
York, was liom in 1828, in Rushford. In 1838 he 
moved witb his parents to Indiana, in 1840 to 
Plinois, thence to Wisconsin eight years later, and 
in 1856 to Mankato, Minnesota; tbe year following 
he located on a farm near Madelia, and in 1867 re- 
moved to bis present farm. Mr. Chase enbsted in 
1864, in Company C, lltb Minnesota, and served 
until the close of the war. Miss J. A. McGlasban, 
of Chautauiiua county, New York, became bis wife 
in September, 1861. Their children are Ida B. and 
Inize M., who are teachers, Ira E., Irwin A. and 
Lester L. 

Andrew P. Erickson was l)orn in 1844, in Swe- 
den, and witb his parents came to this country in 
1852. Removed from Iowa to St. Paul in 1855, 
and in 1857 opened a farm in Carver county. He 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



587 



enlisted in Company H, Niiitli Minnesota, and 
served from August, 1862 until the war ceased. 
Mr. Erickson tools a homestead in section 26, Lin- 
coln township. In 1868 he married Louisa J. 
Johnson, of Sweden; Archibald T., Herbert A., 
Minnie A., Bertha A., Grace L., and Andrew L., 
are their children. 

A. Folsom was born in 1845, in Essex county, 
New York. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, 
lOfith New York and served until the war closed. 
He came to Minnesota in 1867, bui" returned to 
New York the same year; came west again in 1870 
and engaged in lumbering in Wisconsin. After 
residing a number of years at Mankato and Albert 
Lea, where he was interested in a packing house, 
he purchased, in 1878, the farm he now owns. In 
the fall of that year he married Mary Taylor, of 
New York. They have one child, David A. 

Olof Martinson, born in 1847, is a native of 
Sweden, and with his parents came to this country 
in 1857; they opened a new farm in Carver county, 
which they sold in 1867 and moved to another. 
Mr. Martinson remained with his parents until his 
marriage with Mary Johnson, formerly of Sweden, 
in 1877, when he settled on his present farm. They 
have one child, Mabel. Mr. Martinson has been 
chairman of the town board of supervisors five 
years, also clerk of the board and school treasurer 
several years. 

P. M. Peterson was born in 1838, in Sweden, 
and at the age of sixteen years commenced to learn 
the trade of carpenter. In 1857 he, with his par- 
ents settled on a homestead in San Praucisco, 
Carver county, and he bought his present farm, in 
1865, in Lincoln township. Hannah Martinson 
was married to him in 1861. Their children are 
Minnie E., Charles A., Hattie H., Mary A., Edward 
S. and Violetta R. His wife died in October,- 1876. 
Mr. Peterson has been town treasurer eight years 
and school clerk twelve years. 

A. Swanson is a native of Sweden, where he was 
born in the year 1834. In 1854 he and his parents 
settled on a farm in Illinois, but the year follow- 
ing removed to Minnesota. He served in the army 
from 1864 until the end of the war; enlisted in 
Company H, Fourth Minnesota. Mr. Swanson 
took a homestead in Lincoln township, the year 
he returned from the war. Clara Erickson be- 
came, his wife in 185S) and in 1867 died; she had 
borne him three children ; James E., Alice M., and 
Hamuel T. In 1868 he married Carrie Gronlund, 
Charlotte B., Lorinda A., Oscar E., Nora L., and 



Clara L. are their children. For a number of 
years Mr. Swanson has held town offices. 

Dr. J. C. Tibil was born in Lebanon, Grafton 
county. New Hampshire, in 1807. He graduated 
from Dartmouth College in 1826; studied medi- 
cine, attended lectures and in 1829 established 
himself in his profession in Louisianji. In 1832 
he went to Cincinnati and assisted in the estab- 
lishment of Lane Seminary, then resumed his 
practice in Louisiana. He came to Minnesota in 
1855, after another brief residence in Ohio, and 
made a claim in Lincoln; removed in 1864 to his 
present farm. Dr. Tibil and Isaac Slocum are the 
only ones left of the original settlers. 

GARDEN CITY. 

This town occupies a central location in the 
county and is well watered by lake and stream. It 
included, originally, all of congressional township 
107, range 28, and was first organized under the 
name of Watonwan, from the stream that courses 
through it. This name was subsequently changed 
to Garden City. The act incorporating the vil- 
lage of Lalte Crystal took section 5 from the juris- 
diction of the town, thereby leaving thirty-five 
square miles, the present extent of the town. 

Owing to the value of the water powers, settle- 
ment began soon after the advent of the whites in 
this section of the state. The first 'actual settler 
was Mr. O. J. Westover. He located on the Wa- 
tonwan river in section 24, where he Lived about 
two years, when he sold and moved to Mankato. 
G. W. Cummin gs made a claim in section 12, 
sometime in 1853; which he sold in 1854 to S. T. 
Mills. 

MiUs brought his family out in August; his 
wife was the first white woman in the town, and 
Mills lake was named in her honor. They lived 
in a small shanty erected by Mr. Cummings, 
which with slight improvement, constituted their 
home for two years. While in this shanty Mr. 
Mills began keeping travelers. In 1856 he built a 
double log house, and about 1864 a large frame, 
in which his family still reside. The hotel busi- 
ness was kept up untU Mr. Mills died, in 1873. 
The following were also settlers of 1854; Mr. 
Gilchrist, located on section 23; Mr. Lamberton 
on section 22. Mr. Thompson also located on sec- 
tion 23, between Mr. Gilchrist and Mr. Lamberton. 
He soon after sold to S. M. Folsom. 

Mr. Thorne located on the south shore of Lake 
Crystal. His daughter, Elsie, born in December, 
1854, was the first white child born west of the 



588 



IIISTOET OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Blue Enrtb river, in tlie county. A son was bom 
t<) Mr. Mills and wife in Juniiary, 1855; this wjis 
the second hirtb. 

The first death in town was that of Mrs. Van 
Slyke. She died in January, 1857, at Mr. Lam- 
berton's house, and was buried on his farm. The 
first marriage of parties living in the town was 
that of Edward Thompson and Maria Thomj)8on. 
They went to South Bend and were married xa the 
spring of 1856. The first marriage ceremony per- 
formed in the iovru was that of Solomon Herriman 
and Julia E. Detamore. They were married on 
March 1, 1857, in the log hoitse on Edward Tlinnip- 
Bon's claim. 

The first religious services were conducted by 
Rev. Theophilus Drew, a Methodist circuit rider, 
then stationed at Kasota, early in 185(). A Sab- 
bath school was organized with fifteen scholars, 
with E. P. Evans as superintendent. This school 
afterwards numbered 118 at one time. That same 
fall services were conducted at Mr. Mills' shanty, 
by Rev. B. Y. Coffin, also a Methodist. There was 
less than a dozen present, yet all the cabin would 
hold. 

Upon the arrival in October of Rev. Anthony 
Case, the original pmjjrietor of the site of Garden 
City, services were hold regularly for a few weeks. 
He was a Baptist, and afterward located in town 
and preached for years. In ISCifi the sect built a 
church, it being the first, and at present, the only 
church building in the town. On account of the 
weakness in raeiubership the Congregationalists 
united with the Presbyterians and now hold ser- 
vices in the Baptist church. 

The Disciples of Christ have an organization 
and hold services at the school-house in district 
number 20, in the soutli -western part of town. 
They organized- in 1858 at the house of C. Deta- 
more. Services were conducted until the past 
few years at various places. They now have a 
membership of about fifty. 

The first school meeting was held in the fall of 
1856, at the house of J. C. Thimipson, on land now 
owned by T. N. Boynton. This meeting resulted 
in the building of a log sdioolhouse in Garden 
City village during the following winter. Soon 
after the builtling was finished, J. S. Dagget 
taught the first school in the township. A fine 
two-story building, costing about S3,000. now oc- 
cupies the same ground. Tlie town has six school- 
houses, all frame. The one at Garden City has 



three rooms, and is one of the finest schools in the 
county. 

The history of the village of Garden City is an 
eventful one; atone time it bade fair to divide the 
honors with Maukato as the metrojJolis of the 
county. The principal cause of ite downfall was 
a dispute which lasted for years in the courts, as to 
who had a legal title to the town site. When 
that dispute was settled it was too late to recover, 
yet few villages started with better natural advan- 
tage; none under more auspicious circumstances. 
The village was laid out with the name of Fre- 
mont, on land owned by Rev. Anthony Case, in 
1856. Mr. Case gave parties from B<Jston certain 
privileges provided they would improve the water 
power. After these improvements had begun the 
parties failed, and from this arose the htigation 
mentioned before. In 1858 the site was relaid 
with some additions and alterations by one branch 
of the litigants, and called Garden City, which 
name it has since borne. 

There are at present in the village in the way of 
business two hotels, two flouring mills, four stores, 
two blacksmith shops and one saloon. .V newspa- 
per, called "Garden City Herald," was established 
in 1868 by A. J. Manley; a four- page, eight col- 
umn paper and obtained a circulation of about six 
hundred at one time. It was discontinued a few 
years later. 

In January, 1881, the "Messenger' was estab- 
lished by J. L. Barlow; it is the size of the 
"Herald." 

The mill owned by Andrew Friend on the south 
side of the village, was begun in the fall of 1856 
by S. M. Folsom, and finished by E. P. Evans the 
following year. In the palmy days of Garden 
City it did a very large business, having in con- 
nection with the flouring mill a saw-mill, a plan- 
ing mill, shingle and lath machines, turning ma- 
chine, etc. The mill now operated by Mr. Enfield 
further up the river, was built the same year by 
Messrs. Dilley, Warner & Capwell. 

The mill now operated by Messrs. Richardson <fe 
Moor, about a mile below the village, was built 
in 1K(;G-'7 by S. M. Folsom for his lirother. Dr. 
Henry Folsom. The first mill in the town was 
liuilt by J. H. Greenwood and brother in 1856, 
and located on section 32. It is now the property 
of C. F. Butterfield. Like all the water power 
mills on tlie Wantonwan, it has had its share of 
washouts, the last Ijeing in 1881; the mill will be 
rebuilt and with a larger capacity. In connection 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



589 



with the mill he is engaged in the manufacture 
and sale of the Butterfield fanning mill. 

Two other towns were laid out by ambitious 
jjarties, viz: Wantonwan and Lowell; the former 
was laid out in August, 1867, partly on each ot 
sections 31 and 32. No trace of it can be seen to- 
day. Lowell was surveyed in December, 1865, in 
section 13. A grist-mill was built, a few houses 
and a blacksmith shop, etc. After several changes 
in ownership the mill was moved to other parts 
and the embryo city became a thing of the past. 

Garden City post-office was estabhshed in Sep- 
tember, 1856, with E. P. Evans as postmaster. It 
was the third office established in the comity. 
The present postmaster is C. B. Eraser. 

Watonwan post-office was established in 1858 
and J. H. Greenwood appointed postmaster. He 
was succeeded by C. F. Butterfield not long after. 
The present incumbent is Elizabeth Scott. 

Joppa Lodge, No. 76, A. F. & A. M., was or- 
ganized at Masonic hall in Garden City, August 
1, 1868, with nine charter members and J. G. 
Thompson as W. M., which position he now holds. 
It was at one time a very large lodge; the present 
membership is about fifty. 

The meeting for organizing the town as per act 
of the first state legislature was held Majt 11, 
1858, at Folsom's hotel in Garden City. Edson 
Garry was chosen moderator and W. P. Hannah 
clerk. The town officers for the ensuing year 
were J. A. Wiswell, chairman ; W. B. Robinson and 
J. H. Greenwood, supervisors; J. N. Cheney, clerk; 
A. M. Kendall, assessor; T. E. Potter, collector; 
S. M. Folsom, overseer of poor; F. E. Snow and J. 
W. Greenwood, justices; D. D. Hunter and Wil- 
liam Moon, constables. Eighty-five votes were 
cast. 

J. L. Barlow, a native of New Jersey, was born 
in 1843. When twelve years old he came with the 
family to Minnesota and, after leaving school, 
learned the printer's trade. In 1872 he estab- 
lished, at Janesville, a paper called the Independ- 
ent, which he published for some time, and in 1875 
started a small weekly paper in Le Sueur county, 
known as The Messenger. Be moved to Garden 
City in the early part ot 1881, and is now publish- 
ing it here. Mr. Barlow married, in 1874, Louisa 
J. Campbell. George W. and Rhoda E. are their 
children. 

Swen Bengtson, Jr., is a native of Sweden, born 
in 1844, and since 1857 has been a resident of the 
United States. The family lived one year m Illinois, 



then came to this state and were among the first set- 
tlers of Carver county. Since 1866 Garden City 
has been their home. In 1864 he entered the 
Fourth Minnesota infantry, and served during the 
remainder of the war. He was united in marriage 
in 1868 with Caroline Curtis, who died in 1872, 
leaving two children. 

T. N. Boynton was born in 1815, in Orleans 
county, Vermont. He received but a common 
school education, and early in life commenced for 
himself. Worked in a saw mill and starch factory 
in Vermont until 1858, when he came to this state 
and, until 1860, dealt in general merchandise at 
Mankato ; he then continued the business at 
Garden City. In 1872 he began stock raising. 
Mr. Boynton has one of the largest and best stock 
farms in the county. In 1843 he married Lucy G. 
Marston. Their chUdren are: Fannie C, Clara, 
Carlos N., Charles J. and Alida L. 

E. R. Brown is a native of Illinois, born in 1853. 
When a young man he learned the trade of car- 
penter, and followed that work five years. In 1866 
he came to Minnesota and located in Garden City. 
Here he learned blacksmithing, at which trade he 
has been employed the greater part of the time 
since. Mr. Brown was united in marriage, in 
1873, with Maggie Robb, a native of Wisconsin. 
May is their only living child. 

C. F. Butterfield was bom in February, 1828, in 
Sulhvan county, New Hampshire. At eighteen 
years of age he went to Vermont, learned the mill- 
wright's trade, and worked there unto, coming to 
Minnesota in 1857, after which he followed his 
trade several years at Mankato. In 1860 he came 
to Garden City and, in company with others, 
bought a saw-mill at Watonwan, and soon after 
built the Butterfield flouring mill, which was 
ruined by a flood, but rebuilt and operated untU 
1881, when it was again destroyed by high water. 
He is now building a still larger mill. He is man- 
ufacturing the Butterfield fanning mill, patented 
in 1875 by him. For nineteen years he was post- 
master at Watonwan. Married, in 1855, Eliza 
Farnham. They have two children. 

F. T. Enfield, bom in 1839, is a native of Indi- 
ana. He came to Minnesota and engaged in farm- 
ing in Nicollet coimty. In 1862 he entered com- 
pany I, Sixth Minnesota, and served until the war 
closed. Upon leaving the army he worked at 
milling in St. Peter and Mankato, and in 1880 
came to Garden City and bought the Watonwan 
mill, which he is now operating. Mary Kei'rigan 



niSrORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



bi'cauu' Lis wife iu 1864, iiiul lins five ohildrcn: 
George H., Eilwin U., Liiwreiiee, Iloia and Maggie. 

Miijor E. P. Evans was born in 1817, in Straf- 
ford county, New Hauipsliire. He worked at 
farming and in general mercantile trade pre\'ion8 
to 1H45, at which date he went to IJoHtim and en- 
gaged in real-estate Imsiness. Mr. Evans liought 
the partly constructed flour and suw-mills at Wa- 
tonwan, and, coming to (larden City in 18.5(5, 
proceeded to c<ini))lete them. The same year he 
was ai)pointed postmaster, and also commenced 
mercantile trade; his was the second store in the 
j)laoe, but he only continued it two years and in 
18('i2 sold the mill property. He was aj>poiuted 
major of the militia in 1802 and had charge of 
the volunteer troops ou the frontier. Mr. 
Evans is a brother of old Mrs. Jewett, who was 
murdered by the Sioux, and he was marshal of the 
day at Mankato when the thirty-eight Intlians 
were executed. Since residing here he has lield 
many offices and positions of trust. Married in 
183!), Miss S. H. Powers, who has liorne him four 
children. George W. was the first to enlist from 
this state, joining a Massachusetts regiment; he 
died in the army. There are three children living. 

C. B. Eraser was bom in 1834 and lived in his 
native country, Nova Scotia, until fourteen years 
old when he removed to Boston and worked at 
carpentering nine years. In 1857 he settled in 
Garden City and continued his trade; since 1869 
ho has been dealing in general merchandise and 
for a number of years has been treasurer of the 
town; has also been postmaster since 1872. Mary 
E. Dilley became his wife in 1861 and is the mother 
of two children: EITie, wlio is at a conservatory 
of musics at Boston, and Joseph, who is at home. 

M. M. Clark was bom in 1843 in Bntland county, 
Vermont. In 18,57 the family came to Minnesota, 
and shortly after to Garden City. He entered the 
Fifth Iowa cavalry in 1861 and served through 
the entire war as musician. Upon returning to 
Garden City he engaged in the drug trade, and 
afterward the insurance business; since 1880 he 
has been station agent here. !Mr. Clark was dep- 
uty sheriff of the county two years; was twice ap- 
j)ointed clerk in the house of representatives, and 
in 1876 was elected to the state legislature. Mar- 
ried in 1867 :MiKs L. M. Fall. Their living child- 
ren are Harry and Laura B. 

J. B. Gail was bom in 1806, and grew to man- 
hood on a farm in New York, his native state. In 
1849 he migrated to Wisconsin, and was employed 



in farming there until 1855, at whicli date became 
to Garden City and located on the farm where he 
has since lived, with the exception of six years 
spent at Mankato. Emily Tefft became his wife 
in .\pril, 1828, and died March C, 1880. leaving 
seven children. 

James Glynn was bom in March, 1817, and 
lived until the age of twenty-nine years in Ire- 
land, hi.s Ijirth-jilace. He then came to .\merica 
and settled in the state of Niw York; in 186(i he 
migrated to this state and to his present home in 
Garden City. In 1848 Miss Mary Booney became 
his wife, and they have a family of seven child- 
ren: Bridget, Mary A., Katie, Maggie, Thomas, 
William and Sarah. 

J. H. Greenwood was born in Pennsylvania in 
1832, and in 1851 removed to Wisconsin, where 
he worked on a farm four years, then came to 
Minnesota in 1855 and located on his farm in Gar- 
den City. He and a l>rother liuilt the first mill 
on the Watonwan river; after operating it some 
time it was sold, and he has since been fanning. 
Mr. Greenwood has held several offices, and was a 
member of the first town board. Married in 
1859 Miss J. Ij. Barnard. Carrie, Carl, Grace and 
Mabel are their children. 

George W. Lamberton, a native of New York, 
was bom October 2, 1832, in Lewis county. 
When fifteen years old he moved with his parents 
to Wayne county, where his father died, and in 
1849 the family went to Milwaukee. In the sjiring 
of 1854 he started for Minnesota ; A. G. Sutliff ac- 
companied him to Mankato ; desiring to look the 
country over they traveled on foot across southern 
Minnesota to the Mississijjpi. Each returned to 
his home, but came again in the fall, and Mr. 
Lamberton selected the claim where he lives. In 
1863 he enlisted for three years in Company E, 
Second Minnesota cavalry. Married, April 27, 
1857, Eliza Olds. Their living children are Frank 
A., George P., Fred. E., Marshall J. and Archie W. 

S. T. Mills, deceased, was born in June. 1819, 
in Berkshire county, Massachusetts. Pemielia L. 
Ball became his wife in 1848; moved to Llinois, 
and in 1854 they located in Garden City, ou the 
banks of Mills lake, so named in honor of Mrs. 
Mills, who was the first white woman to settle in 
the town; she relates many intejcsting incidents 
of pioneer life among the Indians. Mr. Mills 
died in 1873; Mrs. Mills and three children sur- 
vive him: Edward P., L. B., and T. Filmore 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



591 



Their son Freeman, who died in 1862, was the first 
white child born in Garden City. 

G. W. Moor, a native of Maine, was born in 
1838, and when sixteen years old began learning 
the miUer's trade. From 1856 until 1861 he was 
employed at the Minneapolis mills; then enHsted 
in the Third Minnesota and served until 186-1, 
after which he returned to the Minneapolis mills. 
In the fall of 1880 he came to Garden City, and 
went in company with Mr. Kichardson in a mill 
which was built in 1866 by Mr. Folsom. 

Dr. G. Murphy, a native of Iowa, was born in 
1850 in Wapello county. His parents being in 
limited circumstances, he was obliged to work his 
way through life without assistance from them. 
In 1870 he commenced the study of medicine; en- 
tered the Keokuk Medical College in 1875, and in 
1879 graduated; in the meantime he had taught 
school for a while. Since the fall of 1879 he has 
been in the practice of his profession at Garden 
City. Dr. Muri^hy has been twice married; the 
last time was in 1877, to Lizzie Brown. They 
have two children. 

W. D. Richardson was born in 1812 at Provi- 
dence, Rhode Island. For several years he worked 
at the butcher's business, then migrated to Winona 
county, Minnesota, where he engaged in farming, 
in 1875 he came to Garden City and bought the 
Folsom mill, now owned by the firm Moor & Rich- 
ardson, and has since been engaged in business 
here. 

Thomas Rooney was bom April 13, 1857, in 
Garden City, in an old log house used as a fort 
during the Indian troubles of that year; lie was 
raised on a farm and received a liberal education. 
His father, Patrick Rooney, a native of Ireland 
came to the United States in 1849, and in 1856, 
settled on the farm where he resided until .1862, 
the time of his death. Mr. Thomas Rooney now 
live^ on the same farm. 

James G. Thompson was born May 17, 1833, in 
Bennington county, Vermont. He was brought 
up on a farm in Washington county. New York, 
and educated in that state. In 1856 he came to 
Garden City. During the Indian troubles of 1857 
he was commissioned second lieutenant of the 
Garden City Sharp Shooters. In 1862 he enlisted 
in Company E, Ninth Minnesota, and was on the 
frontier with General Sibley's expedition; after- 
ward he was south and was made captain of a col- 
ored regiment; he served on the staff of Colonel 
Drew and was promoted to major of the 68th U. 



S. colored infantry. In 1865 he returned to Min- 
nesota and the year following was elected to the 
state legislature. Married August 26, 1858, 
Frances E. Thompson. Their children are James 
E., WiUiam R., Sherman B., Eleanor F., David G., 
Frances M. and Libbie M. 

Dr. Irvin H. Thurston, a native of Ohio, was 
born in 1828, in Licking county. At the age of 
twenty-three he entered medical college at Cleve- 
land, where he took a regular course and gradu- 
ated. He practiced medicine until coming to 
Minnesota in 1857; the greater part of the time 
since that date, excepting while in the army, he 
has been employed in farming. In 1862 he en- 
tered the Eighth Minnesota infantry as first as- 
sistant surgeon and was ju'omoted to surgeon; at 
the close of the war he returned to Garden City. 
Dr. Thurston has married three times; in 1870, 
Mary F. Gerry became his wife. He has six 
children; Minnie E., Nettie, Julia, Anna B., R. H., 
and Rose E. 

Berton Tyler, born in 1852, is a native of Erie 
county, New York. In 1859 he accompanied his 
parents to Minnesota and located in Garden City 
near Mills lake, where ho now resides. He is a 
brother of Charles Tyler and a nephew of Mrs. 
Jewett, who were murdered by the Indians. In 
1875 he was united in marriage with Miss May 
Finch. They have two children, Roy and Ellis. 

Wallace Wells is a native of New York state, 
wheie he was bom in the year 1848. At the age 
of nine years he removed to Wisconsin with his 
parents, and there lived on a farm; in 1878 he 
came to this state and located on the farm in 
Garden City where he now resides. Mr. WeUs 
married in 1870, Miss Helen Huxford, a native of 
Michigan. Frank and Lulu are their children. 

A. T. Williams was born in 1842, in Michigan. 
After graduating at the Detroit Commercial Col- 
lege he was employed two years as assistant post- 
master. From 1864 until 1867 he was in a gen- 
eral merchandise store in Mankato, in partnership 
with Mr. Ray; then he came to Garden City and 
continued in the same line of business, in company 
with his brother, to whom he sold his interest in 
1880. Mr. Williams has held many town offices. 
Married in 1863, Miss 0. Fisher, of Fremont, Ohio. 
They have two children. 

i). Williams, a native of Michigan, was born in 
1840. and after leaving school he worked in his 
father's office until twenty-one years old. Since 
coming to Garden City, in 1861, he has been deal- 



o:)2 



jiiarony of the Minnesota valley. 



ing in general merchandise. Mr. Willinins was a 
iiuiiil>er of years ]X)stuia8ter at Garden City. In 
1864 he was uniteil iu ninrriage with Miss Liiuisa 
A. Miller. Tlicy hiivc thrto oliililren. 

Mrs. rauline Willsoii, wife iif K. K. Willson, has 
been a resiJeut of Miuuesuta since coming herein 
1859, with her first husband, Moses Tyler, who 
was killed iu 18()3 by a horse. Mrs. Wdlson's 
sou, Clwirles Tyler, and hersister Mrs. .lewett were 
both murdereil by the Indiaus iu the massacre of 
the Jewett family. 



CHArTER LXXI. 



VniLIiAOE OF IiAKE CRYSTAL — RAPIDAN DECORIA 

MC PHER.SON — MEDO BEAFFOKD — LTBA. 

The thrifty and enterprising village of Lake 
Crystal is situated on the line of the Chicago, St. 
Paul, Minnpiipolis it Omaha railroad, about twelve 
miles west of Maukato. The corporate limits in- 
clude all of section 5, township 107, range 28, and 
the south half of section 32, township 108, rauge 
28, being taken partly from each of the towns of 
Judsoii and Garden City. It derives its name 
from the beautifid lake near the shores of which 
the village is built. The original proprietors of 
the site now occupied by it were L. O. Hunt and 
AA'. K. Robinson. In .Tune, 1854, they located 
their claims, taking a strip a mile long and a half 
mile wide, partly in each of sections 5 and 32, Mr. 
Hunt's claim being the west quarter section. 
They immediately n^tumed to Wisconsin, whence 
they came, and brought their families, arriving 
about the middle of September. Temporary 
shanties were jjut iip and housekeeping begun in 
sljort order. Mr. Hunt commenced a log house 
that fall and finished it the next spring. This 
was the first house built on the ground of the 
future village. With the exception of 1867-8, Mr. 
Hunt has cnntiuued to live on the location of his 
choice, most of the time engaged in farming; at 
present he is engaged in the livery business in 
the \allage. Mr. Robinson continued to live on 
the site of his original claim until his death in 
1873. He was one of the first commissioners 
elected in the county, and was always an active, 
enterprising man. His family still lives in the 
village. 

The first birth in the village was that of Charles 
B. Robinson, which occurred February 4, 1856. 



A son was bom to L. O. Hunt and wife March 5, 

1856. The first death was that of Calvin Webb; 
he died at the hous*- of Mr. Robinson in April, 

j 1857. He had a farm on the opposite side of Lake 
Crystal, in the town of Jud.son, aud was Ijrought 
over by his family on accoimt of the Indian scare, 
caused by the "Inkpadutah war." Mr. lifjbin- 
son's house being barricaded, was tlie re-sort for 
the settlers under such circumstances. The first 
marriage of ))arties living in the village was Peter 
Peterson and Betsy Dorset. 

The first religious services were conducted at 
Mr. Robinson's iu 185(1, liy Rev. Kidder; Revs. 
Anthony Case and Theophilus Drew jireachej also 
from time to time, but no church organization was 
effected nntil some time after. The Methodist de- 
nomination organized first under the leadersliij) of 
Rev. Albert Perkins. The Presbyterians followed 
next. Both of these organizations now have nice 
churches. 

The first school was taught by Mrs. Abbie 
Tuckey during the summer of 1869, iu a frame 
house formerly occupied as a dwelling. The fol- 
lowing year a large two-story frame building was 
erected at a cost of about -SI, 700. Five thousand 
dollars are in the hands of the school l)oard for 
the erection of a more substantial building in the 
near future. 

The first attempt to start a town was made in 

1857, by parties owning the land in the south- 
western part of section 5 and the south-eastern part 
of section 6; 320 acres were laid out, and the new 
town named Crystal Lake City. The proprietors 
gave C. S. Terry, then a resident of Nicollet 
county, now in Minneapolis, a certain interest in 
the town site if he would start a store. This he 
did, and placed it in charge of a younger brother. 
At the end of about a year, losing faith in the fu- 
ture prosperity of the town, he moved his goods; 
tlie building jiassed into other hands and was 
moved away. Thus ended the existence of the 
village. 

With the advent of the radroad the prospects 
for a to^vn were so flattering that Messrs. Robin- 
son and Hunt had the present village site surveyed. 
This was in .\pril, 1869. To-day a beautiful vil- 
lage of about five hundred inhabitants justifies 
their action and judgment. There are five hotels, 
eleven stores of different kinds, two warehotises, 
one lumber-yard, one elevator, three blacksmith 
shops, two wagon sliops, three agricultural imple- 
ment dealers, one livery, one meat-market, one res- 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



593 



taurant, one milliner, two dressmakers, tliree shoe 
shops, one harness shop, one tailor shop, one bar- 
ber shojD and three saloons. The professions are 
represented by two lawyers and three doctors. 
For the year ending September 31, 1881, the re- 
ceipts of freight by railroad amounted to 6,881,- 
300 pounds, and the shipments amounted to 
11,185,100 pounds. 

The newspaper "Public Spirit," a weekly, pub- 
lished at Mankatc), was first started here, but re- 
cently moved, having a Lake Crystal department, 
of which A. G. 0. Whitman is editor and business 
manager. 

Loon Lake post-office was established in 1867, 
and Mrs. S. A. Cookson appointed postmistress. 
The office was located at her house about a mile 
east of the village. As soon as the village was 
large enough to demand a post-office this one was 
moved and the name changed. The present post- 
master is Daniel Crane. 

Bethel Lodge, No. 103, A. F. & A. M., was or- 
ganized December 2, 1872, with eight charter 
members, and Benjamin Birge as W. M. The 
present membership is sixteen. M. L. Holly is the 
present W. M. 

The village was incorporated in 1870. The 
meeting for organization was held March 20, 1870, 
at the school-house. The officers elected for that 
year were; A. Chemidlin, president, L. O. Hunt, 
W. R. Robinson, M. E. Dunn and William Mc- 
Gillis, trustees; W. P. Marston, recorder; Henry 
Humphrey, assessor; .J. Simmons, treasurer; Eva- 
riste Franchere, justice, and Alonzo Frizzell, con- 
stable. 

H. E. Blakely was born in Genesee county. New 
York, in 1822 and when about 14 years old moved 
with his parents to Illinois. From 1849 until 
1855 he was living in California; was in a hotel 
some time and afterwards was employed by the 
Union Pacific railroad company; he came to Min- 
nesota in 1873 and has since been engaged by the 
St. Paul & Sioux City company ; for three years past 
he has had charge of their elevater at Lake Crys- 
tal. Married in 1858 Eliza Storer, who died April 
24, 1881. They had two chUdren : Herman S. 
and .\lla. 

D. F. Crane, a native of Vermont, was bom in 
1840, in Orange county. When nine years old he 
went with his parents to Illinois, thence to Wis- 
consin; in 18G0 he came to this state and the next 
year enlisted in the Second Wisconsin : subsequent- 
ly entered the Tenth Minnesota and served imtil 

38 



the close of the war ; he was wounded in the battle 
of Bull Run. Mr. Crane came to Lake Crystal in 
1870 and entered the grocery trade. Since 1873 
he has been postmaster. In 1866 he married Mary 
Reed. They have three children. 

Lorin Cray was born in 1844 in Clinton county, 
New York and when five years old moved with his 
parents to Wisconsin; at the age of fifteen he came 
with the family to Minnesota. In 1862 he enlist- 
ed and after serving three years, was discharged 
for wounds received at the battle of NashviOe. 
He returned to Mankato and worked at farming 
until commencing the study of law, in 1873; upon 
being admitted to the bar in 1875 he commenced 
practice at Lake Crystal. In 1869 Miss Sarah 
Trimble, a native of Wisconsin, became his wife. 

Dr. W. R. Cullen, bom in 1851, received his lit- 
erary education in Wisconsin, his native state. 
He studied medicine and in 1879 graduated from 
the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor ; re- 
moved to Minnesota and has since been in the 
practice of his profession at Lake Crystal. Dr. 
Cullen's marriage took place in 1875, with Miss 
Jennie Kissenger. 

C. E. Davis was born in 1845 in England. At 
the age of fourteen he left school and clerked in 
a store until 1865, when he came to America; he 
settled in Le Sueur and until 1869 was in the 
employ of Smith & Company ; at that date he re- 
moved to Lake Crystal and opened a general 
merchandise store in company with M. E. Dunn; 
W. P. Marston was afterward his partner. In 
1873 Mr. Davis sold his interest and went in com- 
pany with P. A. Larson in the same business. 
They have a large and increasing trade, Sylvia 
Raney became his wife in 1871 and has two 
children: Myrtle and Ray. 

C. H. Estell, born in 1855, is a native of Wis- 
consin. When he was ten years of age he accom- 
panied his parents to Blue Earth county and was 
here brought up on a farm and given a common 
school education. Until three years ago he was 
employed in farming, then came to Lake Crystal 
and engaged in the butcher's business. In 1880 
Nellie Hamlin became his wife. 

J. P. Fairbank was born in 1826, in Cattarau- 
gus county, New York. In 1850 he removed to 
Wisconsin and worked at farming in that state un- 
til 1856, when he settled in Dodge county, Minne- 
sota and continued in the same employment 
Since 1865 he has worked at black-smithing ; in 
1870 bunt his shop at Lake Crystal. In 1849 he 



594 



UISTOliY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



was united in marriafjo with Eliza J. Hoard. A. 
S. inul fSiinih M. me their children. 

L. C. Farmer was born in 185(5 in Indiana and 
when twelve years old moved with his father to 
Minnesota; from Wadena connty they came to 
Blue Earth, where he attended school and farmed 
until coming to Lake Crystal three years ago. 
After eugagiiig one year in the tin and hardware 
business, he entered the fancy grocery trade. 
There is also a store of theirs at Minneapolis, 
under the direction of his brother, E. A. Earmer. 

Dr. H. H. Hering was born in 1842, in Green 
county, Ohio, and graduated at the age of 
eighteen.from the Miama university at Oxford,Mfter 
which he began the study of medicine. In 1861 
he entered Company E, 74th Ohio; was afterwards 
made capbaiu of his company, and in 1863 re- 
signed to accept the position of assistant surgeon 
in the same regiment ; because of poor health he 
returned to Ohio. He came to Minnesota in 186.5 
but in 1869 went again to his native state and en- 
tered the Miami medical college, from which he 
graduated in 1872, and tlicn practiced four years 
in Xenia. During that time he was physician to 
the state home for sailors and soldiers, also to the 
county infirmary. Since 1876 he has been in 
practice in Lake Crystal. In 1874 Alice Murphy 
became his wife. 

John Richard Hughes, a native of England, 
was born in 1849 at Liverpool. When only four- 
teen years old he commenced to leam the trade of 
blacksmith and for eleven years was in charge of 
a railroad company's shops at Hollyhead. In 1880 
he immigrated to the United States and opened a 
shop at Lake Crystal, where he is now doing 
business. 

L. O. Hunt was bom in 1821, and lived in his 
native state. New York, until eighteen years of 
age, when he moved to Wisconsin and engaged in 
farming. In 1854 he came to Lake Crystal as one 
of the first settlers. The farm he took included a 
part of what is now the village. He continued 
farming until 1880. at which time he began the 
livery busiueas. Mr. Hunt was a member of the 
first town board of Garden City. Married in 1849 
Sarah Dean who died in 1881. They had four 
children: W. S., C. C, H. L., and E. B. 

.Joseph Kieffer was born in 1838 and till the 
age of eighteen Uved in Germany, his native land. 
Upon coming to America he engaged in milling at 
La Crosse, Wisconsin. From 1857 to 1870 he 
was in the saloon business in Fillmore county, and 



has since kept a saloon and hotel at Lake Crystal. 
Married in 1869 to Barbara Switzal. 

P. A. Larson was torn in 1845 in Norway. 
Came to this country in 1864, settled at Red Wing 
and for five years was employed in a store as 
clerk. In 1869 he came to Lake Crystal and in 
company with Mr. Simmons, .started a store; sub- 
sequently he was in busines-s alone three years and 
then formed a partnership with C. E. Davis. In 
1869 Miss Minnie Simmons became his wife. Nor- 
man is tlieir only child. 

Franz Langer was born in 1835 in Prussia but 
while quite young moved to Norway, where he 
learned gla.ss cutting. He worked at the trade 
until coming in 1869, to the United States; he lo- 
cated at Lake Crystal and opened the hotel where 
he is still in business. Inl863 his marriage took 
place in Norway, with Mary Oleson. They have 
six children. 

W. P. Marstou, a native of Canada, was born in 
1840 and in 1857 settled at Belle Plaine, Minne- 
sota. He was two years in a saw-raill and then 
for some time worked at building; erected build- 
ings for the St. Paul & Sioux City railroad from 
Le Sueur to Crystal Lake. Since 1869 he has been 
dealing iu general merchandise at Lake Crystal 
and in 1880 built tlie fine store he now occupies. 
In 1876, Mr. Marstou was elected to the state legis- 
lature. Mary I. Smith became his wife in 1869. 
Birdie, Grace, William P. and Frank are their 
children. 

Captain A. .1. Murphy was born April 10, 1831, 
in Green county, Ohio. He stutlied medicine two 
years and then completed his education at the 
Farmers' College, Cincinnati, after which he taught 
three years and engaged in the hotel business 
about the same length of time. In 1862 he en- 
tered Company F, 34th Ohio; he was acting cap- 
tain nearly all the time and mustered out at the 
close of the war. He bought a farm at Judson, 
Minnesota, in 1867 but sold it in 1880 and 
started a large stock farm in Iowa which he still 
owns; in 1881 he commenced hotel business in 
Lake Crystal. Mr. Murphy has held many town 
and county offices and at one time received the 
nomination for the state legislature; when he was 
candidate for nomination for lieutenant governor 
he received the entire vote of the connty. His 
wife was Miss Nannie Snowden. Their children 
are John C, James S., and Louella. 

T. J. Perry, a native of Wales, was born in 1838. 
When hj was a child his father died leaving quite 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



595 



a projjerty whicli was invested by friends and 
never returned to him. At tlie age of three years 
he went with friends to Canada, and when sixteen 
years old began clerking in a store. In 1854 he 
removed to Wisconsin and two years later to Cin- 
cinnati, where he commenced in mercantile busi- 
ness, which he has since followed. In 1871 he 
came to Minnesota and the next year to Lake 
Crystal; he has had different partners in business, 
but is now alone and has a fine new store. Mar- 
ried in 1867, Ella P. Hillyer. Emma Elizabeth is 
their only child. 

T. Reese was born in Wales in 1844, and when 
seven years old immigrated with his parents to 
New York; two years later they removed to Iowa 
county, Wisconsin, where he attended school and 
worked at farming. In 1864 he entered the army 
and remained during the rest of the war. He set- 
tled on a farm in Judson, Blue Earth covmty, in 
1871, and in 1881 formed a partnership with J. 
E. Rowland in the hardware business. Ann Owen 
became the wife of Mr. Reese in 1870, and has 
one child, Mary E. 

Patrick Riley was born in 1858, and lived until 
nine years of age in Clark county, Ohio, his native 
place; he then accompanied his parents to Blue 
Earth county, where he attended school and 
worked at farming. Mr. Riley was employed 
several years on the Winona & St. Peter railroad, 
and since 1880 has been in the saloon business at 
Lake Crystal. 

William R. Robinson, deceased, was born in 
Tompkins county, New York, in 1821, and resided 
there until 1854, when he came to Minnesota and 
located where the village of Lake Crystal now 
stands; he and a brother-in-law, L. O. Hunt were 
the first settlers at this pouit. Mr. Robinson as- 
sisted in laying out the village and was identified 
with its interests until his death, which occurred 
in July, 1873. He was a member of the first board 
of county commissioners and held various other 
offices. In 1845 he married Mary Bean, who sur- 
vives him. Their living children are Frances A., 
James A. and Wilber R. 

J. E. R<3wland was born in 1854, and lived in 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, his native city, until thir- 
teen years old, when he, with his parents, located 
in Blue Earth county, where h^ learned the brick 
masons' trade. After leaving the State Normal 
School, at Maukato, he engaged in teaching four 
years. Since 1879 he has been in the general 
hardware business at Lake Crystal. 



J. Howard Sails, a native of Illinois, was born 
in September, 1850, at Harvard. The family 
moved to Iowa when he was a child ; he attended 
school there and clerked until 1873, when he en- 
tered the University of Michigan, from which he 
graduated in 1875, and then, until 1880, was in 
charge of a drug store at Cleveland, Ohio. He 
came to Minnesota at that time for his health, and 
deciding to remain, he engaged in the drug trade 
at Lake Crystal. Ella G. Hawley was married in 
1876, to Mr. Sails. 

Wilham Seeger, Jr. was born in 1842, at Mos- 
cow, Russia. At the age of ten years he emigrated 
with the family to Ohio; thence in 1855 to New 
Uhn, and shortly after to St. Peter. He enlisted 
in 1861 and served until June, 1866; he was one 
year special telegraph orderly for General Grant. 
After working at the harness makers' trade several 
years in different places he came, in 1871 to Lake 
Crystal, and opened a harness shop; shortly after 
went to St. Paul where he did a large business for 
about five years and then returned to Lake Crys- 
tal. Married in 1870, Arnetta Fall; they have 
three living children. 

John D. Tliomas, a native of Wales, was born 
in 1831, and when a child accompanied his parents 
to New York; five years later they removed to 
Wisconsin and in 1869 to Minnesota. He lived 
four years on a farm in Judson and then came to 
Lake Crystal; since residing, here he ^as been in 
the lumber business, also kept a hardware store for 
a time. In 1873 his first wife died, and in 1877 
he married Harriet Guffis. Mary J., Daniel, Rich- 
ard and Martha A. are their children. 

Stephen Thorne was born in 1845, in Danbury, 
Connecticut. At the age of fourteen years moved 
with his parents to Westchester county, New York 
and completed his education at Peck's Institute, 
after which he was employed in clerking and book- 
keeping. From 1861 until the close of the war 
he was recruiting oflBcer; then followed civil engi- 
neering until 1874, at which time he went to the 
Pacific coast; in 1878 he came to Lake Crystal 
and bought a farm, also engaged in the saloon 
business. Married in 1872, Frances E. Stephens. 

Anson G. C. Whitman, a native of Maine, was 
born in 1851, at Bethel, Oxford county. His pa- 
rents took their family to Wisconsin when he was 
a boy, and he was there given a liberal education. 
He was for a time correspondent for a Chicago 
paper and since 1868 he has been a resident of 
Lake Crystal; in 1880 he became editor and busi- 



09C 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



np88 ninniiger of tlie " Pnl>lio Spirit," now pub- 
lished iu Mauknto. 

RAPIDAN. 

This town is situated iu the north-central piirt of 
the eonuty ami is traversed liy the Ma|)li' and Le 
Kuenr rivers iu the east and Blue Earth nu<l Wa- 
tonwan rivers in the west. These streams furnish 
water ])owers that eventually must make the town 
the center of a large manufacturing industry. 

On account of the territory embraced by the 
town being in the Winnebago reservatian, settle- 
ment was retarded until a comparatively late date. 
The valuable mill site now occupied by the Rapi- 
dan mills iu section 8, attracted attention at an 
early date. In 1854, (juite a number had secured 
claims there; among them Basil Moreland, G. W. 
Cnmmings, William Wa8ld)uru, AVilliston Green- 
wood. They were obliged to leave them after a vig- 
orous protest on their part, in the possession of the 
Indians. The Indians were removed in 1863 and 
settlement began again. Among the earlier ones 
who came in were .T. I). Hooser, H. C. Eberhard, 
C. G. Chamberlain, W. L. Stevens, Lucius Dyer, 
G. Schwan, E. C. Payne, A. J. Jewett, Charles 
Meiskie, M. Bosin, Wdliam and August Blume. 

Mr. Dyer built tlie Maple Kiver Mill on section 
S.'j, in 18fi7; it is a two run of stone, water power 
mill and only does custom work. After several 
changes, the property is now in the hands of J. 
Mericle. Mr. Jewett located in the south-west 
quarter of section 33, where the year following he 
with wife, father, mother and nephew were killed 
by the Indians, and his child about two years old 
■woiuided and left for dead, but by care recovered 
and now lives with liis uncle in Boston. 

The first school in the town was taught by Miss 
Emma Smith, during the summer of 1.366, iu what 
is now district number 79; the sciiool-house was of 
logs, and had been built the previous spring and 
located in section 35. This building was used un- 
til the present house was erected a few years later. 
The town now has five school-houses. 

The Union mill on section 3], was built in 1867, 
by (Jeorge Heaton and Richard Rew, it is a frame 
mill, water ))ower witli two run of stone. It 
proved a financial elephant on the h.-inds of the 
originators; it now stands idle. 

The Rajjidan mill was buiU by Silas Kenworthy 
& Co., in 1866, and operations begun in Decem- 
ber of that year with two run of stone. The 
company have since added two more run. In the 
spring of 1880, Mr. Kenworthy sold his interest 



to Mr. Hans Knutson, who \vith the former part- 
ners of Mr. Kenworthy, J. W. Mendenhall and J. 
B. Swan, has formed a new company, known as 
the Rapidan Mill Com])any ; it is a water j)ower 
mill and has a ca])acity of about sixty barrels 
])er day. 

In 1867 the mill company laid off a small por- 
tion of their tract into lots and named their vil- 
lage, Rapids. If the splendid, natural power is 
ever used to its fullest extent, it is sure to be a 
widely known village. At present, only a few 
connected with the mill occupy the lots. The 
mill, one blacksmith-shop and cooper-shop consti- 
tute the business of the place. A fine iron bridge 
spans the Blue Earth at this place. It was built 
in 1879 and is the only bridge in the town. A 
little ftirther down the river, the village of Rnpidan 
was platted in 1861 on land owied by C. P. Cook, 
but nothing further ever came of it. In 1875 the 
railroad company established a station in the 
south-east corner of section 4. That year, Olof 
Olson put up a store, which, with a small ware- 
house, constitutes the station proper. About 
eighty rods further south a store Avas started in 
the fall of 1878 but was only continued about two 
years. A post-ollice w-as established at the station, 
in January, 1875 and Mr. Olsou appointed post- 
master, which office he continues to hold. Castle 
Garden post-office was established in 1867 and 
N. Bixby appointed pi>stmaster and the office 
located at his house iu section 15. He was suc- 
ceeded by G. W. Derby, who held the office until 
it was discontinued abotit 1874. 

The first town meetiug was held April 15, 1865, 
at the house of E. C. Payne in section 21. Twen- 
ty votes were cast, and the following officers elect- 
ed for the ensuing year. E. C. Payne, chairman; 
W. L. Stevens and J. Sanger, supervisors; M. A. 
Reader, clerk; J. D. Hooser, assessor; G. Schwan, 
treasurer; C. P. Cook and A. J. Jewett, justices; 
P. Paff & H. C. Eberhart, constables. Mr. Payne 
resigned May 22, 1865 and Mr. Jewett failed to 
(pialify as justice. Mr. Lucius Dyer was elected 
to till both vacancies. 

J. W. Derby, bom in 1819, in Washington coun- 
ty, New York, was raised on a farm anil learned 
the trade of carpent.er. In 1844 he went to Wis- 
consin and there worked at his trade ; after li\Tng 
in Illinois about two years he came, in 1855, to 
Minnesota and settled in Blue Earth county; at 
that time there was but one family between him 
and Blue Earth City. He was with the i)arty 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



597 



who found the bodies of the murdered Jewett 
family. Married August 7, 1853, Jane E. Eld- 
ridge who died September 25, 1877, leaving seven 
children : Levina, Charles A., Ellen, Esther, Ida, 
George, and Lottie M. 

O. Holberg was born in 1827 and learned the 
shoe-maker's trade in Sweden, his native covmtry. 
He has worked at farming since coming to Amer- 
ica in 1868, though previous to that he had fol- 
lowed his trade. In 1870 he located in Blue 
Earth county. Mr. Holberg was married in 1860, 
to Miss Bridget Jonstetter. Their children are John 
and Erick. 

Silas Kenworthy was born in Randolph county, 
North Carolina, December 29, 1803; when young, 
he moved with his parents to Ohio and in 1822 
they went to Indiana. He and his father built a 
grist mill which he operated two years and after- 
ward worked at farming for a time. In 1854 he 
came to Minnesota and the year following built a 
small flouring mill in Le Sueur county, which he 
sold in 1864 and came to Rapidan; in company 
with others he built what is known as the Rapidan 
flouring mill. Mr. Kenworthy has erected seven 
mills, all water power; three in Indiana and four 
in this state. He has held many town and county 
offices and in 1874 was elected to the state legis- 
lature. Married in 1827, Marion Mate. Nancy 
A., Cynthia A., Ella J., Elizabeth, and May are 
their children. 

Hans Knudsen, born iu 1842, is a native of 
Denmark. At the age of fourteen he commenced 
to learn the miller's trade and worked at that 
business in Denmark until 1873, when he came to 
the United States; worked in the Rapidan mill 
imtil 1880; at that time bought one-third interest 
in the mill. In 1873, he married Marie Nelson. 
Ida May is their only child. 

H. W. Meudenhall was born in Montgomery 
county, Indiana, in 1828. He worked about six 
years at the trade of painter and then engaged in 
the miller's business until coming to Minnesota 
about 1854; settled on a farm in Le Sueur county. 
It was he who, in 1856, bought and ran the first 
reaper in the Minnesota Valley. From 1858 un- 
til 1864 he was in the milling business in that 
county, then in company with Kenworthy and 
Swan, built the Rapidan mill; is now senior mem- 
ber of the firm. Married in December 1848, Nan- 
cy A. Kenworthy. They have six children : Clara 
M., Orson S., Alice, Minnie E., William W., and 
IdaE. 



Olof Olson, a native of Sweden, born in 1841, 
was brought up on a farm and given a high school 
education. He came to America in 1872 and 
worked at farming in Freeborn county imtil 1874 
when he removed to Blue Earth county; the next 
year he established his general store at Rapidan 
station, where he also fills the office of postmaster. 
Nettie Roland became his wife in 1874. Oscar, 
Alfred and Lindo are their children. 

Colonel B. F. Smith was born July 4, 1811, 
in Knox county, Ohio. For a number of years 
he was an assistant of his father, who was clerk of 
the courts of Knox county; was auditor of that 
county four years, and served in the Ohio legisla- 
ture. From 1857 until 1861 he resided in Ver- 
non Centre, Minn,,and at the breaking out of the re- 
bellion he recruited a company of cavalry ; served 
as Heutenant-colonel of the Third Minnesota 
and then resigned because of poor health; was of- 
fered but did not accept the appointment of 
colonel of his regiment; was soon after put in 
charge of Fort Snelling and remained in the ser- 
vice of the government until 1866. In 1869 he 
was elected to the state senate; was four years in 
the land office at Redwood Falls, and six years 
register of deeds of Blue Earth county. Married 
in 1830, JuHa StiUey. They have seven living 
children. 

W. L. Stephens was born in 1826, in Knox 
county, Ohio. He accompanied his parents to 
Michigan in 1829, from there to Indiana, thence 
to Wisconsin and since 1864 he has been a resi- 
dent of Blue Earth county. In 1850-1 he was 
in Cahfomia, prospecting for gold; since coming 
to this state he has been farming and recently has 
made a specialty of stock raising. In 1853 he 
married Miss E. J.Smith, who died in 1866; her 
children are Buel V.. Stella, Francis W. and Ed- 
win. By his second wife, who was Sarah J. 
Christie, he has one child : Elizabeth. 

James B. Swan, a native of Ohio, was bom in 
1836, in Medina county, and in 1857 located in 
Le Sueur county, Minnesota, where he served as 
register of deeds and coimty auditor. For sev- 
eral years he was engaged in farming and was one 
year in a flouring-mill. Mr. Swan was one of the 
volunteers stationed at New Ulm during the Sioux 
trouble. In 1866 he came to Blue Earth county 
and was one of the company to erect the Rapidan 
mill; is still a member of the firm. He has held 
various town and county offices. Married in 1859 



598 



niSTORT OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Mary Kenworthy. Tlu-ir cliiMren are Ora, EdBon 
and Bertie. 

W. W. Swan, deceased, a native of Canada, was 
born in 1825 and came in 1852 to Minnesota; the 
nyxt year he settled in Le Sueur and until his 
death in 1H5I), held the olTlcffsot register or deeds, 
clerk of the court and postmaster. He was one of 
the original owners of the town site of Le Sueur, 
and was the first person buried in the cemetery. 

DE(U)RIA. 

This was the last organized town in the county. 
Like the others located within the reservation limits 
it was not settled by whites until after the removal of 
the Indians. The name is derived from three Indian 
chiefs living upon the reservation, whose surname 
was Decoria. It is situated in the east central 
part of the county and includes all of congres- 
sional town.sliip 107, range 26. It was at first at- 
tached to Rice Lake and then to Mankato for 
official purposes. A separate organization was 
eirected at the house of J. S. Larkin October 8, 
1867. The meeting was presided over l)y Charles 
KundquLst; A. H. Matteson, Jacob Munshenk and 
J. S. Larkin were the judges of election and Wil- 
liam Larkin was the clerk. The officers elected 
for the ensuing year were: A. H. Matteson, chair- 
man; J. S. Larkin and .Jacob Munshenk, super- 
visors; William Larldn, clerk; Charles Eundquist, 
treasurer; A. H. Matteson and Joshua Ady, 
justices; A. S. Kingery and M. Smith, constables. 

The first settler in tlie town was Joshua Ady. 
He was connected witli the Indian agency as be- 
fore mentioned and remained behind when the 
Indians were removed. Accompanied by his wife 
and three children, he came into the town January 
1, 1865, and located where he now lives in the 
south-west quarter of section 2. Quite a number 
of settlers came in that year, most of whom are 
dead or have moved elsewhere. 

The first religious services were conducted by 
Rev. Kidder, a tJniversalist clergyman from Indi- 
ana, at the house of S. T. Mantor, sometime dur- 
ing the summer of 1867; there is at present no 
church organization in the town, although serv- 
ices are conducted occasionally. 

The first school was taught during the summer of 
1870, by Frances Hcrrick in a frame building 
erected for the purpose and located on section 
35; there were about thiity scholars in attendance. 
The town now has six school-houses all frame. 

Decoria post-office was established about 1869, 
John S. Larkin wiis appointed post-master and the 



office located at his house in section 28. He was 
succeeded by Cleorge Todd, who held tlie office 
until 1875, when it was discontinued. 

Joshua Ady was born in Ohio, in 1818. In 1839 
moved to Iowa, and in 1848 was ai)pointed black- 
smith on an Indian reservation, and locat»>d in 
Todd county, Minnesota. He accompanied the 
Indians on their removal to Blue Earth county, 
and remained \vith them two years; settled on a 
farm in Mankato townsliip, and in 1865 located 
on section 2, Decoria, where he owns 320 acre^ of 
land. Has held the offices of justice of the peace 
overseer of poor and town treasurer; the latter 
office since 1868. Married at Mankato in 1856, to 
Mary Kennedy and has four living children; John 
Franklin, James and Robert. 

C. Ballard, a native of Shelljy county, Kentucky, 
was born in 1829. At the age of twenty-one 
started a country store and was in business three 
years, then moved to Minnesota in 1854 and set- 
tled near Mankato. In 1864 removed to Rapidan 
and nine years later to Decoria, where he owns a 
large tract of land. In 1857, he served as county 
assessor, before the township organization and has 
since held several town offices. Married in 1856, 
Miss Lois Gregory, who died in 1878. Eleven 
children were born to them. The hviug are George 
B., James L., Willis N., Loi-i E., John M., Thomas 
B., Charles A., Mary Belle and Robert. 

.Tacob Denn, born in Prussia, in 1827, came to 
America in 1851, and went to Buffalo, New York. 
After a residence in Michigan of three years, came 
to Minnesota in 1855, and located in Dakota 
county. Fourteen years later he came to Blue 
Earth county and settled on his present farm in 
Decoria; owns 320 acres of land. Married in 
1860, Emma Feist. They have seven children. 

B. H. G«rlich was born in Wisconsin in 1841. 
Came to Minnesota in 1870. and settled on section 
24, Decoria. Afterwards went into Viusiness in 
Mankato and after two years, settled on his pres- 
ent farm. Married Catharine Gassier, in Wiscon- 
sin in 1869. Paulina, John, William, and Clara 
are their children. Mr. Gerlich has held the offices 
of supert-isor and school director several terms. 

H. H. (rerlich was bom in 1845 in the state of 
Wisconsin. In 1868 settled in the town of Man- 
kato and aftor eleven years residence there came to 
Decoria. He held the office of school clerk in 
1874, and in 1875 was elected ft meml)er of the 
legislature. Of the 200 acres comprising his 
farm, 160 are under cultivation. His wife was 



BLUE EABTU COUNTY. 



599 



Miss F. Trie, whom he married in 1866. Of seven 
children, six are living. 

Frank Kennedy, born in Ireland in 1827, was 
raised on a farm. At the age of fourteen started 
out for himself and went to Scotland and England. 
At the age of twenty-two came to America, and 
after roving about some time, settled in Kentucky. 
For three years he resided there, then lived in 
Illinois eleven years. Settled in Scott county, 
Minnesota, and finally in Decoria, Blue Earth 
county. Was married in 1857, to Miss Sarah 
Vanetten, of New York. Their children are Mary, 
Con E., Rose, Catherine, Ellen, John, Frank and • 
Charles H. 

S. J. Mace was bom in Virginia in 1853. At 
the age of six years he accompanied his parents 
to Iowa and thence to Minnesota; at that time 
there were no settlers between them and Ahna City. 
He now has a farm of 160 acres. In 1880 he mar- 
ried Mrs. Susan Wearer, of Blue Earth county, 
who has borne him one child. 

George McKee, a native of Ireland, was bom in 
1827, and at the age of eighteen came to this 
country. In 1856 he came west and settled in 
Winona; afterward located at the agency, and 
finally settled on section 36, Decoria, where he 
owns 250 acres of choice land. Has 150 acres un- 
der cultivation ; the farm is well stocked. Mar- 
ried in 1864, at La Crosse, Wisconsin, Miss Sarah 
Tanney. 

A. H. Matteson was born in Pennsylvania in 
1838. In 1845 went with his parents to Illinois 
and to Wisconsin in 1855. Came to Minnesota in 
1865 and after one year at the agency located on 
section 35, Decoria, where he now resides and 
owns 160 acres of land. He has held the offices of 
chairman of town board, town clerk and justice of 
the peace ; at present holds the last two offices. 
Married at Agency, Blue Earth county, Minne- 
sota, November 13, 1865, to Mary P. Tillotson; 
they have seven children Hving. 

George Todd was born in England in 1828, and 
came with his parents to America when three years 
of age. They settled on a farm, where George 
grew to manhood. In 1859 he came to Wisconsin 
and settled on a farm, remaining until 1865, at 
which time he came to this state and to his farm in 
Decoria township. Has been a supervisor since 
coming to the town, and was postmaster for five 
years; is at present, 1881, chairman of the town 
board. Has been married twice and is the parent 
of seven children, six of whom are living. 



William Waddell was bom in Glasgow, Scot- 
land, in 1808. In 1820 emigrated to Canada and 
resided there for sixteen years. Went to Missouri 
but on account of unhealthiness of the climate was 
obliged to leave. In 1869 came to Decoria town- 
ship and located on the farm where he now lives. 
Married in 1841 to Miss Minerva Mericle; they 
have had eight children; all but one are hving. 

MC PHERSON. 

This town is located in the east tier in the 
coimty, and comprises all of congressional town- 
ship 107, range 25. It was first called Rice Lake 
and attached to Mankato for official purposes. The 
petition for organization was accepted by the 
county commissioners at a session held September 
2, 1863, and the name changed to McClellan. The 
election for organization was ordered to be held at 
the house of Lucius Dyer, September 19, 1863. 
At this meeting Lucius Dyer was chosen moder- 
ator and John Low, clerk. The judges of elec- 
tion were K. O. Bartlett, Henry Foster and J. L. 
Alexander. 

In March, 1865, the name of the town was 
changed to MePlierson. 

The first white settles of this town were those 
connected with the Winnebago Indian agency lo- 
cated where Hilton now stands. They were Gen. 
J. E. Fletcher, agent; Henry Foster, Joshua Ady 
and A. L. Foyles, attaches. Shortly after Mr. 
Lincoln became president, Gen. Fletcher was su- 
perseded by Charles Mix as agent and returned to 
Boston. 

Mr. Foster, in company with Mr. Ady, operated 
a blacksmith shop at the agency for the govern- 
ment. When the Indians were moved in 1863. 
Mr. Foster remained, and has since been a resident 
of the town. So also did Mr. Ady, but he took a 
claim in Decoria, where he now Hves. In 1857 
Isaac Autrey came in and made his headquarters 
at the agency. He was absent much of his time 
but upon the removal of the Indians, "he made a 
claim in section 15, and subsequently moved to 
section 10, where he now resides. No more white 
settlement occurred until after the removal of the 
Indians, when it was quite rapid. The town is 
now well settled with an industrous class of 
people. 

The village of Hilton was surveyed in 1865, on 
land owned by Aaron Hilton, in the south-east 
quarter of section 28, and has since had two small 
additions. 

The village now has two hotels, three general 



coo 



mSTORT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Btores, one drag store, two blaoksmith shops and 

three saloDUs. 

Four chiirches are iDoatetl here. The Catholics 
organized in IHG-t, by Father Komereisen with 
about tliirty families. Their present church was 
built i» 1874 at a cost of about $1,300. The mera- 
bersliip is now about VU) families, and 8er\'ice3 are 
conducted by Father Grafweg, ot Maukato. 

The Geriuan Evangelical church was organized 
in 1874 with about twelve families. Their church 
was built the same year at a cost of about -ill. 200. 
Their first pastor was Rev. G. H. Knabel, and the 
present one is Rev. Herman Ohs. 

The Lutlieran church was also organized in 
1874 with fifteen members. Rev. Albert Kuhn 
was the first pastor. They built their chinch t!io 
same year at a cost of .'i?l,200. 

The Congregational church was organized in 
1874 with less than a dozen members, under the 
ministration of Rev. Wallace Bruce. The present 
pastor is Rev. A. T. Sherwin. 

The first religious serWces were held by Rev. 
Father Viraldi at the agency for the benefit of the 
Indians belonging there. A school was taught by 
the Sisters connected with the chui'cb. 

The first school for white children was taught 
in the fall ot 18()3 by Francis Beveridge in a trad- 
ing shanty adjacent to the agency. At present 
there are seven school-houses in tlie town ; all 
frame. One district has no house at present. The 
school at Hilton is graded and the house contains 
two rooms. 

Winnebago Agency post-office was established 
in 1857 and Henry Foster was appointed postmas- 
ter. This office has experienced many changes in 
its conductors. The present postmaster is J. L. 
Cook. 

Belleview post-office was established a few years 
since with .1. H. Easton as postmaster, and was 
discontinued about two years ago. 

William Brandt, a native of Germany, was born 
November 11, 1842. While an infant his parents 
moved to the United States and settled in Osh- 
kosh, Wisconsin. There he grew to manhood and 
in 18fj2 enlisted in Company B, Tliird Wisconsin 
infantry, and served three years. He engaged in 
the battles of Winchester, Cedar Mountain, Antie- 
tam, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg ; was also at 
Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga and Altoona. In 
18C5 he came to Minne-sota and located at Mc- 
Pherson. Married in 1867, Etta Borcutt, who has 



borne him two children; Wm. A. is living; Henry 
W. died November 30, 1873. 

J. L. Cook was born May .5, 1832. in Massachu- 
setts. Removed to Fond du Lac county, Wiscon- 
sin, and in 1857 to Freeborn county, Minnesota. 
During Ids yoimger days he learned the shoemak- 
er's traile. In 1866 he located at Winnebago 
Agency. On his arrival was appointed postmaster 
which office, together with that of town clerk and 
justice of the peace, he still holds. Enlisted in 
Company E. 10th Minnesota, and served three 
years. Participated in many severe battles and 
served tinder General Sibley during the Indian 
campaign; witnessed the execution of the thirty- 
eigUt Sioux Indians at Maukato. October 30, 
18(!5 he married -Tennie A. Stearns: one son, 
Erank. 

George E. Doland was bom in New Hampshire, 
in 1832. He lived in the city of Manchester until 
eleven years of age, and from that time until 1855 
remained on a farm. In 1855 he moved to Mo 
Pherson. In 1864 he enlisted in the 11th Minne- 
sota; served through the remainder of the war. 
Married December 5, 1852, Miss Ann Farmer. 
Mary, Eliza, Carrie, Ellen, George, John, Lizzie, 
Nettie, and Annie are their children. 

John Fitzloff, a native of Germany, and son of 
John and Henrietta Fitzloff, was born in 1827. 
He was raised on a farm. Came to America in 
1863; after remaining six months in Wisconsin, 
removed to Minnesota; lives now in McPherson. 
He was married in his native country, in 1853. His 
children are Albert, Almcmd, Arthur, Bortice, .lohn, 
and Charley. 

Thomas Fitzsimmons was born in Marquette 
county, Wisconsin, in 1854. He remained with 
his parents, Patrick and Sarah, and came with 
them to Minnesota, in 18fi4. Settled in McPher- 
son where he farmed fourteen years; removing to 
Mankato, be kept saloon t\\o years, and there 
married, July 6, 1881, Miss L. Richards. He now 
has a saloon and billiard hall at Winnebago 
Agency, also has a farm of 200 acres about three 
and one-half miles from the village. 

Henry Foster, bom .'Vpril 22, 1825, is a native 
of Oliio. His parents removed to Wisconsin, in 
1837, and settled near Prairie du Chien; three 
years later they went to Iowa; Mr. Foster acted 
in the capacity of blacksmith for the Winnebago 
Indians, and moved to Minnesota in 1848. In 1856 
he engaged in trade with the Indians, located at 
Winnebago Agency ; continued that business 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



601 



together Tvith farming until 1863, and has since 
then given his attention wholly to farming. He 
owns 720 acres. Mrs. Lydia A. Rasdell became 
his wife in 1864. They have an adopted daughter. 

H. R. Grignon was born in 1850, in Iowa. 
Moved to Long Prairie, Minnesota, thence in 1856, 
to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; two years later 
he went to Winnebago Agency, and in 1860, re- 
moved to Mendota for two years. He went to 
Wisconsin to attend school but returned to tlus 
state, and from 1866 until 1870, lived in Bice 
county. For a time he was in mercantile trade, 
also employed as clerk and traveling salesman, Init 
at present is engaged in buying and seDing but- 
ter. In 1870, Miss Jennie Phillips became his 
wife. Virginia H., and Belle are their children. 

Honorable J. D. Hawkins, a native of Vermont, 
was born December 9, 1836. When he was eight 
years of age the family moved to Wisconsin, and 
to Dodge county, Minnesota, in 1862; one and 
one-half years later he came to McPherson. En- 
listed in 1864 in Company D, 11th Minnesota, and 
served until the close of the war. In the fall of 
1880, he was elected to the legislature. At Pond 
du Lac, Wisconsin, in 1861, he married Miss, 
Paulina L. HiU. 

Dr. E. B. Haynes was born in Greene, Chenango 
county. New York, in 1818. Engaged in the 
manufacture of lumber and in connection ran a 
grist-mill; went to Lycoming county, Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1846, and there continued the lumber 
business. For several years he practiced med- 
icine. Located in McPherson, in 1864, where he 
devotes his time to the practice of medicine, and 
to farming. Married in 1839, Oelia Rogers, who 
died in 1844. Elizabeth Camp was married to 
him in 1853. They have one daughter, Elizabeth, 
who married H. Eastman. 

Sumner C. Hilton was bom in Lincoln county, 
Maine, in 1833. He learned the trades of miUer 
and engineer; in 1849 he moved to Wisconsin and 
settled about eight miles from Oshkosh; for three 
years he was pilot on the Wisconsin, then en- 
gaged in building mills. He manufactured lum- 
ber at Mankato from 1858 until 1862, then enlist- 
ed in the Ninth Minnesota and served until war 
ceased. Removed to Winnebago Agency and built 
a flouring mill. He visited California in 1868 and 
again in 1872. Married in 1854, Huldah C. Dic- 
kerson. Alice and Delia are the children. 

Mathias Jost, a native of Prussia, was born May 
20, 1842. He, with hi.s parents, emigrated to 



Wisconsin in 1852, lived in Milwaukee county un- 
til coming to Minnesota in 1861. He enlisted 
that year in Company I, 9th Minnesota and served 
three years; participated in many battles. Married 
Margaret Lang, October 20. 1865. He engaged 
in mercantile trade in Mankato three years, then 
for six years was farming. Locating in Winne- 
bago Agency he again engaged in mercantile 
trade. Mrs. Jost is the mother of five children. 

H. R. King was bom in Greene, Chenango 
county, New York, January 9, 1854. When three 
years old accompanied his parents to Sterling, 
Minnesota. In 1862 they moved to Mankato, and 
seven years later to Waseca county. January 1st 
1879 settled in Winnebago Agency. Formed a 
partnership with W. E. Kenyon in the drug trade, 
but is now sole proprietor of the business. April 
23, 1881, he married Maggie J. Geddes. 

Peter Manaige was born in Broome county, 
New York, in 1819. His father, Louis Manaige, 
a native of Canada, served in the revolutionary 
war and died at LeRay, Minnesota, in 1870, at the 
age of ninety -nine years. Peter moved with his 
parents to Portage, Wisconsin, in 1830 ; in 1840 
he married Miss A. Decorah and two years after 
moved to Clinton county, Iowa, where he engaged 
in merchandising. In 1846 was appointed in- 
terpreter for the Winnebago Indians. In that 
capacity he came to Minnesota in 1848 and locat- 
ed at Long Prairie; in 1855 he came to McPherson. 
Archie, Margaret, Cliarles, Paul, .Josephine, Ange- 
lina, Teressa, William L., Edward, Henry, are the 
children. 

A. B. Miely was born in Augusta county, Vir- 
ginia, in 1847. When fifteen years old he moved 
with his parents to McDonough county, Illinois, 
and came to Minnesota in 1864; settled in 
McPherson. In connection with farming he has 
a saw-mill. His parents, Louis and Amanda 
Miely, are residents of Jefferson county, Kansas, 
engaged in farming and stock raising. Married 
October 1, 1872, Anne E. Crabbe. Mabel L., 
Fred. L., and Ray B., are the children. 

Patrick O'Connor is a native of Ireland, born in 
1810. Learned the trade of mason and builder; 
came to America in 1838; located in Albany, New 
York, and there worked at his trade; subsequently 
went to Wisconsin. He succeeded in raising a 
company and enlisted as their captain in the 
Seventh Wisconsin infantry in the spring of 1862; 
served until August 1, 1862, then resigned. Came 
to Minnesota in 1864 and now lives in McPherson. 



C02 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Married Margaret McDcrmott in 1839. Their 
liviuf^ cliilclren are .Toliu, Cliarles, Alice, Thomas, 
Oliiirlotto, Eilwiiril, Mary A., Fraiiois and James. 

Daniel Purily was Ixirn in Hardin county, Ohio, 
in 1843. When a lad of ten years he went with 
Ills ])ar(>nts to Blaok Hawk county, Iowa. After 
a rcsidciicf of three yours, moved to Blue Earth 
county, Minnesota, and in 187.5 settled in his pres- 
ent home in MePherson township, section 13. June 
21, 1870, he married Miss E. Owen, who has borne 
him four children. Walter L., Dana L., Winfred 
L. and Addie L. 

Charles Schroeder was bom in 1837. At the age 
of fourteen he commenced learning the trade of 
wheel wright and blacksmith. When fifteen years 
old he left Prussia, his native country, and settled 
on a farm in Dodge county, Wisconsin, where he 
remained until 1881, then bought a farm in Me- 
Pherson. In 18r)8 Mi.sa Ernestine Bocholtz was 
married to Mr. Schroeiler. They are the parents 
of six children: Minnie, Charles, Florentina, 
Louisa, William and Robert. 

^^illiam E. Wliite, a native of Minnesota, was 
born in ISol and in 18.5(! moved with his parents 
to MePherson. When twenty years old he com- 
menced business for himself; was interested in a 
saw-mill. In 187.") he went to the Black Hills; re- 
turned to McPliersou about two years after and 
engaged in farming. Mr. White was united in 
marriage in 1871, with Emma Pheljis who has 
borne him four children. George, Eugenia and 
Virginia are the living. 

Frank Wilkius was born in Allegany county, 
New York, June 6, 1841. At the age of thirteen 
moved with his parents to Columbia county, Wis- 
consin and in 18(!8 came to Minnesota; settled at 
Winnebago Agency. Finished his education at 
the normal school at Mjiukato, then taught eigh- 
teen terms. He has a farm of 200 acres of which 
forty acres are in MePherson. He enlisted in 
Company H, Second Wisconsin infantry and served 
two and one-half years; engaged in many battles 
and was wounded once. April 15, 186.'), he mar- 
ried Matilda S. Abbott, who has borne him three 
children: Clara L., William E. and OraceE. 

J. C. Wills was born in Chicago, Hlinois, Oc- 
tober 3, 1852. His father, a sea captain, was 
drowned when his son was an infant; the mother 
with her family located near Milwaukee, Wiscon- 
sin. At the age of fourteen he removed to Man- 
kato; clerked there and at Shelby ville; in 1870 
attended one term of school at Milwaukee, then 



became "teller of the First National bank at Man- 
kato; subHoi|uently clerked at Winnebago Agency; 
visited Texas in 1873. He finally established 
himself in the mercantile trade with W. H. Harri- 
soc; since June 1879, Mr. Murphy has been his 
partner. October 17, 1877, he married Eva 
Crick who has borne two children: Charles W. is 
living. 

HEDO. 

In the spring of 1858 this town was attached to 
Danville for official purjxjses. It is located in the 
south-eastern jiiirt of the county ; is in the east tier 
of towns and second from the south. Like the 
other towns included in the Winnebago reserva- 
tion, it was late in settlement. The spring of 1863 
witnessed the first settlement by whites, yet, so fast 
did they come that a petition for organization 
was sent to the county commissioners the fall fol- 
lowing. It was accepted and the meeting for or- 
ganization ordered to be held at the house of H. 
H. Stratton, September 19, 1863. 

The first settler in the town was H. H. Strat- 
ton; he came early in the spring of 1863. A son 
of his, Hiram, born in September, 1863, was the 
first birth of a white child in the town. The first 
death was that of Effie, a four- year-old daughter 
of Samuel Goodwin ; she died in February 1864. 
The first marriage was that of D. .\llen and Lovina 
Webster, in the spring of 186."). 

There were no schools until the summer of 1865; 
that season two were started. One of them was 
taught at the house of M. C. Ackerman, by his 
daughter Amelia. The other at a house erected 
for the purpose on section 3, by Mrs. Susan Sted- 
man. The town now has eight school-houses, one 
of which, however, belongs to a district which has 
been discontinued and distributed among sur- 
rounding districts. 

The Norwegian Evangelicsil Lutheran church 
was organized in 1860 with about thirty members. 
The pastor was Kev. T. H. Dalil. There are now 
about fifty families in charge of Rev. M. Borge, of 
Mankato. 

Medo post-office was established in 1867, and 
B. F. Stcdman was appointed postmaster. He 
was succeeded by the present j)ostmaster, James 
Farley, in 1878, and the office located at his store 
in section 15. Little Cobb post-office was estab- 
lished a few years since. The present incumbent 
is O. Engebritson and the office is located at his 
house in section 26. 

The first startling event of a criminal nature 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



603 



was the killing of Jobn Gill by Mr. Matthews in 
the spring of 1864. The second occurrence of 
this kind was the killing of Mrs. J. Gilbert by 
Andrew Weston, in the spring of 1876; she was 
shot through a window. Weston was sent to the 
penitentiary tor lite. 

Charles E. Baker was born in Ohio, in 1848. 
When he was one year old his mother died and he 
went with his father to Wisconsin in 1858; re- 
moved to Dodge county, Minnesota, in 1862; re- 
mained two years; located permanently in Medo, 
in 186.5. His father met a terrible death March 
14, 1874, at Janesville, Waseca county; his clothes 
were caught in the machinery of a grist-mill and 
before he could be extricated he was crushed to 
death. In 1875 Mr. Baker married Miss Ida Eob- 
inson a native of New York; Lucy M., Mary L., 
Sadie O., and Gertie are their children. 

B. Dane was born in 1830, in New York. In 
1850 he, with his mother, located in Walworth 
county, Wisconsin; for thirteen years he gave his 
attention to farming there; in the spring of 1863 
he came to Minnesota and settled on sections 12 
and 13 of Medo township, where be still resides. 
In Columbia county, Wisconsin in 1858, he mar- 
ried Levina Pitch, who has borne him sis children. 
Cora, John, Moses, Carrie, Herbert, and Freddie. 

11. Dunsmoor, a native of Maine, was born in 
1827. At the age of nineteen he learned the shoe- 
makers' trade, at which he worked until 1852. 
During that year he came to Fort Snelling, Min- 
nesota and lived near there imtil 1867; settled on 
section 8, of Medo, during that year. Has offici- 
ated as chairman of board of supervisors and town 
clerk. His wife was Miss Caroline White, mar- 
ried in 1848. Koslin, Alvina, Mary, John, Emma, 
Laura, Martha, Elenora, Addie, Etta and May 
are their children. 

Kobert Earl was born in Pennsylvania, in 1832, 
and at the age of five years moved with his parents 
to Ohio. After leaving school he went to Rock 
Island, Ilhnois, and shortly after to Wisconsin, 
where he worked at farming. In 1859 came to 
Minnesota, and for seven years lived in Houston 
county, and then went to Freedom, Waseca county, 
and bought 160 acres of land where he now lives. 
Mr. Earl served four year in the state legislature 
and has held different town offices. Married in 
1855, Mary O. Hubbard, who has borne him eight 
children; two have died. 

O. Engebritson, a native of Norway, was born 
in 1835. He learned the carpenter trade and 



came to the United States in 1857. For ten yeara 
he lived in Wisconsin; worked at his trade and 
farming and in 1867 came to Minnesota; located 
Medo, where he has held the offices of assessor, su- 
pervisor and postmaster. Married in 1854, Miss Car- 
rie Fenny. Hoverson, Martin, Albert, Betsey, Ber- 
mer, Charles and August are their living children. 
Two sons are dead. 

James Faly was bom near Montreal, Canada, in 
1845. Went with his parents to Adams county, 
Wisconsin, and remained until the age of eighteen; 
learned blacksmithiug, at which he worked until 
1865, then came to Minnesota and located in Medo. 
Until 1867 he divided his time between farming 
and blacksmithiug; has since been dealing in gen- 
eral merchandise. For three years he served as 
postmaster. In 1867 he married Martha C. Ash- 
llyer. Their living children are Minnie M. and 
Martha L. ; Willis and Mertie are dead. 

F. L. Goutermout was born in Lewis county, 
New York, in 1847. His father died in 1847, and 
he moved to Wisconsin with his mother, wlio died 
there at the age of fifty-seven years. He located 
in this state, in Dodge county first; in the fall of 
1879 came to Medo, section 8. His marriage 
with Miss Mary I. Hills took place in 1867; she is 
a native of Wisconsin, born in 1849. Herbert, 
Callie, Guy and Eoy are their children. 

John and Jacob Groll are natives of Michigan, 
born in 1855 and 1857 respectively. Came to 
Minnesota in 1868 and located on a farm near 
Mankato. After living there two years came to 
Medo and have since resided here, engaged in 
farming. Their father, Jacob Groll, was a mem- 
ber of the 28th Michigan infantry, and at the bat- 
tle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1863, was killed. 

N. S. Hill was born in Jefferson county. New 
York, in 1833. In 1855, came west to Wisconsin 
and engaged in farming there until coming to'Min- 
nesota in 1861. Settled in Garden City for one 
year, then returned to Wisconsin, but in 1866 lo- 
cated his present home in Medo, section 7. No- 
vember 27, 1856 he married Miss Helen G. Wes- 
ton who has borne him five children: Andrew E., 
Lillian, Viola, Addie E. and Mabel. 

Thron Hoverson, a native of Norway, was born 
in 1834. Coming to the United States in 1852, he 
located in Wisconsin, but migrated to Minnesota 
in 1864 and located on section 2, Medo. Has 
served as county commissioner, assessor, consta- 
ble, chairman of board, as supervisor and justice 
of the peace. His wife was Jane Knud, married 



(lO'l 



n I STORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



in ISfiO. Herbert, Theodore, Janette, Tillvinia, 
Eilward, llaphol, Cora, Charley, Freddie, Arthur, 
and Morris are thoir children. 

William Lodbeter was born in Canada West in 
1832 and went with bis parents to Adams county, 
Wisconsin, in 1850. In the spring of 1863 he 
came to Mcdo ami has since resided on his farm of 
4.50 acres on section 'I'l. Miss Elizabeth A. Carter 
became the wife of Mr. Ledboter in 18.51. Their 
family consists of nine children. Holland, Alice, 
William \V., Hattie, Phillip, Lydia, Myrtle, Susan 
and Edward. 

L. S. Leighton is a native of New Hampshire, 
bom in 1838. At the ago of nineteen he went to 
Wisconsin; afterwards removed to Hamilton 
county, Iowa, and in 1866, settled on his present 
farm iu Medo. Mr. Leighton has been chairman 
of the board of supervisors two terms and super- 
insor two terms, also scIkkiI treasurer; was the first 
treasurer of school district 59, and Mrs. Leighton 
taught the first school in that district. He mar- 
ried Miss T. M. French, a native of Vermont. 

William G. Markham is a native of New York, 
born in 1840. When a child he accompanied his 
parents to Wisconsin; removed in the spring of 
1868 to Minnesota and located at his present home 
on section 4, Medo. He has been towni sujiervisor 
three terms, also a school officer. Married in 1860 
to Mary .1. Mor.se, of Wisconsin. Willie, Jessie, 
Minnie, Myrtle and Homer are their children. 

M. MciCarty, farmer, was born in Wisconsin in 
1855, and is of Irish parentage. When a lad of 
ten years he moved with his parents to Minnesota; 
remained with them imtil sixteen years of age, 
then started out to earn his own livelihood, and is 
now a ju'osperous farmer on seetion 17. January 
(i, 1880, at Medo, he was united iu marriage with 
Miss Margaret Carey, a native of Wisconsin born 
in 1856. 

C. f. Merickel is a native of Canada West, born 
in 182!). When ten years of age he accompanied 
his father to Wisconsin where he engaged in farm- 
ing until coming to Minnesota in 1864; he has 
since resided in Medo where he has a farm of 345 
acres, also owns jiroperty in Mapleton. He has 
held the offices of supervisor and assessor. February 
1, 1855, Miss Armenia A. Gughf became his wife. 
They have eight children: Arcelia L., Mamie B., 
Elmer, Ella. May, Frank, Olivia and Abigad. 

N. B. Moody was born in Ontario county, New- 
York, in 1819. When five years old he accom- 
)>anied his parents to Ohio. In 1843 went to Jef- 



ferson county, Wisconsin, but came to Minnesota 
in 18(i4 and settled on a farm in Medo. Mr. 
Moody married in 1849. and his wife died in Wis- 
consin; his second marriage was in November, 
1864, with Etta L. Burlingam, who was the first 
8ehiM)l teacher in Medo. Their marriage is claimed 
to l)e the first <mc in the towii. They have four 
children. 

Daniel Murphy was born in Milwaukee, Wis- 
consin, in 1842. While quite young moved to 
Cedarhurg where he remained until 1H61 and re- 
ceived a common school education. He spent two 
years traveling through different states, then en- 
gaged as a lumberman in the Wisconsin pineries 
five years. In 1873 came to Minnesota and set- 
tled iu Medo. In July, 1872, he married Sarah A. 
Couillard. Five children have been born to them ; 
only one is living. 

Stephen L. Mur])hy was born in Wisconsin in 
1855. He remained in his native state until thir- 
teen years of age. Came to Minnesota with his 
mother and brother in 1873; he owns a farm of 
120 acres in McPlicrson township, with forty acres 
under good cultivation. He lives with his brother 
Daniel in Medo. 

James H. Quinn was born in Adams county. 
Wisconsin, in 1857, and in 1863 moved with his 
parents to a farm on section 9, Medo. where they 
still reside. He has four brothers, Hugh, Thomas, 
Walter and William li\-ing in this town; also 
has four sisters, Sarah, Ella, Maggie and Cora. 
James H. has taught school several terms. 

Robert C. Ward was born in Wisconsin, in 1855, 
of English parentage. He was raised as a farmer 
and in 1863 loft his native state and came to Min- 
nesota. He has since been a resident of Medo; 
his farm is locat«d on section 19. At Medo, iu 
Febniary, 1881, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Eliza Emmons, a native of Missouri. 

Thomas Young is a native of Canada, bom in 
1855. Came with his parents to Minnesota in 1865 
and located in Mower coimty; ten years later he 
moved from there to Blue Earth county: settled 
on section 28 of Medo; now owns a farm of 160 
acres. Married in 1880, Mary E. Hichens. who is 
a native of Minnesota, b<jrn in 1851. They have 
one child, Nellie. 

BEArFORD. 

This is one of the central towns of the county. 
Being in the Winnebago reservation, it was not 
settled until after the removal of the Indians. Un- 
til 1866 it was known as "Winneshiek," and at- 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



605 



tached to Mapleton for official purposes. At the 
meeting of the county commissioners held March 
13, 1866, the present name was given and the 
meeting for organization ordered to be held at the 
house of John Freyin section 11. The chairmen 
of the town board since organization have been 
N. A. Nelson, .J. S. Larkin, Frederick Cramer, 
William Evarts, John Morrow, James Gilmour and 
Andrew Little. 

The first permanent white settler in the town was 
James Morrow. He came in 1863, bringing a 
family of nine children, and located in section 2.5, 
where he now hves. The settlement of the town 
progressed slowly for a time. It is now fairly 
well occupied, although there is considerable land 
yet in the hands of non-residents. 

The first religious services were conducted in 
the spring of 1865 by Kev. Kellot, a Wesleyan 
minister, at the house of .James Morrow. 

The first school was taught in 1867 by 
Elizabeth Keys in a building erected for the pur- 
pose in section 24. She had about twenty schol- 
ars. There are now four school-houses in the 
town, all frame. 

The first Ijii-th was probably that of Jennie Me- 
Beth. She was born in the fall of 1864; a daugh- 
ter, Margaret, was bom to James Morrow and 
wife, June 17, 18C5. 

Perch Lake post-office was established in 1868. 
Albert Gates was appointed postmaster and the 
office located at his house in section 13. He was 
succeeded in 1871 by Henry Matley and the office 
moved to bis house in section 24, and there kept 
by him imtil 187.5, when it was discontinued. 

F. Childs was born in 182.3, in Vermont, and 
moved with his parents to New York when eleven 
years old. In 1843 he went back to his native 
state, and worked at farming there until 1850, 
when he located in Wisconsin; removed in 1866 to 
Beauford, where he owns 360 acres of land with 
good buildings. In 1851, Sarah F. Childs became 
his wife. Their children are Albert, May, Eolea, 
Carrie, Herbert and Ernest. For a number of 
years Mr. Childs has held town offices. 

W. H. Davis, bom in 1846, is a native of Ohio. 
In 1854 he came with his parents to Goodhue 
county, Minnesota, and there grew to manhood, 
attending common school and the Commercial 
college of St. Paul. From Faribault county he 
removed to Blue Earth in 1874 and located on his 
present farm. Mr. Davis is town clerk and has 
held that office three terms. He married in 1872, 



Lucy J. Tenny, a native of New York. Ida is 
their adopted daughter. 

.Joseph Diunbeck, a native of Gennany, was 
bom in 1822, and immigrated in 1848 to Dodge 
coimty, Wisconsin; he worked at farming in that 
state until 1865, when he removed to Minnesota, 
and the year following to Beauford, where he 
owns a good farm and buildings. Mr. Dumbeck's 
marriage occurred in 1846, with Barbara Trout. 
Joseph, Barbara, Annie, Francis, Thaddeus, Mary, 
John, Charles, and Sophia. Their son .John teaches 
school in winter and farms in summer. • 

John Frey was bom in Germany in 182o, and 
there learned the trade of chandler. In 1846 he 
came to America, and after working at his trade in 
Chicago four years, he returned to Germany, where 
in 1851, he married Dorathy E. Schaffer, and the 
same year came back to Chicago. For a time he 
farmed in Illinois, then removed to Minnesota, and 
in the s])ring of 1865, located in Beauford, on the 
farm of 320 acres, where he still resides. He 
helped organize the first school in district 94, and 
was chairman of the first town board, has also 
held other town offices. Of the eight children 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Frey, seven are living. 

James Gordon, a native of Canada, was born in 
1833, and in 1855 came to Minnesota, Winona 
county; the following spring he came to Blue 
Earth county, and settled on his farm in Beauford; 
his father, eighty-four years of age, lives with 
him at the farm. In 1864 he married Mary Feger- 
son, who died in 1867, and in 1870, Annie Gettey 
became his wife. 

Fred Gorlich was bom in 1850, in Wisconsin. 
When eleven years old his father died and his 
mother lives with him in Beauford; he came to 
this state in 1875, and owns 484 acres of land with 
good improvements. Mr. Gorlich was married in 
1874 to Hannah Pagenkopf. Their children are 
Emma, Albert J., and Daisy. 

H. W. Greely was born in Franklin, New Hamp- 
shire; removed with his parents to Maine and 
lived there until coming to Minnesota in 1846. 
He settled at Stillwater, and worked at lumbering 
and farming. In 1870 he removed to his present 
home in Beauford; owns 828 acres of land. His 
first wife, Lucia Darling, married in 1848, died in 
1851. She had one son: WilUe. In 1853, L. M. 
Griswold became bis wife. ThejAave one child, 
Horace, who is a graduate from the State Univer- 
sity. Bessie is an adopted daughter. 

David Hanna, a native of New York, was bora 



60(5 



UIHTOliY OP THE- MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



in 1844, in St. Lawrence county. With a brother 
he went to WiscDiiaiii, iu IHG-t, and remained until 
the next spring, wlioii lie settled in Wiuona coiinty, 
Minnesota; came to lieauford in 1868, and lives on 
section four. Mr. Hanua served four years as 
justice of the ])eace. Nettie Lambie was married 
to liini ill 1874, and has borne him three children: 
Neal is living. 

John Hanua was born in 181.5, iu St. Lawrence 
county, New York, and worked as a farmer in that 
state uutil 18()(!, at which time he came to Minne- 
sota and located on his present farm iu Beauford. 
In 1842 he married Mary Puroes, a native of 
Scotland. They have eight ehildreu : Margaret, 
David, Thomas P., Isabelle, William A., Robert B., 
James M. and Flora E. 

Robert Harlin, boru in 1837, is a native of Ire- 
land. When twelve years of age he came with his 
father to America and located in Wisconsin ; after 
leaving school he taught winters and farmed sum- 
mers imtil 1876, when he came to Minnesota and 
to his present farm in Beauford. Besides other 
offices ho has for three years held that of towu 
clerk. He married, in Wisconsin, Catharine Mc- 
Carty. Their children are WiUiam H., Annie, 
John, Mary, EUa, George, Amelia, Catharine, and 
Francis. 

Thomas Hislop, a native of Scotland, was born 
in 1819. He was reared on a farm and learned 
the trade of shoemaker. In 1840, he married 
Grace McComb, and in 184'2 came to America; he 
engaged in farming iu Wisconsin, and iu the fall 
of 1866, came to his homo in Beauford, on section 
nine. Mr. and Mrs. Hislop have ten children: 
Robert, Enphemia, Alexander, Jeannett, David, 
James, William, John, Agues and George. 

John S. Larkins was born in 1834, near Augusta, 
Maine, and in 1847, moved with his parents to 
New York. He went, in 1853, to Wisconsin where 
he was employed in farming, and iu 1863 removed 
to Decoria, Minnesota; since 1872 he has been a 
resident of Beauford, and owns 560 acres of land 
here. In 1878, he was a member of the state 
legislature. Eliza A. Jarmau became his wife in 
1854. Cliarles, John, Josephine, George and Net- 
tie are their children. 

Ole Larson, a native of Norway, was bora in 
1818, and while living in that country learned the 
trade of black^iith. He married Mary Larson in 
1844, and in 1851 came to America; lived in Iowa 
until coming to Beauford, in 1865. He has 280 
acres of land with fine buildings. Six of the 



children bom to Mr. and Mrs. Larson are living : 
John, Annie, Chris, Martui, Lucy and Ole. 

Clemens Loifermau was born iu 1820, in Ger- 
many, where he learned the carpenter trade. In 
1846 he moved to Pennsylvania, and worked at 
his trade tliere imtil going, in 1850, to WLsconsiu, 
where he farmed. He was a resident of Waseca 
county, Aliunesota, from 1807 until 1869, when he 
went to Mankato and built a brewery ; after manu- 
facturing beer about five years, he came, in 1874, 
to his present home iu Beauford. In 1843, he 
married Mary C. Hohestaiu. Clemence, John, 
Elizabeth, Henry, Frank, Francis, William and 
Charles are their children. 

J. H. Leiferman, a native of Germany, was bom 
in 1837 and reared on a farm. In 1856 he came 
to the United States and first settled in Dane 
county, Wisconsin, where he worked at farmiug; 
he removed to IMiunesota in the spring of 18()7 
and for a time lived in Waseca county. He now 
has a farm on section 21, in Beauford. Mr. Lei- 
ferman married, in 1860, Catharine Hochsten who 
has borne him eight children, the living are: Hen- 
ry, .John, Frank, Elizabeth, Catharine, Joseph, and 
George. 

John Rath was born iu 1821 and lived iu his 
native laud, Germany, nutil 1858, at which time 
lie immigrated to Wisconsin and engaged iu farm- 
ing. He removed, in 1861, to Minnesota and set- 
tled in Beauford, his present home. Mr. Rath 
was one of the organizers of the town, He mar- 
ried, iu 1857, !Miss Myer, since deceased; his 
present wife was Elizabeth Thurka. Their children 
are Henry, Augusta, and Fred. 

Robert Rich, a native of Maine, was bom in 
1815, in Waldo county, where he lived on a farm 
and attended common school. He was engaged 
in lumbering previous to 1855, w-hen he came to 
Minnesota and continued the same business, being 
located at Stillwater. In 1862 he was appointed 
captain in the militia; remained in Washington 
county until 1869; since that time he has lived iu 
Beauford. Married in 1846, Mary J. Fowler. 
Their living children are C. H., Mary and Lizzie. 

Josiah Rogers was born iu 1833, and removed 
from Pennsylvania, his native state, to Wisconsin 
in 1840, with his parents; thence in 1856 to Min- 
nesota. He enlisted in 18(;2, in the 1st Minnesota 
cavalry and upon being mustered out he re-enlist- 
ed and served untU the war closed, in Compimy 
K, Ist Regiment heavy artillery. Id 1856 he 
married Clariuda C. Burrows. EUen, Henry E., 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



607 



Emeline A., Fred., John, Ettie, and Eliza M., are 
their children. 

LYRA. 

This town is located in the central part of the 
county and includes all of township 106-27. At 
the session of the county commissioners, held 
April 16, 1858, it was called Tecumseh and at- 
tached to Mapleton for official purposes. Owing 
to the fact of its being a part of the Winnebago 
reservation, settlement was retarded until after 
their removal- in 1863. The Maple river, flowing 
from south to north, divides the town into two 
nearly equal parts. On either side are as fine 
farms as can be found in the county. 

The first settler in the town was N. G. Eoot; 
came in September, 1854, and located in the south- 
east quarter of section 9 ; however, he was soon 
obHged to leave on account of the land being giv- 
en to the Indians. He made another claim in 
Shelby. Barney Simmons also came in about 
that time. He located in the south-east quarter 
of section 33. He was also obliged to leave and 
went one and one-half miles farther south into the 
town of Sterling. He remained there a few years, 
then returned to his old claim notwithstanding the 
Indians. They never disturbed him and he held 
possession until after their removal, when he sold, 
and now Lives in Missouri. No more settlers came 
until 1864 when quite a number located along the 
Maple river, principally on the west side. 

The first birth in the town was in the family of 
Barney Simmons. 

The first marriage was that of Charles M. 
Plumb and Miss A. E. MeiUcke. They were mar- 
ried in December, 1865 at the house of M. L. 
Plumb, by Rev. J. M. Thurston. 

The first religious services were conducted by 
the Baptist denomination at the house of M. L. 
Plumb in section 28, during the fall of 1864. 
They conducted services irregularly at Mr. 
Plumb's until the school-house was buUt in district 
98, when they were transferred to that. The so- 
ciety effected an organization at the log school- 
house, the present site of the village of Good 
Thunder, in October, 1867, under the name of the 
Maple River Bajjtist church. They had at that 
time eight members and now have about thirty- 
five; services are held at a hall in the village. The 
Methodist denomination also held services at the 
school-house in district 98 and effected an organi- 
zation at the village in 1878 under the leadership 
of Rev. J. B. Powell. They also hold meetings 



at the hall in the village and have a membership 
of about fifteen. Their present pastor is the Rev. 
Gimson, of Mapleton. Catholic services were con- 
ducted by Rev. Father Augustin Wirth early in 
1874 at the house of WilUam Mountain on sec- 
tion 29. They were conducted there until 1878, 
when their church was built in the village. It is 
a fine buDding and cost about §2,500. The 
membership at present is about fifty and their 
services are conducted by Rev. Father G. Grafweg, 
of Mankato. Lutheran services were first con- 
ducted by Rev. Albert Kuhl at the school-house in 
the village. In 1876 a nice frame church was 
built at a cost of about .$2,000, with a parsonage 
attached which cost $600. The membership is 
sixty, and their present pastor is Rev. August 
WoUf. The United Brethren denomination held 
services at the school-house belonging to dis- 
trict 97. 

The first school was taught by Miss Alvira Rew 
during the summer of 1867 in a log school-house 
on the present site of the village. In 1874 a two- 
story building was erected at a cost of $1,500. It 
contains two rooms and is a graded school. The 
town now has seven school-houses, all frame. 

A water-power saw-mill was built in the spring 
of 1865 by Messrs. Gates & Ashbrook and located 
in the eastern part of section 28. It was operated 
a few years when the machinery was taken out and 
the mill abandoned. The following winter a small 
water-power saw-mill was built in the north-east 
part of section 21 by H. D. Doughty. He oper- 
ated it until about five years since when he moved 
the machinery into a mill in section 4, to which he 
has added a feed-miU. The Good Thunder mill 
was built about twelve years since a half a mile 
south-east of the village by Messrs. Owen Palmer 
& Allen Millen, as a saw and grist-mill. The saw 
was subsequently taken out. In 1881 the mill 
was bought by E. F. Wilson and is not now in 
operation. The cable mUl located near the Blue 
Earth river in section 18 was built by T. G. Quayle 
about five years ago. It is a water-power mer- 
chants mill and at present owned by Messrs. Tur- 
ner & Redfarn. 

The village of Good Thunder received its name 
from the chief of a band of Winnebagos, whose 
village occupied the ground just east of the site of 
the present village. The ford across the river at 
this point was called Good Thunder's ford, and 
the post-office in the village is so called. The 
village was surveyed in Aprd, 1871, on land 



COS 



U I STORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



owned by Levi Honk in the west half of section 
1(1. The first house liiiilt was by J. G. Graham. 
It was !t Olio anil a half story frame, used as a store 
below and a residence above. Mr. Graham has 
since enlarged his store and in 1878 built a two 
and a half story frame, encompassinf^ two sides of 
his ' store, which he uses as a hotel, the Graham 
House. 

The village now contains four general stores, 
one hardware store, two drug stores, two shoe 
stores, one grocery, two hotels, six warehouses, one 
harness shop, one wagon shop, two blacksmith 
shops, one millinery shop and two saloons, whUe 
two doctors attend to the sick. 

The post-ollice was establislied in the spring of 
1871, and J. G. Graham appointed postmaster. 
The present postmaster is John Saxton. 

The meeting for organizing the town was held 
September 22, 1866. Lysander Cot)k was chosen 
moderator, Gilbert Webster and Simon Garvin 
clerks. The name Lyra was adopted for the town 
upon the suggestion of J. M. Thurston. The fol- 
lowing officers were elected to fill o\it the year 
until the regular spring election: Gilbert Web- 
ster, chairman: Clark Puffer and Volney Crandall, 
supervisors; Lysander Cook, clerk; Godfrey 
Glaucke, treasurer; M. L. Plumb and Ephraim 
Palmer, justices: Martin Schroeder and O. W. 
Plumb constables. The following gentlemen have 
held the position of chairman of the town board 
since, some of them two or more terms: H. A. 
Hough, Lysander Cook, James Mouutam and 
Henry Dyer. The present town board consists of 
Henry Dyer, chairman; Charles Kramer and A. 
P. McCarty, 

A. F. Billet was born in 1850, in Germany, 
where he learned the harness makers' trade. 
Came to the United States in 1875 ; lived a little 
while at Baltimore, Maryland, and the year after 
his arrival in this country located at Good Thun- 
der and embarked in the harness business, which 
he still continues. In 1877 he married Amelia 
Malzahan, they have two children. 

W. Buelow, a native of (lermany, was bom in 
1821, and on coming to America in 1861, he settled 
on a farm in Winnebago county, Wisconsin; seven- 
teen years later he came to Lyra and bought his 
fine farm of 175 acres. His first wife died in 
Germany, and shortly before coming to this coun- 
try he married Henrietta Waber. Their hving 
children are August, Augusta, Mary, Lizzie, Wil- 
liam, Ida, John and Henry. 



Harvey Case is a native of Ohio, where he was 
bom in the year 1832. Ho went to Sauk cotmty 
Wisconsin, in 1853 and engaged in farniiuK there 
until 1866, when he came to this state and located 
on the farm he now occupies in Lyra. Louisa E. 
Rlish became his wife in 1857 and has borne him 
nine (•hildren; the living are Ellen A., Mary A., 
Cora D., Ida May, Frank H. and Willie H. 

0. Cassidy was born in 1841, and lived in New 
York, his native state, iintil 1867, when he came 
to Lyra and engaged in farming, .\fter ii few 
years he liegan dealing in stock, buying shipping 
and selling, which business be continues in con- 
nection with his farming. Maria King became his 
wife of Mr. Cassidy in 186<), in the state of New 
York. Carrie M., Cynthia W., Ada S. and Grace 
M. are their children. 

1. N. Flanagan, bom in 1841, is ai native of New 
York. Several years of his early life were passed 
in Canada with his parents; in 1855 he removed 
to Wisconsin, and in 1861 enlisted in the Third 
regiment of tliat state; was promoted to sergeant 
of his company and served three years; he was 
twice wounded. Ft)r several years he engaged in 
wheat buying in Wisconsin and Dakota which 
business he has continued since coming to Man- 
kato in 1874; is now located at Good Thunder. 
He has been town clerk five years. Married in 
1864, and his wife died the year following. Miss 
Gibbons was his second wife. They have five liv- 
ing children. 

Ferdinand Graf was bom in 1852, in Dodge 
county, Wisconsin, where he acquired his educa- 
tion and worked at farming. In 1880 he came to 
Lyra and bought a farm, his present home. Mr. 
Graf married in 1877, Eliza Beutar, also of Dodge 
county. Tlieir children are Liddie and Clara. 

J. J. F. Graf, bom in 1851, is a native of Prus- 
sia. In 1869 he came to the United States and 
located in Good Thunder; after farming about ten 
years ho embarked in his present business; deals 
in sewing machines, pumps and all kinds of agri- 
ctiltural implements. Bertha Meilicke was mar- 
ried to Mr. Graf in 1875 and has two children, 
Alma and. Otto. 

J. (i. Graham was born in 1841 in New Hamp- 
shire. After leaving school he worked at farming 
and clerking, and in 1862 enlisted in the Third 
New Hampshire; was woumled three times and 
honorably discharged at the expiration of his term. 
He moved to Iowa and one year later to Minne- 
sota; from 1867 until 1870 he was in the mercan- 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



609 



tile trade at Garden City, then opened the pio- 
neer store of Good Thunder; he also deals in grain 
and is proprietor of the Graham House. He has 
held sevei-al town offices. Married in 1868, Miss 
Lorette C. Barnard. 

Gottfried Glaucke was born in Prussia, in 1832, 
and at the age of twelve years came to America 
with his parents. Until 1864 he lived in Dodge 
comity, Wisconsin, then came to Lyra ; he was one 
of the pioneer settlers and first treasurer of the 
town. He now owns a fine farm of over 300 acres. 
In 1855 he married Mary Smith by whom he had 
seven children, six are now living. He married 
Semira J. Harlow, bis present wife, at Good 
Thunder. 

Carl Hartwich was born in 1842, in Prussia. 
When but fourteen years old he commenced learn- 
ing the tailors' trade, which business he followed 
about ten years. Since coming to America in 1870, 
he has been principally engaged in farming; he 
resided in Dodge county, Wisconsin, until coming 
in 1881; to Lyra. Louisa Steinake became bis 
wife in 1863. Their children are William, Paul, 
Emil, Emma, Edward, Martha, Matilda and Frank. 

B. S. Hawes, bom in 1818, is a native of New 
Hampshire. At the age of twelve years he ac- 
companied his parents to Maine, thence to Massa- 
chusetts and six years later to Wisconsin, where he 
worked at farming twenty-four years. Li 1867 he 
came to Minnesota, and after farming in Beauford 
four years he came to Good Thunder and opened 
his mercantile business. Rachel Storer became his 
wife in Maine, and has borne him live children ; 
B. F., A., E., G. G., and E. L. 

Johan Hiller, born in 1848, was educated in 
Prussia, his native land. He came to the United 
States and in 1874 settled in Lyra, where one year 
later, he bought the farm on which be is now. liv- 
ing. In 1876 Mr. Hiller was united in marriage 
with Amelia Schroeder. Henry, Ferdinand, Amiel 
and Minna are their children. 

Fred. Hoppe, a native of Prussia, was born in 
1843, and upon coming to America, in 1868 settled 
at Chicago, Illinois, where he remained about four 
years. In 1876 he migrated to Blue Earth -county, 
and in 1878 bought his present farm. Miss Paul- 
ina Schultz was married to Mr. Hoppe, at Good 
Thunder. They have one child, August. 

A. E. Luedke was born in Germany, in 1852, 
■and coming to America in 1855 with his parents 
located in Wisconsin, where he grew to manhood. 
After leaving school he was employed as clerk and 

39 



worked at the tinners' trade seven years; was also 
with his brother three years in the mercantile busi- 
ness. Since coming to Minnesota in 1878, he has 
continued in mercantile trade at Good Thunder. 
At Mankato, in 1880, he married Agnes Mechelke. 
Minnie is their only child. 

Fred Mann, born in 1851, is a native of Wis- 
consin. He came to Minnesota in 1863, located 
in Blue Earth county and obtained his education 
in the public schools here. In 1875 he embarked 
in mercantile business in Good Thunder and now 
enjoys a prosperous trade. Mr. Mann has ever 
been closely identified with the interests of the 
town. He married in this county, in 1875, Alice 
A. Baker who has borne him two children. Arthur 
is living. 

A. F. McCarty was born in 1845 and reared on 
a farm in Illinois, his native state. He emigrated 
to Blue Earth county and resides in Lyra on his 
farm of 160 acres. Mr. McCarty has held dif- 
ferent town offices for several years. In 1872 he 
married, in Hlinois, Mary Fogarty. Their chil- 
dren are Edward, Mary C. Andrew L., Catherine 
F., Joseph 0. and an infant. 

Dr. A. G. Meilicke is a native of Germany; he 
was born in 1843, and coming to America with his 
parents in 1853, located in Wisconsin where his 
literary education was obtained. For three years 
he read medicine with Dr. Trenkler and also at- 
tended the Boston University, school ot medicine. 
In 1861 he came to Minnesota and lived eight or 
nine years in Winona county; since 1870 he has 
labored in his profession at Good Thunder; he has 
a large practice and the esteem of all. Dr. 
Meilicke was married in 1876 to Anna Murphy. 

John G. Morris, a native of Ireland, was born 
in 1834 and in 1853 came to this country; after 
living in New York city three years he came in 
May 1856, to Minnesota, and settled in Blue Earth 
county. He enlisted in July, 1862 and served 
four years; was a member of Company H, Second 
Minnesota. Since returning to this state he has 
been employed in farming. Mary Carson became 
his wife in 1870, and they have five children liv- 
ing. Jennet, Isabelle, William J., Sarah J. and 
Katharina F. 

Ephriam Palmer was born in 1809, in Onondaga 
county. New York. He accompanied his parents 
in 1814 to Genesee coTinty, and thence in 1824, to 
Cattaraugus coimty. In 1835 he removed to Ohio 
where he worked at farming five years. From 
1841 until 1865 he lived in Illinois and then came 



610 



IIISTOHY OF TUB MINNKtiOTA VALLEY 



to his present home in Lyra. Shortly after com- 
ing hero be was elwt<'d justice of the peace and 
holds the office still. Hi.s wife \va.s Miss Esther 
Lewis; throe boys and five girls were born to 
them. Mrs. Palmer's death occurred mi the 10th 
of October, 1867. 

Wil. Reetz was horn in 1845, in Prussia. At the 
age of sixteen years he came with his parents to 
America and located in Le Sueur county, Minne- 
sota, where for eighteen years he was engaged in 
fanning, then purcha.sed his home in Lyra. His 
marriage occurred in Le Sueur county with Caro- 
line Sassy; two of their children are deceased; the 
names of the living are Robert, Henry, Martha, 
Albert and Willie. 

Walter Redl'earn. born in 18.">3, is a native of 
Illinois. When seventeen years old be removed 
with his parents to Iowa and located in Floyd 
county, where he attended school and also learned 
the millers' business. In 1873 he went to AVinne- 
bago City and worked at his trade there six years. 
Since 1879 he has been in l)U9iness in Lyra; 
he and L. N. Turner purchased the Cable mill. 

John L. Saxton was born in 1851. His educa- 
tion was acquired at the public schools of W'iscon- 
sin, his native state. In 1870 he came to Blue 
Earth county and the year following located at 
Good Thunder. He is engaged in the drug busi- 
ness, and oc<?upies two buildings erected by his 
father. He has served the town as postmaster, 
since being appointed in 1875, by President Grant. 

L. Stewart was born in 1840, at Detroit, Michi- 
gan. When he was two years of age Ijis parents 
went to Illinois, and one year after removed to Wis- 
consin. In August. 1862 he enlisted in Company 
H, Sixth Minnesota; served in the war with the 
Sioux, also in the south and was honorably dis- 
charged at the close of the rebellion. After leav- 
ing the army he worked at farming several years, 
but has for the ])ast five years been in the em- 
ploy 'of theX'hicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul rail- 
road company. He now has charge of their" sta- 
tion at Good Thunder. Married in 1867,^ Jane 
Galbreath. ^ They have four children. 

John Taylor,_boni iu 1843, is a native of Canada. 
He accompanied his parents to New York, Massa- 
chusetts, Connecticut and in 1856 settled iu Blue 
Earth county. In 1863 he enlisted and ser\'ed two 
years, was located at Fort Wadsworth one year; 
lie was a member of Company B, Second Minne- 
siti cavahy. Mr. Taylor's occupation is that of 



a farmer. In 1872 he married Abigail J. Bissell. 
Robert J. and Edith L. are their children. 

.1. H. Thew, a native of New York, was bom in 
1840 in Clinton county, and moved with his pa- 
rents to Wisconsin, when sixteen years old. From 
Noveml)er, 1861. until .\])ril, 1865, he served in 
the loth Wisconsin light artillery. After the war 
he was engaged in lumbering two years, then 
came to Lyra, his present home. Miss Sarah 
Greenwood became his wife in 1866, and has six 
children: George G., Mellcn T., Daniel H., Eliza 
J., Laura M. and Clara A. 

Levi N. Turner was born in 1838 in Maine, and 
when a small boy moved with his parents to Wis- 
consin. In 1861 he enlisted in Company F, 12th 
Wisconsin, and in 1865 was honorably discharged. 
Since July of that year he has been a resident of 
Minnesota; he worked at the trades of carpenter 
and millwright, and was in the mercantile busi- 
ness at Winnebago City four years. In 1879 he 
and Walter Redfearn bought the Cable mill at 
Lyra. He was married in Faribault county and 
is the father of three children : Florence E., Ray 
E. and May E. 

H. W'iedenhoeft was jiorn in 1837; he was edu- 
cated and learned the trade of shoemaker in his 
native country, Germany. In 1868 he came to 
the United States and after living in Wisconsin 
three years came to Good Thunder and at once 
established himself in the boot and slioe business; 
he has a fine trade. He was married in Germany 
to Ida Haft. They have lost one child; the living 
are Herman, Lena, Otto, Martha, Gustaf and Ida. 

Rev. August Wolff was born in Germany, in 
1826, and entered the ministry after 'finishing his 
education at college in BerUn. He came to Amer- 
ica in 1863 and for seven years was jjastor of a 
church in Scott county; suljsequeutly he labored 
the same length of time in Isanti county and since 
1877 has been ministering to the Lutheran church 
at (ioodThunder. In Germany he married Au- 
gusta Loeve, who has borne him twelve children; 
nine are living. 

Wilhelm Wrucke, born in 1851, is a native of 
Germany. When but four years of age he came 
with his parents to America and located in Dodge 
county, Wisconsin, where he grew to manhood. 
He removed to Blue Earth county and settled in 
Lyra whore he is now engaged in farming. His 
marriage with Sophia Sielstrup took place in Wis- 
consin. They have five children; have lost one. 

John^ Zanders, a native of Germany, was born 



BLUE EAllTH COUNTY. 



CH 



in the year 1825. In 1862 he came to the United 
States and after residing ten years in Harlem Il- 
linois, removed to Lyra where he at present lives 
and owns 210 acres of land. Miss Sophia Nei- 
man was married to Mr. Zanders in 1853, in Ger- 
many. They have one boy and seven girls. 



CHAPTER LXXII. 

VEBNON CENTER OEBESCO PLEASANT MOUND 

SHELBY STERLING MAPLETON DANVILLE 

MINNESOTA LAKE. 

When the county commissioners met April 6, 
1858, to form the towns of the connty preparatory 
to their organization, this one was called Monte- 
video, but changed to Vernon April 16 following; 
it was changed to Vernon Center, October 14, 1858. 
It includes all of congressional township 106, 
range 28. 

Settlement began in 1855. Israel Wing, 
Thomas Doak and Joseph MoClannahan came in 
the S2:)ring: James Taylor, M. L. Plumb and J. 
A. Darling came in the fall. 

Settlement was rapid in 1856, and in 1857 the 
land was all taken. 

Judson Plumb was born November 10, 1855, the 
iirst white child born in the town. 

The first marriage in the town was that of John 
Doak and Mary Arlige. They were married late 
in 1856 or early in 1857. 

The village of Vernon was surveyed in .June, 
1857, on land owned by the "Blue Earth Com- 
pany," in sections 26, 27, 34 and 35. The vUlage 
became quite prosperous, and had at one time a 
hotel, three stores, one blacksmith shop and a 
large steam saw-mill. This mill was built by the 
town site company during the summer of 1857 and 
operated until 1865, when it was burned. Reed & 
Mason buUt another mill in 1857, near the pres- 
ent iron bridge. This was subsequently taken 
down and the machinery taken away. The Stan- 
dard mill was begun in the fall of 1857, 
as a feed mill by G. W. Doty, and completed to its 
present dimensions later, and converted into a 
flouring mill by Mr. Hoover. It is now owned by 
Mr. Skinner. 

A post-office was established and called Vernon 
Centre, and .J. P. Dooley aj)pointed postmaster. 
The office is still in existence and in the hands of 
J. B. Pierce. 



The most of the town site proprietors were from 
Mount Vernon, Ohio, and wished to so call their 
town, but finally adopted the name given. But 
few lots are now occupied, there being but one 
store in the place; the original site is nearly all 
vacated. 

Upon the completion of the railroad in 1879, 
Mr. Elnathan Kendall laid out a new town site in 
the n"rth-west quarter of section 26, and called it 
Vernon Centre, and the railroad company at- 
tached a small piece on the east, called East Ver- 
non Centre. The station for a time was called 
Edgewood, but the original name of the site has 
been finally adopted. The new town now contains 
two general stores, one hardware store, three grain 
warehouses and one blacksmith shop. An effort 
was made to start a to\^-n called Montevideo some- 
time in 1857, in section 33. No plat was ever re- 
corded. A steam saw-mill and one house was 
built, but no other improvements were made, and 
the town came to naught. 

The first school was taught during the summer 
of 1858 by Miss Henrietta Smith in a small frame 
building erected for some kind of an office in the 
village of Vernon. In the spring of 1859 a frame 
school-house was built, and is still in use. The 
town now has five school- houses, all frame. 

The first religious services were conducted by 
the Rev. 0. L. Taylor, a Methodist minister from 
Shelbyville, in the fall of 1857, at the village. 
From that time services were conducted regularly. 

In the winter following the United Brethren de- 
nomination began holding services at the house of 
C. C. Washburn, under the auspices of the Rev. 
Joseph Casselman. The next summer regular 
services were held in the hall at the hotel in the 
village; the Rev. J. E. Oonrad organized a Presby- 
terian church, and the Congregationalists also had 
an organization. A Union church was built just 
south of the village in 1866, at which meetings 
were held by the different denominations. The 
Methodists now own the building ; their present 
pastor is C. F. Kingsland. The United Brethren 
have a parsonage a short distance south of this 
church. The Bajitists are building a church in 
the new town; the present pastor is the Rev. 
Rockwood. 

Myma post-office was established in January, 
1874, and T. L. Perkins appointed postmaster. He 
kept the office at his house in section 30, until Feb- 
ruary, 1878, when E. D. Comish was appointed 



612 



inarouY of the Minnesota valley. 



postmaster ami tlio office moved to his house nearly 
a mile further soutli. 

Tlie meeting for organizing the town was held 
at Vernon, May 11, 1858. The following officers 
were elected: J. C. Browning, chairman; Wil- 
liam Read and Edward Nickerson, supervisors; J. 
P. Dooley. clerk; E. A. Cooper, assessor; T. S. 
Hays, collector; Israel Wing, overseer of poor; 
Nathan Bass and G. W. .Johnson, justices; Wil- 
liam Skinuor and P. B. Day, constables. The first 
justice in town was J. A. Darling. He was elected 
in the fall of 1857. 

Franklin Barnes was born in Highgate, Frank- 
lin county, Vermont, in .Tunc, 183.3. Left home 
when twelve yeara old; went to New Hamj)shire 
and worked two years in a saw-mill and chair fac- 
tory, then returned; was stage driver one year 
after which he removed to New York; clerked in a 
store winters and worked in a saw-mill summers 
for four years; engaged in lumbering in Michigan 
until 1855, then migrated to Minneapolis. Until 
1857 he was in the hardware_bu.siness, then came 
to Vernon Center and settled on a farm. In 1879, 
Mr. Barnes assist.'d in laying out the village of 
Edgewood; the same year he started a general 
merchandise store; has also a lumber yard and 
deals in farm machinery. In February, 1856, he 
married Francis E. Bead. William R., Frank H., 
Hattie L., Edward A., and Louisa B. are the chil- 
dren. 

J. D. Blanohard was born in Cattaraugus coun- 
ty. New York, in 1835. At the age of eighteen 
he left the parental roof to learn blacksmithing: 
also learned the trade of a carpenter; he was em- 
ployed in saw-mill winters and and worked at his 
trade summers until coming to Minnesota in 1864: 
he located at Vernon Center and after pursuing 
his trade three years opened a wagon and black- 
smith shop. Mr. Blanchard married in 1858. Lucy 
A Carpenter. Their children are .Teunie and John. 

Joseph Bookwalter was born in Ross coimty, 
Ohio, in 1850, and is a son of the Reverend Isaac 
Bookwalter. When fourteen years old he accom- 
panied his parents to Minnesota and settled in 
Vernon Center. In 1877 he graduated from the 
Western College of Iowa. While in college he 
spent some time in teaching and continued that 
vocation until 1878, when he entered the Iowa 
University and took a course of 'lectures on law. 
Returned to Vernon Center iu 1879. In 1880 Mr. 
Bookwalter was elected to the legislature and 



served during the term on several important com- 
mittees. 

Frank Bosh was born in Indiana, in 1849. 
When thirteen years of age he began serving an 
apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade and has 
since followed it continually. He came to How- 
ard Lake, Wright county, Minnesota, iu 1879; 
one year later went to Mankato and remained until 
locating in Edgewo(id, where he owns a shop. 
Married in 1877, Miss Matilda McLain. Leonard 
and May are their children. 

D. Carpenter was born in New York, in 1839. 
Came in 1856 to Minnesota and settled at his 
j present home in Vernon Center. He has been 
i connected with the educationid interests of the 
town since the organization of the first school. He 
not only took an active part in organizing the 
Methodist Episcopal society, of which he is a 
member, but was largely instrumental in building 
the church. In 1851 Miss Maria Pratt became 
the wife of Mr. Carpenter. Byron A., Orila, 
George, Emma .T., and Amy are their children. 

Hon. E. T. Champlin, was born in Vermont in 
1839. When eighteen years of age he removed 
to Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming, also 
in teaching school. Came to Minnesota in 1861 
and located in Vernon. Enlisted in Company G, 
Third Minnesota, as a private, in 18C3; was pro- 
moted to the rank of captain, and served until the 
close of the war: has since given his attention to 
farming. Has served as county commissioner, 
three years and in 1875 was elected to the legis- 
lature. Mr. Champlin married iu 1867, Florence 
E., daughter of Hon. W. W. Langdon, of Vermont. 

Ezra A. (k)oper was born in Franklin county, 
New York, in 1829. He began working for him- 
self when nineteen years of age; was chiefly em- 
ployed as a carpenter. In 1855 he visited Minne- 
sota, and two years later located on his present 
farm. He enlisted in the Sixth Minnesota, and 
served nearly three years. In 1801 was elected 
collector of taxes for his town, has also been su- 
pervisor. Married in 1859, Miss V. ,T. Harriman. 
George W.; Eva B., Leslie F., Edna E. and Laura 
J. are their children. 

Lysander Cook, born in 1829, is a native of 
Lewis county, New York. He commenced at 
eighteen years of age and tauglit ten years, in his 
native state and Wisconsin, and in 1864 moved to 
Lyra, Minnesota; since 1878 he has lived in Ver- 
non Center. In the fall of 1875, while in Lyra he 
was elected to the legislature; has also held the 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



613 



offices of supervisor, town clerk and treasurer. 
Mr. Cook married in 1857, Miss Ann J. Torrey. 
They have two daughters; Alice and Nellie. 

E. D. Cornish was born at Bangor, Franklin coun- 
ty New York, in 1841. After completing his educa- 
tion at the University in Madison, Wisconsin, he 
began teaching and during vacations surveyed. 
In 1870 migrated to Minnesota and settled in 
Vernon Center. He began planting trees about 
t«n years ago and now has eight acres of them, 
some measuring thirty-four inches in circum- 
ference; there are eleven different varieties. Mr. 
Cornish has been postmaster of Myrna three years. 
In 1868 he married Mary A. Pew. They have 
have seven children. 

r. C. Hinz, a native of Prussia, was bom in 
1853. At the age of twelve years he accompanied 
his parents to America and settled in Wisconsin, 
and at the age of fifteen began clerking. Coming 
to Minnesota in 1876, he engaged in hardware 
business at Good Thunder; in 1879 he removed to 
Edgewood, and has since given his attention to 
that line of trade there. 

J. W. Jacobs was born in Somerset county, 
Maine, in 1834. In 1845 went to Wisconsin and 
began lumbering; in 1852 engaged in farming 
and in 1871 removed to Jackson county, Minne 
sota; he finally, in 1876, came to Blue Earth county 
and has since lived in Vernon. Mr. -Jacobs served 
in Hatch's battalion on the frontier two years. 
Married Miss Williams, of Illinois. Charles is 
their only son. 

L. C. Johnson was born in Howard county, In- 
diana, in 1845.- When only two years old his 
father died, and at the age of ten years he went 
with his mother to Iowa; one year later came to 
Minnesota and settled in Vernon Center, where he 
is now keeping hotel. During the Sioux massa- 
cre of 1862 he was a member of the Vtrnon mili- 
tia. Married in 1878, Miss Mary Turner, who has 
borne him one child; Lenalva. 

Elnatlian Kendall was born in Windham county, 
Conneeticnt, in 1831. Received common school 
and academic "education. Went to Iowa in 1855 and 
next year to Vernon Center. He was the founder 
of Edgewood in 1879. Was enrolled with the 
minute men in 1857 during the Inkpaduta out- 
break and at the time of the Sioux massacre re- 
moved with his family farther east. Married in 
1856, Louisa Eichardson. Theirs was the first 
marriage in Shelbyville. Sarah D., Lois E., and 
Edward L., are their children. 



Paul Lewis was born in 1854, in Madison, Wis- 
consin, and there obtained a liberal education, com- 
pleting it at the Worthington business college,after 
which he taught in the same college for eighteen 
months; was then telegraph operator in different 
parts of Wisconsin and Minnesota until June, 
1881, when he was appointed station agent at 
Edgewood. In May, 1881, he married Miss Hattie 
Palmer. 

Dr. Oliver H. McMichael was born in Clarion 
county, Pennsylvania, December 25, 1845. At- 
tended school and worked on a farm until 1863 
and for the next five years was engaged in teach- 
ing and attending the academy of his native vil- 
lage. He began the study of medicine in 1867 ; 
in 1869 entered the medical department of the 
Michigan University, and in 1871 graduated. 
Since May, 1871 he has been in practice at Vernon 
Center. Dr. McMichael is a member of the State 
Medical Association, also of the Minnesota Valley 
Medical Association. lu 1870 he married Mary 
E. Morgan. 

Peter Mertesdorf, a native of Prussia, was born 
in 1827. In 1854 came to America and for a 
short time remained in Chicago, then went to Mil- 
waukee, where he was engaged at his trade, that 
of tailor, three months. After farming eight 
years in Wisconsin, he came to Minnesota and in 
1862 settled in Vernon Center. Mr. Mertesdorf 
has been twice married; to his first wife, Mary 
Touches, in 1858; she died in 1874, leaving seven 
children. Miss Mary Cawl became his second 
wife in 1875. They are the parents of three chil- 
dren. 

S. B. Nott is a native of Bristol, England, bom 
in 1807. He learned the shoemaker's trade with 
his father, and when fifteen ytars of age he ran 
away from liome to learn another branch of the 
trade; in 1831 he came to America; visited all the 
principal eastern cities, and in 1833 went to St. 
Louis: entered the employ of the Columbia Fish- 
ing and Trading company, and crossed the plains; 
was one of the party which built Fort Hall on 
the Snake river. During the next spring he started 
with a party on a trapping expedition ; losing his 
way he wandered about eight days without food 
before finding the fort. In 1864 Mr. Nott came to 
Minnesota. Married in 1837 Sarah Hall. Four 
living children. 

J. B. Pierce was born in Windham coiinty, Ver- 
mont, in 1815. When a child he accompanied his 
parents to New York; in 1841 removed to Ohio 



6U 



niSTORT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



and in 1856, to Wisconsin. He cnme to Minne- 
sota in 1869; engaged in the drug trade at Garden 
City until 1876, then came to Vernon Center 
where he deals in general merchandise and drugs; 
was appointed postmaster in 1879. Married in 
1851, Miss E. H. Kider. Three children have been 
bom to thera, but all have died. 

J. H. Robinson, born in 1847, is a native of 
Blair county, Pennsylvania; when four years of 
age he went to Illinois with his parents; from 1855 
to 1862, he was in Kice county, Minnesota, then 
moved to Faribault county. He enlisted in 1864 
in Battery B, First Minnesota heavy artillery and 
served until the close of the war. He afterwards 
taught several terms of school and in 1878 settled 
in Vernon Center. Mr. Robinson is a grain dealer 
in the village of Edgewood; owns an elevator; 
has also a stock of millinery in the village. In 
1867 he married Joanna Reed. Mary and Effie 
are their children. 

Theodore Sowers was born in Fayette county, 
Pennsylvania, in 1828. His parents removed with 
him to Washington county, of that state, where he 
lived until 1840, then moved to Indiana where he 
worked at the carpenter's trade. Coming to Min- 
nesota in 1855 he made his home in Mankato until 
1861 engaged in the pursuit of his trade. He has 
since been farming in Vernon Center. He was 
postmaster three years, and has been supervisor 
six years. In 1859 he married Margaret Schuler. 
Adra, Wilham A., Effie, Maggie and Robert are 
their children. 

E. W. Washburn was born in Indiana in 1848, 
and when nine years old came with his parents to 
Minne.sota. His home has since been in Vernon 
Center. He received a liberal education, complet- 
ing it at Western College, in Iowa. Engaged in 
general merchandizing in Vernon Center from 
1873 until 1879, then removed to Edgewood. 
For four years he was town clerk and is at pres- 
ent treasurer. Married Mary A. Warren in 1872. 
Lillie is their only child. 

Noah Westover, farmer, is a native of Canada, 
bora in 1823. Learned the shoemaker's trade, 
which he followed twelve years. Went to Wis- 
consin in 1851 and farmed four years, then loca- 
ted at his present place; he lived at South Bend 
seven years, but returned to the farm. Mr. West- 
over married Ann Kerr in 1844. In 1867 he mar- 
ried Sar.ih Conklin. The living children are 
Sarah A., William A., Jennie and Lillian E. 

A. C. Wilber was born in Oneida coimty. New 



York, in 1844, and there lived until sixteen years 
of ago. He finished his studies at the academy at 
Fox Lake, Wisconsin. He afterward followed 
farming and came with hi.s parents to Minnesota 
in 1866, locating on his present farm. Has l>eeri 
treasurer and supervisor a number of years. In 
1865 he married Samh R. Judd. Fred. C. and 
Eva I. are the children. 

CEKESCO. 

This is one of the towns formed in 1858, and is 
situated in the south-western part of the county. 
It is drained liy the ^A'atonwan river in the north, 
and by Perch creek iu the south and east. The 
earliest settlers were W. D. (irey, Francis Pereival, 
William Wells, John Devlin, Benjamin Pease, 
Hugh Reynolds, A. B. Barney, Rufus and Charles 
Thurston. Mr. Grey located near the junction of 
the Watonwan river and Perch cieek, and still 
owns the land. He used to trade with the In- 
dians, and kept a small stock of goods for that 
purpose. Mr. Pereival located iu the northeast 
quarter of section 22, and soon after transferred 
his rights to the claim to Charles Thurston, and 
left. Mr. Thurston remained a few years, when 
he moved to Garilen City. Rufus Thurston located 
in the north-west quarter of section 21, where he 
now lives. None of the rest of these settlera now 
remain in the town, but have scattered to differ- 
ent parts of the country. 

The first marriage in the town was that of A. 
B. Barney and Mary Wrightson. They were mar- 
ried in 1856, soon after settlement began. 

The first school iu the town was taught by Miss 
Hattie Kingsley at a private house in what is now 
district No. 13, during the summer of 1859. The 
town now has five school-houses, all frame. 

Tlie first religious services in the town were 
conducteil by Jacob Burgess, at his house in sec- 
tion 22, during the summer of 1861. Meetings 
were held at his house, and in the grove near, as 
convenience dictated, all that season. There never 
has been a regular church organization, but ser- 
vices have been conducted by the different de- 
nominations, from time to time, at the school- 
houses. A Union Sabbath-school was organized 
at one of them, which lasted several summers. 

The town was organized at the house of Wil- 
liam Wells, May 11, 1858. The following officers 
were elected for the ensuing year: Isaac Slocum, 
chairman, James Wilson and A. B. Barney, super- 
visors; C. A. KoenipITer, clerk; J. C. Tibil, asses- 
sor; William Wells, collector; J. C. Tibil and E. 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



615 



M. Tolbert, justices; Oliver Pease, overseer of 
poor; W. D. Grey and Isaac Bundy, constables. 
At that time Lincoln was attached to Oeresco for 
official purposes, consequently some of these 
'officers appear from there. The town board for 
1881 consists of John Porter, chairman, John 
Hughes and William Mason. 

N. P. Chambers, a native of Pennsylvania, was 
born March U, 1831, in Mifflin county. When 
he was but four years old his parents died, and he 
went to live with an uncle. At the age of twenty- 
two he married Sarah Jane Hamilton, who died a 
number of years later. He enlisted in Company 
M, Sixth heavy artillery, in September, 1864; was 
promoted to sergeant, and in June, 1865, was 
■ mustered out. In 1867 he came to Blue Earth 
county. Mary Jane Thompson became his wife 
December 8, 1870. Robert N., Mary E. and 
Nancy M. are their children. 

J. M. Mead, born in 1823, is a native of Wash- 
ington county. New York. At the age of nineteen 
he went to Massachusetts, and in 1848 settled on 
a farm in Columbia c6unty, Wisconsin ; while re- 
siding there he held for a number of years the 
offices of town clerk and superintendent of schools. 
Since removing to Minnesota in 1858 he has lived 
at his farm in Ceresco, and has served continuously 
in the town offices, also one term as county com- 
missioner. In 1848 Abigail Gardener, of Ver- 
mont, became his wife. Helen, Eugene, Gardener, 
Alice and Fred, are their children. 

John C. Thompson was bom in 1824, in Wash- 
ington county, New York, and removed to Wis- 
consin in 1844. Esther Derby became his wife 
March 16, 1847, and died August 29, 1853; her 
children were Henry O., Myron G. and Emma; 
the latter died. In May, 1855, he came to Blue 
Earth county and pre-empted a farm, which he 
aftenvard sold, and bought in 1862 the farm he 
now owns. He married Olive Nichelson in 1856; 
their children are Emma A., Mary E., Nellie A., 
Miles H., Alpha and Olive. Mr. Thompson has 
for a number of years held various town offices. 

Charles Voigt was born in 1853, in Germany, 
and at the age of twenty-one came to America. 
He entered the Evangelical Lutheran Seminary at 
Addison, Du Page county, Illinois, from which he 
graduated, and coming to Minnesota in 1879, set- 
tled in Pleasant Mound, and taught the German 
school in the church building at that place; there 
were ninety pupils in attendance. Mr. Voigt mar- 
ried in 1881 Louisa Suhe, a native of Illinois. 



Eli Waite, bom November 28, 1836, is a native of 
Ohio. When twenty-four years'; old he learned 
photographing. In 1861 he enlisted; the name 
of the regiment was afterward changed to Iowa 
Fifth; about two and one-half years later he re- 
enlisted and served under General Sully in the 
West, also went south, and was discharged in 
June, 1866. Mr. Waite came to Blue Earth 
county in the spring of 1856. Mary Eliza Nobles 
was married to him November 8, 1866 and is the 
mother of five ehild-reu: Mildred M.,'_Maud S., 
Myrtle L., Howard J. and Homer W. 

Hermann Zempel was born February 9, 1843, 
in Prussia. He immigrated to Wisconsin and 
worked at farming in Green Lake county; while 
there he married, January 14, 1864, Caroline 
Weinkauf. In 1866 they came to Minnesota and 
since 1869 have lived at their present home. Mr. 
Zempel has been very active in organizing and 
maintaining the Lutheran church, and Sabbath 
school at this place, also the independent school 
where both English and German are taught; he 
• has been chairman of the town board and is sec- 
retary of St. John's Mutual Insurance company. 
Their children are Charlotte W., Wilhelm R., E. 
Johan, Otillie E. H., T. Richard, C. Mary, A. 
Hermann and L. Carl. 

PLEASANT MOUND. 

The name of this town is derived from a peculiar 
range of mounds in the southeastern part. It is 
the extreme southwestern town in the county, and 
includes all of congressional township 105, range 
29. At the session of the county commissioners 
held April 6, 1858, it was called Otsego and at- 
tached to Shelby for official purposes. At a ses- 
sion held October 14, 1858, the name was changed 
to Willow Creek, and to Pleasant Mound, Septem- 
ber 7, 1865. The first settlers were William Mars- 
ton, Mr. McKinney, Barnard Marble and J. P. 
Thomas came in the spring of 1857. They all set- 
tled in sections 1 and 12. They were interested 
in a town site about one and one-half miles far- 
ther east in Shelby and divided their time between 
their prospective town and their claims. None of 
them remained long. 

The first school-house in the town was built in 
district 83 and the first school was taught in that 
district. The town now has five school-houses, all 
frame. The Germans have built a school-house 
of their own in section 10 where they intend hav- 
ing a school taught in their own language. There 
is but one religions organization in the town, the 



616 



UISTOltr OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Lutheran : although the other denominations have 
liiul services irregularly since the first settloincut. 
The Metlioilists now have services in the school- 
house in district number 125. The Evangelical 
Lutheran church was organized in November, 
1870 by the i)res6ut pastor, H. J. Mueller, with 
thirty-live members. A church was built that 
fall in the southwest quarter of section 1. This 
WHS burned the next spring and a new one built 
the same year, iu the uorthoust corner of section 
2. It is a plain frame structure and cost about 
S600. A parsonage is located on the same lot. 
The membership now is about eighty-five. 

Pleasant Mound post-office was established early 
in the sixties. P. O. Marks was appointed post- 
master and the office located at his house in sec- 
tion 25. In the fall of 1865, the present incum- 
bent, J. S. Parks, was appointed and the office 
located at his house in section 26. Willow Creek 
post-office was establislied about the same time. 
Horace Kinney was appointed postmaster and the 
office was located at his house in Shelby. He 
was succeeded by Nathaniel Capen, who held the 
office until 1879 when the present incumbent, J. 
R. Wilder, was appointed and the office moved to 
his house in section 13. 

Pleasauc Mound Orange, No. 214, was organized 
May 2:i, 187:!, with thirty charter members. They 
first met at the school-house in district 29, but 
subsequently moved to district 125, where meet- 
ings are now held. This grange is the principal 
supporter of the system of fairs held under the 
auspices of the Blue Earth Valley Stock Associa- 
tion. These fairs are held annually at the farms 
of the members, and have become so popular that 
they rival the regular county fairs. 

The meeting for the organization of the town 
was held at tlie house of H. F. Longworthy, Sep- 
tember 26, 1865. J. F. West was chosen modera- 
tor and M. A. Chamberlai!i, clerk. The following 
town officers were elected: M. A. Chamberlain, 
chairman; P.O. M.irks and I. J. Gardener, super- 
visors; H. S. Parks, clerk; H. F. Longworthy, 
treasurer; .T. F. West and J. H. Hindman. justices; 
H. E. Sagar and J. A. Betts, constables. The 
chairmen since have been William Perrin and 
Michael Dempsey. Mr. Perin served fourteen 
years iu succession. 

J. S. Parks, a native of Canada, was born in 
1835 and when quite a young man accompanied 
his parents to New York. Wlien he was twenty- 
two years old his father died and he being the 



eldeat child had the charge of the family. In 1861 
he removed to Wisconsin, and worked in various 
places until 1863, when lie came to Minnesota; 
after a short time si)out in Winona ho took a home- 
stead in Pleasant Mound. He was the first clerk ' 
of the town and held the office three terms; has 
been jjostmiister here fifteen years. Married in 
1864, Helen M. Cray, who has borne him five 
children; Robert D., Walter M. and Louis E., 
Ray M. and Roy L. are twins. 

William Perrin was bqni in 1817, in Orange 
county, Vermont, and resided with his parents at 
the old homestead until forty years of age. From 
1857 until 1862 he lived in Wisconsin; then, after 
ten years iu Wabaslia county, Minnesota, lie came 
to Blue Earth county and finally settled on his 
farm in Pleasant Mound. Mr. Perrin has held 
various town offices and in 1878-9 served in the 
legislature; was also county commissioner for 
three years and chairman of the town board four- 
teen years. In 1842 he married Martha B. Green. 
Their children are Horace B., Willis L. and Adda. 

William R<.)binson. born in 1840, is a native of 
■Tefferson county, Pennsylvania. He served an 
apprenticeship in the cabinet makers' trade and 
iu 1857 moved with his parents to Minnesota. 
During the early part of the rebellion he enlisted 
in Comj)any C, Sixtli Minnesota, and served until 
the close of the war, after which he carried on his 
father's farm in Faribault county, two years, then 
mjved to Pleasant Mound. He has several times 
hold the offices of school director and justice of 
the peace. In 1866 Sylvia S. Taekel became his 
wife. Laura J., Horace A. and Oscar R. are their 
children. 

J. B. Reiter was born in Germany in 1837 and 
lived in that country until fourteen years of age. 
Came to America and for seventeen years resided 
in Wisconsin ; he then came to Scott county, Min- 
nesota, and engaged in farming five years, after 
which lie began the hghtning rod business which 
he still continues. He now resides in Martin 
county, Minnesota; his post-office is Rutland. Mr. 
Reiter enlisted in Company E, Ninth Wisconsin 
infantry, in 1863, and was ilischarged for disabi- 
Uty. Married Carrie Dohelton in 1862; of eight 
children, six are living. 

SHELBY. 

This town is situated in the south tier in the 
county and second from the west line. It was 
called Liberty when first identified by the county 
commissioners, and changed by them to Shelby 



BLUE EAMTH COUNTY. 



617 



October 14, 1858. The first settlers were Hiram 
Jackson and son Eli, and step-son, Hiram Ludd- 
ington. Tliey came in the summer of 1855 and 
located on the west side of Jackson lake, so named 
in honor of Mr. Jackson. Quite a number of 
settlers came in during the following year. Among 
the earlier ones were N. G. Root, C. C. Mack, M. 
T. Walbridge, A. P. Jacobs, F. and B. Farley, 
George Quiggle, William Gregory, Lewis and 
Hosea True and Levi Calhoun. Mr. Root located 
on section 4, and while stacking grain was killed 
in August, 1864, by the Indians. The elder of the 
two sons who were assisting, was also wounded 
but managed to escape. Mr. Mack was also mur- 
dered by Indians belonging to the same band. 

The first birth in the town was that of Mary A. 
Root. She was the daughter of N. G. Root and 
wife and was born June 16, 1856. 

The first marriage was that of George Quiggle 
and Miss Mary Northrup. They were married 
June 30, 1856, at the house of N. G. Root, 
Esquire Westover performing the ceremony. The 
first death was that of Mrs. Rudolph Craudall; 
she died in August, 1857, and was buried in the 
ShelbyviUe cemetery. 

The village of ShelbyviUe was surveyed in April 
1856, on land held by Judge A. G. Chatfield, in 
trust for other parties, in west half of section 35, 
and contained 320 acres. The projectors made 
strenuous eiforts to build up a town but the fates 
seemed against them. There were at one time two 
mills, two stores, one blacksmith shop and quite a 
number of residences. Only two houses now re- 
main on the town site. A post-ofiice was estab- 
lished there which continued until 1881. 

Another town was laid out in 1857 in the north- 
west quarter of section 5, by S. M. Folsom and 
others. A few buildings of a temporary nature 
were put up, but the enterprise was eventually 
abandoned. 

The advent of the railroad stirred anew the town 
fever. Amboy was laid out in 1879 on land for- 
merly owned by George Quiggle in the north-east 
quarter of section 23. A station was established 
by the railroad, and this town bids fair to be a 
success. It has four general stores, one drug 
store, two hardware stores, two hotels, two grain 
warehouses, one harness shop, two blacksmith 
shops, one shoe shop, one millinery, one wagon 
shop with feed mill attachment, operated by wind- 
mill power; one lumber yard and two churches. 

The Methodist church is stQl unfinished. Ser- 



vices are conducted once in two weeks by the Rev. 
C. F. Kingsland, of Vernon Center. The organ- 
ization was effected at a very early date in Shel- 
byviUe, and services were held at private houses 
by the Rev. J. W. Powell. They subsequently 
built a church in the village. 

The Presbyterian church was built in the sum- 
mer of 1880. Services are conducted once in two 
weeks by the Rev. J. E. Conrad, of Sterling. 

The first school was taught by Mrs. Clarissa 
Henderson, during the summer of 1857, at the 
residence of herself and husband just across the 
line in Vernon Center, although all the scholars 
belonged to Shelby ; there were but eight in all. 
The town now has seven school-houses. There 
were three brick buildings, but they were blown 
down during a tornado in the summer of 1879. 

The first mill in the town was built in 1857 by 
Henry Stokes and J. J. Porter in the village of 
ShelbyviUe. It was a steam saw- mill; later a mill 
was attached for grinding corn meal and graham. 
It was operated but a few years, when not prov- 
ing profitable it was abandoned. About the same 
time John Swearingeu put up a portable steam 
miU on the west side of the river, which he opera- 
ted a couple of years, when he built another mill 
in the village of ShelbyviUe on a much larger 
scale. This mill also had a coarse grinding at- 
tachment. It subsequently came into the hands 
of G. W. Marsh, who operated it a few years, then 
moved the machinery over to the river and sawed 
the material out for a grist-mill. This mill had 
two nm of stone, and was operated until the 
spring of 1880, when it was so damaged by the 
flood that the machinery was removed and the 
building torn down. The machinery of the saw- 
mill was sold to P. B. Day, who moved it further 
down the river and put up a mill which he ojjera- 
ted a few years, when he sold the machinery and 
it was moved away. A small water-power mill 
was built by Mr. Day about two years since which 
he still operates. A steam saw-miU was built by 
H. 0. Howard, near where J. E. Miller now Uves, 
about the year 1866. A grist-mill was subse- 
quently attached, which about two years later, 
came into the hands of T. H. Day, who moved it 
where the Champion mills now stand. It is a 
water-power mill with three run of stone, and is 
now owned by William Thompson, of Mankato. 

Champion Mills post-office was established in 
August, 1878; Robert Richardson was appointed 
postmaster and the office located at his store near 



018 



UISTORT OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



tlie Chiimpion mills. Mr. Riolinrdson held the of- 
tioe until 187'.», when lie movod to Amboy. The 
ollico was discontiuuod a few inonths, then re-es- 
tablished with J. £. Miller its postmaster, and the 
ortiee located at his house in section 17. 

Amboy ])ost-ofTice was established in January, 
1880, and the jsresent ineumbeut, Robert Richard- 
son, a]>poiiited postmaster. 

The town was organized May 11, 1858. The 
following gentlemen were theollicera for the ensu- 
ing year: Rudolph Crandall, chairman: (Sylves- 
ter Woodman and James Miller, supervisors; 
Henry Stock, clerk; C. C. Mack, assessor; W. H. 
Miller, collector; N. L. Jackson, overseer of ])Oor; 
Horace Kinney and J. L. Sampson, justices; John 
Diamond and C. P. Hutchins, constables. 

John Barr, a native of Illinois, was born Janu- 
ary 18, 1831, in Logan county, and remained there 
until twenty-five years of age. In 18.50 he went 
to Faribault county, Minnesota, and the year fol- 
lowing located in Shelby on his present farm. He 
enlisted in Company C, Si.\th Minnesota, in 1863, 
and served through the remainder of the war. Mr. 
Barr has four children by his first marriage. Jan- 
uary 2.5, 1870, Ida E. Lowry became his wife, and 
has two children. 

James L. Brown was born Juno 21, 1839, in the 
province of Quebec. Until twenty-one years of 
age he resided in his native place, then came to 
Minnesota and settled in Fillmore county; in 1872 
he removed to section 28, Shelby. His marriage 
occurred in 1864 with Sarah Pope, who was born 
in Canada. Eight children have been bom to 
them, only five are living. 

Gteorge H. Brush, a native of Waterville, Ver- 
mont, was liorn January 22, 18i8, and at the age 
of six years moved with his parents to Dodge 
county, Wisconsin. Two years after, they re- 
moved to Waushara county, where he remained 
seventeen years, and since coming to Blue Earth 
county in 1873 has been a resident of Shelby. In 
1870 Helen M. Reed, of Bloomfield, Wisconsin, 
became the wife of Mr. Brush. 

George Buckmister was born .\ugust 12, 1833, 
and until thirteen years of age lived in Essex 
county, New York, his native place; then accom- 
panied his parents to Lake ctmnty, Illinois, and 
from there went to Manpiette county, Michigan, 
where he remained until coming in 1856 to Fill- 
more county, Minnesota. He came to Shelby in 
1805 and in 1872 located at his present home. 
Married in 1856 Myra Crowell. Their children 



are Emma J., George H., John D., Cliarles S., 
Henry I)., Myra J., (deceased) and Frank N. 

William J. Chamberlin, a native of Susipie- 
hanna county, Pennsylvania, was born April 
3, 1829; he lived until twenty-two years of age in 
that state. After passing some time in Illinois 
and Iowa, became in 1856 to Minnesota and made 
a claim of 160 acres in Shelby. He enlisted in 
1861 in Comjiany I, Brackett's battalion, afterward 
transferred to Fifth Iowa cavalry, ami served until 
January, 1803; in the winter of 1864-.") he was 
south in the government employ. Married Janu- 
ary 12, 1867, to Elsie Morris, who has borne him 
three children, two are living. 

George W. Cooper, deceased, a native of New 
York, was born March 6, 1839, in Cattaraugus 
county. While he was young he moved with his 
parents to Dodge county, Wisconsin, and in the 
year 1861 settled in Shelby. His marriage with 
Caroline D. Tubbs, a native of Maine, occurred in 
1861. Three children were born to them. On 
the 28th day of December, 1880. Mr. Cooper died. 

A. Herbert Corbott was born May 31, 1845, in 
Franklin coimty, Maine, where he remained until 
reaching his majority, at which time he went to 
Anoka, Minnesota, and thence to Excelsior where 
he worked at milling. In 1868 he came to Blue 
Earth county and in 1872 removed to his present 
home. Mr. Corbett married in 1872 Miss Donie 
Briggs, who was born in Iowa. lone and Julia 
are their children. 

P. B. Day, born .January 16, 1818, is a native of 
Herkimer county. New York, where he worked at 
at lumbering and also learned the trade of mill- 
wright. He lived three years in Virginia and in 
1858 came to Blue Earth coimty: the Indians 
compelled him to leave Pleasant Moimd and he lo- 
cated in Shelby where he has since carried on 
farming and milling. He married Elizabeth Jones 
in 1850 and she has borne him fourteen children, 
eleven of whom are li\-uig. 

Bennoney Parley, a native of Kentucky, was 
born December 11, 1829, near Madison. From 
fourteen until twenty-five years of age he lived in 
Indiana, where he had moved with his parents; he 
worked at lumbering in that state. After spend- 
ing one year in Missouri he lived in Lee coimty, 
Iowa twelve years, and there lost his first wife; his 
second marriage occurred February 9, 1853, with 
Mary Rice. In 1856 they came to Blue Earth 
county and took a claim where they have since re- 
sided. They have three children. 



BLUE EARTU COUNTY. 



619 



George Quiggle was born March 3, 1819, in 
Trumbull county, Ohio, and remained there until 
about thirty-three years of age. After living thir- 
teen years in Green Lake county, Wisconsin, he 
came to Shelby and bought his present home. He 
was one of the originators of the town of Amboy, 
giving ten acres of land to the village. In 1844 
he married Cordelia Silliman, who died in April, 
1876; she was the mother of six children; four 
are living. 

George Green, born December 7, 1820, is a na- 
tive of Delaware county, New York. He re- 
ceived an academic education after which he 
taught in different parts of New York and also 
worked at farming. In 1850 he removed to Gresn 
Lake county, Wisconsin, thence in 1867 to Vernon 
and in 1869 to his present location in Shelby; 
since coming heee he has served continually as 
town clerk, and in 1877 was in the state legislature. 
Married in 1846, Miss D. S. Millard. Their chil- 
dren are Clarence M. and Clara, both teachers. 

John A. Hilliker was born January 4, 1816; 
Franklin county, Vermont, was his native place 
and he made that his home and followed sailing 
until 1854, at which time he moved to Juneau 
county, Wisconsin. Since coming to Shelby in 
1868 he has lived on section 4. His marriage took 
place November 7, 1849, with Maria Bunker, who 
was born in Canada. Seven of their eight children 
are living. 

O. M. Hooper, a native of Livingstone county. 
New York, was born December 2.3, 1845, and when 
fifteen years of age came to Minnesota with his 
parents. After living two years in St. Paul he 
went to Belle Plaine, where in 1872 he engaged 
in the drug trade and afterwards in general mer- 
chandise. In June, 1881, he came to Amboy and 
established himself in business. Miss - S. E. 
Stoever became his wife in April, 1873, and has 
two children, John S. and Mary L. 

Asa P. Jacobs, deceased, was born April 30, 
1808 in Candor, Tioga county. New York. The 
marriage of Amanda M. Brink to Mr. Jacobs oc- 
curred January 17, 1836 and in 1856 they came to 
Shelby and took a claim of 160 acres, one half of 
which the family still owns. Six children were 
born to them, five of whom are now living. One 
daughter and her two children were kUled during 
the Indian massacre. Mr. Jacobs died September 
19, 1874. 

Moses Kunselman, a native of Pennsylvania, was 
born July 4, 1829 in Schuylkill county. When 



but four years of age he moved with his parents to 
Armstrong county, and after remaining twenty 
years, went to Blichigan. In 1865 he came to 
Shelby and settled on a farm on section 35. Mr. 
Kunselman's marriage took place in 1854; his 
wife's maiden name was Catherine Hulben; she 
has borne him six children, five are living. 

Eliza Reynolds nee Wing, was born February 5, 
1830, in Otsego county, New York. When nine- 
teen years old she went to Indiana where, De- 
cember 30, 1849, she married Noble G. Root; two 
years later they removed to Iowa and after resid- 
ing there about two years they came to Minnesota. 
After living eighteen months on a claim near 
Gooil Thunder they were oljliged to give it up, 
and took another claim where the family now lives. 
August 11, 1864, Mr. Root was killed by In- 
dians while at work near their residence; their son 
Edward was also shot, but eventually recovered. 
After the death of her husband Mrs. Root moved 
to Iowa, but returned to her claim in 1865 and the 
same year was married to Wesley Reynolds. They 
have two children living. Five of the seven chil- 
dren by her first husband are living. 

Robert Richardson was born December 14, 1821 
and lived in England, his native land, until 1850, 
when he immigrated to New York; from there he 
went to Canada, and remained ten years. In 1860 
he removed to Wisconsin and worked at railhng in 
the state until 1863, when he came to Minnesota 
and for a number of years continued tlie same 
business. In 1879 he opened a store at Amboy; 
also postmaster at this place. Mr. Richardson has 
been married three times. 

John L. Samson, deceased, was born December 
28, 1827, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and married 
January 1, 1851, to Barbara Stock, who was born 
August 29, 1827; she, too, was a native of Lan- 
caster county. They came in 1856 to Shelby and 
made a claim on section 35. Mr. Samson enlisted 
in 1861, in Company H, Fourth Minnesota, and 
served until his death which occurred August 12, 
1863. Five children were born to them. 

John T. Shank, a native of Pennsylvania, was 
born in August, 1826, in Lancaster county, where 
he learned the carpenters' trade. In 1857 he 
came to Blue Earth county ; after a short stay in 
Mankato he took a claim of 120 acres in Shelby; 
moved to the village of Shelbyville, but returned 
to the farm. He enlisted in Company H, Fourth 
Minnesota, in February, 1864 and seiwed through 
the rest of the war. Married in 1848, Anna M. 



G20 



lIlHTOliY OF TUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Nenl, whoclieil November Ifl, 1878; sbe had borne 
liimuiiie children, eiglitare living. 

Albert M. Stei)liens, born November lfi,1830, is a 
native or IJridgowiiter, Susquehanna county, Penn- 
sylvania, where he remained twenty-two years. 
He removed to Oswego, New York; also lived 
about one year in Amboy, Illinois, and afterwards 
in Iowa. In the spring of 1856 he took a claim 
of IfiO acres on section '11, in Shelby. Mr. Stephens 
has always taken an active part in the politics of 
his town and has held nearly all the offices. In 
1800 he was married, his wife being Angeline 
Tiffany. They are the parents of five children of 
whom two are deceased. 

Abuer Th(jmp3on, of Ohio, was born July 4, 
1805, and his marriage occurred in the year 
1842, with Sarah A. Staten, who was bom May 
12, 1816, in Virginia. Three children have been 
born of this marriage. Mclinda A., David F. and 
John. Mrs. Thompson had been married in 1836 
to P. Richardson, by whom she had two children. 
Meliuda A. Thompson was first married in 1861, 
to David Terherne, who died in 18()(); she bore 
him two children: George F. and Louisa A; she 
has also two children by her marriage with C. H. 
Fessenden : Guy and Leroy W. David F. Thomp- 
son enlisted in Company C.llth Minnesota in 1864, 
was discharged at the close of the war, and on the 
1st of June, 1867, his death occurred. 

Abram Van Aernam was bora April 22, 1838, in 
Albany county, Now York. While he was young 
the family moved to the western )iart of the state, 
and four years later to Wisconsin, Mihere his father 
died. In 1868 he came to his present home in 
Shelliy. Mr. Van Aernam enlisted in September, 
1861, in the Third Wisconsin light artillery and 
October, 1H64 was honorably dist^harged. Mar- 
ried in 1868, Jane E. Gourley. Their children are 
John W., Jennie E., Eva M., George R. and Mag- 
gie E. 

William Vroman was born in 1823, and lived in 
Bradford county, Pennsylvania, bis native place, 
until 1845, employed in farming and lumbering. 
From 1845 until 187() he was a resident of Wis- 
consin, then came to Minnesota and located in 
Sterling township. Since 1881 he has been owner 
and proprietor of a hotel at Amboy. Mr. Vro- 
man's wife was Eliza Pratt; she has borne him 
eight children, of whom seven are living. 

J. B. Wilber, born in 1826, is a native of Madi- 
son coimty, Vermont. In 1845 he went to Illinois 
for one year, then removed to Wisconsin, and in 



1861 to Howard county, Iowa, where he remained 
four years; from Iowa he came to Shelby, where 
he now lives. Mr. Wilber has been a member of 
the town board for several years. On the 28th of 
March, 1854, his marriage took place; Ocorgietto 
is Ids only child. 

H. E. Weymouth was born October 13, 185'.). iu 
Plainfield, Wisconsin, and accompanied his parentfi 
to Cereseo, Blue Earth county. His education was 
attained at the State University and he studied law 
with Lorin Cray, of Lake Crystal, also witli Judge 
Weymouth, of Marshall; he was in the pmcticcof 
his profession two years in Lincoln' co'inty and 
June, 1881, settled at Amboy. Maggie Farmer, 
of Lake Crystal, became his wife in 1878 and has 
borne him two children. 

Hiram E. Young, a native of New Yorl;, was 
born September 20, 1857, in Erie coimty. When 
but three years of age he moved with his parents 
to Winnebago county, Wisconsin, where he learned 
blacksmithing. In the year 1879 he came to Min- 
nesota and located in Mapleton, but only remained 
one year, then came to Amboy, where he carries 
on the blacksmiths' business. 

STERLING. ■ 

This is one of the southern towns in the county 
and includes all of congres.sional townshij) 105 
range 27. In the spring of 1858, in conuection 
with congression.'d township 105, range 26, it was 
organized as Mapleton and James Cornell was 
chairman of the town board. At a session of the 
county commissioners, held January 3, 1860, they 
granted the petition of the citizens of the town to 
change the name to Sterling. The separate or- 
ganization was effected April 3, 1860. The first 
settlement was made in 1855; that yeiir V. Hyl;md, 
Horace De Wolfe and George Root came in. The 
settlement the nest year was largely augmeuled 
by a portion of the colony that came that year 
from the Eas-t and settled in the southern part of 
the county." 

The first birth was that of .Jacob Morris, a .«oa 
of James Morris. He was born during the winter 
of 1856-7. 

The first school was established at the house of 
Joseph Dobie in section 35, by a Mr. Horton iu 
the summer of 1857. That same season the colo- 
nists estal)lished a 8<-hool with Isabella Vannicc as 
teacher. It was taught at the house of James 
Little in section 10 and numbered about twenly- 
five scholars. There are now six school-houses i;i 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



621 



the trtwn, five frame and one log. One of them 
belongs to the Scandinavians. 

Tlio fir.st religions services were conducted in 
IS.'JC), by the Eev. J. E. Conrad, a Presbyterian, 
at his house in the southeast quarter of section 
13. About 1866 the Congregationalists built a 
church which is still in use in section 14. 

Sterling post-office was established early in the 
sixties. William Russell was appointed post-mas- 
ter and the office located at his house in section 
1.5. He sulisequently moved it to section 16, where 
lie kept it a short time when Thomas Kandall re- 
ceived the appointment and the office was located 
at his store. The name of the office had in the 
meantime been changed to Sterling Centre. Mr. 
Eandall was succeeded by William Ellis .Jr., who 
is the present incumbent, and has the office located 
at his store. 

This town displayed great liberality in its sup- 
port of the Union cause during the war with the 
South, by liberal appropriations for bounties to 
volunteers and raising funds to support the fami- 
lies of soldiers in the field. 

William S. AUdredge, a native of Indiana, was 
born in 1825 and moved with his parents in 1837 
to Illinois. From 1852 until 1854 he was mining 
in California then returned to Illinois and in 1857 
located on his farm in Sterhng. He has a stock 
and grain farm of 160 acres. In 1847 he was 
united in marriage with Ruth Mosher, who was 
born in Oliio. They are the parents of two chil- 
dren. Milo H. and Mary J. now Mrs C. Alberson. 

C. D. Andrus, born in 1837, is a native of Brad- 
ford county, Pennsylvania. He accompanied the 
family to Wisconsin and in August, 1862 enlisted 
in the Twenty -third regiment of infantry, from 
that state; three years later he was mustered out 
and returned to Wisconsin. In 1867 he removed 
to Martin county, Minnesota, and thence to Ster- 
hng. his present home. Sarah A. Aldredge became 
his wife in 1861 and has borne him nine children ; 
the living are Frank, Justina, Emma, Edgar, Char- 
ley, Georgie and Alliert. 

Arzro Auuis was born in 1827, and grew toman- 
hood on a farm in Vermont, his native state. Af- 
ter living three years in Franklin county, where 
he was employed in a grist-mill, he migrated in 
1856 to Minnesota and settled on section 14 in 
Sterling whore he is now. residing. Married in 
1851, Mary J. Hall who died in 1860; Harriet 
Eldridge became his wife in 1863. He has four 
children: Albert, Eddie, Frederick and an infant. 



Allen Benedict was bom in 1829, in Delaware 
county, Ohio. He migrated to Wisconsin in 1847 
and completed his education at Ripon College; he 
was engaged in farming and school-teaching in 
that state, and in 1872 came to his home on sec- 
tion 17, Sterling. Helen Wilcox, a native of New 
York, was in 1858 united in marriage with Mr. 
Benedict. Of the nine children Vioru to them, six 
are living; Clara A., Hettie, Alice, Thomas, Charles 
and Peter. 

R. D. Boyer, a native of New York, was born in 
1831 in Herkimer county. He went with his 
parents to Jefferson county, Wisconsin, and coming 
to Minnesota in 1864, he located at his present 
home in Sterling. His marriage took place in 
May, 1860, with Mary E. Shafner, who was bom 
in 1835 in New York. Their children, Harrison 
and Franklin, are living, and one is deceased. 
Mr. Boyer has served as assessor eight years. 

W. Buell was bom in 1817 in Genesee county, 
New Y'ork. In 1834 he moved to Michigan, 
thence in 1836 to Wisconsin; he worked at farm- 
ing in that state and Hlinois until 1861, when he 
came to Minnesota, and from Olmsted county re- 
moved to Sterling, where he owns 270 acres of 
land. Married in 1844 Emily Caidkins, who died 
in 1860; Mary A. Caulkins became his wife in 
1861, and died in 1864; his third marriage took 
place in 1866, with Hannah Olverson. Mr. Buell 
is the father of thirteen children, six of whom are 
living: Florence O., Josejjh T., Durward, Charles 
F., Silas A. and Grace B. 

George Clark was born in 1830, and learned 
shoemaking in Scotland, his native country. He 
married EUen Sharp in 1854, and the same year 
immigrated to Connecticut, where he worked at 
his trade. In 1857 he worked on a farm for the 
government at the Winnebago Agency, and the 
next year came to Sterling, where he has 170 acres 
of land, with good buildings. Mr. Clark has a 
step-son, William Hall, and an adopted daughter, 
Lizzie Ellen. 

L. A. Cornell, a native of Indiana, was born in 
1834 in Elkhart. In 1856 he came to section 1, 
Sterling, which is still his home. He enlisted at 
Mankato in Company F, First heavy artillery, and 
was mustered out at St. Paul. Mr. Cornell has 
served his town in the capacity of supervisor and 
constable. Louisa L. Gordon became his wife in 
June, 1860; she was born in 1837 in New York. 
Four of their seven children are living: Francis 
M., Edith M.., Albert B. and Luke. 



(!2.J 



llISrOHY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Robert Curry wus bom m 1835. After leaving 
school he worked in different places in Pennsylva- 
nia, bis native state, until coming in 1856 to Min- 
nesota; the next year he remo\ed from Olmsted 
county to his j)resent home in Sterling. In the 
full of 18G1 he enlisted under Ciiptiiin West, and 
about one year after was discharged because of 
disability. Mr. ('urry has held the oflice of super- 
visor and school treasurer. Married in 1870 Eliza 
Tenny. Their children are Maggie and William. 

Fayette Decker, a native of New York, was born 
in 1832 in Delaware county. While living in that 
state he was in the lumber business; in 18.57 he 
removed to Wisconsin, and there engaged in farm- 
ing; since 18G4 he has been a resident of Sterling, 
where he owns a farm of 120 acres. He has held 
different offices, and at present is town treasurer. 
In 1856 Nancy Alverson was married to Mr. 
Decker. Four children have been bom to them: 
George, Charles E., Jessie and John. 

A. J. Ellis, son of James and Mary Ellis, na- 
tives of Scotland, was bom in 1855, in Queen's 
county. New York. In the spring of 1864 he 
came with his parents to Minnesota and located in 
Sterling. For the past three years he has held 
the position of assessor. Mr. Ellis was united in 
marriage in 1880, with Nettie Morrow, who was 
bom in 1854, in Canada. They are the parents of 
one child; James Garfield. 

William Ellis was bom in New York city, of 
Scotch parentage. He accompanied his father's 
family to this state and settled in Sterling; until 
1870 he worked at farming, then became a mem- 
ber of the firm of Randall & Ellis, dealers in gen- 
eral merchandise; in 1873 he sold his interest and 
now keeps a general store in the new building 
which he erected. Since 1874 he has been post- 
master and for a number of j-ears has served the 
town as treasurer and clerk. Married in October, 
1879, Lillie M. Ballard. Their only child, LilUa, 
died September 12, 1881. 

Dr. C. L. Francis was born in 1823, in Oxford, 
Maine. At the age of nineteen he went to Boston, 
where he studied medicine and attended lectures 
and graduated from the medical department of 
Bowdoin college. He practiced for a time at Nor- 
way, Maine, also kej)t a drug store. In 1856 he 
came to Sterling; is engaged in farming and prac- 
ticing his profession. Dr. Francis has been super- 
visor for several years and justice of the peace. 
Married in 184!(, Miss L. Whittaker who was bom 
in 1825 in Massachusetts. Their children Charles 



H. and Agnes L. are at home; Thomas B. married 
Rev. Conrad's daughter, of Sterling, and ha« one 
child; Harry. 

Rev. N. A. Hunt, bf»m in 1811, was reared on a 
farm in New Hampshire, liis native state. He at- 
tended medical It^ctures at Jacksonville, Illinois, 
also studied at Oberlin College and at a theologi- 
cal institute in Cincinnati. After completing his 
education he was for six years pastor of the Con- 
gregational church at Marion, Illinois, and twelve 
years at Cottonwood Grove; since the autumn of 
1863 he has resided in Sterling, laboring in the 
ministry and also engaged in cultivating bis farm. 
Mr. Hunt was united in marriage in 1845, with 
Clarissa A. Conrad, a native of North Carolina. 
Nine children have t)een bom to thera; eight are 
living. 

William H. Johnson, of Scotch parentage, was 
bom in 1831, and after leaving school learned the 
trade of blacksmith, in his native country, Scot- 
land. Upon coming to the United Statffi in 185!). 
he located at Winnebago Agency and there worked 
at his trade. In 1874 he removed to his present 
home in Sterling: is employed in farming and 
blacksmithing. Mary E. Little, who was bom in 
1841, in St. Lawrence county, New York, was mar- 
ried in 1864 to Mr. Johnson. They have an 
adopted daughter, Annie. 

Charles .Tones, a native of New York, was V)om 
in 1818, in Broome county. While living in that 
state he obtained a common school education and 
afterwards engaged in farming. In 1855 he mi- 
grated to Minnesota, and the year following lo- 
cated on section 14, Sterling, which is still 
his home. Mr. Jones is the owner of 340 
acres of choice land. His parents are both natives 
of Massachusetts: one of his two brothers is a resi- 
nent of Tioga coimty New York, the other lives in 
Sterling. 

S. M. Keith was bom in 1828, in Ohio, where he 
remained until seventeen years of age, then moved 
to Wisconsin and there worked at farming. In 
1860 he came to this state and has since been a 
resident of Sterling. Mr. Keith has been super- 
visor for a nrmiber of terms and justice of the 
peace ten years. He was united in marriage with 
Martha A. Briley, September 8, 1851, in Wal- 
worth county, Wiscon.sin. Mr. and Mrs. Keith 
have had nine children; the living are, Albert C, 
George C., Frank E., Nettie L., and Melvin W. 

Abram Moses was bom in 1827. in the state of 
Massachusetts. Went with his parents to Litch- 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



623 



field, Connecticut, where he resided until 1861, at 
which date he removed to Minnesota; his farm of 
330 acres is on section 27, Sterling. Mr. Moses 
has served the town in different offices for a num- 
ber of years. His first marriage took place in 
1850, with Margaret Phelps, who died in 1854. 
Minerva Dunbar became his wife in 1856. He is 
the father of six children; Charles E., Alice, Ida, 
Frank, Burt, and an infant. 

E. Munger, a native of New York, was bom in 
1829, and accompanied his parents to Michigan, 
where his education was acquired. Kemoved to 
Wisconsin and worked at farming in that state 
until 1868, when he came to his present home in 
Sterling. He has filled various town ofBces. Mar- 
ried in 1857, Harriet Vroman, who was 'born in 
1839, in Pennsylvania. Their living children are 
Susan, Phylinda, Isadore, Willie and Mabel. 

James Morris, born in 1824, was brought up on 
a farm in Ireland, his native country. In 1850 
he came to America; worked at draying six years 
in New York, and then came to Minnesota with a 
colony that was organized in that city and Brook- 
lyn; he owns 630 acres of land in Sterling; his 
house stands on the bank of Maple river. In 
1848 he was united in marriage with Christiana 
^Harrison, who died in 1878, in Sterling. Eleven 
children were born to them; the living are: Eliza- 
beth W., John T., Jacob C, J. W., James A., 
Abraham L., and Ada. 

W. J. Mountin, born in 1843, is a native of Con- 
necticut. At the age of seven years he went to 
Wisconsin with his parents, James and Frances 
Mountin, wh<i both died in that state. He came 
to Minnesota and now owns 160 acres in Sterling. 
He was married in 1874, in Wisconsin, to Lucy A. 
Sheriners, who was bom in tliat state in 1856, of 
Irish parentage. They have an adopted child : 
Frances E. 

M. M. Pratt >as born in 1827, and after leaving 
school worked at farming and dairying in New 
York, his native state. In 1865 he came to his 
present home in Sterling ; has a grain and stock 
farm of 200 acres. Mr. Pratt was united in mar- 
riage in 1850 with Caroline A. Orr, who was born 
in New York. Their children are EUa G., Ida M., 
Homer C, Howard S. and Jennie B. He enlisted 
in 1862 in the 154th New York infantry. Company 
B, and was mustered out at the close of the war. 

William Eaudall, a native of New York, was 
born in 1833 in Broome county. He was given a 
common school and academical education. In 



1855 he went to Michigan, thence to Illinois, and 
the following spring to Winona county Minnesota; 
finally located permanently on section 27, Sterling. 
Mr. Randall joined the militia in 1862 during the 
Sioux outbreak. He was married in March, 1869, 
to Lavina Vanolpenburg, a native of Wisconsin. 
Their children are Olive and Allen. 

A. B. Reed, son of Carlton and Fanny Reed, 
was born in 1830 in Connecticut. He moved with 
his father's family to Pennsylvania; afterward en- 
gaged in farming in Iowa, and in 1858 came to 
Minnesota; located on his farm of 325 acres in 
Sterling in the spring of 1859; since coming here 
he has served the town in different offices. Elvira 
Storrs became his wife in 1858, and has borne him 
four children: Lucas Y., Effie M., Hattie A. and 
Annis C. 

C. M. Reynolds, a native of New York, was bom 
in 1851 in Lewis county, and accompanied his 
parents to Wisconsin where he was employed in 
farming fourteen years. In 1868 he removed to 
this state and is now the owner of 160 acres of 
land in Sterling; he has held the office of town 
clerk here. Alice Franklin, who was bom in 1853 
in New York, was married to Mr. Reynolds in 
1873, and has three children: Gertrude, Earl and 
Floyd. 

Charles H. Roberts was born in Bloomfield, 
Maine, in 1822, and lived at Bangor from 1827 
until 1837, at which time the family removed to the 
state of New York; they afterward engaged in 
farming in Wisconsin. He located j^ermanently 
on sections 2 and 3 of Sterling in 1858. Annie 
E. Lowdon became his wife in 1853; she was born 
in 1838 in New York. They have lost one child; 
the living are Ella A., Charlotte, Eugene, Mable, 
Charles F., Clara E., Mary A., Alice E. and Bessie. 

John Sanbom was bom in 1815 in New Hamp- 
shire. He removed to Illinois and farmed four 
years in Cook county, also the same length of 
time in Whitesides county and afterward in Iowa. 
In 1855 he settled in Rice county, Minnesota, but 
since 1865 has been a resident of Sterling. Mar- 
ried in 1842, .Julia A. Burgeon who has borne him 
twelve children; only six are living: Charles A. is 
engaged in the lumber business at Mankato ; Mary 
L. is teaching and Florence M. is attending school 
in that city; Emily H., now Mrs. Webb lives in 
Sterling; Luther L. and Edwin L. are at home. 

Eliza Philmore, now Mrs. Stevens, was bom in 
1825, and lived in England, her native country 
until 1854, when she came alone to the United 



C'21 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



States and first located iu FultoD county, Indiana. 
She was living with the family of Rev. Jacob 
Conrad iind oanie with them in IS.'jfi, to Blue Knrth 
county. In IH.'iS she liecame the wife of Artemas 
Stevens, a native of New Hampshire; in 1H03 he 
was thrown from a horse and killed. Her chil- 
dren are Catharine, Fairmont, Eliza and .Toseph. 
Mr. Stevens liad two children by a former mar- 
riage : .Vugust and Eugene. 

William Webb, Jr., born in 1844, is a native of 
Delaware. In April 1857 he came to Minnesota 
with his father's family and settled on section 4, 
Sterling, liis present home. He enlisted iu Com- 
pany H, Second Minnesota in February 18G4 and 
in July 1865 was mustered out. Mr. Webb has 
been a member of the state legislature and has 
held tlie town offices of clerk, treasurer, justice of 
the peace and supervisor. In 1867 he married 
Emma Sanborn who was born in 1848 in Iowa. 
Their children are Henry P., Albert and Rachel. 

MAPLETON. 

When the county commissioners formed the 
towns previous to organization, tliis one was called 
Sherman and attached to Mapleton (now Ster- 
ling) for official purposes. They were organized 
and acted together until 1860 when they were di- 
vided and separate organizations effected. Con- 
gressional township 105 range 27 was called Ster- 
ling and township 105 range 26 changed to Ma- 
jjleton. The first wliite settler in the town was 
Uriah Payne. Became in April, 1856 and located 
in the western part of the town, part of his claim 
being in Mapleton and part in Sterling. The 
next settlement was shortly after by members of 
the '"Minnesota Farmers and Village Association." 
This a-ssociation was organized in the city of New 
York and iuchided members from nearly all the 
Eastern states, and a few from Europe. The secre- 
tary was William Wilde, now living in Sterling, 
Robert Taylor, now post-master at Mapleton, was 
chosen advance agent from his liaving had exper- 
ience in establishing a colony at Minnesota City, 
in the southern part of the state. He came to the 
territory in February, 1856, and in May follow- 
ing traversed Blue Earth county, and dei'ided 
upon the location selected. The members of the 
colony, over one hundred in number, arrived the 
.same month and scattered through the southern 
part of the county, principally in Mapleton and 
Sterling, wliere a large number of them still live. 
In June, 1856, they laid out a town site covering 
320 acres, in section 7, Mapleton, and 12, Sterling. 



It afterward transpired the land was illegally en- 
tered and the town site was jumped by two en- 
terprising settlers. 

An association store was managed by Mr. Wes- 
sel, which wa8 0j)erated about a year, when it was 
closed and the stock divided among the memljers. 
The management of this stock of goods left the as- 
sociation iu debt about SI, 800, which was not all 
paid until within the past year. 

Another attempt was made to establish a town 
on the south side of section 7, by Jamas Cornell 
and others in 1858, but proved a failure. A small 
portable steam saw-mill was put tip by the Mid- 
dlebrook Brothers, which was operated a short 
time, then moved. 

Mai)leton post-office was established here in 
1857, with Stephen Middlebrook for ]X)8tmaster. 
It was subsequently moved to the present village 
of Mapleton and the name changed to Mapleton 
Station. Robert Taylor was appointed postmas- 
ter, and still continues to hold that position. 

The first school was taught by Jarvis Harring- 
ton, one of the colonists, during 1857, in a log 
building erected for the jmrpose in section 7. 
There are now eight school-houses in the town; 
seven frame and one log. The one in the village 
of Mapleton is two stories high and contains two 
departments, with an average attendance of about 
fifty ))upils. 

The Wllage of Mapleton Station was laid out in 
October, 1870, on land owned by Clark W. 
Thompson and others, in the north-east quarter of 
section 4. Several adilitious have been made at 
different times. Tlie village has made a substan- 
tial growth and is to-day a thriving business cen- 
ter. Following is a synopsis of the business 
places: Two hotels, four general stores, two hard- 
ware stores, one drug store, one fumit\ire store, 
one notion store, one flouring mill, two harness 
shops, two shoe shops, three millinery and dress- 
making shops, three blacksmith shops, one restau- 
rant, two meat markets, three saloons, two lumber 
yards, six warehouses and one cheese factory. 

The professions are represented by one doctor 
and two lawyers. There are also three churches 
and one school-house. 

The Mapleton Bai)tist church was organized in 
Jime, 1868. The first jjastor was Rev. S. K. Stow. 
Their present church building was erected in 1878 
at a cost of about ^1,500. The pre,«ent member- 
ship is fifty-five, and the pastor is the Rev. E. A. 
Howe. 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



625 



The German Evangelical Lutheran church was 
organized in 1871 with about ten members. Ser- 
vices were conducted by Rev. A. Barnake, who is 
also the present pastor in Troendle's hall. Their 
church was built in 1876 at a cost of $1,.'500; the 
present membership is twenty- tive and services are 
conducted once in two weeks. 

The Mapleton Catholic church was organized in 
June, 1876, by Rev. Theo. Venn, with a member- 
ship of twenty-flve families. Their church was 
built the following fall at a cost of $3,000. Father 
Venn still officiates and holds services once a 
month. The membership has increased to about 
thirty -five families. 

The village was incorporated in 1878 and ef- 
fected an organization March 19. The following 
officers were elected: Joel Gates, president of 
board ; L. Troendle, -James McLaughlin and C. H. 
Wick, trustees; P. A. Foster, recorder; Sherman 
Peet, treasurer; C. W. Smith, justice, and Henry 
Tenny, constable. 

S. C. Brooks was born in 1838, in St. Lawrence 
county, New York. At the age of fourteen he 
moved to Illinois and in 1859 csme to Minnesota; 
for some time he was farming at Winona then re- 
moved to Lake City. In 1864 he enlisted and 
served during the rest of the war. From 1865 
until 1874 he was employed in farming in Maple- 
ton and then commenced his machinery business; 
since 1878 he has also been interested in the livery 
with Mr. Tenney. His marriage occurred in 1861, 
with Matilda TaUes. Their children are Oliver, 
Bertha, Anna and Rosa. 

Le Roy Bowen was born in November, 1846, iu 
Oswego county. New York. He resided in t)iat 
state and Michigan until 1865, when he came to 
Minnesota, and lived on a farm in Majjleton until 
1879; then he removed to the village and bouglit 
the Mapleton hotel of which he is still proprietor. 
In 1867 Mary Morrison became his wife. Lillian 
G., Lizzie, Lydia, EsteUa M. and Mary L. are 
their children. 

J. E. Brown, born in 1831, is a native of Canada; 
when but a child he accompanied his parents to 
St. Lawrence coimty. New York, and lived there 
until eighteen years old. He removed to Wiscon- 
sin an'd after working nine years at his trade, that 
of mason, he entered mercantile business at Fond 
du Lac. In 1864 he engaged in trade at Winne- 
bago Agency; six years later he opened the j)io- 
neer store of Mapleton and continues in business 
here. Married in 1858, Miss C. B. Townsend. 

40 



Charles H. Case was born October 12, 1854, in 
Houston county, Minnesota, where his parents had 
located on the 10th of the same month; he was 
the first white child born iu that county. At the 
age of fourteen years be became employed in a 
store, but at the same time continued his studies; 
when seventeen years old he entered a telegraph 
office and remained until coming in 1875 to Maple- 
ton to assume his present diities as station agent. 
In February, 1878, he married Frankie Farnam. 

John Cliase, a native of New Hampshire, was 
born in 1823. In 1844 he went to Vermont and 
thence to the state of New Y^ork, where he lived 
until 1856, at which date he came to Minnesota, 
and located in Faribault county; since 1862 he 
has lived on his farm in Mapleton and has filled 
various town offices. In 1849 he married Abigal 
Ash. They have eight children. 

George A. Clark was bom in 184.5, in Lewis 
county. New York. Much of the time since six- 
teen years of age, he has been engaged in school 
teaching. In 1862 he removed to Wisconsin and 
the following year located in Mapleton. For eleven 
years he was clerk of the town and is now justice 
of the peace. His marriage took place in 1865, 
with Alvina J. Cory. Their children are Eda and 
Ida, who are twins; Ada, Fay and Ray. 

James Cornell was bom in Franklin county, 
Ohio, in August, 1807, and when twelve years old 
moved with his parents to Clark county. At the 
age of twenty-four he went to Indiana, and in 
1856 he and his family came with an ox team to 
Minnesota; reaching Mapleton after a journey of 
six weeks. May 27, 1856, he delivered the first 
sermon preached in this town ; he also married the 
first couple and preached the first funeral sermon. 
The first town meeting was held at the house of 
Mr. Cornell and he was the first commissioner 
from this town. Married in 1828, Emily Byrd, 
who died in 1852; his second wife was Anna 
McCoy. He has nine children. 

Charles Dietz, born in 1855, is a native of St. 
Paul, Minnesota. Soon after his birth the family 
moved to New Ulm and when seventeen years old 
he went to Mankato to learn the trade of harness 
maker; remained three years and then after one 
year at St. Peter and a short time at Minneapolis 
he opened a harness shop at Mapleton. Mr. 
Dietz has served one term as justice of the peace 
since residing iu this town. 

E. M. Dyer, a native of Vermont was born in 
1850, in Windham county. While he was quite 



(526 



11 I STORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



joiing his parents movSd to Ohio and in 1857 they 
located in Bhie Earth county. Wlien seventeen 
years old, he, in'company with a brother, built in 
IJiipidnn, the Dyer mill, which they operated a 
nuinhcr of-'ycars. In 187-4 ho canio to Ma])loton 
aud for six years engaged in the wheat business; 
since^lSSO he has been dealing in general mer- 
chaiidiso iu company with Mr. Strabcr. Married 
iu '1875. Charlotte King. Nellie is their only 
chTld. 

L. Dyer was born in 1820, in Windham county, 
Vermont.' From 1853 to 18.57, he lived in Ohi'>, 
then settled in Danville, Minnesota. In 1800 he 
was appointed by the government to take charge 
of the farming department of the Winnebago res- 
ervation and held that position until 1803, when 
the ludiaus were removed. The year following he 
went to Rapidan and until coming to JIapleton iu 
1881,^was^engaged in farming. ^^Mr. Dyer has 
held numerous office iu the ditl'erent places he 
has lived. In 1844 married Esther Wight. 
Three children: Henry O., E. M. and Ida. 

Joel Gates was born in 1818 and lived in Wy- 
oming county, New York, his native place until 
twenty-tliree years old, engaged in" farming and 
lural)ering. In 1841 he migrated to Wisconsin 
where he was in the lumber business seven years; en- 
tered mercantile trade in Illinois, but soon returned 
to New York where he coutimied the business until 
1800, at which date ', he "commenced farming in 
Mapleton. Ten years after he opened his hard- 
ware store at the station. Married in 1841, Miss 
E. Merchant. Their children are Ida E. and 
Emeretta\T. 

M. A. Gilmore, boru in 1839, is a native of Ohio. 
He went to Wisconsin with his parents when young, 
and remained until 1809. when he went to Cali- 
fornia; in his business tliere, of mining and freight- 
ing, he was very successful. Returned aud bought 
a large farm in McPlierson, which he still owns, 
b>it for the past few years has lived at his farm iu 
Mapleton. In 180.5, Louisa R. Nichols became 
his wife. Their children are Lucy M., Edwin A., 
Ada A., George W., Helen A. and Hattie R. 

Charles Hidde, boru in 1841, is a native of Ger- 
many. He immigrated to New London, Wiscon- 
sin, in 1855 and lived tliere until enlisting in 1861, 
in Company G, Third Wisconsin infimtry; at the 
close of the war iu 1865 returned to Wisconsin and 
since 1870, lias resided in Miipleton. Miss Beitha 
Kline became his wife in 1805. Frank, Clara and 
George are their children. 



James McLaughlin, a native of Ireland, was 
bom in 1842, and with his parents settled in Ohio 
in 1849, where they remained until going in 1855, 
to Scott county, Minnesota. From 186H\mtil 1875 
he was farming in iNIapleton, tlien came to the vil- 
lage and began the furniture business, in which he 
is now engaged. He has held several offices and 
at j)re.sent is town clerk. In 1870 he married 
Margaret O'Brien. They have three children: 
Lizzie, John and George. 

Adoljjh Paegel was born in 1843 in Germany. 
He learned the trade of sail making, and nine 
years pre\-ioii.s to coming to .\merica in 1870, he 
followed the life of a sailor. He worked at his 
trade six years in Chicago, then came to Minne- 
sota and located in Mapleton; in 1878 he bought 
the building and opened the saloon where he is 
still in business. In 1873 Miss Hulda Jennrich 
became his wife. Their children are Matilda, Au- 
gust and Ida. 

James Pearson, born in 1838, is a native of 
Cauada.wherc he learned milling and worked at the 
trade until 1864, when he removed to New 
York. That year he entered the 184th New York 
regiment aud served until the war closed. After 
living in that state five years he returned to Canada 
and in 1879 came to Minnesota; he worked at his 
trade in Mankato, also in Janesville and in the 
sjiriug of 1881, leased the Mapleton steam flour- 
ing mill, which he is operating. Married Mary 
Mand. Their children are Mary, John and Annie. 

S. Peet, a native of New York, was boni in 1844 
in Oswego county. In 1802 he entered the army, 
but after serving eight months, was discharged 
because of poor health. Returning to New I'ork 
he worked at his trade, that of coojier, until 1864, 
and from that date until 1875 he did carpenter 
work and farming in Mapleton; since coming to 
the village he has been engaged in mercantUe 
business. In 1865 occurred his marriage with 
Miss B. S. Bowen. Carrie and Hattie are their 
children. 

\\'illiam N. Plymat was born in 1845, in Craw- 
ford county, Pennsylvania. When a cnild he ac- 
companied his j)arentM to Wisconsin, and after 
leaving Fox Lake College in 1803 he settled in 
Garden City, Minnesota; the year following he en- 
tered Brackett's battidion, and until mustered out 
in 1866 served on the frontier. He came to Ma- 
pleton, where he engaged in farming, teaching 
winters until 1877, when he commenced to read 
law, and since being admitted to the bar in 1880 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



G27 



he bas been in practice here. Mary Young be- 
came his wife in 1866, and has four children: 
Genevieve, Luretta, Harry E. and Walter A. 

J. S. Koe, born in 1853, is a native of England. 
At the age of fourteen he commenced to learn 
blacksmithiug in Ireland, remaining there until 
coming to America in 1872. He lived about four 
years in New Haven, Connecticut, then a short 
time in Massachusetts, after which he came to 
Minnesota; resided until 1879 in Medo, then re- 
moved to Mapleton, bought a shop, aud has since 
done blaoksmithing and wagon-making. Mary 
Livingstim was married to Mr. Eoe in 1872, and 
bas two children : .John S. and George G. 

0. W. Smith, a native of New York, was born in 
1832 in Oswego county, and while young moved 
with his parents to Ohio, thence to Iowa, and in 
1855 he came to IMinuesotji and settled in Maple- 
ton. Mr. Smith worked at farming, and then for 
a number of 3-ears followed the carpenter's trade. 
In 1862 he entered the army and served one year 
in the First Minnesota cavalry, re-enlisted in 
1864 in the 11th infantry, and went through the 
remainder of the war. Since 1876 he has been en- 
gaged in the carriage business. In 1857 be mar- 
ried Phoebe Cornell. Julias W., Elmer A., Emily 
S. and Grace are their children. 

C. G. Spaulding was born in 1836 in Coos 
county. New Hampshire, and after leaving school 
be engaged in farming and teaching in that state 
until 1859, at which date he moved to Hlinois. 
About eighteen months later he settled in Fari- 
bault county, Minnesota ; was in the wool growing 
business there, also taught school during the win- 
ter months until 1874; he then came to Mapleton, 
built a warehouse, aud has since been engaged in 
grain buying. Married in 1877 Delight E. Berry. 
Their children are Mary and Charlie. 

Kobert Taylor was born in October, 1819, and 
when a young man learned the trade of print cut- 
ting, at which he worked in Scotland, his native 
land, until 1842; he then came to America and 
continued in that employment in Boston, Taunton 
and New York city. In 1852 he was appointed 
one of a committee to select a location in Minne- 
sota for a colony ; he settled at Winona, where his 
wife and children died. He returned to New 
York, and in 1855 came again to Minnesota on a 
similar mission; both colonies were failures, and 
nearly all returned East. Mr. Taylor is still a res- 
ident of Mapleton; he has held many county and 
town offices, and since 1865 has been postmaster. 



W. H. Tenney, born in 1842, is a native of New 
York. When he waii seven years old his parents 
moved to Wisconsin, and shortly after to Michi- 
gan; in 1862 he came to Minnesota, and in 1866 
to Mapleton; since 1878 he has been engaged in 
the livery business. In 1864 he was united in 
marriage with Miss C. E. Tenney. Their chUdren 
are Minnie, Estella and Hattie. 

L. Troendle, a native of Germany, was born in 
1830. He came to the United States in 1854, and 
until 1872 lived in Wright county, Indiana: at 
that time he located in Majjleton; since early life 
Mr. Troendle has been engaged in mercantile bus- 
iness. In 1859 Louisa Schroder became his wife. 
William, Henry, Carl, Emma, Annie, Lena and 
Louisa are their children. 

DAXA'ILLB. 

This town was first called Jackson by the 
county commissioners in April, 1858. It became 
necessary to change the name on account of there 
being another of the same name in the state. The 
name of Danville was given to it at the request of 
Lucius Dyer, that being the name of his native 
jalace in Vermont. It is the extreme southeast- 
ern town in the county. 

The first white settler was Hector Sharp, who 
came in May, 1856, and settled on section 27. 
Quite a number of settlers came in June and later, 
most of whom have either died or moved away. 

The first birth in the town was that of Mary, a 
daughter of Francis and Helena Wagner. She 
was born in 1857 in a tent the family were occupy- 
ing at the time in section 26. 

The first religious services were conducted by 
Kev. James Cornell, a Methodist, at the bouse of 
Mr. Sherman in section 20. There are now four 
organized churches in the town, viz: The St. 
John's, Catholic, established by Father V. Somer- 
eisen in 1864, although church services had been 
held since 1859 at private homes. The church is 
located in section 23. Services are now conducted 
once a month by the Kev. Theo. Venn. 

The German Lutheran, built in 1867, located in 
the north-west corner of section 24. Their first 
minister was Rev. Arnard. The membership at 
that time was about thirty and now about seventy. 
The present pastor is Eev. Barnake. 

The German Methodist church, organized also 
in 1867, had about twenty members. The church 
building was erected in 1869 and located in sec- 
tion 14. Their present pastor is Eev. Christian 
Gebhard. 



628 



imSTORY OP THE MINNESOTA VAIJ.ICY. 



The Keformed German Lutheran cliuroli wii.s or- 
gnnizeil in 18H0 and put up h hiihiII clmrcli. 

The tirst scliool wiis orKiuii/ed during the win- 
tor of ISrjS-!* at a i>riviito lionse in section 2C, by 
Uriali Northnip. Tlie town now has six school- 
housps. 

Franklin ])ost-onice was established in 1857 and 
Francis Phillips appointed postmaster. The office 
was located at his house in section 35 until the 
spring of IS,")!), when it was moved into Faribault 
county. 

Sherman post-offiee was established in 1SG7 
with Barney Cooper as ])ostinaster. The office 
was located at his house in section 9 until 1869 
when it was discontinued. A few years later it 
wa.s revived and James McBroom appointed post- 
master. 

Danville post-office was established a few years 
since and Henry Stenernagol appointed postmas- 
ter. John Luurisch is the present postmaster and 
the office is located at his house in section 1. 

The town was organized in May 1858 and the 
town officers for the first year were — Lucius Dyer, 
Chairman: Benjamin Ho]>ewell and Samuel Lara- 
bie, supervisors; N. J. Kremer, clerk and collector; 

Hector Sharp, assessor; Samuel Larabie and 

Sanborn, Sr.. justices; Stephen Larabie and San- 
born Jr., constables. 

John I'. Kremer was born in 1841 in Loraine, 
France and accompanied his parents to Erie coun- 
ty. New York. In 1855 they removed to Wiscon- 
sin, thence in 1857-to Fjiribmdt county, Minneso- 
ta, and six months later to Danville. He was 
given a common school education and also attend- 
ed German school, while in New York. Mr. Kre- 
mer has one of the finest improved farms in Blue 
Earth county. He has held various town offices 
and was clerk of Danville for twelve years. In 
the fall of 1881 he was nominated for county treas- 
urer on the democratic ticket. Leouie Eschbach 
became his wife in 1871, and has four children: 
John P., George E. M., Rosa and Katie. 

John Kremer, a n;itive of Germany, was born 
in 1842 and in 1850 came with his parents to 
America. They lived in Erie cf)unty. New York 
five years, then migrated to Wisconsin and thence 
to Minnesota in 185(); he has always been a farm- 
er and now resides on the farm in Danville, where 
they first settled. In 1863 he enlisted in Com- 
pany K, Second Minnesota cavalry; was station- 
ed on the frontier and in the spring of 1865 was 
honorably discharged. Mr. Kremer has served 



the town in several offices and for eight years was 
constable. Married in 1873, Mary Mosser. Their 
children are William, Ida, Lena and Martin. 

VIIiLAOK OF MINNE.SOTA LAKE. 

This thriving bnsiness center is situated on the 
western shore of the lake from which it derives its 
name, in the northern part of Faribault county. 
The first settlers on sci tion 4, in which the town 
is located, were Cliauncy Barber and S. Merrick, 
who came in the fall of 185C. After a residence 
here of three years, ^Ir. Barber removed to Utah. 
Merrick remained about ten years then removed 
to Waseca county, where he now lives. N. J. 
Kremer was the first settler in the township of Min- 
nesota Lake. His father and three brothers came 
at the same time and settled in Danville. Mr. 
Kremer now resides in the village and owns a 
large amount of real estate. 

In the spring of 1859 a post-office was estab- 
lished, with Alexander R. Harrison in charge. 

The village has grown rapidly as the surround- 
ing country became settled and now contains four 
general stores, one furniture store, one feed store, 
throe hotels, four warehouses, one flouring mill, 
four blacksmith shops, two wagon shops, two shoe 
shops, one harness shop, one millinery store, a 
meat market, two livery stables and three saloons; 
two physicians and two veterinary surgeons. 

The village was incorporated in 187G; the first 
officers were: A. Clark, president of board; Wil- 
liam Lambie and N. J. Kremer trustees; E. A. 
Case, recorder. 

The population was 208 by the tenth United 
States census. 

A. Clark was born in 1816, in Addison county, 
Vermont. In 1819 he went with his parents to 
New York, and in 1826 to Wisconsin; he learned 
the trade of carpenter and joiner, at which he 
worked until 1861, when he raised Company D, 
Third Wisconsin infantry and served as captain; 
in 1863. poor health compelled him to resign, liut 
he re-enlisted ui the fall of 1S65: was made cap- 
tain of Battery (i, heavy artillery, and raised it to 
144 men; was mustered out at the close of the war. 
He was in the mercantile business eight years in 
Wabasha and sim'e 1871 has kept a general store 
at Minnesota Lake. Mr. Clark has been presi- 
dent of the village council since its organization 
in 1875. Married in 1843, Elizabeth McDonald 
Their children are Dewitt and Fidelia. 

Dr. P. FoUmann, a native of Germaay, was 
burn in 1829, and studied at Luseuburg and Paris 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



629 



until twenty-six years of age. Upon completing 
his education he traveled one and one-halt years in 
France and Germany and then began the practice 
of his profession, medicine. In 1861 he immi- 
grated to Winona, Minnesota; three years later re- 
moved to St. Louis and in 1868 returned to Ger- 
many for a visit. The year following he located 
at Mankato where he was in practice; was also en- 
gaged in the drug trade in that city and snbse- 
(juently at Mapleton: in 1877 he sold his businss 
there and has since followed the practice of medi- 
cine at Minnesota Lake. In 1859 he married 
Katharine J. Schwitzer. 

N. J. Kremer was born January 14, 18.34, in 
Loraine, France. In 1850 he immigrated with his 
parents to Erie county, New York, where he worked 
at farming, and in 1855 removed to Wabasha 
county, Minnesota; the year following he filed the 
papers for the first claim taken on Minnesota 
lake. He has since been engaged in farming also 
in real estate and mercantile business; at present 
he is senior partner in the firm, Kremer & Apley, 
dealers in agricultural implements. Fof twelve 
years he has been chairman of the town board. 
His marriage occurred in 1861 with Elizabeth 
Wagner. Of the eight children born four are liv- 
ing; Peter J., Julia, Edward N., and Bosa. 

S. M. Merrill was born in January, 1834, in 
Ohio. In 1855 he moved to Waseca county, Min- 
nesota and until 1862 engaged in h>inting and 
trapping; at that date he enlisted in Company F, 
Fifth Minnesota and after serving three years was 
honorably discharged as a non-commissioned 
officer; he participated in many very severe battles 
and was wounded three times. After leaving the 
army he followed hunting and trapping again 
until 1869, and since then has been interested in 
farming. He is owner and proprietor of the Mer- 
rill House at Minnesota Lake. In September, 
1871 he married Emma Poland. Merton, William, 
and Holly are their children. 



CHAPTER LXXIII. 

WAK BECORD OF BLtlE E.\ETH COUNTY. 

First Infantry, Company H, Sergeant — W. H. 
Wikofie, must. May 23, '61, killed July '63 at Get- 
tysburg. Privates — B. P. Dewey, must. May '61, 
dis tor pro. May 16, '63. Charles Mansfield, 
must. May 23, '61, dis with regt. Company I, 
Private — James Cannon, must. Apr. 27, '61, w'd 



July 21,'61 at Bull Run, dis for disab'y Nov. 27,'61. 
Company K, Privates — W. A. Coy, must. May 22, 
'61, dis for disab'y Feb. 18, '63. Edward Casey, 
must. May 23, '61, trans, to U. 8. art. July 16, '62. 
C. H. Andrus, must. May 22, '61, dis for disab'y 
Aug. 10, '61. 

Second Infantry, Company A. Recruit — F. I. 
Seaman, must. Oct. 28, '64, dis with regt. Com- 
pany B. Recruit — Patrick Burns, must. Oct. 7, 
'64, dis per order June 11, '65. Dompany D. 
Privates — G. M. Gilchrist, must. July 1, '61, died 
Sep. 30, '63 of w'ds rec'd at Chickamauga. Suh- 
stitute — S. D. Lewis, must. Oct. 22, '64, dis with 
regt. Company E. Private — Isaac Morgan, 
must. July 5, '61, re-en. Dec. 26, '63, dis with 
regt. Company G, Mustered July 8, 1861. Pri- 
vates — John Dehming, dis on ex, of term, July 7, 
'64. Peter Ferlein, deserted Jan. 1, '62, from Le- 
banon, Ky. Alberto. Sell, trans, to co. H, Aug. 
1, '61. Charles Krause, trans, to co. H, Aug. 1, 
'61, died in '63, of w'ds ree'd in battle of Chicka- 
mauga. John Schreger, trans, to co. H, Aug. 1, 
'61, died at Bowling Green, Ky. in '62. Mathias 
Sontag, trans, to co. H, Aug. 1, '61, dis on ex. of 
term, July 8, '64. Edward Stumpfeld, dis for 
disab'y, Aug. 9, '62. C. W. Smith, trans, to co. 
H, Aug. 1, '61. N. Weiss, trans, to co. 
H, Aug. 1, '61, dis. on ex. of term, July 8, '64. 
Company H, Mustered July 15, 1861. Captain — 
Nelson W. Dickerson, resigned May 11, '63, 
First Lieut. — John A. Beatty, pro. capt. May 21, 
"63, resigned Mar. 30, '65. Second Lieut. — Jerome 
Dane, resigned Mar. 18, '62. Sergeants — A. S. 
Lytle, trans, to reg'l band Aug. 31, '61. L. N. 
Holmes, pro. 2d It. .Tan. 30, '63, 1st It. May 21, '63 
and capt. Apr. 12, '65, dis with regt. T. G. Quale, 
pro 2d It. May 21, '63, w'd at battle of Mission 
Eidge, resigned Feb. 14, '65. J. L. Walingford, 
pro. 2d It. Mar. 29, '62, resigned Feb. 8, '63. J. 
M. Foster, mortally w'd at battle of Chickamauga, 
died Sep. 21, '63. CorporaU^-DmiiA Fagan, pro. 
sergt., re-en. pro. 2d It. Apr. 12, '65, dis with regt. 
James Thompson, re-en. Dec. 27, '63, pro. sergt., 
dis with regt. B. E. Williams, dis on ex. of term, 
July 14, '64. Josiah Keene, pro. sergt., lost an 
arm at battle of Chickamauga, dis Jan. 9, '64. 
Franklin Whittier, reduced and was dis on 
ex. of term, July 14, '64. W. C. Durkee, dis for 
disab'y, Feb. 21, "62. George Bennett, dis for dis- 
ab'y Mar. 28, '62. Charles Philbriok, dis on ex. of 
term, July 14, '64. Musicians — H. C. Tibbets, re- 
en. Dec. 21, '63, dis from hosp. Aug. 10, '65. B. 



630 



HISTORY OF THB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



J. SiWejr, re-en. Doc. 21, '03, dis with regt. 
Wagoiiir — Homer Bornard, re-on. Dec. 25, '63, 
died Feb. 28, '6t, at Rooktord, 111. Privates— 
Lewis Bonnett, dis for disab'y .Tan. 20, '63. Eph- 
riara Boujamin, dis on ex. of term, .Inly 14, '64. A. 
H. Bigelnv, killed Sep. 20, '63, at battle of Chick- 
amaaga. Joseph Burger, re-en. Dec. 18, '63, dis 
for disab'j, .Tune 17, '65. C. W. Campbell, dis on 
ex. of U>rm, Sep. 30, '64. W. A. Clark, re-en. Dec. 
17, '63, pro. oorp. sergt, dis with regt. R. H. 
Crosby, died Sep. 21, '61, at Fort Snelling. W. 
H. Conklin. dis for disab'y, Mar. 13, '62. Walter 
Crowley, dis for disab'y. Mar. 13, '62. Eugene 
Cross, trans, to co. E, 4th U. 8. art'y, Dec. 24, '62. 
Horace Ciimius, dis for disab'y, Jan. 25, '63. W. 
H. Day, dis. for disab'y, Oct. 21, '61. W. A. 
Ford, dis for disab'y Jan. 18, '()3. Thomas Fos- 
re-en. Deo. 15, '63, pro. Corp., dis with regt. Wil- 
liam Gleason, w'd at battle of Mission Ridge, dis 
on ex. of term, .Tnly 14, '64. Mc R. D. Gnnn, re- 
en. Dec. 29, '63, dis for disab'y May 25, "65. Mil- 
ton Hanna, re-en, Deo. 15, '63, pro. corp. and sergt. 
dis with regt. H. G. Henderson, dis for disab'y, 
Feb. 23, '63. .T. S. Billiard, w'd at battle of 
Chickamauga, pro. Corp., dis. with regt. H. S. 
Hilton, re-en. Dec. 25, '63,. pro. Corp., dis. with 
regt. U. S. Karmany, captured at Chickamauga, 
dis on ex. of term. Madison Keene, dis on es. of 
term, July 14, '64. George Keyes, re-en. Dec. 16, 
'63, ])ro. Corp., dis. with regt. J. B. Laquier, re- 
en. Dec. 16. '63, died Mar. 15, '64, at Mankato, 
Minn. Samuel Leslie, re-en. Dec. 23, '63, pro. 
Corp. dis. with regt. Louis Londrosh, re-en. Dec. 
17, '(;3, (lis July 22. '65. Samuel Loudon, w'd at 
battle of Chickamauga, killed Nov. 25, '63, at bat- 
tle of Mission Ridge. George Liscom, re-en. Deo. 
23, '63, dis. with regt. Charles Liscom, re-en. 
Dec. 23, '63. dis for dis::b'y, Dec. 22, '64. Enoch 
Marsh, dis for disab'y June 24, '64. C. L Mc- 
Kenny, died Oct. 15, '63, at Evansville, Ind. S. 

A. Mitchell, died of w'ds rec'd at Chickamauga, 
Oct. 21), '63. J. G. Morris, re-en. Dec. 21, '63, 
dis. with regt. August Newman, died Jan. 22, '64, 
at Chattanooga, Tenn. S. De W. Parsons, pro. Q. 
M. sergt., Ist It. and Q. M., resigned July 30, '64. 

B. E. Pay, dis on ex. of t<>rm, July 14, '64. Jaraea 
Pelky, died Nov. 28, 'CS, of w'ds rec'd atliattle of 
Mission Ridge. Louis Pelky, died JiUy 16, '62, 
at Keokuk, la. Lewis Quinnell, trans, to co. G, 
Aug. 1, '61. R. F. Rogers, re-en. Dec. 18, '63, dis 
for disab'y, Oct. 21, '64. Isaac Sherman, re-en. 
.Tan. 2. '64, w'd at Mission Ridge, pro corp. dis 



July 11. '65. .T. H. Spragu", dis. on ex. of term, 
July, '64. H. Sbmnard, dis on ex. of term, July, 
•64. H. D. Smith, deserted S?p. 20, '61, from Ft. 
Snelling. C. W. Taylor, dis on ex. of term, July 
14, '64. Marion Torhune, dis on ex. of term, .Inly 

14, '64. Henry Tirtlott, dis for disab'y July 17, 
'62. John Vale, re-?n. Dec. 15, '63 pro. corp. sergt. 
dis. with regt. Recruits — J. W. Cheny, must. Sep. 
30, '61, pro. corp. dis for disab'y, .Tuly 1, ,'62. 
Nelson Crandall, must. Sept. 30, "(U, re-en. Dec. 

15, '63, died Jan. 15, '64, at Chattanooga, Tenn. 
Lotan Purdy, must. Sept. 30, '61, died Jan. 19, 
'62, at Lebanon, Ky. Josiah Russell, must. Feb. 
29, '64, dis. with regt. Nelson Shalafa, must. 
Sep. 26, '61, w'd near Kenesaw, Mt., had an arm 
amputated, dis Oct. 24, '64. William Webb, must. 
Feb. 29, '64, dis. with regt. 

Third Infantry, Company B. Privates — George 
Andrus, must. Nov. 7, '61, dis for disab'y, Feb. 3, 
'62. N. Bixby, must. Nov. 7, '61, dis for disab'y 
May 23, '62. Company G. Prirate— Ezra, T. 
Champlin, must. Nov. 6, '61, pro Corp., sergt., 2d 
It. Nov. 26, '63, 1st It. CO. D. Nov.' 17, '64, dis 
with regt. Company H, Mustered November 9, 
1861. (?n/j^n7i —Benjamin F. Rice, resigned July 
20, '64. 2(1 Lieut. — Isaac Taylor, pro. 1st It. 
Feb. 18, '64, oapt.Apr. 15, '64, resigned Apr. 10, 
'65. ticrgennts — -.1. C. Stevens, deserted Jan. 10, 
'63, from Fort Snelling. Corporal — A. C. Pease, 
pro. sergt., re-en. Dec. 31, '64, pro. sergt major 
Apr. 10, '64, 1st It. CO. E, June 10, '65, dis. with 
regt. Musician — G. W Hull, dis for disab'y .Tan. 
'62. Privates— J. D. Adams, re-en. Dec. 31, '63, 
pro. corp. dis. with regt. Henry Brown, died 
Sep. 16, '62. W. M. Buck, re-en. Dec. 31, '63, dis 
with regt. George Crocker, died Apr. 15, '62, .^t 
Nashville, Tenn. C. W. Doland, re-en. Dec. 31, 
'6.3, died in Minn. Sop. 16. '64. Lewis Eaton, died 
Oct. 1, '64. at Pinj BlulT, Ark. Henry Eaton, re- 
en. December 31. '61, pro. corp. and sergt., dis 
with regt. John Eatop, re-en. Dec. 31, '61, dis 
with regt. A. H. Folsom, re-en. Dec. 31, '61, dis 
with regt. B. T. Foster, ilied of w'ds rec'd at 
New Ulm, Minn., in .\ug. '62. W. A. Hussy, dis 
for disab'y, .\pr. 30, '62. G. I. Loring, died Aug. 
10. "64, at Pine Blulf, Ark. J. J. Lyon, dis for 
disab'y Apr. 19, '62. James McDutF, dis for dis- 
aby Alar. 29, '62. J. H. Potter, pro. Corp., dis on 
ex. of term, Nov. 14, '64. J. W. Potter, pro. corp. 
and sergt., dis on ex. of term, Nov. 14, '64. J. S. 
Richardson, dis for disab'y Mar. 15, '62. .Tames 
Stewart, dis on ex. of term, Nov. 14, '64. Angus- 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



631 



tus Stevens, dis on ex. of term, Nov. 14, '64. C. 
L. Tidland, dis for disab'y. J. Y. Terry, died 
Oct. 25, '64, at Little Kock, Ark. David Thomp- 
son, re-en. Dec. 31, '63, pro. sergt. dis with regt. 
I. .H Tower, dis for disab'y, Mar. 29, '62. J. S. 
Ward, dis for disab'y, Oct. 4, '62. Ira Ward, re- 
en. in Dec, 'G3, dis Sep. 2, '65. H. D. Wakefield, 
deserted Dec. 20, '61, from Belmont, Ky. 

Fourth Infantry, Company E. Bniftril—Wil- 
liam Smith, must. Dee. 13, '64, dis with regt. 
Company H, mustered December 20, 1861. Cap- 
tain — John E. Tourtellotte, pro. lieut col. Aug. 24, 
'62, col. Sep. 16, '64, dis ""per order June 21, '65, 
U. S. lirevet brig, gen., entered U. S. reg. army, 
now on Gen. Sherman's staff with rank of col. 
\st Lieut. — George A. ClarJi, pro. 1st lieut. Aiag. 
24, '62, and capt., resigned Dec. 20, '64. Sergeants 
— Elwood Eenowles, trans, to Inv. C. Sep. 11, '63. 
E. P. Lieberg, pro. 1st lieut. Aug. 12, '64, dis with 
regt. Corporals — J. L. Sampson, pro. sergt. and 
2d lieut., died Aug. 12, '63, at Vicksburg, Miss. 
O. D. Clark, pro. sergt, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis July 

19, '65. Adolphus Bletzler, pro. serg't, dis on ex. 
of term Dec. 20, '64. Jacob Pfaff, pro. serg't, dis 
on ex. of term Dec. 20, '64. G. J. Stannard, dis 
Oct. 20, '62, at Jackson, Tenn. Musicians — J. S. 
Badger, dis on ex. of term Dec. 20, '64. S. M. 
Badger, dis tor disab'y Oct. 13, '62. Privates — 
Frederick Breokelsberg, re-en. Jan. 1, '64. Mat- 
thias Barts, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis for disab'y July 
23, '64. Emil Burcard, dis for disab'y May 13, 
'63. J. M. Boyd, dis for disab'y Jan. 14, '63. 
James Brumpton, re-en. March 22, '64, dis with 
regt. Arthur CrandaU, dis for disab'y Sep. 19, '62. 
J. J. Cobb, dis for disab'y Jan. 30, '63. William 
Gregory, dis for disab'y March 21, '63. Nathan- 
iel Horola-id, dis tor disab'y Nov. 17, '64. W. K. 
Jordon, dis for disab'y Oct. 7, '62. Peter Keegan, 
re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis. with regt. Michael 
Lentz, died July 20, '63, at Young's Point. 
Ai Laflin, dis on ex. of term Dec. 20, '64. 
Thomas Lamereaux, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, pro. corp. 
and serg't, dis per order July 15, '65. Augustus 
Littlefleld, deserted June 25, '65, returned under 
arrest Apr. 12, '64, died of wd's rec'd at AUatoona, 
Apr. 28, '64. Peter Lentz, dis on ex. of term Dec. 

20, '64. Amos Loflin, dis for disab'y Nov. 11, '62. 
J. B. Renna, dis for disab'y Oct. 6, '62. Charles 
Stuart, dis on ex. of term Dec. 20, '64. H. A. 
Scott, dis for disab'y Jan. 22, '63. J. A. Williams, 
trans. Apr. 15, '62. H. P. Webb, dis for dsab'y 
Nov. 11, '64. Recruits — Colin Buchanan, must. 



Apr. 21, '62, dis. June 12, '65, w'd, absent inhosp. 
Drafted — John Allwood, must. Dec. 15, '64, dis 
with regt. Truman Trowbridge, must. Dec. 28, 
'64 dis with regt. Elias Terwilliger, must. Jan. 
5, '65, dis. with regt. Company I. Recruit — W. 
Y. Smith, must. Feb. 25, '64, dis per order July 
26, '65. 

Fifth Infantry. Company D, mustered March 
15, 1862. Sergeant — Gustav Bleckelsberg, de- 
serted Jan. 5, '63. Privates — Henry Folz, died 
Aug. 2, '63, at Vicksburg, Miss. John Henderson, 
trans, to Inv. C. Phillip Krummel, trans, to Inv. 
C. Sep. 22, '63. E. D. Steele, died Sep. 7, at Fort 
Abercrombie of w'ds rec'd from Indians. Com- 
pany F. Privates — E. M. Davis, en. Jan. 24, '62, 
re en. Feb. 13, '64, dis for disab'y June 24, '64. 
E. L. Merry, en. Feb. 2, '62, dis for disab'y Sep. 
20, '63. 

Sixth Infantry. Company C. Privates — Wil- 
liam Robinson, must. Oct. 3, '62, dis with regt. 
Recruits — John Barr, must. Feb. 26, '64, dis with 
regt. Company E. Recruits — Charles Fogle- 
song, must. Feb. 28, '64, dis. with regt. William 
Hilderbrant, must. Feb. '28, '64, dis with regt. 
Henry Steck, must. Feb. 12, '64, dis per order May 
20, '65. Company I, mustered October 4, 1862. 
Privates — H. M. L. T. Brown, dis with regt. 
Samuel Clapshaw, dis per order May 10, '65. J. 
H. Cornell, pro. corp. and serg't, dis with regt. J. 
A. Carpenter, died Sep. 6, '64, at Helena, Ark. A. 
J. Crisp, dis with regt. J. A. Darling, dis with 
regt. John Fanner, dis with regt. Watto Jan- 
son, dis with regt. Olavus Olson, dis with regt. 
H. P. Olson, dis with regt. W. L. Pike, pro. 
Corp.. dis with regt. G. L. Reed, trans, to V. R. 
C. S. C. Rukke, died Dec. 9, '64, at St. Louis, 
Mo. O. S. SorcTi, dis with regt. S. T. Waggoner, 
dis with regt. J. H. Waggoner, dis witli regt. 
Recruit — W. D. Eddy, dis per order July 19, '65. 

Seventh Infantry. Company E. Recruit — 
Lars Johnson, mu.st. Sep. 17, '63, killed July 14, 
'64, in battle of Tupelo, Miss. Comjiany F. Re- 
cruit — John Chaska. en. Nov. 25, '62, died March 
26, '68, at Mankato, Minn. 

Eighth Infantry. Asst. Surgeon — Irvin H. 
Thurston, com'd Sep. 29, '62, pro. surgeon May 
29, "65, dis with regt. 

Ninth Infantry. Company D, mustered Sep- 
tember 23, 1862. Sergeant— M. F. Walbridge, dis 
per order May 31, '65. Privates — Patrick Bed- 
ford, died Jan. 14, '65, at Eastport, Miss. Hiram 
Bigelow, dis for disab'y July 25, '65. C. F. Burt, 



632 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



dis with regt. M. E. Coltou, died Aug. 19, '64, at 
Mompliis, Tonn. Loren Cray, dis witli regt. E. 
T. Davoliu. died Dec. 20, '61, at Wiunebago City, 
Minti. S. N. Day, pro. corp., dis with regt. S. 
W. Millet, died Feb. 23, '65, at Jeffersonville, Ind. 
W. H. Swoareugen, dis witli regt. A. P. Swear- 
engeu, dis for disab'y Aug. 27, '(U. W. H. Youug- 
nian, dis in "6.5, absent sick. Stephen Galloway, 
dis for disab'y March 26, '63. Company E, mus- 
tered Nov. 1-t, 1862. Captain — Jerome Dane, re- 
signed Jan. 14, '6.5. 1st Liciit. — Clark Keysor, 
jjro. captain, dis with regt. 2(1 Lieut. — John R. 
Roberts, died Jan. 4, '65, of w'ds rec'd in battle of 
Nashville, Teiin. Seryamts — W. C. Durkee, dis 
per order Doc. 28, '63, for pro. as captain in (!2d 
U. S. Col. Vols. B. C. Hilton, dis per order July 

14, '65. D. N. H. Thayer, dis Dec. 28, '63, for 
pro. as 2d lieut. in 69th U. S. Col. Vols. G. 
A. Thompson, pro. 1st serg't, dis with regt. W. 
J. Martin, dis per order May 31, '65. Corporals — 
H. S. Hatch, pro. serg't, dis in '65. Wesley Max- 
field, pro. serg't, dis Nov. 10, '64. Joshua Wole- 
beu, dis for disab'y April 17, '65. H. M. Burgess, 
w'd in battle of Brice Cross Roads, dis with regt. 
P. T. Griffith, dia for pro as captain in U. S. Col. 
Vols. H. K. Lee, captured at Brice Cross Roads, 
dis at St. Paul Aug. 15, "65. A. P. Davis, diaper 
order May 27, '65. Robert Roberts, dis per order 
Aug. 3, '65. Musicians — G. W. Carley, trans, to 
N. C. S. as prin. musician July 1, '63, died Aug. 
22, '64, in Aiidersouville prison. M. L. Webstvr, 
captured at Brice Cross Roads, dis with regt. 
Wag-in'T — George Christopherson, trans, to V. 
R. C. Aug. 10, '64, dis Nov. 14, '65. 
Privates — E. C. Buel, pro. corp. and serg't, dis 
in hospital August 11, '65. L. G. Barrett, 
dis for disab'y Aug. 15, '64. William Bruce, cap- 
tured at Brice Cross Roads, dis at St. Paul Aug. 

15, '65. D. B. Beesley, died March 18, '64, at 
Rolla, Mo. David Breece, cajjiured at Brioe Cross 
R lads, died Sep. 4, '64, at Anderson villo prison. 
George Becker, captured at Brice Cross Roads, 
died July 28, '64, at Andersonville prison. J. J. 
Buchanan, dis with regt. N. C. Connor, dis with 
regt. F. C. Cramer, dis per order June 8, '65. N. 
H. Corp, dis with regt. B. F. Doremus, captured 
at Brice Cross Roads, dis for disab'y June 15, '65. 
David Jackins dis at St. Paul Aug. .3, "65. D. Y. 
Davis, dis. with regt. E. J. Davis, captured at 
Brice Cross Roails, died Oct. 15, '64, at Anderson- 
ville prison. Alexander Douglass, dis per order 
Jime 2, '65. John Edwards, dis with regt. An- 



sel Eaton, dis with regt. T. A. Edgerton, w'd and 
capturod at Brice Cross Roads, dis with regt. 

F. L. Faatz, dis ]u*r order June 20, '65. William 
Griffith, died Oct. 31, '63, at Jefferson City, Mo 
J. N. Griffin, dis with regt. Joseph Gilfillan, 
killed Sep. 3, '62, by Indians while scouting near 
New Ulm, Minn. Solomon HarUell, dis for disab'y 
May 28. '64. W. H. Hills, dis for pro. as hosp. 
Stewart in U. S. A. May 21, '64. J. W. Hooser, 
w'd at Brice Cross Roads, dis with regt. S. H. 
Hensley, dis in hosp. in '65. Edwin Howe, dis per 
order May 31, '65. Henry Humphrey, dis with 
regt. J. J. Jones, dis with regt. Daniel Jones, 
dis with regt. L. F. Jones, dis with regt. L. C. 
Johnson, dis with regt. William Kunselman, dis 
for disab'y April 12, '64. Lewis Lewis, captured 
at Brice Cross Roads, died March 26, '65, at An- 
dersonville prison. A. A. Lawson, dis for disab'y 
April 23, '63. .Tohn Loyd, dis with regt. George 
W. Mead, pro. corj)., w'd at Spanish Fort, dis with 
regt. F. W. Marsh, died Sep. 2, '66, at Memphis, 
Tenn. T. L. Matthews, dis with regt. P. F. Mil- 
ner, dis in hosp. in '65. Lymau Matthews, cap- 
tured at Brice Cross Roads, dis Aug. 15, '6.5, at 
St. Paid. Robert McNutt, trans, to V. R. C, 
Alfred Meservey, pro. corp., dis May 31, 
'65. J. W. Palmer, dis Jan. 27, "04, for pro. in 
U. S. Colored Infantry. John Roes, lUs with regt. 
J. F. Porter, dis for disab'y Apr. 12, '64. F. G. 
Rew, dis with regt. W. S. Ross, w'd at Brice 
Cross Roads, pro. corp., dis with regt. J. O. 
Roberts, w'd and capt'd at Brice Cross Roads, dis 
July 23, "6iat Andirsonville prison. H. C. Rew, 
dis with regt. H. A. Robinson, dis for disab'y Dec. 
7, '62. Ehjah Reeder, capt'd at Brice Cross Roads 
.Tun6 10, '64, reported dead. Mauassa Stewart, 
capt'd at Brice Cross Roads June 10, '64, reported 
dead. Franklin Shaubut, dis per order May 24, 
'65. M. H. Stark, app'd wagoner, dis with regt. 

G. F. Sower, prt). corp. dis with regt.. I. S. Smith, 
trans, to N. 0. S. Nov. 27, '52, as sergt. major, dis 
Feb. 16, '64, for pro. in U. S. col. infy. F. D. 
Seward, dis Oct. 6, '64 for pro, as capt. in U. S. 
col. vols. W. R. Thomas, capt'd at Brice Cross 
Roads, died Oct. 28, '64 in Andersonville prison. 
W. H. Thompson, dis for disab'y Jim. 20, '64. J. 
G. Thompson, dis for pro. as capt. in 68th U. S. 
col. vols. Andrew Ulven, capt'd at Brice Cross 
Roads, reported dead. J. M. Wirt, dis at Daven- 
port, la., July 7, '65. F. O. Webster, capt'd at 
Brice Cross Roads, died at Andersonville prison. 
W. E. Williams, pro. corp, dis with regt. O. J. 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



633 



Westover, capt'd at Brice Cross Eoads, died Sept. 
11, '(U, in Audersonville prison. L. G. Bell, dis 
with re^t. E. G. Burgess, dis with regt. J. G. 
Fowler, dis tor disab'y, Apr. 23, '63. J. W. Jen- 
kins, capt'd at Brice Cross Roads, dis. at St. Paul 
Aug. 15, '65. T. A. Kerlinger, capt'd at Brice 
Cross Roads, dis Aug. 15, '65. F. A. Miller, dis 
for disab'y Mar. 3, '64. Kinzie Maxfleld, dis with 
regt. William Reese, capt'd at Brice Cross Roads, 
died Oct. 11, '64 in Audersonville prison. Ferdi- 
nand Scherer, capt'd at Brice Cross Roaps, died 
Oct. 9, '64, in Audersonville prisoner. Recr-uits 
—J. F. Cleary.must. Mar. 2, '64, died Dec. 23, '64 
of w'ds rec'd in battle of NashvUle. D wight 
Card, must. Oct, 7, '63, capt'd at Brice Cross Roads, 
dis Aug. 16, '65. Lewis Elmore, must. Mar. 2, 
'64, pro. Corp., dis with regt. W. H. Love, must. 
Oct. 7, '63, w'd in battle of Nashville, dis with 
regt. George Maxfield, Must. Oct. 7, '63, w'd at 
Brice Cross Roads, also at Nashville, dis with regt. 
Frederick Miller, must. Mar. 2, '64, dis with regt. 
D. R. Nickerson, must. Mar. 2, '64, died Aug. 1, 
'64 at Memphis, Tenn. 

Tenth Infantry. Colonel — James H. Baker, 
cou'd Sep. 1.5, '62, must. Nov. 17, '62, breveted 
brig, gen., dis with regt. Ass't Surgeon. — Wil- 
liam W. Clark, cou'd Aug. 23, '62, must. Sept. 10, 
'62, resigned Sept. 26, '64. Company A. Hecruits 
— Isaac Jones, must. Feb. 16, '63, died Mar. 24, 
'63 at Garden City, Minn. Company D. Private 
— ^Martin Stankey, must. Oct, 9, '62, dis per order 
May 30, '65. Company F. Private — Nathan Sat- 
terly, must. Sep. 27, '62, trans to co. D, Oct. 8, '62, 
dis with regt. Company G, mustered October 28, 
1862. Pricates—G. W. Hammond, died Dec. 2, 
'64 at Jefferson City, Mo. C. S. Miles, dis with 
regt. Ole Oleson, died July 23, '64 at Mound 
City, Ills. Henry Bobbins, died Sep. 27, '64 at 
Memphis, Tenn. 

Eleventh Infantry, Company C. Captain — 
Theodore E. Potter, must. Sept. 4, '64, dis with 
regt. 2nd Lieut. — -James Cannon, must. Sep. 4, 
'64, dis with regt. Sergeants — J. B. Foss, must. 
Aug. 19, '64, dis with regt. W. B. Haslip, must. 
Aug. 24, '64, dis with regt. Henry Robertson, 
must. Aug. 29, '64, dis with regt. Corporals — 
William Clapshaw, must. Aug. 24, '64, dis with 
regt. Horace Perin, must. July 24, '64, dis with 
regt. Charles Philbrick, must. Aug. 25, '64, dis 
with regt. A. J. Smith, must. Aug. 28, '64, dis 
with regt. Privates — R. S. Annis, must. Aug. 26, 
'64, dis with regt.. P. H. Burgess, must. Aug. 



26, '64, dis with regt. B. B. Cornell, must. Aug. 
26, '04, dis with regt. Edward Cross, must. Aug. 
26, '64, died Nov. 25, '64 at GaUatin, Tenn. C. 
G. Des Revire, must. Aug. 23, '64, dis with regt. 
J. O. Fedge, must. Aug. 17, '64, dis with regt. 
James Gilfillan, must. Aug. 25, '64. dis with regt. 
Edgar Henry, must. Aug. 25, '64, dis with regt. 
J. H. Hussey must Aug, 24, '64, dis with regt. 
Philo Jacobus, must. Aug 28, '64, dis with regt. 
Jacob Kaufman, must. Aug. 25, '54, dis with regt. 
Benjamin Latjurelle, must. Aug. 29, '64, dis with 
regt. Joseph Lalone, must Aug. 27, '64, dis with 
regt. W. W. Linsley, must. Aug. 27, '64, dis with 
regt. Thomas Longale, must. Aug. 26, '64, dis 
per order May 22, '65. G. W. Mead, must. Aug. 
26, '64, died Nov. 25, '64 at Gallatine, Tenn. 
Wallace McKibbin, must. Aug. 25, '64, dis with 
regt. F. C. E. Miller, must. Aug. 24, '64, dis with 
regt. Peter Myers, must. Aug. 26, '64, dis with 
regt. J. M. More, must Aug. 24, '64, dis with 
regt. Andrew Olson, must. Aug. 26, '64, dis with 
regt. David Quinn, must. Aug. 24, '64, dis with 
regt. G. A. Reed, must. Aug. 26, '64, dis with 
regt. Henry Keinhardt, must. Aug. 15, '64, dis 
with regt. J. W. Buckle, must. Aug. 17, '64, dis 
with regt. .John Shellenberger, must. Aug. 21, 
'64, dis with regt. Whitford Smith, must. Aug. 
29, '64, dis with regt. D. L. Thompson, must. 
Aug. 26, '64, dis with regt. T. N. Tipton, must. 
Aug 25, '64, dis with regt. Joseph Van Meter, 
must. Aug. 29, '64. dis with regt. Alexander 
Westover, must. Aug. 24, '64, dis with regt. 
James Wilson, must. Aug. 25, '64, pro. serg't, dis 
with regt. H. C. Ellis, must. Aug. 22, '64, dis 
with regt. Company D. Privates — George E. 
Dolan, must. Aug. 22, '64, dis with regt. Jas. D. 
Hawkins, must. Aug. 20, '64, dis with regt. A. A. 
Weston, must. Aug. 22, '64, dis. with regt. 

First Battalion Infantry, Company A. — Recruit 
W. H. Cook, vet., must Feb. 1, '64, dis with comp. 

First Regiment, Heavy Artillery, Company A. 
Privates — J. J. Elzea, must. Sept. 12, '64, dis' with 
com2>. PhUo Elzea, must. Sept. 20, '64, dis with 
comp. Isaac Turner, must. Sept. 12, '64, dis with 
comp. Company B. Privates — George Burnett, 
must. Sept. 7, '64, dis with comp. Oscar Baysye, 
must. Sept. 8, '64, dis with comp. Charles Cowley, 
must. Sept. 22, '64, dis with company. James 
Patterson, must. Sept. 22, '64, dis with comp. J. 
W. Robinson, must. Sept. 8, '64, dis with comp. 
Company D. Privates — G. W. Myers, must. Nov. 
13," 64, dis, June 20, 65. Company F. Captain-^ 



634 



UISTOllY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Hugli J. Owens, coniM Veh. 15,'r)5, dis with comp. 
iSVrt Isl. Liint — Alviu Collins, (lis with comp. 
Sen 2nrf Lieui. — Peter A. Lnetz, pro. Istlt.Aiig. 14, 
'(>5, dis with pomp, .htn 2nil LiiiU. — George J. 
Staunard, rosigned June 27, '65. Sergeants — ' 
Floroiico .Vlilen, must. Feb. 6, '6.5, dis with corap. 
William tile!i,son, mu.st, Feb. 4, "6.5, dis in '66, ab- 
sent. C. A. WAsteru, must Feb. 13, '65, died May 
22, '65 at Chattanooga. CorponiU — Lafayette 
Church, must. Feb. 11, '65. dis with comp. W. 
A. Ford, must. Feb. 11, '(!5, dis with comp. D. J. 
Laird, must. Feb. 4, '65, dis with comp. Prirates — 
Hamuel Alden, must. Feb. 4, '65, dis with comp. 
Lafayette .\ldeu, must. Feb. 4, '(!5, dis with regt. 
Casper Arnold, must. Fell. 10, '(iS, dis with comp. 
John Arnold, must. Feb. 10, '65^^ dis with comp. 
Hubbard Axtell, must. Feb. 13, '65, died Apr. 6, 
'65, atCliattanooga, Teun. A. A. Blake, must. Feb. 
4, '65, dis with comp. Albert Barstow must. P^eb. 
11, '65, dis per order Aug. 23, '65. Matthias 
Brown, must. Feb. 13, '65, dis with comp. J. M. 
Chesron, must. Fob. 11, '65, dis with comp. M. 
L. Cook, must Fel>. 13, '(>5, dis in '65, absent. L. 
A. Cornell, must. Feb. 13, '65, dis Oct. 10, '65 at 
St. Paul. John Cody, must. Feb. 14, '65, dis per 
order May K!, (io. James Ualziel, must. Feb. 6) 
'(i5, dis por order May 16, '65. J. D. Dayton, 
must. Feb. 6, '65, dis with corap. E. B. Day, 
must. Feb. 11, '65, dis per order Aug. 1, '(>5. Ras- 
mus Danielson, must. Feb. 11, '65, dis with comp. 
C. L. Erwin, muot. Fel). 4, '65, dis with comp. M. 
L. Fuller, must. Feb. 13, "65, dis with corap. John j 
Fassett, must. Feb. 13, '65, dis per order .July 27, ! 
'65. Edward Goff, must. Feb. 14, '65, dis with 
comp. .T. C. Gibson, must. Feb. 4, '65, dis with 
comp. S. H. Grannis, must. Feb. 11, '65, dis in 
'65, absent. H. S. (irannis, must. Feb. 11, '65, 
died June 1, '65 at Chattanooga, I'enn. Michael 
Hanley. must. Feb. 4, '65, dis with comp. 
(r. H. Hall, mustered February 4, '65 
died April 12, '65 at Chatanooga, Tenn. 
J. B. Hawley, must. Feb. 4, '65, dis. with comp. 
Joseph Hepp, must. Feb. 10, 65, dis. with comp. 
Halver Henson, must. Feb. 11, "65, dis with comp. 
J. F. Johnson, must. Feb" 4, '65, dis per order May ' 
18, '65. C. F. Kimpton. must. Feb. 4, '65, dis , 
with comp. Franz KatthofT, must. Feb. 8, '65, dis 
with comp. T. A. Knapp, must. Feb. 13, '65 dis 
l)er order, Aug. 19, '65. E. A. Knapp, must, Feb. , 
13, 65, dis with comp. Joseph Katthoff, must. I 
Feb. 13, '65, pro. corji., dis with comp. .T. ,T. 
Lloyd, must. Feb. 4, '65, dis with comp. J. H. ' 



Loomer, must. Feb. 13. '65, dis with comp. G. W. 
Lovell, must. Feb. 13, '65, ilis with comp. Thomas 
McGorwin, must. Feb. 4, '65, dis per order .\ng. 
19, '65. Patrick McCarty, must. Fob. 4, '65, dis 
with comj). William Morgan, must. Feb. 4, '65, 
dis with comp. Kobort More, must. Feb. 6, '65, 
dis per order June 24, '))5. C. A. Meng, most. 
Feb. 4, '65, with comp. Riley Millard, must. Feb. 
11, '65, dis in '65, absent. C.J. Mead, must. Feb. 
11, '65, dis with comp. Michael ^larkee, must. 
Feb. 11, '65, dis with comp. D. L. Mandego, must. 
Feb. 13, '65, dis with com)). E. P. Newell, must. 
Feb. 13, '65, dis with comp. Joseph Oatney, must. 
Feb. 11, '65, dis with comp. Stener Ol&son, must. 
Feb. 11, '65, dis July 29, "65, absent. P. J. Pierce, 
must. Feb. 4, '65, dis with comp. Frank Pease, 
must. Feb. 4, '65, dis with comp. Simon Payer, 
must. Feb. 4, '65, pro. cor])., dis with comp. Peter 
Pirath. must. Fob. 8, '65, dis with comp. C. N. 
Plumb, must. Feb. 11, '65, dis with comp. James 
Pepper, must. Feb. 11, '65, dis with comp. W. M. 
Preston, must. Feb. 14, '65, dis with comp. John 
Rollins, must. Feb. 4, '65, dis per order Aug. 23, 
'65. M. B. Rasdell, must. Feb. 4, '65, dis with 
comp. August Ruthstock, must. Feb. 7, '65, dia. 
with comp. Hiram Rogers, must. Feb. 13, '65 dia 
per order, Aug. 26, "65. Albert Read, must. Feb. 
13, "65, dis with comp. Peter Riley, must. Feb. 
13, '65, dis with comp. Joseph Ryan, must. Feb. 
13, '65, dis with comp. .lames Richards, mu.st. 
Feb. 13, '65, dis Sop. 9, '65, absent. Mo.ses St. 
Cyr, must. Feb. 4, '65, dis with comp. Caspar 
Schimele, must. Feb; 13, '65, dis with comp. 
Frederick Schvett, must. Feb. 10, '65, dis with 
comp. C. J. Stannard, must Feb. 13, "6.5, dis with 
comp. .Tacob Staley, must. Feb. 13, '65, dis with 
comp. Ernst Titus, must. Feb. 4, '65, dis July 29, 
"65, absent. J. P. Thomas, must. Fob. 13, '65, dis 
per order, July 24, '65. W. J. Western, must. 
Feb. 4, '65, dis with comp. Lovias Whitford, must. 
Feb. 4, '65, dis with comp. Jed West, must. Feb. 
13, '65, dis in '65, absent. (leorge Western, must 
Feb. 13, '65, died May 22, '65, at Chattanooga, 
Teun. J. O. Wethereli, must. Feb. 13, '65, pro. 
jiin. 2nd lieut., dis with comp. W. R. Wilcox, 
must. Feb. 13, '65, dis with com]). W. S. W^il- 
liaras, must. Oct. 12, '64, trans from Co. C, July 7, 
'65, dis with com]). Comjjiiny H. .^fllsil■iflll — 
Andrew Roberts, must. Feb. 13, '65, dis with comp. 

First Company Sharp Shooters. Sergeant — 
G. M. Cummings, dis per order, ,Tan. .5, '63. 

Second Ct)mpany Sharp Shooters. Serge^mt — 



BLUE EARTH COUNTY. 



635 



Evans Goodrich, ilis for disab'y, Feb. 18, '63. 
Privates — Franklin Bruce, no record. W. H. 
Cook, veteran. 

First Rsgiment Mounted Rangers, Company A. 
This company was originally commanded by Cap- 
tain Horace Austin and mustered into the service 
of the United States, for three years, October 29, 
1862. lat Lieut. — Theodore E. Potter, dis with 
comp. Nov. 9, '63. Senjeimts — W. S. Marstin, dis 
with comp . Marion Orandall, dis with comp . M. 
L. Wilds, dis with comp . Corporal — Henry Gofif, 
dis with comp. Blacksmith — Henry Borgmeir, 
dis with comp. Privates — W. H. Boyer, dis with 
comp. William Clapshaw, dis with comp. B. A. 
Cooper, dis with comp. Sylvester Cooper, dis 
for disab'y, Apr . 26, '63 . Harrison Orandall dis 
with comp. Samuel Detamore, dis with comp. 
Lawrence Foster, dis with comp. W. B. Haslip, 
dis with comp. Azel Hungerford, dis with comp. 
W. H . Jones, dis with comp . G. M. Keenan dis 
with comp. Simon Keeper, dis with comp. J. W. 
Latourell, dis with comp. Alexander Latoursll, 
dis with comp. J. H. Nash, dis with comp. D. R. 
Nickerson, dis with comp. W. P. Parks, died Dec. 
5, '62, at St. Peter, Minn. Simou Payor, dis with 
comp. S. R. Paff, dis with comp. G. W. Rog- 
ers, dis with comp. Josiah Rogers, dis with 
comp. W. B. Silliman, dis. with comp. 
Jacob Snell, dis with comp. F. L. Spencer, dis 
with comp. Henry Stutts, dis with comp. Oscar 
Waggoner, dis with comp. Company E, mustered 
December 10, 1862 . 2d Liei/t.^Peter A. Lentz, 
dis with comp. Sergeants — Adam Menten, reduced 
Jan. 24, '63, dis with comp. J. F. Lynch, reduced 
Jan. 24, '63, dis with comp. Corporals — Allen 
McDoneU, reduced Jan. 24, '63. P. C. Lyons, 
pro. sergt. Nov. 24, '62, dis with regt. Adam Jef- 
ferson, res'd as Corp. Feb. 11, '63, dis with comp. 

D. L. Maher, dis with comp. Teamster — Erick 
Wiersang, dis for disab'y, Sep. 1, '63. Furriers — 
Adam Frienndle, dis with comp. Peter Ullman, 
dis with comp. Privates — Julius Copp, dis with 
comp. S. W. Cornell, dis with comp. Casper 
Cosoff, died Sep. 16, '63, at Ft. Abercrombie, D. T. 

E. P. Davis, dis with corap. W. E. Davis, dis with 
comp. Charles Doran, dis with comp. Patrick 
Doyle, dis with comp. John Hawerwas, dis with 
comp. F. E. Heinze, dis with comp. Michael 
Klasges, dis with comp. T. D. Loyd, dis with 
comp. John Murtaugh, pro. Corp. dis with comp. 
Timothy Murtaugh, dis with comp. Patrick Mul- 
len, pro. Corp., dis with comp. Xavier Obele dis 



with comp. George Pitchender, dis with comp. 
Joseph Reinbold, dis with comp. George Sab- 
bath, dis with comp. John Schwikert, dis with 
comp. Mathias Schumaoker, dis with comp. 
John Schulenberger, dis with comp. Lawrence 
Smith, dis with comp. L. W. Smith, dis with 
comp. WilUam Smith, dis with comj). Whitford 
Smith, dis with comp. Edward Sttimpfeld, dis 
with comp. John Thomas, dis with comp. Mat- 
thias Trempert, dis with comp. Charles Viegle, 
dis with comp. John Vogtman, dis with comp. 
Stephen Walters, dis with comp. John Wiemer, 
dis with comp. John Trohnd, dis tor disab'y, Sep. 
1, '63. Peter Pierath dis with comp. Company 
F. Recrait — Albert Reed, must. June 12, '63, dis 
with comp. Company H, Mustered December 5, 
1862. Privates — Ambrose Craig, dis with comp. 
J. N. Holleubeck, dis with comp. J. H. Hussey, 
dis with comp. .J. R. Hussey, dis with comp. 
Peter Johnson, died Oct. 19, '63, at Fort Snelling. 
Dauphin Mack, dis with comp. Frazier McGregor, 
dis with comp. Stener Ole.son, dis with comp. A. 
R. Randall, dis with comp. S. B. Shaw, died Dec. 
14, '62, at St. Peter, Minn. F. M. TerwiUiger, dis 
with' comp. E. S. TerwiUiger, dis with comp. 
Company L. Sergeant — Peter Liebauer, must Dec. 
28, '62, dis with comp. 

Brackett's Battalion Cavalry Company A. 
Privates. — Matthias Rasko, must. Oct. 5, '61, re-en. 
Jan. 1, '64, dis with comp. Recruit — Peter Ullman, 
must. Mar. 11, '64, dis per order, Apr. 26, '66. 
Company B, mustered November 1, 1861. \st Lieut. 
— Nathan Bass, pro. adj't. dis for disab'y. Sep. 18, 
'63. Sergeants — -W. H. MiUer, reduced, dis for 
disab'y. Nov. 8, '62. W. B- Torrey, pro. 1st Sergt., 
reduced to 2nd Sergt. for disab'y., dis for disab'y. 
Sep. 22, '62. J. A. Reed, pro. Ist sergt., 2nd It. 
July 17, '63, 1st It. Mar. 16, '64, capt. Jan. 30, '64, 
dis with corap. Corporals — M. S. Fall, pro. sergt., 
1st sergt., re-en. Jan. 1, '64, pro. 2d It., Mar. 16, 
'64, Ist It- Jan. 30, '64, dis with comp. O. E. Gil- 
len, trans, to N. C. S. Jan. 1, '62. J. N. Miller, 
dis for disab'y. Aug. 11, '62. E. J. Kelly, pro. 
sergt., re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis with comp. WU- 
loughby Wells, pro. sergt., re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis 
with comp. June 1, '66. Musician — Merrill M. 
Clark, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis with comp. Wagoner — 
W. C. Norcott, dis for disab'y. Sep. 19, '62. Pri- 
vates — John Barnard, must. Nov. 23, '61, re-en. 
Jan. 1, '62, dis for disab'y. Mar. 12, '65. J. E. 
Bancroft, dis for disab'y. Apr. 24, '64. George 
Baker, re-en. pro. corp., dis for disab'y. Jan. 



636 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



5, '65. N. C. Betts, re-en. Jan. 1, '65, dia with 
comp. J. H. liiirker, ro-en. Jan. 1, '04, pro. corp. 
and sergt., diH with eomp. S. W. Chiinihorhiin, 
dis for disab'y. Jan. 12, '63. B. \\ . Corustocls, 
re-en. Jan. 1, '64, pro. corp. and sergt., dis with 
comp. Kol)ort Curry, must. Dec. 17, '61, dis. for 
disab'y. No (hite given. L. N. Drake, dis for 
disab'y Oct. 20, '62. Richard Dorisdale, pro. 
coqj. and sergt., dis on ex. of term, Nov. 1, '64. 
James Edwards, must. Nov. 5, '61, re-en. Jan. 1, 
'64, pro. Corp., dis with comp. C. D. Finch, must. 
Nov. 2, '61, re-cn. Jan. 1, '64, dis with comp. 
Solomon Farnham, pro. corp. and sergt, re-en. 
Jan. 1, '64, dis with comp. W. H. Ferden, re-en_ 
Jan. 1, '64, pro. corp., dis with comp. Joseph 
Gardner, died Feb. 1, '02, in hosp. at St. Louis, 
Mo. V. T. Hopkins, trans, to N. C. S. No date 
given. G. J. Lewis, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis with 
comp. Levi Lamp, nmst. Dec. 17, '61. pro. corp., 
trans, to 2nd Minn. Cav. W. W.Mead, re-en. Jan. 
1, '64, dis with comp. W. H. Pease, must. Oct. 
22, '61, dis for disab'y May 4, '6.3. C. B. Boss, 
died Mar. 20, 't!2,jn raihtary hosp. at Cincinnati, 
O. Henry Kichardson, dis for disab'y. Apr. 28, '03. 
Jacob Silket, dis for disab'y. Apr. 16, '63. J. H. 
Sargent, dis for disab'y. Apr. 23, '63. P. J. 
Thomas, must. Nov. 2.'5, '61. dis for disab'y. June 
10, '62. John Underwood, dis for di.sab'y. Oct. 0, 
'62. E. li. Nan Nice, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, pro. corp. 
dis with comp. C. L. Ward, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis 
with comp. Eli Wait, must. Oct. 18, '61, re-en. 
Jan. 1. "04, pro. corp., dis with comp. lircruits — - 
Philip Patten, must. Sep. 21, '62, pro. corp., dis 
on ex. of term. W. H. Burnett, must. Apr. 12,'64, 
dis with comp. C. F. Farrel. must. Mar. 31, '64, 
dis with conij). C. H. Granger, must. Mar. 12, 
'64, dis with (^omp. C. C. Maiston, must. Mar. 30, 
'64, dis with comp. W. N. Plymatt, must. Mar. 
12, 64, dis with comp. Phny Putnam, must. 
INIar. 4, '04, dis for disab'y Oct. 10, '65. 
C. C. Smith, must. Mar. 12, '64, dis for 
disab'y Oct. -10, '65. C. W. Wooley, must. 
Apr. 1, '64, dis with comp. Company C. Prieates — 
Eobert Curry, must. Dec. 17, '01, trans, in Jan. 
"03, to Co. I, Curtis' Horse. Jesse Frankhn, must. 
Nov. 2, '01, term of service ex. Nov. 2, '64, left at 
Murfreesboro, under court martial. Levi Lamp, 
must. Dec. 17, '01, trans, in Jan., "02, to Co. I. 
Curtis' Horse. 

Second Cavalry Company B. Privates — W. J. 
Adams, must. Dec. 24, '03, dis with comp. .Tohu 
Palmerton, Dee. 24, '63, dis per order, July 17,'60. 



C. B. Sherman, Dec. 24, '63, dis with comp. John 
Taylor, must. Dec. 24, '03, dis with comp. Com- 
pany E. This conii)any was originally command- 
ed by {;ai)tain Robert F. Slaughter, of Mankato, 
and mustered into the service of the United States, 
for three years, D('ceml)er 31, 1H63. Captain — 
Robert F. Slaughter, dis with comp. 1st Lieut. — 
Henry Ruegg, dis with comp. 2nd Lieut. — John 
R. Howartl, dis with comp. 1st Sergeant — J. A. 
Tidland, reduced to ranks. Mar. 31, '65, dis with 
comp. Q. M. Se-rgcunt — Charles Bennett, dis with 
comp. Com. Sergeant — Hugh McMurtrie, dis with 
comp. Sergeants — William Jones, pro. 1st sergt., 
dis with comp. Frederick Heuiz, dis with comp. 
J. H. Sargent, dis with comp. D. C. Wood, dis 
with comp. CVr^»/'a/« — G. N. Parrett, pro. sergt., 
dis with comp. James Morgan, reducetl May 2, 
'04, dis with comp. W. R. Marvin, dis per order, 
July 11, '05. J. K. ITnderwood, dis with comp. 
Frederick Dittman, dis with comp. Nelson Gray, 
reduced May 2, '64, dis with comp. Fleming 
Doak, dis with comp. Edward Price, reduced 
May 2, '04, dis with comp. Farrier — Peter Mc- 
Geiney, dis with comp. Bl(ici;sinitli — Elisha Law- 
son, dis with comp. 6'</(/rf/er— Charles Hamlin, 
dis with comp. Wagoner — ^Isaac Cummings, dis 
comp. Prinitcs — Cliutcm 4twell, dis w-ith comp. 
J. H. Burgess, liis with comp. W. G. Briggs, dis 
with comp. T. D. Briton, dis with comp. D. N. 
Chapman, died May 15, '64, at St. Peter, Minn. 
W. L. Coon, dis with comp. F. A. Comstock, dis 
with comp. Alonzo Cummins, dis with comp. 
G. S. A. Curtis, dis per order; date not given. D. 
I. Davis, dis with comp. J. P. Davis, dis with 
comp. E. P. Davis, dis with comp. Abner Den- 
mon, dis with comp. H. H. Edwards, dis with 
comp. W. H. Evans, dis with comp. William 
Edwards, dis with comp. F. H. Fowler, dis with 
com]). A. L. Foyles, dis with comp. W. P. Good- 
ell, dis with comp. .Jacob Gessel, dis with comp. 
R. H. Hughes, dis per order; no date given. W. 
H. Hughes, dis with comp. W. R. Hughes, dis 
with comp. W. A. Hussey, deserted at Fort 
Snelling. Robert Heinze, dis with comp. R. E. 
Jones, dis with comp. .T. C. Jones, dis with comp. 
B. F. Kilby, dis with comp. J. J. Kimpton, dis 
with comp. Joseph Kunz, dis with comp. E. C. 
Lyons, dis w ith comp. Rtiwland Lears, dis with 
comp. W. R. Lewis, dis with comp. George 
Lamberton, dis for disab,y Oct. 8, '64. John Mc- 
Kibben, dis with comp. Peter Mader, dis with 
comp. George Payer, dis with comp. R. S. 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



637 



Pritchard, dis with comp. M. N. Purdy, dis per 
order; no date given. Harvey Peterson, dis with 
comp. Wallace Raymond, dis with comp. Simon 
Eoland, dis with comp. Joseph Keinbold, dis 
with comp. J. M. St Cyr, pro. Corp., dis with 
comp. Edward St Cyr, dis with comp. Ferdi- 
nand Sehneitzer, dis with comp. Joseph Sergeant, 
dis with comp. William Shields, dis with comp. 
Henry Stutz, dis with comp. Kice Thomas, dis 
with comp. C. L. Tidland, dis with comp. B. F. 
Walker, dis with comp. Josiah Wood, dis with 
comp. Joshua Wigley, dis with comp. J. C. Wag- 
goner, dis with comp. Emory Williams, pro. 
Corp., dis with comp. Stephen Walters, dis with 
comp. David Walters, dis with comp. Joseph 
York, dis with comp. Recruits — O. F. Bently, 
must. Feb. 23, '64, dis for disab'y, Dec. 18, '64. 
Alonzo Clark, must. Feb. 23, '64, dis for disab'y, 
Oct. 10, '64. J. W. Clark, must. Feb. 18, '65, dis 
with comp. S. W. Cornell, must. Feb. 3, '64, dis 
with comp. John Kremer, must. Feb. 23, '65, dis 
with comp. A. E. Lard, must. Feb. 3, '65, dis 
with comp. Floyd La wson, must. Jan. 15, '65, 
dis with comp. L M. Taylor, must. Feb. 3, '64, 
pro. corp . , dis with comp. P. P . Wise, pro . Corp. 
dis with comp . Company H, Mustered January 
4, 1864. Q. M. Sergeant — John Chestnut, vet. dis 
for disab'y Feb. 13, '65. Sergeant — Joseph Hoo- 
ver, vet . dis with comp. Prinites — William Brown, 
dis with comp. F. A . Clow, dis with comp. George 
Foster, dis with comp. George Matthews, dis 
with comp. G. W. Eolph, dis with comp. Ed- 
win Walter, dis for disab'y, Oct . 24, '65 . Levi 
Wrightson, dis with comp . Sanford Webster, dis 
with comp . Comjsany M, Mustered January 5, 
1864. Sergeant — John Murtaugh, vet. vol. dis 
with comp . Teamster — John Schwickert, vet. vol., 
dis with comp. Saddler — James O'Reilly, yet. 
vol . , dis with comp . Pma(«— Dwight Eldredge, 
vet. vol., dis Oct. 19, '65, by sentence of court 
martial . 

Independent Battalion Cavalry Company C. 
I'rivate — H. A. Scott, must. Sep. 11, '63, dis with 
comj). Company D. Private — C. G. Barrett, 
pro . corp . and sergt . , dis with comp . 

First Battery Light Artillery . Pecruits — An- 
drew Anderson, must . Mar. 4, '65, dis with bat'y. 
T. R. Griffith, must. Mar. 9, '65, dis with bafy . 
D. W. Hunt, must. Mar. 4, '65, dis with bat'y. 
Asahel Hungez-ford, mnst. Mar. 18, '65, dis with 
bat'y. 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



CHAPTER LXXIV. 

DESCBIPTION INDIAN TRADERS — FIRST SETTLERS 

ORGANIZATION COUNTY SEAT WAR RECORD. 

Nicollet county, named in honor of Jean N. Nic- 
ollet the distinguished French explorer, is, in 
shape, a slightly imperfect right-angled triangle. 
It contains an area of about 500 square miles, 
about one-third of which is fine, high, rolling 
prairie, one-third timber and the other third mead- 
ows and lakes. There are several fine sheets of 
water, the largest of which are Swan, Middle and 
Timber lakes. There are also extensive deposits 
of fine building stone. 

The first white settler in the county was Louis 
Provencalle, a Canadian Frenchman, who was at 
Traverse des Sioux in 1829, as agent for the Amer- 
ican Fur Company. 

Traverse des Sioux, so called on account of its 
being the crossing place of the Sioux or Dako- 
tas, was a highly eligible point for successful 
prosecution of the Indian trade, and so there Pro- 
vencalle built a trading house. The Indians called 
him Skadan, or "Little White." 

About 1834 Joseph La Framboise had a trading 
post at Little Rock, in the western part of the 
county. In 1843 Rev. S. R. Riggs, in company 
with Revs. Robert Hopkins and Thomas J. Long- 
ley, settled at Traverse des Sioux, and built a mis- 
sion house. Mr. A. G. Huggins settled there the 
same year, and was connected with the mission. 
Subsequently Mr. Hopkins and Mr. Longley were 
both drowned while bathing in the Minnesota 
river, the latter, July 15, following his arrival, and 
the former in Jiily, 1851. 

Mr. Riggs, in his book, "Mary and I," says: 
"The Indians said that their water god, Oonktehe, 
was displeased with us for coming to build there 
— he had seized the young man." When the sec- 
ond drowning took place they repeated the same 
statement. 

Rev. Riggs in the work above referred to has 
the following account of his arrival at the place: 

"The bottoms of the lower Minnesota were put- 
ting on their richest hues of green, and the great 
wild rose gardens were coming into full perfection 
of beauty, when in the month of June, our barge, 
laden with mission supplies was making its 
way up to Traverse des Sioux. On what was 



638 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



known as "the Little Rapids," was a village of 
Wapatou Dakotas, tbe old home of the peo])le at 
Lac (|iii Piirle. There were certain reasons why 
we thimglit that might l)e tlie point for the new 
station. We made a halt here of half a day and 
called the chief men. Bnt they were found to 
be too much under the inHnence of the treaty In- 
dians below to give lis any encouragement. In 
fact, they did not want missionaries. We passed 
by and lauded our boats at tbe Traverse. * * * 
We had decided to make this our new station. We 
should consult the Indians, but our staying would 
not depend ujjon their giWng us an invitation to 
stay. ***** Immediately I called the 
Indians iind liinl a talk with them at Mr. Le 
Bland".s trading post. I told them wc had come 
to live with them and to teach them. Some said 
yes and some said 7io, but they all asked, what 
have you to give us? 

* * * We expected to meet with opposi- 
tion, and so were not disappointed. Thomas 
(Longleyj and I pitched our tents under some 
scrub oaks, and on a little elevation, in the lower 
river bottom a half a mile away from the traders. 
Immediately we commenced to cut and liaul logs 
for our cabin. * * * * Mr. laaac Petti John 
helped us much to forward the log cabin. Satur- 
day came — the 1.5th of July — and the roof was 
nearly finished." 

Besides the Mr. Pettijohn, referred to in the 
above, Martin McLeod, Rev. M. N. Adams (in 
1848) .Tohn F. Aiton and .Toshua Porter, were at 
an early date locat<?d at, or in the neighborhood 
of Traver.se des Sioux. 

In .July 18.50 it consisted of an Indian village, 
a trading post, and three neat plain white build- 
ings occupied by the niissiimaries. In this con- 
nection it might be stated that the first birth of a 
white child in the county occurred at this place, 
and was that of Anna .1. Riggs, daughter of Rev. 
Stephen R. Riggs. 

Here also was performed the first marriage 
ceremony, according to christian rites, which 
took place between Joseph La Framboise of Little 
Rock and .lane Dickson. 

Among tluise who first settled in the county 
were James Lamm and Louis Hanson, in Lake 
Prairie; L. D. and S. D. Parsons and Frank 
Mason, in Belgrade; Joshua Post and .Tack Ham- 
ilton, in Nicollet; JIartin Walser, Alexander liar- 
kins, John and Janus liobinsou, in West Newton; 
Jacob Harmon, in Courtland; the first settler in 



I 



St. Peter was W. B. Dodd. D. R. Kennedy came 
to the county in 1849. and Hiram Caywood 
in 1H5.3. 

In 1852 Traverse was laid out into town 
lots, and it was entered by the late Judge 
A. G. Chatfield in 18.55, at which time it 
contained some 300 inhabitants. With the re- 
moval of the county seat from there to St. Peter its 
importance gradually lessened; the buildings 
were removed to the latter place. Traverse des 
Sioux is rendered memorable as the place at which 
was concluded the treaties lietween the United 
States and the Dakotas which took place July 23, 
1851, as described on page 123. This was the 
opening of the region to white settlement, which 
progressed to such an extent that on March 5, 
1853, the legislature passed an act for the purpose 
of organizing the county of Nicollet, the bounda- 
ries of which were as follows: Beginning at the 
mouth of Rush river, thence up the Minnesota 
river to the moutli of Little Rock river, thence due 
north to the north fork of Crow river, thence down 
said river to the northwest corner of Sibley county, 
thence along said county to the jilace of begin- 
ning." These boundaries became subsequently 
reduced to their present size by an act passed 
February 20, 1855. 

Fort Ridgely was commenced in 1853 as a pro- 
tection to settlers on the frontier. B. H. Randall 
was located there as sutler. On the 7th of Aj)ril, 
1853, the governor appointed the following 
ofTicers: George H. Speueer, register of deeds; 
Jonas Pettijohn, county treasurer; William Huey, 
sheriff; the board of commissioners was composed 
of D. R. Kennedy, A. J. INIyrick and Jonas Pet- 
tijohn. 

The first meeting of county commis=:ioner8 was 
hold .Tune 27, 1853, at Traverse des Sioux. The 
county was laid off into three assessment districts. 
James B. Gault was appointed to the first, H. Cay- 
wood to the second, and number three was placed 
in charge of .Joseph k. Wheelock, now editor of 
the Pioneer Press. " 

On July 10 it was ordered that there be only one 
election precinct formed for Nicollet county, and 
that the polls be located at Traverse des Sioux. 
Jonas Pettyjohn, William Huey and John Labathe 
were then appointed judges of election. 

At the same time an election precinct was 
formed for the cotiuty of Pierce, which was at- 
tached to Nicollet county for judicial j)uqio.«es; the 
polls were located at New Fort and Benjamin H. 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



639 



Randall was appointed jtidge for said precinct. 

On July 30 the assessor's reports were exam- 
ined and corrected, and sixty-flve cents were or- 
dered to be levied on each one hundred dollars 
worth of property in the county ; there being, ac- 
cording the assessor's reports, $58,060 worth of 
taxable property in the three districts. 

One road district was established for the entire 
county, and Bruce Pierce was appointed super- 
visor. 

On October 3, 1853, the first grand and petit 
jurors were drawn. The first United States dis- 
trict court was held the same October by Judge 
A. G. Chatfleld, in the hall of Rev. Stephen Riggs' 
mission school. 

The first election, which was held October 11, 
resulted in the selection of D. R. Kennedy, Bruce 
Pierce and Rev. M. N. Adams, county commis- 
sioaers; GUson S. Patch, sheriff; Andrew J. My- 
riek, register of deeds; Jonas Pettijohn, county 
treasurer; Francis Labathe, coroner; William 
Huey and Hii-am Caywood, justices of the peace; 
Peter M. Teed and Stewart B. Garvie, constables; 
J. P. Holtsclaw, G. Addison Brown and Joseph 
La Framboise, assessors; J. D. Hemingway, judge 
of probate; J. D. Markland, district attorney; Is- 
rael Fuller, county surveyor; Joseph Robinette, 
supervisor of roads. The terms of office all com- 
menced on January 1, 1854. On the second of 
January the first meeting of the new board of 
county commissioners was held, and Rev. M. N. 
Adams was appointed chairman. Two days later 
D. T. Rounseville, A. G. Huggins and Hiram Cay- 
wood were appointed overseers of the poor, for the 
term of one year. 

The commissioners held their meetings in a 
room belonging to George H. Spencer, for which 
privilege compensation was fixed at the rate of 
one doUar per day. 

On January 5, it was determined that the county 
seat of Nicollet county should be established at 
some point that may hereafter be determined more 
definitely between the lower line of the town of 
Rock Bend, and the upper line of Traverse des 
Sioux. 

After due consideration it was determined to ac- 
cept the following proposition of G. A. McLeod, 
(ieorge H. Spencer, D. R. Kennedy and A. D. 
Graham for the purpose of locating the county 
buildings — that the said McLeod, Spencer, Ken- 
nedy and Graham, agree to donate for the benefit 
of the county, the block of the town of Traverse, 



designated on the recorded plat of said town as 
blocks numbers 20, 21, 24 and 25, provided that 
the court house be erected on blocks 20 or 21. 

The statement of finances, as reported by the 
board, for the year 1853, was as follows; Amount 
of taxable property, ■158,660; amount of taxes ac- 
cruing at .0065 per cent., .$380.16; unpaid taxes, 
S150.98; amount uncollected, $229.18; amount of 
orders issued and sheriff's fees tor collecting, 
.$176.62; leaving amount available in treasury, 
152.56. 

J. D. Markland, the district attorney, elected at 
the last charter election, not having qualified, on 
April 3 Charles E. Flandrau was appointed for 
the unexpired term. His salary was fixed at the 
rate of .$150 for the first year, and §200 for the 
second year. 

During the summer of 1855 a petition from the 
citizens of St. Peter and vicinity for the establish- 
ment of an election precinct and a request to have 
a school district established, embracing St. Peter 
and vicinity, was sent in to the board of commis- 
sioners signed by thirty-six persons. The board, 
however, determined that the convenience of the 
inhabitants did not require, in their j udgment, the 
establishment of the precinct as prayed by the 
petitioners; and they did not feel themselves em- 
powered to grant their second request. 

On July 9, 1856, the county was divided into 
five road districts, as the most effective method of 
establishing and ojjeniug roads; Peter Brady, 
Daniel M. Church, W. H. McNutt and Jacob Har- 
mon were appointed to the first four districts, in 
the order in which they stand recorded. 

Five election precincts were created the next 
month, the polls of No. 1 being at Traverse des 
Sioux; No. 2, at Eureka; No. 3, St. Peter; No. 4, 
at the house of Anton La Chappelle, near the 
Cottonwood ferry; No. 5, at the house of N. 
Ryents. 

During the fall of this year an unknown man, 
a pauper, committed suicide, at St. Peter, and un- 
der date of November 10, the following entry ap- 
pears on the minutes of the commissioners books, 
F. Feldman, for furnishing coffin, .^8.00; John 
Johnson, for services at funeral, $6.00; James 
Smith, services and taking care of the body, .$18.00 ; 
jurors and witnesses at the inquest, $12.00: Israel 
Fuller, services as coroner, $10.00; J. R. Gardener, 
tor shroud, $1.00; all of which items were allowed. 
In November, 1857 the total amount of taxable 



GiO 



UISTOUY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



property iu the fomity, as reported by the assess- 
ors, was §1,1)18,225. 

While tlie boiird wiis in session, on Fehrnary 17, 
1858, George Hezlep, justice of the peace at St. 
Peter, a]>peared, and represented that a certain 
Micliacl Keongh had been imi)risoned, in default 
of payment of a fine imposed in an assault and 
battery case, and that the prisoner's father was 
present, and would pay the fine by giving his note 
witli endorsement, to tlie county commissioners, 
payable in August, 1858, with interest at five per 
cent, per month. The board accepted the note 
and the sheriff was instructed to release the pris- 
oner. 

In accordance with the provisions of the act of 
legislature, providing for township organization, a 
siwcial session of the board of county commis- 
sioners was held on the 27th of April, 1858, and 
proceedings commenced for the division of the 
county into townships. Places for the holding of 
elections, and judges were appointed at the same 
meeting. 

After the election, on September 14, « meeting 
was held for the purjiosc of organization, in which 
the following named persons participated: A. F. 
Howes and Spencer Sutherland represented 
Oshawa, William Huey, Traverse; C. H. Huddle- 
stone, Granby; Charles Newman, Lafayette; 
George Briggs, Lake Prairie; Samuel Coffin,Court- 
land; T. M. Richardson, Nicollet; James Ryan, 
West Newton; J. N. WoUingford, South Bend; 
Alfred F. Howes was elected chairman of the 
body and John Henderson clerk. After some dis- 
cission Jacob Schmahl was admitted to a seat as 
a second member from the town of Traverse. 

It should be stated that the town of South 
Bend, on account of there already being one of 
the same name in Blue Earth county, had to bo 
changed, which was accordingly done and the 
name of Belgrade conferred upon it. One of the 
first and most important measures that came be- 
fore this new body was in relation to the removal 
of the county seat. 

On September IG, 1850, the board had to take 
under consideration a petition, numerously signed, 
and which had been filed with John Henderson, as 
clerk of the board, September 11th, asking the 
board of county suj)ervisors to order a vote to 
be taken for the purpose of remo^-ing the county 
seat from Traverse des Sioux to St. Peter. After 
some discussion a motion was made to indefinitely 
jwstpone action on the petition, which motion the 



chair ruled to be ont of order. On Mr. Huey ap- 
pealing from the decision of the chair, the latter 
recpiested the clerk to count the signatures to the 
petition, for the purpose of justifying him in his 
course of ruling Mr, Huey's motion out of 
order. The count revealed the fiict that there were 
830 signatures, whereupon Mr. Huey withdrew his 
appeal. After more discussion it was decided that 
the clerk count the number of votes on the poll 
list of the ))reviou8 general election, which showed 
that the total number was SOfl. No agreement in 
the matter of the petition being arrived at, a com- 
mittee was appointed, the next day, consisting of 
William Huey, S])encer Sutherland and Charles 
Hnddleston, to examine and report on tlie petition. 

This resulted in the disagreement of the com- 
mittee and the presentation of two reports. The 
majority report set forth that "the act of assembly 
authorizing such petitions, requires that the same 
should be presented to the board thirty days be- 
fore any general election. This requirement is 
one of vital importance, audits entire fulfiUnjent is 
essential to the validity of any actir)u which should 
be taken by the board on the ])etition. That 
the board cannot obtain jurisdiction of the sub- 
ject matter of the petition without a full compli- 
ance with this pre-requisite," which the committee 
claimed bad not been complied with and gave 
their reasons therefor. "The next view that your 
committee takes is that it bears unmistakable evi- 
dence of having been fraudulently concocted. 
First, many of tlie names were written in the same 
hand, evidently, at the same time and place, and 
many of them are proved to be nou-residents of 
the county, some under legal age. and others were 
unqualified voters; which facts are shown by the 
affidavits of creditable persons, and are submitted 
with this rejiort, and are part thereof. 

"There is another view which your committee 
deem fatal to the success of the petition. Tt jirays 
for the removal of the county seat from Traverse 
des Sioux to St. Peter, when it is a well known 
fact that the county seat never was at Traverse des 
Sioux, but was originally established at Traverse, 
and remains so until to-d;iy. Had the petition 
prayed for the removal of the county seat from 
Nicollet to St. Peter, or from St. Peter to Traverse 
des Sioux, the boaid would, of course, have re- 
jected it, as calling upon them to present to the 
electore a question which their decision could not 
affect, in any particular." The following accom- 
panied the report: "Resolved, That the jietition. 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



641 



now in the possession of the board of supervisors 
of the county of Nicollet, praying for a removal 
of the county seat from Traverse des Sioux to St. 
Peter, is defective, not having been presented to the 
board in time, according to law; for asking the 
removal of the county seat from a place where it is 
not located, and is therefore rejected by the board 
and no election is called under it." This report 
and resolution was signed by William Huey and 
0. H. Huddleston. 

The minority report, submitted and signed by 
Spencer Sutherland, was as follows: "After due 
diligence and inquiry I am satisfied that the peti- 
tion contains the signatures of a greater number of 
legal voters in said county, after striking out all 
names upon it which are not such legal voters, than 
half of the highest number of votes polled at the 
last preceding general election in said county. 

"That it was filed on the 11th of September, 
and is conclusive evidence that such petition was 
made at least thirty days previous to the next en- 
suing general election to be held in said county. 

"That the fact that the county seat is located in 
a town with two names is immaterial, so long as 
the intent of your petitioners is understood and 
the place designated to where it should be removed 
is sufficiently known; that, in all respects, I believe 
the petitioners have complied with the law, rmder 
which they claim the action of this board, and 
that there is no discretion in the case which will 
warrant us in refusing to order the election. I 
would also call attention to the liberal offer made 
by the St. Peter company, and the citizens of St. 
Peter, by which, in time of great financial pressure, 
the county will be relieved from the heavy 
taxation unavoidable in providing the necessary 
buildings." 

But the board was evidently of the opinion- that 
the petition should be disregarded, for, after much 
discussion, the vote resulted in favor of the adop- 
tion of the majority report; there being eight in 
favor of, and three against its rejection. In conse- 
quence, therefore, no election was ordered. Those 
who voted in the affirmative were Briggs, Kichard- 
son, Huddleston, Schmahl, Huey, Newman, Wol- 
lingford and Ryan; those voting in the negative, 
Howes, Coffin and Sutherland. 

But the end was not yet attained, for, on Sep- 
tember 28, Mr. Howes, the chairman, read at a 
meetiug of the board an order that had been served 
on him, as chairman, from Judge Branson, judge 
of the Sixth district, requiring the board to issue 

41 



a notice for a vote to be taken on the removal of 
the county seat to a point named in said petition, 
to- wit: St. Peter, forthwith. 

Mr. Sutherland then offered a resolution to have 
inserted in the notice that the people vote on the 
removal. This was negatived, and subsequently 
Messrs. Huey, Huddleston and Eichardson, were 
appointed a committee to attend to the matter and 
employ an attorney to appeal to the supreme 
court. 

But a piece of Napoleonic strategy rendered 
futile all opposition; for, at a special meeting held 
October 14, the chairman of the board, A. T. 
Howes, who was in favor of the contemplated re- 
moval, stated that he wished to read to the board 
the following notice : " In the matter of Mr. 
Sutherland's motion, whereby it was resolved that 
the board obey the order of the court and order 
an election for the removal of the connty seat, as 
prayed in the petition referred to, in said resolu- 
tion, the chairman of this board hereby declares 
said resolution adopted, and wiU order such elec- 
tion, on the following grounds; said resolution was 
approved, and an election ordered, by four mem- 
bers of this board, which number is a majority of 
a quorum, and capable of doing business, and the 
votes in the negative cannot be counted, and must 
be disregarded, having been given contrary to the 
order of the court, and hence are null and void." 
This notice or decision, the chairman requested 
should be placed on file by the clerk of the board. 
Immediately after this, the chairman declared the 
board adjourned, sine difl by limitation. 

The notice was duly issued, and on October 12, 
18.58, the elections were held, the result being 457 
in favor of, and 301 against, the removal. The 
edifice erected by the St. Peter company, at a cost 
of $5,000, known as the Convention buUding, 40x60 
feet, two stories, in size, was given as a bonus for 
securing the removal. 

John Henderson, the register of deeds, lived 
then at Traverse des Sioux; A. K. Skaro, the 
treasurer, and L. M. Boardman, the sheriff, both 
lived at St. Peter. 

To prevent any opposition to the actual re- 
moval, a number of persons went to Traverse with 
a lumber wagon and quietly removed the books in 
the register's possession and brought them to St. 
Peter. Subsequently to this, several houses were 
mi>ved bodily from the same place to the new 
county seat. 

The building used as a jail at Traverse des 



642 



IlISTOIW OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Sioux consisted of a stone basement, which part 
was xiseil for the detention of prisoners, overwliich 
was a wooden house whieh Oenrge H. Haught 
used as a dwelling. In 1859, in settlement of a 
claim of Banght's against the county, this stnic- 
ture. in its entirety, was given him. Soon after 
the county seat was removed to St. Pet<"r a jail 
was constructed, at a cost of S2,00(), of sawed 
lumber. From this two Indians confined therein 
burned their way out, and about the only white 
person ever in it, at a later date, effected his lib- 
eration by the same means. <)u -Tamiary 8, 1870, 
a committee, consisting of William G. Hayden 
and Benjamin Rogers, was appointed to select a 
site for a new jail, and to procure plans and speci- 
fications. 

On March 12, following, Charles Wetherell, H. 
C. Hanson and William G. Hayden were appointed 
a committee to adopt plans and specifications, and 
were authorized to contract for the erection of a 
jail, the expense of which was not to exceed 
8.5,000. A contract was entered into and a liuild- 
ing erected, in every way fitted for its special jinr- 
pos(\ the cost of which largely exceeded the limits 
first assigned. On .June 15, 1874, iron cells were 
were put in, at an expense of $5,000. 

March 10, 1867, the county purclinsed 260 acres 
of land, occupied as a farm by Christian Itoo.s, in 
Granby, for a poor farm, and erected thereon 
buildings at a cost of Sl,800. The present poor 
house was built in .lune, 1870. 

The following articles of agreement entered into 
in 1869, between tlie supervisors and Josiah Hor- 
ner, appear to be the first public need of any 
measures being taken for the care of paupers. In 
these articles .Tosiah Horner agreed with the su- 
jjervisors to take and furnish "Napoleon Brisbo, a 
lunatic and jiauper, with wholesome food, clothing 
and lodging for the sjiace of one year, for the 
sum of S.300, to be paid monthly, at the rate of 
825 per month." He also agreed to take and keep 
all paupers, other than the one above mentioned, 
and all those who may become paupers in Nicollet 
county during the space of one year from date of 
agreement, and furnish them all necessary food, 
clothing and lodging for the sum of 812.50 per 
month. 

The first official action taken with regard to the 
erection of the prcsjMit handsome court house, was 
at the .January session of 1880. Work was com- 
menced in the spring of the same year, and the 
building was completed and first occupied in July, 



1881. It is a well built structure, of large size, 
with commodious and convenient oflic&s, construct- 
ed of brick with stone basement, the cost of which 
was nearly 827,000. _^ 

July 30, 1853, a license was granted to William 
B. Dodd, to establish and maintain a ferry for the 
terra of two years, extending one-hiilf mile above 
and below the town of Rock Bend, on the jiay- 
ment of .^10 jx>r annum for the privilege. 

October 3, 1850, a license to establish and main- 
tain a ferry at Traverse des Sioux was granted to 
G. A. McLeod, the right extending only 
as far as his premises extended. Subsequent 
licenses for ferries were granted to B. Marrion and 
Martin McLeod, as agents for G. A. McLeod, op- 
posite McLeod's warehouse; to A. .J. Myriok, at 
the mouth of the Cottonwood river; J. W. Bab- 
cock, op])osite his claim ; .John Donnelly, at a point 
Iwtween section lines 33 and 28, in town 111, 
range 26; Ambrose Kennedy, across the Minneso- 
ta river at Traverse des Sioux; Frank A. Dapolter, 
at the point known as Engineer's Landing. 

The first railroad commtinication with Nicollet 
comity was afforded by the St. Paul ,t Sioux City, 
wliich was extended to East St. Peter in 1868. 
The Winona & St. Peter railroad bridge and track 
was completed in the spring of 1871. The bridge 
is 2.400 feet in length and cost 8130,000. The 
first train crossed May 5, 1871. 

Among the first things attended to by the first 
board of county commissioners was to pro\ide ed- 
ucational facilities for the children of the settlers. 

The first school district comprised the entire 
county, but such progress was made in settlement 
that by the spring of 1859, there were fifteen 
school districts, in which the total number of schol- 
ars was 732. School apportionment made in 
October, 1881, which allowed Nicollet coimty 
83,195.50, at the rate of 81.10 for every scholar 
enrolled, tlie number of scholars would Ije 2.905. 
Tliese figures represent tliose actually deserving 
education. There are now fifty-two school dis- 
tricts in the county. 

WAR UECORD, NH'OI-LET COtrNTT — COMP.\Ny "E," 
SECONO HEOIMENT MINNESOTA INFANTRY. 

Sket<!h of its origin, organization and military 
record. News of the attack on Fort Sumter, in 
Charleston harbor, on April 12, and its cajntula- 
tion toCreneral Beauregard, followed by the proc- 
lamation of President Lincoln, April 15, 1861, 
calling for seventy-five thousand volunteers to aid 
the government in suppressing insurrection and 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



643 



rebelli<in, reached St. Peter on Saturday, April 19. 

On the day following, in response to the call of 
Governor Karasey, Messrs. E. St. .Jnlien Cox and 
J. 0. Donahower, initiated efforts toward the en- 
listment of a company of volunteers for the First 
regiment, seventeen persons signing the roll dnr- 
ing the day, which by Wednesday noon had in- 
creased to over eighty names. A meeting of the 
signers of the roll was then held in the hall of the 
Steltzer House, at which an organization was 
effected by the election of Asgrim K. Skaro as 
captain, E. St. J. Cox, first lieutenant, and J. C. 
Donahower, second lieutenant; also adopting the 
name of "St. Peter Guards." Mr. David Donald- 
son was without delay sent to St. Paul with an 
offer to the governor of the services of the guards; 
Donaldson making the ride on horseback to St. 
Paul in twenty-four hours, one hour too late, the 
governor having just accejited the tenth company 
required to fill the quota under the first call. 
When the messenger returned and the result be- 
came known, twenty-five or thirty of the guards 
started for St. Paul and enlisted in the First Beg- 
iment. 

On June 1.5th Gov. Eamsey sent Captain Skaro 
an order to report with his company at Fort 
Bidgely, Minn. The order reached St. Peter at 
aliout 1 o'clock P. M. on the 17th of Jtme, and 
three hours later Captain Skaro with about forty 
members of the guards stepped on board of the 
steamer "City Belle," and proceeded to Fort 
Eidgely, in company with the "Western Zouaves," 
of St. Paul. Two days later a second detachment 
of the Guards left St. Peter in wagons, reaching 
the fort at noon on the 20th of June. 

The guards were fortunate in having not only a 
captain, but others also in the ranks, whose mili- 
tary training and discipline proved highly advan- 
tageous to them, and enabled them, in the short 
time allotted the company, to acquire a knowl- 
edge of the manual of arms and practice in drill 
exercises. Ordnance Sergeant John .Jones, U. S. 
A., assisted in promoting the efficiency of the 
troops by giving instruction in evolutions, etc. 

About the 25th of .Tune the "Guards" were sent 
to the Lower Sioux Indian Agency, where they 
remained until after the payment, and then re- 
turned to the fort. 

At 6 P. M. on the evening of July 4, 18G1, in re- 
sponse to the call of Major Galbraith, agent at 
Yellow Medicine, for troops, the Guards, with 
Captain McCune's company of the First regiment, 



marched out of the fort, but after marching ten 
miles were overtaken by a courier with orders for 
Captain McCune to proceed to Fort Snelling, and 
for the Guards to return, and be mustered into the 
United States military service, by Captain A. D. 
Nelson, U. S. A., who had arrived on tlie "City 
Belle" after the troops had left the fort. The two 
companies got back to the fort on the morning of 
July 5, and later in the day Captain Nelson form- 
ally mustered the Guards, and after having been 
sworn in, they dropped the name Guards, and 
became Company E, of the Second regiment 
Minnesota infantry volunteers. 

The muster in roster of Co. E, was as follows : 

Captain, Asgrim K. Skaro; First Lieutenant, 
E. St. Julien Cox; Second Lieutenant, J. C. Dona- 
hower; First Sergeant, A. E. Alden; Sergeants, 
Thomas G. Scott, Frank Y. Hoflfstott, Benj. S. 
Sylvester, Holder Jacobus; Corjjorals, Joseph 
Diehl, Edward Pasco, Thomas Harney, Azro A. 
Stone, Solon K. Cheadle, Geo. A. Black, James 
Newton; Musicians, Kobt. G. Rhodes, Frank 
Borer; Wagoner, A. C. Renter and seventy-one 
privates. Those from Nicollet county are found 
in the list below. 

On the morning of July 6, 18G1, Company E 
marched for the Yellow Medicine, overtaking Cap- 
tain Western's company, and reaching the agency 
at noon of the 7th, relieving the government em- 
ployes and their wives and children from the anx- 
iety and fear of massacre and capture, caused by 
the threatening and rebellious attitude of the 
younger Indians. On July 2.3d the troops marched 
back to Eidgely, reaching that post at sunset, 
marching forty-six miles in sixteen hours. On 
August 13th a detatchment of companies, D and 
E, under Captain Western and Lieutenant Cox, 
were sent by Lieut. Col. George, to Spirit Lake, 
Iowa, to protect settlers in that vicinity from the 
depredations of marauding bands of Indians. 

In the mean time the Indians at and above Yel- 
low Medicine, again manifested, by insolent and 
threatening behavior, a disposition of a very war- 
like character, which again called Company E to 
the upper agency, where they arrived on or about 
the tenth day of September. On the l.jtli Lieut. 
Donahower, with a detachment of Company E, 
was sent to Big Stone Lake, as an escort to the 
government farmer, whose purpose was the seizure 
of a number of horses that had been stolen from 
white people living at some point (m the Missouri 
river. They returned to Yellow Medicine on the 



an 



lll^TUUy OF TUB Ml^SKHUTA VALLEY. 



22il with three horses. On September 23d Cnptain 
Skiiro niiirched with his company for Ridgoly 
under orders to join the regiment at Fort Snel- 
ling. 

On Sunday afternoon, Sejitenibcr 29th tlie com- 
panies, D and R, marched from Fort Ridgely via 
Henderson, reaching Fort Snelliug at noon on 
October 3d, where the several companies that were 
on garrison duty at Ridgely, Abercrombie and 
Ki))U'y, were to rendezvous. On October 9th the 
paymaster made a payment of two months service 
and on the 14th the regiment being ordered to 
Washington, embarked, but on arriving at Pitts- 
burg on the 18th, was ordered to Louisville, Ken- 
tucky, arriving thereon October 22d, proceeding 
the same day to Lebanon Junction, Kentucky, 
thence on December 9, 1861 to Lebanon, march- 
ing January 1st, 1802, via Columbia to Mill 
Springs, taking an lionoralile and active part in 
the battle of that name on January 19th, with a 
loss of twelve men killed and thirty-three wounded 
in the regiment, during which Company E gained 
possessicm of the flag of the Yallabusha rangers 
of Mississippi. Later via Somerset, Crab Or- 
chard, and Danville to Lebanon on February 18th, 
thence via Bardstown to Louisville, where, on the 
2.')th of February, 18fi2, tlie regiment was honored 
by its loyal men and noble and patriotic ladies 
with a reception, and the presentation of a flag. 
Thence February 27th, by river, to Nash^olle, 
Tennessee: thence on Mareli 20th with General 
IbK'll via Franklin, Columbia and Sav.innah to 
Pittsburg Landing, arriving there April 8, 1802. 
Passed April and May in the siege of Corinth, and 
followed the enemy in pursuit to Boonsville, 
Mississippi. On June lOth passed through Kienza, 
thence to east of Corinth, thence June 25th to 
luka, arriving at Tuseumbia, Alabama, June 30th. 
Early in February Lieutenant Donahower was ap- 
pointed to duty in the signal corps, and on Feb- 
ruary 8, 18()2 Lieutenant Cox resigned, and on 
March 20th Captain Skaro, by reason of ill heidth 
also re.signed, the vacancies being filled by pro- 
motion of Lieutanant .1. C. Donahower to the 
captaincy of Company E, Sergeant A. E. Alden, 
lK!coming First Lieutenant and Sergeant Major 
Thomas G. Scott Second Lieutenant, and Corpor- 
als A. A. Stone and Thos. Hamey, Sergeants. 

From August 21. to September 3 the regiment 
was on the chase after Bragg in the mountains 
around Altnmont and Pelham, arriving at Nash- 
WUe ou the 0th, theuce on the 14th in pursuit of 



Bragg's Anny. reaching Louisville, Kentucky, on 

tlie 27th. marching again October 1, and on the 
0th skirmisliing all day with tlie rebel rear guard, 
near Springfield, Kentucky; thence on the Hth into 
line in the battle of Perry ville, thence via Lebanon 
to Bowling {rrcen on Nov. 3. South Tunnel on the 
12tli and to Cunninghams Ford on the 2.">th, tlience 
on Dec. 22, to Pilot Knob, and on the 27th to Gal- 
latin, going into camp .Tanuary 3, 1863, at Col. 
Battle's hoiLse near Nashville; thence March 3. to 
Cha])el Hill with Brownlow's cavalry, returning 
to Triune March 8, with sixty prisoners. On 
June 23, march on the Tnllahoma campaign, and 
on the 2-tth companies E and K skirmished with 
the enemy ou tlic Sbclliyville Pike, and thence on 
the 20th into line at Hoover's Gap, and skirmish 
with General Steams' Cavalry on the 29th near 
Tullahoma, and pa.ssing through it on the Ist of 
July, camp on the 8th, near Winchestcj. March 
again August 10, and cross the Cumberland moun- 
tains and Tennessee river; thence over the moun- 
tains beyond into McLemore's Cove on Sept 12. 
On September 19. in the battle of Chickamauga, 
the regiment begins the action on the left Hank of 
G«n. Rosecrans' line, and was actively engaged 
until sunset on the evening of the 20th, losing 
thirty-five killed and 119 officers and men wounded. 
On September 22 the regiment was in position at 
Chattanooga and took an active part during the 
two months' siege in holding Bragg and starvation 
at bay. During October and November, 1863. the 
regiment was continuously within Iiailing distance 
of the enemy, and witues.sed the bjittle above the 
clouds on Lookout Mountain, November 24, and 
in the liattle of Mission Ridge, November 2.5, 
was on the front line in the charge on the lower 
works and those on the summit, holding the jx)si- 
tion and repulsing the counter attack made by 
Cheatham's division, until reinforced by the Ninth 
Ohio Volunteers, losing out of eight companies 
present, tliirty-nine in killed and wounded. Was 
present at the battle of Ringgold, Georgia, on the 
27th, and returned on the 30th to Chattanooga. 
After tlic re-enlistment of the major |)orti(m of 
the regiment on December 29. the regiment, on 
January 8, 1804, proceeded to St. Paul, on veteran 
furlough. Ou March 3, they left St. Paul, and 
marching from Nashville arrived at Ringgold, 
(xeorgia, on Ajjril lOth. On May 1st and 3d suj}- 
ported Gen. Kilpatrick's cavalry iu action near 
Tunnel Hill, and on the 7th marched with G«n. 
Sherman on the Atlanta campaign, being under 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



645 



fire almost daily until that city was reached, and 
taking part in the battles of Resaca, May 14 and 
15th; Kiilp's Farm, June 18, and the several bat- 
tles around Kenesaw Mountain and at Jonesboro, 
October 4, 1864, marched with Sherman after Hood 
into northern Alabama, returning to Atlanta No- 
vember 15, witnessed its destruction by fire on the 
16th, thence with Sherman on his march to the 
sea, taking part in the capture of Savannah, 
Georgia, on December 21, and later of Fayetteville, 
North CaroMna, and present at the battle of Ben- 
tonville, arriving at Goldsboro, March 23, 1865, at 
Kaleigh, April 10; thence, after Gen. Johnson's 
surrender via Richmond to Washington, where 
they marched in the grand review on May 24, 1865, 
thence via Louisville, Kentucky, to Fort SnelHng, 
Minnesota, where by reason of the close of the war 
the regiment was on July 21, 1865, honorably dis- 
charged. 

In July, 1864, by reason of expiration of term 
of service, Captain Donahower with several other 
officers and about one hundred enlisted men of the 
regiment returned to Chattanooga for muster out. 
The vacancies in Company E, being filled by the 
promotion of Lieutenant Scott as Captain, B. F. 
Sylvester, First Lieut., Thomas D. Fowble, Second 
Lieut. Thomas Downs, O. P. Renne and K. G. 
Rhodes as sergeants and Beret Olmanson, E. 
Knutson Joseph Smith, and F. Wendland as corp- 
orals, and Sergeant F. T. Hoffstott as regimental 
adjutant. The regiment was commanded at first 
by Col. H. P. Van Cleve, then by Col. James 
George, who was succeeded by Col. J. W. Bishop, 
who remained its commander to the end. 

It may not be irrelevant or inappropriate to 
state that during the years of service at the South 
the position of the regiment was always found to 
be at the front, and where its proximity to the 
enemy demanded a constant picket line to guard 
it against surprise, and that Company E's records 
instances but one case of capture of one of its 
membera unwounded. Sergeant Stone with pri- 
vates VV. L. Jones, Jay W. French, Lewis Swensou, 
and James Flora, too severely wounded at Chioka- 
mauga to be removed, with the capture of the hos- 
pital, fell into the enemy's hands, but were fortun- 
ately exchanged and returned to Chattanooga ten 
days later. The company will be pardoned for 
remembering with no little pride the fact that 
Sergeants Sylvester and Jacobus of Company E, 
bore the flag of the regiment from Fort Suelling in 
1861, and that the latter while on the march, and 



thi'ough its battles and skirmishes, gallantly held 
it aloft, and unstained save by the blood of its 
bearer, delivered it July 21, 1865, into the keep- 
ing of the state. 

First Infantry, Company F. Private — A. P. 
Baker, must. Apr. 29, '61, dis with regt. May 5, 
'64. Second Infantry, Company B. Drnfted — C. 
P. Lagrange, must. Nov. 26, '64., dis with regt. 
Company E, Mustered July 5, 1861. Cupid in, 
Asgrim K. Skaro, resigned Mar. 20, '62. Fint 
Lieui. — E. St. Julien Cox, resigned Feb. 8, '62. 
Second Lieut. — J. C. Donahower, pro. capt. 
Mar. 20, '62, dis. on ex. of term, July 
12, '64. Sergeants — Thomas G. Scott, pro. 
sergt., major, 2d It. Mar. 20, '62 and 
capt. Nov. 9, '64„ dis with regt. Frank Y. Hoff- 
stott, re-en. pro. 1st sergt., sergt. major and adj't, 
with rank of 1st It. dis July 11, '65. Benjamin 
Sylvester, re-en. Sep. 2, '64, pro. 2d It. Sep. 20, 
'64, and 1st It. Nov. 9, '64, lost an arm, dis with 
regt. July 11, '65. Holder .Jacobus, re-en. Dec. 
26, '63, color sergt. w'd at Mission Ridge, dis with 
regt. Corporals — Joseph Diehl, pro. sergt. trans, 
to CO. I, 4th U. S. art'y m Dec. '63. Edward 
Pasco, pro. sergt., died Nov. 18, '62. Thomas 
Harney, re-en. Dec. 26, '63, pro. sergt. dis with 
regt, Daniel Devannah, dis for disab'y in '62. 
Azro A. Stone, pro. sergt. w'd at Ohickamauga dis 
on ex, of term, July 4, '64. G. A. Black, dis for 
disab'y, in Nov. '62. James Newton, dis for disa- 
b'y. Privates — Fourier Alexis, dis on ex. of term, 
July 4, '64. George Anderson, re-en. Dec. 26,'63, 
dis with regt. Andrew Anderson, re-en. Dec. 26, 
'()3, pro. Corp., dis with regt. David Donaldson, 
dis on ex. of term, July 4, '64. P. M. Frietjoff, re- 
en. Dec. 26, '63, w'd at Ohickamauga, dis for dis- 
ali'y. May 4, '64. James Flora, w'd at Chicka- 
mauga, dis on ex. of term, July 4,'64. E. L.Huggins 
pro. Corp. w'd at Ohickamauga, dis for disab'y in 
July, '64, re-en. in 11th inf'y and ap'd It. in U. S. 
art'y pro. capt. S. A. Hobert, trans, to V. R. 0. 
Apr. 30, '64. Ole Hendrixon, w'd at Mission 
Ridge, Nov. 23, '63,, dis on ex. of term, July 4, '64. 
Michael Horrigan, dis on ex. of term, July 4, '64. 
Hans .lenson, re-en. Dec. 26, '63, dis with regt. 
Even KDudson,w'd at Ohickamauga, re-en Dec. 
26, '63, dis with regt. Christ. Koppelman, dis for 
disab'y. May 28, '62. Erick Larson, died Mar. 5, 
'63, at Nashville, Tenn. James Lord, dis for dis- 
abyin Mar. '62. John Maybold, w'd at Mill 
SjM-ings, dis for disab'y June 1, '62, since died. 
James McNalley, dis for ilisab'y in Mar. '63. Fritz 



G4G 



HISTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Miller, dis for disab'j in Mar. '62. George Nay- 
lor, dis on ex. of term, July 4, '64. Ole Oleson, re- 
en. Dee. 26, '63, dia with regt. Isaac Pettijolin, 
dis for disiiby ?\I;ir. 28, '62. Petor Peterson, w'd 
while on picket Oct. 12, '63, died Oct. 13, '63. O. 
P. Renne, w'd at Chickamauga, Sept. '62, re-en 
Dec. 26, '63, pro. corp., sergt. dis \s-ith regt. Ben- 
jamin Rouiiscvillc, died in Sept. '63, at Na.shville, 
Tenu. Carl Hupcrt, dis on ex. of term, July 4, 
'64. Jacob Romer, died in Dec. '61, at Louisville, 
Ky. .Tosepb Smith, re-en. Dec. 25, '63, pro. corp. 
dis with regt. Thomas Smith, dis for disab'y in 
Mar. '62, afterwards killed by Indians at Fort 
Ridgely, Aug. 18, '62. James Smith, re-en. Dec. 
26, '63, w'd at Chickamauga, trans, to V. R. 0. 
Aug. 3, '64. Lewis Swensou, w'd at Chickamau- 
ga, dis on ex. of term, July 4, '64. Mat. Schliu- 
ker, re-en. Dec. 26, '63, pro. corp. dis with regt. 
Michael Schwartz, trans, to V. R. C. in '63. Nich- 
olas Sons, w'd June 21, '64, dis July 10, '6.5. John 
\\'alter, dis for disab'y, Jan. 3, '62. Recruits — 
Cornelius Cronin, must. Mar. 29, '65, dis with regt. 
J. W. Freiseh, must. Oct. 1, '61, dis on ex. of term, 
Oct. 9, '64. B. Olmanson, pro. corp. dis with regt. 
Company K. Corporal — Gustaf A. Stark, must. 
July 31, '61, dis for disab'y. 

Third Infantry, Company B. Recruit — John 
Lind, must. Aug. 23, "64, dis per order July 
28, '6.5. 

Fourth Infantry, Company B. Private — Ed- 
ward Potts, must. Oct. 2, '61, died Aug. 19, '62. 
Company E. Recruit — Patrick Croneu, must. Feb. 
12, '62, re-en. Feb. 29, '64, dis with regt. Com- 
l^any F. Private — George Quemer, must. Oct. 
26, '61, trans, to Co. I, Dec. 7, '61. Company G. 
Private — George Moser, must, Nov. 22, '61, dis for 
disab'y July 29, '62. Company H, mustered Dec. 
20, '61. 1st Lieut. — -Gibson S. Patch, pro. capt. 
Aug. 24, '62, res'g'd for disab'y June 30, '63. 
Sergeant— W. B. Stone, died Oct. 7, '62, at St. 
Louis, Mo. Corporal — August Swanson, died in 
hosp. at Camp Big Spring, Miss., Aug. 3, '62. 
Privates — Andrew Anderson, pro. corp., re-en. Jan. 
1, '64, dis with regt. John Abraham, pro. corp., 
dis for disab'y June 28, '65. Elias Branch, ilis for 
disab'y Nov. 8, '62. Newton Colby, died Jime 10, 
'62, at Farmington, Miss. J. A. Dolphin, re-en. 
Jan. 1, '64, pro. corp., dis with regt. Peter (xil- 
bertson, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, pro. corp., dis. with 
regt. B.C. HolTman, died May 26, '63. at Vicks- 
burg, Miss. James Williams, dis on ex. of term 
Deo. 20, '64. Gustaflf Johnson, dis for disab'y 



Aug. 4, '63. Christopher Jennison, dis on ex. of 
term Dec. 20, '64. John Magnus, died June 15, 
'63, at Memj)hi8, Tenn, of w'ds rec'd in action May 
22, '63. J. P. Miner, dis for disab'y May 5, '62. 
Martin Olson, dis for disab'y Oct. 8, '62. Charles 
Olson, died Oct. 22, '62, at Corinth, Mis.s. Peter 
Olson, died Sep. 24, '62, at Corinth, Miss. W. H. 
Po.st. dis for disab'y Sep. 17, '62. J. J. Solstrom, 
re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis for disab'y June 28, '65. W. 
F. Seely, dis. on ex. of term Dec. 20, '64. John 
Torngrain, tians. Sop. 15, '63. Peter Wilson, dis 
on ex. of term Dec. 20, '64. W. D. Wiuslow, dis 
for disab'y June 12, '65. 

Fifth Infantry. Company B. Privates — J. A. 
Gehring, must. March 24, '62, killed Aug. 18, '62, 
at Redwood, Minn. Henry Mc.Vlister, must. 
March 14, '62, re-en. Feb. 13, '64, pro. Corp., dis 
with regt. Company I. Privates — Wm. Smith, 
must. March 11, '62, died Aug. 18, '65, in hosp. at 
St. Paul. J. R. Smith, must. March 11, '62, dis 
for disab'y March 16, '63. 

Sixth Infantry. Company E. Private — Louis 
Thiele, must. Oct. 5, '62, trans, to V. R. C. March 
15, '65, dis Sep. 7, '65. Company G. Private- 
's.. E. Jones, must. Oct. 1, '62, dis for disab'y Oct. 
6, '64. Company I, mustered October 4, '62. 
Sergeant — W. G. Gresham, pro. 2d lieut. June 5, 
'65, dis with regt. Corporal — J. W. Black, pro. 
serg't, dis with regt. Privates — J. S. T. Bean, 
trans, to Inv. C. Oct. 1, '63. Thomas Hodson, dis 
with regt. J. A. Nelson, dis with regt. Jona- 
than Summers, dis with regt. Lewis Stevens, dis 
for disab'y March 31, '63. Solomon Turpenning, 
dis for disab'y March 31, "63. John Williams, 
died Sep. 2, '64, at Helena, Ark. Recruit — J. S. 
Williams, must. June 5, '64, pro. corp., dis with 
regt. Company K. Privates — John Cooney, 
must. Oct. 10, '62, deserted Sep. 8, '63, at Fort 
Snelling, Minn. Edwin Rhodes, must. Oct. 10, 
'62, deserted Jan. 20, '63, at I'ort Snelling, Minn. 

Seventh Infantry. Company K. Sergeant — 
W. J. Worden, must. Sep. 24, '62, dis Jan. 6. '64, 
for pro. as sergt. major in U. S. C. Inf'y. 

Eighth Infantry. Compsmy H. Private — 
Charles Genirae, must. Oct. 30, '62, dis per order 
May 22, '65. 

Ninth Infantry. Chaplain — Aaron H. Kerr, 
must. Dec. 17, '62, dis with regt. Company D. 
mustered Sep. 23, 1862. Cajitain — Asgrim K. 
Skaro, killed Dec. 16, "64, at battle of 
Nashville, Tenn. Sergeants — A. R. McGiU, 
dis for disab'y Aug. 18, '62. F. F. B. Coffin, dis 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



647 



for pro. Dec. 29. '63. William Seeger, dis for dis- 
ab'y, Feb, 28, '63. C7o?pomZs— Matthias G. Even- 
son, pro. serg't, dis at St. Paul, Minn., June 16, 
'6.5. Thomas Pettijohn, dis per order June .5, '65. 
Francis Clark, pro. serg't, dis with regt. S. S. 
Miller, dis per order May 21, '64. Musician — 
Anton Pieschel, dis for disab'y July 25, '64. 
Wagoner — N.Baker, dis per order May 2 7,' 95. Pn- 
vates — John Aitou,dis per order May 31,'65. Patrick 
Bedford, died Jan. 14, '65 at Eastport, Miss. John 
Bergink, killed Dec. 16, '64 in battle at Nashville, 
Tenn. James Clark, dis with regt. Pattrick Con- 
nell, dis with regt. Henry Fuchs, died in Ander- 
sonville prison. Henry Feldman, jto. serg't, 
dis with regt. M. P. Gardner, dis for pro. Dec. 
21, '63. P. S. Halvorsou, died Oct. 27, '64, in 
Andersonvillo prison. W. P. Holschaw, dis for 
disab'y Mar. 26, '63. J. W.Holtzclaw, pro. serg't, 
killed June 10, '64 in battle at Guntown, Miss. 
John Johnson, pro. corp. dis in husp in '65. Fran- 
cis Kaus, killed June 10, '64 in battle of Gun- 
town, Miss. W. F. Kern, dis for pro. May 1, '64. 
Niles Kinderson, dis for disab'y Jan. 1, '64. J. T. 
Lehnarts, dis with regt. P. M. Miller, died Oct. 
27, '64 in Andersonville prison. Ole Monson died 
Oct. 10, '64 in Andersonville prison. Michael 
McGraw, dis with regt. Ulysses Naylor, dis per 
order May 26, '65. Eric Oleson, pro. corp.dis with 
regt. Lars Oleson, dis with regt. James Powell, 
died Dec. 10, '62, at St. Peter, Minn. Milford 
Richards, dis with regt. Benjamin Rogers, pro. 
Corp., dis with regt. Frederick Shach, died Aug. 
14, '64, at Memphis, Tenn. .Tames Shotwell, died 
at St. Louis, Mo. No date given. John Stock- 
holm, died June 4, '65 at St. Louis, Mo. D. G. 
Summers, dis per order May 22, '63. Sander 
Swenson, dis July 7, '65 at NashviUe, Tenn. 
Henry Toothaker, pro. com. serg't, trans to N. C. 
S. Feb. 15, '65. Martin Williams, trans, to N. C. 
S. Nov. 28, '62. Gustave Wilson, dis with regt. 
T. R. Wisby, dis per order May 27, '65. Ernst 
Weichnian, dis. with regt. O. G. Johnson, dis with 
regt. Thor Paulson, dis with regt. Thomas 
Dolan, dis with regt. RecruiU — P. M. Bean, must. 
Feb. 23, '64, died July 15, '64 at Memphis, Tenn. 
John McKee, must. Feb. 23, '64, died Oct. 30, '64 
in Andersonville prison. Hans Peterson, must. 
Mar. 23, '64, dis per order Jan 1.3, '65. John 
Sommers, must. Mar. 11, '64, dis with regt. 

Tenth Infantry, Company I. Musician, Recruit 
— Christopner Bergen, must. Mar. 20, 64, dis with 
regt. Company K. Recruit — James Duffy ,must. 



Aug. 13, '65, dis with regt. 

Eleventh Infantry, Company E. Privates — P. 
M. .Bond, must. Aug. 23, '64, dis with regt. P. 
K. Bond, must. Aug. 23, '64. dis with regt. 

First Battalion Infantry, Company D. — Pri- 
vate — Andrew Ritz, must. Mar. 14, '64, dis with 
comp. 

First Regiment, Heavy Artillery Company B. 
Corporal — Francis Osborn, must. Sept. 14, '64, 
dis with comp. Private- — G. P. Hall, must. Sept. 
15, '64, dis with comp. Company F. Sergeants 
— Albert Freitag, must. Feb. 7, '65, dis with comp. 
Anthony Lacond, must. Feb. 14, '65, dis with 
comp. Corporal — Herman Freitag, must Feb. 7, 
'65, dis with comp. Privates — F. L. Otto, must. 
Feb, 7, '65, dis with comp. Philip Pehling, must. 
Feb. 7, '65, dis with comp. Philip Borgar, must. 
Feb. 7, '65, dis with comp. Julius Sehwang, 
must. Feb. 7, '65, dis with comp. August Stolt, 
must. Feb. 7, '65, dis with comp. Wilhelm Sinn, 
must. Feb. 7, '65, dis with comp. Carl Thorn, 
must. Feb 7, '65, dis with comp. Company K. 
Jan \st Lieut. — ^Eli L. Huggins, must. Mar. 21, 
'65, dis with comp. Privates — Wilfred Bushard, 
must. Feb. 18, '65 dis with comp. ToUif TolUf- 
son, trans from co. C, dis in hosp. Sept. 6, '65. 
Company M. Privates^ohn Dingier, must. Feb. 
18, '65, dis with comp. Christopher Schweer, 
must. Feb. 18, '65. diswith comp. 

First Regiment Moimted Rangers. Major — 
Salman A. Buell, com'd Nov. 22, '62, must. Dec. 
17, '62, dis with regt. Q aartermastcr — Duncan R. 
Kennedy, must. Sep. 11, '62, dis with regt. Q. M. 
Sergeant — James J. Green, must. Dec. 10, '62, dis 
with regt. Company B, originally commanded by 
Captain Horace Austin, and mustered into service 
of the United States for three years, October 29, 
1862. Captain — Horace Austin, dis with comp. 
Sergeants — Lewis J. Patch, ths with comp. Myron 
W. Smith, dis with oomi:). Corporals — Stine Ole- 
son, dis with comp. Edwin Shave, dis with comp. 
Teamsters — Dauiel Wolsey, dis with comp. John 
McGarry, dis with comp. Privates — Even Bring- 
leson, dis with comp. W. A. Dodd, dis with comp. 
K. E. Hatcher, dis with comp. J. H. Hess dis for 
disab'y, June 17, '63. Thomas Hughes, dis with 
comp. Hendrick Johnson, dis with comp. J. A. 
Johnson, dis with comp. Albert Johnson, dis with 
comp. Edward Larkiu dis with comp. Ole Lar- 
son, dis for disab'y. Mar. 29, '63. John Lindill, 
dis for disab'y, Mar. 29, '63. John McDonald, 
dis with comp. H. W. Moore, dis with com . Ole 



(548 



niSrORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Nelson, dis with comp. A. M. Northrup, dis with 
CDiiip. John O'Shen, dis with comp. Ole Oleson, 
1st, dis for disfib'y, Apr. 17, "03. Ole Oleson, 2d, 
(lis witli comp. Daniel Pedvin, dis with comp. J. 
I{. Qiiiine, died Miir, 22, '03, at Fort Ridgloy, 
Minn. William liay, dis with comp. G. A. Stark, 
killed .July 24, '63, in battle of Big Hills, D. T. 
.Tames Tolan, dis with com]). A. S. Woolsey, 
dis with comp. Elijah Woolsey dis. with comp. 
Recruits — Albert Blanchard, must. Jan. 12, '63, 
dis with comp. F. M. Kennedy, must. Jan. 
12, '03, dis. with comp. Company E, 
Originally commanded by Cai)tain E. St. .Tulien 
Cox, and mustered into the service of the United 
States for three years, December, Ip, 1862. Cap- 
tiiin — E. St. .Tulien Cox, dis with comp. \sl Lieut. 
Patrick S. Gardener, dis with c'omp. SergennU — 
Darius S. Gritlin, dis with comp. Hobart Bniles, 
dis with comp. OorporuhS. C. McCoy, pro. 
serg't and dis with comp. William Lehr, dis 
with comp. Anthony Lahmd, dis witli comp. 
Tfdiiialer — John Cronan, died at home, ])«■. 16, 
'62. Saddler — James O'Reilly, dis with comp. 
Wagoner — John Ledden, dis with comp. I'ricittes 
Jacob Bauer, dis with comp. Wilhelm Braatz, 
dis with com]). William BerghoiT, dis with comp. 
James Cunitt', .Tr. dis. with. comp. Andrew Dela- 
ney, dis with comp. Michael Do^vn8, dis with 
comp. Henry Essler, dis with comp. Albert 
Freitag, pro. corp., .Tan. 23, '63, dis with comp. 
J. J. Green, dis with comp. James Hinds, dis with 
comp. William Kahla, dis with comp. G. F. 
Kaka, dis with comp. William Langhorst, dis with 
comp. Fritz Liefer, Jr., died Dec. 23, '63, at 
St. Peter, Minn. Joseph Martin, dis with 
comp. Charles Meische, dis with comp. John 
Mc.\rth, dis witli comp. .Vslora Oleson, dis with 
comp. Henry Otto, died Sep. 20, '63, at Fort 
Eidgely, Minn. Richard Pfefferle, dis with comp. 
James Skelly, dis with comp. John Smitli, dis 
with comp. Henry Trautfether, dis with comj). 
Anionic Vogel, dis with comp. Frederick Woitag, 
dis with comp. Recruit — L. F. Arner, must. Nov. 
21, 63, pro. sergt., dis with comp. Company K, 
mustered into the service of the United States for 
three years, December 10, 1863. Caplnin — Nor- 
man Hyatt, dishonorably dismissed. Mar. 2.^, '63. 
Corporiih — Charles Roberts, dis with comp. Rufus 
Berge, dis with comp. Teamtter — T. Petill, dis 
with comp. Prj»nta--G«rard Bakerman, dis with 
comp. Roch Beithonie, dis with comp. Anthony 
Cbosey, dis with comp. Benjamin Dolbec, dis with 



oomp. Francoise Deonene, died Mar. 20, '63, at 
St. Peter, Minn. George Doggener, dis with comp. 
Josejjh EUor, dig with comp. George Foster, dis 
with comp. Edward Larimie dis with comp. 
Frederick La Croix, dis with crtmji. George La 
Bal, deserted Dec. 11, '63, from St. Peter, Minn. 
James Magner, dis with comp. John Mondlob, 
dis witli comp. .Tosepli Auger, dis with comp. 
.Toseph I?<>l)inette, dis with comp. Maglione Rob- 
inson, dis with comp. Company L. Pricate — 
John Schmidt, must. Nov. 9, '62, dis for disab'y. 
Recruit — Herman Freitag, must. Mnj 15, '63, dis 
with comp. 

Brackett's Battalion, Cavalry, Company B. 
Privates — William Seeger, must. Nov, 1 '61, re-en. 
Jan. 1, '64, dis with comp. 

Second Cavalry, Qutirternuislir — Martin Wil- 
liams, must. Nov. 11, '63, dis with regt. Surgeon — 
Jared W. Daniels, must. Jan. 12, "64, dis with regt. 
Sergt. Major— W. H. Meyer, must. Nov. 9, '63, pro. 
2nd It. Co. G, Dec. 18, '64. dis with comp. Dec. 
29, '6.5. Q. M. Sergeant — W. P. Gardner, must. 
Dec. 28, '63, dis with regt. Company A, Bugler — 
Nicholas Boda, must. Dec. 5, '63, dis with comp. 
Company B, Mustered December 24, 1863. 1«< 
Lieut. — Lewis J. Patch, pro. Captain, Nov. 17, '64, 
dis with comp., Dec. 1, '65. Sergeants — Andrew 
Delany, dis with comp. J. B. Doherty, pro. 1st 
sergt., dis with comp. ('"rpor"t.i — Daniel Pedim, 
dis with comp. J. A. .Tohiison, dis with comp. 
Blacksmith — James McGowan, dis with comp. 
Privates — -Frederick Blazer, dis with comp. An- 
drew Ellison, dis witli comp.. Peter Gulbranson, 
died Jan. 18, '65, at Fort Wadsworth. H. P. 
Hanson, dis per order, Apr. 27, '65. Lars Hanson, 
dis with comp. Hendrick Johnson, dis with comp. 
Albreght .Tohnson. dis }jer order, Sept. 15, '65. 
Albert .Tohnson. dis with comp. (t. Nelson, dis 
Apr. 20, '65, at Fort Rice. Ole Oleson, 1st, dis per 
order, Dec. 28, '65. Halver Oleson, dis with comp. 
Ole Oleson, 2d, dis with comp. Ole Oleson, 3d, 
dis with comp. L. Peterson, dis with comp. Re- 
cruits, Richard Sheehan, must. Feb. 28, '65, dis 
with comp. Company E, Private — Edward Thom- 
as, must. Dec. 31, '63, dis per order; no date given. 
Company G, Mustered .Tanuary 4, 1864. 2nd 
Lieut. — George B. Tomlinson, pro. Ist It., Nov. 16, 
'64, dis with comp. Com. Sergeant — E. L. Mar- 
tindale, dis with comp. Corporal — ^E. G. Cary, 
dis for disab'y, Sep. 28, '64. Blacksmith — Daniel 
Price, dis for disab'y. Jan. 9, '65. Pritalet.—John 
Becker, dis for disab'y, Feb. 5, '65. George 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



649 



Gieseke, dis with comp. J. E. Gefeller, dis for 
disab'y, Nov. 29, '64. Thomas Janes, dis with 
comp. William Koping, dis with comp. Adel- 
man Price, dis for disab'y, Mar. 16, '6.5. Recruits, 
W. H. Meyer, must. Nov. 9, '63, sergt. major, pro. 
2d lieut., dis with comp. Company H, Sergeant — 
Richard Hoback, vet. must. Jan. 4, '64, dis with 
comp. Privates — Gerard Bakerman, vet. must. 
Jan. 4, '64, dis with comp. W. P. Gardner, must. 
Jan. 4, '64, pro. reg'l Q. M., Feb. 6, '64, dis with 
regt. Charles Kortt, must. Jan. 4, '64, dishon'bly 
dis for desertion. Recruit — H. W. Moore, vet. 
must. Feb. 13, '64, pro. hosp. stew'rd, dis with 
reg't. Company M, Mustered into the service of 
the United States for three years, January 5, 1864, 
1st Lieut. — ^Patrick S. Gardner, pro. capt. June 17, 
'65, dis with comp., Dec. 4, '6.5. Sergeant — Ed- 
ward Larkin, vet., reduced. Corporals — John Mc- 
Grath, vet., dis with comp. Morris Fitzgerald, vet., 
reduced; deserted at Rice Creek, Oct. 5, '65. 
Trninpeter — \^ilhelm Braatz, vet., dis with comp. 
Privates — John Botsett, dis with comp. James 
Banks, vet., deserted at Fort Wadsworth, Oct. 4, 
'64. Patrick Daley, dis with comp. Henry Graff, 
dis with comp. Conrad Hamm, dis for disab'y, 
Apr. 20, '65. N. P. Knudson, dis with comp. 
Magnus Keliesson, deserted at Fort Snelling, Feb. 
18, '64. Joseph Koeberle, died by freezing, Feb. 
15, '64, near La Fayette, Minn. James Magner, 
died Mar. 2, '64, at Fort SneJUng, Minn. J. B. 
Magner, vet., dis with comp. John Magner, vet., 
dis with comp. Joseph Auger, vet., deserted Oct. 
4, '65. Joseph Robinette, vet., dis tor disab'y, Apr. 
15, '64. Frederick Stoltz, vet., dis with comp. A. 
J. Stanley, dis with comp. Andrew Tornborn, dis 
with comp. John Wilson, dis with comp. Fred- 
erick Weitag, dis with comp. Three Year Recruits — 
Peter Laute, vet., must. .Jan. 22, '64, died by 
freezing, Feb. 15, '64, near La Fayette, Minn. 
Independent Battalion, Cavalry, Company A. 
Private — J. B. Bushard, must. July 25, '63, dis for 
disab'y. Recruit — Michael Fussier, must. Mar. 2, 
'64, dis with comp. Company E, Private — Chris- 
topher Murray, must. Aug, 26, '64, dis with 
comp. First Battery Light Artillery. Gorporal-M.ar- 
tin Miller, must. Oct. 25, '61, trans, to V. R. C, 
Mar. 15, '64, Privates — Christopher Brandes, must. 
Oct. 4, '61, re-en. Dec. 1, '63, dis with bat'y. 
Frederick Gerboth, must. Oct. 4, '61, dis on ex. 
of term, Dec, 17, '64. John Koshneck, must. Oct. 
25, '65, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis with bat'y. Boemer 
Reimers, must. Oct. 30, '61, re-en. dis with bat'y. 



CHAPTER LXXV. 

ST. PETEK — FIRST CLAIMS — ST. PETEK COMPANY 

HOSPITAL FOR INSANE SCHOOLS CHURCHES 

NEWSPAPERS — SOCIETIES BUSINESS. 

The first settled dwelling house used by any 
member of the white race within the present lim- 
its of St. Peter, was the claim shanty erected by 
Captam WiUiam B. Dodd, in the fall of 1853. He 
made a claim of LOG acres of land, which, when the 
government survey was made, were toimd to be 
on a school section. 

By some legislative enactments which were sub- 
sequently passed, pre-emptors who had made 
claims to land before the government lines were 
run, if found to be on school sections, were allowed 
to retain their claims and school lands were as- 
sign ed from some other unoccupied section. Dodd, 
therefore, was allowed to retain his claim. 

Shortly after this, in company with William L. 
and OUver Ames, a town site was laid out, which 
was named Rock Bend, which embraced some 500 
acres of land. These claims were on both sides of 
the river, but principally on the west. The name 
of Rock Bend was due to the rocky formations that 
exist in the bend of the river, near where the claim 
was situated. Dodd's claim was all north of what 
now is called Broadway. 

When the St. Peter company was formed, in 
1854, the name of the town site was changed to its 
present title. 

This Captain Dodd was in many ways a re- 
markable man. The precise date of his birth is 
not known, but at the time of his arrival at St. 
Peter he was about forty years of age. He was 
descended from a very weU connected family in 
New Jersey. He was married in the spring of 
1853 to Harriet M. Jones, of New York city, a most 
estimable and lovely woman, who gained the hearts 
of all with whom she came in contact. Shortly af- 
ter the marriage took place the twain set out for the 
western wUderness in search of wealth. Arriving 
in St. Paul Dodd stopped there but a short time. 
He proceeded up the Minnesota river, and made 
the claim previously spoken of. He was a man of 
fine and commanding physique, standing over six 
feet in height and well proportioned. 

He was a man of untiring energy, of deep re- 
sources and enterprise, and very public spirited. 
His courage was unbounded, so much so, in fact, 
that mauT of his actions were deemed to be the 



650 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



very height of rashness; it may said that he kuew 
HO fear. Mr. J. R. Gardner, in commenting uioon 
that trait of bin character, says that he came to St. 
I'cter in company witli Captain Doihl, who was 
then going nj> the river to see after some of his 
interests, and also to hunt for an Indian he had 
been commissioned by the governor to apprehend, 
if possible, for some crime committed. Not find- 
ing the Indian after much search he went oH", soon 
after, to the agency where the Indians were to re- 
ceive their first installment of the treaty money. 
Here he saw the Indian and went aft«r him, when 
the latter, fearing something was wrong, tried to 
dodge the captain, and finally started on a run for 
the river, at which the captain also quickened his 
pace. The Indian, however, managed to reach the 
river first, jumped in and tried to reach the other 
bank. Before he had accomplished this, Dodd ar- 
rived on the scene, and raising his shotgun 
blazed away at him. It was a perilous feat to 
perform, there being then present some 4,000 In- 
dians, who, fortunately, made no opposition to 
the captain's attempts at the capture. 

Henry Jones, now in business at St. Peter as a 
druggist, lauded at Traverse des Sioux in 18.54. 
On making inquiry there as to how far it was to 
St. Peter, no one seemed to know that there was 
such a j)lace. Finally, however, some one remem- 
bered that "he believed that there was such a place 
about a couple of miles away." 

Henry Jones located, in 18.54, and pre-empted, 
in 1855, the claim now owned by Christopher 
Evenson, which is situated at a slight distance 
outside of the present city limits. Shortly before 
this, M. B. Stone made claim to 160 acres of land 
situated in what is now the south end of the town. 
Other settlers were G. S. Patch and Robert Bunker, 
whii had claims on the bluff west of the city, that 
of the former being where the (rustavus Adolphus 
College now stands. That of the latter extended 
under the bluff to where J. B. Sackett now lives. 
In 1853, on what afterward became the school sec- 
tion, A. K. Skaro and M. G. Evenson were settled. 

The government survey was made in 1854 by 
A. D. Anderson. St. Peter was surveyed and 
marked out by Daniel L. Turpin, in June, 1854, 
and the plat acknowledged before James Starkey, 
notary pubUc, in Ramsey county, Jidy 25, 1854. 
This plat consisted of 246 blocks, the average size 
of which were 280x330 feet. Acknowledgment 
was made in the office of the register of deeds of 
Nicollet county, November 28, 1854. 



This plat, however, by <in order from the district 
court, had to be amended and changed, as it did 
not conform to the government subdivision. D. 
L. Turpin made the new survey and j)lat during 
August, 1859. 

In the spring of 1855 the town site, then con- 
sisting of 319 acres, was entered by Judge Chat- 
fleld, at the land office in Winona, in trust, imder 
the provisions of the act of 1844, for the members 
of the St. Peter company and those to whom they 
had sold h)ts. 

On the 21st day of February, 1854, the follow- 
ing named persons, Willis A. Gorman and J. 
Travis Posser, respectively governor and secretary 
of the territory, and George Hezlep, George W. 
Farrington, D. H. Dustin, W. M. McCarty and 
Cliarles H. Parker, associated in the purchase of 
seven-tenths of the interest of Oliver Ames, Wil- 
liam L. Ames and William B. Dodd, "in three 
claims on which is laid out the town of Rock Bend, 
on the Minnesota river, in Nicollet county, M, T,, 
supposed to contain about 500 acres of land, be the 
same more or less, together with one claim on the 
east side of said river, opposite said town of Bock 
Bend, including in its area what is called Dodd"s 
bridge over the lake or slough, in Le Sueur 
county." 

This agreement was entered into in St. Paul, the 
minutes of which state that the above named, "in 
connection with said Oliver and W. L. Ames and 
William B. Dodd do organize themselves into a 
joint stock company, to be known, and hereafter 
designated, as the St. Peter Company, with a view 
to project and lay out, on said lands, ui Nicollet 
coimty, a city or town to be called St. Peter, and 
for such other purposes as said company may here- 
after devise and determine upon." 

On Aug 22, of the same year, a certificate was 
signed and acknowledged, and the same filed in 
the office of the register of deeds of Nicollet county. 
This stated, that, by virtue of chapter 40, of the 
revised statutes of Minnesota, the several parties 
named had associated themselves together under 
the corporate name and style of the St. Peter 
Company, and that the object of the cor])oration 
was "for carrying on generally a manufactur- 
ing, lumbering, agricidtural and mechanical busi- 
, ness." The capital stock consisted of 500 shares of a 
I par value of .tlO each. 

On March 1, 1856, a new organization was ef- 
fected and a charter obtaineii from the territorial 
iegislature. The corporators were then H. F. 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



651 



Howes, Henry A. Swift, George Hezlep, T. B. 
Winston, H. L. Moss, Wm. L. Ames, George W. 
Farrington, Wm. B. Dodd and Joseph Dailley. 
The capital stock was fixed at $100,000, with power 
to increase. 

This corporation is still in existence, the officers 
of which are, F. A. Donahower, president; E. R. 
Moore, secretary. These two, in connection with 
A. J. Lamberton and W. L. Couplin, constitute 
the present board ot directors, in whose hands the 
management of affairs rests. 

Among the prominent men, who, at different 
times, have been interested in the St. Peter com- 
pany were Hon. Reverdy Johnson, Hon. Henry M. 
Eice, Judge Charles E. Flandraa, Albert Knight 
and Hon. Andrew J. Barian. 

This company, possessing both capital and in- 
flueuce, as soon as it was organized, went vigor- 
ously to work to perfect its plans. In addition to 
the land already obtained control was sought of 
lands contiguous to their possessions, and in ac- 
cordance therewith, it was determined that "George 
Hezlep and G. W. Farrington be a committee to 
visit St. Peter for the purchase of three additional 
claims, or such part thereof as they could obtain 
on the most favorable terms." They accordingly 
made the journey and secured the claims of Patch, 
Flaudrau, Skaro, Evenson and Bunker. 

The first officers of the company were Willis A. 
Gorman, president; G. H. Parker, treasurer; Geo. 
Hezlep, secretary. 

On May 4 the treasurer was ordered to raise 
$500 by assessments on the members of the com- 
pany, and on May 29. an additional amount ot 
$250 was raised for the purpose of making im- 
provements. George Hezlej] and D. H. Dustin 
were appointed a committee to take charge of such 
contemplated improvements. 

Among the first things they did was to purchase 
a ferry boat and put Dodd's bridge over the lake op- 
posite the ferry in good shape. Governor Gorman 
made the following contract, which was afterwards 
freely ratified by the company, May 29, 1854. It 
was to the effect that Daniel BirdsaU should im- 
mediately begin and complete a steam saw and 
grist-mill, with capacity to grind corn and make 
flour, and to have the saw-mill in operation in three 
months from the first day of Jime, 1854; in con- 
sideration of which the company agreed to make 
a quit claim deed to said Birdsall, ''for two twen- 
tieths of all the interest in and to said town of St. 



Peter, and all the lands belonging thereto, and to 
which the company had any right or claim." 

It was further understood that Birdsall was to 
pay his pro rata share of the money which would 
be required to enter and buy the lands from the 
United States government, when opened for pur- 
chase. It was also stipulated that while the lots 
and mill were to be the sole property of BirdsaU, 
that the mill was not to be sold or conveyed from 
the town ot St. Peter, and that the lumber to be 
sawed was first to supply the demands for build- 
ings in St. Peter; after supplying the home de- 
mand of the citizens, it might be disposed of as 
interest might dictate. 

The mill was duly built, and stood until 1857, 
when it was sold to Col. B. F. Pratt, by whom it 
was taken down and an extensive saw and flour 
mill erected, sufficient to meet the demands of the 
surrounding country. 

A contract was also made with J. C. York, of 
Gosport, Indiana, by which one-twentieth of the 
town of St. Peter was sold to him for the sum of 
$1,600, which was to be expended in permanent 
improvements, which improvements were to consist 
of a dwelling house, business house or hotel; on 
the completion of which they were to be the indi- 
vidual property ot said York. The latter was also 
to pay his part of the purchase money for the town 
site when the lands were purchased of the govern- 
ment. This resulted in the erection of the first 
frame house in St. Peter, which was comjjleted in 

1854. It is still standing on the same spot, but 
has been much enlarged and improved; for some 
time past it has been the residence of the Rev. Ed- 
ward Livermore. The first store was built in May, 

1855, by J. E. Gardner. 

In order to lay out a road from St. Peter to Du- 
buque, at an estimated cost of §400, Governor Gor- 
man was authorized by the company to sell some 
lots to defray the expense of the same. 

At a meeting held June 30, 1854, it was resolved 
that "$1,200 be raised to erect a house to be occu- 
pied by Captain Dodd, which was to be his prop- 
erty, on the payment of the money so expended in 
the erection of the house and interest thereon, pro- 
vided one-twentieth of the town, being a portion 
of Dodd's interest, is not sold as now authorized to 
be by him, out of which to defray the cost of said 
house, and interest thereon, and it his interest 
aforesaid be not then sold that a pro rata assess- 
ment be made to pay the cost of said house, if said 
money be not raised by sale of his interest." 



652 



IITSTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



In the first yenre of the existence of the com- 
pany they would contrtict with any responsible 
persons to ili mate lots on I'lmdition of their lieiiifj 
built ujjou ami oocnj)ied within a certain reasonable 
specified time. Each comer and adjoining lot, how- 
ever, was reserved by the company. 

I. D. and Jacob Hemingway, of St. Paul, re- 
ceived a building lot on tlie levee in consideration 
of there erecting a stone store house, forty feet 
long, and twenty feet wide, two stories high. The 
company agreed to furnisli stone for said building 
at the rate of three dollars j)er cord. 

Tlie stij)ulation was never complied with and af- 
ter staying some time at Traverse des Sioux, Hem- 
ingway returned to St. Paul. Subsequently Messrs. 
Howes & Wainwright elected a substantial stone 
building on the river Ijnnk, which served the pur- 
pose of a warehouse and freight house, at which 
all steamboats made their landings. 

Jeremiah Kyle, William (leohegan and .Tames 
Smith each received lots, (56x1.5.5 feet in size, for a 
consideration of the sum of SlOO and the erection 
of three good and substantial stone buildings. 
The entire contract, however, was never fulfilled. 
On Nov. 4, 18.54, Allen P. Hemphill, of Balst<m 
Spa, N. Y., took one twentieth interest in the com- 
pany, the consideration being the payment of 
$2,500, of which S50 was paid in cash, and three 
notes given for the remainder. 

The claims on the east side of the river, were 
held for the joint benefit of the company by sev- 
eral members of tlie company. 

November 7, 1854, Charles E. Flandrau was ap- 
pointed general agent and attorney of the com- 
pany at St. Peter. 

On February 6, 1855, a contract was entered 
into by the company with .Tames M. Winslow to 
erect and completely finisli a building for a hotel, 
which should be three stories in height above the 
basement, and to be of such size, form and de- 
scription as would correspond with the spei^itied 
height, to be built of stone and contain at lesist 
thirty rooms, of such size and capacity as shall be 
well calculated for the accommodation of guests, 
for convenience, and in accordance with the mod- 
em style of architecture. The company agreed 
to furnish all the stone free of expense, and to 
make to Winslf)w, when the title was obtained from 
the government, a deed of one-half of the block 
cm which the house was to stand, and, fui-thermore, 
to pay to him the sum of S2,0U0 in cash, in four 
equal payments of $500 each, on the completion 



of a story of the house. Tlie hotel was completed 
at a cost of S1!»,000, and opened in Octolier. 1855, 
by S. L. Wheeler. It was continued for aliout a 
year by Mr. Wheeler, and afterwards kept by Dan- 
iel Birdsall. It subsequently was le.'ised by differ- 
ent parties, one of whom was Dr. Ewing, who 
called it tlien, the Ewing Hou.se. At the time of 
tlie Indian massacre it was vacant, and was used 
for (juite a while as a hospital. Its final destiny 
was to become used as a hospital for insane, when 
that institution was located at St. Peter, and it 
still subserves that purpose as a branch of the lar- 
ger hospital. 

In March, 1855, it was ordered that that each 
member of the com])any be requested to build a 
house in St. Peter the ensuing spring, it being un- 
derstood that each member who built was to have 
the lot on which he built donated t<i him; in ac- 
cordance therewith, W. A. Gorman, Wm. L. Ames, 
C. H. Parker, Thomas W. Coleman, G. W. Far- 
rington, G. K. Swift, A. F. Howes and H. L. Moss, 
agreed to proceed forthwith to erect houses. 

It was about this time that a German named 
Adam Kegel jumped a claim in the southern 
part of the town. Captain Uodd, on hearing of it 
the next morning, shot-gun in hand, started olT to 
interview the "jumj)er." While the particulars of 
that interview are not known, the finale, as related 
by J. E. Gardner shows conclusively that Dodd's 
persuasive eloquence was of sufficient power to 
make the man vacate the claim. The Dutchman 
did all he could to accommodate the captain; when 
he passed Gardner's store his sj^eed was enough 
to awaken the admiration of a professional runner. 
Dodd with his shot-gun was left far in the rear, 
and the German is reported to have kept up his 
pace until reaching Traverse des Sioux. Kegel, 
who was a carpenter, subsequently returned, put 
up a large number of frame houses in St. Peter 
and was noted for his rapid work. 

The first birth of a white child in St. Peter oc- 
curred February 4, 1855, it being that of P. D. 
Wheeler, son of Sheldon L. and Margaret S. 
Wheeler. To celebrate this event, the company 
donated a lot, in trust, for his son, to the father. 
The second bom white child was Willis Gorman 
Dodd, son of Captain W. B. Dodd, who, also, had 
deeded to him a lot. The first marriage was he- 
tweeu M. K. Wright and Mary E. Hunter; the 
latter was a daughter of Dr. Wm. F. Hunter. The 
event took place on July 4, 1855. The first death 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



653 



was that of a pauper, an unknown man who com- 
mitted suicide. 

In February, 1856, several lots were sold. On 
February 21, 18.57, it was resolved at a meeting of 
the company that Dr. P. P. Humphrey should have 
lots 9 and 10 in block 197, for the consideration of 
one dollar, provided he built a residence and moved 
to and resided in the town of St. Peter on or before 
November 1, 1857. 

The chief, early ambition, of the company was 
to secure to St. Peter the honor of being the seat 
of the territorial government, and toward that end 
their energies for some time were devoted. At a 
meeting held February 3, 1857, it was resolved 
that "should the present legislative assembly of 
the territory of Minnesota, in their wisdom and 
sound judgment, deem it expedient to move the 
capital of Minnesota, now located at St. Paul, to 
the town of St. Peter, the said company hereby 
guarantees to the territory, or future state, of 
Minnesota, the same amount originally appro- 
priated by the congress of the United States for 
the capitol Ijuildings, as designated in the thir- 
teenth section of the organic act of Minnesota, 
for the sum of $20,000 in money, and, also, the 
additional appropriation of a lot of ground in St. 
Peter, double the area of the capitol square in St. 
Paul, at some eligible point to be selected by a 
board of commissioners appointed by the legisla- 
ture of said territory, and, also, to provide suitable 
buildings, free of rent or charge, for the first 
meeting of the legislature, after the present, or 
any other deliberative body to convene during 
the year; and that the said St. Pet«r company will 
immediately and within twenty days after the pas- 
sage of the act, enter into bonds, in the penal sum 
of $100,000, for the tuU, faithful and complete 
performance of this proposition." 

As is now well known, a bill was introduced at 
the legislative session of 1857 for the purpose of ef- 
fecting this removal, and which would have re- 
ceived the gubernatorial signature had it not been 
for the action of Joe Rolette, the member for Pem- 
bina, who s])irited it away. A copy, however, was 
procured and duly signed, but it never became a 
law on account of its irregularity. 

At a meeting held June 3, 1857, the company 
resolved that the Hon. A. G. Chatfield, as the at- 
torney of the company, commence an action at 
law, to enforce the act of the legislature removing 
the capital from St. Paul to St. Peter." W. A. 
Gorman and H. L. Moss, however, dissented from 



such a course being jiursued and voted against it. 
During this time property was held at very high 
figures on account of the supposed surety of St. 
Peter becoming the seat of government. There 
were certain lots, for which offers were received of 
SI, 500 in gold, which were refused. The same 
property some time later could have been bought 
for fifteen dollars. 

St. Peter was not destined to be the seat of gov- 
ernment, and the decrees of state had to be sub- 
mitted to with the best grace possible. So sure 
had the company been that the bill would pass and 
become a law that they had gone to the extent of 
erecting a stone building at an expense of .$5,000, 
in which it was intended that the constitutional 
convention should be held. This is the building 
that subsequently was given as a bonus to the 
county for the removal of the county seat to St. 
Peter. 

Among the other projects of this highly enter- 
prising company was the trying to get the loca- 
tion, at St. Peter, of the Indian superintendency, 
for which purjjose the necessary ground and build- 
ings were offered. Not meeting witli any more 
success in this direction than had attended the ef- 
forts to remove the capital, they went to work and 
tried to get the transfer of the land office from 
Faribault, in which they finally succeeded, its re- 
moval being effected in December, 1858, at which 
time Samuel Plumer was register and B. F. Tillott- 
son receiver. 

The influence of the company in the building up 
of the city was of large extent. Public improve- 
ments were made, a hotel built, a newspaper 
started, maniifactures encouraged, the town well 
advertised, and everything dtme to promote the 
material welfare and prosperity of the place. The 
company also subscribed the sum of $100,000 to 
the Southern Minnesota railroad, when it was pro- 
jected. 

The property of the company steadily increased 
in value, so much so that in 1858 the capital stock 
was $200,000; the surplus $29,151. 

Some time before the railroad was built, the 
ferry operated by the company was loaned to the 
borough of St. Peter, on condition that it be main- 
tained as a free ferry. Subsequently it was sold 
to the borough for $350, together with the right 
of way and depot grounds for the Sioux City 
road. 

During the Indian raids St. Peter was free from 
any attack, but for a time was filled with refugees 



654 



HISTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



from the threatened districts. On i-eceiving the 
news of the oiithroak the citizens were j)rompt to 
act find organize for defense, anil for the relief of 
New Ulm. Word was first received late at night 
of the outbreak having occurred, and before ten 
o'clock the next morning two companies had been 
formed, and were on their way to New lllm. 
These comjjanies were commanded by the Hon. 
Charles E. Flandrau and E. St. .Tulien Cox. 
Major Salmon A. Biiell was also one of the ollicers. 

The rapid organization at St. Peter had a great 
deal to do with preventing the savages from devas- 
tating the entire valley. It was during the relief 
of New ITlm that Captain Dodd met his fate. See 
page 218 of this volume. 

In 1874-75, when the ravages of the grasshop- 
pers had caused so much misery, the Grasshopper 
Relief Association was formed in the Norwegian 
Lutlieran church, and coiitril)utioiis sent from all 
parts of the county wherever that denomination 
had members. Oliver Anderson, of St. Peter, was 
the local treasurer, and his report of disbursements 
shows the expenditure of .'i?9,857.08 in cash, be- 
sides which 6,GG2 . bushels of wheat were pur- 
chased and given away. Large quantities of 
clothing, much of it entirely new, were also re- 
ceived, in all 157 cases, 8 barrels and 148 sacks. 

The t)ldest of Minnesota's white settlers now 
living is a resident of St. Peter. His name is 
John Bush. This venerable patriarch came to 
Fort SnelUng in 1825, in the service of the United 
States as a soldier. For many years he had a 
farm and was engaged in agricultural pursuits, in 
the vicinity of Fort Ridgely; but since 1864 he 
has made St. Peter his home. 

St. Peter was incorporated as a borough, March 
2, 1865, with the following officers; E. St. Julien 
Cox, mayor; Henry .Tones, treasurer; J. B. 
Gardner, clerk; .T. B. Sackett and Azro A. Stone, 
justices; A. J. Lamberton, B. H. Randall and L. 
M. Boardman, constables. The charter was amend- 
ed March 2, 1866, and again March 7, 1867, On 
the 7th of .January, 1873, incorporation as a city 
was elTected, and two wards formed, Grace street 
being the di«dingline. 

During the winter of 1870 and '71 the wagon 
bridge over the river was built, at a cost of $25,- 
000. 

PosT-oF«CE. — The first post-office was estab- 
lished in 1856, with George Hezlep as postmaster. 
The office for some time was situated in the store 
of J. R. Gardner, who was acting postmaster. The 



second postmaster was J. J. Green, who was suc- 
ceeded in 18(!1, liy .T. K. Moore, who held the po- 
sition until 18(16, when Martin Williams was ap- 
pointed. In 1869, J. K. Moore was re-apj>ointed, 
and bas hold the position until the present time. 

FinE Department. — Union Fire Comi)aiiy No. 
1, was organized July 11, 1874, the officers being 
W. G. Hay den, foreman; Charles R. Woods, first 
assistant and Thomas Clark, second assistant fore- 
man; G. S. Ives, secretary; .\. L. Sackett, treas- 
urer. The company owns a neat brick building, an 
engine and hose cart. 

HospiTAii FOB Insane. — At St. Peter is located 
the Minnesota Hospital for Insane, in order to secure 
which, the citizens presented the state with a fine 
farm of two hundred and ten acres, at an expense 
of S7,000. The act establishing the hospital was 
passed in 1866, and an appro|)riation of ,S15,000 
was made for the temporary provision and sup- 
port of the insane. At the session of the legisla- 
ture of 1867, S40,000 were appropriated for a per- 
manent building on the farm ])rovided. Plans 
were prepared by the architect, Samuel Sloan, of 
Philadelphia, and the building commenced. In 
the meantime, the old Ewing Hou.se, then not in 
iise, was obtained, and, with some enlargements, 
and other alter;itions. was used as temporary 
quarters, and opened for the reception of patients 
in October, 1866, to which the patients, previous- 
ly boarded at the hospital in Iowa, were brought. 
Dr. Samuel E. Shantz, of Utica, N. Y., was elected 
superintendent and physician, under whose direc- 
tion the hospital was organized. He remained 
until his death occurred in August, 1868, when he 
was succeeded by Dr. C. K. Bartlett, of North- 
ampton, Mass., who has remained in charge. 

Appropriations were made from year to year 
for building purposes until completion in 1876, 
the total expense of which has been very nearly 
half a million dollars. When completed it stood 
a remarkably fine piece of architectural work, pe- 
culiarly adapted for the purposes it was intended 
to subser\-e. The building is of hammered lime- 
st<me, the walls lined with brick and the roof of 
slate. Previous to its partial destruction by fire, 
it consisted of a center building, four stories high, 
60x120 feet, with offices and the chapel; two 
wings three stories each, containing nine separate 
halls for distinct classification of patients, with 
comfortable accommodation, in all, for 500 patients 
and the necessary attendants. 

The additional biuldings are a laumlry, boiler 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



655 



and engine house, gas house, oar|ienter shop, ice 
house, barn, straw shed and root cellar, granary 
and carriage house, slaughter house and pump 
house. The original temporary quarters are still 
occupied, and consist of two separate buildings 
for patients, business office and a dwelling house 
for officers. The resident officers are Cyrus K. 
Bartlett, M. D., superintendent and physician; J. 
H. James, M. D., first, and W. A. Jones, M. D., sec- 
ond assistant physicians; George W. Dryer, 
steward. 

A sad event, in connection with the history of 
the institution, was the destruction by fire of the 
north wing, on the night of November 15, 1880. 
The flames were discovered about 7 o'clock in the 
evening in the basement of the male department. 
So rapidly did the flames spread that the patients 
were removed with great difficulty. The female 
patients were all transferred to the bam and sheds, 
and some were taken to town. There was very 
little excitement among the patients, and no panic 
among the attendants and employes, all of whom 
worked strenuously to save the patients and build- 
ing from destruction. 

After the fire there were forty-four of the late 
inmates missing; some were returned the next day; 
the remains of eighteen were found in the ruins, 
and seven died from the effects of their injuries. 
There were six unaccounted for. 

The burned portion is now being rebuilt, and 
every effort is being made to secure its absolute 
immunity from a recurrence of a similar catastro- 
phe in the future. The origin of the fire is still 
shrouded in mystery, as it commenced in a por- 
tion of the building where no fire is ever u.sed 
for any purpose. 

Schools. — The first school was taught in the 
summer of 1855, by Mrs. Mundy, in a small shanty 
which was situated near the residence of W. B. 
Dodd. 

School district number three was organized in 
the winter of 1856-7, and a frame building erected 
for school purposes in the town at an expense of 
$2,500. In 1870 this edifice was sold to the Cath- 
olics, who established in it a school, which is still 
continued, under the management of the Sisters 
of Notre Dame. 

An independent school district was organized 
by a special act of the legislature in 1860, when 
the graded system was adopted. In 1870 a fine 
brick building, containing twelve rooms above the 
basement, was erected at a cost of .$28,000.^ There 



are now eleven teachers in all, the names of whom 
are as follows : L. C. Lord, superintendent ; H. 8. 
Kennedy, and the Misses L. Smith, T. Lambie, M. 
G. Lambert, L. Wheeler, M. Cryer, L. Kennedy, E. 
Forbush, H. White and Mrs. M. K. Patch. There 
are between five and six hundred scholars enrolled. 

Gustavus Adolphus College. The Swedish 
Lutheran church of Minnesota, feeling.a deep con- 
viction of the necessity, in the interest of religion, 
of providing a good institution in which well 
trained christian teachers, competent to give secu- 
lar and parochial instructions in both 'the Swed- 
ish and English languages could be educated, 
erected a fine building for college purposes. The 
institution which ia kaown as Gustavus Adolphus 
College is the property of the Swedish Lutlieran 
Conference of Minnesota. This body was incor- 
porated at Chisago Lake, June 1, 1874, and im- 
mediate efforts made to raise funds. The stone 
building was begun in 1875, completed in the 
summer of 1876, and dedicated October 31, when 
the school was opened, under the direction of R3V. 
J. P. Nyquist. The first term twenty-six scholars 
were enrolled, forty- three the next; since which 
time the membership has steadily increased. The 
cost of the building was .$30,000, of which amount 
$5,000 was contributed by citizens of St. Peter, 
and the site, consisting of ten acres, was likewise 
received from the same source; $5,000 was con- 
tributed by the peojjle of Nicollet county, in ad- 
dition to the above. ' At present the college con- 
sists of three departments; first, the classical pre- 
paratory of three years; second, the nonnal of 
four years; third, the high school of three years. 
The faculty consists of Matthias Wahlstrom, S. M. 
Hill, J. A. Bauman, Mrs. J. A. Bauman and C. E. 
Esbjorn. 

Chubches — Presbyterian. In November, 1856, 
Rev. A. H. Kerr, of Dubuque, Iowa, who two 
months previously had been on a visit to St. Peter, 
settled in the village. In 1857, a church was or- 
ganized with twelve members. Previous to this, 
however, a church had been organized, November 5, 
1853, at Traverse des Sioux, by Rev. M. N. Adams. 
In August, 1869, these two churches were united 
and Rev. Mr. Kerr became the pastor. In 1872, 
the present beautiful stone church, one of the 
finest ecclesiastical edifices in the state, was erected, 
at a cost of 815,000, including the ground. In 
July, 1878, Mr. Kerr resigned ; for a short time 
afterwards the Rev. J. K. Alexander filled the 
pulpit, until he was succeeded, October, 1878, by 



656 



UISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



tho present pastor, Rev. Q. F. McAfee. 

Episciipal: IJisliop Kpiuper, us early us the full 
of 1S51, liclil siTvico.i in Ht. IVter, at the residence 
of Captain Dodd. The iirst rector, however, did 
not arrive until 1857, when the Church of the 
Holy Oomiminion was organized, under the pas- 
torate of l^n'. Ezra Jones. This small chapel was 
used until 1870, when the present handsome stone 
church, which cost $9,000 was erected. This 
structure is noted for the beauty of its tine memor- 
ial window.s. The present rector. Rev. Edward 
Livermore, settled in April, 1860. 

Catholic: The first mass was celebrated by 
Bishop Cretin at the house of Dennis O'Brien, 
at (|uitp an early date. Services were afterward 
held at ililferent places. St. Peter's church was 
begun in 1858, when Rev. Valentine Somereisen 
was the priest. The church was not fully com- 
pleted until 1863. The names of the priests that 
have been in charge since then are respectively 
Father Venn, Father Kazelberger, Father John 
Zuzek, Father John Tori, and Father .Tohn Meier. 

Methodist Episcopal: Rev. Lewis Bell came as 
a missionary in 1854, preaching in tho locality of 
St. Peter for two years, and building a church at 
Traverse. Regular preaching was supplied up to 
18('i7, when the church was formally organized, 
with Kov. Alonzo Hitchcock as pastor, who super- 
intended the erection of the present church edifice, 
which cost about $3,000. The parsonage was 
erected in 1871, at an expense of .$1,000. The 
following pastors have been stationed at St. Peter: 
Lewis Bell, A. J. Perkins, Edward Eggleston, 
Rimsom .ludd, B. Y. Coffin, Thomas McClary, 
Charles Savidge, .4. A. Abbott, Ira Richardson, 
John Kerns, Alonzo Hitchcock, James T. Lewton, 
Harvey Webb, John T. Powell, M. D. Terwilliger, 
Alfred Cressey, Nelson Sutton and C. S. H. Dunn, 
the present minister. 

German Lutheran : This denomination erected 
its house of worship in 1.S70, at a cost of •'i!3,200. 
Rev. F. L. Ritcher was the first, and Rev. Mr. 
Emil tlie present pastor. 

German Evangelical: This society was organ- 
ized, and Zion church built in 1871, at a cost of 
$1,400. The following named have been the dif- 
ferent pastors, their ministry being in the order of 
their succession: Rev. Mr. Stromoier, Rev. Law- 
rence Staner, lie v. George Simon and Rev. Wil- 
liam Oehler, the present pastor. 

Swedish Lutheran: Rev. P. A. Cederstam was 
the first pastor of the First Evangelical Swedish 



Lutheran church, which was organized, and the 
church building erected in 1857. Rev. .T. G. La- 
gerstrom is the present pastor. 

The First Norwegian Lutheran church was 
built in 1866. Rev. Thomas Johnson was the 
first, and Rev. Michael Borge is the present min- 
ister. 

The Second Norwegian Lutheran church was 
organized in the si)ring of 1873, with Rev. Mr. 
Heggenes as pastor. The church wiis built tho 
same year at a cost of $2,000. Nels Olson is the 
present pastor. 

Newspapers : The first newspaper established 
was the St. Peter Courier, which made its initial 
appearance on the 4th of January. 1H55. It was 
conducted by J. C. Stoever as editor, and was 
owned by the St. Peter company. The Courier 
was edited afterwards by A. J. Morgan, and later 
on by T. M. Perry, Sr. Its publication was dis- 
continued in 1858. 

In 1857 the St. Peter Free Press was started by 
W. C. Dodge, who subsequently admitted .J. K. 
Moore to partnership. The oflice and material were 
destroyed by tire in December, 1859. 

Tlio Minnesota Statesman was established in 
1858 by James J. Green, and discontinued in 1864; 
and the following year the St. Peter Advertiser 
was started l)y T. M. Perry, Sr.,who died in 1866, 
when the paper passed into the hands of T. M. 
Perry, Jr., by whom it was published until Decem- 
ber, 1875, when it ceased to exist. 

The St. Peter Tribune was established on .Janu- 
ary 20, 1860, by J. K. Moore, with material for- 
merly used in the publication of the Traverse des 
Sioux Reporter. In June. 1861, Martin Williams 
purchased a half iut<"rest in the Tribune, and in 
the following November Mr. Moore disposed of his 
interest to John Henderson, who, with Mr. Wil- 
liams, continued tho ptiblicatiou till June, 1869, 
when Mr. ^Nloore re-purchased the paper and has 
since continued to issue it. The Triljune is a well 
conducted journal, republican in politics, with a 
large circulation and which displays much excel- 
lence in its get up. In c(mnectiou with the news- 
paper Mr. Moore conducts an extensive job print- 
ing office. At present he has the contract for all 
of the state printing. 

St. Peter Times was started on tho 1st of June, 
1878 by T. M. Perry. It is democratic in politics 
and is issued every Saturday. A job j)rinting of- 
fice is maintained in connection with the busi- 
ness. 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



657 



Societies — Nicollet Lodge, No. 54, A. F. and A. 
M., was instituted May 16, 1865, with twelve 
charter members. The following were the first 
officers elected: B. H. Bandall, W. M.; J. H. 
Snyder, S. W. ; C. D. Colby, J. W. ; C. T. Brown, 
treasurer; Henry Jones, secretary; B. F. Ken- 
nard, S. D.; S. Dunning, J. D. ; J. Johnson, tyler. 
The present membership is 82. 

St. Peter Chapter, No. 22, R. A. M., received its 
dispensation April 8, 1873, and held the first meet- 
ing April 10, following. The first officers were 
Thomns Montgomery, H. P. ; A. L. Sackett. K. ; W. 
Bickel, scribe; H. Webb, S. D.; G. S. Ives, J. D.; 
H. J. Jacoby, tyler. The present membership is 
forty-three. 

Delta Lodge of Perfection, No. 6, of the Ancient 
and Accepted Scottish Bite, was instituted July 
24, 1880, with ten charter members. 

St. Peter Lodge, No. 12, I. O. O. F., was insti- 
tuted July 7, 1859, with thirteen charter members, 
at present there are seventy one. The first officers 
were: G. A. Spencer, N. G.; S. A. Buell, V. G. ; 
James Horner, secretary; G. S. Patch, treasurer. 
The fii'st meetings were held in the stone building 
formerly occupied by George Hezlep and now liy 
A. J. Lamberton as a residence. The present 
lodge room was first occupied in 1871. 

Nicollet Encampment, No. 3, I. O. O. F., was or- 
ganized June 25, 1867, with nine charter members. 
The first officers were G. Hezlep, C. P.; H. M. 
Eice, H. P.; Francis Clark, S. W.; W. T. Clark, J. 
W.; James Nutter, treasurer; J. N. Treadwell, 
scribe. Present membership is thirty-three. 

Charity Lodge, No. 5, D. of R., was instituted 
June 27, 1870. 

Carl Schurz Lodge, No. 13, Sons of Herman, 
was instituted February 16, 1880, with thirty-two 
charter members. The following were the officers 
chosen; M. Konig, ex-pres. ; H. T. Miller, pres.; 
H. B. Eausch, vice-pres. ; Christian Langguth, 
secretary ; John Thomas, treasurer. There are now 
thirty-eight members. 

Protection Lodge No. 29, A. O. U. W., was or- 
ganized Oct. 6, 1877, with seventeen charter mem- 
bers. The first oiBcers were T. Montgomery, P. 
M. W. ; J. C. Sterling, M. W. ; H. J. Jacoby, F. ; A. 
P. Lamberton, O.; W. G. Hay den, E. &F.;K. 
Jones, E. 

Security Council, No. 179, Am. L. of H., was 
instituted April 28, 1880, with thirty-five charter 
members. Officers elected; C. R. Davis, P. C. ; 
Thomas Montgomery, C; Henry Jones, V. 0. ; C. 

42 



Amundson, T.; M. G. Evenson, Col.; P.Morrison, 
See. 

St. Peter Division No. 2, S. O. T., was organ- 
ized Feb. 3, 1876, with the following list of offi- 
cials: T. G. Carter, W. P.; W. Boright, W. A.: 
Thomas Montgomery, E. 8. ; Mr. S. A. Montgom- 
ery, A. E. S.; H. Noll, F. S.; Thomas downs, T.; 
E. S. Pettijohn, C; P. W. Cutter. A. C; Eev. M. 
P. Terwilliger, chaplain; T. D. Fowble.L S.; .J. J. 
Bean, O. S.; Thomas Graham, P. W. P. 

Library : The St. Peter library association was 
organized Dec, 4, 1869. It contains about 1,000 
volumes, and is in a flourishing condition. 

Banking : The first bank to be established in 
St. Peter was by the firm of Edgerton, Smith k 
Donahower, which was started in the spring of 
1857, and continued until 1858, when the firm 
name became Edgerton, Donahower & Co., Eomeo 
Martin, of Chenango Co., N. Y., taking Alvah 
Smith's interest. 

This was continued until the spring of 1860, 
when the firm name became Edgerton k Donahow- 
er, and the business was thus continued until the 
First National Bank was established, in the spring 
of 1871. At that time, feeling that the business 
interests of the community required larger bank- 
ing facilities than were then offered, the firm of 
of Edgerton & Donahower announced to the busi- 
ness men of St. Peter that an informal meeting 
would be held at their office and that subscriptions 
to the capital stock of the proposed national bank 
would be received at the meeting to be held Jan- 
uary 28th. This resulted in the organization of 
the First National Bank of St. Pet«r, and on Feb- 
ruary 6th tlie first meeting of directors was held, 
when William Schimmel was elected 'president, 
Benjamin F. Paul, vice-president and Frederick A. 
Donahower, cashier. The capital stock subscrib- 
ed was $50,000, as permanent capital. The firm of 
Edgerton and Donahower were paid $3,000 for the 
relinquishment of their banking business and 
transferring the same to the national bank. The 
jiiresent officers are William Schimmel, president; 
J. N. Treadwell, vice-president; F. A. Donahower, 
cashier; J. C. Donahower, assistant cashier. 

During 1857 there were two other banks in op- 
eration, neither of which remained long in busi- 
ness. They were the firms of Gorman & Aikiu 
and Meyer & Willius. 

Manufacturing: There are several industrial 
enterprises being conducted in St. Peter, some of 
which have been established for many years. 



G58 



uiaruuY OF tue Minnesota valley. 



Williivin Kloin is eiigiipeil in tlie produotinn of all 
ilescriptiou of fiimiture, iu tlio raaniifacture of 
which from fifteon to seventeen hands tiud pm- 
ployment. The factory was first established in 
1857. by its present proprietor, when the ma- 
chinery was run by horse-|)i>wer. In 1866 steam 
was api)lied as the motive power. 

Besides the nbove there is another large furni- 
ture factory, not yet in full running order which is 
to be conducted by the firm of ^'olk & Co. 

The firm of Sackett & Fay are tlie proprietors 
of a flour and feed mill, in which steam power is 
used. There are four run of stone. The present 
firm assumed control in 1871, previous to which 
the business had been conducted by B. F. Pratt. 
Tliis is the mill that stood on the ground that 
Daniel Birdsall"s old mill occupied, wliicli was pur- 
chased by Col. Pratt in 18.57. It was burned in 
186.5 and the present mill built. 

W. 0. Essler carries on a general foundry and 
machine shop in which about six men are em- 
])loyed. The business was started by its present 
proprietor in 1858. 

L. M. Boardman is engaged in the manufacture 
of fanning mills and milk safes. Ho commenced 
in 1872. 

There are four breweries in the city, only two 
of which can be said to be in running order. 
Matthew Engesser, in 1857, when the firm was 
Engesser & Seeger, first commenced the brewing 
of lager beer, in a building situated on the bank of 
the river, in the upper part of town. The ex- 
treme high water of the fall of 1851 undermined 
the sand rock foundation and the result was the 
breaking down of part of the building. Since 
then the brewery has been entirely rebuilt. 

Jacob Stelzer is also engaged in the production 
of lager beer, and does a good business. 

L. Patow has been for some time engaged in 
the operation of a feed mill. H. C. Miller, cigar 
manufacturer employs about twenty hands in the 
production of cigars. A. J. Harris has a very ex- 
tensive cooper shop, where several men are em- 
ployed. Besides the above there are several wa- 
gon makers. 

The business interests of St. Peter are of a var- 
ied nature, all lines of merchandise being handled. 
The main busine.ss street is lined with substantial 
brick stores, and the stocks carried by the princi- 
pal merchants are very full and complete. The fol- 
lowing is a fairly complete list of the different 



firms and individuals, and lines of goods handled: 
I C. Ainundson k Co., dry goods, groceries and 
I clothing; A. J. Lamberton, who occujiies two 
, stores, groceries, dry goods and clothing; Henry 
I Jones, druggist, established in 1862; M. G. Even- 
[ son, stoves, tinware and hardware; H. K. Maim is 
I proprietor of the St. Paul One Price dry goods 
I store, which is in connection with bis store in St. 
Paul; Henry Birkenhauer, jeweler; B. P. Paul, 
druggist; Chaiini'ey McAllister, dealer in grocer- 
ies; S. O. Strand, millinery. F. Lange, jeweler; 
Caspar Bal)erish, dry goods and groceries; John 
F. Seymour, dry goods, groceries and crockery ; 
William Thomas, boots and shoes; .John Rausch, 
meat market: T. Spiess, boots and shoes: Peter 
Cashion, livery stable; Randall & Noble, grocers 
and dealers in crockery; John J. W. A. Winters, 
restaurant; C. D. Colby, gunsmith; P. William- 
son, boots and shoes; Aaron Frasier, gunsmith: 
Blumberg cS; Son, merchant tailors: .John Walin, 
furniture; John Mason, hardware and agricultu- 
ral implements; W. H. H. Rounseville has an ex- 
tsnsive lumber yard and deals in farm machinery ; 
Stark Bros. & Davis, dry goods and groceries; 
Nutter & Heritage, hardware, stoves, paints, oils 
and glass; Laird, Norton & Damren, lumber deal- 
ers; H. .J. .Jacoby, 99-cent store; Peter Bolstad, 
carpenter and contractor; Michael Kneip, harness 
and saddlery; John Foot, dry goods; N. A. Wet- 
tergren, meat market; William Schimmel. wheat, 
butter and egg dealer; Charles Rost, harness and 
saddlery; Clarence Ennis. human hair; John 
Krohn, boots and shoes; Carter & Montgomery, 
insurance and real estate; J. B. Sackett, insur- 
ance: Philip Dick & Co., clothing, hats, caps and 
boot« and shoes; J. H. Snyder, books and station- 
ery; Frederick Schmidt, boots and shoes; Carl 
Deitschman, grocer; Oliver Anderson, dry goods 
and groceries; A. Hermann, l)oots and shoes; A. 
Lorenz, harness and sadiilery: O. W. Steinke, 
agricultural implements and farm wagons; Mrs. 
H. J. Ludcke, milliner; W. O. Powell, paints and 
painter: .Julius Schleuder, jeweler: A. Carlson, 
agricultural implements; J. A. Stem pie, grocer; I. 
A. Norwood, marble worker: N. M. Baker, auction 
and feed store; J. M. Peterson, blacksmith and 
machine 8hop;C. R. Woods, stoves and tinware; L. 
Patow, stoves and tinware; S. Schumaeker, dry 
goods and groceries. 

The profe.ssional men are A. W. Daniels, D. B. 
Collins, G. F. Merritt. T.J. Cntlin, physicians; G. 
S. Ives, Ladd i.Stone, M. G. Hanscome and C. R. 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



659 



Davis, attorneys; J. E. Miller and J. A. Angle, 
dentists. 

Hotels : The Nicollet House, a very fine three 
story lirick structure, costing .ftSOjOOO, was com- 
pleted in the winter of 187-2-3. It was constructed 
by the St. Peter Hotel company, a corporation con- 
sisting of the business men of the city, and was 
opened in the fall of 1873 by George Virtue. He 
has been succeeded by the following named land- 
lords: A. B. Willey, J. M. Wilson, H. S. Carpen- 
ter and E. J. Anderson, the latter now conducting 
the house. 

The other hotels are the Commercial, N. S. Lee, 
proprietor; Northwestern, Hans Benson, proprie- 
tor; Union House, Jacob Bauer, proprietor. 

Lars Anderson was born in Sweden in 1829. 
Came to America in 1856, and until 1868 taught 
school in Carver county, Minnesota. In the lat- 
ter year settled in Bernadotte, Nicollet county, 
where he was postmaster and town clerk. In 1877 
he was elected register of deeds, which necessita- 
ted his removal to St. Peter. He held the office 
for the term of two years, and was again elected 
in the fall of 1881. Married in 1871 Mrs. Mar- 
garet Anderson. 

E. .T. Anderson, proprietor of the Nicollet House, 
is a native of Ireland, born in 1837. His parents 
came to America when he was quite young, and 
located in New York city. At the age of twenty- 
one he engaged in the livery, and afterward in the 
hotel and real estate business. He succeeded in 
accumulating something of a fortune, which in the 
panic of 1873 was nearly swept away. In 1878 
he moved to Illinois, and was in the grain trade 
until 1881, when he came to St. Peter and leased 
the Nicollet House for a term of years, and is now 
conducting that hostelry. He married in 1868 
Miss Ella Fardon, who died two years later, leav- 
ing one child, Winfield Scott. Mr. Anderson 
married Emma Carter in 1875: they have two 
children, Maud and Eobert J. 

J. A. Angle was bom in the State of New York 
in 1838. When yet young his parents moved 
from that state to Illinois and Wisconsin. At the 
age of nineteen he removed to Cedar Eapids, 
Iowa, and learned dentistry, which profession he 
has since followed. In 1861 he enlisted in the 
Eighth Iowa infantry, and after a service of one 
year was discharged on account of wounds re- 
ceived at the battle of Pittsburg Landing. In 
1865 he came to St. Peter, wheie he has since 



practiced dentistry. Married in 1864 Miss Susan 
M. Upton. 

Caspar Baberish was born in Westphalia, Prus- 
sia, April 6, 1826. He learned the dyer's trade, 
after which he entered upon a course of study at 
a university. He came to America and resided in 
Pennsylvania and in Detroit, Michigan, until 1856. 
He then came to St. Paul, and in November of 
that year came to St. Peter. He was a member 
of the firm of Schimmel & Co. After that firm 
dissolved he built and operated a flouring mill; is 
now engaged in general merchandise business 
and is counted one of St. Peter's "solid" men. 

H. T. B. Bagge, a native of Norway, was bom 
in 1841. Served as clerk for his father, and when 
twenty years of age entered the armj' and served 
two years. In 1866 he came to America, and in 
September, same year, arrived at St. Peter, where 
he began clerking. He afterward became a part- 
ner in the firm of C. Amundson & Co. After sev- 
eral changes, Mr. Bagge in 1880 engaged in the 
grocery and provision business. In 1869 he mar- 
ried Miss Julia Olsen. They have four children : 
Andreas N., Severin A., Annie P. and Olaf A. 

Julius Baker was born in Cortland county, New 
York, October 11, 1849. When six years old he 
came with his parents to Traverse des Sioux, and 
during the Indian trouble of 1862 moved to St. 
Peter. He learned the miller's trade in Ottawa, 
and worked at it in St. Peter two years and in 
Minneapolis seven years. In 1880 he returned to 
St. Peter as head miUer in the Eiverside mill. 

Cyrus K. Bartlett, superintendent of the Min- 
nesota Hospital for Insane, at St. Peter, was born 
at Boxford, Massachusetts, January 23, 1829. 
After a cour.se of study under private tutors, he 
entered Harvard Medical College and graduated 
M. D. in March, 1852. Until 1858 he practiced 
medicine at Charlestown, Mass., and was then ap- 
pointed assistant physician to the Massachusetts 
State Lunatic Asylum, at Northampton, and was 
for a time acting superintendent. In November, 
1868, he was elected to the jjosition he now occu- 
pies. While in Massachusetts was member of the 
State Medical Society, and since his removal to St. 
Peter has been a member of the Minnesota State 
Medical Society. He married, August 10, 1864, 
Abba Page, daughter of the late Franklin Bum- 
ham, of Windsor, Vermont. 

J. Bauer, a native of Germany, was born in Jan- 
uary, 1832. He came to New York in 1854, and 
two years later moved to Minnesota, ard learned 



G60 



niHTOItr OF TUE MINNEHOTA VALLEY. 



the cftr|)entpr's trado at Winonn. In 1857 he 
came to St. Peter and l>uilt tlie hotel which he is 
now conducting, the Union House. He was with 
General Sibley on hia expedition against the 
Iiulians. 

Professor J. A. Baunian was born in North- 
ampton county, Pennsylvania, in 1S47. At the 
age of seventeen, he began teaching and five years 
later entered college at AUentown, from wliich he 
graduated in 1873. Until lb7(i attended a Lu- 
theran theological seminary at Philadelphia; then 
had charge of a church about one year. In 1H77 
accepted a position in the Pennsylvania State Nor- 
mal School and in 1881 came toSt. Peter as pro- 
fessor of natural sciences and mathematics in Gus- 
tavous Adolphus College. Married in 1880, Miss 
Lizzie S. Kiefer, who is also a teacher. 

A. H. Benham was born iu 1820, in Ashtabula 
coxinty, Ohio. His early life was spent in travel, 
his home after 1858, being in Cleveland. ~ In 1866 
he began selling goods from Winona. Minnesota, 
through tributary country, and in 1807 {•ame to St. 
Peter; was for six years proprietor of the North- 
western Hotel. He has carried the mail since the 
first train ran into St. Peter, and is now agent for 
the express companies. For two years held the 
office of city marshal. 

Hans Benson was born in Norway in 1840. lie 
came to -America in 1861 and settled at St. Peter, 
engaging in the Uarne-»s business, for six or seven 
years. He then began fanning, which he followed 
until the spring of 1881, when he went into the 
Northwestern Hotel, at St. Peter. Married in 1861 
Albertina .\ppeard, who died in Marcli 1881. 

Wilhelm Boethin, a native of Germany, was 
born in the province of Posen, in 1843. In 1869 
he immigrated to America, and lived one year 
in Patterson, New Jersey, then moved to Min- 
nesota, arriving at St. Peter in January 1871. 
He established business as wagon maker, with 
very limited capital, but has now a very extensive 
trade. Married Sophie Rinkel in 1872. They 
liave four children. 

B. Bornemann was born iu Germany in 1824. 
He learned the printers' trade in the city of Dres- 
den. On account of being connected with politi- 
cal disturbances he was obligeil to leave the coun- 
try, and went to New York in 1850. Three years 
later, he went to Australia, and in 1855 returned to 
New York; then came to Traverse'dea Sioux, where 
he kept a saloon, .\bout 18(!5 he came to St. 
Peter, and has since been in the liotel business. 



John Brandt is a native of Germany, boni in 
]83(;. He was raised a farmer and came to 
America in 1862. After working in a brewery in 
Buffalo, New York, nearly two years, he went to 
Illinois and lived on a farm five years. He came 
to St. Peter in 1870, and is now engaged in siiloon 
business. Married in 1859, Miss Fredericka Kohl. 
Their children are Mina, Mary, Theod(jre, Ida, 
Lizzie and Ri>8a. 

Charles T. Brown, decea.sed, was bom in Wil- 
ton, Franklin county, Maine, November 21, 1827. 
In October I860,' he came to St. Peter and soon 
after engaged iu farming in Le Sueur county, 
for eighteen months; then returned to St. Peter 
and began his real estate business which he con- 
tinued until his death, November 30, 1879. Mr. 
Brown was elected to the state senate in 1865; 
the following year to the house and for the two 
succeeding terms was a member of the senate. In 
1869 was appointed agent for the Cbipjjewa In- 
dians, but held the position only a few months, as 
the Indians were transferred to the care of the 
war dejjartment. In 1871 was ap])ointed United 
States surveyor general for Minnesota and held 
the office for two years, when he resigned. He 
was president of the board of trustees for the state 
Insane Asylum, from its organization until his 
death. 

Captain T. G. Carter, was bom in Allegany 
county, New York, in February. 1832. In 1856 
he came to Minnesota, and for two years lived on 
a claim in Kasota, Le Sueur, county. His build- 
ings were destroyed by fire and he removed to St. 
Peter in 1858, and became cashier in the bank of 
Edgerton & Donahower. In August, 1862 he was 
i mustered into service as 2nd lieutenant of Com- 
I pany K, Seventh Minnesota, which company had 
been jireviously known as the Cleveland Guards. 
He was promoted to 1st lieutenant and captain 
and mustered out in 1865. Since then his atten- 
tion has been given to real estate and insurance in 
St. Peter. He was married in 1860 to Miss Mar- 
garet Byan. 

Dr. D. B. Collins was bom in Dane coimty, Wis- 
consin, in April, 1848. At the age of six years he 
accompanied his parents to Milton, where he after- 
wards attended college. He began the study of 
medicine at Rush Medical College, Chicago, from 
which institution he graduated in 1871. He came 
to St. Peter the same year and began the practice 
of his profession. In 1876 he removed to Cleve- 
land, Le Sueur county, where fur two yenrs he was 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



661 



examinimg surgeon for pensions. Has since re- 
sided in St. Peter, in the practice of his profession. 

E. St. JuHen Cos was born in 1835, at Geneva, 
Switzerland, while his parents, who were citizens 
of the United States, were making a tour of 
Europe. Finished the study of law in Wis- 
consin, to which state he had removed in 1851, 
locating at Pine City. Be was admitted to the 
bar in 1854. In 1857 he came to St. Paul and from 
there to St. Peter, which has since been his home. 
In 1873 was elected to the house of representatives 
and the following year to the state senate. In 
1877 was elected judge of the ninth judicial dis- 
trict. He was married September 14, 1856, at 
Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, to Miss M. Mayhew. 
They have .six children living. 

F. W. Cutter, a native of Connecticut, was born 
at Hartford, in 1848. He followed clerking for 
several years, then traveled as salesman. In 1869 
he came to Minnesota and remained one year at 
Ottawa, since which he has lived in St. Peter. He 
is the inventor of a liniment which has acquired a 
reputation for its healing powers. Mr. Cutter 
married Josephine Dare in 1869; two children liv- 
ing, Samuel Allen and Frederick William. 

A. R. Davis was born in Le Sueur county, Min- 
nesota, in 1857. He was raised on a farm, and in 
1874 taught school. In 1875 he began clerking 
for Stark Brothers, in St. Peter, and in 1879 be- 
came a partner, the firm bearing the name of 
Stark Brothers & Davis. They carry a large and 
first-class stock of general merchandise. Mr. 
Davis married Matilda Stark in 1879. One child, 
Bern ice. 

S. W. Davis was born in Canada in 1825, and 
in 1838 went with his parents to Jefferson county, 
New York. In 1839 removed to Illinois, and in 
1864 came to Minnesota and settled at Lake Em- 
ily, Le Sueur county Until 1868 was farming; 
then came to St. Peter and started in the grocery 
and butcher business. Is now a stock dealer. He 
held many offices in Le Sueur county and rendered 
valuable aid in the defense of New Ulm against 
the Indians. Married in 1846, Mary Pettis; they 
have three daughters and one son. The latter, C. 
R. Davis, is county attorney. 

Charles R. Davis was born at Pittslield, Pike 
county, Hlinois, in 1849. His parents, who came 
from Canada, brought him to St. Peter in 1854. 
He attended scliool here and in St. Paul, and after 
his return from the latter jilace engaged in mer- 
cantile business which he gave up for the law; he 



studied three years with A. Wallin and_ was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1871. The following year 
he was elected county attorney and is now (1881) 
holding that office. Is also city attorney and 
clerk, this being his third term. 

Dr. Asa Wilder Daniels was born in Straiford, 
New Hampshire, Januar;^ 15, 1829. Received an 
academic education at Lancaster, and studied med- 
icine with an uncle in Boston. He graduated from 
the Ohio Medical college, and in 1853 came to 
Minnesota as assistant surgeon at Fort Ridgely; 
after a few months he received the apjjointment as 
resident physician at the Sioux Agency. This po- 
sition he filled under agents Murphy, Flandrau 
and Brown, and in 1861 removed to St. Peter and 
began practice. During his experience at the 
agency the doctor formed an acquaintance with 
Indians who were leaders in the outbreak, and when 
the news was received he volunteered and went 
with the company under Major Flandrau to New 
Ulm, where, in conjunction with Dr. Ayer, he ren- 
dered valuable surgical aid to the wounded. Af- 
ter New Ulm was evacuated some sixty wounded 
persons were taken to St. Peter, where the doctor 
fitted up a hospital for their care. Doctor Daniels 
was for three years a member of the state board of 
health, and for ten years has been examining sur- 
geon for United States pensions. He is also a 
member of the State Medical society. He married 
in June, 1853, Miss Emma B. Evans. They have 
four children Mving. 

James Delany was bom at Brantford, Canada 
West, in 1852. Came with parents to St. Peter in 
1858, and here attended the pulilic schools. He 
learned the printer's trade in the "Tribune" office, 
and after working at it three years was appointed 
deputy postmaster, which position he has filled 
since 1869. He was elected to the office of register 
of deeds for Nicollet county in 1879. 

Philip Dick, a native of Germany, was born in 
Bavaria in 1847. In 1866 he came to America and 
settled in Indiana; in 1870 came to St. Peter and 
engaged in the clothing trade, which business he 
still continues. Was elected to the office of mayor 
of St. Peter in 1880. Married Miss Louisa Hoeter 
in 1870; three children: Max, Philip and Albert. 

E. Dillion was born in Limerick, Ireland, and 
came to New York city in January, 1857. For sev- 
eral years he lived in the state of New York, and 
in April, 1865, came to St. Peter. His first em- 
ployment was as fireman in a flour-mill, and after 



662 



UliSTuUY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



two years lie was advauoeJ to the position of engi- 
uoer, which ho now tills. 

F. A. Dimiihowor, a native of Penusylvunia, was 
born in Chester county, in 1830. His educational 
advantages were limited, and at the age of seven- 
teen he entered a store as clerk. In 18.")1 lie went 
to Indianapolis, Indiana, and followed the same 
vocation until 1853 when he went to St. Paul. He 
there wrote up the first set of abstracts made in 
Kamsey county forC. H. Parker, and afterward be- 
came teller in his bank. In 1855 he took the same 
position in M;ickubin &. Edgerton's bank, and in 
1857, in company with Mr. Edgerton and Alvah 
Smith, came to St. Peter and started a private 
banking house under the (inn name of Edgerton, 
Smith & Donahower. In 18G0 the firm became 
Edgerton & Donahower, which continued until 
1871 when the institution became the First Na- 
tional b.ink of St. Peter with Mr. Donahower as 
cashier, which position ho has since held. He was 
chairman of the county board a number of years, 
president of the school board and has taken an ac- 
tive part in building up St. Peter. In 1860 he 
married Miss Ellen Magner. 

J. C. Donahower was born near Heading, Penn- 
sylvania, in January, 1837. He remained with 
his parents until 1854, then came to St. Paul and 
entered the employ of a mercantile hou.se; in Ap- 
ril, 1860, he visited Kansas, and on his return to 
Minnesota located at St. Peter. He was employed 
by Edgerton & Donahower, bankers, for a short 
time only, as when the war of the rebellion began 
he at once left his business and was instrumental 
in raising the first company from the Minnesota 
valley, which became Company E, Second regi- 
ment infantry. Upon the resignation of Captain 
Skaro, in 1862, Mr. Donahower was promoted to 
that rank. After an active service of over 
three years, Captain Donahower returned to 
St. Peter and to his former jjosition in the bank. 
Since the concern became the First National bank 
in 1871, he has held the position of assistant 
cashier. 

Thomas Downs, native of England, was bom in 
1842 and came with his parents to America in 
1852. They lived in St. Louis one year and came 
to Minnesota in 1853. After residing in St. Paul 
and ^linneapolis, came in 1856, to Nicollet county 
and settled in Lake Prairie township. In 1861 he 
enlisted in Company E, 2nd infantry, and served 
until the close of the war. Five of his brothers 
entered the army and two of them lost thi'ir lives. 



After the war he engaged in contracting and 
building in company with a brother, in St. Peter, 
which ho continued until 1875, when he was elect- 
ed sherifT of Nicollet county, which office he held 
by re-election until January Ist, 1882. He was 
married in 1865 to Miss Maggie KUiott. 

Rev. C. S. H. Dunn was born in 1855, in Mary- 
land and taken by his parents to Georgia. His 
father was a large slave-owner and during the 
war lilierated them and returned to Maryland, 
where Ije died some years after. The suliject of 
this article received his education at several of the 
prominent educational institutions of the cxiuntry; 
in 1878 graduated from the Drew Theological 
Seminary, at Madison, New Jers(!y, and frf)m the 
Hlinois Wesleyan College. The same year he 
came to Minnesota and assumed the duties of a 
Methodist minister, at Moorhead, where he organ- 
ized and built a church. Two years after, he went 
to Itedwood Falls, and in the fall of 1881, assum- 
ed charge of the M. E. church at St. Peter. He 
was married in 1879 to Miss Belle Ryburn. 

Samuel Dunning was born in Bloom ington, In- 
diana, January 26, 1825. He moved with his par- 
ents to Gosport, in 1831, and there learned the 
harnessmaker's trade with his father, who died in 
1843, after w'hich the son carried on the business. 
In 1855 he came to St. Peter, and after engaging 
in business about three years, began buying and 
shipping live stock, which has since been his bus- 
iness. He has also had several contracts with the 
government. 

George W. Dryer was born in Columbia county, 
New York, in 1845. He moved to L'tica, and there 
attt-nded school; also took an academic course. 
He was for a time engaged in mercantile pursuits; 
he had charge of a dispensary for three and one 
half years, studying medicine at the same time. 
He was induced to come to Minnesota in 
1867, and has since been connected with the offi- 
cial roster of the State Insane Asylum at St. Peter. 
He now holds the position of steward. 

M. Engesser was born in 1812, at Danube, the 
source of the Danube river, in Germany. He 
came to America in 1840 and engaged in the biHtt 
and shoe business, at Cincinnati, until the fall of 
1857, when he came to St. Peter and built a brew- 
ery in comjjauy with Mr. Seeger. The ground 
on which the brewery was built, was donateil by 
the St. Peter company, with the condition that 
they should ])ut up a brewery to cost §6,000. The 
building was completed in 1858 by Mr. Enge8s«'r, 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



663 



Mr. Seeger having sold liis interest to him. The 
machinery for the brewery was brought from Cin- 
cinnati, by boat. The capacity of the establish- 
ment has been increased from time to time, to meet 
the greater demand. The production is now over 
1,000 barrels per year. 

M. G. Evenson, a native of Norway, was born 
in August, 1833. Came to Dane county, Wiscon- 
sin, in 1849, and to St. Paul in November, 1852. 
The following May, he came to the site of St. 
Peter, in comjsany with A. Skaro'and P. Evenson. 
He lived in the first house erected here. In 1861 
he opened a tailor shop and in connection sold 
groceries. Enlisted in Company D, 9th regiment, 
and served until the close of the war. After spend- 
ing eighteen mouths in Missouri, he returned to 
St. Peter and engaged in the hardware business. 
Mr. Evenson is one of the original pre-emptors of 
the town site of St. Peter. 

Henry Essler was born in Pennsylvania in 1839 
and when a child went with his parents to Kacine, 
Wisconsin. In 1861 he came to St. Peter, and in 
company with his brother, W. C. Essler, engaged 
in the foundry business, which they still continue. 
In 1862 he joined the mounted rangers and served 
one year. Married in 1861, Mary Tovistean. 

W. 0. Essler was born in Philadelphia, Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1832. In 18.57 he came to Minnesota and at 
Henderson started the first sash and door factory 
west of Minneapolis. In 1859 he erected the 
foundry in St. Peter, in which he has since carried 
on business in company with his brother, under 
the title of the St. Peter Foundry. 

Jonn Foot was born in Albany county, New York, 
in August, 1805. At the age of fifteen he went to 
Green county to learn the tanners trade and re- 
mained there ten years; then went to Chenango 
county and was in business until 1860. In 1865 
he came to St. Peter and bought the interest of 
Mr. Wakefield in the firm of Wakefield & Kayser. 
After running the business eight years, W. G. 
Haydeii entered the firm, which dissolved in 1876. 
In March, 1879, Mr. Foot again engaged in the 
dry goods business which he still continues. 

H. M. Frey, a native of Connecticut, was bom 
in Hartford county, in February, 1854. The year 
after, his parents brought him to Minnesota and 
settled at Traverse des Sioux, but soon after came 
to St. Peter, which has since been his home. At 
the age of nineteen be learned the masons' trade 
which he followed six years, then learned the 



barber's trade, and has since been in that business. 
Married in 1879, Miss Marian F. Carston. 

N. Galles was bom in Germany in 1827 and 
came to Traverse des Sioux in 1857. Was on a 
farm for a time and in 1862 moved to St. Peter. 
The next year he formed a partnership with his 
brother in the wagon making business and after a 
year or two he assumed control of the business 
and has since conducted it alone. 

William G. Gresham, a native of Indiana, was 
born in 1836. In 1855 became to Nicollet county 
and settled on a farm on Swan lake. In 1862 he 
enlisted in the Sixth Minnesota, Company I and 
held the rank of lieutenant until the close of the 
war. He returned to his former home and was 
soon after elected judge of probate for Nicollet 
county and held the office for eight years. Since 
that time has principally been engaged in_farming 
until the fall of 1881 when he was elected super- 
intendent of schools tor NicoUet county. He was 
married in 1859 to Miss Mary E. Hoffman. 

A. N. Hill was born in Sweden in 1851, and at 
the age of eleven began to learn the shoemakers' 
trade; he also learned the trade of harness mak- 
ing. In 1868 he came to America and worked at 
his trade until 1874, when he entered Augustana 
college at Rock Island, Illinois, from which he 
graduated in 1878. The same year he came to 
teach in the Gustavus Adolphus College. 

G. S. Ives, native of New York, was bom in 
Franklin county, in 1847. In that and St. Law- 
rence county he made his home imtil 1864, then 
enlisted in the 15th New York regiment, and was 
discharged in June, 1865. He remained in York 
state until 1869 when he began a course in the 
law department of the University of Michigan. 
Graduated in 1871 and moved to St. Peter in Sep- 
tember of that year. He was admitted to the bar 
and has since given his attention to the business 
of the law. Was for foiir years county attomey. 

J. Henry James, M. D., was born in Washing- 
ton coimty. New York, in 1846. He attended the 
medical department of the University of New 
York, from which he graduated in 1875, and in 
July of that year accepted a position in the hospi- 
tal for insane on Blackwell Island. In October, 
1876, he came to St. Peter, having been appointed 
assistant physician at the hospital for insane, 
which position he has since held. 

Henry Jones was born in Caledonia county, 
Vermont, in 1832. At the age of three years went 
with his parents to Jefferson coimty. New York, 



(XI 



U I STORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



and in 1837 to New York city. He was a clerk 

in n hanlware store until 185-t, when he came to 
St. Peter as an omployo of the St. Peter town site 
company; was for a week the only man at the 
plaoe; was then joined by Captain Dodd with six 
laborers. Mr. Jones was employed as cook and 
tiino-keeper by Captain Dodd. In 1H.")7 he began 
mercantile business, and has always Ijeeu identi- 
fied with the interests of St. Peter. He held the 
office of treasurer of the borough of St. Peter for 
seven years. 

William Klein, native of Germany, was born in 
August, 1830. He came to America in 1852, and 
to St. Peter four years later, where he established 
his business of manufacturing furniture, at which 
he had previously worked in the state of New 
York. For seven years has been in the city 
council, and was coroner several years. Iq addi- 
tion to his furniture l)iisiuess in St. Peter, he 
owns and operates a saw-mill in Cleveland, Le 
Sueur county. He employs eighteen hands in his 
factory, and in connection has a large retail furni- 
ture store. 

K. S. Kneeland was born in Washington county, 
Wisconsin, in 1853, and at the age of sixteen 
began telegraphing for railroad companies. 
Until 1879 was engaged in that vocation in Wis- 
consin and niiuois, then came to Minnesota, and 
was at various places until the summer of 1881, 
when he came to St. Peter as agent for the Wi- 
nona & St. Peter railroad company. Married in 
1881 Miss .Tennie Sackett. 

Henry Koelfgen was born in Luxemburg, Ger- 
many, in 1836. Came to America in 1857, and 
from New Orleans, where he landed, up the Mis- 
sissippi to Bellevue, Iowa, and the following fall 
came to St. Peter. He returned to Dubuque, 
Iowa, and worked in the mines two years. In 
1864 enlisted in an Iowa cavalry regiment, and at 
the close of the war came to St. Peter. He was 
married in 1874 to Margaret Thewes. Katie M., 
Anna E. and Andrew L. are their children. 

Sumner Ladd was born in Cuyahoga, Ohio, in 
May, 1838, and at the age of one year was taken 
by his parents to their former home in Vermont. 
Mr. Ladd remained in that state until 1866. He 
graduated from the University of Vermont in 
1863, and studied law at the Albany law school, 
and with Hon. Daniel Koberts, of Burlington, Ver- 
mont, one of the first attorneys in the state. He 
came to St. Peter in 1866, and has since given his 
attention to the practice of law. In 1878 was a 



member of the legislature, and chairman of the 
committee of ways and means. 

F. E. Lange, native of Germany, was born Oc- 
tober 16, 1825. He learmd the trade of watch- 
maker and in 1852 came to this country and 
located at Washington, D. 0. In July 1856, he 
came to St. Peter and began at once the jewelry 
and watch-making business, which he has since 
continued. He has held the office of mayor, and 
has been a councilman for several years. 

L. 0. Lord was born in Kellingworth, Connecti- 
cut. August 27, 1851. At tlie age of seventeen he 
left the farm and began his studies, graduating 
from the normal school of his native state. After 
teaching several j'ears he came to Minnesota in 
1874, and wiis principal of the graded school at 
Winnebago City three years, and of the Union 
building in Maukato one year. Came to St. Peter 
in 1879 as superintendent ot schools. In .July, 
1873, he married Miss Mary E. Cook, of Terry- 
ville, Connecticut. They have three children: 
Ethel win G., Frank A. and Inez H. 

August Lorenz was born in the province of 
Schleswig, now a part ot Germany, in 1847. He 
came to .\morica in 1869 ami located at Muske- 
gon, Michigan, where he worked at his trade, har- 
ness-making. He came to Minnesota in 1871, 
and after residing in Rochester, Northfield, iUise- 
mount and Cleveland, became to St. Peter; estab- 
lished the harness business in 1878. He was mar- 
ried in 1876 to Anne Zimmerman, of Le Sueur. 
They have two children. 

H. J. Ludcke, native of Germany, was bom in 
1841. In 1853 located in Chicago, and went with 
his parents to New Ulm with the colony, but not 
liking the location settled at Traverse des Sioux. 
He worked with his father in the blacksmith shojJ, 
and about 1860 came to St. Peter. Clerked in a 
store here and in Minneapolis, and on his return to 
St. Peter opened .i paint shoj). Married in 1865 
Anna Kline. Mrs. Ludcke is now engaged in the 
millinery business at St. Peter. 

Rev. G. F. McAfee was born in Missouri in 
1839. He graduated in 1861 from the Baptist 
Theological College at La Grange, Missouri, and 
then entered the Third Missouri cavalry and served 
four years. After the war he taught school until 
1S73, then entered the North-western Theological 
College at Chicago, to prepare for the ministry. 
He graduated in 1876, and until 1878 was in 
charge of a church in Illinois. Ho then came to 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



665 



St. Peter as pastor of the Presbyterian church. 
Married in 1867 Miss Phoebe Thorne. 

William McOuat, native of Canada, was born in 
La Chute, province of Quebec, May 29, 1841. He 
lived with, his parents until the sj^ring of 1856, 
and May 29th of that year landed at Traverse des 
Sioux. He has since been engaged principally in 
farming. In the winter of 1858 carried the mail 
from Fort Eidgely to the Chippewa river. For 
several years he has been chief of police in St. 
Peter. His marriage with LiUian Davis occurred 
in 1865. 

E. E. Malmo was born in Germany in 1859, 
and nine years after came to America. He learned 
the trade of barber in New York city, and pursued 
it there until 1880, when he came to St. Peter and 
has followed his trade here. He was married in 
July, 1881, to Miss Lydia Heebner. 

Rev. John Meier was born in Westphalia, Ger- 
many, in 1854. His father was a mechanic. In 
early boyhood he decided to become a Catholic 
priest, and with that end in view entered a gym- 
nasium and completed his classical studies at Pa- 
derborn, Prussia, in 1873. In consequence of the 
opposition to Catholicism in Prussia, and the diffi- 
culty of completing his education under the laws 
of that covmtry, he in 1875 came to St. Paul, and 
was admitted to the diocese by Bishop Grace. 
He entered St. John's College, and graduated in 
1877. Was ordained priest and placed at Red 
Wing as assistant. In August, 1881, he came to 
St. Peter and assumed charge of the parish here. 
He has also two country parishes in his charge. 

H. C. Miller, native of Germany, was born in 
Hanover in 1842. In 1865 left that country for 
America, and has since been actively engaged in 
business in St. Peter. In 1879 he was elected to 
the state senate from the 34th district. 

J. E. Miller was born in Michigan in 1856. He 
received a classical education and graduated from 
the Baltimore College of Dentistry in 1879. He 
located in Le Sueur, and practiced there until the 
spring of 1881, and since that time has been in 
practice in St. Peter. His father, John Miller, has 
been assistant superintendent of the Michigan 
Central railroad for the past fourteen years. 

Henry Moll was born in Philadelphia, Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1848, and at the age of twelve came with 
parents to Minnesota and settled on a farm near 
near St. Peter. Two years later he entered the 
dry goods store of F. A. Donahower and remained 
five years; then, in company with his father, E. 



Moll, engaged in the harness business. In the 
fall of 1881 he sold out his business and was 
elected sheriff of Nicollet county, assuming the 
duties of that office January 1, 1882. Married in 
1873 IsabeOa A. Dunning, of St. Peter. 

Major Thomas Montgomery was bom at Mount 
Charles, Donegal county, Ireland, June 4, 1841. 
When four years old came to Canada, and in 1856 
to Minnesota and settled with his father on a farm 
in Le Sueur county. In 1862 he located a claim 
of 160 acres in Meeker county. Enlisted in Com- 
pany K, Seventh regiment, was appointed corporal 
and stationed at Fort Snelling. Was ordered to 
camp Lincoln to guard Indian prisoners, and as- 
sisted in the execution of the thirty -eight at Man- 
kato. Was elected second lieutenant at camp 
Pope and participated in the campaign against 
the Indians to the Missouri river. Afterwards 
went South and was promoted to first lieutenant 
and captain. Was brevetted major in March, 1865, 
and was mustered out at St. Louis. Upon his re- 
turn to St. Petor he formed a partnership with T. 
G. Carter in law, real estate, collection and insur- 
ance business. He has held many offices of 
trust, both in the societies of which he is a mem- 
ber and in the public offices of the town and 
county. Married Miss Sarah A. PurneU, Septem- 
ber 26, 1867. They have six children: Edmund 
A., Cora B., Charles P., Edith M., George D. and 
Thomas B. 

Joseph Knight Moore, publisher of the St. Peter 
Tribune, and for many years postmaster, was bom 
at Enfield, Massachusetts, February 17, 1828. He 
commenced the printers' trade in the office of the 
Gazette and Courier, at Franklin in July, 1842, 
and worked at the business for ten years. In May, 
1852, he started for California, overland, reaching 
there in September. He worked at mining for a 
time and in the summer of 1853 was foreman of 
the Daily Herald at Marysville. In the faU he pur- 
chased an interest in the Grass Valley Telegraph 
and one year -later sold out and went to George- 
town where he superintended the News six months. 
He returned by the Nicaraugua route and reached 
Massachusetts in May, 1855. For the next three 
years he published the Republican at Norristown, 
Pennsylvania, and also ran a book store. In March 
1859 he came to St. Peter and purchased a half 
interest in the Free Press; In December, follow- 
ing, the office and all the material were destroyed 
by fire. On the 8th of February, 1860 he started 
the St. Peter Tribune, sold the office the next year, 



666 



IHSrORy OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



and purchased it back in 18fi9; has since contin- 
tiuueJ it« sole proprietor. C'oiiiiefted with the 
ollii't" is a fine job ilcpurtinont. Tlio paper has ac- 
cjiiired it largo circMilatioii and is considered one of 
the best and most influential weekly papers in the 
state. In the -spring of 18fil, Mr. Moore was ap- 
jjointed postmaster by President Lincoln aud has 
since held that olHce. with the exception of three 
years during President Johnson's administration. 
Mr. Moore is a royal arch Mason. On tbe 1st of 
.January, 1851, Miss Clara L. Hosey, of Cfreenfield, 
Massachusetts became his wife. They have four 
children, Frank D., Fred S., Flora K., and Harry 
E. Mr. Moore was twice elected to tlie office of 
state printer. 

J. A. Norwood was borii in Baltimore, Maryland 
in July 183G. While living with his parents he 
learned the trade of marble cutter. In 1857 he 
came to Traverse des Sioux which was his home 
until 1865; during this time had made a stay of 
two years in Colorado. In 1865 he came to St. 
Peter, opened a marlile shop and has since been 
engaged in that business. 

James Nutter was born in Lancaster, Eng- 
hmd, in 1820. He learned the blacksmiths' 
trade at Bolton, Yorkshire, and served at it six 
years. He came to America in 1842 and for eleven 
years ran a shop at Somerville, New .Tersey; he 
then moved to Marshall county, Illinois, aud three 
years later came to St. Peter, arri^-ing in May, 
1856. For a time he was in partnership with J. 
Ferguson; afterwards ran the business alone. The 
large shop he now occupies he built in 18('>9. 

T. M. Perry, deceased, was born in Ehode 
Island in the year 181)0. He moved to Michigan 
when it was a territory. In 1856 he came to St. 
Pavil and worked in a printing office a short time, 
after which he publLshed by contract, the St. Peter 
Courier for two years. In 1858 Mr. Perry estab- 
lisheil the Cleveland Herald at Cleveland, Le Sueur 
county. In 1865 he founded the St. Peter Adver- 
tiser, which was in life untU 1876. Mr. Perry 
died July 26, 1866 and was succeeded in the print- 
ing business by his son, Thomas M. who now owns 
the Times pubUshed at St. Peter, a lively, inde- 
pendent journal with a large circulation. 

Judge John Peterson was bom in Norway, in 
18.31. He came to .\merica in 1853 aud the fol- 
lowing year to St. Paul. In 1856 he moved to 
Lake Prairie, Nicollet county and located on a 
farm; remained five or six years and during tiie 
time was chairman of the board of supervisors 



and also justice of the peace. He was appointed 
ca]]tain of tlie home gnard and was at the battle 
of New I'lra in 1862. In 1873 was elected judge 
of probate for Nicollet county, which office he 
has since held. Married in the spring of 1857, 
Ellen Amrulson. They have six children living. 
Clara L., .\ll)ert L., Peter A., Louisa R., Olivia 
J. and Ella J. 

J. M. Peterson was bom in Smolaud, Sweden, in 
March, 1844. He learned the trade of blacksmith 
with his father, and came to Illinois in 1864. He 
shortly after went to New York and learned the 
machinists' and blacksmiths' trade. He came to 
St. Peter in 1873 and has since rim a blacksmith 
shop. Was married October 14, 1S69. 

E. S. Pettijohn was born at Huntsville, Illinois, 
in 1848 and at the age of five years came with 
parents to Minnesota. His father took a claim in 
Nicollet county, and the subject of this sketch re- 
mained with him until twenty years of age. He 
began teaching in country schools and in 1873 
was engaged as teacher in the graded school of St. 
Peter. In 1874 he was aj)poiuted su])erintendent 
of schools, for Nicollet county and held that office 
until 1877, when he was elected county auditor, a 
position he has since filled. He was married in 
1873 to IVIiss Sarah E. Hughes. 

B. H. Kaudall was born in Orleans county, Ver- 
mont, November 25, 1823. He learned the trade 
of cabinet maker and in 1844 went to Illinois. 
Engaged in teaching and clerking. Was in the 
grain trade aud grocery business at Peoria, after 
which he returned to Vermont aud studied law. In 
1849 he came to Fort Snelliug and went into the 
sutler's department as clerk for Franklin Steele, 
remaining until 1853. He was a member of the 
territorial legislature during the second, third and 
fourth sessions. In 1853 he was appointed sutler 
and postmaster at Fort Kidgely and in the In- 
dian outbreak helped to defend the post. His 
store aud warehouse were destroyed. He remained 
at that post until it was abolished in 1868, then 
came to St. Peter and engaged in the manufacture 
of boots and shoes, employing twenty-five men; 
followed this business five years, then until 1879 
led a retired life. In the latter year he engaged 
in the grocery business. Mr. Bundall has held 
the offices of mayor one term, president of the 
school board six years, county superintendent of 
schools and many minor offices. He was married 
in 1854 to Miss M. Lange. They have eight 
< children. 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



667 



Benjamin Rogers was bom in 1835 and remained 
with his parents until attaining majority, then 
came to St. Peter, where he opened a merchant 
tailoring establishment. In 1862 he enhsted in 
the Ninth regiment infantry and served three years. 
In 1866 he was eleotedcounty auditor and re- 
elected for the two succeeding terms, the 
last of which expired in 1872. Hs then engaged 
in his old business until the fall of 1879 when he 
was elected clerk of court for Nicollet county 
which office he now holds. 

W. H. Kounseville was born in Tompkins 
county, New York, and at the age of twelve years 
came, in 18.53, to Traverse des Sioux, NicoUet 
county, Miimesota. He engaged in farming for 
about eighteen years, then began tlie lumber trade 
at St. Peter, also kept a stock of builders materials. 
He now has in connection with that business five 
steam threshing machines which he runs during 
the season ; their capacity is about 150,000 bushels 
during the threshing season. Married in 1865 
Miss Emma Pardee, who died in 1867. Married 
in 1879 Rebecca Goodman. 

A. L. Sackett was born in Plymouth, New York, 
in 1839. He lived with his parents until the war 
broke out, then enlisted in Company E, 89th New 
York infantry and served over three years, ranking 
as orderly sergeant most of the time. In January 
1865, he came to St. Peter and was employed in 
the mill which he now owns, remaining six yeai's. 
He was elected register of deeds in 1865 for one 
term, and for three terms, beginning with 1877, 
was mayor of St. Peter. Is a member of the 
board of trustees for the State Insane Asylum, and 
has held many local offices. In 1871, he, in com- 
pany with Charles Pay, purchased the Riverside 
steam flouring mill, and has since conducted it 
with success. 

J. B. Sackett was born in Plymouth, New York, 
in 1835. At the age of twelve he entered the Nor- 
wich Academy and completed his education at the 
age of seventeen. In 1852 he moved to Wiscon- 
sin, where he was employed as clerk in a store. 
In 1857 he came to St. Peter; was elected first 
clerk of the board of supervisors and in 1859 was 
elected county auditor. In 1861 was elected reg- 
ister of deeds and held the office four years, when 
he was succeeded by his brother A. L. Sackett, 
with whom he remained two years as deputy. In 
1862 he was appointed United States revenue col- 
lector, which office he still holds. Married in 1862 
Miss C. B. Whitredge, of Springfield, Ohio. 



John Scheuer was born in Prussia, province of 
the Rhine, in April 1827. He learned the trade of 
wagon maker, and in 1853 located in Chicago, 
where he worked at his trade. In 1854 he joined 
the society which settled at New tJlin, and went to 
that place in May 1855. A few weeks later he 
returned to Traverse des Sioux, and in 1863 opened 
a wagon shop at St. Peter, to which place he moved 
his family in 1875. He was married in 1854. 

William Schimmel, a native of Prussia, was bom 
in Westphalia in 1822. He immigrated to Detroit, 
Michigan, in 1850, where he published the "Mich- 
igan Volksblatt." In 1856 he came to St. Peter, 
and immediately became identified with its com- 
mercial interests; has been in business here since. 
He is now president of the First National bank. 
Has been mayor of St. Peter twice; for twelve 
years a member of the board of trustees for the 
State Insane Asylum, and is treasurer and secre- 
tary of the institution at the present writing. 

Julius Sehleuder was bom in Calles, Prussia, in 
December, 1835, He learned the jewelers' trade at 
Noerenberg and worked at it a number of years, 
then carried on business for himself. In 1860 he 
married Augusta Bergschmidt, of Noerenberg, and 
in 1863 came to St. Peter, where, with the excep- 
tion of one year he has since been in the jewelry 
business. 

J. H. Smith was bom at Galena, Illinois, in 
1850, and when four years old came with his father, 
James R. Smith, to St. Peter. His father engaged 
in hotel business imtil 1861, then enlisted in the 
Fifth infantry, his oldest son, William, enlisting at 
the same time. The father was discharged for 
disabilities and died soon after; the son died in 
St. Paul on his way home. J. H. Smith followed 
blacksmithing imtil the spring of 1881, when he 
opened the hotel he now runs. He was married 
in 1870 to Johannah Brisnahan. 

J. H. Snyder, was born at Ithaca, New York, in 
October, 1835. His parents removed to Cort- 
land county and he remained there until the spring 
of 1853, then came to Traverse des Sioux before 
St. Peter was located. Mr. Snyder was a chain- 
man in the surveying party that laid out the town 
of St. Peter. He afterward attended Milton Col- 
lege at Milton, Wisconsin, and on his return be- 
gan farming near St. Peter, which he continued 
until 1867. He then established his present book 
and stationery business. He has for eight years 
been a member of the city council. 

Stephen Spiess, was born in Alsace, France. He 



G68 



HISTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



was left an orphan at the age of thirteen years; he 
learned the shoemakers' trade and worked at it in 
Lyons, Paris, and other plaeeH in France. He 
came to Cincinnati in 1852 and from there went to 
Indiana. In 1855 he came to Minnesota, and 
opcncil a shop at Traverse des Sioux, and after- 
ward traiisforred it to St. Peter, where he is still in 
l)iisiiiess. 

H. Sporing, native of Crermauy, was born in tlie 
city of Bremen, in 1850. He emigrated from that 
country in 1870 and until 1878 lived in New 
York city, then came to St. Peter, where he has 
been in the liquor business. He was married in 
New York, soon after his arrival there, to Miss E. 
Mai mors. 

J. St+'lzer was bom in Germany in 1830. He 
learned the baker trade while young, and came to 
America in 1853. He settled in Columbus, Ohio, 
and in 1850 moved to Traverse des Sioux, where 
he opened a bakery and general store. Remained 
in that business until he botight the brewery he 
now runs in 1867. The building was destroyed 
in 1873, but Mr. Stelzer rebuilt at once and has 
since greatly enlarged the capacity fur prodiicti(m. 
The new building is of brick and fitted with first- 
class machinery. 

F. A. Stempel, a native of France, was born in 
Strasbourg, province of Alsace, in February, 1831, 
and remained there until he came to America in 
1850. He remained in New York city some time, 
and in 1854 moved to Illinois, and the year follow- 
ing t<i Traverse des Sioux. He was in business 
there until 1867 then came to St. Peter and has 
since been in general merchandise business. 

A. A. Stone was bom in Canada in 1840. In 
1854 he came with his parents to St. Peter and 
lived on the farm until 1860; he then went to Col- 
orado but returned the following year and enlisted 
among the first in the Second Minnesota volunteer 
infantry. After serving his term of enlistment, 
three years, he lived for a time in Tennessee, then 
returned to St. Peter. In 1865 he was elected 
slieritTof Nicollet county for two years. In 1866 
he l)egan reading law and was admitted to the bar 
in 1874. He was appointed clerk of court in 1871 
and belli that office four years. In 1874 he formed 
a partnership with Hon. S. Ladd in the practice 
of law, which has since continued. He was mayor 
of St. Peter in 1879. Married in 1866 Miss Sarah 
F. Phelps. 

M. B. Stone was born in Worcester county, Mas- 
sachusetts, in 1810, and when eight yeiits of age 



accompanied his parents to Canada. In 1854 he 
came to Minnesota and settled on a farm where he 
has since lived. He was the first justice in St. 
Peter, and officiated at the first marriage in the 
town. He was county commissioner for some time 
and in 1876 was elected to the state senate. He 
has always taken an active part in advaiicing 
the interests of St. Peter. Mr. Stone has been mar- 
ried three times; the first in 1832 to Emily W. 
Blair, of Vermont, and the liist time in 1878, to 
Anna Johnson. 

Sander Swenson, native of Norway, was bom in 
March, 1840. He came to this country in .luly, 
1857; came to Goodhue county. Minnesota, and 
soon after to St. Peter, near where he settled on a 
farm. During the war he served three years in 
the Ninth Minnesota, in Company D. U|)on his 
return home he was married and began farming. 
In 1876 became to St. Peter where his wife died; 
he made a trip to Europe and on his return to St. 
Peter went into the hardware business with O. S. 
Swanson. He was married for the second time, 
and in 1879 began keeping the Northwestern hotel. 
In the spring of 1881 he moved to his farm in the 
town of New Sweden. 

Rev. John Tori, Catholic priest, was bom in 
Austria. Ho came to .\merica in 1873 and finished 
his theological studies at (irand Seminary of St. 
Sulspice, Montreal, Canada. He came to Minne- 
sota in July, 1876, and stop])ed in St. Paul, where 
he was ordained the following year and went to 
New Ulm. After ten months there went to St. 
Cloud in 1878 and s\ipplied vacant jjarishes until 
he came to St. Peter. He is a musician of high 
order, though he confines himself to the organ; in 
connection with his parish duties he teaches 
music. 

John N. Treadwell was born in Dejjosit, New 
York, in 1828, and while an infant his parents 
moved to Franklin. He remained there until 
1855 then came to .St. Paul and engaged as clerk 
and book-keeper. In May, 1862, he came to St. 
Peter and for about ten years was associated with 
F. A. Donahower iji general merchandise. He re- 
tired from business about 1873. He served as a 
member of the house of representatives in 1874-5 ; 
at present is vice president of the First National 
bank of St. Peter. Married in 1868, Jane Pickett, 
of New Milford, C/onnecticut. 

Kudolf Volk, native of Germany, was born in 
Baden, November 15, 1823. He worked for his 
father imtil 1846 when he came to Cincinnati and 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



669 



learned the cooper's trade; worked there for twenty 
years. In 1868 he came to St. Peter and started 
a cooper shop, which he still runs. 

M. Wahlstrom was horn in Blekinge, Sweden, 
November 28, 1851. In 1854 he came with his 
parents to America and resided with them in north- 
ern Illinois until 1861. He then entered St. Ans- 
gar's academy in Carver county, Minnesota, and 
remained ten yeare. In 1871 he entered Augus- 
tana college at Paxton, Illinois, and remained un- 
til after its removal to Eock Island, graduating in 
1877; he then entered the seminary at Rock Is- 
land, from which he graduated and was ordained 
at Chicago in 1879; he then went west as a mis- 
sionary among the Comanche Lidians, but on ac- 
count of failing health was obliged to return in a 
year. He has since been professor in Gustavus 
Ad<ilphus college at St. Peter. 

John Waliu was born in Sweden, September 23, 
1845. He learned the trade of furniture making 
in his own country, and came to America in July, 
1873. Came to St. Peter the same year and work- 
ed at his trade four years then began business for 
himself, which he still continues. 

H. L. Watts was born at Worthington, Massa- 
chusetts, in 1826. Learned the blacksmith's trade 
at Springfield, after which he ran a shop of his 
own. He lived in Hadley and Amherst, engaged 
at his trade. He came to St. Peter January 3, 
1880, and is now engaged in horseshoeing and 
wagoumaking. Mr. Watts is the inventor of a 
whiffletree and hold-back. Watts' elastic horseshoe 
and a horseshoe machine, besides other useful and 
ingenious machinery. 

Edward Williams, native of England, was born 
in Gloucestershire, in July, 1834. He came to 
St. Peter in 1869, and began work at once in the 
position he now holds as engineer at the Riverside 
mills, which trade he had learned in England. He 
was in EenvOle county, three years, but returned 
to St. Peter. At the age of twenty he married 
Sarah Pickthorn, of Worcestershire, England. 



CHAPTER LXXVI. 

LAKE PRAIRIE TRAVERSE OSHAWA BELGRADE-:- 

BIDGBLT BERNADOTTE NEW SWEDEN GRAN- 

BT BRIGHTON. 

The town of Lake Prairie is in the northeastern 
part of the county, and embraces township 111, 
range 27, and that part of township 111, range 26, 



west of the INIinnesota river. April 27, 1858, it 
was set apart by the county commissioners, and an 
election was held soon after at Patrick Cronan's 
house; the judges of election were Peter Brady 
and Patrick Cronan. George Briggs was the first 
chairman of town board. 

Probably the first settler was James Lamm, who 
came in the summer of 1853; in August of that 
year, Louis Hanson arrived; in July, 1854, Nelson 
Norman, Elias Larson, Brinnell Nelson and Mr. 
Ludliff came with families. In June, 1858, the 
Norwegian Lutherans organized a society, the first 
of this denomination in Nicollet county. Rev. L. 
Larson was the first pastor. Rev. Thomas John- 
son has been in charge since August, 1863. A 
frame church was built in 1866, on section twenty, 
at a cost of .fl,800. The lumber was hauled by 
teams from Minneapolis. The Swedish Evangel- 
ical Lutherans held services in 1857, and organ- 
ized the following year with Rev. Cedarstam, as 
pastor. The society now has over 230 members, 
presided over by Rev. .John Pehrson. In 1862 a 
church was built which cost .'iiil,500, including or- 
gan and bell. 

The first school was taught by James Lamm, in 
the fall of 1856, in a claim shanty on section 29. 
There are now seven school-houses in the town. 

The first birth was Agnes, daughter of Peter 
and Mary Brady, born in May, 1854. The wife of 
L. Hanson, who died in the fall of 1853, was the 
first death. 

Norseland postoffice was established about 1860, 
in the western part of the town. Elias Larson 
was the first postmaster. John Burke now holds 
the office, and keeps it at his store on section 19. 

Peter Brady was bom in county Cavan, Ire- 
land. When nine years of age he came to Amer- 
ica, and for a few years lived in New York. He 
came to St. Paul in 1851, and to NicoUet county 
the follo\\'ing year. In. 1854 he located the farm 
in Lake Prairie where he now lives, consisting of 
280 acres. Married in 1849 Miss Mary Skelley. 
They have had twelve children, of whom six boys 
and five girls are living. 

M. P. Chilgren, native of Sweden, was born De- 
cember 11, 1828. He learned the trade of black- 
smith, and came to America in 1853. Lived in 
Illinois, working at his trade until 1857, then came 
to Minnesota and located on the farm where he 
now Kves. Has 200 acres, about one-half of which 
is cultivated. Married in 1864 Mary Stark, who 
was born in Sweden. They have six children. 



r.70 



m STORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Mr. Oliilgren has lieen elected olininnaD of super- 
viBiirs, treftsiirer and county commissioner. 

Nels. P. Chilgrcn was born Septt'mbor i, 1832, 
in Sweden. Ho learned the bhicksmith's trade, 
and in 1852 came to Illinoia, where he worked at 
liis trade and idso attended school. In 1856 he 
came to Minnesota, and has since lived on the 
farm now occupied, cousistiup; of 240 acres. Was 
married in 18G1 to Caroline Samuolson, who was 
born in Sweden. They have two girls and three 
boys. Mr. Ohilgren has hold several town offices, 
and is now a member of tlie board of county com- 
missioners. 

John Crouen, native of Ireland, was born in 
county Cork, and is about seventy-four yeai-s old. 
He was raised on a farm, and at the age of fifteen 
was thrown upon his own resources. In 1840 he 
went to New Brunswick, and one year alter to 
Boston, Massachusetts. A few years later moved 
to Wisconsin, and for twelve years lived on a farm 
near Milwaukee. In July, 1856, he located in the 
town of Lake Prairie, where he has since lived. Hj^p 
a farm of 160 acres on section 30. Was married in 
1845 to Miss Bridget Ferry, who was bom in Ire- 
laud. They have seven children. His son, Cor- 
nelius Cronen, owns part of an adjoining farm, and 
assists his father on his. 

Zenus A. Gault was born at Traverse des Sioux, 
Miimesota, April 21, 1854. His parents remained 
in the village until 18G5, when they removed to a 
farm. His father came to Nicollet county in 1852. 
He remained with parents until 1877, then located 
in Lake Prairie on a farm. Married Ida W. Hill 
in 1872. Frank, Victor James, Edwin and Irving 
are their children. 

Clarence G. Hanscome, a life-long resident of 
Nicollet county, was born in St. Peter, January 28, 
1801. His father, Judge Hanscome, came from 
the New England States to Minnesota in 1856, 
and was judge of the 9th district for eight years. 
Clarence received his education in the schools of 
St. Peter, and for the past year has been teaching 
in Lake Prairie. 

Lars Hanson was born in Norway, August 30, 
1814. Leaniod the trade of ship carj)enter, which 
he followed until coming to America. His first 
trip to this coimtry was on a ship as carpenter, in 
1848, and two years later became to settle ])erma- 
ncntly. He went to California, and in 1853 re- 
turned to New York; the following year came to 
his present farm in Lake Prairie. Mr. Hanson has 
been married three times; first in 1843. The last i 



time in 1872 to Mrs. C. M. Larson, who is now 
living with him. Two children are living : Tlieo- 
dore .\lbert and Peter Ferdinand. The latter has 
charge of his father's farm. 

M. Hokanson was born in the southern part of 
Sweden, February 21, 1828. He learned the trade 
of shoemaker, which he followed about fifteen 
years. He came to lUiunis in 1852, and after liv- 
ing at Princeton four years, came to the town of 
Lake Prairie; has been on his farm since 1867. 
He was a volunteer during the Indian trouble of 
1862. Married in 1856 iMiss Joliannah Samuel- 
son, native of Sweden. Of five children, four are 
living : William, Emma, Ellen Ann and Alber- 
tina. The son William is a teacher, and two 
daughters iire attending school at St. Peter. 

Rev. E. S. .lohnson, native of Norway, was bom 
September 19, 1832.. He learned the tailor's trade, 
at which he worked about ten years; he was for 
two years in the regular ministry, and in 1864 
came to Minnesota and to his pre.-ient farm. Has 
devoted some time to missionary work in this 
state and Wisconsin. Married in 1862 Mrs. Johan- 
nah M. Lintner; she died in 1874. He was mar- 
ried in 1876 to Cora Olsen. He has seven chil- 
dren living. 

Sy ver H. .Tohnson was born in Norway, in 1823, 
at the tillage of Ness. He made mining his voca- 
tion until coming to America in 1857. He soim 
after settled on his farm in Lake Prairie, where he 
has since lived. He was married in 1354 to Julia 
Skaro, who was born in Norway. They have 
twelve children, six boys and six girls. All are 
living at home with the exception of the eldest 
son, who is married and lives in the town of New 
Sweden. His son, Erick S. H. Johnson, has, for 
a number of years, been traveling salesman for a 
St. Peter hardware firm. 

Rev. Thomas Johnson was bom in Norway, in 
1837. At the age of fourteen he came with his 
parents to America. They engaged in farming in 
Houston county, Minnesota. In 1858 he went to 
St. Louis and entered Concordia College. In 1863 
\vas ordained minister in the Lutheran church.and 
for a number of years after was engaged in mis- 
sionary work throughout Minnesota. He now has 
charge of a ohnrch at Norseland, where he resides, 
one at Brighton and one in Sibley ct)unty. He 
was married in Iowa to Miss M. E. C. Sahlgaard, 
who has borne him nine children, six are li\-ing. 

A. Nelson was born near the city of Christian- 
sen, Sweden, Jidy 12, 1837. He, with his parents, 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



671 



came to America in 1855 and settled on a farm on 
section 21, of Lake Prairie, and has been in the 
town since. Came to his present farm on section 
27, in 1872. Has about 700 acres under cultivation, 
a fine brick residence and well stocked farm. Was 
married in 1863 to Carolina Pehrson. They have 
had nine children; eight are living, three girls and 
five boys. His father, Nels Anders'>n, died in 1874. 

Ole Nelson was born near Bergen, Norway, Oc- 
tober 8, 1807. He came to this country in 1853, 
first to Wisconsin, and in July, 1854, to the farm 
where he now lives. He remained through the 
Indian war of 1862. His youngest son, Brinnerd 
Nelson, now o\vns the farm, which consists of 180 
acres. Mr. Nelson, Sr. married in 1837, Anna 
Sterker. Of six children, five are living. All are 
married and living in Minnesota. 

John W. Pebearson was born at Christiansen, 
Sweden, April 12, 1850. Canie with parents to 
America in 1861. They settled in the town of New 
Sweden. He came to his present farm in Lake 
Prairie in 1874; has 320 acres, 140 under cultiva- 
tion. He was married in 1873 to Christina Nel- 
son, who was born in Sweden. They have four 
children living and have lost one. Henry, Aman- 
da, Herman E. and an infant. 

John Pehrson, native of Sweden, was born July 
13, 1821. He received a good education and 
taught four years. lu 1854 he came to the United 
States, and in 1858 entered the dejjartment of the- 
ology in the university at Spiingfield, Illinois. 
After graduating, was ordained a Lutheran minis- 
ter, and preached at Jamestown, New York. In 
1862 he came to Minnesota and for a time preach- 
ed at Marine, Washington county, then came to 
his present place, where he has since been pastor. 
Married in 1863, Issia Pehrson, who has borne 
him four children. 

A. Thorson was born in Sweden, February 13, 
1823. For eleven years after he reached the age 
of fourteen, he was a clerk and book-keeper. He 
came to this country in 1847, and went to the 
California gold mines. Went back to New York 
in 1851, and then returned to Sweden on a visit. 
In 1855 he came to Minnesota with several others 
from Sweden. He married in his native country, 
in 1852, Anna Anderson. Of eleven children, 
seven are living. Mr. Thorson has been justice of 
the peace seventeen years; was first town clerk; 
was register of deeds for Nicollet county, four 
years; and is at jJresent one of the board of county 
commissioners. 



TRAVERSE. 

Traverse township is in the eastern part of the 
county, with Lake Prairie on the north and Oshawa 
on the south. The first settlers of the town are 
mentioned in the chapter of county history. The 
village of Traverse des Sioux was surveyed on land 
owned by S. R. Kiggs, A. G. Huggins, and Mrs. 
Hopkins, and comprised about 320 acres. When 
the county was organized the town had about 300 
inhabitants, but as soon as ' the county seat was 
moved to St. Peter they all followed, taking their 
buildings with them. The old Presbyterian church 
built of concrete, by Eev. M. N. Adams, still 
stands. 

A town site was laid out in 1855, on section 9, 
by Joseph Robinette and called Sioux City ; Louis 
Roberts, of St. Paul had a trading post there in 
1853, which was bm-ued; he rebuilt fiirther north 
and maintained the post some time. The first 
permanent settlement was in 1852; William Huey 
made a claim on section 13, in August; he was ap- 
pointed sherif}' by Governor Gorman. Other 
early settlers were, Gibson S. Patch, George H. 
Spencer, Jonas Pettijohn, Peter M. Teed. 

The first town meeting was held May 11, 1858. 
First to\vn officers: William Huey, chairman, J. 
P. Smith and Jacob Schmahl, supervisors; Sidney 
Pardee, clerk; L. D. Hoi den, assessor; R. B. Pierce, 
collector; Philip Stelzer, overseer of poor; Alfred 
Vallient and Augustus Reihm, overseers of roads; 
R. J. Bilhngsby, and J. M. Pettijohn, justices; 
Lewis Hatcher and C. M. Woodward, constables. 

Henri Hemes was born in 1834, and lived, until 
coming to America, in 1854, in Germany, his birth 
place. He worked for a time in the pineries of 
Michigan, then stopped in Chicago until 1856, 
at which date he removed to New Ulm and resided 
until the fall of 1862. During the Indian troubles 
of that year he lost everything. Since 1805 his 
home has been on section 12. In 1860 he married 
Mary Keltgen, who has borne him eleven children. 

John Lindill, a native of Sweden, was born in 
1828, and while living there worked at wagon 
making. In 1859 he immigrated to St.- Peter, 
Minnesota. He did carpentering and farming 
until 1862, when he enlisted in Company B, First 
Minnesota mounted rangers, but was discharged 
six months after because of injuries received by 
being thro«Ti from a horse. Until 1864 he re- 
mained in St. Peter, then came to his present home. 
Christina Peterson was married to Mr. Lindill in 
Sweden and died on the journey to America. In 



()7'J 



limrORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLKY. 



18fi0 he married Miss O. Nelson. The living 
children are Joseph, Matilda, Amanda, Adolpli, 
Ohnrlev, John, Frederick, Peter, Helena, Anna and 
August. 

George A. McLeod, deceased, was bom in 1820, 
in ITpjier Canada, After leaving school he was for 
a time employed as olork and subsi'(|neiitly eu- 
gagixl in the mercantile and lumber business 
until 1852, at which time he removed to Minne- 
sota, and until 1858 Tfras trading with the Indians. 
His brother was in charge of a trading ])08t at 
Lac qui Parle. In 1852 he made a claim of 1(10 
acres, also purcliased land at different times, and 
owned a part of the town plat :)f Traverse. In 
1854 he was appointed county su]>erintendent and 
again clioson to that ollicc in 1879. Mr. McLeod 
was aide de camp to General Sibley and was also 
first lieutenant. On account of being so well 
posted iie often volunteered to act as scout, and 
had many narrow escapes. General Hibley wislied 
on one occasion to get information to Little Crow's 
camp, but no one was wilUng to make the hazard- 
ous attempt: finally Mr. McLeod and a man 
named Quinn volunteered, and accoini)lishod the 
journey in safety. He was with General Sully, 
having charge of scouts and guides, and was con- 
nected with Indians until 1872. At that date he 
returned to Traverse ami resided on hiti original 
claim until liis death, which occurred in 1881. In 
1842, Miss L(Trinda Dunning became the wife of 
Mr. McLeod. Georgiana M. is the only child. 

William P. McMaster, a native of Massachu- 
ctts, was born in 1811, in Ham])den county. Af- 
ter the age of sixteen he worked at farming sum- 
mers and taught winters for ten years, then was 
employed about seven years as mail carrier. In 
1H53 he migrated to St. Paid, and in the spring of 
the same year took a claim in Kasota. Afterward 
took land in Traverse where he now owns 300 
acres. When he came here there was not a fence 
or a house to be seen. In 1853 he was united in 
marriage with Harriet Elder, who died in 1848. 
Lucinda Rice became his wife in .\i)ril, 1851. 
William K., Edward W. and Susan W., are the 
children. 

P. Miesen was bom in 1837, and lived in his na- 
tive country, Germany, until 1856 when he immi- 
gnited to Wisconsin. He went to California in 
1859 and remained five years; was also for a time 
in Idaho and Montana, after which he returned to 
Wisconsin for four years; in the spring of 1872 he 
came to his home in Traverse, tfertrude Kolte, a 



native of Wisconsin, was married to Mr. Miesen in 
1867. They are the parents of seven children; 
Helen, Jacob, Joseph, .John Mattie, Lizzie and 
Charley. 

0. Poncin was born in 1836, and in 1856 came 
from his native land, Belgium, to America. In 
June, 1857, he located iit his present home; now 
has 400 acres of land with good buildings. Mr. 
Poncin has been in the otlice of supervisor about 
nine years. Lena Gamey, lx)m in 1835, became 
his wife in 1858, and has bonie him nine children; 
the li\ing are Celestina, Joseph, .lohii, Mary, 
Elizabeth, Charles and Emma. 

Daniel T. RounseWUe, a native of New York, 
was born in 1817 in Tompkins county. In 1853, 
the date of his arrival in Traverse, there had been 
no settlements and not a house was to be seen. He 
made a claim of 160 acres, which is the farm he 
yet owns, and moved his family there, after re- 
siding about two years in Traverse des Sioux. 
When the alarm was raised of the fight at New 
Ulm, he with others, hurriedly organized a com- 
pany and assisted in repulsing the Indians; was 
afterward with (ieneral Sibley. Mr. Rounseville 
married Annie Snyder. Their children are Wil- 
liam H., Mary H., SallieE. and Edith E. 

James Tammany was born in 1847 in Tamaqua, 
Pennsylvania. At the age of nine years he went 
to Indiana with his parents and lived on a farm in 
that state. He enhsted in Company I, 52d Indi- 
ana infantry, in 1862, and served three years, after 
which he returned to Indiana where he worked at 
farming about four years. Since 1869 he has been 
a resident of Traverse township. He owns 160 
acres of land, which he took in 1873, as a soldier's 
claim. Mr. Tammany was united in marriage in 
1873 with Martha Jenkins. 

OSHAWA. 

So named from town of the same name in Can- 
ada. It is situated in the eastern part of the 
county, and borders on the Minnesota river. The 
town at first included St. Peter within its limits. 
The city, liecoming incorjwrated, took off over two 
square miles. No other changes in the original 
boundaries have occurred save the adding of two 
square miles on the west, taken from Granby. 

The first settlement was made in 1852, by Ber- 
thoine Bartroche, a Canadian Frenchman, and 
Joseph Campbell. Mr. B. married. JIarf ha Harmon, 
daughter of Jacob Hai-mon, of Courtland, at St. 
Peter, in the summer of 1855, the first resident of 
the town to marry. No other settlers came till 



NICOLLET COO-NTT. 



673 



1854-5; among the earlier ones were Michael 
Knief, James Mitchell, Israel Fuller, Jason Eay- 
moud, John Lambert and two Wagners. 

The first school was taught l)y Miss J. Mattice 
about 1861. There are now five school houses. 
There are no church organizations, though services 
have been held occasionally. 

Oshawa stati(m was established in 1873 when 
the railroad compauy put in a side track. The 
post-office was established about the same time, 
with the present postmaster, Thomas McOuat, in 
charge. 

The first town meeting was held at St. Peter. 
Officers elected: A. F. Howes, chairman, Spencer 
Sutherland and G. W. Piper, supervisors; J. B. 
Sackett, clerk; Samuel Dunning, assessor; Peter 
Morrison, collector; William Schimmel, overseer of 
poor; J. P. Miner, overseer of roads; George Hez- 
lep, justice; William Parrish and Henry Gerrish 
constables. 

E. J. Boys was born March 27, 1829, in Trum- 
bull coimty, Ohio. In 1851 he graduated at Hart- 
ford, Ohio, after which he engaged in teach- 
ing. He came to Minnesota in 1856 and located 
on a farm in Nicollet county, but in 18(30 went to 
Colorado and New Mexico; he returned, however, 
and taught in the winter seasons from 1863 to 1868. 
For four years he was sheriff of Nicollet county, 
and lived in St. Peter, but came in 1876 to his 
present farm. Married in 1859, Miss A. C Ken- 
nedy. Their children are Ralph and Frank, twins, 
and Mary E. 

Thomas Burch was born in 1843, in Franklin 
county, New York, but when only four years of 
age went with his parents to Canada. In 1861 he 
removed to Illinois and four years later came to 
his home in Oshawa. For the past four years he 
has been clerk of this town. The marriage of Mr. 
Burch and Miss Alice Smart took place in 1873 in 
New York. They have four children : Mary L., 
Charlotte, Effie and Warren. 

Samuel Coffin was born April 15, 1809, in Guil 
ford county, Nt)rth Carolina. He worked at his 
trade of mill-wright in that state, ten years and the 
same length of time in Indiana; also did some car- 
penter work. In 1845, and again in 1847, he was 
elected to the Indiana legislature. He removed in 
1856, to Cowtland, Minnesota, and in 1864 came 
to Oshawa. He was elected to the legislature 
from Nicollet county in 1863; has served about fif- 
teen years as county commissioner, and at 
various times has held town offices. In 1830 he 

43 



married, and in 1837 his wife died; the second wife, 
married in 1840, died in 1842; Rachel Powers be- 
came his wife in 1845. The children are Frederick 
F., William J., Marcus R., Rufus A. and Newton 
K. Mr. Coffin was at the siege of New Ulm. 

Louis Filler, a native of France, was born in 
1835. When a child he accompanied his parents 
to Illinois where he lived until coming, in 1857, to 
Oshawa. In the autumn of 1859 he returned, and 
in August, 1862, enlisted in Company D, 117th 
Illinois infantry. Upon being discharged in Au- 
gust, 1865, he returned to his home in Minnesota. 
Mr. Filler married Catherine Shank March 2, 1878, 
at St. Peter. They have one chUd, Margaret A., 
and one is deceased. 

J. M. Johnson was born in Sweden in 1817, and 
upon coming to America in 1854 located in Mo- 
line, Illinois. In June, 1856, he located in Osh- 
awa and the next year moved to the farm of 560 
acres, where he is living now. The wife of Mr. 
Johnson died in 1854; he remarried in 1857, and 
the second wife died in 1861. His children are J. 
P., Thilda and Anna; the former by his first mar- 
riage. 

Edmund Kennedy is a native of Ireland, but has 
been a resident of the United States since the year 
1854. After passing two years in Maryland he re- 
moved in June, 1856, to this state and located in 
Oshawa, which is still his home. The marriage of 
Mr. Kennedy aud Catherine Dougherty occurred 
in Ireland. The children are Michael, John, 
Bridget, Margaret, Mary and Catherine. Mrs. 
Kennedy died on the 4th day of May, 1880. 

William Lange, liorn in 1830, is a native of 
Germany, where after leaving school he learned 
the trade of book binder. In 1854 he emigrated 
to America ; lived at Chicago one year, and in the 
spring of 1855 removed to Belgrade, Nicollet 
county, where he took a piece of land, but sold it 
after one year, and bought the farm which is his 
present home; he owns in all 425 acres. In 1853 
Miss Mary Hager was married to Mr. Lange. 
They have two children : Charles and Fred, who 
are twins. 

John E. Lind was born in 1820 in Sweden. His 
marriage with Miss Caroline Dahlberg took place 
in his native country in the year 1846. They im- 
migrated to the United States in 1854, and after 
hving in Indiana, Michigan and Illinois they ar- 
rived in August, 1860, at St. Peter, Minnesota. In 
the fall of that year he bought the farm which has 
since been their home. They have four chUdi'en 



C74 



ujuruur of the Minnesota valley. 



living: Andrew, Jo8e])hine, Charles ami Annie. 

J. G. Linstroin, a native of (Sweden was liorn in 
1835, and in 1858 came to the United States. He 
visited Illinois and Missouri, after which in June, 
1859, he located permanently in Oshawa where he 
has served the town in dilVcreut oHices. Christine 
Johnson became the wife of Mr. Linstrom on the 
26th day of April, 1861. George, Emma and Lil- 
lic M. are their children. 

.TohnMagner was horn in 1830 in Ireland. In 
1850 he came to America. Lived in Connecticut 
until 1856 at which date he engaged in farming in 
the town of Nicollet, Minnesota, but since 1873 
lia.s resided one and one-half miles west of St. 
Peter. He was united in marriage with Mary 
Donahue in Connecticut, in the spring of 1856. 
Their children are Nellie, Mary, James, John, 
Agnes, Catharine, Ann, William, Adelaide. Henry 
and Francis. Mr. Magner's brothers, James and 
Michael came to St. Peter in 1852. The former was 
in charge of the Indian farms at Redwood Agency 
from 1854 until 1861. He was captain in the 28th 
Massachusetts and was shot .\ugust 16. 18()4 in the 
battle of the Wilderness, while leading his com- 
pany to charge a battery. 

William McFadden, a native of Ireland, Wiis 
born in 1847. He immigrated to America in 1864 
and after farming near Philadelphia until 1868, 
removed to St. Paul ; he then passed about eigh- 
teen months in various parts of this state, and 
since the spring of 1870 has held the position of 
superintendent of the farm connected with the 
state insane asylum at St. Peter. Annie J. Dallas 
was married to him March 13, 1871 and has borne 
him five children : William, Nettie, Lillie, Esther, 
and Edward. 

Bowthel Miller was born May 26, 1837 in Ger- 
many. From his arrival in America in 1857 until 
1861, he worked at shoemaking in St. Louis. Ho 
served three months in Company D,Tliird Missouri, 
and afterwards abotit eighteen months in Company 
A, Second regiment of that state. Returned to 
St. Louis and remained until coming in 1865, to 
Oshawa, his present home. Married Aprd 12, 
1864, Francis Filler. The children are Henry, 
Maggie, Louis, Andrew, Gteorge F., Frank and 
Albert. 

Fred. Ort, son of Conard and Margaret Ort, is 
a native of Illinois; he was born in 184(i, in Madi- 
son county, and in 1857 removed with his parents 
to Oshawa, Minnesota. In 1H75 he was united in 
marriage witii Maggie Canada who was born in 



1855, in Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. Ort are the 
parents of three cliildren : Katherine, Henry and 
Mary. 

Charles Revier was born in 1844, in St. Lawrence 
county. New York. From 1863 untU 1865 he lived 
in Rice county, ^linne.sota; tlien for two years he 
was in the lumber business at Minneapolis, after 
which he was employed in farming in Washington 
county until 1868, when he located in Oshawa. 
He married Emma Leijuiea in 1877: she was Iwrn 
in 1860 in Canada. The names of their children 
are Marietta, Charles E. and Frederick H. 

George H. Simmons, a native of New York, was 
born in 1843, in Cortland county. In 1856 the 
family moved to Oshawa. His wife was Miss Mary 
Quane; they were married in 1873 in St. Peter. 
Alice, Nellie and Herbert are their children. His 
father, Caleb M. Simmons, was born in 1807 in 
Oneida county. New York, and in 1837 married 
Ruth Bartoo, who was born in 1804. They had 
two sons, George H. and Harrison. 

BEIjGR.\DE. 

Belgrade is in the south-eastern part of the 
county, in the big south bend of the Minnesota 
river. Le Rue P. Parsons, who came in the win- 
ter of 1853-4, was the first settlor; his daughter 
Lucretia, born July 27, 1856, wa.s the first birth 
in the town. S. D. Parsons and Frank Mason 
came during the same winter. There were two 
villages started in the town, but neither reached 
any size. North Mankato was laid out in 1857, 
opposite Mankato proper. The other was an ad- 
dition to Le Hillier city, laid out in January, 1858. 

The town was set apart by the county board 
April 27, 1858, but failed to organize cm account 
of short notice. The board appointed officers as 
follows: J. N. WoUingford, chairman, Archibald 
Law and Le Rue Parsons, supervisors; Henry 
Tra.sk, clerk; D. K. F. Trask, assessor; Milford 
Richardson, collector; Rob?rt Sharp, overseer of 
poor. The first marriage was that of George 
Robers and Catherine Hodson in 1862. The first 
death was James Sharp, who died in the fall 
of 1858. 

The first religious services were conducted by 
Robert Shar]) and .\rchibald Law in 1857. The 
Catholics built a frame church in 1861, on section 
8; it cost about !?800. Ser\-ices were conducted by 
Father Somereisen in 1860 at the house of John 
Keltzen. The society has iucrea.sed from sixteen to 
forty-five members. Father Meier, of St. Peter, 
holds services monthly. CongregatiouiJists held 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



675 



sendees at an early date. A Sunday-school has been 
maintained for some years; there are abont fifty 
pupils. Rev. Freeman, of Mankato, is pastor; the 
school-house in district No. 8 is used. The Meth- 
odists have held services under Bev. Solomon 
Gleason since 1870. The Evangelical Lutherans 
had their first services conducted by Bev. John 
Youngberg. In 1876 they built a church on sec- 
tion 34, at a cost of about $600. The society or- 
ganized \vith about twenty-eight members. Their 
pastor is Kev. O. J. Anderson. 

The first school in the town was taught by Jane 
Parsons about 1861, with fifteen scholars attend- 
ing. There are now five school buildings in the 
town; one brick, two frame and two log. 

Alva Curtiss, a native of Connecticut, was born 
on the 12th day of June, 1839, in Litchfield coun- 
ty, and in 1853 moved with his parents to Fond du 
Lac county, Wisconsin. He enlisted August 14, 
1862, in Company B, Thirty-second Wisconsin In- 
fantry, and received injuries for which he was dis- 
charged February, 1863. Sadia Fuller was born 
May .5, 1846, in St. Lawrence county, New York; 
moved with her parents to Michigan, and thence 
to Wisconsin, where she married Mr. Alva Curtiss. 
Li 1874 they came to Nicollet county, Minnesota. 
Their childi-en are Glen, Inez M. and Ida M. 

Abram Farrer, deceased, was born January 27, 
1820, in Holdam, England. For a time he work- 
ed as spinner in a factory. In 1846 he immi- 
grated to Rhode Island, where he was united in 
marriage with Ann Andrews. She was also a na- 
tive of England. At the age of twenty-three 
years, she came to the United States, and removed 
from Philadelphia to Rhode Island. They resided 
at Ashton two years and the same length of time 
at Albany, New York, then went to Hebron, Massa- 
chusetts, wiiere Mr. Farrer' s death occurred on the 
22d day of May, 1858. Mrs. Farrer remained 
there until April, 1870, when she came to Belgrade. 
The names of tlieir children are William. David, 
Edwin A., Charles E., Herbert A. and Ida M. Abbe. 
The son Edwin conducts the farm. 

Joseph Hodgson, a native of Canada, was born 
January 18, 1837, at Montreal. Removed to Clin- 
ton county, New York, where he remained until 
1859, at which time he came to Belgrade; one year 
later went to Houghton county, Michigan, and 
worked at mining. In 1876 he returned to Bel- 
grade, his present home. 

George A. Roberts was born February 24, 1833, 
in Steuben cijunty, New York. He migrated to 



Minnesota, and worked at lumbering in Le Sueur 
county, until 1862, when he went to Madelia, Wat- 
onwan county. The Indian trouble caused him 
to abandon his intention of commencing mercan- 
tile business at that jjlace. He joined the militia 
and came very near losing his life in the second 
battle at New Ulm. Until the sprmg of 1866 he 
lived at Mankato; since that time his home has 
been in Belgrade. Mr. Roberts has filled various 
town offices. Married, September 22, 1852* Ann 
Wright, who died January 29, 1861. Their chil- 
dren are Ellen, Mary E., Thomas F. and Ann. 
July 13, 1862, he married Catharine Hodgson. 
The children born to them are Albert, Sarah G., 
John C, May, Birdie and Joseph. Mrs. Roberts 
died March 27, 1881. 

Benton Severance was born March 14, 1835, in 
Clinton county. New York. After leaving the 
common schools he spent three years in a Massa- 
chusetts Academy, and graduated. He worked in 
machine shops and at blacksmithing with his fath- 
er until the fall of 1857. when he came to Bel- 
grade. In 1859 he went to Houghton county, 
Michigan, and three years later to Clinton coun- 
ty. New York, where he stayed one year. After 
living about eighteen months in Wisconsin 
and two years more in the state of New York, he 
came to Belgrade, and here does both blacksmith- 
ing and farming. Mr. Severance has been justice 
of the peace and for eleven years has held the of- 
fice of town clerk. February 17, 1862, he mar- 
ried Julia Hodgson. Charles A., Anna E. and 
David are their children. 

NICOLLET. 

This town is in the southern part of the county. 
In the winter of 1853, P. K. Johnson came from 
Mankato and staked a claim for Noah Armstrong, 
on section 33 at the mouth of Swan creek. Arm- 
strong and Evans Goodiich moved up the ne^ 
spring and built a shanty on the claim; it was a 
town site speculation. Others came in and an as- 
sociation of nine members formed under the name 
of Swan Creek Claim Company. The village of 
Eureka, covering about 500 acres was laid out and 
a few improvements made; a saw-mill was started, 
Imt the company failed. Hiram Caywood jumped 
the claim and laid i lut Eureka anew ; this too, failed, 
and all that remains is the house built by Cay- 
wood and a grist-mill built in 1871, not in opera- 
tion. Other settlers who came about the same 
time were Joshtia Post and Jack Hamilton. 

Several villages have been laid out ; Swan City, 



670 



UlSTOliY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



in 185(), ou section 5; Pnkotn C'ity the same year 
(ipjxisito .Tudson; at botli jjlaces a store wiis kept 
for a time, and nt the latter u saw-niill was built 
l)y W. H. McNntt. A steam saw-mill was erected 
in 1865 liy A. Keene, which is still run; it has a 
grinding attachment; this with two dwellings, 
constitutes the town. 

In the spring of 1857 Nicollet was laid out ou 
section 17, by E. J. Boys, V. H. McDennid, .T. B. 
Kennedy and Amos S. Post. Kennedy built a 
hotel, others a saw-mill, blacksmith shop, etc. The 
village wiis at one time a large stage center, but 
in 1860 was vacated by foreclosure of mortgage 
against the proprietors. 

When the Winona &St. Peter railroad was com- 
pleted another village called Nicollet was laid out 
on section 3, and is now the best town in the 
county, excepting St. Peter. There are two gen- 
eral stores, two hardware stores, one furniture and 
two wagon shops, two blacksmith and two harness 
shops, two shoe shoi)S, one meat market, one steam 
flour mill and one steam feed mill, two hotels, 
three saloon.s, one lumber yard and an elevator. 
The German Methodists have a church. 

The tillage was incorporated by an act approv- 
ed November 17, 1881 and the first election held 
January .3, 1882; the officers elected were: A. F. 
Eabe, presideTit; J. M. Olscm, William Mayers and 
H. Stege, trustees; W. J. Hughs, recorder; S. Gir- 
vin, treasurer; J. B. Kennedy, justice; J. Summers, 
constable. 

The first religions services in the town were held 
at the house of W. H. McNutt in 1856, by Robert 
Sharp. In 1858, Rev. McClary, a Methodist 
preached in .T. B. Kennedy's bam; a church was 
formed a church edifice was begun, but not com- 
pleted. In 1881 the society ))urchased the Grange 
hall; services are held monthly by Rev. Levi Qlea- 
son. The Bapti.st church organized in 1858. The 
Evangelical Lutherans began holding services in 
1863, under Rev. John Smith; the society organ- 
ized in 1866; in 1878 a church was built in the 
the village of Nicollet, at a cost .•?1,500. Rev. 
William Oehler has charge, and the church has some 
thirty-five members. The German Lutherans held 
their first services in 1864, Rev. Reinega iis pas- 
tor. They united with members in the town of 
Courtland, but later a separate organization was 
effected. A frame church costing S2,400 was 
built on section 17. Rev. H. Dagerferde is pastor. 
The Congregational 8')ciety was organized with 
twelve members in 1864, by Rev. Thompson of 



Mankato; the first local preacher was Rev. J. Ladd; 
this church united with the one in Belgrade. 

In 1857 a school-house was built but no school 
was held, owing to differences among the the peo- 
ple and the building was sold to a settler who 
never paid for it. There are now four public 
school-houses in the town; two parish schools are 
also maintained. 

The first post-office was Eureka, established 
about 1855, with Hiram Caywood in charge; in 
1858 the name was changed to Nicollet and the 
office placed in charge of Amos F. Post. It was 
kept in the Western Hotel, at Nicollet, with vari- 
ous postmasters, till 1873, when it was moved to 
the new village, with J. M. Olson, postmaster. 
Hebron post-office was established in 1856, at Da- 
kota City, in charge of W. H. McNutt; it has 
passed through several changes and is now held by 
J. H. Vroman, on section 27. Swan City post- 
office was established in 1859; George Wolf was 
postmaster; it was discontinued in 1861. 

The first town meeting was held at Heljron 
school-house. May 11, 1858, and the following 
officers elected : T. M. Richardson, chairman, E. 
D. Post, and G. W.Wolf. supervisors; C. S. Terry, 
clerk: E. Bo«in, assessor; P. S. Carson, collector: 
W. A. Mills, overseer of poor; D. B. Turner, jus- 
tice; P. S. Caraon and E. J. Boys, constables. 

• John Asher was born in March, 1844, in Guern- 
sey county, Ohio. When five years old he went 
with his parents to Porter county, Indiana, and in 
1862 entered Company I, 73d infantry, of that 
state: served seven months: re-enlisted in 1864 
and served through the remainder of the war in 
company E, 29th Indiana infantry. Removed in 
1868 to section 27, NicoUet townshij), Minnesota. 
In 1871 he married Augusta Tidland, a native of 
Massachusetts. Of their five children, four are 
hving. 

John Barthels was bom November 25, 1831, 
and learned the trade of carpenter and cabinet- 
maker before lea^'ing Germany, his birthplace. 
Came to America in 1854, and after working at 
gilding one year in New York city, removed to 
Cook county. Illinois, where he did carpenter work 
one year: followed his trade six years at Winona, 
then did wagon-making about eighteen months, 
after which he was one year in mercantile trade. 
Now has eighty acres in Nicollet. Married in 
1850 Margaret Pahling. 

Henry Bode, who is a native of Germany, was 
born May 3, 1836. In the autuinn of 1852 the 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



677 



family immigrated to Will county, Illinois. He 
came to Minnesota in 1858, and the year following 
located on section 18, Nicollet, where he now owns 
420 acres. Beside holding other town offices, Mr. 
Bode has been treasurer tor seventeen years. On 
the 25th of April, 1859, he was united in marriage 
with Sophia Fiene. They have nine children 
living. 

William Bode is a native of Germany. He was 
bom March 11, 1842, and came in 1852 with his 
parents to the United States. Until 1867 he re- 
sided in TUinoia; at that date he removed to Min- 
nesota, having in 1863 purchased .a quarter sec- 
tion of land in Nicollet. In 1877 he erected his 
present dwelHng. Mary Pehling, who became 
his wife in April, 1867, was born October 24, 
1842, in Germany. Six of their seven children 
are living. 

N. BurriU, a native of Maine, was born April 
16, 1821, in Waterville. He migrated to Man- 
kato in 1856, and after working there three years 
in a saw-mill, removed to Nicollet, where he took 
a claim. Mr. Burrill took an active part in the 
defense of New Ulm, and was one of the guards 
to escort the Indians who were executed at Man- 
kato. His wife was Miss Maria Keene, of Maine. 
She has borne him five children ; one is deceased. 

Peter Chilgren was born in April, 1845. He 
learned blacksmithing while living in his native 
country, Sweden. Soon after arriving in America 
in 1868, he went to St. Peter for a short time, then 
spent one summer in Minneapolis, after which he 
went to Cresco", Iowa, from there to Princeton, 
Illinois, and thence to St. Peter. In 1873 he, in 
company with C. F. Berg, opened a blacksmith 
shop in Nicollet; since 1877 he has been in busi- 
ness alone. Anna Vroaman, born in St. Lawrence 
county, New York, became his wife in 1877. 
Their children are Myrtie, Florence La Pearl and 
an infant. 

John C. Clark, who is a native of New York, 
was born in 1815 at Crown Point. While quite 
young he moved with his parents to Oswego 
county and remained until 1836; from that date 
until 1862 he lived in Cook county, Illinois, and 
then settled permanently on section 28, Nicollet, 
Minnesota, where he owns a farm of 240 acres. 
The maiden name of his mfe was Mary Meacham; 
they were married in 1849. One child is dead 
and three are living, 

William Fiene, Jr., is a native of Illinois: he 
was born in the year 1862, in Will county, and 



when two years of age accompanied his parents to 
Nicollet county, Minnesota, where he lived six- 
teen years. He went to Mankato and learned har- 
ness making, and in 1881 started in that business 
at Nicollet. 

Albert Freitag was bom August 28, 1844, in 
Prussia. In 1861 the family immigrated to Nic- 
ollet, Minnesota. From October, 1802, until Nov- 
ember, 1863, he served in Company E, First Min- 
nesota cavalry; re-enlisted January, 1864, in First 
Minnesota, artillery. Company F, was discharged 
at Nashville. With the exception of two years in 
Mankato and two years in Chicago, he has lived 
since 1867 at his fajm in Nicollet. Minnie Meyer, 
who was married to him in 1866, died in 1875, 
leaving him four children. Married Bertha Metzke 
in 1879; they have two living children. 

Frederick Freitag is a native of Prussia, where 
he was born in the year 1850. He accompanied 
his parents to the United States in 1861 and set- 
tled in Nicollet, Minnesota, which town has since 
been his home. Mr. Freitag's marriage occurred 
in 1869; his wife, Louisa Eumja, was born in Ger- 
many. They are the parents of seven children, 
only three are living: Hulda, Fred and Matilda. 
' Herman Freitag was born September 14, 1846, 
in Prussia. The family moved in 1861 to Nicollet 
county, Minnesota, and the next year he enlisted in 
the First Minnesota moimted rangers; served 
aliont nine months; re-enlisted in 1864 in Com- 
pany F, First regiment heavy artillery, and was 
mustered out at the close of the war. Soon after 
returning he bought 160 acres of section 14, Nic- 
ollet. Has been superi-isor seven years. Married 
in 1867, Wilhelmena Kiesou, who died November 
3, 1873. Three children were born to them. In 
1874 he married Minnie Brand, who has borne 
two children. 

Jonathan Gill, a native of England, was born 
May 15, 1819, in Yorkshire, and removed when 
young with his parents to Derbyshire. In 1841 
he came to America; lived in Cass county, Illi- 
nois, until 1855, when he came here and bought 
a farm on the Minnesota river. Mr. Gill is a mem- 
ber of the Congregational church; in politics he 
is a staunch republican. Married in 1846, Buth 
A. MeClnre. Only one child is living, Anna E. 
Three have died. 

Samuel Girvin, who is a native of Ireland, was 
bom March 20, 1848, in Belfast. Came with his 
parents to America in 1851, and after living six- 
teen years at Cincinnati he removed to New Ulm, 



678 



HISTORY OF TEE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



thence to Maakato, wliere be learned the printer's 
trade. He worked at the tinnt'r's trade in Ma- 
ilelia, also at Peoria, Illinois, after which he loca- 
ted in Lake Crystal, but in June, 1878, began the 
hardware business in Nicollet. Matilda P. Lau- 
niiiuu was married to him in May, 1881. 

William P. Ooodell was born August 29, 1832, 
at Schenectady, New York. Resided at Ocono- 
mowoo, Wisconsin, from the time he reached his 
tenth year until 18.55 at which date he came to 
Minnesota. He lived one year at Rice Lake and 
three years in South Bend, then because of Indian 
troubles he returned to Wisconsin for nine months. 
In 18.59 moved to .ludson, and in 18C3 enlisted in 
Company E, Second cavalry, served until 1806. 
Married September 25, 1854, Thirza L. Chafey. 
Seven of their nine children are living. He now 
has 160 acres on section 29, Nicollet. 

.\. H. Hackerott was bom in Du Page county, 
Illinois, April 2, 1856. The family moved to Ce- 
dar Falls, Iowa, and when he was seven years old, 
returned to Du Page county for three years. Af- 
ter UWng one year at Cedar City, Iowa, he settled 
in Courtland township, Minnesota. He learned 
harness making at St. Peter, and opened a shop in 
1876 at Nicollet. 

James Hendley, a native of Illinois, was born 
February 22, 1829, at Giilena. When about eight 
years of age he moved with his parents to Jackson 
county, Iowa, but twelve years later returned to 
Illinois and lived six years. In 1853 he married 
Miss Mary Copeland, of Iowa, and in 1855 they 
came to Minnesota. After residing in Courtland 
fourteen years he removed in 1869 to Nicollet and 
owns a farm of 144 acres. 

John Hendley was born July 12, 1827, at liich- 
mond, Virginia. The family moved to Galena, H- 
liuois when he was young, and nine years later to 
Jackson county, Iowa, where he remained until 
1849 when he came to Minnesota, and until 1853 
followed lumbering. After spending two years 
more in Iowa he made a claim in Courtland, this 
state, in 1855, which he sold in 1866, and the next 
year bought 200 acres in Nicollet. Mr. Hendley 
was appointed Indian commissioner for the Sioux. 
January 22, 1855, he married Sarah Cobb. They 
have nine children living. 

James Hods(m, who is a native of England, was 
born July 12, 1850. In 1860 he came to the Uni- 
ted States with his ])arents, who settled on section 
9, Nicollet, Minnesota. In 1871 he bought forty 
acres of land, and since 1876 has also conducted 



his father's farm. Miss Minerva A. Trask, bom in 
Illinois, became Ids wife in 1871, and has borne 
him six children. 

William J. Hughes, a native of Illinois, was born 
July 31, 1857, at Rock Island. The family set- 
tled on section 9, Nicollet, when he wa-s about two 
years old. In 1870 he went to Davenport, Iowa, 
to engage in teaching, but returned to Nicollet 
and in the spring of 1880 opened a lumber yard 
here. Miss Frankie E. Burch, who was born in 
New York, wa.s united in marriage in 1879 with 
Mr. Hughes. They have one child: Libbie V. 

Fred Kastens is a native of Germany. The 
date of his birth is March 22, 1834. In the year 
1851 he came to the United States and settled in 
Cook county, Illinois, where he remained eleven 
years, after which he migrated to this state and 
bought a farm of 100 acres in section 9, Nicollet. 
In May, 1839, his marriage took place. His wife 
was Elizabeth Pahling, also born in Germany. 
They have had eleven children; one is deceased. 

Lorenzo D. Keene was born May 23, 1826, in 
Kennebec county, Maine. Took a claim in 1854, 
in Belgrade, Miimesota, but removod the next year 
to his present home in Nicollet. The summer of 
1859 he was in Maine, and from that fall until 
September, 1864 was engaged in mining in Cali- 
fornia, after which he returned to his native state, 
but came again in the fall, to his home in this 
town. Lorinda Goodrich became his wife August 
29, 1864. Of their five children, two are living 
Jessie L. and John A. 

E. R. ICeunedy, bom May 20, 1835, is a native 
of Milton, Vermont, and was given an academical 
education at Georgia, that state. In 1857 he went 
to Lowell, Massachusetts, where he worked in cot- 
ton factories. EuUsted in Company F, 33d Mas- 
sachusetts, and served from 1802 until the war 
ceased. In 1809 he removed to Chicago, where he 
.worked abotit three months, and then lived Ave 
years in Medo, Minnesota. After passing six months 
in Mankato, he came to Nicollet, and this town has 
been his home since. He was united in marriage 
in 1800, with Lydia E. Holmes; They have three 
cliildren. 

Joel B. Kennedy was bom Jvdy 25, 1831, in 
' Warren, Ohio, where he learned printing, and re- 
mained until twenty-three years old, then worked 
at his trade ui Marion, Iowa, until 1856, at which 
date he settled in Nicollet, and soon after biult 
the Half-way Honse, of which he was proprieUir 
till 1880, with the exception of four years spent 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



679 



in Colorado and New Mexico. Has been justice 
of the peace twenty-two years and post-master of 
Nicollet eight years. Married in 1854 Maggie E. 
Boys, who has borne him six children. Three are 
living: Laiison J., Ed. M. and Clarence D. Mr. 
Kennedy is proprietor of the State Seal hotel, 
which he built in 1880. 

J. B. Mans, bom November 2, 1842, is a native 
of Germany. Came to America with his parents 
in 1852, and Lived in Wisconsin until twenty-three 
years of age, when he spent one year in Reeds 
Landing, Minnesota. After running on the river 
three years, he came to Nicollet in 1872, and kept 
a saloon five years. Passed some time in Kansas, 
Washington territory and Oregon, but in the fall 
of 1881, resumed his business in Nicollet. Mar- 
ried in 1860, Christina Brass. Six of their seven 
children are living. 

Peter H. McDermid was born of Scotch jsarent- 
age, June 12, 1827, in Ontario. His grand-par- 
ents settled in ■western Canada during the seven- 
teenth century. After attending the Normal 
school at Toronto, he taught for some time and in 
the spring of 1852, settled in La Crescent, Minne- 
sota, but since 1855 has been a resident of NicoUet, 
and since 1862, has been town clerk. In 1874 and 
again in 1875, he was elected to the state legisla- 
ture. Adeline Wise became his wife in 1858, on 
the 31st of January, and died September 9, 1881. 
She was the mother of five children. 

C. F. Oberg was born October 20, 1844. He 
learned blacksmithing with his father and remain- 
ed in his native land, Sweden, until 1870, at which 
date he emigrated for America. After being em- 
ployed in different portions of this state he, in 
187.3, located at Nicollet, and was in partnership 
with Peter Chilgren four years, but since then has 
carried his business alone. Mr. Oberg was mar- 
ried in 1878. His wife was Josephine Laumaim, 
of St. Peter. 

J. M. Olson was bom May 11, 1834, in Norway. 
Li 1854 the family immigrated to Carver, Minne- 
sota. He went to St. Paul and ran on a steam- 
boat until enlisting in Company K, 2nd regiment. 
He served through the entire war, after which he 
resumed steamboating for one year. In 1867 he 
started at St. Paul, the Scandinavian house, which 
was burned in 1869, and the same year he opened 
the St. Thomas hotel, but sold in 1871. After 
keeping a general store in Isanti county two years 
he opened the first store in Nicollet. Married in 
1859, Anna Johnson, who died September 18, 



1867. One child living. In 1868 he mamed Em- 
ily Eichardson ; five children living. Since 1867 
he has been post-master here. 

Dr. E C. Putman, a native of HUnois, was bom 
June 18, 1853, at Mount Sterling, where he re- 
ceived his early education. Afterward studied 
medicine at Louisville, Kentucky, and in 1875 
graduated from the rnedical college of that city. 
He first practiced his profession at Cooperstown, 
Illinois, one year, then two years in Kansas, and 
since August, 1881, has been at Nicollet. 

A. F. Eabe is a native of Illinois; he was born 
November 2, 1853, in Du Page county, and after 
leaving the common school, he studied five years in 
the Concordia College,Indiaua. At seventeen years 
of age he began clerking at St. Peter; went to 
Minneapolis three years later and from there to 
Chicago where he remained nearly two years. 
Since 1875 he has kept a general store in Nicollet. 
In 1875 his marriage took place; his wife was Re- 
becca Rengstorf. John and Rosa are their chil- 
dren. 

A. W. Rood was born in April, 1833, in Cort- 
land coimty, New York, and in 1851 graduated 
from Homer Academy, that coimty. Came in 1861 
to Nicollet county and located on a farm in Court- 
land, where he held town offices for several years. 
Until 1875 he engaged in farming, then took 
charge of Van Dusen's elevator at Nicollet. Mr. 
Rood was united in marriage in 1875, with Melissa 
A. RonseviUe, a native of New York; Edward .1. 
is their only son. 

Joseph Smith was born August 24, 1828, is a 
native of Germany. In 1861 he came to America 
and lived nine years in Will county, HUnois; was 
afterwards in Cook county six years; passed one 
summer in Grinnell, Iowa, and then opened his 
saloon in Nicollet. In 1873 he married Mary 
Schleiker who was born November 11, 1854, 
in Germany. Seven children are living : Anna, 
Lena, Henry, Lizzie, Emma, John and Charles. 

Hermann Stege is a native of Illinois; he was 
born October 3, 1854 in Cook county, and made 
that place his home until 1879, when he came to 
NicoUet. He kept a saloon here one year and in 
the spring of 1881 bought the Nicollet mill in 
company with A. F. Rabe. In 1880 his marriage 
took place with Mary Metzkey. They have one 
child: William. 

Christian Stolt, bom November 6, 1842, is a na- 
tive of Prussia. Moved, in 1857, with his parents 
to Cook county, Hlinois. He enlisted July 2.% 



C8I) 



n I STORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



1861, in Company C, Second Dlinois cavalry, was 

woiimleJ ami diaohiirged in 1864. Came to Nicol- 
let iu ()c"tol)or, of that year but soon removed to 
Arkansas where lie was in tlie employ of the gov- 
ernment until October, 1865. Returned to Nico- 
let and bmght a farm whifh he sold in 1866, and 
in 186H bouglit liis present home. Mr. Stolt has 
held several town offices and was county com- 
missioner three years. Married December 17, 
1868, Hannah Otto, who has borne him seven chil- 
dren, faix ari> living. Minnie, Emma, Mary, 
Christian. Martlui, and Bertha. 

C. H. Struckmann, who is a native of Germany, 
was born in 1849. Upon immigrating to the 
United States in 1865, he settled in Louisville, 
Kentucky, where he learned the cabinet makers' 
and carpenters' trades, serving three years at each. 
He removed to Minnesota and located in 1878, at 
Nicollet, where in the autumn of 1881 he opened a 
furniture store. 

C. W. Swanson was born in 1847. He learned 
the trade of carpenter in Sweden, his native land. 
Since 1869 he has been a resident of the United 
States. After living ten years at Cannon Falls he 
migrated to Nicollet, and in the spring of the year 
following, started a feed mill. Miss Matilda 
Johnson became liis wife in 1879 and has borne 
him three children: Charles R., Constance and 
.\manda .1. 

P. L. Swenson, a native of Norway, was born 
January 26, 1853 and iu 1857 accompanied his 
parents to the United States. They settled in 
New Sweden, Nicollet county, and he lived there 
until 1878, at which time he came to Nicollet and 
opened the first hardware store in the place. In 
1878 he was united iu marriage with Miss Sarah 
Lee, who was born in Norway. They have one 
child: Estella Lorena. 

C. H. Thingestad was bom in Norway in 1852 
and in 1866 came with his parents to America. 
He was employed in clerking at Winona five years, 
then went to Yellow Medicine county: he was post- 
master two years at Lisbon, that county, and was 
engaged in the drug trade at Minneota about 
eiglitcen mouths. For three years he w'as a mem- 
ber of the Montevideo home guards, and rose to 
the rank of lieutenant. In 1880 he came to Nicol- 
let and the next year entered the employ of J. M. 
Olson. Married in 1876, Mary Erickson. Clara 
and Helma are their childien. 

Frederick O. Torrey, l)oru August 20, 1815 in 
Jefferson county. New York, removed in 1854 to 



Big Bend, Waukesha county, Wisconsin, and re- 
sided there seven years. In August, 1861 he mi- 
grated to Minnesota and took a claim (m section 
.S6, Nicollet; he has a farm of 120 acres. At the 
time of- the massacre he belonged to a company 
of soldiers organized at Mankato. Miss L. E. 
Whitcomb was married to Mr. Torrey in iJecem- 
ber, 1843. They have lost three children. 

James H. Vrooman was born iu Schenectady 
county. New York, July 21, 1817, and from the 
age of fourteen until the year 1864, his home was 
in St. Lawrence cfiunty. At that date he removed 
to Joliet, Illinois, and in 1865 bfiught 100 acres 
in Nicollet. Since .January 1879 he has held the 
position of postmaster at Hebron, Minnesota. Miss 
Betsy A. Chase became his wife in 1839: she was a 
native of New York. Only seven of tlieir children 
are living. 

George H. Whitcomb was born I Jctolier 4, 1838, 
in Somerset county Maine. In 1856 he came to 
Minnesota; lived one year in Mankato, then a short 
time inWinnebago Agency after which he worked at 
lumbering in Wiscr>nsin, but returned to Mankato, 
and subsequently engaged in freigliting three 
years between St. Cloud and Georgetown; he af- 
terward spent the same length of time mining in 
Washington Territory and Montana. Returned to 
Maine for a few months, tlien after a short stay 
in Mankato he started a saw-mill, but lett it three 
years later and began farming. Married in 18()6 
Cornelia Vrooman. Five children. 

E. A. White is a native of Wisconsin, born No- 
vember 15, 1858, iit Watertowu. and studied at the 
Northwestern University of that place. He learned 
telegraphy on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul 
railroad and then was employed by the Winona &. 
St. Peter company as operator at Kasota. .Tune 1, 
1880, he took charge of the oIKce at Nicollet and 
has since been agent here. 

COURTLAND. 

This town is situated in the southern part of 
the county and borders on the Minnesota river; it 
includes the south half of township 110, range 30, 
and all in the county of township 109, ranges 29 
and thirty, .\pril 27, 1858 it was set ap.Trt foror- 
gauization and tlie town meeting held at the Hilo 
post-oiBce soon after, at which Antoine La Chap- 
elle, Luther Morton and Samuel Coffin were judges 
of election: the latter was chosen chairman of the 
town board. The town was first called Hilo, but 
changed to Courtland, after a town in New York, 
though not spelled tlie same. 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



681 



The first settlers were Jacob Harmon, Mr. Hare- 
sine, John Sidel and Jacob Gfeller, who came in 
the spring of 1855 ; they were followed in June by 
E. Heudley, and sons J. L. and James. 

The Evangelical society held religious services 
in 1858, with Rev. M. Shaw presiding; in 1878 a 
frame church was buiit, which cost $1,100. Rev. 
John Simon dedicated the church and is still pas- 
tor; there are about .seventy menbers. 

The Ltitherans have a church on section 11, 
built in 1881, at a cost of S8,000. The first serv- 
ices were held in tlie winter- of 1859-60, by Rev. 
Rupreeht; in 1867 the society was organized and 
now has about seventy members. 

The first school was taught in the spring of 
1858, in Mr. Kelly's house, by Matilda Enfield. 
There are now five public schools and two private 
German schools. 

In 1856, Hilo, post-office was established; Wil- 
liam Duprey was appointed postmaster and kept 
the office at his house. In 1865 the name was 
changed to Courtland and John Ahlenstorf made 
postmaster; since 1873 C. Bobsen has held the 
office in his store at the station. 

Coiirtland station is on the line of the Winona & 
St. Peter railroad, on section 8. The first build- 
ing erected was a warehouse, in 1872. In 1873 C. 
Bobsen opened a general store. There are now 
three general stores, two blacksmith and wagon 
shops, a harness shop, a shoe shop, hotel and sa- 
loon, about eight dwellings a depot and an ele- 
vator. 

The village of Red Stone was surveyed on land 
owned by M. B. Stone, on section 35, in 1856; ad- 
ditions were made and Red Stone City was also laid 
out; only a few buildings were put up, and the 
town was soon used for farming lands. 

During the Indian outbreak, nine residents of 
this town were killed; among them Gotlieb Ger- 
both, William Sonnenburg, Mr. Richter and son. 

Gotlep Arndt was bom in 1848, and .came with 
his parents in 1856 from his native land, Ger- 
many, to America. They located in Wisconsin, 
but in 1866 removed to Nicollet county, Minne- 
sota, where he engaged m farming, and now owns 
187 acres of laud about one and one-half miles 
from Courtland village. Shortly after coming 
here, Mr. Arndt lost his right arm, and has since 
taught school much of the time. In 1880 he was 
appointed census enumerator of Courtland town- 
ship. Hattie, daughter of August Zellmer, of 
Wisconsin, was married in 1877 to Mr. Arndt. 



Fred Baumgarth, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1852. He came to the United States in 1877, 
and after farming six months in Wisconsin, he 
worked at his trade, harness-maker, one year at 
Sauk City and the same length of time in Milwau- 
kee. In 1879 he migrated to this state, and after 
working in Mankato about one year he came to 
Courtland village and established the only harness 
shop in the place. 

Fred. Becker was born in 1854 in Germany, and 
accompanied his jiarents to America in the year 
1856. Resided m Illinois until 1862, at which 
date he came to Minnesota, and now owns a farm 
of 160 acres on section 30, Courtland. During 
the Indian raids he went with the family to St. 
Peter for safety, but remained only aljout four 
weeks. Married in 1875 Minnie Duhofter. Their 
children are Minnie, Fred, and Sopha. 

Henry Becker, bom in 1853, is a native of Ger- 
many. When about three years of age his father's 
family immigrated to Illinois, and in the year 1862 
removed to Minnesota. He lived with his parents 
until twenty-six years old, then settled on his farm 
of 120 acres, section 25 of Courtland. In 1878 
Miss Sopha Buck became his wife, and has borne 
him one child: Henry. 

John C. Becker was born in 1842, and lived in 
Germany, his native land, until coming to this 
country in 1856 with his parents. After living in 
the state of Illinois seven years the family settled 
permanently on a farm in Courtland. He was in 
the Second Minnesota cavalry, under Captain Nix, 
at the time of the Indian war in the valley. Dora 
Spearing became his wife in 1869. Of the seven 
children born to them, the Hving are Mary, Henry, 
Fred., Emma and Minnie. 

Henry Block, a native of Germany, was born in 
1852; but since the age of two and one-half years 
he has been a resident of the United States. He 
lived twenty-sis years in Illinois emj)loyed in 
farming, carpenter work and the butcher's trade. 
Since July, 1880, he has lived on a farm in Court- 
land, Nicollet county. Mr. Block's marriage oc- 
curred in Illinois, in October, 1877, with Bertha 
Precht. Their children are Emelina and Edward. 

Charles H. Braun is a native of lUinois, where 
he was born in 1855, and resided until coming in 
1874 to Nicollet, Minnesota. About four years 
later he removed to his present farm of 160 acres, 
section 29, Courtland. In 1878 he married Miss 
Minnie, daughter of John Dahns. Mr. and Mrs. 



6H2 



nisTonr of the Minnesota valley. 



Brnnn nre the parents of three children : Anno, and 

the twins, Louis aud John. 

J. H. Doty was liorn iu IS-tt! in New York, ami 
in 1S57 tlio family migrated to tlie town of Conrt- 
Inud Minnesota. He remained at the farm with 
bis fatlier during the Indian troubles, but his 
mother and sister were in St. Peter. Since h'aving 
home at the age ot tweuty-flve he has been en- 
gaged in wheat buying at different ]>lace8, and 
about four years ago located in Courtland ; he also 
deals ijuite extensively in lumber and feed. At 
present he is station and express agent liere. Has 
held the oflSce ot town clerk for a number of years. 
Married in 1871 Sarah Piper. Olive M.. Wilber 
E. and Grace L. are their children. 

Mii-hael Oeorgius was born in 183.^, and lived 
in his native country, Germany, until the age ot 
thirty-one years, when he immigrated to Wiscon- 
sin. In the year 1869 he removed to Minnesota, 
and to his present home on section 1, Courtland. 
He was united in marriage in 1861 with Mena 
Matz. Their children are Ernstena, William, Her- 
man, Augusta, Emma and Helena. 

Charles W. Gerboth, a native of Pennsylvania, 
was born iu ISoO at Pittsburg. In 1859 he accom- 
panied his parents to Courtland, Minnesota, where 
in 18C2 his father was murdered by Indians; his 
mother still resides on the farm where they first 
settled. In the spring of 1881 he moved to his 
farm about two aud one-half miles from the old 
homestead. Mr. Gerboth has held different town 
offices. He married in 187-t .\dolj)ha Schutze. who 
was born iu 18.54 iu Piussia. Of the four children 
born to them, three are living: Otto, Martha and 
Albert. 

F. G. Hall was bom in 1838 in Xew York. 
When eighteen years old he began learning the 
trade ot machinist. He was afterward in charge 
of a spoke factory iu Chenango county two years, 
and eighteen months in a saw-mill. After living 
one year iu Wisconsin he came in 1862 to Minne- 
sota. He enlisted in Company L, Second regi- 
ment of cavalry, and served until the waT: ceased, 
after which he returned to this state. Mr. Hall 
lived a number of years at Hastings, also in Olm- 
sted county and Minneapolis; at present he has 
charge of J. H. Doty's elevator engine. Married 
in 1864 Frances Barrows. They have two sons: 
Llewellyn and Willie. 

.John Heymann, a native of Prussia, was born in 
1837. He immigrated to Brown county. Minne- 
sota, in 1862, and engaged in the war with the In- 



dians at New Ulm that year. After living about 
seven years in Brown county he hx-atetl in Court- 
land, on his farm of 185 acres; h.-is also been in 
the lime Imrniug business since living in the county. 
He married in 1861, Caroline Ruhnorr. Seven of 
their ten children are living: Minnie, Emma. Eda, 
Otto, Bertha. Tillie and Johnnie. 

Ferdinand Kohn is a native of Germany, where 
he was bom in 1851. He accompanied his parents 
to the United States in 1863 and located in Wis- 
consin. In 1871 he removed to this state and set- 
tled on his 120 acre farm in section 30, Courtland. 
Mr. Eohn's marriage took place in the year 
1874, in Wisconsin; his wife was Ameli:! Lam- 
broght; they have two children: All)ert and Ida. 

John Melzer. born in 1823, is a native of Ger- 
many. In 1854 he moved to Cliieago, lUinois, 
and the nest year to Cottonwood, Brown county, 
Minnesota. He lived there about nine years and 
has since then been a resident of Courtland; his 
farm consists of 220 acres on section 7. Miss Min- 
nie Thome was married to Mr. Melzer in 1851 ; 
their four children, Charles, Julius, Bertha 
and Henry were all bom in the town of Cotton- 
wood. 

John Nelson, bom in 1860, is a native of Court- 
land, Nicollet county. Minnesota. Since his 
mother was left a widow he conducts the farm 
which contains 240 acres, and Iwrders on Swan 
lake. His father, Ole Nelson, bom in Sweden 
April 2, 1814, came to America in 1850 and in 1855 
settled in Courtland. His death was occasioned 
by a fall from a buggy on the 17th day of Sep- 
tember, 1881. Margaret Erickson, also a native of 
Sweden, was bom Febniary 5, 1816, and in 1838 
became the wife of Mr. Ole NeLson; the children 
are John, Lizzie, Christina and .Annie. 

H. Poehler was bom iu 1828 in Germiuiy, where 
he worked several years at blacksmithing. In 1848 
he immigrated to New York; was there employed 
at his trade and in a store. He removed to Illi- 
nois in 1851 and lived fifteen years on a farm near 
Chicago, after which he located in Courtland where 
he owns 530 acres of land. His marriage occurred 
in Illinois, w ith Ixiuisa Hack, wlio has Ixirne him 
seven children. The living are Amelia, Louisa, 
Gustave, Anna, Paulina and Otto. 

Herman Schweder, a native of Germany, was 
born in 1840. From 1857 until 1863 he lived on a 
farm in Wisconsin, then enlisted in Company C, 
37th cavalry, of that state, and served until the 
close of the war. After farming one year more in 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



683 



Wisconsin he removed to Courtland and now owns 
160 acres on section 36. Mr. Schroeder has for a 
number of years held town offices. Married in 
Wisconsin in 1865, Erustine Roebl. They have 
lost one child; the living are MatOda, Amelia, Anna, 
Ferdinand, Albert and Henry. 

Kev. K. T. Schnlze was born in 1842, in Ger- 
many, where he attained an education and gradua- 
ted in 1864. He came to America that year; went 
directly from New York to St. Louis and studied 
in college one year. In 1866 he removed to Sib- 
ley county, Minnesota, and for sis years labored 
there as pastor of a Lutheran church. Since 1873 
he has been in charge of the church at Oourtland, 
and under his supervision a good house of wor- 
ship haS been erected. Miss Mary Hill became 
his wife in 1866. Of the seven children born to 
them three are living : John, Mary and Anna. 

Frederick Zieske was bom in Germany in 1845, 
and in 1855 immigrated with his parents to Wis- 
consin. He enlisted in 1862 in .Company D, 32d 
Wisconsin infantry and served until June, 1865. 
In the autumn of that year he settled on hia 150 
acre farm, section 36, Courtland. His marriage 
with Augusta Eichter took place in this town. 
Charles, Pauline, Sarah, Adolph, Helena and Anna 
are their children. About two miles from the resi- 
dence of Mr. Zieske his wife, uncle and son were 
murdered by Indians. 

Fred. Zimmermann was born in 1856 and lived 
in Germany, his native land, until the year 1864, 
when he accompanied his father's family to the 
United States. After residing about nine years in 
Wisconsin he came in 1873 to Minnesota, and to 
his home in Courtland. In 1874 he was united in 
marriage with Matilda Schroeder. The children 
of Mr. and Mrs. Zimmermann are Eda,Anna, Emma 
and Henry. 

LAFAYETTE. 

The town embraces all of township 111, range 
30 and so much of 110, range 30, as lies north of 
the Minnesota river. The first election was held at 
the house of John Bush, May 11, 1858, with A. 
Kissling and D. Jones as judges; J. Cohen, clerk. 
Charles Newman, chairman; Henry Lillie and 
Adolph Stimley, supervisors; David .Jones, clerk; 
Frederick Boock, assessor; Lorenz Enderle, treas- 
urer; August Kiesling, justice; Jacob Klossner, 
Jacob Durbahn, road supervisors; F. Diepolder 
and Peter Simmath, constables, were the officers 
chosen. 

The first settler was Louis Sharro who located 



on section 4, in 1853. John Bush and family 
came in 1854; they kept a stopping place for 
travelers. Early in 1855 came Fred Boock, 
Henry LilUe, David Jones, H. Klingler, and a few 
others. 

The first religious meeting was at John Bush's 
house in 1857, and conducted by Rev. H. Sin- 
gerstre, a German Methodist; a society was or- 
ganized with eight or nine members, and now num- 
bers sixty. They built a log church on section 5 
in 1859; in 1875 it was replaced by a fine brick 
church which cost |3,350. Kev. E. C. John is 
pastor. The Evangelical society have held meet- 
ings since 1872. 

In 1859 a school was taught by Charles Brims, 
in a building erected for the purpose on section 
32; he taught half the term here and the remain- 
der at Mr. Lauer's house, to accommodate the 
eastern part of the town. There are now six pub- 
he schools. 

Lafayette post-office was established in 1859 in 
charge of John Bush ; the office was discontinued 
in 1870. 

Adolph Anderson was bom in 1825, and lived in 
his native country, Sweden, until 1867, at which 
time he emigrated to America. He stopped in 
Quebec a short time, then went to Milwaukee and 
St. Paul. After living one year in Carver he came 
to Lafayette and is here eugaged in farming. In 
1856 he married Johanna Johnson, who died in 
1879. The names of the children are, John, 
Johanna, Charlie, Claus and Matilda. June 17, 
1881, he married Anna Larson. 

Claus Anthony, born in 1840, is a native of 
Germany. In 1858 he immigrated to Minnesota 
and settled in the to^vn of Lafayette. Since Uv- 
here he has been on the town board several times. 
Miss Lisette Eieke was married in the year 1870 
to Mr. Anthony. They have five Uving children : 
MatUda, Herman, Henrietta, George and Ernst. 

Wilfied Bushard was born in 1842 and lived in 
his native state. New York, until removing to St. 
Peter, Minnesota, in 1862. He served nine months 
in Company K, First Minnesota heavy artillery, 
then returned and settled in Lafayette, where he 
has held the offices of supervisor, and justice. Mr. 
Bushard owns about 600 acres of land. He mar- 
ried in 1871, Gertrude Matsch who has borne him 
six children. 

WOliam Dannheim was bom in 1852 in Ger- 
many. He came with his parents to the United 
States in 1856 and resided the first year in Indiana 



684 



HISTORY OP THE MINNESOTA VALLET. 



but has ever since resided in this state. After 
stajiug iu Lo Suour county eighteen months he 
removed to St. Peter for about the same lengtli of 
time and subseijuently resided three years in 
Courtland; then in 1864 he removed to New Ulm 
and since 1S(;6 his home lias been in Lafayette. 
Married in 1876, Lizzie Rethwoll. Anna, Rosa 
and Lydia are their children. 

Jacob Durbahn was born in Germany in 1829. 
He was for a time in tlie army of that country. In 
1854 he emigrated to Canada and Ave mouths later 
removed to Chicago, but went into tlio pineries to 
work during the ^vinter; returned and for a time 
was engaged on a farm near Chicago. He came to 
Minnesota in 1856 and has hved in Lafayette with 
the exception of eight months that lie was at Yel- 
low Medicine in the employ of the government. 
Married in 1858 Dora Anthony who was born Oc- 
tober 12, 1834. They have lost five children; the 
living are Frederick, George, Jacob, Emma and 
Dorathea. 

Otto Lohmann was born in 1824 and lived until 
thirty years of age in Germany, his native land, 
where for five years he served in the army. He 
has been a resident of the United States since the 
year 1854, and his home hiw been in Lafayette, 
Nicollet county, with the exception of one year 
spent in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1876 he married 
Mrs. Augusta Albricht, who had three children; 
Lizzie, Hugo and Herman. Mr. Lohmann is the 
father of two children: Augusta and Anna. 

John Peterson is a native of Sweden, where he 
was bom in the year 1854. At the age of eighteen 
years he came to America and resided in St. Paul 
five years; he worked there two years as shipping 
clerk in the wholesale house of G. B. Bradeu. Mr. 
Peterson is now engaged in farming on section 12, 
Lafayette. In 1880 Minnie Nelson became his wife. 

Henry Schrader was born in 1839. His native 
land is Germany, and he made that country his 
home until twenty- nine years of age, when he 
emigrated to the United States. Mr. Schrader is 
a wagon maker by trade. In 1868 he came to 
Minnesota and settled on his farm the year follow- 
ing. He married in 1S60, Doi-a Meyer. They 
have seven hving children: Henry, Caroline. Wil- 
liam, Dora, Bertha, Otto and Louise. 

WE.ST NEWTON. 

When set apart tor organization, April 27, 1858, 
West Newton contained also the territory of the 
town of Ridgely. The first election was held at 
the hou^e of James Ryan, May 11, 1858; the early 



records having been destroyed during the Indian 
outbreak a list of the first officers is not to be ob- 
tained. The first settlers wore Martin Walser, Alex- 
ander Harkins, John and James Robinson, who 
.came in the spring of 1856. 

In 1857, Father Somereisen held services at 
George Green's house, resulting in the organiza- 
ti(m of a church with eighteen families; in 1858 a 
log church was built on section 26, replacetl in 
1870 by a frame building, costing .SI, 500. Father 
Mohn is in charge. Other denominations have 
held services in the town. 

A private school was taught by Eh'zabeth Rob- 
ini^on in the spring of 1858; in November, 18.59 
she taught the first public school. 

A post-otfice was established at WesfNewton, 
about 18(10, located on section 30; Frank Diepolder 
was first postmaster. In 1862 Alexander Harkins 
was appointed, and has since held the office at his 
store on section 30. 

The first birth in the town was Catharine, 
daughter of Alexander Harkins, born February 
21, 1857. 

A steam Hour and saw-mill was built by William 
Bliss in 1861; after various changes in owner- 
ship and being twice destroyed by fire, it was 
abandoned in 1875. A steam mill with one run of 
stone was built by William Koke in 1870, but 
only run two years. 

The cyclone that demolished New Ulm was more 
severely felt in this town than any other part of 
Nicollet county. John Kushnick, Martin Frank, 
Ida Lamish and two children of Fritz Loomis 
were killed; a number were badly wounded and a 
large amount of personal property consisting of 
horses, cattle, farm machinery and bnildings, was 
destroyed. 

Anthony Blessing was born in Oliio, June 14, 
1853, near Bellevue. The family moved to San- 
dusky, thence to Dubutpie, Iowa, and in 1857 lo- 
cated on a farm in Freeborn county, Minnesota, but 
removed in 1863 to West Newton, where bis father 
died January 14, 1875. Mr. Blessing owns 120 
acres on section 13. In 1877 he married Katie 
Daschbach, native of Kentucky. Their children 
are Mary E. and Frank J.' 

Nio. Bohnen was bom June 1, 1843, in Ger- 
many. After graduating in 1864 he engaged in 
teaching; was also in the Prussian army one year 
and was j)romoted to second lieutenant. In 1869 
he came to America and taught in Pennsylvania 
until removing in 1875 to Scott county, Minne- 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



685 



sota, where be continued tfacbing; has also been 
employed in the same profession since coming to 
West Newton in 1877. Mr. Bohnen held the of- 
fice of notary public two years. Married in 1870, 
Mary Jozhem. They have five children. 

Henry Diepolder was bom August 25, 1822. 
While living in his native land, Bavaria, he learned 
cabinet making, also served in the army two and 
one-half years. In 1852 he immigrated to New 
York; removed in 1853 to Illinois, tbence in 1855 
to Minnesota; was one of the first settlers in Mil- 
ford and erected the first saw-mUl in town. Came 
to West Newton in 1862 and was at Fort Bidgely 
during the Indian massacre. Mr. Diepolder has 
been town treasurer and postmaster. Married in 
1867, Miss O. Stoos, who died in January, 1879. 
His present wife was Miss Sutliff; there are two 
sons: .Joseph and Frank. 

Wenzel Frank, native of Bohemia, was born Feb- 
ruary 4, 1849. After the age of thirteen he was 
dependent upon his own exertions, and when sev- 
enteen years old came to America with a younger 
brother. He engaged in the butcher's business at 
Milwaukee, but removed in 1868 to Winona, and 
in 1872 opened a meat market in St. Paul. In 
1879 he liought a farm in West Newton and one 
year later came to his present business, hotel and 
Silicon. Miss Mary Brigger was married to him 
in 1872, and has borne him five children; four 
are living. 

.lohn Howard, native of Ireland, was born June 
15, 1819. After leaving school he served ten 
years in the British army and soon after receiving 
his discharge immigrated to Boston; removed 
thence to New York, where for a time he was in 
charge of a distillery. In 1864 he came to his 
present home on section 18 of West Newton, and 
since living here has been town clerk, assessor and 
supervisor. Married Margaret Cannon in 1850, 
and she is the mother of sixteen children ; three 
were born at one birth; seven are living. 

Charles Lippmann was born March 2, 1819, in 
Germany. By trade he is a cooi^er. In 1849 he 
came to America; located in Rice county, Minne- 
sota, and lived there from 1856 until coming to his 
present home, excepting the time he was in the 
army; his farm contains 172 acres with residence 
on section 6. He was united in marriage in 1861 
with Miss Mary A. Hashold, native of Germany. 
Of seven children four are living. 

Patrick Murnan, deceased, was born March 17, 
1800, in Ireland; moved to Pennsylvania in 1840, 



and worked at gardening there until 1850, after 
which he served five years in the regular army. 
In 1855 he migrated to Minnesota, and in the 
spring of 1857 located in West Newton. In 1842 
he married Miss Mary Flanigan, also a native of 
Ireland. Five children were bom to them, two are 
deceased; John resides in Kenville county; the 
mother and the two younger sons, William and 
Patrick, live ^at the old farm. Mr. Murnan died 
May 18, 1873. 

James Newton was born October 15, 1829, in 
Union county, Kentucky. Before he was twelve 
years of age his parents died, and he was com- 
pelled to do for himself. Moved to Illinois in 
1844 and in 1850 to Minnesota; lived near Cottage 
Grove until 1856, at which time he took his pres- 
ent farm, and the year following moved his famOy 
here. Mr. Newton is the oldest settler now 
living in the town named in honor of him. He 
served one year in ComJianyE, Second Minnesota, 
was then discharged because of disability. Mar- 
ried in 1862 Miss Ena Anderson. Five of their 
seven children are living. 

Patrick Quinn was bom about 1836 in Ireland. 
He emigrated to the United States and lived the 
greater part of the time in Wisconsin until No- 
vember, 1864, when he enlisted at Prairie du Chien 
and served through the remainder of the war. 
Since 1866 he has been a resident of Minnesota; 
lived two years at St. Peter, then came to sec- 
tion 18, West Newton, which is still his home. 
Ellen Ledden became his wife in 1850, and has 
borne him thirteen children ; eleven are living. 

August Schatfer was born August 30, 1859, in 
New Orleans. The family came to Minnesota and 
settled on a farm near Le Sueur; since 1865 he 
has been on section 32, West Newton; the farm 
contains 160 acres. He inarried in April, 1881, 
Emma Guth, native of Kentucky. His father, 
Lewis Scbafier, was born in Germany, and in 1858 
came to America. While hving on the farm near 
Le Sueiir he enlisted in the Union army and was 
killed. 

Christian Schlumpberger was bom January 6, 
1834, in Germany, where he lived with his parents 
until coming in 1854 to America. He worked at 
carpentering in Syracuse, New York, and in 1858 
migrated to Minnesota; was stationed at Fort 
Eidgely during the Indian war, after which he 
was engaged in freighting from St. Paul to St. 
Peter and New Ulm. In 1867 he came to his 
present farm in West Newton. Married in 1863 



l.,S(i 



llltfTOUr OF rilE MINNKt>OrA VALLHY. 



ChrisHnnn Mndge. Their children are Willinm, 
Gix>rj;o, Aniiii, Hosii, Albert and Ijeuii. 

Josopli St\itz was liorn Miin-li -t, 1847, iu Gor- 
lumiy. Immigmtod to .Simdusky, Ohin, iu 1H53, 
and u few years later removed to Micliigaii, where 
on the 11 til of Ni>veiulH^r, 1857. his father died. 
Ho worked eight or nine years at the uiasou's 
trade. Came with an unele in 18.57 to Freeluirn 
county. MiunesotA, and since 18t>0 has lived in 
West Newton. He was engaged in the fight 
with Indians at New Uhu, and after the troubles 
ceased returned to his farm; since lS7<i has lived 
at liis present home. He has held different town 
oflSoes. and also l>een county commissioner. Mar- 
ried iu 1S72 Mary Catceulierger. Five children 
are Hving. one is deceased. 

Ootlib L. Wager, native of Germany, was lK>ru 
April 19, 1849. He immigrateil to the United 
States iu 18.5i and lived in Illinois until 1857. at 
which date he came to Minnesota, and soon after 
located permanently in West Newton, where he 
has held various offices. In 1854 ho married Mrs. 
Lang, whose maiden name was Francisca Matsch. 
She had one child by her tirst marriage and nine 
by second; seven are living. Mr. Wager was at 
New Ulm during the fight with Indians. 

Meinrad Wall was born February 4, 1827, and 
after leaving scIuhjI learned the miller's trade. In 
1852 he emigrated from Germ<my. the land of his 
birth, to New York: removed in 1854 to Illinois, 
!ind in the fall of the sjime year came to his home 
in West Newton. Enlisted at St. Peter, in Decem- 
ber, 1802. under Captain Nix. and served one 
year. Married in 1802 Miss Catherine Brazim- 
ger. Mr. Wall was assessor three years. 

Rir>GGLT. 

This town is the extreme western part of Nicol- 
let county. From 1858 to 1871. it was a part of 
West Newton. The lirst town meeting was held 
Septeml>er 26, 1871; officers elected; H. Simmons, 
chairman; James Smith and Smith Beuliam. super- 
visors; O. H. Clark, clerk; H. Simmons, treasurer; 
W. I. Dresser and Smith Benham. justices; G. W. 
Norton and Chivs. Tewksbury, constables. 

The first man that settled here was Hazen 
Mooers, who had a trading post at Little Rock 
about 1834. Joseph La Framboise was placed in 
charge of this post alKiut three years after; he 
had been at the mouth of the Cottonwood river in 
Brown i-ounty for two years previous. His wife 
was a daughter of the chief. Walking Day; his 
se^-ond and third wives were daughters of Sleepy 



Eye. In 1845 he married Jane Dickson at Traverse 
de« Sioux, the first marriage in Nicollet county. 
He ilied iu 1856. His son William is now living 
in the town on the old homestead. In 1853 when 
Fort Ridgely was baguu, several settlers came in 
and located in the western ]iart of the county. 

Fort Uidgely po.<t-oflice was established in 18,53 
and B. H. Biiudall, then sutler, was made post- 
master; in 1870 he resigned. Hans CarLsim has 
the office at the store of Carlson Brothers. 

The early religious serviivs were held at the 
fort. The German Lutherans have a small church 
iu the nortli-eastern part of the town. There are 
three school-houses, two frame and one log. 

Fort Ridgely was i-ompleted iu 1854. The first 
tnxips stationed there wen> three companies of the 
Sixth infantry, under Major Samuel Woods, and 
arrived in 1853; N. .1. T. Dana was quartenuaster. 
Fort Ridgely was a jiromuient post during the 
Indian outbreak; a description of the attack and 
siege may be found on page 222. The jxjat 
has not been occupieil since 1868.and the buildings 
have Ijeeu alloweil to decay and go to ruin. .\t 
the present time the place is without interest, save 
to those who visit the cemetery which contains 
two monuments one in honor of Captain Marsh, 
and the brave men of his command; the other is 
deilicated to Mrs. Eliza Mueller who devoteil her- 
self to care of the wounded at the time of the 
Indian war. 

.Tames Blake. Jr., was born in Ireland in 1845 
and in 1848 accompanied his j)arents to Maine, 
where they resided until coming, in 1858, to 
Washington comity, Minnesota. He enlisted in 
the fall of 1863, but was under age .-md only 
served a few months. Since 1875 his home has 
been in Ridgely. Married iu 1873, Justine, daugh- 
ter of Joseph La FramboLse, who was an early 
settler and trader here. Mr. and Mrs. Blake have 
two children. 

John Blake is a native of Maine, where he was 
bom in the year 1853. He migrated with his 
parents to the state of Minnesota in 1858 and re- 
moved in 1874 to Big Stone lake, where he made a 
claim and engaged iu farmiug. Mr. Blake's mar- 
riage occurred iu 1873, with Miss Eliza J. La 
Framboise. She has borne him four children; all 
are living. 

The«xlore Grams, a native of Germany, was bom 
in 1843 and while living in that country served 
four years in the army. He immigrated to Wis- 
consin in 1867. but removed in 1869 to Olmsted 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



087 



wjnnty, Minnesota. Since 1871 he has been em- 
ployed in farming in the town of Ridgely. Minnie 
Brese waH married U> Mr. Gram« in 18fi7. They 
are the parents of six children. He has served 
the town in various ofBces. 

T>. M. Hall was born in Vermont in 1832. His 
early life, after leaving school, was spent in farm- 
ing and teaching. In 18-5.5 he moved to Wiscrjn- 
sin. and in .\iigiLst, ISGi, enlist«d in the 42d in- 
fantry of that .state and served until .January of 
the year foUowing. He came to Minnesota in 
1871 ; since tliat date has lived in this state and 
Wiscon-sin. Mr. Hall has been engaged in farm- 
ing in Ridgely since 1878 and ha.s held various 
offices. Married May 1, 1871, ML»s Adeline 
Stevens. Their children are Lina M, Casper A. 
and Rose E. 

Ernst Hindennan, a native of Minnesota, was 
bom in 1860 in Brown county. He has attained 
a common school education and is now engaged in 
farming. His father came from France in 1856, 
and in 1859 located in Brown county, this state. 
There were five children in the family, four boys 
and one girL 

Jacob Hinderman was bom in France, in 1847, 
and when ten years old came with his parents to 
America. After living a few years in Illinois, 
they removed in 18.5-5 to Brown county, Minne- 
sota. In 1861 he settled in NicoUet county, where 
he has .since worked at farming, but has been 
about twelve months in the government service at 
Fort Wadsworth. In 1862 he and a younger 
brother fled to New Ubn, alone, to seek refuge 
from the Indians. They had for company a dog, 
but were obliged to strangle him, as they feared 
his barking would attract their enemies. Marrted 
in 1871, Sobia McDermot, who has borne him five 
children. 

William La Framboise, son of .Joseph La Fram- 
boise, a French trailer on the Minnesota river, was 
bom in 1849 in Ridgely, Xicollet county. From 
1863 nntU 1867 he served as a scout on the fron- 
tier, and was once wounded by an Indian. The 
past few years he has been engaged in farming on 
the land his father bought of the government. 
The farm comprises about 400 acres. Oq the 22d 
of September, 1875, he married Hattie Nison. 
Their children are Alice, William and Fred. 

E. L. Martindale, bom in 183.5, is a native of 
Canada. He accompanied his parents to New 
York, and thence to Illinois, but in 1858 he re- 
moved to Nicollet cjunty, Minneifjta. Mr. Mar- 



tindale enlisted in the fall of 1863, in Company 
(i. Second Minnesota cavalry, and serverl two 
years. Since 1868 his home has been in Ridgely. 
and he has here heM various town offices. In 1856 
Maria Thomlin.son, a native of New York, Ijecame 
his wife. Tliey are the parents of two children. 

Luther Morton is a native of New York, where 
he was bom in 1826. He remove^l with his par- 
ents to Wiscon-sin and to Ohio, and then migrated 
in 1855 to St. Peter, Minnesota. In 1864 he enter- 
ed Company I, 177th Ohio, and served ab.jut one 
year. Was also member of a company that in 
1862 went to the rescue of New Uhn. In 1872 he 
located at his home in Ridgely. He was united in 
marriage in 18-50, with Minerva R. Wood, who has 
borne him five children. One is deceased. 

.John Smith, bom in the year 1852, is a native 
of ^ isconsin. He lived on a farm and acquired 
his educaiton in the common schools. In 1856 he 
moved to the state of Minnesota, and since 1876 
he has engaged in farming and stock-raising at 
his home in Ridgely. Elizabeth Hill became the 
wife of Mr. Smith. Sidney 3. is their only 
chUd. 

.Joseph Smith was bora in 1844, in Vermont. In 
1850 be went with his parents to Wiscjnsin. Re- 
moved to Olmsted county, Minnesota, in 1856, and 
in 1858 U> his present home, Ridgely. Mr. Smith 
enlisted -June, 1861, in Company E, Second Min- 
nesota, and served four years. Engaged in skir- 
mishes, marches and severe battles, and was once 
wounded. In 1867 he married Caroline Thomas. 
They have five children. Mr. Smith has served 
his town in various offices. 

Thomas Smith was bom in Vermont in 1848, 
and accompanied his fathers family to Wisconsin 
in 18.50; thence in 1856 to Minnesota. His father 
was killed by Indians in 1862. Mr. Smith resid- 
ed in Baltimore, Maryland from 1861 until 1864, 
but since 1870 has lived in Nicollet county, and 
in 1880 settled in Ridgely. Ella Lamphere, a na- 
tive of New York, was married to him in 1874. 
They have one child, Fred W. 

S. J. Tewksbury, a native of Maine, was bom 
in 1847, and brought up on a farm. He enlisted 
in September, 1864, in Company A, Forty-fourth 
Wisconsin Infantry, and was mustered out in Ken- 
tucky, eleven month.s later. In 1869 he came to 
Nicollet county, where he has since been employ- 
ed in farming. He was united in marriage in 
1868 with ^liss Amanda Tyler, whose native state is 
Illinois. They have one child, Edea G. 



CxSH 



IIISTOHY UF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



BERNADOTTE. 

This towii wns until 1804, a pjirt nf (irauliy; 
from that <liit« till 18(>!t it was it jKirt of New 
.Sweden; Januiiiy 5, (if that year, BernaJotto was 
organized of township 111, range 29. The first 
eleetion was held at the scliool-hoiiBe on section 2, 
January 23, 18(ii); thirty -two votes were cast and 
the oiTicers elected were Andrew Halvorson, chair- 
man, Ole Ellingsonand John Frederickson, sujjer- 
visors; L. Anderson, clerk; Andrew Wuss, treasurer; 
Andrew Turuhorn, assessor; A. G. Wilson and L. 
Anderson, justices; 11. Iverson and A. Lilljengren, 
constables. Tlie name Calmar was chosen hut was 
referred back by the state auditor and Bernadotte 
was chosen at a special election, in honor of the 
king of Sweden and Norway. 

The first settler wa.s Swan Benson, who located 
on section 12, in 1859. The next came in 1864, 
and w'ere 0-. P. Hall, I. Johnson, Andrew Wass, 
(Jharles Bondisou and John Peterson. 

The first church servic'cs were lield by the 
Swedish Lutherans, in 18G4. Rev. John Pehrson 
was the first pastor and the church organized in 
18G9, and built a church in 1872, which cost 
«1,00(); Kev. C. M. Eydcn is pastor. 

In the fall ot 186G a school was taught in G. P. 
Hall's house, by John Melgren and eighteen schol- 
ars attended; no school-house was built till 1868. 
Tliore arc now three school-houses. 

Tlie first marriage was that of .Jonas Olson and 
Johanna Haight, in March 1864. The first death 
was Mrs. Swan Benson, June 22, 1.S62. The first 
birth was Cecilia, daughter of Swan and Emma 
Benson, October 24, 1864. 

Bernadotte post-olTice was established in 1868, 
with L. .\nderson as postmaster; it has passed 
tlirough several changes and is now kept by Mrs. 
Swan Benson on section 12. A store was opened 
on section 11, in 1873, which continued imtil 1881, 
when the goods were moved to Winthrop, Sibley 
county. 

Emma Anderson, now Mrs. Benson, was born in 
1848, in Sweden, and upon coming to the United 
States in 1855, settled in Dlinois, where she lived 
until 1859. She came to Minnesota at that date 
and settled in the town of Bernadotte, where she 
now fills the office ot postmistress. In 1864 she 
became the wife of Mr. Benson, who is also a native 
of Sweden, born in 1806. He was reared on a 
farm and in 1856 immigrated to Illinois. Mr. 
and Mrs. Benson have five children. 

A. W. Bergstrom was boru in 1835, and remained 



in Sweden, his birth place, until 1872, when he 
came to America. After stopping a short time in 
St. Paul he went to work on the Winona & St. 
Peter railroad; after following that business one 
summer he went to St. Peter. In 1880 he moved 
to his farm ou section 33, Bernadotte, where he is 
serving his town as justice of the peace. Miss 
Carrie Halversou was married in 1878 to Mr. 
Bergstrom. 

Andrew Challstrom was bom in 1835 in Sweden. 
Upon coming to the United States in 1S62 he set- 
tled in Carver county, where he was employed in 
farm work. He removed Washington county in 
1863, and the next year enlisted in Company B, 
First Minnesota heavy artillery; served until the 
war closed. In 1865 he moved to section 10, Ber- 
nadotte, owns 160 acres. His marriage took place 
in 1866 and he has ten children. 

Swen Eckberg, bom in 1835, is a native of 
Sweden. He immigrated to Minnesota in 1m69, 
and settled ou the farm that is still )iis home, sec- 
tion 16, Bernadotte, where he has held town otDces. 
Mr. Eckberg married in 1860, Mary Johnson. 
They have seven children. One son, P. A. Eck- 
berg, is now teaching in Sibley county. 

Ole Olson Esvig was bom in 1829, in Norway. 
In 1864 he came to the United States and worked 
nearly three years in the copper mines of Michi- 
gan. He came to Minnesota in 1S67 and took a 
claim on section 30, Bernadotte. Paulina Peterson 
became the wife of Mr. Esvig in 1858 and has 
borne him three children. 

John Frederickson was born in Sweden in 1832, 
and in 1862 came to America. Worked in Carver 
coimty until 1864, when he took a claim on sec- 
tion 4, Bernadotte. He took an active part in the 
organization of thLstown. In 1856 he was united 
in marriage with Casa Anderson. They have three 
living children and three died on ship board when 
coming to this country. 

E. D. Grussendorf, a native of Germany, was 
bom in 1854 in Hanover. In 1872 he came with 
his parents to this country and located in Nicollet 
county, Miimesota. When a young man he worked 
in Washington coimty, and in 18S0 liought a farm 
on section 19, Bernadotte. Miss Louisa Sohackel 
was married in 1880 to Mr. Grussendorf; they hiive 
one child. 

G. P. Hall, born in Sweden in 1835, has lieen a 
resident of the United States .since 1H61. For a 
time his home was at Bock Island, Illinois, and in 
1863 he removed to Shakopee, Minnesota. The 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



689 



nest year he enlisted in Comjiany B, First Minne- 
sota heavy artillery. At the close of the war he 
came to his homestead and took part in the organ- 
ization of the town of Bernadotte. In 186fi he 
married Betsy Cahrlson. They have five children 
living. 

H. I. Holter was born in 1837. After leaving 
school he learned blacksmithing, at which he 
worked in his native country, Norway. In 1861 
he immigrated to Wisconsin, but in 1864 removed 
to this state and settled at his present home, sec- 
tion 32, Beruadotte. Since living in this town he 
has held different oiHces. In 1858 he married 
Anna Peterson, who has borne him six children: 
Emma, Iver, Kena, Susan, Gurena and Mattia. 

Christiana Hendrickson, a native of Norway, was 
born in 1816, and attained a common school edu- 
cation in the language of that country. He immi- 
grated in 1869 to America and located in Berna- 
dotte, Minnesota, where he owns a farm of eighty 
acres. In 184.5 he married Sophia Nelson; their 
children are Nellie, Hendrick, Nels C, Roekel C, 
Nicoline and Oleana. 

Michael Jenson was born in 1835. While liv- 
ing in Norway, his birth place, he learned cabinet 
making. He immigrated to La Crosse, Wiscon- 
sin, in 1861 and worked at his trade there until 
1864, at which date he removed to St. Peter, where 
he engaged in cabinet business. Mr. Jenson came 
in 18R7 to his homestead in Bernadotte, where he 
has held the office of supervisor four years. He 
was married in 1864, but his wife died in 1875, and 
his second marriage took place in 1877. He is the 
father of eight children. 

John A. .Johnson, born in 1853, is a native of 
Sweden. At the age of five years he accompanied 
his j)arents to Illinois, and three years later to 
Goodhue county, Minnesota. When eighteen 
years old he began work for himself. In 1878 he 
was united in marriage with Erama C. Gustrofson, 
and they settled on a farm which he had bought, 
located on section 10, Bernadotte. He is serving 
his town as justice of the peace. Mr. and Mrs. 
Johnson have two children. 

Olof Jonason is a native of Sweden, where he 
was born in 1825, and lived on a farm. In 1865 
he emigrated to the United States; upon coming 
to Minnesota he located at his present home, sec- 
tion 4, Bernadotte; when he arrived there were 
but four other families in the town. Christina 
Floberg was married in 1851 to Mr. Jonason; they 
have two living children. 

44 



Christian Larsen was bom in 1827, in Norway. 
He came in 1866 to America and settled in 
Brighton, Nicollet county, but in 1868 removed to 
Bernadotte, and took a homestead on section 26, 
where he still lives; has-been treasurer of the town 
three years. In 1855 he married Miss Olina O. 
Solen. Their children are Lars K., Bertel, Ola, 
.John and Henry. 

August Lilljengren was Ijorn in 1828. He 
worked at the mason's trade while living in Swe- 
den, his birth place. In 1854 he came to Amer- 
ica; after stopping in Chicago a short time he 
went to Indiana, where he dealt in wood two years, 
then returned to Illinois and continued in the same 
business ten years. He removed in 1866 to St. 
Peter, and thence in 1868 to his prasent farm in 
Bernadotte; since living here he has filled various 
town offices. Married in 1850, Mary Dolback. 
They have a family of nine children. 

John Malmborg,' born in 1845, is a native of 
Sweden, but since 1866 has been a resident of the 
United States. Since coming to this country he 
has resided almost continuously at his home on 
section 6, Bernadotte. Besides conducting his 
farm he operates a threshing machine a part of 
each year. Mr. Malmborg has served his town in 
different offices. Lotte Swanson became his wife 
in 1868. Of the five children born to them three 
are living. 

Andreas Olson was bora in 1816, and learned 
harness-making while living in his native country, 
Norway. Upon coming to the United States in 
1861 he settled at La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he 
was in a harness shop three years. He removed 
in 1864 to this state, and has since lived in his 
home at Bernadotte. Mr. Olson married Carrie 
Andeison in 1844. Ole, Allie, Andrew, Ellen, 
Christine, Carrie and Louis are their children. 

Ole Olson, a native of Sweden, was born in 
1833, and upon coming in 1857 to the United 
States he lived in Ked Wing, Minnesota, a short 
time, then settled in St. Peter. From 1861 until 
the close of the war he seiwed in the Union army ; 
enlisted in Company E, Second Minnesota. After 
his discharge he stayed one winter in Illinois, then 
came to the homestead which he had taken in 
1864 in Bernadotte. Married January 2, 1869, 
to Betsy Erickson. 

Ole Peterson was born in 1853; his native coun- 
try is Sweden. In 1870 he came, to the United 
States, and was at first emjjloyed on a farm eight- 
I een months. He settled permanently on his farm 



690 



HISTORY OP TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



on section 33, Bemadotte, in 1875. Since 1879 
he has been clerk of the town, and has held the 
office i)f justice thrco years. Mr. Peterson was 
married in 187;^; liis wife's maiden napie was 
Betey Halverson. Their children are Theodore, 
Henry E. and Clarence E. 

Ole Sakaria.son, born in Norway in 183f!, has 
lived since 1869 in America. Until 187.") he lived 
on a rented farm in Granby, Minnesota, then re- 
moved to section 27, Bernadotte, where he now 
owns 160 acres. In 185.5 he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Inger Olstead. who has borne him 
eight children, two of whom are deceased. 

Jolin Smedberg, a native of Sweden, was born 
in 1835. He came to this country in 1861, and 
worked at farming in Carver county, Minnesota, 
three years. From 1861 until 1878 he lived on a 
homestead in Bernadotte, then sold and bought 
160 acres on section 3 of the same town. Married 
Anna Larson in 1867 and has fbnrcliildren: .John, 
Abel, Albertine and Emilt. 

A. P. Swenson was born in Sweden in 1835, and 
was there reared on a farm. In the year 1864 he 
immigrated to Illinois, but in 1865 removed to 
Minnesota and located on section 10, Bernadotte, 
where he now owns a farm of 240 acres. He Las 
been treasurer of the town and of the school dis- 
trict. He married in 1860 Miss J. G. Parson. 
Children: Charles S., Adolph, HUda and ManJa. 

Gustaf Swenson, who is a native of Sweden, was 
bom in the year 1818. He left the old country in 
1866 and became a resident of the United States. 
Until 1871 he lived on a farm in Goodhue county, 
Minnesota, and at that date he located on section 
18, Bernadotte; his farm contains 160 acres. In 
1851 ho was married, and now has two children: 
John and Christena. 

A. G. Wilson was born in 1840 in Sweden, and 
in 1854 came to America and settled on a farm in 
Illinois. He enlisted in 18()1 in tlie 23d Illinois 
infantry. Company D; six months afterward he 
was taken prisoner, but paroled the next day and 
returned to Illinois; nine months later he came to 
Minnesota, enlisted in Company D, Ninth regi- 
ment, and served through the remainder of the 
war. After the war he came to Bemadotte; was 
at the organization of the town, and was one of the 
first supervisors; lias since been justice of the 
peace. Married Anna .Tolinson in 1869. Of their 
five children, three are living. 

NEW SWEDEN. 

From 1858 to 1864, this town was a part of 



Granby. A jietition for separate organization was 
granted by the county commissioners, January 18, 
1864. The boundaries included all of congress- 
ional townships. 111, 28 and 29. They remain- 
ed thus until 1869, when township 111, 29 
was detached and organized as Bernadotte. 
The firet election was ordered to be held 
at the house of Martin Peterson. .January 23, 1864. 
The officials necessary to the formation of a meet- 
ing, were chosen, but no person being present 
qualified to administer the oath of office, they ad- 
journed to two o'clock P. M. For the same reason 
they again adjourned to January 25th following. 
Upon that day an organization was effijcted. 
Thirty votes were cast ciad the following officers 
elected: C. G. Stark, chairman; Sebjon Larson 
and Martin Peterson, supervisors; C. P. Stark, 
clerk and Stone Olson, treasurer. No other offi- 
cers were elected at that time. In Aj)ril following 
the first regular town meeting was held. Officers 
elected: C. G. Stark, chairman; Nels Liljeugren 
and Gunder Nereson, supervisors; C. P. Stark, 
clerk; A. Webster, assessor; L. t). Kingdahl, treas- 
urer; Sv.n Svenson and Carl Nelson, justices; 
Charles Johnson and Steve Olson, constables. 

As early as 1855 a party of Norwegians, Ole 
Aestenson, Gunder Nereson and Swonke Torger- 
sou settled near a grove in the northern part of 
the towa, naming the locality Norwegian Grove. 
In July, 1857, Charles Johnson, Andrew Webster 
and John Abrahamsou settled in sections 13, 14 
and 24. Nels Nelson and Swan Swanson soon 
followed. 

Rev. P. A. Cedarstam performed the first mar- 
riage ceremony at the house of Andrew Webster, 
January 1, 1859, Martin Peterson and Judith 
Webster being the contracting parties. 

The first death was that of Julia, a daughter of 
Andrew and Ingrid C. Webster, in August, 1858. 

In the spring of 1863 a school was opened in a 
private house on section 14, and taught by Miss 
Johanna Peterson. There were about fifteen 
scholars in attendance; there are now five school- 
houses in the town. 

Religious sernces were conducted by Rev. P. A. 
Cedarstam at private houses as early as 1858. 
Rev. Toedland also held meetings at different 
])Iaces, but no organization was ever effected in this 
town, the people joining with the Lake Prairie 
societies in the erection of the churches in the west- 
ern part of that town. 

A. D. .Abraham, a native of Sweden, was born 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



691 



in 1800, and in 1865 accorapunied bis parents to 
the United States. The family lived six years in 
Ford county, Illinois, then migrated in 1870 to 
New Sweden, Minnesota, and he is now residing on 
section 30 of this town. 

N. H. Anderson was born in 1830 iu Sweden. 
He immigrated to Illiuois in 1854, and after living 
at Princeton, Gale.sburg and Kuoxville, he removed 
in 1858 to New Sweden, and lives here still on 
section 12. His marriage with Elsie Mortenson 
took place in Sweden in 1851, and in 1873 they re- 
turned to their native land for a visit. Two chil- 
dren have been born to them, but both are de- 
ceased. 

Carl J. Ekber was born in 1839. He lived until 
twenty -eight years of age in Sweden, his birth 
place, and in 1870 came to America. After living 
two years at Princeton, Illinois, he removed to St. 
Peter, Minnesota, and since 1878 has lived at his 
farm on section 3, New Sweden. Eva O. John- 
son was married to him November 7, 1861. Their 
children are Alfred S., .Jennie M., Noah, William, 
Alma, Victor and Liither. 

Andrew Felt was born in 1836, in Sweden. He 
moved to St. Paul in June, 1861; worked three 
years on a farm, and then for seven years, rented 
land. In 1808 he bought 160 acres in New Swe- 
den, and since living here has held different town 
offices. Mr. Felt had an arm broken in 1879; it 
was set, but a gristle formed over the ends of the 
bone and prevented their uniting ; it seemed nec- 
essary to have another operation performed, so the 
bones were laid bare, the ends cut off about an 
inch, and small holes bored, through which silver 
wire was passed and the bones bound firmly to- 
gether. The operation, though a difficult one, has 
jjroved entirely successful. Married in 1858, 
Anna M. Anderson. Their children are Anna 8., 
Elsie, Emma, Charlotte and Oscar. 

John Hegstrum was born in Sweden in 1837. 
In the year 1852 he immigrated to Illinois, and 
after living at Princeton one year he removed to 
Galesburg and engaged in blacksmithing. In 
1867 he settled in Lake Prairie, Minnesota, but 
two years later removed to New Sweden. Mr. 
Hegstrum's wife was Miss Ellen Larson; they 
were married in 1866 and are the parents of six chil- 
dren: Gustaf B., Emma, Nils, Amanda, Ida and 
August. 

Lewis Hermanson is a native of Norway; he 
was bom in 1852, and upon coming to this coun- 
try in 1861 located on section 35 of New Sweden, 



Minnesota, where he has a farm of 140 acres. He 
worked one slimmer in a Minneapolis saw-mill, 
and for three years was railroad contractor. In 
1879 he married Miss O. M. Anderson, who died 
on the 9th day of May, 1880. 

Swen A. Hobert, a native of Sweden, was born 
in 1824. For about eleven years he was employed 
as clerk in large dry goods houses, previous to 
emigrating in 1853 to America. After landing in 
New York he for some time did railroad and farm 
work, also attended school a short time. He re- 
moved to Illiuois and was five years engaged in 
cutting and delivering timber to a railroad com- 
pany. Mr. Hobert owns a farm of 200 acres on 
section 7, New Sweden. He enlisted July 8, 
1868, in Company E, Second Minnesota, and 
served three years; was wounded at Mill Springs. 

John Holmquis was born in 1839 in Sweden, 
where he learned the trades of miller and carpen- 
ter. In 1862 Jie moved to St. Paul; worked at 
carpentering nine years there and one year in St. 
Peter, then in 1872 boiight a farm on section 3 of 
New Sweden. Mr. Holmquis was united in mar- 
riage in 1(S68 with Christine Hegstrum. Of the 
four children born to them, three are living : Ida 
C, Gustaf A. and Clarence L. 

I. C. Hovland was born in 1827. He learned 
shoemaking, and lived in Norway, the hind of his 
birth, until 1857, at which date he moved to Clay- 
ton county, Iowa. Three years after he came to 
Minnesota, and from Lake Prairie removed to his 
home in section 26, New Sweden. Since coming 
here he has at different times worked at his trade 
in St. Peter. Married in 1857 Mary Scheie. 
Nine of their ten children are living. Anna, An- 
ton, August, Laura, Christian, Martin, Ole, EUen 
and Henry. 

Charles Johnson, a native of Sweden, was bom 
in 1835. In 1854 he went to Kane county, Illi- 
nois, where he worked until 1857, at which time 
he took a homestead in New Sweden. He and 
Andrew Webster were the first settlers in the town. 
Mr. .Johnson has given considerable attention to 
stock raising since living here. Ever since the 
organization of the town he has held the office of 
constable. Married in 1856 Mary Johnson. 
Swen J., Emma, Anton, Gustol E. and Inez are 
their children. 

S. J. Johnson was born in 1843 in Sweden. 
Came to America in 1869, and in 1871 located on 
section 19, New Sweden. In 1865 he married 
Caroline Anderson, since deceased. The children 



C92 



U I STORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



are Mary A. nuJ Jonas H. Mr. .Tolinson married 
in 1878 Anna, witlow of John J. Siilstrom. who was 
born in Sweden in 18-tO. He moved to Chicago in 
1856, and after working at shoomaking there one 
year, settled on a farm near Ht. Peter. In 1861 
he enlisted in Company H, Fourth Minnesota, and 
dnriup his service of four years contracted con- 
sumption, from which he died in 1874. Anna Lil- 
liqnist became liis wife in 1866, and bore him 
two children: Emma and Eva. 

Gander Nt-reson, who was bom in 1830, came 
to America in 1845 from Norway, his native coun- 
try. He lived a short time in Milwaukee, Wiscon- 
sin, and nine years in Dodge coiinty. In 1855 
he removed to Mower county, Miimesota, and the 
next year located in New Sweden. Married in 
1861 Miss T. Olson, who died in 1870. She was 
the mother of five children ; the living are Julia 
and Anna. In 1871 Mr. Nereson married Miss J. 
P. Hilstad, who died in 1878; she had also borne 
him four children: David and Tenline are living. 

Nels Nelson is a native of Sweden, born in 
1825. In 1857 he immigrated to Minnesota and 
settled permanently in New Sweden, where he 
owns a farm of 280 acres. Miss Nellie Pehrson 
■was married to Mr. Nelson in 1852, and they are 
the parents of seven children: Ellen, Annette, 
Matilda, Nels, Anton, Christine and Minnie M. 

Nels N. O.^trom was born in 1834 in Sweden. 
Came to America in 1858; after living eight 
months in Carver county, Minnesota, he went to 
Washington county, where he worked as farmer 
and stone mason until the sjiring of 1869, when 
he bought his farm of 320 acres in New Sweden. 
He has a license and preached for some time to 
the Swedish Methodist church. He was united in 
marriage in 1859 with Mary A. Anderson. The 
names of their children are John A., Matilda, 
Theodore, Charles, Amanda, Oscar, Walter, Pau- 
line and Hattie. 

Bernt Pederson was born in 1841, and while 
living in Norway, his native country, learned 
blacksmithing. Came to America in 1869 and 
worked at his trade in St. Peter two years, after 
which he built a shop in Scandinavian Grove, 
where he remained until 1880, at whicli date he 
bought a farm in New Sweden, Married in 18G5 
Lena .Johnson. Their two children died. In 
1873 Mrs. O. Peterson was married to him; she 
had one child, Pettra. They now have four others: 
Mary, Dena, Josephine and Peter. 

Martin Peterson, a native of Sweden, was born 



in 1829. He immigrated in 1854 to Winnebago 
county, Illinois, and in 1858 removed to Minne- 
sota; he now owns a farm of 360 acres. Mr. Pe- 
terson is by trade a bricklayer and stone mason. 
He has for a number of years filled the offices of 
supervisor, assessor and treasurer: was also county 
commissioner three years. In 1859 Julia Webster 
became his wife, and has borne him seven chil- 
dren: .Tf)»cph, Samuel, Elias, Anna, Mary, Inez 
and Benjamin. 

Martin P. Quist was born in 1858. but lived 
only seven years in Sweden, the land of his birth. 
He accompanied his father to America in 1865, 
and they located in Lake Prairie, Minnesota. His 
home was there about seven years, then he re- 
moved to New Sweden, section 20. On the 17th 
day of January, 1879, Mr. Quist married Nellie 
Swenson. They have one child, George L. 

O. P. Quist, who was born in 1844, came to 
America in 1864, from Sweden, his native country. 
He learned the trades of miller and carpenter, and 
worked five years in Lake Prairie, Minnesota. Mr. 
Quist went to Illinois but returned to this state 
and settled in New Sweden where he has been su- 
pervisor and justice. Married in 1870, Matilda 
Olson. Eli T., Ansel, Otto, Hanu:di and Agnes 
are the children. 

Nels Rosemjuist lived in Sweden from the time 
of his birth, 1835, imtil coming to America in 
1857. For two years he worked at his trade, that 
of mason, in Rock Island county, Illinois, then in 
Chisago county, Minnesota. In 1862 he took a 
claim in Lake Prairie, but in 1870 removed to New 
Sweden. Here he has filled the office of super- 
visor, justice and assessor. Married in 1859, Ingra 
Nelson. Their children are Frank, Albert, Matil- 
da, Nels E., Ellen E., Henry E., Henry S., Eli N., 
and Hannah. 

John P. Shonbeck was bom April 16, 1825, in 
Sweden. In 1853 he immigrated to St. Paul, but 
soon went to Wasliington county. Afterward 
kept hotel in St. Paul, but returned to Washington 
county and engaged in farming. A]iril 29, 1861, 
he enlisted in Company B, 1st Minnesota; en- 
gaged in a great many severe battles and was 
honorably discharged February 16, 1864. He 
was wounded three times, and receives a pension. 
Upon lea\nug the army he resumed farming, in 
Lakeland; now owns 160 acres in Nicollet county. 
Mr. Shonbeck was state senator in 1876-7. 

C. G. Stark was born in 1813, in Sweden, where 
he-was given a collegiate education. In 1847 he 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



693 



moved to Wisconsin, thence to Minnesota in 1862, 
and brought his family tlie next year; He assisted 
in the organization of New Sweden where he has 
since held various offices; was county commis- 
sioner three years; was chosen register of 
deeds in 1868 and re-elected in 1876; he was also 
appointed railroad commissioner. Married in 
1839 Miss M. B. Hafstrom, who died February 1, 
1875. The children living are Charles P., Mary 
S., Hugo L., Inez C. and Matilda G. The deceased 
are Gustof and Herman. The former served in 
Company K, Second Minnesota, and later he was 
on the frontier with General Sibley; was shot 
July 24, 1863, by Indians. 

Swen Swenson is a native of Norway, where he 
was born in 1836. He came with his parents to 
America in 1857 and settled on section 22, New 
Sweden; besides conducting the farm he taught 
parish school three years. Mr. Swenson has been 
county commissioner, supervisor, justice, assessor 
and town clerk. Christie Knutson became his 
wife in 1862, and is the mother of nine living 
children: Laures S., Albert T.. Nels O., Carl. L., 
Gerhard S., Oscar R., Juliana K., Christine G. and 
Soreu C. 

Andrew Webster, who was born in 1825, lived 
in Sweden, his birth place, until 1853, at which 
date he emigrated to this country, and for several 
years was employed in teaming and farming in 
Illinois. Since locating on his farm of 430 acres 
in the town of New Sweden, in 1857, he has held 
the offices of treasurer, assessor, and supervisor. 
His wife was Ingra C. Swenson. They were mar- 
ried in 1848, and are the parents of eight children. 
The living are John, Mary, William, Theodora, 
Elizabeth, Simon and Judith. 

John Webster, a native of Sweden, was born 
December 20, 1848, and when four years of age 
accompanied his parents to Kane county, Illinois, 
but removed to New Sweden about four years 
later. He taught several terms after attending 
St. Ansgar College and the State Normal school 
for a short time. He has been town clerk since 
1870, with the exception of one year that he was 
visiting in Europe, and is now justice of the peace. 
Married in 1874, Emily Larson, since deceased. 
One child, Edward A. Also has one child. Alma 
M., by his second marriage, which occurred in 
1879 with Emma Johnson. 

GKANBY. 

This town was set apart for organization, April 
27, 1858, and included aU of congressional town- 



ships 110, range 28, and 111, ranges 28 and 29, 
and the north half of 110, range 29. In 1864 the 
two north towns became New Sweden and in 1877 
the north half of township 110, range 29, became 
Brighton. Sections 24 and 25, township 110, 
range 28, were detached from the town in January, 
1860, and added to Oshawa. Lot 1, of section 23, 
township 110, range 28, was taxed in Oshawa a 
number of years, though it was never legally set 
off; in 1872 the county commissioners took action 
on it and had it taxed where it belonged, in 
Granby. 

The first election was held at Mark Grey's 
house, section 12, township 110, range 28, May 11, 

1858. Owing to the destruction of the town 
clerk's house by fire a few years since, we are un- 
able to give a full list of the first officers; C. H. 
Huddleston was chairman; J. W. Horner, super- 
visor; C. H. Huddleston, clerk; Isaac McCuUiun, 
assessor; C. E. Smith, collector; J. W. Horner and 
Mark Grey, justices. 

The first settlers in the town were James Door, 
Sr. and family, coming in May, 1855. His two 
oldest boys, Simon and Almond C, located near 
Swan Lake. Joseph Searles and the Anderson 
brothers arrived soon after. In 1856 and '57 set- 
tlers came in rapidly, the location of the town, be- 
tween two lakes, making land very desirable. 

The Methodists held religous services at private 
houses early in 1857, conducted by Eev. Theophi- 
lus Drew. In 1858 an organization was efl'eeted. 

The first couple married were Isaac MeCuUum 
and Annie Searles. The ceremony was performed 
by Mark Grey, a justice of the peace, April 1, 1858. 
The first white child born in the town was John, a 
son of David and Electa A. Currier, born July 18, 
1856. The first death was that of the wife of 
James Door, Sr., who died in April, 1857. 

The first school was taught in a building erect- 
ed for that purpose on section 18, in the spring of 

1859, by Miss Maggie Wolf. At present there 
are four district schools, and the attendance dur- 
ing the sessions is good. 

Granby post-office was established about 1860, 
and located at John Carriston's house, he being 
postmaster. It was discontinued in 1881 after 
having been in continuous operation, except dur- 
ing the Indian troubles in 1802, under various 
postmasters. 

A general store was opened on section 7 in the 
spring of 1871 and in operation a few years, then 
discontinued. In 1873 a blacksmith shop was 



091 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



started at tlie cross road, seotiou 7, but only con- 
tiuiieJ in operation a few years. 

James E. Adams was born at Portland, Maine, 
ill 1819. At tlio ago of sixteen ho wont to Boston 
and learned the trade of coach trinuning; worked 
at it twenty years, twelve of which was for him- 
self. In 1855 he moved to Chicago and engaged 
in produce and commission business. In 1857 he 
located in Granby, where he has since lived. He 
has held the office of justice of the peace for fifteen 
years and has also been town clerk. He was mar- 
ried in Massaoliusetts in 1840 to Minerva Adams, 
who died in (Jranby in 1867. He married for his 
second wife Sigrel Fields in 1881. He has one 
son, .Tames L. 

.Tames L. Adams, native of Massachusetts, was 
boru at Boston in 1841. At the age of fifteen he 
moved with his parents to Chicago, and two _years 
later came with them to Minnesota; settled in 
Granby where he now lives. He has been assessor 
three years and town clerk eight years. Married 
Adelaide Carson at St. Peter; she came with her 
parents to Minnesota in 1856. They have tour 
children: Herbert E., Mabel M., Stella and Willie. 

Andrew Amlerson. native of Norway, was boru 
in 1835. He came to the United States in 1852 
and settled in Dane county, Wisconsin; four years 
later he came to Minnesota and located in Granby, 
where he has since lived. He enlisted in the 
P'ourth regiment, Minnesota infantry, in 1861 and 
served until the close of the war. He has been 
county commissioner four years, town supervisor 
two years, and treasurer. Married Olivia Oppe- 
gaare in 1866, who has borne five children. The 
living are: Christopher, Ole, Edward and Louise. 

John Anderson, born in Norway in 1833, came to 
the United States iu 1852, and located in Dane 
county, Wisconsin. In the spring of 1856 he 
came to Granby aud has since resided in this town. 
He has held the office of supervisor several years. 
Was married in .\ugust, 1857, to Betsey .Tohnson 
who was boru in Norway in 1831 and died in 
Granby in 1872. Of seven children born to them 
three are living. Albert, Emma and Josephina. 

William .J. Bean was boru in Indiana in 1831. 
In 1856 went to Missouri, and aft^n- fanning there 
one year came to Minnesota ;md to his farm in 
Granby, on section 33. He was a member of the 
state legislature in 1877 aud '79; has also been 
justice of the peace. Married in 1852 to Mary 
Shuck. Two children are living. .Tessie B and 
Walter C. Four have died. 



John Burk, native of Germany, was bom in 
1837. He came to the United States in 1857, 
and settled in the town of Granby, where he still 
resides. In addition to farming he is engaged in 
buying and shipping stock to eastern markets. 
Mr. Burk married in 1869, Catherine Keltgen. 
Have had seven children; six are now living: 
Mat., Anton, Annie, William, Joseph and Edie. 

.\nton Burk was born in Germany in 1802. He 
grew to manhood on a farm and in 1822 married 
Catherine Chauchin who died in Granby in 1880. 
The children are .Taoob, Batzljerg, John, Albert 
aud Mathias. The latter was born iu Germany in 
1850 and is now living on the old homestead, en- 
gaged in farming aud rufining a threshing ma- 
chine. He has held the ollice of town supervisor 
and constable. Antim Burk brou-^'ht his family to 
America iu 1856 aud settled in .section 22, town of 
Granby. 

L. Compart was born in Gennauy in 1835. He 
worked at farming and in hotels until he came 
in 1863, to America. He settled on Long Island, 
and in December, 1863, enlisted in the 54th New 
York infantry ; served until mustered out in April, 
1866. He went to Illinois where he farmed until 
1868, then came to ]\Iinnosota and located in 
Granby, where he now lives. Was married in 
Illinois in 1866, to Frederickii Rick. They have 
one son. Budoljih. Mr. Compart has been chair- 
man of the board of supervisors three times. 

David Carrier was boru iu Canada East m 1S32. 
In 1855 he went to Illinois but soon returned to 
Canada. In April. 1856, he came to Granby, 
Minnesota and settled on the farm he still occu- 
pies on seotlion 18. He was married iu Illinois 
in 1855 to Electa A. Moses who was born in New 
York in 1833. They have six children. John, 
Martha, Benjamin T., Franklin, Bosetta C. aud 
Hattie. Mr. Currier was the first clerk elected in 
Granby and has also been supervisor, justice and 
school director. 

Frank Currier was boru iu the town of Granby, 
Nicollet county, Minnesota, in 1861. He received 
the advantages of a common school and the high 
school of St. Peter, and began teaching in 1879, 
which vocation he has since followed. During the 
winter of 1881-82 he taught iu district number 
26 Bernadotte township. 

Simon Door was boru in Canada East in 1829. 
He came to Minuesotii in 1855, aud located on 
section 18, town of Griuibv, where he still resides. 
He hiis 200 acres of choice laud with good build- 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



695 



ings. His wife was Sarah Moses, who was born 
in New York in 1831 and married in 1853, at St. 
Jolins, Vermont; four children,. James H., Harlow 
V/., William and Addie S. 

Martha Erickson was born in Sweden in 1829. 
In 1851 she was married to Ole Erickson and they 
came to America in 1861 ; he died at Traverse, 
Minnesota, in 1869. They first lived in the town 
of New Sweden, then in Traverse, and then moved 
to Wisconsin. Returned to Minnesota and settled 
in Granby on section 12 where she still resides. 
She is the mother of seven children; five are 
living: Hans, Edward, Augusta, Isaac and Oscar. 

Simon T>. Horner was born in the town of 
Granby, Canada East, in 1834. He learned the 
trade of miller and worked at it sixteen years. 
In the spring of 1856 he came to Minnesota and 
settled in Nicollet county. He first followed trap- 
ping for eleven years, then began farming. He 
acted as scout for General Sibley six months dur- 
ing the Indian war of 1862. Was married in this 
town in 1866 to Anice Carson, who has borne him 
two children : Oscar and Arthur S. 

Mrs. Sarah Horner was liorn in Ireland in 1 828. 
At the age of nine years she came with parents to 
Canada. She was married in the town of Granby 
in 1844 to Josiah Horner, who was a farmer in 
Canada. They came to Minnesota in 1857 and 
settled in Granby, where he died in 1873. They 
had^one son, John, who married Susanna Shoe- 
ville, who has borne him one child, Sarah. They 
own a farm of 595 acres. In 1862 the dwelling 
and household goods were burned by the Indians. 

John Kroplin was born in Germany in 1816. 
He came to this country in 1858, and lived in Illi- 
nois until the spring of 1866, then came to Granby, 
Minnesota, and located on section 10, where he 
now lives. His first wife, whom he married in 
Germany in 1847, died in 1875. He married for 
second wife Mary Smith in 1877. She was a 
widow and had two children, Mary and Henry 
Smith. Mr. Kroplin had two children when mar- 
ried the second time, Sophia and Villernica. 

Andrew North was bom in 1815 in Sweden, and 
in 1850 emigrated to the United States. He 
worked at farming in Hlinois, but in 1859 removed 
to Granby, and has since lived on section 11, 
where he has 125 acres af land. His marriage 
took place in 1839 in Sweden; his wife; Anna 
Christian, was bom in 1811. Mr. and Mrs. North 
are the parents of six children: Sigrid, Erech, 
Mary, Ohiistian and Andrew are living. 



Gilbert Peterson was born in 1816 in Norway; 
his first marriage also occurred in that country in 
1841. They came to America in 1866, and stayed 
in Wisconsin until the summer of the next year, 
when they located in Granby, where his wife died 
in 1861. His farm consists of 280 acres of fine 
land. In 1862 he married Julia Knutson; he is 
the father of eight children; seven are living. 

Peter G. Peterson was born in 1841, and re- 
mained in Norway, his birthplace, until twelve 
years of age, when he located in Wisconsin; two 
years later the family removed to Minnesota, and 
he has since lived in Granby. In October, 1861, 
he enlisted in the 12th Minnesota; served until 
the war closed. He has served several years as 
county commissioner, town clerk, treasurer and 
assessor. Married in 1868 Cora Christopher. 
Six children have been born to them; the living 
are Anna M., Theodore and Oscar. 

George Picker, deceased, was bom in the year 
1815. He was reared on a farm in Germany, 
which was his native county, and he there learned 
the trade of blacksmith. In 1857 he immigrated 
to the United States, and located on section 
15, town of Granby, Minnesota. Mary Smith, 
born in 1816, became his wife in 1837, and bore 
him twelve children; Katherine, Mary, John, 
Nicholas, Peter, J. M., Jacob and Elizabeth are 
living. August 28, 1869, Mr. Picker died. . 

Andreo Kitz was born in 1822 in Germany, 
where he worked at carpentering. In 1853 he 
moved to Canada; after being employed there 
eight months on a railroad, he went to Lake Su- 
perior and worked over'two years at mining. 
Since 1856 his home has been at Granby, Blinne- 
sota; his farm contains 284 acres. He was second 
lieutenant in the 26th regiment in 1863, and held 
that position until they disbanded; also served in 
Company D, First Minnesota battalion; was dis- 
charged July 14, 1865. Married in 1852 Anna 
Ackl. They had twelve children; the living are 
Andrew, Mary, Joseph, John, Anna, Theresa and 
Francis. 

Joseph Searles, native of New York, was bora in 
1833, and at the age of five years moved with his 
parents to Indiana, where, after leaving school, he 
engaged in farming. He was married in that 
state in 1856 to Miss A. E. Doe, and the same year 
came to Granby, which is still his home. Mr. 
Searlos has lield a number of town offices, and has 
been postmaster eleven years. He is the father of 



C96 



niSTOUY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



eight children: William, Edward, Minnie, Scott, 
Ella, Lulu M., Gleorge and Grace. 

J. Adam Zins was born in 1831. Ho was brought 
up in a village and after leaving the common 
schools was employed in farming and stone cutting 
in Germany, his native land. Sinco; 1S57 he has 
beeu a resident of the United States; his Iiome is on 
section 8, of Oranby, Minnesota. His marriage 
with Johannah Stackon took place in this town ; 
his wife was born in 18i^7 in Germauy. John C, 
Mary, Johannah and William are their living chil- 
dren; one is deceased. 

Wilhelm Zins, native of Germany, was born in 
1834. He attained a common school education 
and worked at the trade of stone cutter. In 1857 
he came to this country and located at his present 
place on section 8, town of Granby, Minnesota. 
Elizabeth Stocken who was born in 1843 in Ger- 
many, became his wife in 18C6 and lias borne him 
nine children ; the living are Catharine, Cornelius, 
Joseph, Peter, Nicholas and Adam. 

BRIGHTON. 

The town of Brighton was formed in 1877, out 
of territory taken from the t(jwn of Granby, and 
consists of the north half of township 110, range 
29. The first election was held October 16, 1877. 
Firat officers; J. H. Doru, cliairman, Andrew Jen- 
son and Leonard Boor, supervisors; Adam Epper, 
clerk; C. Peterson, treasurer; Otto Peterson and 
Andrew Jacobson, justices; John Hauberick and 
Charles Stolzenberg, eoustaliles. 

The first claim was taken by Bruce Pierce in 
the winter of 1854-5; he built a shanty, but did 
not settle until the fall of 1855. Christian Ander- 
son and his brothers, John and Andrew came in 
the summer of 1855; Christian and Torger Peter- 
son, and Mr. Jenson in the spring of 1856. 

As early as 1857, the Norwegian Methodists be- 
gan holding services, conductrd by Rev. Berg: in 
1860 they organized witli about five members, since 
increased to thirty; they have a frame church on 
section 10, built at a coat of Sl,200. 

The Norwegian Lutherans, presided over by 
Rev. Thomas Johnson, and numbering about 
ninety members, have a church on section 10. The 
first meetings were held in 1858 and the society 
formed in 1866. 

The Catholic churcli was built in 1.S74 at a cost 
of SI, 700; the society was organized by Father 
Somereisen in 1859, and used a small building 
moved from Swan Lake City, and placed on sec- 



tion 1. There are about twenty members and 
monthly services are held by Father Mohn. 

The first school was taught by Maggie Wolf, in 
1858, in a building on section 12; there are now two 
schools, one public and one private German school. 

The first marriage was in 1H63, between A. 
Johnson and .Tohanua Peterson. Anna, daughter 
of ChrLstian and Christina Anderson, was bora 
April 2, 1856, the first birth. Lewis Peterson, 
struck by lightning in 1861, was the first death. 

Brighton post-office was established in the spring 
of 1879, with S. Otto Peterson as postmaster; the 
office is at the general store of Peterson & Jen- 
son, which was ojiened in December, 1879. 

The Apfelbaum farm, located on section 4, was a 
rendezvous for fugitives during the Indian out- 
break; old man Schmotz, wife and daughter were 
attacked here and died from wounds while being 
taken to St Peter by a rescuing jjarty. The Ap- 
felbaum boys were found seven miles west of St. 
Peter, the bodies over one mile apart, the following 
winter. Considerable damage was inflicted by the 
Indians to property in this town. 

Sveud Aadsen was born in 1821 in Norway. 
His marriage also occurred in that country in 1848, 
with Miss B. Knudtstatter. In 1857 he came to 
the United States and after a short stay in Illi- 
nois he located in Dane county, Wisconsin. He 
enlisted in Company C, 16th regiment of that 
state and served until honorably discharged in 
June 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Aadsen are the parents 
of eleven children; three are deceased; the living 
are Edward, Julia, Isabelle, Martha, Betsy, Annie, 
Caroline J. and Louis C. Mrs. Aadsen died in the 
autumn of 1877. 

Christian Anderson is a native of Norway where 
he was bom in 1827, and after leaving school 
learned the cooper's trade. When twenty-six 
years of age he came to this country and after 
farming two years in Dane county, Wisconsin, he 
located in 1855 at his present home in Brighton. 
Mr. Anderson is the oldest settler in the town and 
his daughter Anna w-as the first child born here. 
His other children are Olena, Andrew, Charles, 
Henry, Emma and Edward. Christina Sorenson 
became the wife of Christian Anderson in 1855; 
the marriage occurred in Wisconsin. 

Leonard Boor was born in 1829, and learned 
shoemaking in Prussia, his native country, pre- 
vious to emigrating to America in 1854. After 
Working at his trade at New York and Chicago 
until 1857, he located on government laud in what 



NICOLLET COUNTY. 



697 



is now Brighton township. He and a son pos- 
sess 280 acres of land in this town. Mr. Boor has 
held several town offices. In 1857 he married 
Lucy Hack, who died April 26, 1858. On the 
20th of Jauiiary, 1800 he married Anna Giefer. 

Henry Bruer, Jr., a native of Michigan, was 
born July 4, 1855, in Ottawa county, and now 
owns a farm in Brighton, Minnesota. At Court- 
land, on the 26th day of November, 1880, he mar- 
ried Caroline Windhorn, who was born May 6, 
1862. They have one child, Martin. Mr. Bruer's 
father was born in 1822, in Germany, and in 1849, 
came to America. He served in the army during 
the late civil war, and then in 1865, came to his 
present home in this coxmty. 

Ben. C. Dahl was born in the year 1855. He 
now owns a farm in the town of Bemadotte, and a 
part of each year is engaged in operating a steam 
threshing machine. His father, Christian Dahl, 
was born in 1824, in Norway, but since 1866 has 
been a resident of Brighton township, Minnesota. 
The mother, whose maiden name was Swenson, 
born in 18.3.3, was also a native of Norway. The 
family consists of eight living children : Ben. C, 
John S., Ole A., Louisa M., Peter G., Moren J., 
Christopher O. and Carl W. 

Peter Giefer, eldest son of E. and M. Giefer, 
was bom in 1859, in Brighton, Nicollet coimty, 
Minnesota. Since his father's death he has con- 
ducted the farm. He has one brother, Leonard, 
and eight sisters. Mr. Giefer's father was frozen 
to death while returning home from Nicollet in 
one of the severe storms of the winter 1872-3. 

Philip Hack, a native of Wisconsin, was bom 
in 1856. His father, John Hack, was born in 
Germany, in 1810, and was married there in 1833. 
In 1853 he came to America and for thirteen 
years worked at farming in Wisconsin. His wife 
died in that state, November 26, 1855. Susie 
Searn became his wife in 1856. The family came 
to what is now Brighton, in 1857, but returned to 
Wisconsin during the Indian massacre, and stayed 
there eight years. Mr. Hack is the father of 
five children by first marriage, and four by sec- 
ond. The four boys, Peter, Henry, Joseph and 
John, served in the army during the rebellion. 

Andrew Jacobson, a native of Sweden, was born 
in 1821. He settled in Chicago, Illiaois, in 1853, 
and worked there at shcemaking four years; then, 
in 1857, removed to this state. After following 



his trade in Minneiska ten years and in St. Peter 
two years, he came to Brighton, where he has 
since engaged in farming. Mr. Jacobson has been 
assessor, justice of the peace and supervisor. 
Blarried in 1842, Miss I. Nichols. Benjamin, .John, 
Betsy, Ellen and Charles, are their children. The 
two oldest served in 'the Union army. 

Christian Jenson was born in 1846, in Norway, 
but in 1853 immigrated, in company with his par- 
ents, to Dane county, Wisconsin. In June, 1856, 
the family removed to Nicollet county, and in 
1869 he bought a farm in Brighton, but afterward 
sold, and since the fall of 1879, he has had a gen- 
eral store in this town, in company with S. O. Pe- 
terson. Mr. Jenson was one of the party that 
found and conveyed to St. Peter the three people 
murdered by Indians, at the Apfelbaum farm. 

Nels Nelson, Sr. was born April 22, 1829, in 
Sweden, and in 1858 located permanently in 
Brighton townshi]), Minnesota. During the In- 
dian massacre, he with other took to St. Peter, 
the bodies of three persons murdered within sight 
of his home. They were living when found, but 
expired before they coiild get them to St. Peter. 
Miss Anna Olson was married to Mr. Nelson in 
1853, in Sweden. They have a son, Nels. 

S. Otto Peterson, a native of Wisconsin,' was 
born in 1853. The family moved to what is now 
Brighton, Nicollet county, in 1850, and here he 
has resided to the present time. Until the fall of 
1879 he worked on his father's farm, then embark- 
in the mercantile business. Mr. Peterson is serv- 
ing his town as clerk. In January, 1880, he was 
united in marriage with Johanna Peterson. 

Mathias Soudag, deceased, was born in Germany. 
Ehzabeth Nei became his wife, and in 1853 they 
came to the United States. After living in Illi- 
nois four years they migrated to Minnesota and 
settled in Brighton, which was Mr. Sondag's home 
until his death, which occurred August 4, 1872. 
The family still reside here, and the son William 
conducts the farm of 208 acres, located on the 
shore of Swan lake. The other children are Mar- 
garet, Charles, Susie, Clara, Nicholas, Sophia, 
Katie and Olena. 



698 



Ul^TUUY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



BROWN COUNTY. 
CHAPTER LXXVII. 

DESdRIPTrVE — OEKMAN COLONY — FIRST SETTLERS — 

INDIAN DEPREDATIONS OOnNTV OBOANIZATION 

FINANCES — WAR RECORD. 

Brown county i8 so named in liouor of the 
widely known pioneer, Hon. Joseph K. Brown, 
who had l)eeu soldier, Indian trader, hinilu'rman, 
speculator, founder of cities, legislator, editor and 
inventor. 

This county is bounded on the north by Red- 
wood. Rpnville and Nicollet counties; on the west 
by Nicollet and Bhie Earth; on the south by Wa- 
tonwan and Cottonwood, and on the west by Cot- 
tonwood and Redwood counties. 

Tlie surface is a fine undulating prairie, inter- 
spersed with lakes, meadows and groves of timber; 
its soil is very rich and fertile. ThtTe are some 
twenty lakes within its borders, the names of the 
princii)al ones being Lone Tree, Sleepy Eye, 
Hanska, Linden, Armstrong, Rice and Clear. The 
Minnesota river flows along its northeastern 
limits, that forming the dividing line between 
Brown and Nicollet counties. The Cottonwood 
flows through the middle portion. Parallel, hut a 
little to the south, is the course of the Little Cot- 
tonwood. This lacustral richness causes an 
abundant supply of timber, which may be ob- 
tained in nearly all parts of the county. 

The first white settlement appears to have been 
made in 1854, when a party of Germans from 
Chicago made an exploration of the region lying 
along the Minnesota river. Their presence was 
with a view of selecting a tract of land for a Ger- 
man colony that had been organized in Chicago, 
which consisted of several hundred members. Mr. 
Weiss and "Sir. R. Kiesshng were the leaders of 
this exploring party. The search resulted in their 
settling temporarily in what is now the town of 
Milford. Being pleased with the situation they 
returned to Chicag", and the same year part of 
the colony came on and settled on the land. 

These settlers sulisequently moved from this 
spot, and laid out the town of New Ulm, and 
the events of tliat short sojourn pertaining more 
particularly to the history of New Ulm, will be 
described in the chapter devoted to that city. 

Jacob Brust in 18.5.'j settled in the present town 
of Cottouwdod, and he was shortly after- 



wards followed by John Sfamm and Jacob 
Pfenninger, wlio settled in the same neigh- 
borhood. Next year the towns of Lake Hanska 
and Sigel were settled, the latter by A. D. Loomis, 
Charles Smith and -John Jacques, the former by 
Edw.-ird Casey. Home and Linden townships 
were settled at almost the same time; the first to 
arrive at the former being Oliver Matthews and 
John Armstrong at the latter. 

Among the first settlers in the town of Leaven- 
worth were Luther Whiton, Dr. .7. B. Calkins, 
Samuel Waitt and John Chosnock. Jolin and 
Daniel Burns settled in 1850 in what is now 
called Burnstowu. 

In the first years of the settlement of the county 
the near presence of the Indians was a serious in- 
convenience, as the savages were perpetually in- 
flicting annoyance of various kinds upon their 
white neighbors. .\ strict watch had to be kept to 
prevent the stealing of horses and cattle, and sev- 
eral of the settlers were killed in trying to protect 
their property. 

The gi>vernment survey was made in 1854 by 
M. M. Hay den. The county was established and 
its boundaries fixed by act of the legislature passed 
February 20, 1855. Its area was of immense ex- 
tent. Commencing at the south-east corner of 
town 101, range 30, west, its boundary proceeded 
along the Iowa line to range 48, and thence south 
to the mouth of the Big Sioux river (where Sioux 
City now stands ) then up the Missouri river to 
about the mouth of Grand river, then due east, in 
a line projected to the Minnesota river, which 
formed, for some distance, the north-east boundary 
of the county. 

This immense region had been set off from Blue 
Earth county and was still attached to it for judi- 
cial purposes. 

February 11, 185(3, the legislative assembly 
enacted' "that the county of Brown is hereby de- 
clared to be an organized coimty and entitled to all 
privileges and immuuities,and subjected to all liabi- 
lities of other organized counties of this territory." 
The governor wns empowered by tins act, to aj)- 
point county officers to serve until the following 
election; not knowing the names of any of the 
settlers he handed Francis Baasen, who was then 
in St. Paul, the blank commissions and ordered 
him to fill hi the names of some proper per- 
sons to fill the offices and report the names to him 
when he had so done. No record exists of the 
names of these officers so ajjpointed, and their 



BROWN COUNTY. 



699 



names have entirely passed out of the memory of 
the present inhabitants. 

On May 23, 1857, there were formed out of part 
of the territory contained in the area of Brown 
county, Martin, Jackson, Nobles, Kook, Pipestone, 
Murray and Cottonwood counties. In 1862 the 
boundaries were again changed by tlie establish- 
ment of Redwood county, which cut off from 
Brown the present counties of Lyon, Lincoln, 
Yellow Medicine and Lac qui Parle, all of which 
were formed into Redwood county. The boun- 
daries of Brown county were then of less ex- 
tent than now. They were as follows: Beginning 
at the south-east comer of town 108, between range 
29 and 30, thence west to the town line between 
ranges 33 and 34, thence north to the Minnesota 
river, thence down said river to a point between 
ranges 29 and 30, thence south to the place of 
beginning." In 1864 the county was 'enlarged 
by the addition of the four townships of North 
Star, Burns, Stately and Bashaw, the two former 
being out off from Redwood, the two latter from 
Cottonwood counties. The total area of the 
county is about 600 square miles. 

The first meeting of the county commissioners, 
of whicli there is any record in existence, took 
place at New Ulm, on September 1, 1856, the com- 
missioners being Peyton Nichols, Anton Kaus 
and A. Henle, at which meeting the former regis- 
ter of deeds having removed from the county, 
Francis Baasen was appointed in his stead. The 
board then reconsidered the vote at the last meet- 
ing in regard to election precincts and established 
the same as follows : 

First precinct : All the surveyed townships south 
of town 110, range 20. Second precinct: All 
that part of Brown county included in town 110, 
range 30. Third precinct: All the surveyed 
townships in range 31, included in Brown county. 
Fourth precinct : AU that part of the unsurveyed 
land included in the Redwood or Lower Sioux 
Agency. Fifth precinct: All the unsurveyed 
land in the Yellow Medicine Agency. 

The judges of election appointed and the poll- 
ing places were as follows : William Winkelmanu, 
Jacob Brust and Peyton Nichols for the first pre- 
cinct, polls at the house of Jacob Brust; Anton 
Kaus, Ernst Diedrich and Henry Meyerding for 
the second precinct, polls at the house of the lat- 
ter; Athanasius Henle, Albert Tuttle and John 
Zettel for the third precinct, polls at the house of 
David Haeberle; James Lynd, Stewart B. Garvie 



and Thomas J. B. Heath for the fourth district, 
polls at the house of Dr. A. W. Daniels; Thomas 
J. Williamson, Stephen R. Riggs and A. Robert- 
son for the fifth precinct, polls at the house of the 
latter. The three first precincts were also created 
as road districts. 

In the first year of the settlement the farmers 
were subjected to much loss by blackbirds. The 
damage inflicted by these pests was so great that 
on February 23, 1857, a petition, numerously 
signed, was presented to the board of commission- 
ers, praying that some provision be made for de- 
stroying blackbirds. The commissioners not 
thinking themselves competent to do so, without 
consulting the coiinty at large, took no action in 
the matter. In the following AprU pressure was 
again brought to liear upon thom, and their stand 
in the matter was reconsidered. It was resolved 
that, whereas William Pfaender had promised to 
furnish the poison, the board concluded to use it 
three times in the season, first, from May 10 to 
May 15; second, during the wheat harvest; third, 
in the mouth of October, the money expended for 
which experiments was to be recovered by the 
county treasurer. 

Again in 1859 the board had to come to the re- 
lief of the community, so great were the ravages 
of these jiests. In accordance with a petition re- 
ceived, praying for help, it was determined to give 
to each farmer in the county who had part of his 
land under cultivation one bottle of strychnine, and 
the clerk was ordered to procure for that purpose 
three hundred bottles of the poison, and a day was 
fixed for its distribution. These heroic measures 
were effective only for a time, and in succeeding 
years rewards were paid for the killing of black- 
birds at the rate of forty cents per hundred birds. 
A war of extermination was waged, and after a 
few years they entirely disappeared. 

Brown county has been most unfortunate in its 
subjection to malign influences. The epochs of 
its history consist of a series of disasters, that have 
required the exercise of much courage and deter- 
mination to overcome. Besides the blackbirds the 
grasshoppers were the source of ruin to many. 
Their appearance was made as early as 1857, 
when they made a short sojourn of only a few 
hours in the month of AprO. Their next visit was 
in 1864. That year they laid their eggs and the 
next was one in which much damage was done to 
the crops. During the after years when the plague 
of their presence raged through the valley. Brown 



700 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



county was visited most severely. It was calcula- 
teil that in the five years of the continuance of the 
presence of those insects that the total damage in- 
llioted was equal to tlie entire crop products of three 
years. Other causes of auirering were the Indian 
troubles of 18G2, the massacres being most terri- 
ble and bloody in Brown county. At the begin- 
ning of the outbreak the Indians scoured the 
county in all directions, and before organization 
could be effected they left a track of nun and des- 
olation in all parts of the ccumty. The destruc- 
tion of projjerty was inuuense and the murders 
committed numerous. 

In addition to all thes(! troubles the great cy- 
clone of 1881 came as a climax. Tliese matters 
are all treated fully in their proper places in this 
work, and therefore need not be more than alluded 
to in this connection. 

The first ferry licenses granted were for a ferry 
across the Miiniesotii river at the j)oint where the 
"Mankato and Fort Kidgely road shall cross said 
river," and "for a ferry across the Minnesota river 
from the foot of Centre street in the town of New 
Ulm. at such point as will be selected by the 
grantee not more than a mile above or below said 
point." Both of these licenses were issued May 
12. 18.57. 

September 7, 1857, another election precinct, 
the sixth, was established, which comprised all the 
government townships numbered 107, 106, 105, of 
range 30. The polls were ordered to be at the 
house of Pliilaudcr Hartshorn, at Madelia. 
Judges of election were to be selected by the 
voters at the polls. Before the October elections 
several more townships were included in this 
precinct. 

Contracts were awarded, February 5, 1858, for 
the purpose of having the bridge over the Cotton- 
wood river constructed, to Julius Schramm for the 
carpenter work, for the sum of .'Jl,2.')0; to .Toseph 
Eeinhard, for furnishing and delivering all the 
timber at 5 J cents per running foot; to Charles 
Lauer for drawing the timber, and to .J. Berndt 
and J. Victor, for constructing the piers. Jacob 
Brust was afterward put in charge of the work. 

Tlie first term of the district court was held 
September 22, 1857, by Judge A. G. Chatfield. 
Lewis Branson was district attorney, and Henry 
Belmke clerk. Albert Tuttle was foreman of the 
grand jury. 

July f), 1857, the first four school districts were 
formed. They were only temporary districts. 



made for the purpose of the apportionment. Jan- 
Uiu-y 2, 1800, the total number of children in the 
several school districts were as follows: Milford, 
89; Linden, 2C; Redwood, 47; Madelia, .37; Xew 
Ulm, 139; District No. 10, 26; Cottonwood, 104; 
total number, 465. The amount of the school tax 
was .'J072, an average amount for each scholar of 
SI. 43 7-10. January 8, 1862, the number of 
scholars reported was 487, the totid amount of 
school ta.t S!951.07. January 3, 18G7, an appro- 
priation was made in order to send three suitable 
persons to the State Normal school at Winona, and 
pay their expenses while there, the consideration 
being that they should each agree to teach for 
three years in the schools of Brown county. At 
present there are sixty-five school districts in the 
county ; the last report gives the total number of 
scholars as being 2,797. 

At a meeting of the commissioners held April 
12, 1858, the matter of township organization was 
considered, as required by act of the legislature, 
and it was resolved that "Whereas, Minuesot;i has 
not been admitted to the Union as a state, and the 
said legislature had act«d under the authority of 
the State of Minnesota, which not being in exis- 
tence yet, and, whereas, the organization of town- 
ships as proposed is very expensive for a new 
county, the following resolution was adopted by 
the board, not to take any steps in regard to the 
township organization until Minnesota is admitted 
as a state and the benefit of Brown county will 
require it." 

On Jime 28, 1858, notwithstanding the above a 
special session was held for the purpose of carry- 
ing out the provisions of the township organiza- 
tion act. There were only two of the commission- 
ers present, the two being Jacob Brust and F. 
Roebbecke. It was resolved "that the board has 
now a legal right to organize the county into 
towns, whereas Minnesota is admitted into the 
Union as a state." The following towns were es- 
tablished, New Ulm, Ludwigs, Lower Sioux 
Agency, Yellow Medicine, Leavenworth and Cot- 
tonwood. The remaining portion of the county 
was attached to Leavenworth. Elections were 
ordered to l)o held the second Tuesday in July. 
The clerk was ordered to make out a record of the 
proceediugs of the board concerning the town- 
ship organization and to give notice to the diller- 
eut towns, and also to cause the proceedings to be 
published in the New Ulm Pioneer. 

The elections were duly held and the first meet- 



BROWN COUNTY. 



701 



ing of the board of county supervisors was held 
November 8, 1858, Those present were Jacob 
Barbier, representing New Dim; Jacob Brust, Cot- 
tonwood ; John Doster, Milford : John Armstrong, 
Linden; Mr. Euttledge, Madelia. The other towns 
had not then perfected their organization. A ma- 
jority of the supervisors of the organized towns 
being present the board proceeded to business and 
elected Jacob Brust chairman of the board. The 
clerk of the late board of county commissioners 
delivered up the books of the late board and the 
assessment rolls. 

After some routine business had been transacted 
the board proceeded to consider the financial con- 
dition of the county, and to devise some means for 
improving the depressed state of the exchequer. 

It was also resolved that each township of the 
county according to the last division should con- 
stitute a school district. 

A determined stand was taken by the board in 
1859, against the detestable and criminal practice 
of furnishing liquor to the Indians. Under date 
of September 15, of that year, a reward was offered 
of twenty-five dollars to any person who would 
furnish such proof of violations of the law 
2)rohibiting the sale of spirits to the Indians as 
would lead to their conviction. The officers at 
the agencies and at Fort Kidgely were also noti- 
fied that the people of the county were determined 
to carry out the provisions of a law entitled an "act 
to extend the laws of the state over all the Indian 
tribes within the boundaries of the state, and to 
confine them to their own lands." To give added 
publicity to these resolutions they were inserted 
in the columns of the New Ulm Pioneer. 

June 11, 1860, the subject of dividing the county 
into commissioner districts was discussed, and re- 
sulted in the establishment of the following dis- 
tricts: First, consisting of the town of New Ulm; 
second, consisting of the towns of Madelia, Lin- 
den, Cottonwood and Leavenworth; third, the 
towns of Milford, Kedwood and Yellow Medicine. 

On January 1, 1861, the board met according 
to article 2, section 2, of the act to provide for 
county organization and government. There were 
then seventeen townships organized in the county. 
At this time Wm. Pfaender was register of deeds; 
Charles Roos, sheriff; E. St. Julien Cox, attorney; 

Brockmann, fauiTeyor. J. VV. Young was 

chairman of the board of commissioners. 

When the war of the rebellion broke out Brown 
county furnished her proportion of soldiers to the 



cause and offered bounties for volunteers to fill her 
quota. 

A petition signed by the mayor and the city 
council of the town of New Ulm, in behalf of the 
citizens of said town, was presented to the commis- 
sioners January 7, 1862, praying that the town- 
ship of New Ulm be limited, so as to comprise only 
the incorporated town of New Ulm and to attach 
those lands then forming a part of the townsliip 
not included in the corporation lines of New Ulm to 
the adjoining townships. After due consideration 
of the matter it was resolved by the board "that 
the boimdaries of the township of New Ulm are 
hereby limited to the lines of the incorporated 
town of New Ulm, provided, that the town super- 
visors first shall submit the matter to the legal 
voters of the township of New Ulm, at their next 
annual town election, to take a vote for or against 
the alteration of said boundary." This being 
duly submitted to the electors, as required by law, 
the vote was in favor of the proposed limitation. 

County Buildings: No action was taken in the 
matter of county buildings until the fall of 1858. 
In November of that year three plans for a jail were 
submitted to the board of commissioners; J. 
Berndt produced two, the cost of erecting 
the first plan would be $580; of the 
second, S300. Mr. J. Pfenninger handed in a 
plan and an estimate of cost at about $400. On 
motion it was resolved to accept the first plan of 
J. Berndt. No contract was entered into until the 
next fall. March 1, 1859 it was resolved to au- 
thorize the chairman to "issue a proclamation 
about the building of the county jail as resolved 
by the board in November." Soon after, a con- 
tract was entered into and the jail ordered built, 
and the following lith day of September it was 
accepted as being built according to contract. 
This was a log building situated in German Park 
and was the only county building of any kind 
until the fall of 1865, when the present brick 
building costing $4,000 was erected and used as 
county offices. Previous to this various places 
had been rented as county offices. In the fall of 
1873 the present handsome brick jail and court 
room was constructed at a cost of $11,000. 

The whole amount of taxes assessed for the year 
1857 was .-12,296.19, of which $830.42 was paid. 
The county borrowed money at the rate of two 
per cent, a month, to meet expenses until money 
could be raised by taxation. The rate of taxa- 
tion, however, was not fixed high enough to raise 



7(I-J 



IlIsrORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALf.EV. 



a sufficient amount to meet the liabilities, for on 
September 4, 1861, it wna reported by the auditor 
tliiit the iiulfbtedness of tlio county was §5,000. 
The rate of taxatiou was then increased and tlie 
auditor was iustrueted to exchange coiinty bonds 
not issued, for those outstanding, then due. Au- 
thority was also given him to issue county bonds 
duo in five years, bearing interest at the rate of 
seven per cent, per annum. In 18C2 the special 
tax was fifteen cents on the dollar, and projjerty 
destroyed by Indians was exempted from tax for 
that year. The next few years were m&rked by 
slight improvement in finances, and in 1872 a con- 
dition of sound health was attained, and has since 
been maintained. The rate of taxation has grad- 
ually fallen to five mills in 1880. The a.ssessed 
valuation of property in the county for that year 
was S3,2i0,500. For the year ending March 1, 
1881, the total receipts of moneys from all sour- 
ces, was $14,70(5.73; the expenditure being 
§14,137.79, lea^^ng a balance on hand of •S56S.!)4. 
The total amount of county bonds issued from 
time to time was $5,072, of which all have been 
redeemed except $737. A new series of $15,000 
is in process of issue for the jmrpose of building 
county bridges, four in all, respectively at the vil- 
lages of Iberia and Springfield, the town of Sigel 
and over the Cottonwood on the Mankato and New 
Ulm road. 

The Bro\ni County Agricultural Society was or- 
ganized in 1859, but during the outbreak of 1862, 
it was discontinued. In 1864 a new organization 
was elVected, with .T. lieinartz, jjresident; J. Mau- 
derfeld secretary ; P. Gay, treasurer. 

WAR RECORD OF BROWN COUNTY. 

First Infantry. Company H. Privates — Wal- 
ter Zastro.s, must. April 29, '01, dis with regt., 
afterwards captain in a Wisconsin regt. Francis 
Baaseu, recruit, must. Aug. 10, '61, pro. Ist lieut. 
in Feb., '(!2, and reg'l Q. M. July 10, '02, dis with 
regiment. 

Second Infiintry. Company G, mustered July 
8, 1H61. 2(1 Lieut. ---Frederick A. Brandt, resigned 
July 18, '62. Sergeant — John Bennert, reduced, 
dis with regt. Corporal — Jacob Baur, deserted 
from Louisville, Ky., Oct. 1, '62. Privates — Frank 
Bartsch, pro. corp., dis. on ex. of term July 7. '64. 
(teorge Guetlich, trans, to Inv. C. Sep. 26, '63. 
Paul Magnus, dis May 3, '62. Frederick Os- 
wald, died Oct. 13. '61, at Fort Snelling, Minn. 
Joseph Oether, trans, to V. R. C. April 22, "64. 
Augustus Rommel, killed January 19, '62, at Mill 



Spring. Gustav Schliok, pro, oorp. and serg't, dis 
on ex. of term July 7, '64. Joseph Yollmann, dis 
for disab'y June 21, '62. Company 1. Prirnte — 
Benjamin Ressell, must. .July 30, '61, re-en. Dee. 

19, '63, dis with regt. Drafted— O. B. Ebilsiser, 
must. Jan. 30, '65, dis with regt. 

Fourth Infantry. Company H, mustered Dec. 

20, '61. Primtes—K. H. Helling, re-en. Jan. 1, 
64, pro. corp. and serg't, dis with regt. B. L. 
Stoddard, dis for disab'y March 26, '62. 

Tenth Infantry. Comjiany I. Privates — Rob- 
ert Baker, en. Aug. 14, '62, killed Aug. 20, '62, 
in battle with Indians. James Delaney. must. 
Nov. 12, '62, dis with regt. Charles Mitchell, 
must. Nov. 12, '62, dis for disab'y May 1, '64. 
Ernest Paul, must. Nov. 12, '62, no record. 

Eleventh Infantry. Company A, mustered 
Aug. 24, '64. Sergeants — Frederick Foster, dis 
with regt. Johann Kreger, dis with regt. Cor- 
})i)ral — .Toseph Knoedel, dis with regt. Privates — 
George Beck, dis with regt. Peter Bott, dis with 
regt. John Clausen, dis with regt. Henry Fort- 
wengeler, dis with regt. Bernhard Gantuer, dis. 
•with regt. Christ Goetke, dis per order Jime 12, 
'65. Philij) Gross, dis with regt. Roliert Henton, 
dis with regt. Jiiseph Hillesheim, dis with regt. 
Peter Hillesheim, dis with regt. Johann Holm, 
dis with regt. B. L. Jones, dis with regt. 
Philijjp Kirby, dis with regt. August Kuhne, dis 
with regt. Conrad Kleiukneeht, dis with regt. 
Christian Kurn, dis with regt. Mchael Lange, dis 
with regt. Alvin Parker, died Feb. 6, '65, 
at Galatin, Tenn, Theobald Scheubel, dis 
with regt. Henrich Schumacher, dis with regt. 
Fritz Walther, dis with regt. Casper Zoerb, dis 
with regt. 

First Battalion Infantry, Company G. Private 
— Horace G. Eaton, must. Mar. 27, '65, dis with 
comp. First Heavy Artillery, Company F. Pri- 
vates — August Fenske, must. Feb. 7, '65, dis with 
comp. Charles He iffinan, must. Feb. 11, '65, dis 
with comp. Leonard HoUman. must. Feb 11, '6.5, 
died Aug. 8, '65 at Chatanooga. Peter Hoflman, 
must. Feb. 11, '65, dis Nov. 10, '6.5, died shortly 
after at Nashville, Tenn. Peter Hartman, nuist. 
Feb. 11, '65, dis per order Aug. 28, '65. Hermon 
MiUer, must. Feb. 13, '65. dis with comp. Com- 
pany M, Privates — Henry Berg, must. Feb. 18, 
'65, dis with comp. Nicholas Berg, must, Feb, 
18, ,65, dis with comp. Henry Henton, must. Feb. 
' 18, '65, dis with comp. John Lcndt, must. Feb. 



BROWN COUNTY. 



703 



18, 65, (lis with eomp. August Quense, must. 
Feb. 18, '6.5, dis with comp. 

First Mounted Eiingers. Lieut. Colonel. — Wil- 
liam Pfaender, com, Dec. 1, '62, must Jan 15, '63, 
dis with regt. (see 2d cavalry) Company B. 
Wagoner — Henry 8. Back, must. Oct. 26, '62, dis 
with company. Company E, Mustered Oct. 10, 
'62. Sergeant — Sylvester A. George, dis with 
comp. Privates — Frank Prokosh, dis with comp. 
Wenzel Zauer, dis with comp. John Turbes, dia 
with comp. Company L, originally commanded 
by Captain Jacob Nix, and mustered into the ser- 
vice of the United States for three years, Decem- 
ber 28, 1862. 'Captain—3s.ooh Nix, dis Oct. 29, 
'63, to accept pro. in 2d Minn. Cav. 1st Lieut. 
Jolm Spenner, dis with comp. Id Lieut. — John 
Hauenstein, dis with eomp. Sergeants — Ludwig 
M. Fay, dis with comp. Anton Manderfield, dis 
with comp. George Doehne, dis with comp. John 
Nun, dis with comp. Robert Gulden, dis with 
comp. Frederick Meile, reduced Apr. 10, '63, pro 
ch. trumpeter, dis with' regt. Corporals — August 
Zueborg, dis with comp. J. C. Taberer, ap'd sergt. 
dis with comp. August Hein, dis with comp. 
Frederick Stoltz, dis with comp. Luther Whiton, 
dis with comp. J. F. Kirschstein, dis with comp. 
Andreas Betz, dis with comp. Joseph Knoedel dis 
with comp. TeiimsterK — Edward Mayer, dis with 
comp. Conrad Magnes, dis with comp. Farriers 
John Faas, dis with comp. J. B. Castor, dis with 
comp. Saddler — August Quense, dis with comp. 
Wagoner — Martin Baumgartner, dis with comp. 
P?'«'oate«--Nicholaus Bode, pro. bugler, dis with 
comp. Peter Bott, dis with comp. Valentine 
Bott, dis with comp. Peter Berschied, ap'd corp. 
dis with comp. George Brand, dis with comp. 
August Buder, pro. serg, dis with company. 
John Dittbenner, discharged with company. 
Ferdinand Efflinger, discharged with company. 
Henrich Engelhard, dis with comp. Frederick 
Forster, dis with comp. Edmord Flick, dis with 
comp. Wilhelm Frank, dis with comp. Germann 
Friton, dis with comp. Christian Gaetke 1st, dis 
with comp. Christian Gaetke 2d, dis with comp. 
Frederick Grose, dis with comp. Leonard Gul- 
den, dis with comp. Frank Haag, dis with comp. 
August Heimann, dis with comp. Henrich Ha- 
mann, dis with comp. Oscar Hanst, dis wath 
comp. Peter Hartmanu, dis with comp. Carl 
Hausberg, dis with eomp. Wilhelm Heers, dis 
with comp. Nicholas Hlllesheim, dis witli comp. 
Peter Hillesheim, dis with comp. George Hohen- 



stein, dis with comp. Fritz Julius, dis with comp. 
Thomas Jungbauer, dis with comp. Henrich 
Koester, dis with comp. Johann Kruger, dis with 
comp. Charles Lauer, dis with comp. Adam 
Mayer, ap't corp., dis with comp. John 
Mayer, dis with comp. John Mauderfeld, 
dis with comp. Anton Messmer, dis with 
comp. Nicholas Mickel, dis with- comp. Lorenz 
Muther, dis comp. John Paulson, dis with eomp. 
George Peller, dis with comp. John Peller, dis 
with comp. Charles Pelzen, dis with comp. J. 
H. Shapekahn, dis with comp. Otto Scheuffler, 
dis with comp. Athanas Schiedel, dis with comp. 
Christian Scheible, dis with comp. John Scheible, 
dis with comp. Joseph Scheible, dis with comp. 
Quirin Scheible, dis with comp. Joseph Schnei- 
der, dis with comp. Frederick Schlee, dis with 
comp. Anton Schmuker, dis with comp. John 
Schhimberger, dis with comp. F. W. Schmidt, dis 
comp. John Schmidt, dis for disab'y Sep. 6. Joseph 
Schnobrick, dis with comp. Conrad Seer, dis with 
comp. David Simon, dis with com. Carl Simon- 
det, dis with comp. Wenzel Springer, dis with 
comp. Frederick Strate, dis with comp. Joseph 
Vogel, dis with comp. Alois Wernz, dis with 
comp. John ^ eidesnan ap'd corp., dis with comp. 
Joseph Wilke, dis with comp. Carl Wilken, dis 
with comp. Xa^'ier Zollner, dis with comp. John 
Adams, died Dec. 31, '62, at St. Peter. 
Jacob Klosner, dis with comp. Recruits — 
Benedict Jung, must. May 13, '63, dis with comp. 
Peter Lanhus, must. May 9, '63, dis with comp. 
Wilhelm Lentz, must. May 9, '63, dis with comp. 
Peter Madder, must Apr. 2, '63, dis with comp. 
Andras Schott, must. Mar. 17, '63, dis with comp. 
Company M. Corporal — W. H. Hines, must. Dec. 
30, '62, dis for disab'y, Apr. 14, '65. 

Second Cavalry. Lieut. -Colonel — William Pfaen- 
der, com'd Jan. 13, '64, dis Dec. 7, '65. Company 
G. mustered Jan. 4, '64. Captain — Jacob Nix, dis 
Nov. 4, '64, per order for fighting duel, afterwards 
received hon. dis from legislature. Sergeant — F. 
A. Brandt, dis with comp. Corporal — Adolph 
Fareman, dis with comp. Musician — Andras 
Scliott, dis with comp. Blacksmith — .John Fraas, 
reduced, dis with cnmp. Privates — John Dittden- 
nar, dis with comp. Gtil Olson, dis with comp. 
Ole Olson, dis for disab'y June 20, '65. Knud 
Olson, dis with comp. Ole Peterson, dis with 
comp. John Peterson, dis with comp. Carl 
Simondet, dis with comp. xVnton Schmucker, 
dis with comp. J. H. Sorlien, died Nov. 4, "04, at 



704 



innToiir OF riih: Minnesota VM.r.i:y. 



Fort Ridgely, Minn. Wenzcl Springer ilis with 
fomp. /^wMiVs— Frederick Jloile, must. Fob. 2, 
"G-l, pro. prin. mus. trans to N. C. S. Feb. 5, '64. 
Luther C. IveH, must. Fob. 22, '64, pro. Corp., w'd 
at Miiuvais Terre, D. T., Aug. 8. '64, di.s with 
comp. Fniiik Hiiag, must. Fob. 27, "64, ills with 
comp, Cuiupuny M, muatoreil .Tiiuuary 5, 1864. 
SergfAiHts — Lewis Brookmnn, dia with conij). Wil- 
liiiiu Hummel, dis with comp. Corporals — Joseph 
Sewbrieh, vet. pro. serg't, dis with com]). Nicholas 
Hilleshcim, vet., dis with comp. Edmund Flick, 
vet. dis with comp. Prieahs — Christian Gaetke, 
vet., dis with comp. Carl Holme, dis for disab'y 
Oct. 13, '64. .\ugust Heimann, vet., dis with comp. 
Carl Hausburg, vet., dis with comp. Andrew 
Hoffman, dis with comj). Johannes Jolianni, dis 
with comp. John Manderfeld, vet., dis with comp. 
Frank Prokosh, vet., dis with comp. Jacab Schnei- 
der, dis with comp. John Turbes, vet., dis witli 
comp. Felix Winteroll, dis with Comp. William 
Walther, dis with comp. liecruits — August Zur- 
burg, vet., must, Apr. 2, '(U, com'd suicide Aug. 
19, '64, near Lake Anna. 

First Battery Light Artillery. Senior 1st Lieut. 
— William Pfaender, en. Oct. 16, 6], resigned 
to accept commission in First Minnesota Moiuated 
Rangers. Senior 2nd Lieut. — -Richard Fischer, 
en. Nov. 7, '61, resigned Aug. 18, '62. Sergeant — 
William Vinceus, en. Oct. 4, '61, died Sep. 7, '64, 
at Atlanta, Ga. Corporal — Eugene Gerstenhauer, 
en. Oct. 4, '61, dis on ex. of term, Dec. 17, '64. 
Privates — Guatavus Andre, en. Oct. 4, '61, died 
Sep. 4, '64, near Vining Sta., Ga. Charles Heers, 
en. Oct. 4, '61, dis on ex. of term, Dec. 17, '64. J. 
F. Kastner, en. Oct. 4, '61, dis on ex. of term, Dec. 
17, '64. Peter Lieber, en. Oct. 4, '61, dis for 
disab'y Aug. 18, '62. J. G. Merkle, en. Oct. 30, 
'61, dis for disab'y in Deo. '62. Lambert Naegele, 
en. Oct. 30, '61, dis on ex.of term, Dec. 17, '64. 
Louis Schilling, en. Oct. 4, '61, dis on ex, of term, 
Dec. 17, '64. August Schilling, en. Oct. 4, '61, 
dis on ex. of term, Dec. 17, '()4. William Thiele, 
en. Oct. 2.5, '61, dis on ex. of term, Dec. 17, '64. 
C. A. Winkler, en. Oct. 4, '61, dis on ex. of term, 
Deo. 17, '64. Frederick Weiland, en. Oct. 4, '61, 
dis on ex. of terra, Dec. 17, '64. liecruits — August 
Grossman, en. Mar. 13, '65, dis with bat'y. George 
(ilessing, en. Mar. 13, '65, dis with bat'y. Al- 
brecht Petersen, vet., en. Sep. 27, '63, dis with 
bat'y. Jacob Trost, en. Mar. 13, '65, dis with 
bat'y. 



CHAPTER LXXVni. 

NEW ULM — SETTLED BY HERMAN SOCIETIES — TOWN- 
SITE CITl' cnAllTEH — UESTKOVEU IIV INDIANS — ■ 

CYCLONE — 8O0IETIE.S BUSINESS. 

The settlement of New Ulm was effected thn.ugh 
tlie medium of two colonization societies, each with 
similar designs. They were the "Chicago Land 
Verein," and "Tlie C^olonization Society of North 
.\merica," the latter originating in Cincinnati. 
Eventually a hisiim of the two took |)lace, and a 
new association was formed luider the title of the 
German Land Association. The Chicago' society 
was formed about July. 1853, by a class of six 
Germans who were studying the language of their 
adopted country. Among these six individuals 
was Frederick Beinhom, who conceived the idea 
of a colonization society ; the idea met with favor, 
and shortly after public meetings were held and 
an organization perfected, of which Frederick 
Beinhom was president, Frederick Metzke secre- 
tary, and a Mr. Schwaz treasurer. The teacher of 
the class referred to, William Fach, was appointed 
agent to look up a location for the association, the 
object of which was to get beyond the reach of 
land speculators, to obtain govornment land and 
create a model tomi, which should be surrounded 
by gardens. One of the necessary conditions, 
also, of the intended site of the city, was that the 
situation should be fronting on a river. By No 
vember of the first year the society had sixty mem- 
bers; meetings were held every week, and ji 
monthly payment of ten cents was required to 
meet expenses. In February, 1854, the society 
gave a ball at the market house on the North 
Side, which netted over $300. Notice was givei> 
through the papers that new members would be 
required to pay three dollars each for the privi- 
lege of joining the societj-, if joining before the 
exjuration of eight days from date of notice; after 
that period live dollars would I)e required. In ;i 
short time the membership was 800, nearly all of 
whom were working men. The agent informe 1 
the society that he had selected some land in every 
way suited for their purposes; this was in .\pril, 
1854. Investigation, however, proved that the 
agent's selection was in reality a sandy desert iu 
the northern part of Michigan. A committee, con- 
sisting of Beinhom, Assal, Hmnmelsheim, Muel- 
ler and Veringer was then appointed to select an 
eligible place for settlement, according to the ex- 
pressed desires of the society. After visiting 



BROWN COUNTY. 



705 



many places, principally in Iowa, they returned to 
Chicago without finding what they wanted. Soon 
after, Pfeift'er and Messerschmidt were sent to Min- 
nesota, and reported good land in the neighbor- 
hood of Swan Lake. Messrs. Kiessling and Weiss 
were sent out to corroborate this good news, and 
on their return said they had got a very nice place 
"which was on the opposite side to a place called 
Le Sueur." This was in September, 18.54. An 
expedition of twenty members was made up to go 
to the place the committee had selected. Upon 
their arrival they were not suited with the loca- 
tion, and proceeded up the river to Traverse des 
Sioiix. Athanasius Henle, Ludwig Meyer, Fred- 
erick Massonpust and Alois Palmer started for 
Fort Eidgely, and arrived at the trading post of 
Joseph La Framboise, who said there Was a place 
near where the Cottonwood flowed into the Minne- 
sota, that was the most eligible place in the entire 
state for a town. 

Arriving on the site of the present city of New 
Ulna, they were charmed with the situation, and 
sent for their companions, who had remained at 
Traverse des Sioux, who arrived October 8th. 

Tne lateness of the season precluding the pos- 
sibility of erecting houses before the cold weather 
set in, they went to a point eleven miles from the 
place of their selection, which was opposite to the 
place where La Framboise was located. The new 
settlers had with them a wagon and four oxen, 
their only transportation. Here they found a de- 
serted Indian village. Taking possession of the 
tepees they commenced the erection of a log house, 
the food supply was very short and they did not 
know what to do for supplies. La Framboise 
helped them all he could, and a trip was after- 
wards made to Fort Kidgely and provisions ob- 
tained from there. 

The Indian tepees all being empty, the settlers 
thought that the Indians had given up the village. 
Instead of this they had simply been to the 
agency for the purpose of receiving annuities from 
the government. On the return of the Indians 
the chief went to the block house the settlers had 
built and told the intruders that the place belong- 
ed to them, and the premises would have to be 
vacated or they would all be killed. Through 
the mediation of La Framboise, who had a great 
inUueuce over the Indians, they were finally allow- 
ed to remain in the quarters they had selected 
until spring. 

The winter was passed in getting out logs and 

45 



putting up a saw-mill, on a creek that furnished 
sufficient power for the purpose. Hence the name 
of Milford, afterwards given to the place. During 
the cold weather, through the over-heating of a 
stove, the log house inhabited by the band of set- 
tlers caught fire and was totally destroyed. This 
was on February 15. After this they had to live 
in the tepees until other quarters could be pre- 
pared. 

It should be mentioned that one reason why the 
Indians vacated their premises was that the small- 
pox had attacked one of the tribe. Him they left 
in one of the tepees and the settlers buried the 
body. 

On May 16, 1855, about twenty more members 
of the society arrived from Chicago, among them 
one Volk, who, according to instructions from the 
president, laid out the town site of New Ulm. 

Among the new settlers were very many who 
were natives of Wurtemberg, and the new settle- 
ment was called after the town of Ulm in that 
state. 

The first houses that were built were the claim 
shanties of F. Behnke, R. Diedrich, Paul Hitz, 
Louis Meyer and Henry Meyerding, which were 
in the the center of the present city. A few days 
after the arrival of the new party May, 20, a 
branch of the home society was established, of 
which A. Kiessling was elected president, John 
Zettel, vice-president; Henry Meyerding, secre- 
tary and Joseph Dambach, treasurer, their terms 
of office being for three months. 

In the meantime, in Chicago, a feeling of im- 
easiness was expressed at the non receipt of com- 
munications from the settlers, and Henry Schade 
was sent out to see the new place. 

Soon after this a letter was received in Chi- 
cago, from the settlers stating that the land would 
soon be in the market, and it must be bought. 
A meeting of the parent society was called by the 
president, F. Beinhorn, and it was decided that 
every member of the society should pay into the 
treasury the sum of isi.30, so as to enable the land 
to be purchased. 

It was also decided that those who failed to 
pay the required amount before the expiration of 
four weeks should forfeit their membership in the 
association. 

This resulted in 250 men paying in the sum 
called for When the money was thus paid in, the 
treasurer, Albert Blatz, brother of Valentine Blatz, 
the prominent brewer of Milwaukee, and the presi- 



706 



insrORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



dent, F. Beinbimi, set out, nnd arrivpd nt New Ulm 
May 10, 18r)(), witb the fumls with which to piir- 
obase the hind from the government. On their ar- 
rival they found that it was necessary to have more 
bouses erected in order to prove the chiima. When 
this was accoiupli«hed Beinhornand JMatz, in com- 
pany witb Charles E. Flandrau, and fourteen 
claimants, went to the land office at Winona, and 
bought the land. 

Each member of the verein was entitled to re- 
ceive twelve town lots and nine acres of land out- 
side the town. 

In order to facilitate building, a saw-mill com- 
pany was organized, and jircparations made for 
the erection of a mill. Mr. Beiuhom went back 
to Chicago, bought the engine and equipments, 
and sent u)5 men to place the mill in order. The 
name of the company was the Chicago Mill Com- 
pany. The mill was started in the fall, and fin- 
ished in the spring of 1857, some lumber being 
sawed in it during the winter. This mill stood un- 
til 1858, when it was burned down in the May of 
that year. The property was afterwards sold out 
to Beinhom & Rehfeld on consideration that they 
assume aU the debts of the company. 

During the summer of 185(i William Pfaeiuler 
and a Mr. Seegor, representing the Cincinnati so- 
ciety already referred to, visited New Ulm, which 
resulted in a consolidation of the two societies and 
an accession of settlers. 

It now becomes necessary, before proceeding 
further, to sketch the causes that led to the pres- 
ence of Pfaender on the spot, and the details at 
the organization of the society he represented. 

In the beginning of the year 18.')5 there was 
considerable discussion taking place with regard 
to an enlargement of scope of the Turner societies. 

While this was proceeding the Turn Zeitung, of 
Philadelphia, the organ of tlie "Nordamerikauis- 
cher Turner-bund," in its issue of March 29, 1855, 
published a communication under the heading of 
"practical gymnastics," which called the attention 
of meml)ers of the Turner bund to the importance 
of a practical colonization project. 

Urged by the friends of the scheme the 
Cincinnati Turngemeinde, on the 20th of Ap- 
ril, ajjpointed a committee, consisting of .1. G. 
Herzsch, k. Tafel, A. Fischer, Nicolaus Meyer and 
William Pfaender, for the purpose <if further con- 
sideratioD of the plan, the arrangement of a con- 
Btitution and set of by-laws, and the preparation 
of an address to all the members of the Turner- 



bund. Tlip result of their labors was a call for a 
meeting and tlie invitation of signatures of those 
favorable to the scheme. 

Soon after this a society was organized under 
the name of the Colonization Society of North 
.\merica, which name was ailo])ted for temporary 
purposes only. The following oflicers were elec- 
ted: William Pfaender, president; Adolph 
Fischer, vice-president; V. Bechmann, recording 
secretary; Gustav Tafel, corresponding secretary; 
A. Tafel, treasurer. 

The ideas of this society, without being of an 
Utopian character, had a larger principle, a more 
philo80])hic one, than the main conception of the 
Chicago society. The latter was principally ani- 
mated with the desire for better homes — the Cin- 
cinnati society involved the idea of obtaining 
means for carrying out a broad and liberal scheme 
of development — physical and mental, on the 
wide prairies of the West. 

The society was formed at a time when "know- 
ni>thiugism" tlourished in its highest state, and 
when the financial depression of 1854 had left its 
mark on all departments of industry. The en- 
thusiastic aspirations of the foimders of this so- 
ciety were to plant in the wilderness a broad and 
liberal settlement, free from the trammels of a nar- 
row sectarianism; make homes for all who wished, 
and to afford opportunity for the fullest develop- 
ment of mau. 

The greatest success attended the project; mem- 
bership increased rapidly. The price of shares was 
fixed at $15, and no one was allowed to hold more 
than two. Each share entitled the holder to one lot 
on tlie town site aTid asmallar.'a of ground imt- 
sidefor garden purposes, and to secure a larger 
tract of land at cost price for such as wished to 
engage in agriculture. William Pfaender, Wil- 
liam Seeger and A. Prieser, were sent out in the 
early spring of 1856 to look for a suitable place 
for settlement. They sought through the states 
of Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Minne- 
sota. At St. Paul they were informed that there 
was a settlement of Germans up the Minn&tota 
river, and they at once started for the place and 
found the members of the Chicago society, who 
as yet had not located on the site of New Ulm, 
but were making preparations to do so. A plat of 
the town had already been made. 

Pfaender was acting as agent for the Cincinnati 
society, and liking the site, entered into negotia- 
tions for the amalgamation of the two societies. On 



BROWN COUNTY. 



707 



July 4, 1850, an agreement was perfected in Clii- 
cago, the details of which were that the Chicago 
society should get back all the money that had 
been paid for land, and that the Cincinnati com- 
pany should erect a warehouse and a saw and 
flour-mill. Originally the Chicago society gave 
its members, as specified before,twelve lots and nine 
acres of land outside; by the new apportionment, 
they were to hold six lots and four acres outside; 
the Cincinnati people received three lots and four 
acres outside. After these details were perfected 
Pfaender, as agent of the Cincinnati verein, re- 
turned to New Ulm and obtained sixteen addi- 
tional quarter sections from the government. The 
total amount of land acquired by purchase from 
the Chicago company was 4,036 acres, which in- 
cluded 1,700 acres laid out as a town site. The 
consolidation of the two societies resulted in the 
formation of the German Land Association of 
Minnesota, which was duly incorporated by act of 
legislature, approved March 4, 1857. The capi- 
tal stock was fixed at $100,000, which was to be 
divided into shares of fifty dollars each, and in 
lieu of being paid in money, real or personal es- 
tate could be substituted. The association was 
also "authorized to erect in the counties of Brown 
and Nicollet, buildings, mills and other structures, 
together with steam engines, and all the ma- 
chinery necessary for the manufacture of lumber, 
flour, machinery, agricultural implements, cotton 
and woolen goods, paper, and all such articles 
adapted to the wants of the country, as shall be 
deemed best by the stockholders." 

The first officers elected were William Pfaender, 
president; Hermann Herrendorfer, secretary; 
August H. Wagner, treasurer. 

As soon as the arrangements previously referred 
to were completed a party under the charge of 
Pfaender in September, 1856, started by steamer 
from Cincinnati, which went to St. Paul. From 
there they made the trip in wagons to New Ulm. 
Their names were as follows: Adolph Seiter, 
John C. Toljerer, E. Gerstenhauer, William Hum- 
mel, George Guetlich, George Fein, Henry Kniefl, 
Henry Haupt, Henry Hoffmann and William 
Petermann. August Schell and a few others had 
started in advance of the party a short time. 

On their arrival they formed a town consisting 
A twenty-three shanties scattered over a stretch of 
three miles. 

A store was started in the fall of 1856, by the 
comj)any, in order to furnish provisions to the set- 



tlers. It was situated where the Pennsylvania 
House now stands. It was a two story building, 
of rough lumber, 10x30 feet in dimensions. Wil- 
liam Pfaender was in charge. Everything was 
furnished to the settlers at cost. 

In the spring of 1857 a party numbering some 
sixty or seventy left Cincinnati. They chartered 
the steamer Frank Steele to convey them the en- 
tire distance from Cincinnati to New Ulm. They 
started rather too early in the spring, and were de- 
tained by ice in Lake Pepin for quite a long time, 
but finally arrived safely at their destination with- 
out any accident. With the accession of this large 
body of settlers several stores were started and the 
place soon assumed the appearance of business. 

The company gave up the storehouse to William 
Eahlfeldt, who started a store in the premises on 
his own account. In the meantime, however, 
Adolph Seiter had started a store on his claim, 
some two and a half miles from the centre of town. 
Soon afterwards, on the arrival of Charles Koehne, 
a friend of his, the two formed a partnership, and 
started a store in the centre of the town. About 
the same time that Seiter removed his store to the 
town site F. Roebbecke erected a building, and ob- 
tained a stock of goods, which was the first real 
business house in the town. 

William Pfaender made a claim to the south- 
east quarter of section 12, town 110, range 31. 
Anton Kaus bad the north-west quarter of the 
same section, and Seiter's claim, where the store 
was, was just north of this. It was at the claim 
shanty of Kaus that the first j^ost-office was es- 
tablished. 

The town of New Ulm was incorporated by act 
of legislature approved March 6, 1857. The town 
council consisted of "WDliam Pfaender, president, 
Frederick Beinhorn, Henry Mayerding and Her- 
mann Herrendorfer. The city charter was granted 
February 24, 1876. Charles Boos was the first 
mayor, and Jacob Nix the first clerk. 

The first marriage was that of William Jansen 
and Petronella Adams, March 17, 1857; ceremony 
by William Pfaender as justice of the peace. 

The most terrible event in the annals of this 
town was its destruction, during the Indian out- 
break, in August, 1862. Its population at that 
time was nearly 2,000 souls; so complete was the 
work of the savages, that when all was again quiet 
there were only thirty buildings left standing that 
could be occupied. On Monday, August 18, the 
first advance was made upon New Ulm. The 



708 



HTSTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



scenp of confusion was indespribable: the settlers 
who had escaped from the region of the agency 
with their families came pouring into New Flm on 
their way to a place of safety. The citizens be- 
came much alarmed, and immediately began 
preparations for defense, sending women and 
children to St. Peter and other places as a precau- 
tionary measure. On Tuesday, the lOth, a party 
of men from St. Peter and Nicollet arrived and 
joined the inhabitants in preparations for defense. 
Late in the same afternoon the first attack was 
made by the Indians. Reinforcements began 
soon to arrive from neighboring towns, and com- 
mand was assumed by the Hon. Charles E. Flan- 
drau, who had been commissioned by the gov- 
ernor. The attack continued until Sunday, the 
24th. when the whites were finally victorious, but 
at a most terrible cost. The next day the inhab- 
itants evacuated the town, most of them going to 
St. Peter. It was a deserted village for some time, 
none caring to return immediately. 

When all was safe again the people returned to 
the spot of the once flourishing village, only to 
find it a scene of desolation and ruin. A recapitu- 
lation here of the scenes and events of the massa- 
cre is unnecessary, as the portion of the work de- 
voted to a description of the outbreak contains all 
that could be said regarding the matter. 

Sad and terrible as was the experience through 
which New Ulm had passed, with indomitable 
energy the work of rebuilding was prosecuted and 
affairs resumed their normal course. Several of 
the merchants never returned permanently hut 
their places were taken by others and business 
prospered with the pa-ssage of the year. 

Subsequent to the conclusion of the war of the 
rebellion the trade of the city liecarae of large 
proportions, durable and handsome buildings were 
erected and everything flourished with the in- 
crease of population. 

Nearly twenty years had pass-ed since the out- 
break, when another catastro])lie almost blotted 
the place out of existence, carrying ruin to the 
home of hundreds; inflicted this time by the hand 
of nature. On the afternoon of July 15, 1881, 
api^eared 

THE CYCIKJNE, 

the remembrance of which will always be one of 
the most \'ivid and lasting impressions retained 
through the life of those who felt its fury. A 
large portion of the city wiis rendered a shape- 
less mass of ruins. The damage to property was 



estimated at 8250,000. The loss of life was 
found to be six i>erson8; fifty-three persons were 
wounded. No description could possibly convey 
any adequate concepti(m of the scenes incidental 
to the occurrence. Men and animals were lifted 
into the air and carried, in some instances, a dis- 
tance of more than a mile, and immensely heavy 
pieces of iron, timber and other solid materials, 
were lifted from their places and deeply eml)edded 
in the earth. 

After a day of oppressive heat, about half-])aat 
three in the afternoon, alow roar of thunder called 
attention to a black cloud in the north-western hori- 
zon. Fifteen minutes later another was seen ris- 
ing from the south-west. These two advancing 
columns seemed to intersect each other thirty de- 
grees west of the zenith, and the united columns 
moved onward toward the east in rapid spiral 
curves, while the deep hazen color of the cloud 
within the western angle of these columns, the 
terrific peals of thunder and incessant fla.shes of 
lightning, gave ominous forebodings of the power 
of the demon of destruction. At fifteen minutes 
past four the storm broke in all its fury. The 
first gust demolished nearly every chimney in the 
city. Next, tin roofs were stripped off, blown in 
every direction, and forced into every conceivable 
shape; doors, windows, boards, shingles, rafters, 
bricks and branches of trees were seen flying 
through the air in every direction; whole roofs 
were torn off and went crashing into the side of 
buildings on the opposite side of the street; build- 
ings were lifted from their foundations and scat- 
tered and twisted into shapeless masses of ruin; 
massive brick buildings trembled and crumbled 
before the blast, as if shaken by an earthquake. 
During all the devastation the fearful shrieks of the 
tempest, the perpetual roar of the tliunder, the 
crash of falling walls, mingled with the screams 
of terrified men, women and children, ren- 
dered the scene one that beggars all descrip- 
tion and bailies the power of language to de- 
lineate. The first effects of the tornado were 
felt in the northern part of the town, among the 
modest dwellings of the laboring portion of the 
community. Although the,se were situated 
widely apart, in less than two minutes all were 
either carried off bodily or leveled to the groimd. 
Full a hundred dwellings in this vicinity, all of 
small pretensions, were absolutely swept away on 
the wings of the wind, and several hundred people 
were rendered homeless and peniiilass. Furniture, 



BROWN' COUNTY. 



709 



clothing and bedding were carried away in the 
tempest, and very many saved nothing except the 
clothing they had on at the time. 

The damage was all done in the short space of 
fifteen minutes. It seems almost incredible in 
view of the fearful destruction that was exper- 
ienced, that the loss of life was not greater than it 
was. The city, after the war of the elements had 
subsided presented a scene of sadness not easily 
forgotten. The debris of the fallen buildings, 
wagons, farm machinery, furniture and clothing, 
were mingled in one promiscuous mass, from one 
end of the city to the other; trees were stripped 
of their branches and hoisted and knotted into 
almost impossible shapes; horses, some dead, and 
others still struggling, were buried beneath the 
timbers of falling stables; mothers were searching 
and anxiously inquiring for missing children, and 
the bewildered and terror stricken people gazed 
upon a scene of ruined homes. The escapes , of 
many of the people from injury were of a most 
miraculous character, many being carried a dis- 
tance through the air and deposited unharmed. 

The day after the storm the people went bravely 
to work to clean up the debris and repair the shat- 
tered buildings. At the same time a few of the 
business men seeing the necessity tor prompt ac- 
tion at once set to work to devise ways and means 
for the relief of the poor and homeless. Super- 
intendent Sanborn having placed a special train 
at the disposal of the station agent, a committee 
consisting of Col. Wni. Pfaender, Hon. S. D. Peter- 
son and Joseph Bobleter started for St. Paul, at 
two o'clock in the afternoon, to consult Governor 
Pillsbury, and lay the facts of the awful calamity 
before him. 

The governor handed the committee a check for 
$100 to start the work of relief. Soon after, 
money, fr( m all quarters, began to be sent to the 
relief committe. 

On Tuesday Governor PiUsbury visited New 
TTlm to see what aid was needed most. 

The Governor's Guards were placed on duty on 
Saturday and Sunday nights to prevent pillaging 
and to help the city authorities maintain order. 

The relief committee consisting of ten members 
with Col. Pfaender as president; Eev. A. Berghold 
secretary; and C. Wagner, treasurer; did an im- 
mense iimount of active work. The total amount 
of money they received and distributed was about 
$40,000. 



Post-OiBce. — The first postmaster was Anton 
Kaus, the mail being delivered at his claim shanty 
outside the limits of the town. The next was Wil- 
liam Pffender, who acted in that capacity from 
the fall of 1856 until the following summer. He 
used to keep the entire mail in a cigar box. Hav- 
ing no time to attend to the duties of postmaster, 
small as those duties were, he turned the office 
over to Charles Koehne, in the summer of 18.57. 
The successors were; Frederick Rehfleld and 
Frederick Forster, who retained the otfioe until it 
became part of the presidential patronage, when 
Joseph Bobleter was appointed, July 1, 1873, 
and who has since continued to fill the office. 

Fire Department. — The New Ulm Fire De- 
partment was organized December 13, 1869, with 
a membership of forty-six persons. The officers 
elected were Charles Wagner, president; H. 
Weyhe, vice president: Fritz Haussman, secretary. 
The company possesses one large hand-engine, two 
small ones, and one hook and ladder apparatus. 
The present officers are Charles Brust, president; 
P. Herian, vice-president; C. StoU, secretary. The 
present membership, comprising some of the best 
people in town, is about fifty. 

Churches, Catholic— In the fall of 1856, Fa- 
ther F. X. Winninger held a mission at the house 
of Anton Kaus, which was the place now occu- 
pied by William Pfaender. This was the first re- 
ligious service held in the vicinity of New Ulm. 
Mass was said by Rev. Valentine Somereisen, at 
the house of Paul Hitz, in 1861, and which was 
the only celebration before the arrival of Rev. Al- 
exander Berghold, who came January 10, 1869. 
His first services were held in a building attached 
to Carl Baptist's brewery. The present brick 
church was completed in 1870, and dedicated 
September 11; and the same year a com- 
fortalile parsonage was erected. This was the 
first church in Minnesota that had a chime of 
bells. In the spring of 1881 large additions 
were commenced which, when nearly finished, 
were damaged to a great extent by the cyclone, 
causing a loss of about $4,000. Immediately af- 
terwards preparations were made for rebuilding. 
The present church has capacity for seating 1,200 
people. The congregation consists of about two 
hundred families. 

German M. E. : The first meeting was held in 
the year 1857, at the house of John Fenske, about 
two miles from the town, by the Rev. H. Singens- 
true. Meetings were afterwards held at various 



710 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



plnccs, until 1861, when n churcli was built by 
Rev. H. Sclinidker. This oililico was totally ruined 
by the Indians daring the outbreak. The second 
ehuroh, which was of brick, the foriuer having been 
a frame, was erected in the yem 18GG, under the 
pastorate of Rev. H. Singenstrue. This, in turn, 
fared the fate of the other edifice, being razed to 
the level of the ground by the terrible cyclone of 
1881. The following have been the successors of 
Rev. H. Singonstrue: Charles Thalenhart, J. 
Haas, J. G. Bauer, F. Unland, J. M. Nippold, A. 
Bilbenghaueser and J. C. John. 

St. Paul's (rcrraan Lutheran church was erected 
in the summer of 1803. There had been services 
held by members of this faith in New Ulm previous 
to that date, but no regular minister had resided 
there until 1862, when Rev. A. Kenter arrived. He 
remained until 1868, after which the church was 
without a minister until 1870, when the present in- 
cumbent took charge, the Rev. G. Reim. This 
church was also sadly damaged by the tornado. 

Schools: —The first school taught in New Ulm, 
was in a small frame building, in which August 
Westphal opened school on December 17, 1857, 
there bein-.^ twenty-four scholars in attendance. 
In the summer of 1858, the school was divided 
into two classes, Mr. Frederick Forster taking 
charge of the one and Mr. Westphal of the other 
class. The expenses of the first year's instruction, 
etc., were paid by the German Laud Association. 
In 1859, one class only constituted the school, 
with Mr. Forster in charge, the expense of mainte- 
nance being paid by means of the usual taxation. 
In 1872, an independent school district was 
created. There are now three school-houses all of 
brick, the high school in the center of the city, 
30x75 feet, two stories in height, and two primary 
schools, one in tlie northern the other in the south- 
em portions of town, each one story, 20x40 feet 
in size. The high school edifice was erected in 
1864, at a cost of $5,000, and enlarged soon after. 
Each of the other two edifices cost $1,000. 

In all, seven teachers are employed. The num- 
ber of scholars enrolled is 450. 

Besides the public schools the Catholics hold a 
very large school in connection with their church. 

In 1872 Father Berghold commenced the erec- 
tion of a school, at his own risk, 34x96, three 
stories in height, which is situated opposite the 
church. In this instruction was given by lay 
teachers until 'May, 1874, when it was put in the 
pos-sessii >ii of a body of those school sisters ex- 



pelled by Prince Bismarck from Paderborn, Prus- 
sia, belonging t<i the order of "Schwestem der 
Christlechen Liebe." This building is now used 
by them as a residence, and as an academy, in 
which there are many boarders. 

The parish school is taught in the second story 
of the addition recently made to the church edifice. 

Societies: Charity Lodge, No. 98, A. F. &. 
A. M., had a dispensation granted, dated March 
20, 1872, under which the first meeting was held 
April 1 following. The lodge was formally in- 
stituted February 3, 1873, with the following 
named officers: A. Marden, W. M.; H. .\. Su- 
bilia, S. W.; Frank Shaubut, J. W.; C. Brust, T.; 
J. M. Broome, Sec; J. M. Thompson, 8. D. ; C. 
Berry, J. D.; J. B. Vilikanje, tyler. The first few 
meetings were held in the Turner Hall; the pres- 
ent quarters were obtained in Novemlier. 1873. 

New Ulm Lodge, 53, I. O. O. F., was instituted 
March 7, 1876. The first meeting was held in a 
room over Dr. Weschke's dnig store. The first 
officers were as follows: Oscar Hanft, N. G. ; A. 
H. Schleuder, V. G.; Andrew Peterson, Sec.; F. 
W. Baarsch, Treas. The hall was destroyed by the 
cyclone, after which for some time meetings were 
held in a room over Theo. Crone's dry goods store. 
The present membership is thirty-nine. 

New Ulm Encampment, No. 18, I. O. O. F., was 
instituted November 17, 1879, with thirteen char- 
ter members. The first officers elected were A. H. 
Schleuder, C. P.; S. Lowenthal, H. P.; Ole John- 
son, S. W.; X. Rosskopf, J. W.; F. W. Baarsch, 
Treas.; Peter Manderfeld, Scribe. 

Progress Lodge, No. 28, A. O. U. W., was insti- 
tuted October 4, 1877, with the following officers: 
Oscar Hanft, P. M. W.; Charles Berry, M. W.; 
Alfred Walton, G. F.; Charles Stuebe, O.; CM. 
Herremann, G.; H. B. Constana, Recorder; J. P. 
Bobleter, Financier; Henry Keller, Iteceiver; Ru- 
dolph Kiesling, J. W. ; Jacob Hescheler, O. W. 

St. Joseph Benevolent Society was organized in 
the spring of 1875, with twelve members. John 
Roetcring was president, Anton Olding, secretary, 
and Joseph Bambach treasurer. The present mem- 
bersliip is seventy-six. 

The New Ulm Maennerchor was organixed Ap- 
ril 17, 1878, with twenty -four members. The first 
officers were E. G. Pahl, president: J. A. Ecks- 
tein, secretary; John Neumann, treasurer; G. 
Stohlman, custodian; R. P. A. Nix, director. 

The New Ulm Turn Verein was organized 
shortly after the German Laud Assixjiatiou was 



BROWN COUNTY. 



711 



formed and the houses of the new settlers were 
erected. The organization took place on the 11th 
of November, 1856, at a small log cabin on the 
edge of the woods near what afterwards became 
William Pfaender's farm, on the river's bank. 
Twelve members constituted the strength of the 
society at its initial meeting. The first officers 
elected were William Pfaender, president; E. Ger- 
stenhauer, secretary; A. Seiter, treasurer; W. 
Hummel, instructor; J. C. Toberer, trustee. The 
first hall was erected on its present site, in 1856. 
It was commodious and, at that time, the largest 
building in the place. In 1862, during the Indian 
outbreak, like some 180 other buildings, it was en- 
tirely destroyed by fire. In 1864 the society 
built a large brick hall, to which an east wing was 
added, in 1872, of which part was constructed for 
the purpose of establishing the New Ulm academy. 
At present that portion is occupied by some classes 
of the common schools. The total cost of the 
present hall, without counting the expense of re- 
pairing the damage inflicted by the cyclone, was 
over $20,000. 

Newspapers. — The New Ulm Pioneer was estab- 
lished in 1856 by the German Land Association 
with H. Kompe as editor. The paper passed 
through several hands until 1862, when the press 
and aU materials were destroyed by the Indians. 
In 1861, the New Ulm Post appeared, with Albert 
Wolf as eilitor, who was succeeded in the July of 
the same year, by Ludwig Bogen, the present 
editor and proprietor, under whose control it has 
had a prosperous career, being ably conducted 
and well edited. 

The Plaindealer was established in 1870, by the 
New Ulm Printing Company, with George H. 
Walsh as editor. This was succeeded in 1872, by 
the New Ulm Herald, which was owned and edited 
by Wm. H. and J. A. Sigler. This afterwards 
gave place to the Beview. The New Ulm Review 
made its first appearance on January 1st, 1878, 
under the management of Joseph Bobleter, who 
has since continued to edit and own it. It is pub- 
lished every Wetlnesday, is Kepublicau in politics, 
and in size is an eight column folio. 

The Eagle Mill, saw and grist miD was the first 
to be erected on the present town site. It was 
built in 1856, by a stock company of which F. 
Rehfeld was president. It was burned in 1859, 
and re-built by Rehfeld & Beinhorn. During the 
outbreak of 1862 it was again totally destroyed. 
It was afterwards re-erected at a cost of 120,000. 



In 1865, it passed into the possession of J. Pfen- 
ninger and W. Besch, who continued it until 1876, 
when they admitted to partnership George Dehne, 
since when the three have continued it imtil the 
present. In 1877, the miU was torn down and en- 
tirely rebuilt, its capacity being increased to 100 
barrels of flour per day. In 1881 they built an 
addition 30x60, three stories in height, the old 
portion being 16x60, two and a half stories in 
height, took also the milling stones and placed 
rollers in their place, which increased the capacity 
of the mill to 200 barrels per day. An eighty- 
five horse-power steam engine furnishes the motive 
power. 

The Empire mills were erected in 1880. The 
company is composed of William Koch, E. G. 
Pahl, C. M. Schmidt, and George Schmidt. The 
mills consist of several buildings, as follows: Main 
building, ware-house, engine room and cooper 
shop. The roller process is employed, and pro- 
duces from 150 to 175 barrels of flour daily. The 
mill is run to its fullest capacity all the time. Its 
cost was $25,600. 

The Cottonwood miU was erected in 1869 by 
Frank & Bentzin, and is still operated by them. 
It is a custom mill erected at a cost of $10,000, 
containing two run of stone. It is run by water- 
power, and has a capacity of fifty barrels per day. 
The mill is situated on the Cottonwood river, about 
one mile below New Ulm. 

The City mills which have been running for 
many years are idle, the property having been 
foreclosed under mortgage. 

There are four breweries in operation in New 
Ulm, and another in course of construction. The 
first to start was August Triton, who established 
the City brewery in 1858. It is now owned by 
Joseph Schmuker, and has a capacity of 600 bar- 
rels per annum. It cost .^2,500 to repair damages 
caused by the cyclone. 

August Schell started the second brewery in 
1860, with a capacity of 300 barrels per annum. 
In 1862 it was increased to 500 barrels; in 1867 
to 1,000, and at the present time the production 
is over 4,500 barrels per annum. This brewery is 
comjjlete in all its equipments, and is furnished 
with the latest and best apparatus and machinery, 
The quality of the beer brewed by Mr. Schell is 
known far and wide as being a first-class article. 
In 1864 John Hauenstein established a brewery 
with a capacity of about 500 barrels per annum. 
The size of buildings and jjroductive capacity have 



712 



niSTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLET. 



boeu from tiiuato timo incroased until tho present, 
when tlie nunual anionut brewed averages iiboiit 
3,000 l)arrel8. The biiili^inga were greatly danj- 
aged by the cyclnne, but were at once rebuilt, 
though slightly reibiced in size. 

Charles Leonhard, proprietor of tho Njw Ulm 
foundry and machine sliopa, succeeded to the busi- 
ness which had been established some years pre- 
vious, in 1878. 

Primk Burg began the mauufacturo of cigars in 
1874, and now produces 400,000 per annum. Ed- 
ward Koden is also engaged in the manufacturo of 
cigars. 

Conrad Zollor has, since 1873, had control of the 
planing mill established two years previous by 
Jacob Mueller. It had been burned down and re- 
built by Mr. Mueller, and in 1879 was again de- 
stroyed l)y fire and re-constructed. 

John Stoeckert began the pottery business in 
1867 in company with two partners. In 1870 he 
established alone. Bo-sides the above industries 
there is a cooper shop, soda water factory, ;nid 
several wagon and carriage makers, and black- 
smiths. 

In 1880 the steam elevator in connection with 
the Eagle Mills was erected; capacity, 45,000 
bushels. G. W. Van Dusen «fc Co. erected the ele- 
vator near the depot; it has a capacity for 30,000 
bushels. A. W. Bingham built in 1880 an eleva- 
tor to hold 12,000 bushels. This tii'm are also 
largely engaged in lumber trade. 

Hotels — The first hotel in New Ulm was the 
Union Hotel, of which Pliilip Gross is proprietor. 
At first a mere shauty was used but it has been 
enlarged several times, and is now a fine brick 
building, two stories in height. 

The Dakota House.— Twenty-four years ago, 
the site of the Dakota House was occupied by the 
store of Adolph Seiter, one of the first in the place. 
Aft-er several years he turned the store into a hotel 
and has since continued it as such. 

The Merchants Hotel, of which Charles Brustis 
the proprietcr, is an old established house. It is 
well constructed of brick, and does a good busi- 
ness. There are several other hotels in the place, 
with chiefly a local patronage. 

Business interests: The business interests of 
New Ulm are of a thriving and substantial charac- 
ter. There are two banks in town, the Citizens' 
National Bank, with a capital of S50,000, and the 
Brown County Bank, tho iii<li\'idual responsilulity 
of which is .§.'500,000. Nearly all the stores are 



constructed of brick, and contain stocks of goods 
complete and varied. The following is a list of 
the names of the merchants engaged in business, 
and the lines of goods handled: John B. Arnold, 
hardware: Charles Bach, books and notions; B. 
k E. C. Bt-hnke general 8tor.>; Frederick Bein- 
horn, groceries and notions; Charles Baltnisch, 
general store; Henry H. Beussmann, hardware 
and farm implements; A. W. Bingham, lumber; 
J()Hei)h Bobleter, drugs, books, stationery, and 
wall paper; Wm. Bonne & Co., farm implements; 
Louis Buenger, furniture and undertaker; Theo- 
dore Crone, general store; Edward Dunkel, mer- 
chant tailor; Meinrad Epple, meat market; Mrs. 
L. Erd, millinery; T. Freeman, clothing, boot«and 
shoes; C. P. Held, furniture; Florian Hess, gun- 
smith; John Hirsch, paints and painter; George 
Jacobs, general store ; Michael .Juenemann, harness 
maker; Kiesling, Keller & Co., dry goods and 
groceries; William Pfaender, real estate and in- 
surance; C. W. A. Krook, general store; Henry 
Laudensehlager, hardware and stoves; Henry 
Loheyde, boots and shoes; Miller & Scherer, lum- 
ber; Michael Mullen, hardware and farm im])le- 
ments; Newmann & Rosskopf, general store; Mrs. 

A. Aldwig, miOinery ; Joseph C. Oswald, boots and 
shoes; William Potermann, cigars; P.W. Peterson, 
farm implements; S. D. Peterson, farm ma- 
chinery; Richard Pfefferle, grocer; August 
Quense, harness; J. J. Redmann, general 
store; Carl Rolloff, hardware; Henry Ru- 
dolphi, boots and shoes; Lorenz Schneider, boots 
and shoes; Charles Sommer, general store; 
Charles Stuebe, meat market; J. C. Toberer, 
watches and jewelry; Charles Wagner, furniture; 
Frederick Wendling, baker; Charles Weschcke, 
drugs; Mrs. A. F. Westphal, milUnery; Ernst 
Wicherski, bt)ots and shoes; William Winkel- 
maun, lime; E. Seiter, photographer; A. H. 
Schleuder, watches and jewelry; Haeberle & 
Seiter, tinsmith; A. Roden, cigars; Jacob Nix, 
meat market; Anton Bley, livery stable. There 
are also about thirty saloons. The attorneys are 

B. P. Wolber, Joseph A. Eckstein, Lind & Ran- 
dall, Francis Baasen and Gteorge Kuhlmann. The 
practising physicians are Charles Berry, C. C. 
Benedict and Alfred MuUer. Albert Marden is 
the only dentist having an office in town. 

.John B. Arnold, a native of Germauy, was bom 
in 1847. and came with his parents to America, 
when two years of age, locating with them in In- 
diana. In 1856 removed to uear Beloit, Wiscon- 



BROWN COUNTY. 



713 



sin; was there educated at the public schools. At 
the age of eighteen began learning the trade of 
tinsmith and continued it in the southern states 
several years. Came to the Minnesota valley in 
1869, and after residing a short time in Mankato 
removed to New Ulm and entered the employ of 
George Schneider; was with him six years. At 
that time he bought an interest and has since con- 
ducted the business. Married in 1871, Miss Kosa 
Wiedeman, who died in 187-1. 

Francis Baasen was born in Germany, October, 
1830. Came to America at the age of nineteen 
years and resided in Milwaukee until 1855; in 
January 1856 came to New Ulm, Minnesota. 
While in Milwaukee he studied law and was ad- 
mitted to practice. On arriving here he made a 
claim near the village and opened a law office; he 
was the first lawyer to settle in New Ulm. En- 
listed in August, 1861, in the First Minnesota, and 
served untU May, 1864. He commanded the New 
Ulm volunteers who went out against Inkpa- 
dutah in 1857 ; was promoted to first lieutenant, 
and afterwards to regimental quartermaster. On 
returning from the war resumed the practice of 
his profession. He was a delegate to the state 
constitutional convention and in 1857 a member of 
the territorial legislature and of the state legisla- 
ture in 1873; was the first secretary of state of 
Minnesota and has held the office of county at- 
torney. From 1870 to 1876 he resided in Nicollet 
county, and while there held the office of county 
commissioner. 

0. Bach, a native of Germany, was born in 1837, 
and left his native country for America in 1867. 
After remaining a short time in New York he came 
to Minnesota, and for one year resided at Fort 
Ridgely, Nicollet county, then located in New Ulm 
and began the book binding trade, also has a book 
store. Mr. Bach was for sis years secretary of 
New Ulm fire department. 

Frederick Beiuhorn, an early settler of New 
Ulm and Brown county, was born in Germany in 
1821. When a young man learned the trade of 
shoemaking, which he followeil until coming to 
America in 1852. After spending six months in 
Milwaukee he removed to Chicago and remained 
until 1855; came to Minnesota as member of a 
committee from Chicago to select a location for a 
a colony ; he chose the present site of New Ulm, 
and in the spring of 1856 located here. Soon 
after he formed the Chicago Mill Association and 
buUt the first miU; he was foreman for about a 



year, then engaged in the saloon and grocery 
business, after which rented the mill and ran it 
less than a year, when it was destroyed by fire; he 
rebuilt it and continued in the business until it 
was destroyed by the Indians in 1862; he then 
faimad until 1871, when he built his present gro- 
cery store. Married in 1854, Minnie Wane. They 
have six children. 

John Bellm was born in Germany. Since be- 
coming a resident of New Ulm, he has been en- 
gaged in the mill busmess. Was a captain of the 
local militia and took a prominent part in the de- 
fense of New Ulm, at the time of the outbreak. 

Jacob Bender was born in Germany, in 1834, 
and came to America in 1862. After a residence 
of one year in Ohio, he came to Minnesota. He 
visited St. Paul and St. Peter then came to New 
Ulm and for two years was employed in ScheU's 
brewery. In 1866 started what is known as the 
Front Street brewery, in which he has since con- 
tinued business. Miss Minnie Jacobs became his 
wife in 1866. They have six children. 

Alexander Berghold was born in Austria, Octo- 
ber 14, 1838. His father sold his estate and they 
moved to St. Marein. WhUe quite young he ex- 
pressed a desire to become a priest, but when his 
father refused consent, he ran away from home in 
1851, and entered school at Gratz; then passed 
through the gymnasium and university; earning 
the necessary funds by giving private lessons. In 
1864, at the solicitation of Francis X. Pierz, he 
came to Minnesota, and finished his theological 
course at St. Paul; was ordained November 1st, 
1864, by Bishop Grace, and was appointed to the 
parish at Belle Plaine. In 1868, he visited Europe; 
when returning in the fall, he volunteered to come 
to New Ulm and establish a congregation. Here 
he has been very successful, having built a dwell- 
ing, ohixrch and college besides having charge of 
Catholic congregations in six counties, and build- 
ing since coming to America eleven churches. He 
has been instrumental, by his extensive European 
correspondence, in bringing many immigrants to 
America. He is a versatile writer, and of high 
reputation ; has published a book of poems enti- 
tled "Prairie Kosen," also a "History of New 
Ulm," the "Indian Massacre" and a "Guide to 
German Emigrants." 

Charles Berry, M. D., was born in Bennington, 
Wyoming county, New York, in 1838. He 
studied medicine m Concord, New Hampshii-e, and 
in 1859, at the university at Ann Arbor, from 



714 



UISrORY OF TUE MINNESOTA V ALLEY. 



which ho Kriiiluiiteil; is also n gradwnte from ii 
medical eollogo in Biitfalo, New York. He enlist- 
ed 08 assistaut surgeon in the 106th New York 
volunteers, mid served three years during the civil 
war. Oanie to Minnesota on account of ill-health 
in 18Gti, and has since practiced his profession in 
this state. First located in Belie I'laine, but smce 
1872, has lived at New XJlm. 

H. H. Beussmann was born in the province of 
Hanover, Germany, in 1825. He carae to Amer- 
ica, landing in New Orleans in 1847; spent a 
short time in St. Louis and Chicago, then acted 
B8 portiT in a hotel, in Louisville, after which he 
began business for himself in that city. Subse- 
quently moved to Cincinnati, and for five years 
was in mercantile trade, then moved to the suburbs 
of the city and started a dairy, which ho conducted 
five years. Came to New Ulm in May, 1861, but 
settled on a farm in Nicollet county, where he re- 
mained until 1876. Since that time has been a 
dealer in hardware in New Ulm. Daring the fight 
with the Indians he took an active part in the de- 
fense of the city. Married in Cincinnati, August 
5th, 18.")1, Catharine M. Schapekahm. Anna M. 
M. H., Margaret C, John H., Derman D., and 
Emma M., are their living children. 

A. W. Bingham was born in Canada, in 1843. 
Came to the Unit 'd States in 1860 and settled in 
St. Albans, Vermont, remaining until 1864. Com- 
ing thence to Minnesota he settled in Winona and 
engaged in lumbering until 1872, then came to 
New Ulm. Here he gives his attention to lumber 
and grain business. In 1873, he was united in 
marriage with Miss Sopha Jewett, of St. Albans, 
Vermont. 

Albert Blanchard was bom September .5, 1830, 
in Montpelier, Vermont. Came to Minnesota in 
18.54 and remained nearly a year, then went to Illi- 
nois, but returned in 18.56; settled on a farm 
where the village of Nicollet now is; remained un- 
til 1862, then went to Pike's Peak. On returning 
enlisted in First Minnesota mounted rangers and 
went with General Sibley's expedition to the Mis- 
souri river. After his return he engaged in the 
sale of farm machinery at St. Peter until 1868, 
then located in New Ulm and gave attention to 
mercantile trade until 1877. Since 1874 he has 
served as clerk of the district court. 

Joseph Bobleter was bom in Austria, April 19, 
1846. In 1858 he immigrated to Dubuque. Iowa; 
attended school there until September, 1862, when 



he enlisted in the 13th United States infantry, and 
in the following fall was discharged on account of 
sickness; re-enlisted for one year in December, 
1863, in the United States navy and served dur- 
ing the Red River ex])edition. After the defeat of 
General Banks at Pleiisant Hill, he, with others, 
volunteered to carry dispatches on a small transport 
to Admiral Porter and General A. J. Smith, who 
were then within about sixty miles of Shreveport, 
was severely wounded in the right leg, and barely 
escaped losing the right foot. At the expiration 
of his term of enlistment Mr. Bobleter re-enlisted 
in Company L, Second Iowa cavalry and served 
until October, 1865. The following December he 
enlisted in the 13th United States infantry, but 
was detailed on recruiting service with Major 
Yates, at Dubuque, Iowa: finally joined his regi- 
ment at Jefferson Barracks; was discharged from 
service in 1868. He then located in New Ulm, 
and has' since resided here. Embarked in the 
drug business in 1872 with also a stock of sta- 
tionery. Was appointed postmaster; re-appointed 
in 1877 and again in 1881. Began the newspa- 
per business in 1877, and in 1878 issued the "New 
Ulm Review," of which he is the present editor. 
Since 1871 he has been prominently connected 
with the National Guards of Minnesota. In the 
fall of 1869 he married Miss Mary Schneider. 

H. William Bonne was bom in Germany, in 
1851, and immigrated to America in 1869. He 
located at that time in Henderson, Sibley county, 
Minnesota, and there remained three and one-half 
years. After spending two years in Milwaukee, 
Wisconsin, returned to Sibley county in 1874, and 
Soon after engaged in general merchandising for 
four years in New Rome. During the spring of 
1879 he came to New Ulm and has since given his 
attention to the farm machinery trade. He married 
in 1879, Miss Frances Huber. 

Ernst Brandt, judge of probate, was bom in 
Germany in 1838. There he received a liberal 
education, which was completed at the gymnasium 
in 1852. At the age of fourteen he carae with his 
parents to America; lived in Cleveland, Ohio, un- 
til 1856. Coming to Minnesota he settled in Si- 
gel, Brown county, which town he was instrumen- 
tal in organizing; also named it. He was town 
clerk many years, also held other town offices and 
was county commissioner three years. In 1869 he 
moved to New Ulm and for the past eleven years 
has been connected with the German p:q)er, the 
i "Post." In 1880, he was elected probate judge of 



BROWN COUNTY. 



715 



Brown county, and still continues in that office. 
In 1860, married Miss Elise Wendlandt. 

Charles Bruat was born in Germany, in 1847. 
Coming to the United States in 1862, he located 
in Illinois, but soon after went to St. Peter, Min- 
nesota; engaged as a clerk in a store one and one- 
half years, then went to Indiana for six years. In 
1870 returned to this state, locating in New Ulm. 
His attention was given to buying wheat for three 
years then to the hotel business, in which he still 
continues. He is doing a good business in the 
Merchant's Hotel. Married in 1873, Miss Anna 
Haeberle, who has borne him five children, of 
whom three are living: Charles, Fritz, and 
George. 

Louis Buenger, whose native country is Ger- 
many, was born in 1839. He moved to Cincin- 
nati, Ohio, in 1856, and learned the trade of car- 
penter, which business he followed there until 
coming to Minnesota in 1863. Locating in New 
tJIm, he continued in the pursuit of his trade 
unto 187.5, then began in the furniture business, 
in which he still continues. Miss Henrietta Ipps 
became the wife of Mr. Buenger in 1865. Louis, 
Emma, Anna, Charley, Emil and Minnie are their 
children. 

Frank Burg, a native of Germany, was born in 
1840. At the age of fourteen years he entered the 
army in his native country, and continued as a 
soldier until coming to America in 1867. He 
lived in Milwaukee two years, then spent one year 
in Chicago, after which he went to the mountains 
on a prospecting trip. Settled in New Ulm, Min- 
nesota, in 1871, and for three years had charge of 
the City Hall. In 1874 started a cigar manufac- 
tory, which produces from three thousand to four 
thousand per year. 

Dr. C. B. Carl was born in Bavaria, Germany, 
in 1839. He was educated at Ludwiga University, 
graduating in 1861. At the same time began the 
study and practice of medicine, and the same year 
entered the army in his native country; served as 
surgeon till 1868. Until 1879 he practiced in Ba- 
varia, and in that year came to the United States 
and to New Ulm, Minnesota, where he has since 
resided and pursued his profession. Dr. Carl was 
united in marriage in the year 1857 with Miss 
Fannie Eibner. 

H. B. Oonstans was born December 10, 1840, in 
Germany. He immigrated to St. Paul in May, 
1854; engaged with his brother William in a 
wholesale and commission house of that city, and 



in 1859 went to St. Lonis, but one year later re- 
turned to St. Paul, and was in the mercantile bus- 
iness until 1872, then removed to New Ulm. His 
first business engagement was wheat buying, after 
which he was assistant cashier of Brown County 
Bank until 1877. During the fall of 1876 he was 
elected county auditor, re-elected in 1878, and 
again in 1880. Mr. Constans has discharged the 
duties of his office in a very creditable manner. 

Charles Dietsch was bom in France in 1829, and 
left his native land for America in 1855. He set- 
tled in Chicago, remaining in Illinois eighteen 
years. When about thirteen years of age he began 
learning the trade of baker, which he has since 
followed. In 1873 came to Austin, Minnesota, 
where he engaged in business until 1878, then 
located in New Ulm and opened his bakery. Mar- 
ried in 1856 Mary Burke, who died in 1861. His 
second marriage was with Phedora A. Gains. 
Charles, Mary, Delia, Hattie, Helena, Joseph, Ar- 
temus, Alphona and Josephine are their children. 

George Doehne was bom in Germany in 1834. 
Came to America after reaching man's estate, and 
until 1861 lived in diiferent states, then came to 
Minnesota and settled in New Ulm. In 1862 he 
went into the army in the mounted rangers and 
served one year. In 1865 located on a farm in 
Cottonwood townshii?, which he cultivated till 
1874, then came again to New Ulm and engaged 
in lumbering one year, then purchased one-third 
interest in the Eagle mill, in which business he has 
since continued. While a resident of Cottonwood 
he held many of the town offices, and was for one 
term county commissioner. Married in 1865 
Anna Roeck. 

Edward Dunkel, whose native place is Prussia, 
was born in 1853. Came to America and to Min- 
nesota in 1870, and for four years lived in Man- 
kato, St. Peter and Henderson. He then became a 
resident of New Ulm, and began business as a 
tailor, and has since continued as such. In 1873 
he married Miss Caroline Korth. Elmer is their 
only chUd. 

Jos. A. Eckstein was born in Austria, in 1857. 
He came with his parents to America, in 1864, 
and located in Cottonwood, this state; in 1866 
they removed to Sigel, where they lived on a 
farm. At the age of thirteen he started in Hfe for 
himself. In the fall of 1874 entered the State 
Normal School at Mankato; during the summer 
of 1875 he taught, but returned to school in the 
fall and graduated in May, 1876. He taught in 



716 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



the public scht)ol8 of Now Ulra four years, ami in 
the meantime began the study of law with B. F. 
Webber, wjia admitted to the bar in May, 1880. 
The same year he entered the United States signal 
service at Wasliington, and was ordered to Fort 
Meyer, Virginia, for instructions; he was at the 
head of his class when he finished the course in 
December,188(l; was ordered to Texas and stationed 
at tlifferent points; October lo, 1381, he was dis- 
charged on his own application. Returning to 
his former home, he opened a law office at New 
Ulm, and enjoys a good practice. In November, 
1881, he was appointed city attorney. 

Andrew J. Eckstein, a native of Austria, was 
born September 9, 1861 and came with his pa- 
rents to America in 1864. During the same year 
he came to Minnesota and until fourt<>en years of 
age lived with his parents on the farm; then en- 
tered the State Normal School at Mankato, from 
which be graduated in 1878. He afterward 
taught school in the towns of Stark and !Milford, 
imtil 1879; then entered the drug store of Dr. C. 
Weschke as clerk; here he has since remained. 

Meinrad Epple was born in Germany, in 1840. 
Came to -America in 18()fi, and settled soon after 
in New Ulm, Minnesota, and engaged in the 
butchering business. In 1872 he started his 
present shop, which is one of the finest and best 
in the city. 

Louis Filkel, was born in Austria in 1847. 
Came to this country with his parents in 1853, 
and located in Watertown, Wisconsin. At the age 
of fourteen he began learning harness making; 
worked at Watertown until 1804, then went south 
and continued in the pursuit of his trade for 
the government about one year. Returning to 
Wisconsin, he soon after located in La Crosse; 
worked at his trade a short time, then went on a 
boat on the Mississippi. In 1873 he began the 
saloon business in La Crosse, which he continued 
until 1877, then came to New Ulm and opened a 
saloon, known as the Center street sample rooms. 
Married in 1873, Louisa Fay. .Tulia M. and Alois 
A. are their children. 

Richard Fiwher wiis bom in Baden, Germany, 
January 29, 1821: came to .\merica in 1851; wont 
to New York, Pennsylvania, Wlieeling, Virginia; 
remaining aniimbar of years in the latter place. In 
1857 came to New Ulra, and was engaged in the 
Globe Uonring mill three years; enlisted in 1861 
as second lieutenant in tlio First Minnesota battery 
and was ordered to the soutli, hut resigned on ac- 



count of poor health, at tlie end of the year. He 
arrived about three weeks Ijofore the Indian massa- 
cre, and took an active part in defending the vil- 
lage. Was elected register of deeds in 1862 and 
served two years; then engaged in lumbering. 

Gustave Fischer was born in New Ulm, Brown 
county, Minnesota, in 1860. After receiving an 
elementary education in the public schools of 
this city he finished his studies at the State Uni- 
versity at Minneapolis in 1879. Since that time 
has given his attention to teaching and in the fall 
of 1881 was chosen as teacher in the high school 
at New Ulm. 

William Frank, of the firm of Frank & Bentzin, 
proprietors of the Cottonwood flouring mill, was 
born in Germany in 1837. At the age of fifteen 
he began learning the trade of miller, and fol- 
lowed it in his nativecountry until 1860. Coming 
at that time to America, he remained one year in 
Illinois, and in 1861 came to New Ulra. During 
the war he served one year in the First Minnesota 
Mounted Rangers. Returning, he worked in the 
different mills of the place until 1879, then in 
company with Mr. Bentzin, built the Cottonwood 
mill, which they are making a great success. Jlr. 
Frank married in 1864, Miss Lizzie Gueth. One 
daughter, Wilhelmine, has been bom to them. 

Henry Frenzel was born in Saxony, Germany, 
in 1843. Came to America in 1868, and settled 
in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, remaining four years. In 
1872 came to ^Minnesota, and the next year settled 
in New Ulm and started a brewery, which he con- 
ducted two years with a partner. He has since 
given his attention to the manufacture of pop. 
Married in 1872, Miss Caroline Schmuker. 

Fr. Freidman was born in France, in 1832. 
Came to New York in 1853, and four years later 
removed to C;uiada. After remaining two years 
located in Indiana, and was there engaged in the 
pottery business untU 1861. Enlisted in that year 
in the Thirtieth Indiana. After serving three years 
went to Iowa, and there continued working at his 
trade until 1867. Coming at that time to Minne- 
sota he located in New Ulm, jmd after t\vo and 
one-half years in the pottery business, began the 
grocery and liquor trade, which he has since con- 
tinued. Married in 1858, Cleora Curtis. They 
have five children. 

Joseph Galles was born in Paris, France, in 1854, 
and when only two years of age came with his 
parents to America, remaining two years in Chi- 
cago. In 1858 came to Minnesota and lived in 



BROWN COUNTY. 



717 



New Ulm until the Indian outbreak of 1862, then 
made his home in Shakopee two years, and in St. 
Peter six years; in 1870 returned to New Ulm. 
Wlieu a lad of thirteen years, Mr. Galles learned 
the trades of painting and wagon making, which 
he has since followed ; since 1865 he has been in 
business for himself. Married in 1877, Miss Mary 
May. Lena and Josie are their children. 

William Gieseke a native of Hanover, Germany, 
was born in 1831. Came to America in 1849 and 
after liviag in New York three years went to Illi- 
nois and engaged in farming until 18.55, then 
came to Minnesota. He settled in Courtland 
township, NicoUet county, near what is known as 
Swan Lake, and gave his attention to farming 
until 1866; still owns seven hundred acres in that 
locahty. In 1866 he engaged in the livery busi- 
ness in New Ulm. Soon after locating here was 
appointed deputy sheriff and in 1867 was chosen 
sheriff of Brown county, which office he continued 
to hold about nine years. In 1865 married Miss 
Matilda Rotermund. Bertha, Willie, Lydia, Ma- 
tilda, and Hugo are their children. 

Fr. Gommel was born in Germany, in 1817. 
Came to America in 1847, and to New Ulm, in 
1861, beginning soon after the manufacture of 
pottery. At the time of the Indian outbreak, he 
was chairman of the board of supervisors and took 
an active part in the defense of New Ulm; was ap- 
pointed quartermaster by Colonel Flandrau, in 
which cajiacity he served through the Sioux war 
After peace was restored he again established a 
pottery, his other having been destroyed by the 
Indians. After a few years he discontinued it and 
is now the city marshal. 

Phillip Gross was born in Germany, in 1809. 
He came to America in 1855 and remained in Mil- 
waukee, Wisconsin until 1856, then came to Now 
Ulm; he was one of the founders of the town. At 
tliat time he engaged in hotel business on the spot 
where his fine hotel now stands. Since that time 
has continued in the same business. In 1834 he 
married Miss Elizabeth Paderman who died in 
1850. Eis second marriage was in 1853, with 
Miss M. Fisher. 

L. Haeberle was born February 8, 1856, in New 
Ulm, Brown county, Minnesota, and is a son of 
Jacob Haeberle, who was killed by the Indians, 
during the siege of New Ulm, in 1862. He re- 
ceived a liberal education at the public schools of 
his native place, and when fifteen years of age be- 
gan learning the trade of tinner, at which he has 



since worked. In the spring of 1881 he associated 
with A. G. Seiter in the stove and tinware trade, 
in which they are still doing a thriving business. 

E. A. Hattinger was born in Chicago, Illinois, 
in 1858. There he completed his studies at 
Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College. When 
fourteen years of age he began clerking and con- 
tinued in that capacity and as a book-keeper for 
different firms in Chicago, until 1877, then came 
to Minnesota. Soon after he located in New Ulm 
and has since been clerking for Kiesling, Keller 
& Company. Mr. Hattinger is a member of the 
Masonic lodge at New Ulm. 

Weigand Hauenstein, whose native country is 
Germany, was born in 1834. Came to America in 
1852, and for five years lived in Cincinnati, Ohio. 
Came to Minnesota and located near New Ulm on 
a farm, following agricultural pursuits until 1864, 
after which he engaged in the saloon business, 
he was imited in marriage in 1861 with Miss 
Kegina Griminer. 

John Hauenstein was born in Germany in 1831 
and came to America in 1854, locating in Ohio. In 
1857 he came to Mirmesota and settled in New Ulm. 
Entered the army in 1862 as second lieutenant in 
the First Minnesota mounted rangers, in which he 
served one year. ' In 1864 he built his pi'esent 
brewery in New Ulm. Married to Miss Henrietta 
Fritcher in 1862. 

C. W. H. Heideman was born in Hlinois in 1857. 
After receiving an education at the public schools 
of Elgin, he began at the age of fourteen years to 
learn telegraphing. On coming to New Ulm in 
1877, he was made telegraph operator and the 
next year was appointed as station agent in which 
position he is at present. He was married in 1880 
to Miss Eda Behnke. 

P. Herman, a native of Germany, was born in 
1849 and was educated at Berlin College, grad- 
uating in 1864. He then entered the Prussian 
army, in which he served until 1871, receiving in 
the meantime eight wounds. In 1873 came to 
America, landing in New York city. Spent two 
years in the eastern states, and while in Philadel- 
phia, Pennsylvania, took a course of medical lec- 
tures. Came to Minnesota in 1875; he located in 
New Ulm two years later and has since pursued 
his profession as a veterinary surgeon. In 1881 
was married to Miss Elenor Doster. 

Florian Hess was born in Germany, in 1826. 
Came to America in 1848 and settled in Cincinnati, 
Ohio, remaining until 1861. Coming thence to 



718 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



New Ulm, ho worked in a innchino shop until the 
Iniliiiu wiir of 1802 whcu lio was shot iu the left 
arm, which rendered him a cripple for life. He 
opened a gun shop in 1865 to wliioli V>usine8s his 
attention has since been directed. Was married in 
1853 to Miss Elizabeth Ga\it. Tlicy have one 
adopted child named Mary. 

Jacob Iloescboler was boni in .Vustria in 1843. 
Came with his parents to America in 1852, and 
with them located iu Dubiipue, Iowa, remaining 
until 1856; went to Houston county and remained 
until his enlistment in 18(52 in Company K, Sixth 
Minnesota; was mustered out at the close of the 
war. For seven years afterwards his home was in 
La Crosse, Wisconsin, and iu 1872 he went to New 
Ulm, where he engaged in the saloon business for 
five years; then sold and began business with 
Kiesliiig A- Keller, under the firm name of Kies- 
Ung, Keller & Company. Married in 1868 
Miss Mary Fay. 

C. H. Hcjrnbiirg was born iu Germany in 1850. 
Came to the United States iu IHGfi and located in 
St. Peter, Minnesota. While there he engaged in 
farming and dealing in machinery until 1880 then 
came to New Ulm and in comjiany with Mr. Peter- 
son, embarked in the farm machinery busiuess, the 
firm name being Peterson & Hornburg. During 
the past year the partnership has been dissolved, 
Mr. Hornliurg still eoutiuuiug the business. 

William Hummel, bom in Germany in 1832, 
accompanied his parents to America in 1845. 
Until 1848 remained in New Orleans then went to 
Cinciunati; In 1850 went on a steamer ou the 
Mississipj)i river; in 1856 accompanied Colonel 
Pfaender to Minnesota, being a member of the 
party who laid out the town site of New Ulm. 
Soon after he settled on a farm iu Sigel: until 
1868 was chiefly engaged in farming, serving in 
the meantime from 1863 to '()5 iu the Second Min- 
nesota cavalry, as sergeant of Company M. In 
1868 engaged in the drug trade in New Ulm and 
has since lieen in differeut branches of business. 
He has been twice married; the second time in 
February, 1869, to Miss Mary Stud. 

George Jacobs was bom in Germany in 1837 
and in 1849, came to America. He resided in 
New Orleans aud St. Louis until 1.S57, then came 
to Minnesota with his father, Charles Jacobs, 
with whom he opened a general merchandise store 
in New Ulm in which they did business until it 
was destroyed by the Indians in 1802. He then 
joined the Brown county militia and was orderly 



sergeant of Company A; was elected sherifT the 
same year; served four years. In 1807, removed 
to St. Louis, MissoTiri, where for two years he was 
engaged in book kceiiing, then returned to New 
Ulm. Ho again engaged in general merchandis- 
ing and has since continued. Married in 1869, 
Miss Elizabeth Starch. 

Rev. J. C. Jahn was born in Prussia, in 1839, 
and there remained until the age of seventeen 
years. Was left an orphan when only fifteen 
years old, after which he was obliged to earn his 
own livelihood. In 1856, he came to America and 
settled in St. Paul, Minnesota, and engaged as a 
clerk a short time then spent one and one-half years 
on a farm. Enlisted in 1861, in the 1st Minnesota 
cavalry which was soon after consolidated with 
the 5tli Iowa, and was sergeant of Company G; 
was wounded, taken prisoner, and held about 
three months then exchanged and discharged. 
Returning to St. Paul, he engaged in farming 
until 1869, then began his career in the ministry. 
He joined the Minnesota conference and began 
preaching at Mankato. Came to New Uim as 
pastor iu 1879. Married in 1864, Christine 
Harlung. 

Ole Johnson was bom in Norway in 1846. Came 
to the United States aud settled in Fillmore coun- 
ty, Minnesota, in 1868, remaining untU 1873. He 
then came to New Ulm and for four years was em- 
ployed by Kiesling aud Keller, after which he en- 
gaged in the butter trade for another firm, remain- 
ing with them untU the fall of 1881; then embark- 
ed in the butter and egg trade for himself. Mr. 
Johnson is a member of the Odd- fellows lodge, iu 
which he has held all the offices. ^Married in 
Norway iu 1867, Miss Helen Hanson. Mary,.Iohn, 
Anna, Lena, Betsey and Jennie are their children. 

M. Juenemann, whose native land is Germany, 
was born in 1848. When fourteen years of age 
he began began learning the trade of a harness- 
maker aud followed it until coming to America 
in 1872. The year following removed to Mume- 
Bota aud settled iu New ULm. In 1870 he opened 
a haruess-shop on his own account aud is now hav- 
ing a good trade. He married in 1876, Miss 
iVary Lautorbach, and has one son, John. 
^- Benedict Juni was born in Canton of Berne, 
Switzerland, on the 12th of January, 1852. He is 
a sou of Benedict and Mary Juni; the former is 
still li\-ing near New Ulm but the latter tiled from 
nervous prostration produced by fear and anxiety 
for the welfare of her family during the terrible 



BROWN COUNTY. 



719 



days of the Sioux massacre in 1862. Benedict 
came to America with his parents in 1857, and 
settled near Mankato, Minnesota, till 1859, then 
moved to near Beaver Falls, where the family lived 
in peace and happiness until August, 1862, when 
they were suddenly surprised by the Indian out- 
break and compelled to fly for their lives. One 
sister, the wife of Mr. Zitzlaff, died with her hus- 
band rather than accept life with the Indians. 
Benedict was also captured and held in custody 
several weeks; was not cruelly treated but was 
compelled to witness many heartrending scenes 
during his captivity. He was eventually released 
at Camp Release, and spent the subsequent tew 
years at school. At the age of seventeen went to 
Galena, Illinois, and there attended school three 
years, then returned to Minnesota Jand taught 
two years in La Fayette and the same length of 
time at New Ulm. Subsequently attended the 
State University three years and has since been 
engaged in the public school of New Ulm. Was 
special botanist in the geological snrvey on the 
north shore of Lake Superior in 1877. 

Henry Keller was born in Switzerland in 1842. 
Came to America in 1864 and resided in Chicago, 
Illinois, until 1872, then came to New Ulm, Min- 
nesota. Here he located and formed a co-part- 
nership ^vith W. H. and Rudolph Keisling, in gen- 
eral merchandise, where he still continues. 
V/ F. Keller, a native of Germany, was born in 
^ — 1828, and came in 1853 to America, locating in 
Michigan. His home was in that state for nine 
years, when in 1862, he came to Minnesota, 
and has since lived in New Ulm. Until 1876 was 
interested in the meat trade, since which he has 
had a saloon. In June, 1876 he married Marga- 
ret Myer, who died in July, 1881. 

Rudolph Kiesling was born in Germany, in 
1841. Came with his parents to America in 1849, 
and resided in Chicago six years, tlion in 1855 
came to New Ulm, and settled on a farm near the 
town. He cultivated the farm until 1872, then 
came to New Ulm and began mercantile business 
with Henry Keller, under the firai name of Keis- 
ling & Keller, which continued till 1879. At that 
time Jacob Hoescheler was admitted as a partner. 
This firm does an annual business of about .flOO,- 
000. Mr. Kiesling was in the town and witnessed 
the bloody scenes of the massacre of 1862, the 
first victim being a young girl of about fifteen 
years of age who was shot while in the act of car- 
rying an infant to a place of safety. The babe's 



name was Ida Behnke, now Mrs. Heidemann, of 
New Ulm. 

H. Kiesling was bom in Germany, in 1837. In 
1857 he came to America and proceeded directly 
to New Ulm, Minnesota ; the same year he opened 
a blacksmith shop and has since given his whole 
attention to the business. In 1859 he was united 
in marriage with Miss Albertine Dittbener, who 
has borne him six children : Frank, Albert, Otilie, 
Herman, Alvina and Emil. 

E. G. Koch was bom in 1833 in Saxony, Ger- 
many. In 1860 he came to Minnesota and settled 
in New Ulm. He anticipated entering the fur 
business, but his intended partner was killed hj 
the Indians, which compelled him to abandon the 
project. In 1866 he was elected auditor of Brown 
county, which office he held continuously for ten 
years. Since 1876 he has been engaged in real 
estate and insurance business. He is agent for 
the Winona & St. Peter and St. Paul & Sioux 
City land companies, and is also court commis- 
sioner of Brown county. 

WilUam Koch, who is at the head of the Empire 
Milling Company, was born in Saxony, Germany, 
in 1845. Immigrated to America in 1869; coming 
directly to Minnesota he settled in New Ulm. For 
some time was engaged in farming, but in 1870 
was appointed depiity clerk of court, and 
was soon after appointed deputy auditor, 
deputy register, deputy treasurer, and 
deputy sheriff', holding all these offices at the 
same time; continued in service six years. After 
this went into the insurance business, but aban- 
doned it three years later to form the company of 
which he is the head. 

Carl W. A. Krook, a native of Sweden, was bom 
in 1834, and moved to New York in 1869; thence 
to Chicago, and after a brief stay there and in St. 
Louis came to Minnesota. Until 1873 he was in 
different places in the State, located in that year 
in New Ulm. He opened a grocery store in which 
be has since continued with a good trade. He 
married in 1861, Miss Hannah Johnson. Levis B., 
Carl G. and Frans H. are their children. 

Frank Kuetzing was born in Berne, Switzerland, 
in 1849. Accompanied his parents to America in 
1861, and with them located in Montjeal, Canada. 
At the age of thirteen years he began learning the 
trade of a jeweler; remained in the employ of one 
man ten years. In 1872 he went to Beloit, 
Wisconsin, and there engaged in the grocery 
trade until 1880; came to New Uhn in the fall of 



720 



uisrouy of tub; Minnesota valley. 



that your. He was i)l>liged to borrow money to 
prooure a li'.'onse to sell hia goods, Imt has sinee 
been prospered and is now doing a thriving busi- 
ness. 

Eli Knhlman was born in t'auton, Ohio, in 
March, 1852. After attending the common and 
graded schools during boyhood, he entered the 
university at Ann Arbor, Michigan,' from which 
he graduated in the department of chemistry. In 
187-iJattended a course of medical lectures, after 
which he was engaged in the drug trade in Al- 
bany, Indiana. Located in New Ulm in 1878, and 
has since continued as a druggist. 

John Lauterbach, a native of Prussia, was born 
in 1853, and when only one year old came with 
his parents to America. Locating in Chicago, 
Illinois, they remained until 18.58, then came to 
New Ulm, where .John has since lived. At the 
age of sixteen years lie began learning the wagon 
ranking trade, and continued in the employ of oth- 
ers until 1875, then engaged in business for him- 
self. In 1876 his marriage with Miss Mary Henle 
took place. They have two living children, Cres- 
^ zens iuid Maggie. 

H. Laudenschlager was born in Pennsylvania, 
in 1843. He resided in that state until twenty-one 
years of age, and learned the trade of tinsmith. 
Came in 1804 to New Ulm, Minnesota, and 
worked for his father two years, then purchased 
the stock and has since continued the business, 
carrying a full line of stoves, hardware and tin- 
ware. He married, in 1866, Miss Minnie Becker, 
who has borne him five children : Henry S., Emma 
J., Mary A., Willie F. and Minnie S. 

Charles Leonhard, whose native country is (Jer- 
many, was born in 1836. His boyhood was passed 
in the land of his birth, and in 1868 he left Ger- 
mrny for America and settled in Illinois. In 1878 
he located in New Ulm, Minnesota, and purchased 
the foundry and machine shop in which he iS at 
present doing business. 

John Lind, of the law firm of Lind & Randall, 
was bom in Sweden in 1854. At the age of thir- 
teen years he came to America with his parents, 
locating in Goodliue county, Minnesota. He at- 
tended the public schools of Ited Wing, and taught 
several terms. In 1873 came to New Ulm and 
ta\ight in Nicf)llet county one year; then entered 
the office of J. Newhart for the study of law. In 
1875, entered the State University at Minneapolis, 
which he attended until the fall of 1876, when he 
was admitted to the bar in New Ulm. In 1877 



oj5ened an office for the j)ractice of his profes- 
sion, and the same year was elected county 
superintendent of schools. May, 1881, he ac- 
cepted the appointment of receiver in the United 
States land office at Tracy, Lyon county. Al- 
though he has entered upon his duties there, he 
continues his law practice to some extent in New 
Ulm. Married in 1879, Alice A. Shepard. One 
son, Norman. 

S. Lowenthal, manager of "Cheap Charley's" 
store, was bom in Germany, in 1851. Came to 
America in 1870, locating in Philadelphia, and 
where for two years he engaged in business. Af- 
ter remaining in New York for a time, he came 
west and transacted business in different parts 
of Iowa and Minnesota, until 1877, locating 
finally in New Ulm. He began in the cloth- 
ing trade in a small store with a limited stock, hut 
having been prosjjered is now situated m a tine 
building 24 by 90 feet, and is doing a large trade. 
In 1876 he married Miss Selma Goldman. 

Henry Loheyde was born in (lermauy in 1824. 
He moved to New York in September, 1846; went 
to Cincinnati and remained until 1857, when he 
came to Minnesota and located in New Ulm. The 
following autumn he embarked in the boot and 
shoe business; had learned the trade in Germany; 
he continued in that business until the Indian out- 
break, when he lost all. It was he who took the 
fii-st dispatch from the city to the governor at St. 
Paul. He went to Chicago, but returned to his 
former home in 1869, where he has since been en- 
gaged in the same line of trade. Married in 1852 
Christiana Schumacher. Francis, Bertha and 
Robert are their children. 

Edward Malbzahn, a native of Germany, was 
bom in 1846, where he continued residing until 
1872, at which date he located in Cleveland, Ohio, 
and remained in that state until 18S0, when he 
came to New Ulm; here he has since been inter- 
ested in the saloon business. His marriage with 
Miss Anna Hartke took place in 1869. 

Fred. Meile was born in Germany in 1826, and 
came to America in 1851. After spending one 
year in New Y'ork he went to Brazil; returned to 
the United States in 1856, and came to New Ulm, 
Minnesota; was engaged in farming until the In- 
dian outbreak, when he asjiuued coiumand of a 
company in the defense of New Ulm. Joined the 
army in 1863 as cliief bugler of the First Minne- 
sota cavalry ; was in General Sibley's expedition 
against the Indians, and in 1864 was transfcri-ed 



SHOWN COUNTY. 



721 



to the Second Minnesota cavalry, in which he 
served as chief bugler until the close of the war. 
In 1870 he came to New Ulm, and after doing 
business as a tailor for some time, opened the 
saloon where he is now. He has been twice mar- 
ried, the second time in 1873 to Miss Mary Koer- 
res. Adolph and Matilda are their children. 

Jacob Miller, a native of Germany, was born in 
1834. At the age of twenty years he came to 
America and to Minnesota in 18.57; located in New 
Ulm and opened a carriage manufactory, which 
was destroyed during the siege in 18(32. Remov- 
ing to Ohio he remained one year, then returned 
to his former home and started a saw and grist- 
mill, which he ran about eight years ; subsequently 
erected a planing mill, which was burned after 
being in use one year; he rebuilt and operated it 
two years, then sold; has since been in the lumber 
business. During the cyclone of 1881; he suffered 
severe losses of property, and came near losing 
his life; the injuries received will doubtless render 
him a cripple for life. 

Jacob L. Mueller was born in Switzerland in 
1820. Came to America in 1854; resided 
in Freeport, Illinois, till 1856; coming thence 
to Minnesota, he has since Uved in New Ulm. In 
1860 he opened a beer garden which he still owns. 
At the defense of New Ulm in 1862, he figured 
prominently. Married in 1864, Mrs. Sopha Stew- 
art, who had three children by her first marriage; 
Mary, Margaret and Annie. They have by this 
marriage one child: Sopha. 

Alfred MuUer.M. D., was born in Berne, Swit- 
zerland, in 1825. Tliere he received his literary 
and medical education, graduating in 1852. He 
came to the United States in December, 1852, and 
located in New York city, but came to Minnesota 
in 1856, and practiced his profession in Stillwater 
until 1861; at that time was appoiated surgeon in 
charge it Fort Ridgely, where he remained until 
1867; since that time he has practiced at New 
Ulm. Married in 1851, Eliza Eiehelberger, who 
died in 1876. Mrs. Muller was an amiable and in- 
teresting lady, possessed of much refinement as 
well as endurance. During her husband's long 
siege as surgeon she was with and assisted him, 
and during the massacre, sieges at Fort Ridgely, 
Wood Lake and Birch Cooley, none were so tender 
in caring for and comforting the sick and wounded 
as she. A just and fitting tribute has been paid 
to her memory by the author of the History of the 
Great Massacre, Charles' S. Bryant. By an act of 

46 



the legislature a monument was erected by the 
state to the memory of Mrs. MuUer at Fort 
Ridgely cemetery, where her remains lie. 

Michael Mullen was born in St. Albans, Ver- 
mont, in 1839. Moved with his parents to Stev- 
enson county, Illinois, in 1843, where he lived and 
assisted on the farm until 1865. He then settled 
in St. Peter, Minnesota, and was engaged in the 
hardware trade until 1870, at which date he loca- 
ted at New Ulm where he has since resided. He 
was president of the Brown County bank while it 
existed; it was sold in 1874; he is now the presi- 
dent of the Citizens' National bank, which started 
in 1876. 

G. H. Nelson, a native of Germany, was bom in 
1858, and came to America with his parents when 
ten years of age. For six years he resided in Olm- 
sted county, Minnesota, then commenced learn- 
ing the trade of blacksmith; after working at that 
two years he began butchering; this trade he has 
since followed and for two years previous to loca- 
ting at New Ulm, in 1881, was in business in Red- 
wood Falls. On arriving in this city he bought 
the meat market of Captain Nix, where he still 
does business. 

John N. Nenno was born in Bulla lo. New York, 
in 1845. He left Buflalo when a child and came 
with his parents to Wisconsin, remaining in the 
state until 1870. Served during the war in the 
United States army under General Sherman. Re- 
turned to his home in Wisconsin, and in 1870 
came to New Ulm where he has since lived, as 
proprietor of a restaurant and billiard hall. Mr. 
Nenno has a wife and five children. 

J. Newhart, attorney at law, was born in Tan- 
nersville, Monroe county, Pennsylvania, in 1846. 
He remained in that state until 1857, then in com- 
pany with his father, Philip Newhart, came to 
Minnesota, Goodhue county, where he remained 
several years. Returning east he remained in 
New Jersey and Pennsylvania until 1862. He was 
then not quite sixteen years of age, but enlisted as 
drummer boy of the 107th Pennsylvania volunteer 
infantry. After two years in service he re-enhsted 
and was soon after appointed chief musician of 
the regiment; held that position until he was mus- 
tered out in July, 1865. In 1866 came again to 
Minnesota, and soon afterentered the law office of 
S. L. Pierce, now of St. Paul, and studied law with 
him until 1868, then formed a partnership with 
Mr. Pierce which continued two years. Located 
in 1871 in New Uhn and opened a law office; he 



722 



uiarvJir of tub minnehota valley. 



gives consiilerable nttontion U> reiil estate, collec- 
tions, eto. Was judf!;e of probate of Browii county 
in 1873-'4, ami court commissioner in 1873-'4-'5. 
Married in 1S7(), Sariih Parker. Horace nud Grace 
are their children. 

Jacob Nix was born in Bingeu, on the Rhine, on 
the 17th of July, 1822. Came to America in 1849, ! 
remained nearly a year in New York, then went to 
Cleveland, where he lived eight years; in 1858 
came to New Ulm which has since been his home. 
He at first gave his attention to the mercantile 
trade, and afterward ojiened a meat market, in 
which he still does business. In the Indian out- 
break of 1862 he commanded the Brown county 
militia, and during the siege of New Ulm was 
severely wounded, .\fter recovering he enlisted 
in the First mounted rangers; was promoted to 
first lieiitenant and was subsequently captain of 
the Second Minnesota cavalry. He served over 
three years, then returned to New Ulm where he 
has since resided. 

John Nun was born in Bavaria, on the 17th of 
April, 1837. Came to America in 1853, landing in 
Baltimore where he remained three years. En- 
hsted in the regular army in 18.")() and was hon- 
orably discharged in 1861 at Fort Kearney, Ne- 
braska. He came to New Ulm in April of that 
year and engaged in the defense of the town in 
August, 1862. Afterward enlisted in the First 
Minnesota mounted rangers, and served one year. 
On returning to New Ulm he engaged in the 
butchering business and still continues. 

Tory Olesen was born in Norway, in 1849, and 
at the age of ten years came to .Vmerica with his 
parents. He remained in Wisconsin Tintil 1862, 
then came to Minnesota and completed his educa- 
tion at the State Normal school at Mankato, grad- 
uating in 1872. P^e^'iou8ly he taught one year, 
and subsequently was teacher in the district 
schools in Cottonwood three years. He has since 
been a teacher in the schools of New Ulm, and for 
the past six years has had charge of one of the 
higher grades. He married in 1879, Miss Clara 
Scherer. 

Hon. S. D. Peterson was bom in Norway in 
1849, and came to the United States with his 
parents when but four years old. After remain- 
ing in Wisconsin about two years, removed to Fill- 
more county, Minnesota, and there received a 
common school education. CJame to New Ulm in 
1872, and has since been engaged in the sale of 
farm raachinerv. Mr. Peterson was elected to the 



state senate in 1880; served on several im])ortant 
committees, among which was the committee on 
tree planting. At Winnebago City, Faribault 
county, in 1873, he married Miss Jennie (teorge, 
who ha.s borne him two children: Allie and Flora. 

William Pfaender was born in Wurtemburg, 
Germany, July 6, 1826. Came to America in 
1H48; lived in Cincinnati until 1856, then came 
to New Ulm in charge of a German colony; he 
soon after opened a farm near this place. In Sep- 
tember, 1861, he enlisted in the First Minnesota 
battery, and was commissif)ned first lieutenant; 
was ordered south and remained until after the 
Sioux outbreak. He came north on recruiting 
service, and on his arrival was placed on detached 
service at St. Peter and Fort Ridgely. Was com- 
missioned lieutenant-colonel of the First mounted 
rangers, and after its organization held the same 
office in the Second cavalry; until the close of the 
war had command of the frontier posts. Re- 
turned to his farm and remained until 1870, then 
came to New Ulm and engaged in the lumber 
trade until 1875. Was elected state treasurer at 
that time, and continued as such four years, since 
which time he has been in real estate and insur- 
ance business. Colonel Pfaender was elected to 
the legislature in 1860, and to the senate in 1870, 
'71, '72: was one of the first presidential electors 
from the state of Minnesota. 

R. PfefTerle, a native of Germany, was bom in 
1840. At the age of thirteen years came with his 
parents to America, and with them lived in Illi- 
nois one year, then came to Minnesota and loca- 
ted in St. Paul, where his father opened the first 
gun shop in the city. In 1856 removed to Ka- 
sota, Le Sueur county, and remained on a farm 
until 1870, except two years in Montana: came to 
New Ulm in 1870, and formed a partnership with A. 
Blanchard in the grocery business; bought his 
partner's interest about 1877, and has since con- 
tinued the trade alone. During the war he served 
in the First Minnesota mounted rangers, in Com- 
pany E. Married in 1871 Elizabeth Laudeu- 
schlager. Flora and Willie are their children. 

John Piemeisl, whose native land is Germany, 
was l)orn in 1848. He came t<i America when 
about twenty years old, locating a home soon after 
in New Ulm, Minnesota. After a season on a 
farm he worked at the brewing trade in diflerent 
))laces until the fall of ISSl, then returned to New 
Ulm and bought his present saloon and brewery. 
He married in 1872 Caroline Frank. 



BROWN COUNTY. 



723 



F. Propping was bom in Prussia, in 1833. He 
completed his studies in a gymnasium college in 
1851; after this he began military studies and in 
1853 was made lieutenant of artillery; served as 
such until 1858. At that time he came to America 
and followed farming in Pennsylvania until the 
late war; in 1861 he enlisted in Company F, 29th 
New York volunteer infantry, of which he was 
second lieutenant for about eighteen months, was 
then discharged, after which he returned to Penn- 
sylvania. Went to Rochester, New I'ork and 
clerked in a wholesale house some time, also gave 
private lessons in German and Latin. In the fall 
of 1880 came to New Ulm to teach German and 
Latin in the higher grades of the j^ublic schools. 
Miss Louisa Hock became his wife in 1858. 

August. Quense was born April 22, 1827, in 
Germany. He served an apprenticeship of three 
years at harnessmaking, then spent three years in 
travel and in the pursuit of his trade. He landed 
in the United States February 13, 1849, and for 
eight years worked at his trade in St. Louis, Mis- 
souri. On the 10th of May, 1857, he arrived in 
New Ulm;, engaged in various pursuits until he 
enlisted in 1862, in the First Minnesota mounted 
rangers, and served thirteen months on the frontier 
against the Indians. In February enlisted in the 
First Minnesota heavy artillery and went south; 
remained in his regiment until the close of the war. 
He returned to New Ulm, and has since continued 
at his trade. Married at St. Louis September 13, 
1849, Mary Pruel, who died August 7, 1868. His 
second marriage took place December 8, 1868 
with Anna Kolb. 

Frank L. Randall, son of Benjamin H. and Wil- 
helmena H. Randall, was born at Fort Ridgely, 
Nicollet county, Minnesota, September 30, 1856. 
Subsequently removed to St. Paul, and after a res- 
idence of one year in that city, went to St. Peter. 
In 1873 he left the St. Peter high school to teach 
in Le Sueur; in the faU of 1874 became a student 
in the collegiate course of St. John's college at 
Prairie du Ohien, Wisconsin; remained one year. 
Entered the law office of G. S. Ives, of St. Peter, 
in 1876, and continued the study of law with him 
until 1880. In January, 1877, was appointed 
county superintendent of Nicollet county; in No- 
vember of that year elected to that office. Mr. 
RandaU was admitted to the bar in the spring of 
1880, and soon after removed to Tracy remaining 
until May, 1881 ; he then located in New Ulm; is a 
member of the firm of Lind & Randall. 



J. .7. Redmann was bom in Chicago, Hlinois, in 
1854. Came to Minnesota when but two years of 
age, with his parents; they located near New Ulm 
on a farm. After living on the farm five years, 
the father began in business and continued until 
the Indian outbreak. He with family moved into 
Sibley coiinty, then again located in New Ulm 
and embarked in general merchandise business. 
In the summer of 1881 his son J. J. purchased the 
business and haf since continued the trade. 

Rev. G. pt^im, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1828. Tliere he received an education and grad- 
uated from the mission school, which is designed 
to prepare students for the ministry. In 1855 be- 
gan his labors as a clergyman; remained in his 
native country one year more, then, in 1856 came 
to America and settled in Jefferson county, Wis- 
consin; removed in 1870 to New Ulm and became 
pastor of the German Lutheran church. Was mar- 
ried in 1857 to Anna Maria Brunder. Adolph, 
Julius, Emil and Gustave are their children. 

Edward Roden, a native of Germany, was 
born in 1835. Came to America in 1854 and lived 
until 1866 in Boston, Cincinnati, and St. Louis. 
Came to Minnesota and settled in New Ulm; en- 
gaged in the manufacture of cigars, and has since 
continued in the business. Married in "1863 Miss 
Augusta Daw. C. G., Hermann, Alfred and Alex- 
ander are their children. 

C. H. Ross was born in Great Falls, New Hamp- 
shire, April 2, 1848. When but two years old he 
accompanied his parents to Wisconsin; in 1868 
came to Rochester, Minnesota, and entered the 
banking office of Chadbourn Bro.s., iu whose em- 
ploy he continued until 1874, when he became a 
partner in the firm and with them purchased the 
Brown County Bank at New Ulm. As Mr. Ro.ss 
is the only resident partner, he has the control and 
management of the bank. 

John C. Rudoljoh was born in Prussia, December 
27, 1828. Came to America in 1850, and after re- 
siding at Hartford, Connecticut a short time, re- 
moved to Cleveland, Ohio, thence to New Ulm in 
1857, and opened a farm where the city now stands. 
In 1860 he was elected county auditor, which po- 
sition he held until 1866. During the massacre 
in 1862, Mr. Rudolph succeeded in saving the 
county records, for which he received much praise 
from the citizens; during the excitement he took 
his family to St. Paul, where they remained till the 
following spring. While officiating as auditor in 
1864, was appointed cashier of the First National 



724 



HISTORY OF rUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Bank, continuing in tbiit position three years. He 
represented Brown county in the legishiture in 
18(i8 '9; was also a delegate to tlie convention at 
Chicago, which uomiiiatod (rencral (Irant to tlio 
presidency. lu 18(39 he was appointed receiver in 
the United States land office at St. Peter, bnt re- 
signed in 187-t to take charge of the Brown 
County Bank. In 187(i l)ecanie cashier of the 
Citizens' National Bank, which position he still 
fills. Mr. Rudolph was also judge of probate 
while acting as auditor. 

(Juiriu Schaible was born in (iermany, in 1828, 
and when a young man learned the mason's trade. 
On arriving in America in 1854, he settled in 
Chicago and the next year came to New Ulm ; pur- 
sued his trade till 1871, then opened his present 
saloon. Served one year in the 1st Minnesota 
mounted rangers. In 1863, he married Mrs. A. 
Buehr, relict of John Buehr, wlio was kiUed by 
the Indiana in 1802. Alfred, Roman and Frank 
are their children. 

August Schell was born in Germany in 1828. 
He'came to America in 1849, and settled in Pitts- 
burg, Pennsylvania, but the next year removed 
to Cincinnati, remained until 1856. Coming 
thence to Minnesota, he located in New Ulm ; was 
one of the founders of the town. Soon after ar- 
riving, he built what was Imowu as the Cincinnati 
Mill; it was the first in the place. In 1860, he 
engaged in the brewing business, in which he still 
continues. Married in 1853, Teressa Herrman. 

A. H. Schleuder, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1833. At the age of fourteen years began 
learning the trade of jeweler, which he pursued 
there until coming to America in 1862. Soon 
after, he located in St. Peter, Minnesota, and two 
years later moved to Watertown, where he con- 
tinued his trade till 1873; since that time has 
been located in New Ulm, engaged in the same 
business. His marriage with Miss A. Schwanc 
took place in 1S60. 

William Schmidt was born in Hartford, Wiscon- 
sin, in 1833. There he spent his early life, and in 
1865 came to Minnesota; stayed a short time in 
New Ulm, tlien went east; made his home in Chi- 
cago and St. Louis until 1872, when he came back 
to New Ulm and has since been engaged in the 
hotel business. In the spiing Of 1880 he started 
the Northwestern, which he still runs. 

Joseph Schmuker was born in Germany in 1819. 
Came to America in 1866, and soon after to New 
Ulm; went to Minneapolis and remained till 1870, 



when he again came to New Ulm, and rented the 
brewery which he bought in 1H72, and where he 
is now engaged in business. Married in 1873, 
Miss Ida Peurer. They have two children. 

E. J. Schnobrich was born in Ciermany in 1851, 
and when nineteen years of age came to America, 
locrating in New Ulm, Minnesota. He worked as 
a laborer until 1H78, then started a saloon, which 
he still conducts. Miss Anna Nenno liccame his 
wife in 1873. 

Iguas Schwendinger was bom in Austria in 
1831; when a young man he studied painting, 
photography, and marble cutting. These three 
trades he followed there until coming to America 
in 1879, since which time lie has made his home 
in New Ulm, engaged in the marble business. He 
married in 1857, Miss J. Rein. They have four 
children, all living. 

Adolph Seiter was bom in Baden, Germany, in 
1826. Wlien seventeen years of age he went to 
France and remained three years, pursuing the 
tailor trade, which he learned in his native coun- 
try. On the Ist of May, 1847, he arrived in the 
United States, and for two years made his home 
in New York; went to CiuciTmati and engaged in 
liierchant tailoring. Coming to New Ulm in 1856, 
he, in company with Colonel Pfaender and others, 
established what was known as tlie Turners Col- 
ony; they were the first to make explorations and 
select a site for the town. He soon after asso- 
ciated himself with Charles Koehne, and opened a 
store of general merchandise; he sold about two 
vears afterward and began the hotel business; has 
since been proprietor of the Dakota House. Mr. 
Seiter was one of the most instrumental in de- 
fending New Ulm at the time of the Indian out- 
break. What is now the gents' sitting- room of 
his hotel was then a hospital, and often in the 
midst of the defense he was called from the barri- 
cade to make temporary graves in the gardeu 
until ])assage to the cemetery could be made in 
safety: during the whole time he was only eight 
days away from home. Married, September 28, 
1852, Helena Erd. Thirteen children have been 
born to them; ten are living: Gustaf A., William, 
Otto, Albert, .\lma. Oscar, Freddie, Ella, Emma 
and Mata. 

A. G. Seiter was bora in Cincinnati in 1854. 
He is a son of Adolph Seiter, and with him came 
to Minnesota in 1856 and settled in New Ulm, 
where he received a liberal education at the public 
schools; at the age of eighteen began learning the 



BliOWN COUNTY. 



725 



trade of tinner, which has since been his chief em- 
ployment. In the spring of 1881 he, in company 
with Leonard Haeberle, engaged in the stove and 
tinware business. Married in 1876 Miss Angusta 
Lindeman. They have two children : Freda and 
Loui. 

Wm. F. Seiter was bom in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 
1856, and with his father, Adolph Seiter, came to 
New Ulm the same year, where he has since made 
his home. At fourteen he went into a bank as 
clerk, where he remained about three years; leav- 
ing the bank he went into the railroad office, where 
he remained one and one-half years, then went to 
St. Paul and was employed in the Second Na- 
tional Bank. In 1876 he was made teller of the 
Brown County Bank at New TJlm, where he has 
remained since. Married m May, 1881, Miss 
Ida Vajen. 

E. E. Seiter was bom in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 
October, 18.56, and in company with his parents 
came to Minnesota and located at New Ulm. He 
was educated at the public schools. In 1872 
learned the photographing business, and in 1878 
opened a gallery for himself in New Ulm, where 
he has been engaged ever since. Married in 
May, 1879, Miss Emma Meyer. They have one 
child: lo. 

H. T. Seiter was bom in New Ulm, Minnesota, in 
18.58, where he has since resided, and received his 
education at the common schools. In 1872 he 
went to work in a mill, where he remained about 
one year; In 1874 he commenced learning the bar- 
ber's trade; worked in a shop for five years, he then 
started a shop of his own and still conducts the 
business. Was married in February, 1881, to Miss 
Emma Swanson. 

Amaziah Slooum was born in Tioga county. 
New York, July 26, 1842. When twenty years of 
age he came to Minnesota, located in Northfield, 
and there pursued the trade of cooper, but in 1862 
settled on section 20 of Stark township. Brown 
county. Enlisted in August, 1862, in Company A, 
Seventh Minnesota, and was honorably discharged 
at Fort Snelling in 1865. Eetuming home he fol- 
lowed farming until 1879 and has since beeu a 
stock buyer in New Ulm. Married in 1866, 
Phoebe Meserve, and has five children. 

H. A. Subiha was born in Italy in 1819. Ke- 
moved to Germany in 1839, and came to America 
in 1848, locating in New Ulm in 1859. He built 
and operated a distillery here until its destruction 
in 18G2 by the Indians; he then went to St. Paul, 



and was deputy state auditor two years, but re- 
turned to New Ulm in 1864. ' Engaged in the 
mercantile business until 1874 when he was en- 
gaged in the milling business which he has since 
continued. 

John 0. Toberer was bom in Wurtemburg, Ger- 
many, in 1836. Immigrated to America in 1854; 
after remaining one and one-half years in New 
York he removed to Chicago; in 1856 he came to 
New Ulm ; was one of the first settlers here. He 
worked on a farm in order to regain his health; 
afterward opened a je^i-elry store in New Ulm. 
During the Indian warfare he helped in the de- 
fense and then resumed his business. Soon after 
arriving in New Ulm he married Louise Nagel; 
they have had six children, four are living. 

Henry Vajen was born in Prussia in 1826, and 
when twenty-three years of age immigrated to 
New York city; went directly to California, where 
he engaged in gold mining, trading and farming 
until 1854, then went to his native country on a 
visit. Keturniug to America he lived in Chicago 
until 1856, then located at New Ulm and engaged 
in general merchandising until 1868. He was the 
first treasurer of Brown county. After retiring 
from business in 1868 he visited in Germany until 
1872, when he returned to Minnesota. He mar- 
ried in 1858, Miss Mary Grotf. Magdalena, An- 
tonia and Ida are their children. 

Charles Wagner was born in Germany in 1830: 
when nineteen years of age he came to America 
and to New Ulm in 1857. He has since engaged 
in the manufacture of furniture, and the store 
which he now occupies wasu.sed as a hospital dur- 
ing the Indian massacre; he was severely wounded 
during the fight at New Ulm. In the fall of 1862 
he was elected judge of probate, which office he 
held for ten years; has been chairman of county 
commissioners ten years, also justice of the peace 
several terms. 

J. H. Weddendorf was bom in Ohio in 1857, 
and came to Minnesota with his parents when but 
three years of age, locating with them near New 
Ulm. He received his educatiim at New Ulm, 
also took a course at the Business college at Min- 
neapolis. From 1873 until 1877 he was in the 
drug store of Jose])h Bobleter, as clerk; after 
spending some time in Minneapolis and St. Paul, 
he again returned to his position in the drug store ; 
in 1879 he was made assistant postmaster. Mar- 
ried in 1879, Miss H. Plath. Jolianna is their 
only child. 



720 



nisTonr of the Minnesota valley. 



CHAPTER LXXIX. 



MILFORD COTTONWOOD HOME SLEEPY EYE — 

EDEM PBAIKIEVILI/E. 

Mi]forJ has witliiu its limits the location of the 
first settlement made in Brown county. The first 
man in the towTi was Edward McCole, who came 
across from Nicollet county in 1853; his cabin was 
burned and while he was away his claim was 
jumped by Anton Kaus; this claim now comprises 
the farm owned by Colonel Pfacndor. The next 
settlers were the members of the Chicago Land 
Verein who came in the fall 1854; an account of 



Oarl Wescheke. M. 1 >. was bom in Pnissia March 
4. 1831. He was educated in his native land: 
pasi>ed first through the department of military 
surgery at the university of Berlin, then to the 
university at Greifswald, and afterwards to Halle 
University, where he served one year in the army 
according to the law. Came to New Ulmin 1800 
and was the only resident physician here during 
the massacre; was employed by the government 
as military surgeon for the soldiers. In 1808 he 
went to California; returned the same faU. He 
started the first drug store in this city in 1805, 
wliich he sold in 18li8, but purchased it on his re- 
turn, lu 1870 was elected to the city council, and 
has since served; was appointed to, the office of 
mayor iu 1877; elected in 1878, and re-elected in 
1880 without oppo.sition. He is proprietor of the 
Pioneer drug store. 

August Westphal, a native of Prussia, was bom 
in 1813. He learned the trade of jeweler which he 
followed until 1844, then commenced to learn 
dentistry and practiced the profession there until 
coming in 1854 to America. After working at his 
trade one year in Boston, he removed to Cincin- 
nati, and there resided until coming to Minnesota 
in 1857. He taught the first term of school at 
New Ulm, and the next year removed to his farm; 
continued to teach, however, iu Cottonwood and 
Milford for a uumber of years. After remaining 
on a far farm ten years, he again removed to New 
Ulm. Was county superintendent of schools 
five years, treasurer of coimty two terms, tempo- 
rary clerk of court a portion of the year of 1862, 
judge of probate three terms, and has been county 
commissioner. His marriage with Miss Floren- 
tine Peterson took place in 1844; she died in 1879, 
leaving two children, Teressa and Mary. 



their settlement at Milford is given iu the pages 
devoted to New Ulm. Of these colonists, those 
remaining in the town are Ludwig Meyer, Anton 
and Athenoseus Henle, Peter Mack and David 
Haeberle. 

The first death was Martin Weidemann, of con- 
sumption, in February, 1855. The first birth was 
in th'! spring of 1855, a daughter of Benedict 
Drcxler. 

Father Winninger conducted the first religious 
sei-vi'jes in 1856. 

The first school was tauglit at the house of 
Anton Henle in the spring of 1857, bj a Pole, 
named Poktjfski. In the winter of 1859-00 a log 
school-house was built. Tliere are now five school- 
houses in the town. The tornado of 1881, des- 
troyed the house in district number nine, but it 
was rebuilt. Two dwelling hoiLses were also des- 
troyed, in addition to loss of stock, crops and 
timber. 

New Ulm post-office was first located in this town 
at the house of Anton Kaus; in 1857 it was moved 
to New Ulm. Milford post-office was established 
in 1860 and Anton Henle appointed postmaster; 
he still has charge. In 1857 he opened a hotel 
which he continued until 1880. 

The town of Milford, so named from the miU 
built where there was a ford across the Minnesota 
riviT, was one of tlie towns set apart for organiza- 
tion by the county board, Jmie 28, 1858. The 
early records of the town are lost and the first 
officers can not be given. The first chairman was 
Jolin Doster. 

The town of Milford, lying contiguous to the 
Indian reservation, suffered more loss of life dur- 
ing the Indian outbreak, than any other town in 
the county. By reference to preceding chapters a 
full account may be found. The butcheries in 
Mdiord are given in chapter 35 of this work. 

Bernard Adam was born June 12, 1819, in Lux- 
emburg, Germany. He learned the trade of car- 
penter in his native laud, and in 1849 moved to 
Port Washington, Wisconsin; remained until 1851, 
then visited Michigan and other states. At Chi- 
cago, October 15, 1853, he married Susan Simart. 
After marriage they returned to Port Washington 
and lived there until 1856, then removed to Du- 
buque, Iowa, but stayed only one year; their home 
until 1865 was in St.Cloud,Minnesota,then one year 
in Milford; after spending about eight years near 
Henderson they returned to Milford. Mr. and 
Mrs. Adam have seven children. 



BROWN COUNTY. 



727 



Nic. Arbea was bom in Boliemia in 1830. He 
grew to manhood on a farm, and in 1807 came 
to America, proceeding directly to Milford town- 
ship, Brown county, Minnesota. In 1856 he was 
united in marriage with Mary Sypher, who was 
born in Bohemia, in 1829. Joe, Maggie, John, 
Henry, Mary and Katie are their children. 

Michael Arnolda was bom September 26, 1826, 
in Prussia. Served in the Prussian army two and 
one-halt years, and in 18.51 was discharged; then 
came to Milford, Brown county, Minnesota. At 
the time of the Indian outbreak he removed with 
his family to Shakopee, but returned to bis farm 
two years later, where he has since lived. Mar- 
ried in May, 1848, to Anna Wetor, who was born 
in Luxemburg, in February, 1835, and died Nov- 
ember 15, 1879. Children: Mat, John, Mary, 
Peter, Elizabeth, Margaretta, Emma and Mike. 
Jacob and Batis died. 

William P. Current was born May 15, 181.5, in 
Monongahela county, West Virginia. October, 
1837, he moved with his family to Jay county, 
Indiana, and pre-empted a farm, on which he re- 
mained until March 11th, 1872, then moved to Mil- 
ford, Brown county, and bought his present farm. 
July 29, 1835, he was united in marriage with Re- 
becca' Lake, who was born in Harrison county, 
Virginia. Emily, George W., Nancy E., Mary M., 
Susan E., John A., Ehoda R., James W., Alonzo 
C, Caledonia, Marion E., and Emeline C, are 
their children. 

John Doster was born September 8, 1822, in 
Wurtemburg. Learned the trade of stone-cutter, 
at which he worked until 1845; emigrating at that 
time to the United States, he remained in Buffalo, 
New York, until June, 1855, then came to New 
Ulm, Minnesota. He pre-empted a farm in Milford 
township, on which he still lives. On learning of 
the outbreak of the Indians, he took his family to 
New Ulm, thence to St. Peter, where they remained 
two weeks, then returned to the farm. Mr. Doster 
has been county commissioner a number of years, 
chairman of the town board and justice of the 
peace. May 16, 1850, he married Cathariua Lang, 
who died August 5, 1852, leaving one son, George, 
who died a few days after. Married January 6, 
1863, Susanna Young, who was born in Bavaria, 
in 1830. Elnora, Eva M., George F. and August 
are their children. 

Edward Erdmann was born April 27, 1848, in 
Prussia. From 1868 until 1872 he lived in Wis- 
consin, then came to Milford, and bought a farm. 



His parents are living with him. Mr. Erdmami 
mgrried, April 26, 1878, Mary Deubie, who was 
born March 24, 1861, in Switzerland. She came 
to Rochester, Minnesota, in 1872; remained until 
1878, then came to Milford, where she was mar- 
ried. One son and one daughter have been born 
to them: Lena and Mike. 

Jacob Essig was bom May 16, 1853, at Green 
Garden, WiU county, Illinois. When twelve years 
of age removed with his parents to New Ulm, 
Minnesota; and at the age of twenty-three started 
in life for himself; after clerking in a store in Min- 
neapolis a short time, and spending a few months 
in Rochester he returned to New Ulm; then went 
to Germantown, Cottonwood county, and made a 
government claim; remained until 1880; has since 
resided in Milford. Mr. Essig is the inventor of a 
grain seijarator, which was patented October 8, 
1878. Jiily 9, 1879, he married Albertina W. 
Kunn, who was born in Cottonwood, in 1861. 
Rudolph A. is their only child. 

Henry Gluth was born December 20, 1848, in 
Milford, Minnesota, and has since lived here. 
After his father's death, which occurred in 1866, 
be worked the farm. Was in New Ulm at the 
time of the Sioux massacre, and after remaining 
about one week removed to St. Paul, but two years 
later returned to his farm, where he still lives. 
His brother John was killed, and another brother, 
August, was taken prisoner, but escaped six weeks 
after. Married, June 9, 1881, Hannah Frederick. 
Mr. Gluth's mother resides with huu. 

Mary Heinen was bom October 10, 1830, in 
Wurtemburg. .lanuary 27, 1851, she married 
Nicholas Heinen, who was born in Wurtemburg. 
They came to New Uhn, Minnesota, in 1855. Mr. 
Heinen took an active part in the defense of the 
settlers at the time of the Indian massacre, and 
participated in the engagements of August 19 and 
23, 1862. Soon after the excitement subsided he 
moved with his family to his farm in Milford, 
where the widow stUl lives, and with the help of 
ber children has carried on the farm. Mr. Hei- 
nen died September 3, 1874. John, Annie, Jo- 
seph, Peter, Rosa, Anton and Mike are the living 
children. 

Athanasius Henle was bom December 6, 1829, 
in Wm-temburg. Learned the trade of carpenter, 
and in 1853 immigrated to New York; pursued his 
trade in that city and Chicago until 1854, when 
be came to Milford, where be pre-empted the farm 
on which he now lives. In April, 1856, be mar- 



728 



niSTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



ried Eliznhotli Fink, whu was bom March 19, 
1K31, iu Wurtemburg. On learning of the depre- 
dations of the Indians he started with liis family 
for New Ulm. Mr. Honle fif?ured prominently in 
the battle of the next day, and after the fight 
joined the scouting party who were looking for 
the dead or wounded; remained oiit two days; he 
was also engaged in carrying supplies to Fort 
Eidgely. In November of that year he returned 
with his family to the farm. At tlie organization 
of Brown county, Mr. Henle was chosen county 
commissioner, and was also assessor of the county 
before its di^^^ion into townsliips. The children 
are Mary, Martin, Crisointhia, Athanasius, John, 
Anton and Joseph. 

Henry Hoffmann was bom May 9, 1830, in 
Baden, Germany; at the age of seventeen years 
he learned the trade of blacksmith, at which he 
worked in Germany until 18.52, then lived in Cin- 
cinnati until 1856, when he came to New Ulm; 
he bought the farm on which he now lives in Mil- 
ford. When informed that the Indians had left 
their reservation, he went to New Ulm and partici- 
pated in the conflicts. The Monday following 
the fight he removed his family to St. Peter, thenee 
to St. Paul. Ketuniing in 1804 to New Ulm, he 
resided there until the spring of 1869, since which 
time he has been on his farm. April 23, 1854, 
Margaretta Schwinn became his wife, and has 
borne him six children: Sophia, Lizzie, Katie, 
Annie, Minnie and Willie. 

George Jones was bom in Manchester, Eng- 
land, November 15, 1827. After liis father's 
death he moved with his mother to Buffalo, New 
York; remained about eighteen months, then until 
1849 resided in Erie, Pennsylvania; he then 
worked at the trade of carpenter in St. Louis until 
18.53, then spent several years in Iowa. During 
the summer of 1857 he pre-empted his present 
farm in Milford. He participated in the fight at 
New Ulm, in August, 1802, after which moved 
with his family to Kansas, but two years later re- 
turned to his farm. Married, October 23, 185.3, 
Mary Thomas, who was born in 1835 in New 
York. Annie, Henry T., Virginia, Sarah and Her- 
bert are their children. Henry T. was the first 
white boy born in Browii county. Mr. Jones has 
been justice several times. 

Johan D. Kruger, a native of Prussia, was born 
June 19, 1835. After attaining majority he came 
with his parents to .\nieric;i. and directly fo Mil- 
ford, arrinng July 2, 1856. Was at New Ulm 



during the Indian fight, where, August 18, 1802, 
his father was killed. EnUsted in the mounted 
rangers, under Captain Nix, and served fourteea 
months on the frontier, and on returning enlistel 
in Company E, lltli Minnesota. In January, 1863, 
married Barbara Lenart, who was bom in 1844, at 
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Rosa, Fred, Ernestine, 
Mary, Katie, Augusta, Georgia, and Martha are 
their children. 

Peter Mack, a native of Wurtemburg, Gtermany, 
was bom June 29, 1830. He arrived at New York, 
February 9th, 1854; after visiting several of the 
principal cities in the east, he came to St. Pavil, and 
during the fall of that year made a claim in Mil- 
ford. He gave his attention to the improve- 
ment of his farm until the Indian outbreak, then 
moved with his family to New Ulm; was wounded 
twice. He joined a scouting party and while ex- 
ploring the country found and buried eighteen 
who had been murdered. May, 1804, they re- 
turned from St. Paul to their former home. Mr. 
Mack ha.s held various town offices. Married in 
October, 1856, Mary Mack, who died in 1874, 
leaving four children: William, John, Fritz and 
Bertha. His second marriage was with Mary 
Haeberle. Katie and John arc the children by 
this marriage. 

Benedict Marti was born March 27, 1827, in 
Berne, Switzerland, where he was educated iu the 
public schools. Moved to Joliet, Illinois, in 1851, 
and there engaged iu fanning until 1867; came 
thenee to Milford, and bought the farm on which 
he has since lived. Married August 3, 1857, 
Margaret Gorman, who was born iu Beme, Switz- 
erland, April 9, 1839. Their living children are 
Godfred, George A., Frank, Benedict, Willie, 
Charlotte, Henry R. and Anna M. 

Samuel ^larti is a native of Berne, Switzerland, 
born July 6, 1828. After receiving a common 
school education he served three years in the 
infantry. In 1853, he came to America; until 
1850, his home was on a farm near .lohet, Illinois, 
when he came to Milford, Minnesota. Mr. Marti 
took part in the defense of New Ulm, against the 
Sioux outbreak, remaining there nine days. 
Married in March, 1857, Anna Sarle, a native of 
Berne, Switzerland, born in June, 1838, and died 
August 31, 1875. Mary, Benedict, John, George, 
Anna, Albert, Elizabeth, Nicholas, and Aucht are 
their li\-ing ehildern. 

Valentin Ortli was born December 13. 1S29, in 
Germany. In 1849, he joined the German army. 



BROWN COUNTY. 



729 



and in 1850, came to America. Until 1852, re- 
mained in Cleveland, Ohio, then visited different 
places in the west; finally made a claim in Helena 
township, Scott connty, Minnesota. In May, 
1863, be removed to New Ulm, and followed the 
trade of carj^enter nntil 1865, after which he loca- 
ted on his farm in Milford. November 3, 1858, he 
was united in marriage with Mary Defat, who was 
bom in Prussia, in 1832. Adolph, Louisa, Angle 
B., Anton A., Kosa, and Valentin are their living 
children. 

Nicholas Permoentgan was born in Luxemburg 
in 1831. When twenty-four years of age he moved 
to Chicago, Illinois, for one year, also spent one 
year in Michigan; coming thence to Milford, 
Brown county, he pre-empted the farm on which 
he now lives. In 1862 went to New Ulm, thence 
to Mankato and to St. Peter, liut returned to his 
farm the same fall. Married Mary March, on the 
20th of December, 1868. She was born in Lux- 
emburg in 1844 and in 1868 removed to Iowa, 
thence to St. Peter. Peter, Mike, Mick, Anton, 
Frank and Katie are their living children. 

Jost Pfeiffer was bom April 29, 1830, in Ger- 
many. He learned the trade of butcher from his 
father. In 1856 he immigrated to Buffalo, New 
York; one year later located in New Ulm and es- 
tablished a meat market, also engaged in farming 
until 1862, then spent a few months in St. Louis. 
Eetiirning to his former home he contracted to 
furnish meat for the troops at Fort Ridgely for 
the years 1863 and 1864. In 1872 he came to his 
present farm in Milford township. During the cy- 
clone of the summer of 1881 Mr. Pfeiffer lost his 
house and bam; his wife was severely injured and 
the remainder of the family somewhat hurt. Mary 
Keck, who was born in 1842 in Germany, became 
his wife October 5, 1864. She was a widow and 
had one daughter, Caroline. Mr. Keck was killed 
by the Indians in 1862. Harry, Fred, Minnie and 
Bertha are their living children. 

C. G. Schramm, a native of Germany, was born 
December 4, 1853. When only three years of age 
came with his parents to Brown county, Minne- 
sota. Remained with his parents imtil attaining 
majority, then began business for himself, locating 
on section 25, of Milford. He was driven away 
by the Indians in 1862, but after spending a few 
weeks in New Ulm and St. Paul, retiimed to his 
farm. His uncle was murdered liy the Indians. 
Married March 8, 1874, Bertha Tramm, who was 
born October 8, 1856, in Minnesota. Three chil- 



dren have been bom to them only one is living. 

C. C. Schubert was born September 13, 1858, in 
Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, and when nine years 
old came with his parents to New Ulm. He at- 
tended both German and English school here and 
in Wisconsin, and when seventeen years old en- 
tered the Normal school at Mankato, remained four 
terms. After teaching school one winter he went 
to Minneapolis and St. Paul as agent for sewing 
machines. Returning again to New Ulm he 
taught school during the winter of 1880-'l, and is 
at present teaching in both (rerman and EnglLsli 
in Milford. 

Christ. Sear was born October 24, 1831, in Prus- 
sia. Came to New York in 1850, and until 1857 en- 
gaged as a clerk in a store. Removing to Milford 
he pre-empted a farm; in 1860 he returned to New 
York, but came again to his farm in 1863. He has 
been a member of the town board four terms; De- 
cember 1, 1860, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Eosa Kreger, who was born in Germany in 
1834. Ernestine, Wniiam, Herman, Henrietta, 
Caroline, Mary, Fred and John are their children. 

Christian Seifert was bom in Austria February 
19, 1854. In the spring of 1866 came to America 
and to his brother's home in Cottonwood, Brown 
county. Until 1869 he worked for his brother, 
then engaged in a brewery in New Ulm two and 
one-half years; went to California in 1872 and re- 
mained until 1876, then went to Le Sueur, 
Minnesota and was in the brewery business fifteen 
months; he then located on a farm in Milford. 
Was married in October, 1879, to Katie Eckstein, 
who was bom in Austria in 1859. Mr. and Mrs. 
Seifert have two chOdran: Henry and Sophia. 

WiUiam Skinner was born in Sheshequin, Brad- 
ford county, Pennsylvania, November 25, 1829. 
When but eight years of age, he was bound out 
to learn the trade of harness making, at which he 
continiied seven years, then worked on the farm 
until reaching majority, when he started in the 
harness and saddlery trade; continued it until 1855 
then came to New Ulm and pre-empted his pres- 
ent farm. At the Indian outbreak he removed his 
family to St. Peter, then went to New Ulm and 
participated in the engagements; about two 
months after leaving his farm, he returned. In 
1876 he represented his district in the legislature; 
has also served as county commissioner and justice 
of the peace and was a member of the first grand 
jury of the district. December 24, 1853, he mar- 
ried Sallie Newell, also a native of Bradford 



780 



IIISTOUY OF THE MINNKSOTA VALLEY. 



couuty, Peuusvlvaniii. Martha, Eva, anil Katie 
are their childrcu. 

Chris Spelbriiik, Jr., was born March 5, 1845), 
in HaiiDver, CTeriiiaiiv. lie roceivoj a commou 
scliool edufation, aud in 1H5H came witli his par- 
ents to America, locatiuf; in Milford. During the 
Indian outbreak, Mr. Spelbrink heard tlie shooting 
and in the afternoon was informed of tlie massacre. 
Going to New Uha witli liis parents ho jiarticipted 
in tlie fight. Later he routed a farm near New 
Ulm, but afterwarils returned to the farm where 
his parents still live. He has been chairman of 
the town board two years, town clerk since 1878 
and assessor two years. Married on the 28lh of 
November, 1879, Louisa Goede, who was born in 
1860 in Hanover. Louisa is their only child. 

Daniel Windland was born March 31, 1K18, and 
is a native of Prussia. Remained in his father- 
land until 1853, then came to Beaver Dam, Wis- 
consin; his home was there until 1872, when he 
came to Milford and bought a farm on which he 
Las since resided. January 1, 1848, his marriage 
with Rasina Nekaler took place. She was born 
January 7, 1829, in Prussia. Seven children have 
been born to them : William, Henry, Mary, Caro- 
line, Daniel, Fred, and Adolph. 

COTTONWOOD. 

This town is in the extreme eastern part of 
Brown county, and when first established included 
what is now Sigel; the latter was set apart in 1862. 
The first settlers were Peyton Nichols and S. A. 
Vanpatten, who came in the summer of 1855, 
and located on section 13; other settlers of that 
■year were Jacob Bruat, William Winkelmaun, 
John Sturm, Jacol) Pfonninger, Joseph Hchaefer, 
and Alexander Waibel. There was an Indian vil- 
lage about a mile above the mouth of the Big 
Cottonwood, and Charles Michel, a Frenchman 
was in charge of a lime kiln owned l)y N. Myrick, 
of Traverse des Sioux; Mr. Wiukelmann jumped 
this claim and still owns it. 

The first birth was .Tohn Schenler, in the fall 
of 1856. The first preaching was in .lacob Brust's 
granary, by Dr. Blecken, a Lutheran. The Cath- 
olics held services under Father Somereisen, and 
built the first Catholic church in the county; it 
was of logs and belonged to St. Josepli's parish. 
The church was also used as a pnblic school-house; 
when the church io New Ulm was completed, it 
was torn dr)wn. The Evangelical Associaton 
church was built in 1865; services were first held 



by Rev. A. Huelster, in 1857. Rev. B. Simon is 
now pastor and there are forty members. 

In 1860 this town was named as school district 
number one; the first school was taught by Surah 
Shaw. The first meeting of the town board was 
held Octobi^r 24, 1858. The first members were: 
Jacob Brust, chairman, Nicholas Gulden and Ul- 
rich Lipp; A. S. Vanpatten was clerk. 

k water-power grist-mill was built by the Kuck 
brothers, near the Big Cotttinwood, on section 32, 
but was soon after burned. A woolen mill was 
erected in its j)lace in 1879 by Mr. Marsch. 

In 1857 a party of Indians who had been en- 
gaged in the Spirit Lake massacre came into the 
town, but tlie people met and drove them from the 
town. Afterwards, it was discovered that they 
had murdered Mr. Brandt who was living on the 
south side of the Cottonwood. During the tro\ible 
of 1862, but two citizens of this town were killed; 
Mr. Jones and Charles Lauer, the latter at upper 
Sioux Agency. 

John Manderfeld was born in Prussia in 1824. 
Came to America in 1851 and followed the tan- 
ning business in Chicago two years. In 1853 he 
removed to Dubuque, and engaged in farming 
there untU comhig to Minnesota in 1855; he set- 
tled on his present farm in Cottonwood. Has held 
several offices of trust in the town and county ; 
was justice of the peace for twenty-one years, 
county commissioner one term, and has been 
sherilT of Brown county three years. Married in 
1853 Miss Cicilia Legro. C. W., Clara, Peter, 
Minnie and Frank are their children. 

Alonzo Nichols was bora in West Virginia in 
1852, and when a child of two years accomj)anied 
his parents to Missouri, and in 1856 to Minnesota, 
locating in Cottonwood on the farm where he now 
lives. Mr. Nichols has served his town as clerk. 
His marriage with Miss Kate Seibert took jilacein 
1879. Esther A. is their only child. Mr. Nich- 
ols" father, Peyton Nichols, was one of the first 
county commissioners, also one of the first town 
board, and held many other offices. Was in the 
second battle of New Ulm, and was twice wounded. 
He died in 1863. 

Theodor Rein, a native of (lermany, was born 
in 1833. Came to America in 1858, and soon after 
located a home in Cottonwood; he was among the 
early settlers of the town. He has been town su- 
pervisor three years, iind town treasurer the same 
length of time. IMr. Rein participated in the bat- 
tle of New Ulm in 1862. In 1875 erectetl a brick 



BROWN COUNTY. 



731 



residence at a cost of about $4,000; it is the finest 
house in the town. Married in 1853 Miss L. 
Andrews. Alfred is their only living child. 

Joseph Schafer, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1822. Came to America in 1845 and located in 
Iowa, but removed to Minnesota in 1855; settled 
on his present farm in Cottonwood township, 
Brown county. In 1861 he went into the -army 
and participated in the defense of New Ulm; 
served three years. Was united in marriage in 
1854 with Miss Teressa Brook. Dena, Joseph, 
Anna, Caroline, Teressa, Mary, Fritz and Lizzie are 
their children. 

Emil Schloman, who was born in 1852, is a 
native of Prussia. Came to America with his 
patents in 1869 and settled in Madelia, Waton- 
wan county, Minnesota. After learning the trade 
of a carpenter he was employed at that work sev- 
eral years. In 18C6 he located in Cottonwood 
township on his present farm. His marriage 
with Miss Louisa Spenner took place in 1880. 
They are the parents of one child: Anna. 

Joseph Schnobrich was born iu Austria in 1841, 
and in 1858 came to America. Soon after arriv- 
ing he located in Cottonwood township, Brown 
county, where he has since lived. In 1863 joined 
Company M, Second Minnesota cavalry, of which 
he was sergeant; on returning from the army he 
came to his former home. Has been assessor of 
the town for the past nine years. Mr. Schnobrich 
married in 1865 Miss Annie Pect, who has borne 
him seven children : Martin, Lizzie, Joseph, Gleorge, 
Frank, Teressa and Henry. 

Frederick Shrip, whose native country was 
Prussia, was born in 1824. Came to America in 
1846 and for about ten years made his home in 
Wisconsin. Coming thence to Minnesota he set- 
tled on a farm in Cottonwood township, on which 
he still lives. His marriage with Miss Anna 
Sephet took place in 1851. Fred, John, Kate, 
Louisa, Mary, and WiUiam are their children. 

John B. Sturm was born in Cottonwood, Brown 
county, Minnesota, in 1858, and is the son of B. 
Sturm, who was one of the earliest settlers of the 
town, having located here in 1855. He has re- 
ceived a common school education in this county 
and is now located on a farm. 

Alexander Waibel a native of Germany was 
bern in 1829. He came to America and settled in 
New Jersey in 1853, and two years subsequently 
came west to Minnesota. He settled on section 19 
of Cottonwood township on his present well culti- 



vated farm. Mr. Waibel was at the siege of New 
Ulm in 1862. Married m 1852, Miss Z. Ruhpe. 
John, Margaret, Alex., Ada, Caroline, Bernhardt, 
Benedict, Henry, Mary, Theodore and Zeciblia. 

Fritz Yahncke was born in Germany, in 1832. 
Came to America and for one year was in Chicago 
and in 1856 came to Minnesota. He settled in 
Cottonwood township where he has since lived on 
his farm on section 20. He was at the defense of 
New Ulm against the Indians in 1862. Mr. Yah- 
ncke has been one of the town supervisors for the 
past two years. Married in 1861, Mis? Charlotte 
Schur, who has borne liim seven children; Robert, 
Louisa, Amelia, Clara, George, Lizzie and Fritz. 

HOME. 

This is the largest town in the county, 
including in its limits fifty-three square miles. 
The first claims were made in 1857 by Hyacinth 
St. Couturier, now of Sleepy Eye, Mathew Ryan, 
and William Tubbs. The two latter located on the 
south side of the Big Cottonwood, in the s(juth- 
eastern part of town. Mr.Ryan and Mary Schmitz, 
went to Mankato and were married iu February, 
1858. Their daughter, Catherine, born April 20, 
1861, was the first birth in the town. Mr. Tubbs was 
kdled by an Indian in 1859, supposed to have 
been on account of jealousy. April 28, 1859 J. P. 
Schmitz was murdered while digging a cellar; an 
Indian was arrested on suspicion, but escaped be- 
fore the time set for trial. The first settlers after 
the Indian war, were Edward Taylor, Philander 
Lee, John Pickle, John Roberts, Daniel Middleton 
and the Current brothers who came in 1864. 

The first marriage was that of W. H. Hawk and 
Mary Middleton, August 27, 1866. The first re- 
ligious services were held December, 1864, at the 
house of Current brothers, by Rev. O. L. Howard, 
a United Bretheren minister. At one time he failed 
to arrive at the appointed hour, and the assembly 
not wishing to waste the time, organized a dance. 
A violinist was procured and they were in the 
midst of a "good time" when, about nine o'clock 
the minister appeared ; the dance ceased and in a 
few minutes they were engaged in worship. In 
May 1877 the Advent church was organized at 
Golden Gate; services were held in a hall and R. 
B. Simmons officiated. 

The first school was taught in 1866, by Miss 
Hattie Wright in a log building put up for the 
purpose, in the northeastern part of town; this is 
now district 13; the present school- house cost $800. 
The town now has seven school buildings. 



732 



UI8T0RT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Home po8t-<.)tlice was estnMishoil in October, 
1868, with Joseph Libert jKwtmastor, and the 
ofiBce at his house. In March, 1869, J. P. Cur- 
rent received tho appointment and has sinee lield it. 
GoUlen Gate was established about the same time, 
with Ebenezer Fuller in charge. After several 
changes, Horatio Werring, the present postmaster 
BUc«eoded and the jjost-ottice was located at his 
store. The village of (iolden Gate took its name 
from the post-office. The tirst store was started 
by R. B. Simmons, whose store with Mr. Werring's 
constitutes tlie business of the place. John Piokle 
has a blacksmith shopaboiit a quarter of a mile 
cast. The Golden Gate mill is north of the village 
and is owned by .John Heimerdinger k Sons. He 
built the first mill in 18()9 and made all the ma- 
chinery himself; the present mill was built in 1872 
and is run by water and steam power; it contains 
two run of stone. 

There were no people living in the town at the 
time of the Indian nutbreuk, but there was a mili- 
tary post and stockade about three miles south- 
east of Sleepy Eye lake. 

The first town meeting was held June 30, 1860, 
at the house of the Current brothers. W. H. 
Hawk, chairman; D. Bertrand and .John Nicklin, 
were the first board of supervisors. 

James Addy was bom in county Cavan, Ire- 
land, June 1, 18.33. Came to America when about 
eighteen years of age, landing in New York city. 
S'>on after he removed to New .Jersey, and one 
year later to Connecticut, and lived in that state 
seven years. Came to Minnesota in 18G.5 and set- 
tled near Rochester, but took a I'laim of 100 acres 
on section 27, of Home towhship, to which he 
moved in 1878. He has served as justice of the 
peace; his oldest sou is the present chairman of 
the town board. Married July 4, 1853, Miss Julia 
McGovern. Six children have been bom to them, 
of whom four are living. 

C. E. Brown was bom January 20, 1830, in St. 
Lawrence county. New York. When (]uite small 
he moved with his parents to Canada, then to 
northern Illinois, and was there engaged in the 
lead mines. At the age of seventeen years he re- 
moved to Deeorah, Iowa, remained until reaching 
majority. In 18") 1 he came to Miimesota and took 
a claim near Rochester, on which he lived until 
1801, then moved to the town of Leavenworth, 
Brown county; in 1872, located on his present 
farm t>u section 33, Home township. Married in 



1863, Miss Sarah .\llen. Four of the eight chil- 
dren bom to them are living. 

T. C. Cumings was born February 8, 1832, in 
Walpole, New Hampshire. He spent his child- 
hood with his grandparents in Herkimer county. 
New York, there remaining nntU 1854; coming 
thence to Minnesota, he located near where Roch- 
ester has since l)eeu built; the city now includes 
his claim of 100 acres. He came to the town of 
Home in .June, 1878, where he owns a farm, also 
the ferry known as the Fort Ridgely ferry. Mar- 
ried in 1844, Betsy Hope, who was bom in Her- 
kimer county. New York, and died in November, 
1863. They had a family of six children: two 
sons and two daughters are living. 

\ William Cutting was bom in Suffolk county, 
England, December, 1823. When eight years of 
age he accompanied his parents to Canada West, 
but in 1857 he removed to Minnesota and located 
in Henderson; came to his present farm of 100 
acres in 1869. Married in 1849, Eliza N. Clancy, 
who was born in Canada. They have had nine 
children, seven are living. The eldest son, John, 
is a native of Ontario, Canada, but has lived in this 
state the greater portion of his life; has received a 
good education, and for the past six or seven years 
has been (piite successful as a school teacher. His 
marriage with Miss Maggie McGowan took place 
in 1877. They have one child. Since 1878 they 
have been on a farm oi his own on section 32. He 
has been town clerk several terms. 

Elisha Davis was bom in 1819, in Oneida 
county. New York. He leamed the shoemaking 
trade and pursued it in his native place until 1851, 
then settled in Auburn, Wisconsin. In 1866 he 
came to Mankato, Minnesota, and the next year 
settled in Home township. Brown county, on a 
claim of 100 acres. Married March 0, 1842, Mar- 
tha Bestor, who was l)orn in Trenton, New York. 
Twelve children have been bom to them; ten 
are living. 

Frederick Gerboth, a native of Germany, was 
born June 11, 1M41. Came to America in 1850 
with his parents, and until 1800 lived in Pitts- 
burgh, Pennsylvania, where he leamed the ma- 
chinist's trade; on leaving there he came to Court- 
land, Nicollet county. Minnesota. In October, 
1801, enlisted in the First Minnesota battery ; was 
honorably discharged in Greorgia, 1865. Ketnm- 

; ing home he spent 1800 in St. Paul, then engaged 
in engineering in New I'lm three years. After 

' having a store for about eight years in Iberia, he 



BROWN COUNTY. 



733 



settled in 1877, on a farm on section 27, of Home. 
Married in 1866, Carrie Grimmer, of Germany. 
Clara, Edward, Lulu and Fred are their children. 
The father of Mr. Gerboth was killed by Indians 
at his farm in 1862. 

D. A. Gibbs was born near the village of Delhi, 
Delaware county. New York, December 21, 184:3. 
In October, 1861, he enlisted at Delhi in the 
Eighth New York independent battery; re-en- 
listed in the same regiment and was honorably 
discharged in July, 1865. Keturning to his na- 
tive place, he remained until moving to Minnesota 
in 1866; came directly to his jjresent farm of 
ninety acres on section 4, of Home township. 
Married in October, 1866, Miss Isabel H. Loomis, 
who was born in Springville, Pennsylvania, and 
died November 25, 1880. Charies B. and Kelley 
D. are their children. 

L. A. Glatigny was born in Paris, France, May 
10, 1848. Came to America in 1858 with his 
parents and settled with them in Henderson, Min- 
nesota. After a residence there of eight years, re- 
moved to Sleepy Eye, then settled on a farm of 
200 acres on section 20. Mr. Glatigny has been 
twice married; to his present wife, who was Emily 
Beliveau, on the 8th of November, 1880. 

De Foris Greene was born near the village of 
Watertown, New York, November 18, 1837. Ac- 
companied his parents in 1850 to Wisconsin; 
learned the trade of carpenter, at which he has 
since worked. In January, 1862, he enlisted in 
Company G, 16th Wisconsin infantry; partici- 
pated in many of the heaviest l>attles, and was 
honorably discharged near the close of the war. 
He returned to his former home in Wisconsin, and 
in 1867 came to Minnesota, tirst to Blue Earth 
county, where he worked at his trade. Came to 
his present farm of 178 acres in 1868. Married in 
1869 Miss Liicinda Bunce, born in Janesville, 
Wisconsin. Seven children have been born to 
them, one son and six daughters. 

Mrs. Phidelia Greene, whose maiden name was 
Phidelia Royce, was born October 30, 1817, in 
Champion, New York. In March, 1838, she was 
married to Chester Greene. He came to Minne- 
sota in 1864, and to the farm on which his family 
is now living in 1868. The farm consists of 160 
acres, of which thirty are timber and seventy -five 
under cultivation. He was instrumental in the 
organization of the township of Home, and held 
the office of justice of the peace, also other offices. 
His death occurred November 10, 1876; he left a 



widow with a family of six children, all of whom 
are married excepting the youngest son, Frederic 
B., who lives at home. 

Ferdinand Heimerdinger, a native of Germany, 
was born September 30, 1850. Came with his 
parents to America in 1854, and to Minnesota in 
1856; located first at New TJlm. His father, .Tohn 
Heimerdinger, helped to build the first steam mill 
at New Ulm, under the supervision of the Chicago 
Turner Society. During the Indian war of 1862 
he enlisted, and was on duty during the fight at 
New Ulm. Came to his present home in 1867; 
has a farm of 160 acres and a fiouring mill. He 
erected a small one first in 1870, wliich was the 
first flouring mill in Home. He married in 1840 
Miss Ragina Merst, who died June 11, 1868. His 
sons, Ferdinand and Henry, have charge of the 
mill and the farm; both have learned the milling 
trade. Ferdinand married in 1879 Miss Anna 
Hoffman, and has one child. 

Robert B. Heuton was bom in Erie county, 
Pennsylvania, August 7, 1832. Came west with 
his parents in 1842, and in 1856 located in Sigel, 
Brown county, Minnesota. During the Indian 
war they were driven from their home, which was 
nearly destroyed. He joined a party who went 
out to rescue any who might be in peril, and on 
returning, August 19, was attacked by the In- 
dians, who killed all but six. Mr. Henton was 
an able worker during the entire conflict, and 
afterward went, to Wisconsin. Returning in 1864, 
he enlisted in August, in Company A, 11th Min- 
nesota; was discharged at the close of the war. 
Since 1869 he has lived in Home, where he has a 
farm of 178 acres. He has been chairman of the 
town board, and has for six years served as clerk. 
In 1856 he married Miss Margarett Thomas, who 
has borne him seven children; six are living. 

H. M. Hills was born May 23, 1835, near Pitts- 
field, Massachusetts. In 1842 he accompanied Ids 
parents to Rock county, Wisconsin, and remained 
on the farm until thirteen years of age; after that 
time was dependent upon his personal exertions 
for a livelihood. Returning to Massachusetts he 
remained until 1858; attended school during the 
winter months, and made a specialty of the study 
of civil engineering. In .January, 1865, enlisted 
in Company A, 46th Illinois veteran infantry; was 
mustered out in 1866. Went to Freeport, Dli- 
nois, and soon after came to his present farm; he 
has about 170 acres. Married in 1858 Miss Maria 



734 



UlUTUltY UF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



R. Scovill, who was born in New York. Seven 
children; five are lining. 

Francis M. Kennedy was boru in Trumbull 
county, Oliio, January 7, 1837. He remained in 
his native place until the age of eighteen; com- 
pleted liis studies in the high school at Warren. 
Came with his parents to Minnesota in 1856, and 
located in Nicollet county on a farm. In March 
1863, at Fwrt Hidgcly, enlisted in Company B, 
first mounted rangers; was in Greneral Hibley's 
expedition across the plains; was honorably dis- 
charged after a service of nine months. Came to 
his present farm of 160 ac^es in 1868. Mr. Ken- 
nedy married in 1864, Miss Jeriisha Post, who was 
born in Ohio. They have two sons and four 
dauglitcrs. 

Charles Kisner, a native of Prussia, was born in 
1837. Came to .\merica in 1860, and settled in 
Champaign county, lUinois; four years later 
removed to Green Lake county, Wisconsin, and in 
1867 settled on section twenty-eight of Home 
township, and made claim to a quarter section of 
land. He has been treasurer of school district 
30, also constable. Married in 1867, Augusta 
Tnssmer, a native of Prussia, born in 1847. Ida, 
Albert, Emma, Henry, Ijydia, Ellon and Eddie are 
their children. 

Alva S. Larrabee was liorn in Addison county, 
Vermont, February 17, 1816. In 1839 went to 
Lester, Vermont, and was engaged in the tanning 
and shoe making business. Married in 1840, 
Marion Enos, wlio bore him one child, and died in 
1842, after wliicli he came west and spent abcjut 
two years, then returned to Vermont. lu 1847, 
married Amy Humphrey. They went to Winne- 
bago county, Wisconsin ; he engaged in farming 
and in the shoe trade until 1861, then resided 
three years in Freeboni comity, Minnesota; in 
1864 made a claim on section 34 of Home, of 160 
acres and has since added 40 acres. Has held the 
offices of assessor and justice of the peace. They 
have six children. 

Isaac Martine was boru in New York city, April 
1, 1824. Went to Monroe county, where he grew 
to manhood and was educated. Removed to Ra- 
cine county, Wisconsin, in 1847. Enlisted in 1861 
in Company F, Sbcond Wisconsin infantry; was 
honoraby discharged in December, 1862. Re- 
turned to Racine county, but in 1866 came to Min- 
nesota and soon after settled on his present farm 
of 173 acres in Home. !Married Amy M. Close in 
1845, wlio died in August 1H.")5. His second mar- 



riage was with Mifis Elizabeth M. Werring, in 

1866. Walter N., George H., and Isaac S. are 
their living children. 

Colin McKenzie, a native of Scotland, was bom 
in 1842. Came to Canada in 1849. Made a claim 
of 160 acres on section 17 of Home township in 

1867, to which he removed and on which he has 
since resided. His parents came in 1868 and 
still reside with him. 

Fowler Middlcton was bom near Warsaw, Indi- 
ana, July 14, 1853. Came with liis parents to 
Minnesota in 1865, directly to the town of Home 
and located with them on the farm which he is 
managing at present; he also owns a farm of 60 
acres. His mother resides with him. Married in 
1880, Mrs, Current, whose maiden name was Mary 
Labert. At the time of their marriage she had a 
daughter, Ella. 

.Tames N. ^Montgomery was born January 10, 
1836, in Ontario. There he remained until 1867, 
then came to Home and took a claim of 160 acres 
on section 8. He has been supervisor one term 
and chairman of the board one tenn. Married 
April 13, 1847, Jennet McDermid, who was born 
in Canada June_ 1, 1822. John T., James, Hugh 
A., Susanna L., Catherine J., Margaret J., Duncan 
A., Martin P. and an adopted daughter, Amanda 
L. Erwin, are their living children. 

Martin Penning, a native of Luxemberg, Ger- 
many, was liom September 29, 1840. and when 
five years old came to America with bis parents. 
Lived in Wisconsin until 1865, then made a claim 
of 160 acres on section 35 of Home township. 
Enlisted in 1863, in Company C, 34th Wisconsin 
and after a service of ten months was discharged. 
October 13, 1869, he married Cresendia Smucher. 
She was bom in Germany, September 3, 1844, 
and has borne him four children ; Rosa and Emma 
are the living. Robert and Oscar died in 1880. 

John E. Pickle was bom in Lower Canada Feb- 
ruary 9, 1840. At the age of seventeen years he 
came to Dover, Olmsted county, Minnesota, with 
his parents. Learned the trade of blacksmith, 
which he has followed most of the time since. In 
February, 1861, enlisted at St. Paul, in Company 
B, independent battalion ; was in service on the 
frontier and honorably discharged at Fort Snelling 
in June, 18('>6. On returning he came to bis 
farm on section 29 of Home, where he also 
has a blacksmith shop. Married in November, 1861, 
Nancy M. Loe who was boru in Jeflerson county, 



BROWN COUNTY. 



735 



New York. Of the seven children bom to them 
only two survive, Dolla A. and Celia A. 

C. H. Potter was born Jefferson county, New 
York, Ajsril 17, 1830. At the age of eighteen he 
began to earn his own livelihood. In 18.54 came 
to Green county, Wisconsin, and located on a farm 
near Ripon. Came to Miimesota in 1864 and set- 
tled first in Blue Earth City, removing in 1869 to 
his farm of. 129 acres in Home. Married in Feb- 
ruary, 1858, Adeline Greene, who was born in Lewis 
county, New York, September 4, 1840. Orin C, 
Charles G. and Frank W. are their living children. 

Henry Romberg, a native of Germany, was 
born in 1837. Came to America in 1856, located 
in Milwaukee, thence removed to Washington 
county, Wisconsin, and followed farming also in 
Waukesha county. In 1866 came to Minnesota 
and made a claim of 160 acres on section 33, Home 
township. Married in 1867, Dora Knoke, who 
was born in Germany in 1841. Five children 
have been born to them of whom four are living. 

Horatio Werring was born in Cornwall county, 
England, February 24, 1849. With his parents 
he came to America in 1853 and settled on a farm 
in Wisconsin. Came to Minnesota in 1856 but 
did not locate permanently until 1866, then made 
a claim on section 32 of Home. He now has a 
store of general merchandise at Golden Gate 
which he started in 1377; has also had the post- 
office in his store since his location here. Married 
in January, 1873, Miss Ellen McGowan. They 
have two children. His father was drowned in 
the Minnesota river, near West Newton, in June, 
1871. His mother stiU resides on the farm on 
section 32. 

Truman Wheeler was born in Malone, Franklin 
county, New York, in May, 1829. There he lived 
until twenty years of age, then spent thr-ee years 
in Massachusetts and in 1852 returned to his na- 
tive town. Enlisted in 1862 in Company H, 142d 
New York infantry, and served until May, 1865. 
He then returned again to Malone, and in April, 
1866, started for Minnesota; in August of that 
year located on section 34 of Home, making a 
claim of 160 acres. Married in 1851, Miss Polly 
Bond, who bore him nine children, of whom eight 
are living. She died December 11, 1871. His 
second marriage was in September, 1879, to Mrs. 
Delila Read. 

SLEEPY EVE L.\KE. 

This thrifty and enterprising village is located 
n the southwest corner of the town of Home, and 



at the jimetion of the Redwood Falls branch of 
the Winona & St. Peter railroad with the main 
line. It was surveyed and platted in the fall of 
1872 on land owned by Thomas Allison and W. 
L. Brackenridge. The growth of this village was 
comparatively slow until the completion of the Red- 
wood Falls branch in 1877, and the location of a 
round house and machine shops of the railroad 
company in 1878. Since that time it has grown 
rapidly and steady and now has a population of 
about 1,300. In February, 1878, the village was 
incorporated as Sleepy Eye, named from the In- 
dian chief. This name was subsequently changed 
to Loreno, and later, to Sleepy Eye Lake. The 
act making the last change increased the territory 
within its limits and increased the powers and 
duties of its officials. The territory now embraced 
amounts to one and a half square miles. 

The first election was held March 19, 1878. 
Officers elected : Council — Francis Ibberson, 
president; Louis Hanson, T. F. Talbot and T. J. 
Murfin, trustees; R. H. Bingham, recorder; Peter 
Runitz, treasurer, and M. C. Buruside, justice. 
There was a tie vote on constable and L. Pease 
was appointed by the council, at a subsequent 
meeting. 

The business of the place is represented by 
classes, as folio tvs: One bank, five hotels, eight 
general stores, two drug stores, two hardware 
stores, two furniture stores, one boot and shoe 
store, one merchant tailor, four millinery and dress- 
making establishments, two harness shops, two 
shoe shops, sis dealers in agricultural implements, 
two wagon shops, six blacksmith shops, one bakery, 
three restaurants, two meat markets, two liveries, 
one feed store, one cigar store and manufactory, 
one news stand, one elevator, capacity, 100,000 
bushels, two warehouses, three lumber yards, four 
insurance offices, two barber shops, two photograph 
galleries, one brewery and twelve salo(ms. 

Two weekly newspapers represent the interests 
of the town, at home and abroad. The Brown 
County Republican is republican in politics.and is 
the property of C. Bromwicb. The Sleepy Eye 
Herald, democratic in pohtics, is published by 
T. F. Brown, edifior and proprietor. There have 
been two other papers published, The Sleepy Eye 
Wide Awake and the Sleepy Eye Gazette. 

The professions are represented by two law 
firms and four physicians. There are six churches 
and several orgauizati-)ns that hold services in 
churches belonging to other denominations or 



730 



msTUUr OF TUE UJA'HaSUTA vallhy. 



elsewhere. There ib also a oircnhiting library and 
reading room. About 8200 liiive been expoiidod 
for Ixioks and periodicals. The present sdiool- 
house is a two story frame structnre 24x(iO foet 
with an addition the same size. It contains four 
rooms in which four teachers are employed at an 
annual cost of §2,100. 

The first religious services on the jiresent site 
of the village, were conducted by Rev. Kent, a 
Pre8l)yterian minister, during the summer of 18G8, 
in the grove on Thomas Alli.son's farm. Since 
then, services have been held by diflerent denom- 
iuatioDS at ditferent places. The Presbyterians 
were first organized at Golden Gate, with nineteen 
members, a number ot whom were Cougregation- 
alista. When the village of Sleepy Eye was started 
they moved their place of worship here. Although 
owning a church, they have, at present, no regiilar 
pastor. In 1873, the Congregationalists began 
holding services under the ministry of the Ecv. E. 
H. Alden, of Waseca. Those of this sect belong- 
ing to the Presbyterian organization joined them 
and they now have a membership of thirty-four, 
with the liev. W. A. Lyman for pastor. The 
Methodists had an organization in Prairieville and 
moved to Sleepy Eye. Their present pastor is 
Rev. H. .T. Harrington. The membership is about 
twenty and services are conducted in the Presby- 
terian church. The first services connected with 
the Baptist church, were under the leadership of 
Rev. .'Vnthony Case in the spring of 1872, and two 
years later a church was organized with twelve 
members. With the exception of two years, when 
absent, Mr. Case has since been the pastor. Ser- 
vices were for some time held in the Congrega- 
tional church, but, at present, are conducted in 
the Presbyterian church. The German Methodist 
denomination was organized in Leavenworth, 
about 1870, and lat«r built a church. In 1874, 
they began their ser-saces in the village, and in 
1877, they moved their house of worship here. 
The membership is now about seventy-five, and the 
present pastor is Rev. G. Reihle. The first Cath- 
olic services wore conducted by the Rev. Father 
Berghold. He continued there until about 1876, 
when he was succeeded by Father John Tori. In 
1874, the society built their present church, at 
a co.st of about .tSjCOd. The membership is now 
12.5 families and tlie local prie-st is Father B. 
Saudmayer. The Evangelical Association was or- 
ganized by the Rev. George Simon, in 187(!, with 
eighteen members. In 1877, a church was built 



at a cost of about $900. Tlie membership has in- 
creased to twenty-eight, ami the pastor is l^v. B. 
Simon. The German Lutherans began holding 
services about 1875. In 187G, they built their 
church, at a cost of about Sl,800. Their first 
pastor was liev. Christof Meyer, and the member- 
ship at that time about twenty. The present 
membership is forty. Their pastor, Rev. S. Deu- 
ber, also jjreaches in Eden, alternate Sabbaths. 

There are eight secret societies in the village, 
having a united membership of alxmt two-hun- 
dred and twenty. The largest of these. Key Stone 
Lodge No. 04, A. F. & A. M., was organized in the 
town of Stark, and moved into the village in 1872. 
This society liuilt a fine hall in 1876, at a co.st of 
$2,300. The present membership is about sixty. 
Albert Chapter nnmber 31, R. A. M. wiis organ- 
ized in 1875, with nine charter members, and the 
following officers: .John Moore, M. E. H. P.; J. 
W. B. Welcome, E. K.; J. M. Thompson, E. S.; W. 
M. Murfin, C.of H.; T. J. Murfin, P. S.; David 
Eshbaugh, R. A. C; George Pickelliaupt, G. M. 
;id v.; O. W. Jones, G. M. 2d V.; and Jacob Dun- 
ciui, Sr., G. M. 1st V. The present membership 
is thirty-six. 

Sleepy Eye Lake Lodge No. 83 I. O. of O. F., 
was organized in October, 1881, witli six charter 
members; there are now sixteen members. 

Sleepy Eye Lodge, No. 67, A. O. U. W. was or- 
ganized in June, 1880, with sixteen charter mem- 
bers and the following officers — T. M. Marcellus, 
P. M. W. and Deputy; L. W. Dousman, M. W.; 
H. G. Eaton, F. ; C. B. Peck, O. ; Isaac Gallagher, 
Recorder; J. F. Bidwell, Fin. R.; H. Bingham, Re- 
ceiver; (i. R. Whomes, G. ; Thomas Horn, I. W. 
and J.; W. Kolby; O. W. The present member- 
ship is twenty- four. 

Sleepy Eye Temple of Honor, No. 36. was or- 
ganized in .4pril, 1881, with eleven charter mem- 
bers, and the following oOii-ers — Rev. W. A. Ly- 
man, W. C. T. ; Hans Mo, W. Y. T. ; Lsaac Galla- 
gher, W. R.; L. Mauch.W. F. R.; H. G. Eaton, W. 
T.; John Liddell, W. C; 1). W. Coulthard, W. U.; 
J. Benham, D. U.; Wilham Duncan, W. O.'and Eli 
Benham, W. S. D. I. Russell was appointed W. 
P. C. T. They now have a membership of eight- 
een. A social tenii)le was organized in connection, 
April 30th following, with eighteen members. 

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen was 
organized in July, 1880, ■nith eleven members and 
the following officers — J. C. Curtis, M., J. J. Mo- 
Donald, R. S., James Ashworth, F. S. and T. The 



BJIOWN COUNTY. 



Til 



membership bas increased to thirty. The motto 
of the society is, Industry, Benevolence and So- 
briety. The object of the society is the further- 
ance of the locomotive firemen and engineers, 

The Professional Men's Association of Sleepy 
Eye Lake, ytas organized in the spring of 1881, 
and now has ten members, representing the dif- 
ferent professions. 

The first store on the site of the village, was 
built during the fall of 1872, by William Robin- 
sou. The first hotel was built by Chris. Emery, 
the Lake House. He still owns the building, but 
does not conduct the business. 

The post-office was established in 1873, with A. 
W. Williamson, as postmaster. It has been in 
the hands of several. The jjresent incumbent, 
Lars Hanson, received his appointment in 1876. 

Hyacinth St. Couturier, Canadian Frenchman, 
came in the fall of 18.57 and located on the east 
side of the lake from which the village derives its 
name. It was formerly called by the Indians Big 
Wood lake. He was the first white settler on what 
is now the village. He left his claim during the 
Indian outbreak, and remained away three years; 
returned and located on his old claim, where he 
now lives. His daughter, Mary, born December 
6, 18.57, was the first birth at what is now the vil- 
lage of Sleepy Eye. 

Thomas Allison made a claim in 1864 to the land 
now embraced by the village; his famOy came 
in 1866. The first marriage was that of Joseph 
Wylie and Mary E. Kelly, at Thomas Allison's in 
November, 1869. 

The first school was taught by Mrs. Wylie dur- 
ing the summer of 1870, in a log building erected 
for the piirpose; about twenty pupils attended. 

Thomas Allison was born in Illinois in 1825; he 
grew to manhood on a farm and in 1857 ■ left his 
native state for Olmsted county, Minnesota. Made 
a claim where Sleepy Eye is now located, m 1864. 
In 1872, in company with W. L. Breckenridge, 
laid out the town site of Sleepy Eye, and has since 
been here to witness its growth and prosperity. 
Married in 1851, Eliza Kelly; she had three chil- 
dren. By this marriage two children have been 
born. , 

Frank J. Barton was born in Kenosha county, 
Wisconsin, in 1857. When about seven years of 
age aooompauied his parents to Jefl'erson county, 
New York; remained until 1867; removed thence 
to Mankato, Minnesota, and finally to Brown 
county ; he located on a farm in Prairieville town- 

47 



ship, but in 1881 came to Sleepy Eye. Married in 
1880, Miss Hattie Green. They have one child. 

Carl Berg, a native of Germany, was born in 
1847. Came to the United States in 1856 with his 
mother, and for nine years lived in .Jefferson 
county, Wisconsin. In 1866 came to Brown 
county, Minnesota, and engaged in farming. For 
the past seven years be has been in Sleepy Eye as 
manager of the Minnesota House. Married in 
Brown county in 1870, Miss Theresa Hageman. Of 
the six children born to them three are living. 

John P. Bertrand was born in Germany in 1845. 
Came to America when ten years of age, and in 
1857 settled in Minnesota. When twenty years 
old he began an apprenticeship of two years with 
Leonard Rothmund in the harness trade. For six 
years he continued his trade in New Ulm, and in 
1878 came to Sleepy Eye. At New Ulm, in 1877, 
his marriage took place with Miss Elizabeth Kioes. 
Two children have been born to them. 

B. H. Bingham was born in Canada East, and 
in 1859 left his native place, with his parents, who 
located in Franklin county, Vermont. In 1863 he 
came to Minnesota and settled in St. Charles, then 
to Sleepy Eye in 1872. Here he was among the 
first to engage in trade; his business was hardware 
and lumber. He experienced mi.sfortune in 1879, 
losing his store by fire, which, however, did not 
cause much financial embarrassment. Miss Jennie 
N. Baker became his wife in 1874, and has borne 
him three children. 

A. Blanchard was born in Green Lake county, 
Wisconsin. When but four years of age he came 
with his parents to Winona county, Minnesota, and 
remained with them on the farm until 1876; then 
became interested in the grain trade at Minnesota 
City, and in September, 1881, located in Sleepy 
Eye, engaged in the same trade. Married Miss 
Grace F. Kennedy. 

Thomas E. Bowen, editor of the Weekly Herald, 
was born October 13, 1849, at Blossburg, Penn- 
sylvania. Came with his parents to Minnesota in 
1855, and with them resided on a farm in Nicollet 
county, until sixteen years old; was then sent to 
school at Mankato; his father also moved there in 
1877, and was afterwards elected sheriff of Blue 
Earth county. Thomas entered the State Nor- 
mal School and graduated in 1870. He subse- 
quently taught and was principal the following 
year of the schools at Lake Crystal; in 1875 and 
'77 was principal of the schools at Sleepy Eye. 
Removed to Sleepy Eye in March, 1878, and in 



738 



UISTOHY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Febrnary, 1879, estiihliwho.l the "Herald." He 
bought the "Gazette" at Sleepy Kye in 1880, which 
is DOW ooDBoIulated with the Hemkl. On the Ist 
of November, 1S77, at Sleepy Eye, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Emma E. White. 

Henry Burk, a native of Ireland, waa bom in 
1830. Came to America in 1850 and settled in 
Oneida county, New York; two years lat<>r went 
to Ann Arbor. Miciiigun, for five years; removed 
to St. Paul, and one year later to Belle Plaine, 
where he lived seven years. Took an active part 
in the suppression of the Indians at the time of out- 
break. For the past lifteeu years has given liis at- 
tention to locomotive engines and now has charge 
of the water engine at Sleepy Eye. Married in 

1856, Bridgett Pluukett. Oliver, Tliomas, John, 
Joseph, Francis, James, Mary and Anna are their 
children. 

Jens P. Christensou was born in Denmark, in 

1857. Came with his parents to the United States 
in 181)3. After r.>maiuing in Chicago, about six 
months, their house was destroyed by fire. Com- 
ing thence to Freeborn county, Minnesota, he re- 
mained about three years, then in 1866, came to 
Brown county. Lived on :i farm until 1877, th(>n 
came to Sleepy Eye and engaged in the macliine 
trade. Married in 1879, Miss Carrie Madson. 

D. T. Clary was born in Ireland in 1842. When 
about ten years of age he aceomi)anied his par- 
ents to America. After remaining some time in 
Connecticut and Massachusetts, removed to Avon 
Springs, New York, and in 1856, to Wisconsin. 
Completed his education by graduating from 
Eastman's Commercial college in New Y'ork; he 
then engaged with the National Bank Note Print- 
ing company. lu 1864, located near New Ulm 
and engaged in teaching scliool and farming. He 
has been county snijerintendont of schools since 
1879. His marriage with Abby Kugan took place 
in 1872. They have two children living; Agnes 
C. and Paul D. 

David W. Coulthard was born in Canada and 
from there came to Minnesota in 1855, locating 
first in Shakopee. Enlisted in 1862 in the army 
of the Cimiberland and was mustered out of ser- 
vice in 1865; served as a non-commissioned ofBcer 
in the Second Minnesota battery. In 1878 lie lo- 
cated in Sleepy Eye and engaged in the farm ma- 
chinery trade. Married in 18(i7 Annie McMullen 
who died in December of tliat year. His seccmd 
marriage was with Mary Huntsman in 1870. They 
have two children living. 



William Duncan was born in Muskingum county, 
Ohio, tianuary 21, 1846. When five years of age 
accompanied his parents to Bartholemew county, 
Indiana, ami twelve years later went to Clay 
c(mnty, Illinois. In 1866 came to Sleepy Eye, 
Minnesota, and engaged in farming until 1870 
since which time has been in the machine trade. 
Married in 1876, Miss Cornelia Hatch, a native of 
Vermont, who bore him fovir children; three are 
living. Mrs. Duncan died in 1876. 

P. H. Dyckman was born in Orange, New 
Jersey, November 11, 1858, and is of American 
and Scotch parentage. He began his business 
career in New Y'ork city, in the Merchants' Bank. 
From there he came to Minnesota and established 
a banking house in the winter of 1880-'81 at 
Sleepy Eye, and is largely interested in a money 
loaning corporation of Scotland, and loans money 
throughout the entire state. 

H. G. Eaton was born in Rock coiinty, Wiscon- 
sin, in 1841. When ten years of age removed 
with his parents to Green Lake county, and there 
remained ten year8,thence to Rochester, Minnesota. 
EnlisU'd in the spring of 1865 in Company G, 
First Minnesota battalion infantry and served 
luitil the close of the war. He was in the grain 
trade at Rochester, eight years and three years at 
New Ulm. Finally settled in Sleepy Eye in 
charge of VanDuseu & Company's warehouse. 
Married in 1867, Lydia J. Kendall. Of their 
four children one is living. 

Pro*. C. E. Ferguson wiis born November 14, 
1854, at St. Thomas, Ontario, where he attended 
the public and high schools. Removed to Hamil- 
ton, Ontario, in 1875, and attended the Hamilton 
college, graduating in 1877. He spent three 
years in the \iniversity at Toronto, then spent one 
year traveling through the west. In ,Iuly, 1881 
located in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, and accepted 
the principalship of the public and high schools. 

.Tohn P. Franz was born in Beloit, Wisconsin, 
in 1855. Came to Minnesota in 1878 and settled 
in Sleepy Eye. His father came from Germany 
in 1850 and settled in Beloit and in June, 1878, 
came to Sleepy Eye and engaged in the liquor 
trade. ]\Ir. Franz was married in his native town 
in 1878 tt) Miss Henrietta Hoffmaster. 

Isaac Gallagher was born in Westmoreland 
c<iunty, Pennsylvania, in 1840. In the spring of 
1856 became to Wisconsin, and engaged in teach- 
ing scliool and farming. Enlisted in Company 
D, 14th Wisconsin, and was discharged on accoimt 



BROWN COUNTY. 



739 



of wounds received. After recovering he re-in- 
listed and was honorably discharged October 9, 
1865. Followed farming and teaching in Goodhue 
county until 1878, since which time has been a 
resident of Sleepy Eye, where he has served as 
justice of the peace. He is interested in the real 
estate and insurance business. Married in 1865, 
Catherine McEwen. Four children have been 
born to them; two are living. 

August Gauerke, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1848. Came to the United States with his 
parents iu 1852 and with them settled on a farm 
in Washington county, Wisconsin. In 1872 came 
to Brown county, Minnesota, locating in Sleepy 
Eye, and engaged iu the mercantile trade with T. 
H. Mitchell. His marriage with Miss Bertha 
Vadler took place in 1871. They are the parents 
of four living children. 

WiUiam Gebser, born in New Ulm, Brown 
county, Minnesota, in I860, is a son of F. W. 
Gebser, who was a book-keeper. M'illiam was edu- 
cated and grew to manhood in New Ubn, and 
learned the trade of cigar-making. In 1878 re- 
moved to Sleepy Eye, and began the sale and 
manufacture of cigars, and by giving strict atten- 
tion to his trade has gained a good patronage. 

Lars Hanson was born in Denmark, in 1848. 
On coming to America in 1865, he made his home 
in Illinois for three years. Came to Sleepy Eye, 
Minnesota, in 1865, and after farming five years, 
accepted the position of baggage master at the de- 
pot. On the 8th of May, 1876, he was appointed 
postmaster. Blarried Miss Mary A. Christeuson 
in 1872. They have four living children. 

Francis Tbberson was born in Cambridgeshire, 
England. In July, 1849, he came to the United 
States and settled in Wisconsin; came to Sleepy 
Eye, Minnesota, in 1873, and is engaged in the 
drug business, and is also interested in farming. 
Married Maria Ooopley, in New York City, who ar- 
rived there from her native country, in 1850. 
Eight children have been born to them, of whom 
five are living. 

Edwin P. Illsley was born in Nova Scotia, in 
1859. He came to the United States in 1874, and 
located in Dover Center, Olmsted county, Minne- 
sota. He removed to Brown county in 1880, 
and began working at the trade of blacksmith, 
in Sleepy Eye, where he still remains. Married in 
1880, Miss Georgia EUsbury. 

Paul C. Jacobson was born in Denmark, in 1854. 
Came to America in 1862, and located in Wauke- 



sha county, Wisconsin. In 1869 came to Brown 
county, Minnesota, and remained on a farm seven 
years, then went to New Ulm. One year later lo- 
cated in Sleepy Eye, and has since been interested 
in farm machinery business. Married in 1880 to 
Miss Mary Roy. 

OleH. Jertson was born in Columbia county, 
Wisconsin, July 28, 1853. After learning the 
trade of carpenter, he worked at that business in 
his native place until coming to Sleepy Eye in 
1876. Since locating here he has continued his 
trade. Married in 1877, Mary Arverson. Hans, 
born in March, 1879, is their only child. 

Hans C. Johnson is a native of Denmark, and 
came to the United States in May, 1880. Soon 
after, he located in Sleepy Eye, and engaged in 
the tailoring business with C. S. Peterson. Mar- 
ried in his native country, Miss Mary D. Hanson, 
who has borne him five children. 

C. E. Johnson was born in Franklin county, 
Vermont, in 1844. At the age of twenty years he 
came to New Ulm, Minnesota: made that place his 
home until the spring of 1881, engaged as a hotel 
clerk. Locating in Sleepy Eye, he started in the 
saloon business, where he still continues. Miss 
Lizzie Richards became the wife of Mr. Johnson in 
1872. They have three living children. 

Thomas P. Keegan was born in Massachusetts 
in 1850, and there grew to manhood on a farm. 
Came to Minnesota in 1867, and located in Brown 
county ; until the 1st of January, 1880 he re- 
mained on a farm, then came to Sleepy Eye and 
engaged in the mercantile basiness in company 
with John H. and J. W. Keegan. Married in 
1880, Miss Lillie Fitzgerald. 

F. Koehne, a native of Germany, was born in 
1848. Came to America in 1870, and located in 
New Ulm, Minnesota, where he was clerk in a 
hotel four years, then managed the Northwestern 
Hotel for three years. Coming to Sleepy Eye, 
he managed the Union House two years, then en- 
gaged in stock trade until 1881, when he pur- 
chased the blf)ck on the corner of Main and Fifth 
streets. Married in 1853 Augusta Dettbenner. 
They are the parents of four children. 

Louis Landon was born in the state of New York 
in 1841. Moved to Wisconsin and remained until 
1872, then came to Minnesota, and located in 
Sleepy Eye in 1878; engaged in the hotel busi- 
ness. Enlisted in 1862 in the 18th Wisconsin, 
and was honorably discharged at the close of the 
war. Married Miss Barbara Kinnear, who has 



740 



UISrORY OF TUE UlNNHHOTA VALLHY. 



bome hiiu four chililren, of whom tliree are living. 

J. J. Legge was born in Jackson county, Iowa, 
July 20, 1854. His father sold the farm in 1867 
anil moved his family to West Point, Iowa. In 
spring of IHliH Jlr. Legge removed to Davenport, 
then to Belle\iie, and in the fall of 1870 went to 
college at Mount Calvary, Wisconsin, and studied 
classics. Went to Chicago in 187.5; in 1880 
located in Sleepy Eye, and stinted a drug store. 

Daniel Liddell was born in Canada, and came 
to the United States when seventeen years of age. 
Lived in Michigan two years, and came thence to 
Wa.shington county, Minnesota, in 1868; in 1873 
he located in Brown county, and engaged in farm- 
ing until the fall of 1880, then came to Sleepy 
Eye. Here he has since been interested in the 
livery business. Married in 1873 Anna P. Mac- 
Nider. They have one Hung child. 

Peter Majewski is a native of Germany, and 
came to America in 1868. After remaining a 
short time in Illinois, he came on the 13th of Jan- 
nary, 1869, to Nicollet county and settled on a 
farm. Came to Sleepy Eye in the spring of 1873, 
and engaged in the furniture business. Married 
in the spring of 1874 Miss Augusta Zieske, who 
has bome him two children. 

T. M. Marcellus, M. D., was born in Canaila 
West in 1852. Came to the United States in 18G6, 
and for twelve years lived in Northfield, Minne- 
sota; for throe and one-half years was a student in 
Carletoii College. Attended medical lectures at 
Michigan University, and graduated in March, 
1878; since July of that year he has been practic- 
ing his profession in Sleepy Eye. Married Miss 
Marion Wheeler, in Northfield, in 1879. 

Lawrence Mauch was born in Wisconsin in 1855. 
In 1868 came to Brown county, Minnesota, and 
commenced the hardware trade in Sleejiv Eye in 
1878. He is associated with Daniel Moll, vuider 
the firm name of Moll & Mauch. They keep a 
large stock of heavy and shelf hardware. Mr. 
Mauch is classed among the best business men in 
the place. 

Thomas H. Mitchell was born in Wisconsin in 
1850. His parents were bom in England, and 
came to America in 1848, locating in Wisconsin, 
where they still reside. Mr. Mitchell came to 
Sleepy Eye March 1, 1880, and started a general 
merchandise store, which was the fifth store of the 
kind in the place. ^larried in 1877 Miss Jessie, 
daughter of Rev. G. N. Annes. They have one 
child. 



Hans Mo, a native of Norway, was bom March 
17, 1850. There ho received a good education, 
after which followed book-keeping. Came to 
America in 1872, and settled in Byron, Minne- 
sota, where for six years he worked at clerking. 
Coming to Sleejjy Eye he was clerking in a drug 
store until April, 1881, then took charge of 8. D. 
Peterson's machinery depot. Married in 1877 
Anna Johnson. 

W. M. Murfln was bom October 7, 1841, in 
Adams county, Ohio. He taught school in Sciota 
two years. Enlisted in 1H63 in Company E, First 
Ohio heavy artillery, and was dis(4iarged in 1H65. 
Soon after, he settled in Rochester, Minnesota, and 
engaged in the grain trade until 1867; then con- 
tinued the trade in Waseca until 1870, and until 
1872 was depot agent and dealer in grain in 
Claremont. Locating finally in Sleepy Eye, he, 
in comjjany with his brother, engaged in general 
merchandise trade. Removed to Kansas City in 

1878, but returned in 1881, and is now one of the 
firm of Murfiu Brothers it White. Married in 
1869 Le Vema S. Ireland. Charles H.amd Leroy 
are their children. 

Charleys S. Peterson is a native of ] )enmark, and 
in 1H79 left that country for America. Soon after 
he reached Sleepy Eye, and at first engaged as 
clerk in a dry goods store. In 1880 he opened a 
merchant tailoring establishment, in which he has 
a good trade. 

Mason W. Phelps was born in New York in 
1827. Came to Minnesota in 1866 and located 
near Fort Ridgely, Nicollet county, on a farm; re- 
moved thence to New Ulm, and to Sleepy Eye in 

1879. Here he opened the Exchange Hotel, of 
which he is still the proprietor. In 1848 was 
united in marriage with Miss Cornelia A. Weever. 
They have one child living. 

A. P. Poaps, M. D. was bom August 11, 1859, in 
Montreal. After receiving his early education in 
that city, entered the Kingston Royal College of 
Physii-iaus and Surgeons, which he attended dur- 
ing 1877 and '78; then entered the Belle\aie Hos- 
pital, of New York, and graduated in the spring 
of 1881. In August of that year he located in 
Slee[)y Eye and is now enjoying a fair practice. 

William H. Post was bom in Summit county, 
Ohio, in 1840, and while a child went with his 
parents to McHenry county, Illinois. In 1852 he 
came to Nicollet county. Minnesota., and his father 
took a claim of lliO acres. Enlisted in 1861 in 
Company H, Fourth Minnesota; was discharged 



BROWN COUNTY. 



741 



for disability at St. Louis, after a service of one 
year. In 1865 made a claim in Birch Cooley, on 
which he lived eight years; then started a drug 
store at Itedwood Falls; remained until coming to 
Sleepy Eye in 1880. When eighteen years of 
age was employed at the Lower Sioux Agency as 
interpreter. Was married August 4, 186.5, to 
Marietta Frazier. Julius D., Laudin E., and Lulu 
E. are their children. Mrs. Post died in 1879. 

Granville F. Prescott, was born in Wi.sconsin, in 
1857. He grew to manhood in the city of Winona, 
Minnesota, and at the age of fourteen years began 
learning the trade of blacksmith, -with O. F. Pres- 
cott. Came to Sleepy eye with his parents, when 
the village was first started and is still here enjoy- 
ing a lucrative trade. Married in 1877, Miss 
Sarah Youngmann, who has borne him oi^e child. 

A. Binke, a native of Germany, was born in 1846. 
Came to the United States with his parents in 
186Q and located in Racine, Wisconsin. In 1870 
he came to Brown county, Minnesota and engaged 
in the manufacture of wagons; locating in Sleepy 
Eye in 1871, he continued his former trade until 
1876, then engaged in the mercantile business 
with T. F. Talbot. Married in 1873, Miss Mary 
Mandal. They have three children. 

Peter P. Roller was born in Iowa in 1861. Came 
with his parents to Minnesota and settled in Belle 
Plaine; i-emained on the farm until fourteen years 
of age, then attended school at Shakopee and St. 
Cloud. After leaving school he engaged in the 
farm machinery trade in St. Cloud and St. Paul, 
then embarked in the sewing machine business at 
Mankato. Located in Sleepy Eye in 1879 and has 
a good trade ia sewing and farm machines. 

C. Salkowske, a native of Germany, was born in 
1844. Came to America and settled in Green Lake 
county, Wisconsin, and three years later came to 
Brown county, Minnesota. After engaging in 
farming for two years, he went to western Minne- 
sota as a missionary. In 1866 he located in 
Sleepy Eye and began the grain business; contin- 
ued one year, then started in the general mer- 
chandise trade. Married Miss Heine in 1868. 

Andrew J. Sanderlin was born in Tennessee, in 
1823. Removed to Ohio in 1844; six years later 
went to California, and in 1855 came to Minne- 
sota, hicating at Hastings. In 1857 removed to 
Rice county, thence in 1870 to Colorado. After a 
residence there of five years he returned to Minne- 
sota and began farming in Steele county. Located 
in Sleepy Eye in 1878 and engaged as a barber. 



Married Miss Barliara Wertzler, who has borne him 
three children. Mr. Sanderlin was in the Mexi- 
can war. 

H. B. Sandmeyer was born March 17, 1853, in 
the province of Westphalia, Germany, After ob- 
taining a high school education, he came to the 
United States in 1876 and entered upon his theo- 
logical studies at St. John's college, Minnesota; 
was ordained priest by Bishop Grace, of St. Paul. 
The next year was assistant priest at New Ulm 
and from there went to his missionary field which 
included all places as far west as Watertown, Da- 
kota. He is at present stationed at Sleepy Eye 
as parish priest. 

John B. Schmid was born in Germany in 1852. 
Came to Brown county, Minnesota, in 1868, and 
gave his attention to music. In 1879 located in 
Sleepy Eye and has since engaged in the hotel 
business. Married in Brown county, Miss Mary 
Adam who has borne him four children. 

Silas D. Scudder was born in India in 1859. 
His parents were of American birth, and went to 
India as missionarie.s, and while there their son 
was bom. On returning to America his parents 
left him in Germany to complete his education. 
He graduated at the age of seventeen years. Ar- 
riving in America he entered the Bank of Montreal 
in New York city. In December, 1880, he came 
to Sleepy Eye, Brown county, Minnesota, and be- 
gan the banking business. 

William Sencerbox was bom in Scott county, 
Minnesota, in 1856, and is a son of .J. W. Sencer- 
box, who resides at Shakopee. William grew to 
manhood in Shakopee and there received an edu- 
cation. He learned the trade of jeweler with C. 
R. Newel, and after completing his trade came to 
Sleepy Eye in 1880; here he has since engaged 
in the jewelry Imsiness. 

George W. Somerville was bom in Ripley coun- 
ty, Indiana, in 1857. Came with his father to 
Rochester, Minnesota, in 1874. Graduated from 
the high school of Rochester, in 1876, then for 
one year read law with H. G. Butler. Entered the 
law department of the Michigan State University 
at Ann Arbor, from which he graduated in 1877. 
In June of the same year he located in Sleepy Eye 
and has since been engaged in the practice of hie 
profession. 

Frank N. Stewart was bom in Geneseo, Henry 
county, Illinois, January 12, 1856. In 1863, grad- 
uated from the Geneseo seminary. Removing to 
Winona, Minnesota, he acted as assistant train 



742 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



despatdior at that placo; in 1878, came to Sleepy 
Eye auil lnus Ijeeu train despatclier of all Water- 
towu and Redwood Falls trains. Married on the 
30tli of September, 1881, Miss Clara Grant, of 
Rochester. 

Gteorge Stevenhofer, a native of Switzerland, 
was Ixtrn in 1853. Came to the United States with 
his grand-parents when but fojir years of age and 
settled in Indianapolis, Indiana, liemoved to 
Wisconsin in 1859; remained in Sauk county un- 
til 1876, then removed to Waseca county, Minne- 
sota, and in l8S(t, to Slee]jy Eye, where he is em- 
ployed as clerk in a drug store. 

Thomas F. Talbot was born in Lond<m, Eng- 
land, in October, 1844. When about nine years 
of age he came to America with his parents and 
remained on a farm in Wisconsin until coming in 
18fi(), to Minnesota. He served in Comjiany C, 
6th Minnesota, and was discharged in I8f>5. In 
1872, he located in Slee|)y Eye and embarked in 
the mercantile trade; formed a j)artner.ship with 
An<lrew Rinke. in 1878. Married in June, 18(54, 
Miss E. V. Eraser. Three children have been born 
to them; one is living. 

.Joseph Troutmaun. a native of the old country, 
came to the United States in 1855 and .'settled in 
Chicago, and one year later went to New Ulm, 
Minnesota: was one of the pioneers of the county. 
He located in Sleepy Eye when there were but 
two buildings in the place, and erected a meat 
market. Here ho has since continued and is doing 
a fine trade. During the Indian massacre Mr. 
Troutmann experienced several narrow escapes. 

Dr. .Tiict)b W. B. Wellcome, was born in New 
Portland, Maine, June 4. 1825. .^t the age of six- 
teen he entered Bumham's high school and re- 
mained three years, then studied medicine. Ee 
received a diploma, and in 185(i went to Wiscon- 
sin; practiced there until 1858, then came to Min- 
nesota, and the next year located in Garden City. 
In 1862 he was appointed examining surgeon for 
the draft, with his office at Mankato; in 18()3 was 
first assistant surgeon, in the place of Dr. W. W. 
Clark, who was ill; was surgeon of the hospital 
seven months; in 1872 was appointed surgeon for 
pensions and held the position four years. Dr. 
Wellcome assisted in forming the first medical so- 
ciety in the Minnesota Valley, and has been its 
vice president and secretary. For two years was 
surgeon for the Chicago and Northwestern Railway 
Company; he is a member of the St. Louis Col- 
lege of Physicians and Surgeons, where he attends 



the lectures. He was at Garden City at the time 
of the Indian outbreak, and with other physicians 
oared for the wounded and dying. 

W. R. White was liorn in Canada, in 1826, and 
came to the Unit<'d States in 1839, locating in 
Vermont. Went to DeKalb county, Illinois, and 
remained two years, then spent seven years in Bad 
Axe, SVisconsin. Came to Minnesota in the spring 
of 1868, and in 1874 l()cat<-d in Sleepy ISye. He 
has since engaged in various pursuits, and, in 
company with his son, is now managing the Lo- 
reno House. Married Miss Judith Chester, in 
1848. They have seven living children. 

Harper M. Workman, M. D., was born in Circle- 
ville, Ohio, May 14, 1855. He graduated in medi- 
cine from the Chicago Medical College, in 1878. 
In 1881 he located in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, and 
is here practic-ing his profession. 

J. N. E. Wolfe was born in Knox county, Indi- 
ana, in 1839. There he remained until 1880, en- 
gaged in farming, merchandising and hotel keep- 
ing. Came to Sleepy Eye at that time and was 
employed by Van Dusen it Company until April, 
1881, then engaged in the meat trade. Married 
in 1867, Lydia Hutchiugs. They have two living 
children. 

John C. Zieske, a native of Prussia, was born in 
1842. Came to America in 1854 and settled on a 
farm in Green Lake coimty, Wisconsin. Enlisted 
in Company H, 18th Wisconsin, and served until 
July, 1865. Coming to Minnesota, he settled in 
Nicollet county; in 1873 he located in Sleepy Eye, 
and began soon after in the harness trade. Mr. 
Zieske represented his district in the legislature in 
1881. Married in Minnesota in 1867, Miss Mary 
Strassburg. Of the six children bom to them, 
only three are living. 

EDEN. 

This town is in the north-western part of the 
county, and comprises all. in the county of frac- 
tional townships 111 and 112, range 33. It wasa 
part of the Sioux reservation until 1863. In 1866 
Eden was attached to Home for official purposes, 
and in 18()7 was organized separately. The first 
town meeting was held at the house of W. O. 
Hewitt, April 2, 1867; officers elected: H. S. El- 
dred, chairman; P. D. Winehel and Hiram Jones, 
sujiervisors; I. A. Root, clerk; Milton Jones, as- 
sessor; Isaac .Johnson, treasurer; H. W. Munsell 
and William Brawn, justices; Amos Root and O. 
A. Dro.s.ser, constaliles. 

The first settlers were Isaac Johnson, W. O. 



BROWN COUNTY. 



743 



Hewitt, O. A. Dresser, Samuel Tate and Abner 
Franklin, who came with their families in Decem- 
ber, 1864, and located in the north-western part of 
the town. When the town organized there were 
but thirteen voters; the population is now about 
one thousand. 

The first birth was Caroline, daughter of Isaac 
and Elmira Johnson. The first death was that of 
John, son of Amos Root, in January, 1866. Les- 
lie Hillyer and Jane Tate were the first couple to 
marry; the event occurred July 4, 1868. 

The first school was taught in the summer of 
1867, by Ellen Eldred, in a claim shanty ; in the 
winter following a log building was erected by 
subscription on section 32, and now belongs to 
district number 16. There are three other school- 
houses. 

The Presbyterians organized in June, 1870, with 
fourteen members. In 1871 the church was built 
and cost .f 1,500. The society no longer exists. In 
1869 a Methodist church was organized with nine 
members, by Rev. Swift. The membership in- 
creased to about sixty, and in 1881 divided, a por- 
tion adopting the Congregational doctrine; the 
latter bought the church built by the Presbyter- 
ians, and are under the guidance of Rev. H. S. El- 
dred. The Methodists hold services with Rev. S. 
B. Smith, pastor. The Lutherans built a church 
near Lone Tree lake in 1881. There are also or- 
ganizations of Danish Lutherans, Seventh Day 
Adventists, Danish Baptists and German Metho- 
dists. The latter have a small log church. 

The post-office of Lone Tree Lake was estab- 
lished in 1869, with Ferdinand Hartwick in charge. 
The office is kept at his store on section 5, where 
he also keeps a hotel. A store was opened in 1868 
by Louis Erstman, near the old government ferry, 
■which was run but a short time. Charles Fletcher 
built a steam saw-mill a few years ago on section 
34; it is run by a forty horse-power engine and is 
now owned by Charles Ritz. 

H. M. Ball was born near Elmira, New York, 
March 1, 1849. He moved to Fond du Lac county, 
Wisconsin in 1855; learned the trade of a carpen- 
ter, which he has made his principal business until 
recently. Came to the town of Eden in 1867 ; lo- 
cated permanently on his pl-esent farm of 130 
acres in 1 874. For the past three years has given 
hia attention to importing and cultivating forest 
trees. Married in 1874 Miss Gussie Hartwick, 
who was bom in New Jersey. William and Eliza- 
beth M. are their children. 



Henry W. Chase was born near Cleveland, Ohio, 
.June 13, 1832. He was brought up in Michigan 
and in 1860 came to Minnesota, settled first in 
Houston county, where he farmed for six years, 
then came to Eden and located on a farm on sec- 
tion 32. Married in 1860, Ann Cleveland, who 
was bom in Orleans county. New York. They 
have had eight children; five are living; one 
daughter is a school teacher. 

James Clancy was bom in Canada, October 24, 
1827. In 1857 left his native place for the United 
States, locating in Sibley county, Minnesota. 
Came to his present farm of 160 acres in Eden in 
1872; also owns 40 acres in Home. Married in 
1850 Anna Cutting, a native of England. They 
have five sons and one daughter living. The 
eldest son, John M., has been teaching school for 
the past eight years, also owns a farm of 160 acres 
on section 24. He has held the office of town clerk 
two years. 

Walter Doheny was bom in county Tipperary, 
Ireland, in 1840. Soon after his birth his parents 
came to America and resided in Pennsylvania until 
coming to Minnesota in 1851. After remaining 
two years in St. Paul, they moved to Sibley county. 
He was in Gteneral Sibley's expedition in 1862, 
then enlisted in September, 1864, in Company B, 
First Minnesota artillery and served until June, 
1865. Came to Eden in 1871; owns a farm of 
160 acres. In 1868 he married Mary A. Reel. 
Of their eight children, six are living. 

Oscar A. Dresser was born in Ohio, July 28, 
1840. Accompanied his parents to Wisconsin 
while young but removed to Minnesota and Man- 
kato in 1863,and to his present farm of 105 acres in 
Eden. He is the present chairman of the town 
board and has been for three years, also served as 
supervisor one year. Mr. Dresser married 1868, 
Miss Ella A. Day,Vho was bom in New Jersey. 
They have had two children. 

H.8. Eldred was bom in Canandaigua.New York, 
November 25, 1837. Removed to Michigan in 
1842, and to Wisconsin in 1859. August, 1862 he 
enlisted in Company G, 2l8t Wisconsin infantry; 
was severely wounded in the liattle of Chicka- 
mauga, from which he was confined in the hos- 
pital thirteen months; at the close of the war was 
honorably discharged. In 1867 came to his pres- 
ent farm. He was instrumental in the organiza- 
tion of the town of Eden and has since held num- 
erous offices. Mr. Eldred has two lots near Ham- 
line University, to which he contemplates moving 



744 



UiarORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



that be miiy better oiluoate bis family. Miirried 
Holon Oookn' in 18(50. Tlioj' bavo live cliiidren. 
Mrs EldreJ taught the first scliool in Eden. 

Rev. L. C. Gilbert was bom in Augusta, Madi- 
son county, New York, in 1805. He griidunted 
from Western Reserve Colloge, of Oliio, in 1833, 
and from Auburn Tbeologieal Seminary of New 
York in 183G. In Illinois in 1839 he began as a 
home missionary, and continued as such until bis 
deatli .Tune 8, 1878. He bad located in Eden in 
1874. and bought the farm on which the family 
still live. He was an earnest Christian worker in 
the Congregatioualist church. One son, T. L. 
Gilbert, is carrying on the farm. In June, 1875, 
be married Jennie Grover. Tlierou R., Henry E., 
and Setb A. are their cliiidren. 

George Hart was born near Liverpool, England, 
July 12, 1842. He learned the trade of silk 
weaving, and in 1857 immigrated to Wisconsin; 
came to Minnesota in 1859, aud in April, 1868, 
located on section 11 of Eden; has served as as- 
sessor, chairman of town board and county com- 
missioner. Enlisted in Compiiny F, Fourth Wis- 
consin cavalry; was in active service until receiv- 
ing an honorable discharge in June, 18C5. Mar- 
ried in 1869 Ruth Jennings, who was born in In- 
diana. They are the parents of three sons iind 
three daughters. 

Jerome Hewitt was bom near Berlin, Wiscon- 
sin, January 2(5, 1860. Soon after his birth the 
family removed to Houston county, Minnesota, and 
in 1865 to Eden; be remained with his parents 
until the spring of 1881, then moved to bis farm 
of 120 acres on section 31. Married in 1877 Mary 
Hewett, who was born in Michigan. Eugene and 
Pearl are their children. 

Eugene Leatherman was born January 6, 1852, 
in Adams county, Wisconsin. He lived near the 
village of Oxford until the age of nine years, then 
moved to Green Lake county; came to Eden in 
1871. Until 1878 remained on the old homestead, 
then settled on his farm on section 4; haa also 
eightj' acres on section 16. Was married January 
22, 1874, to Martha Adsit. George and Maud are 
their children. 

Reverend V. E. Loba was born in St, Louis, 
Missouri, December 21, 1853. His parents came 
from Switzerland to America, and were converted 
to the Mormon faitli. His mother died while on 
the way to Utah; the father became an elder in 
the Mormon chnroli; subse(|uently renounced tlie 
faith and went to Illinois, where he dieil Mari'h 



18, 1864. He entered St. .Joseph's Male Orphan 
Asylum at St. Louis, but remained only a short 
time; soon after received forty dollars from Swit- 
zerland, which assisted him in going through the 
primary ilepartment of Olivette College, Michigan, 
and in 1876 he graduated. Aft^r spending two 
years in Oliio, he was commissioned to preach at 
Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. In 1880 organized the 
Redwood Academy. Mr. Loba is at present re- 
siding in Eden. 

Wesley Luddington was born in Ithaca, New 
York, October 1, 1843. Accompanied Lis parents 
to Pennsylvania, in 1851, and in 1865 located on 
a farm near Kalamazoo, Michigan; remained \\n- 
til coming to Minnesota, in 1868. Came to liis 
present farm in Eden, in 1869. The same year he 
married Miss F. C. Pound, who was born in New 
York. For twelve years before marriage she was 
engaged in teaching school. Five children have 
been born to them, four are living. 

G. W. Robinson was born in Springfield, Mas- 
sachusetts, Felirnary 28, 1856; accompanied his 
parents to Connecticut thence in 1860, to Indiana 
and to Minnesota in 1862; completed his educa- 
tion at Rochester, and for the past seven or eight 
years has been teaching during the winter seasons. 
Came to Eden in 1881, and is now renting a farm, 
but intends locating permanently in Sherman, 
Redwood county. His marriage with Miss Mary 
B. Simons took place in 1880. 

David Sherman was born near Utica, New York, 
January 9, 1822. In 1836 he located with his 
parents, on a farm near Cleveland. In 1852 re- 
moved to Wisconsin and remained near Fond du 
Lac until coming to Minnesota in 1870: he luus 
since resided in Eden. He married in 1840, Maria 
Claggett, who died in March, 1877. Mrs. Eliza- 
beth Sherman, mv Ellis, became his second wife in 
November, 1879. By both marriages they have 
thirteen children. There are five generations of 
the Sherman family now living in Eden. 

Henry Winter was bom in Indiana, about forty 
miles west from Cincinnati, Ohio, October 8. 1845. 
When five years old he came west with his parents, 
who located in Wabasha county, Minnesota. He 
was in Brown county during the Indian outbreak, 
and soon after canie to Eden. He has a farm of 
160 acres on section 3. In 1869 be married Mary 
Hart, a native of LiucoIuBhire, England. They 
have one son and two daughters. 

PKMUIEVILLE. 

Although this town was not entirely within the 



BROWN COUNTT. 



745 



Indian reservation, no settlers came until 1866, 
when Rev. Andrew Johnson and Niels Alexander- 
sen located on section 1. They were members of 
a party of Danes, most of whom settled in Eden. 
Mr. Johnson was a ]5aptist preacher and held ser- 
vices soon after his arrival. Anna, his daughter, 
born in the fall of 1867, was the first birth. The 
first death was Mads. Jensen, in 1868. The first 
marriage was James J.ihnson to AnnaKuudson, in 
November, 1869. 

Miss M. L. Lang taught a school in the sum- 
mer of 1871, probably the first in the town. There 
are now four frame school-houses. 

The Danish Lutherans hold religious services 
once a month in a budding owned by them on 
section 16. 

The first town meeting was held at the house of 
Kasmus Nelson, on section 15, in March, 1870. 
First officers: G. N. Dayton, chairman, Gustav 
Plath and Julius Krueger, supervisors; J. F. Bar- 
ton, clerk: C. H. Christensen, assessor; John Lid- 
dell, treasurer; C. H. Christensen and J. B. Bar- 
ton, justices; H. J. Knudson and Edwin Ricker, 
constables; Peter Mertzheld the position of chair- 
man until 1881. 

Jeremiah F. Barton was Ijorn in New York in 
1831. At the age of twenty years he went to Wis- 
consin; in 1854 he removed to Iowa; after visit- 
ing New York and Illinois returned to Wisconsin. 
Enlisted in May, 1861, in the Eighth Wisconsin 
infantry ; was promoted to assistant sergeant and 
served until the close of the war. Came to Min- 
nesota and resided some time in Mankato, then 
settled on a farm in PrairievUle. Married in Wis- 
consin in 1855, Lydia M. Parks. Their living 
children are Frank J., Eva M., Cora L., Clark A. 
and Fred D. 

Oliver Cole was born in Vermont in 1846. He 
went with his parents to Wisconsin wlien quite 
young, and remained with them until nineteen 
years of age. In 1862 came to Minnesota, but 
two years after returned to his former home. In 
the fall of 1868 he again came to this state and has 
since remained; has eighty acres of land on sec- 
tion 30, of Prairieville. Was united in marriage 
with Miss Matilda Leddick, who has borne him 
four children: Emma M., J. Francis and Nellie M. 
are living. 

Thomas Foster was- born in 1838 in England, 
and removed with his parents to Canada, where he 
was educated in the public schools. In 1862 he 
went to Nashville, Tennessee; was employed by 



the government, building bridges for the Union 
army. In Wisconsin he engaged in lumbering 
four years, and in the spring of 1868 came to Prai- 
rievUle; owns a farm of 190 acres. Has been for 
eight years treasurer of the town. Married in 
Wisconsin in 1868, Ann K. Knudson. Joseph, 
George, Mary A., John and Margaret are their 
children. 

Lars Frederikson, a native of Denmark, was bom 
in 1845. Came to America in 1867 and lived 
about one year in Illinois, when his parents came 
to this country, and accompanied by them he came 
to Minnesota and settled on a farm on section 32, 
Prairieville; now owns a farm of 200 acres. Mr. 
Frederikson has served his town in various offices. 
Married in 1867, Miss Mary Sorensen, who has 
borne him two sons and two daughters: Soren C, 
Nels P., Martha and Anna C. 

Fred Kissner, a native of Germany, was born in 
1845. In 1862 he came to America and settled on 
a farm in Wisconsin; remained three years, then 
came to Minnesota and located in Steele coimty; 
in 1868 came to Prairieville and settled on a farm 
of 200 acres about four miles from Sleepy 
Eye. Married in Brown county in 1870, Miss 
Anna, daughter of John Anderson. Four children 
have been born to them: three are living, Lewis, 
Joseph and Lydia. 

Lois Lamp, a native of Denmark, was bom in 
1837, and came to America at the age of twenty- 
two years. For fifteen years his home was in Mil- 
waukee; in the fall of 1873 he came to Minnesota 
and settled on a farm of 120 acres in Prairieville. 
In 1858 he married Anna Anderson, who has borne 
him thirteen children, eleven are living: Andrew, 
Eli, .Julia, Alfred, Albert, Frank, Emma, Charley, 
Christ., Edward and Henry. 

Alexander McBain was born in Canada, in 1848. 
At the age of eighteen he moved to Goodhue 
county, Minnesota, thence to Stillwater, and soon 
after returned to Canada. Came to Minnesota in 
1870 and located on a farm in Prairieville. His 
marriage with Miss Catherine, daughter of Alex- 
ander Mcllreavie, took place in 1872. They have 
two sons and two daughters: Simon D., Alexander 
H., Catherine M. and Mary J. 

Alexander Mcllreavie, Sr., was bom in Scotland 
in 1805. Came to America in 1831, and for tliirty- 
five years lived in Canada; removed to Minnesota 
in the spring of 1866 and settled in Wabasha 
county, but in 1870 came to Prairieville. He 
married in 1845, Miss Catherine McLean. Of the 



.746 



IIISTOHY OF THE illNNKHOTA VALLEY. 



niiic cliililrou bom to tlipin six nre living: Hugli, 
Neil, Sariili, Ciithcrim\ Miiry A. luid Alexamler. 
The son Alexander was born in Cunaila in 1858 
and residos with his ])arenta on the farm. 

Daniel Shige was born in Prussiii, in 1848. In 
1864 he ciinie to the United States and for four 
years was farniiug in Wisfousiu. t!aiue to Min- 
nesota in 1868 and located in Prairieville. Mar- 
ried in 1869 Amelia Platl. Frederick, Charles 
and Paniel are their living childi<"n. His father, 
Daniel Stage, had spent three years with his chil- 
dren in Minnesota, then returned to Eiirojje and 
two years later again started for Minnesota but 
was taken ill and died on the ocean. 



CHAPTER LXXX. 



SIOBIi STARK LEAVENWORTH — BrRNSTOWN . — • 

NORTH STAR— STATELY — BASHAW MULLIGAN 

ALBIN LAKE HAMSEA LINDEN. 

^ Sigel was originally a part of Cottonwood and 
was named after Cleneral Franz Sigel. The nor- 
thern boundary has been changed several times 
on account of crossing the Big Cottonwood river; 
in 1H61 tlie boundary was made to foUow the river 
as nearly as possible. 

The first settler was Almond Loomis, who lo- 
cated on section 3, in 1856. In 1862 he and his 
Virotlier I^riah, William Tuttle and seven others, 
were killed by the Indians while trying to reach 
New Ulm. Several others settled in 1856, among 
them C. 0. Brandt, who, during the winter of 
1856-'7 erected a wind power grist-mill; this was 
the first mill in the county. The bulirs were made 
from limestone out of the river bed and the tim- 
bers were sawed by hand from logs; the mill was 
afterwards moved to New Ulm. 

Tlie town of Sigel was made school district 
number 4 in 1864. There are now two school- 
houses; the one in district number 6 is considered 
the best building in the county, outside of New 
Ulm. The first religious services were conducted 
in the German language in 1858. The first birth 
was probably that of Malcolm C. Smith in 1857. 
Louisa A. Ijang was married to Herman Plath in 
1858, the first wedding. 

The lirst town meeting was held A|)nl 'JS, 1862; 
Ernst Brandt was moderator, and William Brug- 
gert, clerk; officers elected: Ernst Brandt, ohair- 
man ; Herman Plath and G. Ouggesberg, 8Ui)ervi8- 
ors; A. Loomis, assessor; H. Uilleslieiu), treasurer; 



Fred Frank and H. Manderfeld, justioee; 0. Kram- 
beer and.T. Scheisser, constables. 

During the siege of New Ulm, several residents 
of this town were killed. Anton Manderfeld, now 
a resident of Sigel, e.soaped the massacre at Big 
Stone Lake, as narrated in chapter 36, of this vol- 
ume. 

John Berg was born in Germany in 1828. Came 
to .\merica in 1854, and after sjxMiding one year 
in St. Louis, removed to Illinois; in 1S62 came to 
Minn.sota; resided one year each in Mankato and 
in Wabasha county, finally locateil in Sigel. Was 
a soldier in the German army, and was in the mil- 
itia one year in this country. Married in 1857, 
Miss Frederica Bomm. They have had eight 
children. 

Christian J. Engel was born in 1839, and is a 
native of Germany. Came to America in lH(i7; 
previously had been a sailor five years, and farmer 
four years. Proceeding to Minnesota, he located 
in Brown county, and is now a resident of Sigel, 
Married in 1861, Miss Dorothea Lendt, Charles, 
Frederick, .Iosei>hine, Alvina, Otto, Bertha and 
Minna are their children. 

Captain Sylvester \. George was born in Maine, 
in 1840. Enlisted in April, 1861, and served in 
the Array of the Potomjic, eighteen mouths; came 
to Minnesota in 1862, and went with the first party 
to the relief of New Ulm, and served Judge Flan- 
drau as post adjutant. In the fall enlisted in 
the 1st Minnesota Cavalry; served one year. In 
1863 he located in Sigel, where he has held 
the offices of justice of the peace and as-sessor. 
Married in 1865, Lucelia A, Loomis, M. Helen 
is their only child. 

Christian Krambeer was born in 1822, in Ger- 
many, and in 1852 immigrated to Illinois; for 
nine years lived about sixteen miles from Chicago 
and in 1861 came to Brown county, Minnesota, 
and made his home in Sigel. Has been scIukiI 
treasurer six years and constable fouT years. 
Married in 1849. Miss Elizabeth Lother, Henry 
and Adolph are their children. 

John Liesenfeld, a native of Prussia, was bom 
in 1829, When about twenty-five years of age 
he went to McHenry county, Illinois; came to Min- 
nesota in 1856, and lived in Mower county four 
years, then in 186t) settled in Sigel, ^larried 
in 1856, Catharine Kripsburch. Eight children 
have been bom to them; only three are living, 
Mary, Katie and .^nna. 

Almond Loomis, deceased, was born in New 



BROWN COUNTY. 



747 



York, in 1H30. Moved with his father to Illinoifi; 
in 1855 he came to Minnesota; made a claim 
and returned to Illinois; the next spring he lo- 
cated permanently on his claim; but in 1862 was 
obliged to remove his family to New Uhu for 
protection against the Indians. Mr. Loomis, in 
company with a small party started out for the 
purpose of rescuing others, but on their return 
were surrounded by Indians, and all but four 
were murdered; Mr. Loomis was one of those 
killed. lu 1857 he married Lucilia Tuttle. Mer- 
itta and Loomis are their children. Mrs. Loomis 
has since become the wife of S. A. George. 

Anthony Mandarfeld was born in Prussia, in 
1826. Came to America in 1851, and lived near 
Chicago, until coming here in 1857. In 1863 en- 
listed in Company K, 1st Minnesota Mounted 
Eaugers; served fourteen months; was at the siege 
of New Ulm and with Colonel McPhaill. He was 
also a soldier in his native country three and one- 
half years. He has been county commissioner 
here three years, town clerk, and chairman of 
the town board several years. Married in 1864, 
Miss Anna Holm. Henry, Hubert, Clara, Anna, 
Caroline and Peter 0. are their children. 

Christian Niedegger was born in 1821, and is 
a native of Germany. Came in 1851 to Amer- 
ica, and settled near Joliet, Illinois; remained un- 
til 1857. Married in 1856, Mrs. Mary Herron, 
who was the parent of two children : Mary and Eliz- 
abeth. His second marriage was in 1871, to Mrs. 
Frederica Steinke, who had six children liy her 
first husband: Rudolph, William, August, Sam- 
uel, Adenia and Frederick. 

Matthias Penning was born in September, 
1804, in Germany. His time was spent in his 
native land until 1846; then he came to America 
and located in Wisconsin, but in 1868 removed to 
Minnesota, and settled in Sigel. His son, John 
J., now owns the farm. Mr. Penning married, 
June 27, 1831, Anna Hoffman. Of the ten chil- 
dren born to them, five are living: John P., Mar- 
tin, Peter, Katie and John J. 

John J. Penning was born in Wisconsin in 1851. 
There he remained with his parents until their re- 
moval to Minnesota in 1868. The father was a 
blacksmith and farmer and with his family located 
on section 6, of Sigel. John J. now owns and 
cultivates the farm, which is one of the best in 
the township. Married January 27, 1880, Miss 
Mary Dehn. Martha J., their child, was bom 
January 27, 1881. 



Conrad Schreppe, whose native country is Ger- 
many, was born in 1825. He was a brickmaker 
and worked at his trade there until 1857; immi- 
grated to ])u Pago county, Illinois; ten years 
later he came to Brown county, and now has a 
farm of 340 acres. In 1848, he married Wilhe- 
miua Meshe. August, Frederick, Lena, Henry, 
Olive and Herman are their living children. 

STARK. 

This town is in the central part of Brown county 
and includes congressional township 119, range 
32. The first settlement was in 1858, by Luther 
Whiton, George, Richard, Edwin and John Char- 
nock, Seth Henshaw, and John Blum. Mr. Hen- 
shaw was killed by the Indians while trying to 
reach New Ulm with Mrs. Harrington, Mrs. James 
Hill, and two children. The women and children 
escaped. Mr. Blum and family with the exception 
of one boy, were murdered while on the way to 
New Ulm. Several others of the town were killed 
or wounded. 

The first birth was on May 10, 1861, a son, (H. 
W. S.,) of C. W. Smith. The first death was that 
of Daniel Tettle, in the spring of 1858. 

The first religious services were held at the 
house of C. W. Smith, in the spring of 1860, by 
Rev. Jones, a United Bretheren minister. The first 
school was taught in the summer of 1865, Ijy Miss 
O. Wiggins, in a log house on section 9. The 
next year, the town was designated as district 
number 11; that year a log school-house was built 
where the village of Iberia now is; there are now 
in the town, four frame school-houses. The village 
of Iberia is in the center of the town and derives 
its name from the post-office, established in 1870. 
At one time there were two stores, an agricultural 
agency, two blacksmith shops, shoe shop, cabinet 
shop, a steam saw-mill, and water-power grist- 
miU. There are now but the two blacksmith 
shops, one saloon and the grist-mill. The mill has 
three nm of stone and was built by Plath and 
Schwerdtfeger about ten years ago, and is still 
owned by them.^ Henry S. Back built a saw-miU 
a few years before in the northern jiart of town 
which was destroyed by a flood. 

Iberia post-office has been in charge of F. P. 
Benham, Judsou Bangs and William Kuehn. 
April 7, 1868, the first town election was held with 
the following result: John Moore, chairman; Rus- 
sell Ives and Joseph Hillesheim, supervisors; Sam- 
uel Auger, clerk; John Wiggins, assessor; G. 
Bickelhaupt, treasurer; Eli Benham and Jacob 



748 



UISTOHY OF rilE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Diiupiin, justices; A. Slocum iind L. Birch, con- 
Htablea. 

Andrew J. Bangs was bom May 7, 1816, in Del- 
aware county, New York. When twenty-one he 
moved to Otsego county; two years after, wont to 
Fond du Lac and remained eight years. In 18.54, 
he bought a farm at Lake Crystal, Bhie Earth 
county, on which he lived until August, 1877. 
Removing from there he settled in Stark, and lo- 
cated in the village of Iberia, where he has a 
blacksmith shop. May 6, 1837, he married Mary 
A. Metcalf, who died in the spring of 1881. Ten 
children were born to tliem, nine are li%Tng. 

Samuel BelUg, a native of Switzerland, was 
born December 25, 1837. Came to America in 
1849, and lived in Sank county, Wisconsin, eight 
years; removed to Minnesota and resided in Owa- 
tonna until the spring of 1880, then came to Stark. 
Enlisted in 1862, in Company C, 2d Minnesota 
cavalry; served until 1864. Married in 1865, 
Francisca Yeroshek. of Bohemia. Of the nine 
children born to them, eight are living. 

Frederick Benham was born June 25, 1830, in 
Chittenden county, Vermont; when two years old 
accompanied his parents to Alarion county, Ohio. 
In 1843 removed to Michigan, and throe years 
later to Indiana; remained there until 18.54; after 
spending one year in Iowa, he located in Hous- 
ton county, Minnesota, and in 1864 settled in 
Stark. Has served in town offices, and two years 
as county commissioner. Married in 1853 EU-ina 
Snethen, of Ohio. Seven children, of whom five 
are li^'ing, 

Henry Berg, a native of Prussia, was horn 
Marcli 6, 1830. Came to America in 1855; lived 
in Illinois until 1861; after spending one year in 
Wabasha county, Minnesota, he bought a farm in 
Stark. Enlisted in 1864 in Company M, heavy 
artillery, and served through tlie remainder of the 
war. Married in 1857 Frances Ohren. Sixteen 
children have been born to them, ten of whom 
are living. 

.Tohn Callanan was born in (-oimty (lalway, Ire- 
land, in 1832. Came to America in 1850, and 
lived in Winnebago county, Wisconsin, one year; 
after visiting in different states he returned to 
Wisconsin, and for eight years resided in Ripim; 
in 1868 he settled in Stark ; also owns a farm in 
Stanley. In 1864 married Ellen Hayes, a native 
of Tipperary, Ireland. Six sons and three daugh- 
ters have been born them; all are living. 

Jacob Duncan, Jr., was bom in Bartholomew 



county, Indiana, in 1850. At the age of seven 
years he accomjjanied his parents to Clay county, 
Illinois. On coming to Brown county with his 
father in 1866 he made a claim of eighty acres on 
section 27 of Stark, where his son Jacob still lives. 
^Married in 1875 Mary C. Somorville, of Indiana, 
who has borne him three children. 
*■ W. J. Dungan was born in Adams county. Hli- 
nois, in 1835, and when a child of two years re- 
moved with his parents to McDonongh county. 
In 1865 he came to Brown coimty, Minnesota, and 
took a farm of eighty acres in Stark on section 30. 
Was united in marriage in 1855 with Miss Luoiuda 
Greenup, a native of Illinois. Eleven children 
have been bom to them, of whom ten are living. 

Andrew J. Oilman was bom in Lamoille county, 
Vermont, September 12, 1834. From ten until 
sixteen years of age he lived in Burlington, Ver- 
mont, then five years were passed in farming in 
La Fayette county, Wisconsin. Until 1862 his 
home was in Butl'alo county, Wisconsin, and in 
1864 he settled in Stark. Mr. Oilman has served 
as chairman of supervisors one year. Married in 
1861 Abbie J. Meserve, who has borne him eight 
children, six of whom are living. 

.John F. (iruby, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1823, and in 1850 came to America. After re- 
maining in Chicago one year he was there married 
to Anna Hagen. Went to Fond du Lac county, 
Wisconsin, but in 1862 located in Winona county, 
Minnesota, and in 1873 came to Stark; two years 
later removed from section 4 to section 29. Mrs. 
Gruby died in 1875, leaving four children: Rosa, 
Lewis C, Paul and Frank. Mrs. Bertha Jackson 
became the second wife of Mr. Gruby, and has 
four children. 

T. R. Humphrey was bom December 3, 1813, in 
Ricliraond, Vermont. After s])ending three years 
in Underbill, Vermont, he went to Boston, whore 
he resided six years and attained there his medical 
1 education. He practiced sixteen years in Thorn- 
ton, Massachusetts, then spent five years in med- 
ical and agricultural pursuits in Houston coimty, 
Minnesota; located in Stark in 1864; has served 
his town as justice of the peace and supervisor. 
I In 1847 he married Elizabeth Merrill, who died in 
1850. Married in 1854 Mary J. Sawyer. Four 
children have been boni to them: three are living. 

Luther C. Ives was born in Java, Wyoming 

county, New York, December 4, 1840. In 1857 

he went to Michigan, and in 1859 came to Minne- 

, sota; during the fall of that year he claimed 160 



BROWN COUNTY. 



749 



acres in Stark. When news was received of the 
Indian outbreak he started for New Ulm; the 
next day he, with fifteen others, went to the relief 
of any families who had not already fled; when 
some distance west of the village of Iberia they 
met a Mr. Ryan, who told them that all had gone, 
30 they turned back, and when three miles east of 
Iljeria found the Blum family murdered. On 
nearing New Ulm they were attacked by Indians 
and all killed but Mr. Ives, Ralph Thomas, Phillip 
Kirby, Samuel McCoUoflf, Robert Hinton and Mr. 
Coon. Mr. Ives enlisted in 1864 in Company G, 
Second Minnesota cavalry, and served against the 
Indians; at the battle of Mauve Terre he was shot 
in the left leg by an arrow; was discharged De- 
cember, 1866. The next year he settled on his 
present farm in Stark; has held numerous town 
offices. In March, 1863, he married Ursula Tut- 
tle. Three of their five children are living. 

George Kroy was born in Bohemia, in 1848. 
He learned the trade of blacksmith, and in 1867 
came to America; after spending eight months in 
Buffalo, New York, he lived until 1871 in Manito- 
woc county, Wisconsin, then in New Ulm Minne- 
sota, two and one-half years, after which he located 
in Iberia, where he works at blacksmithing. In 
In February, 1874, he was united in marriage with 
Lena Teiner, a native of Bohemia. Maggie, 
George, and Annie are their children. 

F. W. Kuehn was born October 25, 1851, in 
Germany. When fourteen years of age he came 
to America and settled first in Madelia, Watonwan 
county; for three years worked in a saw-mill, then 
in a flouriug-mill; has since lived in Iberia, and is 
employed in the grist-mill of Plath and Swerdt- 
feger. Mr. Kuehn has served as assessor two 
years. Married in 1876, Elizabeth Hammer, who 
was born iu New Ulm. One daughter, Louisa. 

Robert Lent was born in Westchester county, 
New York, in 1821. When a lad of ten years he 
went to Otsego county for five years, then made 
his home in Cayuga county twenty-one years. 
After living five years in Jefferson county, Wis- 
consin, he came to Minnesota, and until the fall of 
1869 lived in Dodge and Olmsted counties, then 
settled on section 35, of Stark. Married iu 1841, 
Sarah Bartlett, who has borne him ten children; 
seven are living. 

William Miner was born in BurUngton, Chitten- 
den county, Vermont in 1820. After reaching man's 
estate he went to La Fayette county, Wisconsin, 
and remained five years; afterwards removed to 



Howard county, Iowa. Enlisted in 1862, in Com- 
pany I, 38th Iowa ; was wounded at the battle of 
Blakely, also at New Madrid, Missouri; was hon- 
orably discharged in 1865. Married in 1842, 
Sarah Gilhnan, who was born in New Hampshire. 
Of the twelve children bom, seven are living. 

William Ortwein was born in 1829, and is a 
native of Germany. Came to America in 1852, 
and until 1866 remained in the state of Ehnois; he 
then came to Brown county, Minnesota, and lo- 
cated on section 9 of Stark township. Married in 
18G2, Miss Wilhelmia Haviland. Elizabeth, 
Emma, William and Nancy are their children. 

Herman Plath, a native of Germany, was born 
December 5, 1827. In 1857 he made a claim in 
Sigel, which was his home until going to New Ulm 
in 1863. Took an active part in the company got- 
ten up for defense against the Indians; was heu- 
tenant of the company and served during the win- 
ter of 1862-63; was at the siege of New Ulm. In 
1865 went to Madelia and engaged in the saw- 
mill business, in company with August Schwerdt- 
feger; five years later they removed to Iberia and 
in 1872 sold, and erected their flouring-mill. Mr. 
Plath served as chairman of the town board three 
years, and since then has been town clerk. Mar- 
ried in 1858, Louisa Lange. Six children of the 
nine bom to them are living. 

August Schwerdtfeger, a native of Germany, 
was born November 13, 1830. Came to America 
in 1856 and settled soon after at New Ulm where 
he worked five years at milling, which trade he had 
learned in Germany. Going to Madelia, he re- 
mained six years, and finally located in Iberia, 
where he is in business with Herman Plath. Mr. 
Schwerdtfeger is treasurer of Stark township. 
Married Minnie Kuehn in 1861. Five children 
have been born to them, of whom three are living. 

Lorenzo Slocum was born October 5, 1813, in 
Otsego county, New York. When but four years 
of age he became an orphan, and when nine years 
old moved to Tioga county, where he learned the 
trades of cooper and shoemaker. In 1860 he en- 
gaged in coopering at Northfield; in .Tune, 1862, 
made a claim in Stark, but did not locate on it 
until 1864. A-r. Slocum has held the offices of 
town clerk, assessor and justice of the peace. In 
February, 1836, he married Anna Kimball, who is 
a native of New York. They have had four chil- 
dren; two are living. 

Charles W. Smith was born in Erie coimty. 
New York, in March, 1831. At the age of four- 



750 



IlIHTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



teen years lie moved to McHenry county, Illinois, 
and there remained ten years, then came to Min- 
nesota; in 1856 took a claim in Sigel and in 1859 
came to Stark. Mr. Smith has been chairman of 
the town board, supervisor, and constable. Dur- 
ing the siege of Now Ulm he figured prominentlj'. 
Married in 1853, Rebecca A. Loomis, who hiis 
Ixtrue liim five children. 

John Von Kaufenborg was born in Luxeml)urg, 
in 18-12. He remained iu his native land until 
1867, then came to this country and located in 
New Market township, Scott county, Minnesota, 
subsequently settled in Mulligan, Jirown county. 
In 1880 he started in the saloon business in Iberia. 
Married July 14, 1874, Harriett Ringenberg, who 
has borne him four children, three are living. 

H. Zander, a native of Prussia, was born in 1827. 
Immigrated to Wisconsin in IS.^e and after living 
three years in Iowa, and Mower county, Minne- 
sota, he located in Stark township in 1859; now 
owns 295 acres. Mr. Zander was a .-ioldier in his 
native country. In 1853 he married Gertrude 
Stolenverk, who died in 1866. There are five liv- 
ing children. His second marriage was with Mena 
Krahl in 1868. She died in 1875, leaving two 
children. Thorodea Elleas became his wife in 
1877, and has two living children. 

LEAVENWORTH. 

June 28,18.58, this town was set apart by the 
county commissioners, and contained all the south- 
ern part of the county outside the Indian reserva- 
tion, west of Lake Hanska. New towns have 
been organized out of its territory until now it 
comprises township 109, range 33, only. In Oc- 
tober, 1857, a company of town site speculators 
laid out the village of Leavenworth, covering 
about 320 acres on the west side of the Big Cot- 
tonwood. They put np a log house and left Dr. 
J. B. Calkins to hold the claim. He remained but 
two years and then left, and the town was no more. 
In the fall of 1858, the first election in this part 
of the county was held at his house; there were 
but seven white men, one of them a minor, and 
one Indian present, yet there were forty votes re- 
turned from the precinct. W. B. CarroU and G. 
W. Maffett, members of a surveying party who 
were laying out a government road, came iu the 
fall of 1857 and made claims the next spring. Mr. 
Carroll married Mary 1). Loomis, in 1860, the 
first of the settlers to marry. He was killed dur- 
ing the Indian outbreak. 

April 16, 1859 the town was organized at Mr. 



Maflett's house. Officers elected : Luther Whiton, 
chairman; Isaac Bandy and Setli Uenshaw, su- 
pervisors; Gflorge Charnock, clerk; Peter Kelly, 
assessor; G. W. MafTett, collector; Philip Kirby, 
and W. B. Carroll, justices; Luther Whiton, i>ver- 
seer of poor; G. W. Maffett and C. F. Putnam, 
constables; Peter Kelly and George Charnock 
were elected poundmasters and i)Ouiids located at 
.1. B. ('alkins' claim shanty and Luther Whiton's 
smoke house. There were thirty-two votes cast. 
From 1863 until 1866, there was no organization, 
as the inhabitants had fled from the Indians; an 
assessor was appointed, however, by the county 
commissioners. 

The first birth was Matilda, daughter of .John 
Schneider, born in the winter of 1K58. The first 
death was that of Mr. Buck, who was killed by a 
fall from bis wagon. 

The first preaching was in the winter of 1859-60, 
by a minister of the United Bretheren denomina- 
tion, who was visiting the county. The Catholics 
began holding services under Father Berghold. 
They built a small church about 1868, which has 
been replaced by a structure costing S2,00(). There 
are now ninety families in the parisli, iu charge of 
Father Sandmeyer, of Sleepy Eye. 

The first school was taught by ISIrs. Wylie, in 
1866, at her hou.se on section 17. The first school- 
hoTise was built by subscription in 1868; it was a 
log structure; there are now five school-houses in 
the town. 

The first mill was built by .John Jackson and .1. 
G. Davison about the time the town was first set- 
tled ; it was a water-power saw-mill. Peter Sdiields 
took the mill in 1872 and erected in place of it a 
grist-mill with two run of stone and daily capacity 
of twenty-five barrels. 

Leavenworth post-office was established in 1858 
with Dr. Calkins as postmaster; during the Indian 
war it was abandoned, but re-established in the 
town of Stark. After several changes it is now 
in charge of J. B. .\ltermatt, in this town. 

J. B. Altermatt, a native of Switzerland, was 
born January 12, 1812. At twenty-five he left 
school and came to .\morica, and lived in Pennsyl- 
vania, New York, Illinois, and Indiana. Removing 
to Buffalo county, Wisconsin, he settled on a farm 
and while residing there was clerk of the court. 
In 18(!4came to Minnesota and located in Leaven- 
worth. Has held several town offices and is at 
present the postmaster. Married iu IX 47, Pora 



BROWN COUNTY. 



751 



Eeycourt, bom in Saxony. She died in May, 
1879. They have had twelve children. 

George W. Brown was born in New York in 
1849. Came to Minnesota witli his parents and 
settled in Olmsted county. WhDe a boy Mr. 
Brown came with a Mr. Kelly to Leavenworth 
township. He, with a companion, started for Fort 
Bidgely to enlist in 1862 : they met a party of 
Winnebago Indians, who told them the Sioux 
were murdering the whites; this caused them to 
retrace their steps, which act was the means of 
saving their lives. During the troubles Mr. Brown 
was employed by the government as a scout, also 
took an active part in the defense of New Ulm. 

George B. Ebilsiser was born in Indiana, in 1837. 
At the age of eleven years he moved with his par- 
ents to Illinois. In 1863 he came to Leavenworth, 
Minnesota, but one year later enUsted in Company 
I, 2d Minnesota infantry; served until the war 
closed, then returned to his farm. For several 
years he made frequent trips west, engaged in 
trapping; finally located permanently on Ins farm 
where he has since lived. Married in 1868, Mary 
J. Etter. They have four children. 

Bernard Prey, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1831. On reaching manhood, he came to 
America; spent some time in New York, Ohio, and 
Wisconsin, then lived four years on a claim in 
Blue Earth county, Minnesota; was in the employ 
of the government for a time in Kansas, but 
eventually located on a farm where the village of 
Leavenworth is now situated. Was chairman of 
the board in Sigel two years and has been treas- 
urer of Leavenworth several terms. Married in 
1860, Catbe)'iue Manderfield. Of the ten children 
born to them, seven are living. 

George W. Harrington was born in Niagara 
county. New York, in 1823. From the age of 
twenty-eight until the year 1866, he lived in La 
Salle county, Illinois, then came to Leavenworth 
and located on a farm on section 34. Mr. Har- 
rington has served as chairman of the board two 
years and constable two years. Married in 1850, 
Miss J. K. Bennett, who has borne him seven 
children. 

Frederick W. Hormann, a native of Germany, 
was born in 1845. He was in the war between 
Prussia and Hanover. In 1867, came to America, 
and settled in Illinois; was in that state two years, 
and spent eight months of the time in Chicago en- 
gaged in the milk trade. Coming to Minnesota, 
ha sooa after settled on a homestead in Leaven- 



worth township; five years later moved to his 
present farm on section 10. Mr. Hormann has 
been justice of the peace and supervisor. 

Charles A. Hughes was born in 1829 in New 
York city. Learned the trade of chairmaking, 
which he followed until 1854, then came to St. 
Paul, Minnesota. After a residence of two years 
in that city, he moved to St. Peter and pursued 
his trade there three years, then in 1863 moved to 
Leavenworth and located a farm. In 1853 he 
married Miss Elizabeth Freedman, who is a native 
of Poland. 

Edward Larson, a native of Norway, was born 
in 1829. In 1847 he enlisted; served eleven 
years; was promoted to sergeant. Immigrated to 
Wisconsin in 1862, and only a few days after en- 
listed in Company B, 15th Wisconsin infantry; 
served only seven months, and was discharged on 
account of disability. On returning he settled on 
a farm in Wisconsin, and in 1868 moved to Minne- 
sota and located on his jDresent farm. He has 
been justice of the peace three years. Blarried in 
1864 Miss M. Erickson. They have nine children. 

Joseph Ott was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 
1849. After acquiring an education he was em- 
ployed in wholesale houses of crockeryware and 
drugs. When twenty-two years of age he left his 
parental home and came to Minnesota, and after 
being employed in farming for five or six years, 
bought his present farm of eighty acres. Mar- 
ried in 1878 Miss Louisa Dohrman, of Germany. 
One child has been born to them. 

John M. Sanderson was born November 20, 
1832, in Canada. He learned the trade of car- 
penter, and in 1860 left his country and came to 
Wisconsin; while there worked at his trade and 
on a farm. In 1867 came to Minnesota and set- 
tled on his present farm in Leavenworth; he has 
been supervisor and town clerk, and for a number 
of years served as justice. Married Margaret C. 
Hamilton in 1858, who has borne him nine daugh- 
ters and one son. 

Peter Schiltz was born in Luxemburg, Ger- 
many in 1814. He learned the trade of miller in 
his native land, and in 1854 came to this country. 
Coming to Scott county, Minnesota, he settled on 
a farm, and afterward worked in the mills at 
Shakojjee and Jordan. In 1872 came to Leaven- 
worth township and built a mill, which has a ca- 
pacity of one hundred and fifty barrels in twenty- 
four hours. 

J. J. Schumacher was born in Germany in 1836. 



752 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



In 1852 bo iicconipankHl )iiw |)aronts to Aniorioii 
and settloil in Washington county, Wisconsin. 
Learned tlie cooper's trade and worked at it until 
1864, then moved to Minnesota, locating soon 
after iu Leavenworth. Mr. Schiimac-her has been 
county commissioner, also justice of the peace, 
assessor and notary public. Married in 1857 
Theresa Huiras. They have seven children. Mr. 
and Mrs. Schumacher are keeping hotel in Leav- 
enworth; also liavo a farm. 

BUBNSTOWN. 

Bunistown is located in the wosttu-n part of the 
county and iuchides township 10!), range 31. Tiie 
first settler was .Tonathan P. Brown, who made a 
claim on section 22, in 1857. The family was 
killed in 1862, while trying to escajje from the 
Lidians. In the spring of 1858, .1. F. Burns, for 
wliom the town is named, E. Otto and a man 
named Webb arrived. J. V. Burns and his brother 
Daniel we.-e the only ones of the early settlers who 
returned after the outbreak; they came that fall. 

Henry Hughes, born in 18G9, was the first l)irth. 
The first marriage was Ida J. Scott to J. F. Burns, 
October 20, 1870. 

Rev. Mr. Willard, a congregational minister, 
held .services at the house of C. A. Scott, in the 
summer of 1873. The organization now has a 
chapel in the village of Springfield, with twelve 
members. The Lutherans had services by Rev. A. 
H. Kentnerin 1873; they also built a church at 
the village. Their prbsent pastor is Rev. G. 
Kittel. The German Methodists date their organi- 
zation from 1874, when services were held at the 
house of the pastor. Rev. Gustave Gronig: he was 
killed by lightning in 1875. Services are held in 
the Congregational church by Rev. G. Reihle, of 
Sleepy Eye. The Scandinavian Lutherans also 
have an organization. The Catholics built a fine 
church at Springfield in 1879 at a cost of S2,3(t0; 
Father Bergquist held first services in 1874; there 
are about eighty-five families in the parish, pre- 
sided over by Father Sandmeyer, of Sleepy Eye. 
The Methoilists held services in the Congrega- 
tional church, with Rev. H. J. Harrington as 
pastor. 

The first school was taught by Miss Marian 
Hall in the school-house built in district number 
41. There are two school-houses in the town, 
aside from the village. 

The first town meeting was held at the hoiwe of 
.T. F. Burns. October 14, 1871; oflicers elected : E. 
L. Cady, chairman, J. A. Potter and R. M. John- 



son, supervisors; John Boyes, clerk; David Esh- 
baugli, assessor; Tedmau GuUick, treasurer; A. 
B. Hubbard and Peter Moe, justices; P. Cutland 
and Peter Sist, constables. 

In 1H77 the village of Burns was surveyed. It 
is on the line of the Winona and St. Peter railroad, 
and in the western part of the town. The first 
business house was built in 1872 by M. H. Gam- 
ble. The village now has a population of over 
300. February 21, 1H81, it was incorporated un- 
der the name of Springfield, and includes within 
its limits 120 acres in section 18, and eighty acres 
in section 19. The first officers, elected in March, 
1881, were: J. S. Colomy, president; Gu-stavus 
Nuesale, A. E. Aarnas and H. C. Wainke, trus- 
tees; L. A. Larson, recorder; W. H. Gamble, 
treasurer; G. H. Bamcard, justice; Thomas Ar- 
nold, constaV>le. 

There are five hotels, four general stores, two 
drug stores, two hardware stores, one grocery 
store, one bo( t and shoe store, three dealers in 
agricultural imjilemeuts, one dress making shop, 
one harness shop, one wagon shop, three black- 
smith shops, one elevator, capacity about 12,000 
bushels, two warehouses, one livery stable, one 
lumber yard, one contractor and builder and three 
saloons. There is one lawyer and two physicians, 
three churches and one school building. The lat- 
ter is a two story frame building, contains two 
rooms, and presents a fine aj)pearance. Its cost 
was about $2,800. Two teachers are employed, 
and about eighty pupils are in attendance. 

Springfield post-office was established in 1873, 
with M. H. Gamble as postmaster; he is still in 
charge. 

A. E. Aarnas was bom in Norway in 1840. 
Came to the United States in the spring of 1868, 
and located first in Madison, Wisconsin: in the 
spring of 1871, came to Rochester, Minnesota, 
and was clerk in a hardware store, until 1875, 
then for three years was book-keeper for N. Elli- 
son. In 1878 removed to Springfield, Brown 
county, and engaged as grain dealer. Married in 
1873, Julia Heldickson. Mary L., Constance, AJ- 
villda and Paul are their children. 

P. F. Altermatt was born in Marquette county, 
Wisconsin, in 1848. His youth was spent on a 
farm and in school, and in .'Vugust, 1865, removed 
with his parents to Leavenworth, Minnesota. In the 
fall of 1878 came to Springfield and engaged in 
the mercantile trade with his fathor-in-law, under 
the firm name of Sist I't Altermatt. Married in 



BROWN COUNTY. 



753 



1870, Bertie Sist. Dora C, Alphonso P., John F. 
and Martie M. are their children. 

James Arnold was born in Ohio, in 1841. At 
the age of thirteen years accompanied his parents 
to Wisconsin; two years later, to Jones county, 
Iowa. In 1867 came to Redwood Falls, and en- 
gaged as stage driver between that place and New 
Ulm. After a residence of some time in Sleepy 
Eye, he, in 1880, removed to Springfield, and has 
since given his attention to the hotel and livery 
business. In 1871 married Mattie J. Lawson, 
who has borne him six children : Clarence, Ward 
and Frank are living. 

John Bagen, a native of Ireland, was born in 
1822. Immigrated in 1840, to Connecticut; for 
three years he was employed in a wire factory; 
then removed to Watertown, Wisconsin, and en- 
gaged in farming until 1871, when he came to 
Minnesota and located in Burnstown; his family 
came in 1874. Mr. Bagen has held various town 
offices. Married in 1845, Bridget McGuire, who 
died, September 7, 1873, leaving nme children: 
Margaret, Kosanna, Michael, Mary J., John, Mar- 
tha, James, Edward and Thomas F. 

H. Bendixen was born in 1854, and is a native 
of Prussia. In 1873 came to America, and for 
one year was clerk in a grocery store in Chicago; 
after coming to Minnesota in the fall of 1874, he 
acted as clerk in a store of general merchandise 
at Albert Lea until 1879, then removed to Spring- 
field, where he has a general store. Married in 
1880 Augusta Muller, a native of Prussia. 

Thomas Brophy, a native of Ireland, was born in 
1846. Came with his parents to America, and 
remained in New York until the age of eleven 
years, then went to Iowa. In 1872 he removed to 
Brown county and began farming and the sale of 
agricultural implements; located in Springfield in 
1881, where he has a large storeroom and ware- 
house; also owns a farm in Stark. In 1869 he 
married Mary Fitzgerald, who was born in New 
York. Frank, John, Mary G. and Morris are 
their living children. 

Anton Crone was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 
1856. When he was but a few months old the 
family went to New Ulm, and about ten years 
after they spent two years near Stillwater; he then 
attended school in Shakopee and college in Water- 
town, Wisconsin. Eetumed to New Ulm and 
clerked in bis father's store. January 13, 1880, he 
located in Springfield, and formed a partnership 
with Mr. Nuessle, carrying a stock of general 

48 



merchandise; they also deal quite largely in 
grain. His parents still reside in New Ulm. 

Lucas Fecker, a native of Germany, was born in 
1838. Came to New York in 1861; removed the 
next year to Aurora, Illinois, where his mother 
and family now live. In the fall of 1871 came to 
Minnesota, and after visiting in different portions 
of the state located in New Ulm, and engaged in 
liquor trade and livery business. In August, 
1876, removed to Springfield; erected a hotel and 
saloon; it was the first hotel in the vilhige. In 
1874 married Paulina Hell. The children are 
Joseph, Pauluia, Minald and John. 

Charles Gamble was bom in Jefferson county, 
Wisconsin in 1853. Attended school at Jefferson 
three years, then engaged in lumbering two years. 
Came to Minnesota in 1872; located soon after in 
Springfield, where he clerked for his brother two 
years, then until 1876 was speculating in grain, 
and has since then given his attention to the lum- 
ber trade. 

Walter Henderson was born in Bristol, England, 
in 1846. He attended college there, also in Ger- 
many and finished his education in Edinburgh, 
Scotland. Came to America in 1872; clerked in 
a drug store in Chicago also taught music and 
played in the Tabernacle. Removed to Oshkosh, 
Wisconsin, and taught music and was organist in 
the leading church of the city. In 1875 removed 
to Green Bay, where he pursued his former voca- 
tions. During the winter of 1875 located at 
Winona, Minnesota, and engaged in the hardware 
business; and in 1877 settled in Springfield, en- 
gaging in building; also has two tine farms near 
the village. Married in Oshkosh in 1875, Ida 
Dickerson. Forest M. is their only child. 

H. A. Hitchcock, M. D., was born in Cortland 
county, New York, in 1826. Attended a medical 
institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, having previously 
studied medicine at Janesville, Wisconsin. He 
then located at Janesville and in 1858 removed to 
Randolph, and practiced until 1863. Locating in 
Morristown he remained until 1 870, then went to 
Lyon county, Minnesota; settled in 1878, in Spring- 
field. Married in 1850 Mary Smith. They have 
one child; Flora, now Mrs. F. M. Baker, of 
New Ulm. 

M. Howard was born in the county of Down, 
Ireland, in 1842. Came to America with his par- 
ents and remained in Livingston county. New 
I'ork until reaching man's estate: then went to 
Patterson, New Jersey, and learned the trade of 



754 



insToiiv OF rnn Minnesota valley. 



mncliinist; afterward eDgiiged for oue ami oue- 
balf years as engineer on the Hudson Kiver rail- 
road, then learned the trade of carpenter. Enlist- 
ed in the 7th Michigan Infantry, and was muster- 
ed out at the elose of the war. He has since giv- 
en his attentioa to coutraeting and l)uildiQg. In 
187fi, be went to the Sandwich Islands ami there 
erected a liotel of large dimensions. 

Adara Kalzouberger was born in 1838, in Ger- 
many. At the age of eight years, removed to 
Cincinnati with his parents; about seven years 
later went to Indiana. In 1861, enlisted in the 1st 
Indiana battery and served until the fall of 18G.1. 
Game to Goodhue county, Minnesota, that fall, 
and removed to New Ulm in the spring of 1868; 
soon after, took a homestead in Burnstown. In 
May, 1880, located in Springfield and engaged 
in the furniture trade. His wife was C,<therine 
Faber, a widow with five cbil Iren ; she has borne 
Mr. Kalzenberger three children. Dora, Lizzie, 
Adara, William, Margaret, John, Phillip and 
Micliael. 

H. Kuudson, a native of Denmark, was born in 
1845. Came to America in 18G5 and soon after 
to Faribault, Minne.sota, and learned the trade of 
tinsmith, remained there about six years, then 
worked in different cities; returning to Faribault 
he engaged as a clerk in a dry goods house, also 
clerked at Northfield. After bein^j; in business in 
Waseca oue year he located in 1876 in Springfield. 
Here he erected a store, and carries a full line of 
liardware, tinware, paints, oils, etc. In 1874 he 
married .\nna Peterson. Bosa, Eda and Cora are 
their children. 

L. A.Larson was born in Norway in 1858; came 
with his parenrs to Vernon county, AVisconsin, in 
1867; afterward lived two years in Fillmore county, 
Minnesota; removed to New Ulm and engaged as 
clerk in a dry goods store two years; finally loca- 
ted in Springfield where he is employed by S. D. 
Peterson in the sale of agricultural iin))lement3. 
His father, Andrew Larson, who resides one mile 
from the village, was elected county commissioner 
iu 1879. Mr. Larson married in 1880, Catherine 
Roth. They have one child, Leif. 

John Lau was born in Germany, in 1844, and 
with his jiarents came to America in 1851. He 
lived iu Dodge county, Wisconsin, and learned the 
trade of wagon making. He afterward removed to 
Iowa, and in 1871 came to Minnesota; soon after 
settle! in B irnstiwa. Aftar farming eight years 
he opened a w.igou shop in Springfield. Married 



in 1867, Fredrica Wustenberg. John, Henry, 
Hermann and Fred are their children. 

Orlin Laughlin was born in J )odge couty, Wis- 
consin, in 1848. With his parents removed to 
Mankato, Minnesota, in 1854, and there grew to 
manhood, receiving a common school education. 
He learned the painter's trade which be hiis since 
followed, and since 1874 has been a resident of 
Springfield. 

Peter McKeever, a native of Ireland, was born 
in 1834. When a small child, accompanied his 
parents to America; lived in New York and Wiscon- 
sin; came in 1867 to Steele county .Minnesota, and 
engaged in railroading. Located in Springfield in 
the spring of 1872; is interested in hotel business 
also in railroading. In the spring of 1864 en- 
listed in Company K, '23d Wisconsin infantry, but 
was subsequently transferred to Company B, 35tli 
regiment; was mustered out at the close of 
the war. Married Anna Carroll in 1856; 
IMary, Nellie, Thomas, and Catharine are the 
children. 

J. Paul Nuessle, a native of Germany was born in 
1856. He came to America in 1867 ; engaged in 
butchering three years in New Ulm then from 
1873 to 1878 in Chicago; on returning to New 
Ulm he established a meat market which he con- 
tinued until 1880; since that time he has been at 
Springfield. Married in 1878 Teressa Mitzen. 
They are the parents of one child. 

J. J. R;iy was born near Niagara Falls, iu 
Canada, in 1844, and is of Scotch parentage. From 
1870 to 1874, he was at Janesville, Wisconsin, then 
went to Racine and took charge of a dry goods 
house; afterwards ergaged in the manufacture of 
woven wire bed springs at Milwaukee. In the 
fall of 1877 came to Springfield; has been clerk 
for M. H. Gamble, is also notary public, insurance 
agent and money loaner. Married in 1876 Mary 
Gamble, who was bom in Wisconsin in 1853. 

John Roth, whose native land is Germany, was 
born in 1841. He lived iii Iowa from the age of 
eight years until 1859 then came to St. Paul, where 
he clerked in a house of general merchandise for 
several years, then began business in Mankato; 
from 1870 to 1877, conducted a general store in 
Leavenworth. He acted as postmaster at Mendota 
also at Leavenworth. Located in Springfield iu 
1878; was in mercantile business here for two 
years, then embarked in the .drug trade. Married 
Catherine J. Holmes in 1867. Jennie, Anna, and 
Carrie are their children. 



BROWN COUNTY. 



755 



Christ. Schewe, a native of Germany, was bom 
in 1834. In 18.57 came to America, and made a 
home in Watertown, Wisconsin, where he engaged 
in farming; was then in Burnstown, Minnesota, 
from 1870 until 1879; locating at that time in 
Springfield he opened a hotel and saloon, to which 
is attached a billiard hall. His marriage with 
Sophia Slebk took place in 1858. Fred, Minnie, 
Betsey and Charles are their children. 

Wolfgang Schmid was born in Germany in 

1848. Came to Minnesota in 1868; was farming 
near New Ulm until 1871, then removed into the 
city and engaged in a brewery; he afterward 
farmed in Bnrnstown until 1880, settling at that 
time in Springfield, where he has a boarding 
house and saloon. In 1870 he married Elizabeth 
Wartha. Rudolph, Alfred, Louisa, Kathy and 
Otto are their children. 

A. Wangerin was born near Milwaukee, Wis- 
consin, in 1855. After receiving a common school 
education he learned the trade of shoemaking, in 
Dodge county. In the spring of 1875 came to 
Minnesota, and for three years resided in Wi- 
nona, then came to Springfield, and has since been 
in the manufacture of boots and shoes. In 1879 
he was united in marriage with Frances Schotzko. 

H. C. Warnke was born in Milwaukee, Wiscon- 
sin, in 1856, and when a child of four years moved 
with his parents to Manitowoc. He learned the 
trade of harness-making, and worked at it in Ohio 
and Wisconsin until 1875, then came to Minne- 
sota. Eeturning to his native city in 1876, he 
took charge of a billiard hall for three years, but 
in 1879 located in S^Jringfield, where he has a 
harness shop. Married Minnie Schiller. 

G. C. Wellmer, a native of Prussia, was biim in 

1849, and when eight years of age came with his 
parents to Manitowoc, Wisconsin. In- 1862 re- 
moved to Chicago, and after acquiring an educa- 
tion at the public schools finished his studies in 
Rush Medical College; read medicine with Dr. M. 
Carlemas, of Chicago, one year, then hegan prac- 
tice; from 1875 to '80 he was at Red Wing, Min- 
nesota, then located at Springfield. In 1878 mar- 
ried Margaret S. Hickman, who was born in Min- 
nesota. They have one child. 

A. E. West, was born in Jefferson county, Wis- 
consin, in 1846, and in 1856 went to Columbia 
county; engaged in teaching school and farming. 
Moved to Faribault county, Minnesota, in 1869, 
thence to Blue Earth county; in 1871 located in 
MuUigau, Brown county, and while there assisted in 



organizing the town ; he served as clerk and justice; 
he was teaching at Golden Gate from 1875 to '81, 
since then has been at Springfield. Married in 
1866, Lucetta Dutton. William E., Winnie E., 
Ernst A., Annie B., Arthur G., Elbert D., and 
Etta are their living children. 

J. D. Yaund, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1852. 
He remained in his native state until 1871, then 
came to Minnesota; settled soon after in Burns- 
town, where for two years he was farming; after- 
wards began contracting; also followed that busi- 
ness in Wisconsin from 1873 till 1875. He has been 
keeping hotel and saloon in Springfield since 1876. 
Married Sarah L. Small in 187.3, who died in 
Springfield in 1881. Sarah, Clan and Lorinda 
are his children. 

NORTH STAR. 

This town is on the west line of the county and 
includes township 109, range 35. The first set- 
tlement was made by C. C. Davis, in 1858; he re- 
mained but one year. The next settler was John 
McCowan, who located on section 24, in May, 
1870. Other claimants of that year were Henry 
Hewett and John Young. The town was set apart 
for organization by the county board, January 9, 
1873, and the first election was held at the house 
of Henry Hewett, wlio was elected chairman of 
the town board. 

Ambrose Parsons was born in Jones county, 
Iowa, in 1839. In 1859 started for California; re- 
mained in that state till 1864 engaged in buying 
and selling horses; returned to Iowa and was a 
stock dealer there until 1874; then came to Min- 
nesota and in the fall of that year located in North 
Star. Since his residence here has gij'en his at- 
tention to buying and shipping stock, and farm- 
ing. Mary E. Ladd became his wife in 1873. 
Mabel S., Winnifred, Hollis and Mary are their 
children. 

Mathew Ryan, one of the pioneers of Brown 
county, was born in Ireland in 1826. He came 
to America at the age of nineteen years. After 
remaining in Philadelphia about five years, came 
to St. Paul, and the next year, 1856, made a claim 
in Home. His was the first family in the town. 
During the year of 1856 was in the employ of the 
government, laying out a road from Fort Ridgely 
to the Missouri river. In 1862 Mr. Ryan moved 
his family to New Ulm; remained during the 
seige, then spent one year at St. Paul. Resided 
on his claim until 1875, then located on section 
eight, of North Star. Married in 1860, Mary 



756 



UISrORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Sohmitz; Uiis was the first pouplc ranrried from 
Home. Eleven children; ten are living. 

STATEI.i-. 



r^ 



Tliis is the south-western corner of the county, 
and was the last town to organize, .luly 22, 1H78, 
a petition for organization was presented, but re- 
fused; January 9, 1879, another petition was sent 
in and accepted; an election was held, but de- 
clared illegal on account of short notice. April 
7, 1879, a meeting was held and ofliccrs elected: 
D. H. Semans, chairman, C. H. Crawford and Con- 
rad Balbftch, supervisors; A. W. Henderson, clerk; 
M. L. Haggard, assessor; .Tames Haggard, treas- 
urer; B. A. Allen and D. M. Haggard, jtistices; 
A. B. Diekerson and F. M. Scott, constables. 

The first settlers were C. H. Crawford, Joseph 
Chamberlain, John Wilson, John Tyson, W. H. 
Fox and Conrad Balbach, in 1873. The first 
school was taught by Hulda Cornish, in the sum- 
mer of 1878, in district 61; there are two schools 
in the town. In 1874 llev. Pease, a Methodist, 
began holding services; a church was organized, 
and has now about twenty members. - - ^ 

C. H. Crawford was born in New York in 1841. 
At the age of twenty years moved to Monroe 
county, Wisconsin. Enlisted in Company D, 25th 
Wisconsin; was in Mankato and witnessed the ex- 
ecution of the thirty-eight Indians. In 1871 he 
settled in Stately: Mr. ('r.iwford resides on a farm 
of 160 acres. Married in 1867 Miss Percells. 
Three of their four children are living. 

BASHAW. 

This town is on the south lino of the county, 
and was nam d for Joseph IJasclior, the first set- 
tler, who came in the spring of 18G9, and settled 
on section 2. The following year several families 
arrived. The first birth was a pair of twins, boy 
and girl, to Jacob Baschor and wife in 1871. The 
first marriage was in 1872, John Wendt and 
Amelia Zinke. 

The first school was taught by Maggie Keegan 
in 1877, in a dwelling-housB on section 2(), in 
what is now district number 49. The Lutheran 
church was built in 1878; Bev. E. Carlson was the 
first pastor, and E. P. Ekmann the present. The 
United Brethren have an organization. 

Comfrey post-oflicc was established in 1877, 
with A. W. Pederson as postmaster; the office is 
kept at his house on section 22. The first town 
meeting was held in April, 1H74; officers elected: 
John .Johnson, chairman; John Quick, supervisor; 
William Lampau, clerk; Henry Kimmelie, as- 



Beesor; Charles Krause, treasurer; O. H. Alaback. 
justice; Ira Bonner, «)nstable. The list is incom- 
plete, as the minutes of the early meetings are not 
in existence. 

J. H. Barber was bom in Kent county, Dela- 
ware, in 1844. When seventeen years of age en- 
listed in Company K, First Delaware infantry; 
served imtil the close of the war; for meritorious 
conduct at the battle of Chancellorsville was pro- 
moted to first lieutenant, and afterward adjutant ; 
was also aid-de-camp. In 1866 moved to Michi- 
gan, thence in 1878 to Iowa; came to Minnesota 
in 1873; settled in Bashaw; was present at the 
organization of the town, and served as clerk sev- 
eral years. Married Mary Brown in 1867. Nina, 
Ida, William, Charles and Jennie are their children. 

.To8ej)h Baschor, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1832. Came to America in 18G9, was the first 
settler in the town of Ba.shaw, Brown county, Min- 
nesota, which was named in his honor. He still 
lives at his old homestead; his farm contains 400 
acres. Mr. Baschor has been treasurer of his 
school district since its organization. Was mar- 
ried in 18.59, and has a family of five children : 
.Joseph. Katie, Frank, John and Theresa. 

G. L. Grek was born in Sweden, in 1838. In 
1869 came to America, located in Houston county, 
Minnesota, where he was employed by a farmer 
until 1871 : coming to Brown county he located a 
home on section twenty-eight, of Bashaw town- 
ship, which is still his home. He married in 
Sweden in 1868, and has one child. 

H. C. Mallotte was born in Seneca county, Ohio, 
in 1841. When eight years old he accompanied 
his parents to Wisconsin and settled on a farm. In 
1861 enlisted in Company H, 8th Wisconsin, and 
served until 18R4. (.'ame to Minnesota in 1871, 
and settled in Bashaw; has at present a fine farm 
of 160 acres. He is chairman of the town 
board and justice of the peace. Was married in 
1867, and has a family of five children. 

Cliristine Pederson was born in 1816, in Den- 
mark. In 1869 came to the United States, and 
after a brief stay in Wisconsin, moved to Houston 
county, Minnesota. In 1873 came to Bashaw; lo- 
cated in section twonty-two. It was at his house 
that the notorious James Brothers took dinner at 
the time of their Hight from Northfield. Mr. Pe- 
dersen is treasurer of the town. Has been twice 
married: first in 1839; his wife died in 1864, leav- 
ing two children. His second marriage took 
place in 1866. 



BROWN COUNTY. 



757 



H. C. Pedersen was born in 1840, in Denmark. 
He learned blacksmithing of his father, and came 
to the United States in 1873; settled in Bashaw on 
a farm. He was for a time employed in machine 
shops at New Ulm and carriage shops at Mankato, 
but returned to his farm in Bashaw in 1878. He is 
one of the supervisors of the town, and is man car- 
rier between Springfield and Comf rey. Mr. Peder- 
sen has a wife and four children. 

MTOIjIGAN. 

This includes congressional township 108,Tange 
33. Settlement was made in 1865, by J. P. 
Savage, John and Thomas Kelly. The first birth 
was October 29, 1867, Patrick, son of J. P. and 
Susan Savage. The first school was taught by 
Hannah Collins in the Summer of 1877. There 
are now three frame school buildings in the town. 
The Catholics are to have a private school on sec- 
tion 28, using a building erected for the purpose. 

The cyclone of 1881 which was so destructive at 
New Ulm, visited this town and destroyed the 
houses of Andrew Zwashka and Philip Kauffen- 
berg; the wife and cliildren of the latter were 
badly hurt; the other family escaped by going 
into the cellar. 

The first officers of the town were John Torrey, 
chairman; Patrick Stack and Nicholas Schmitt, 
supervisors; A. E. West, clerk: E. J. Collins, as- 
sessor; J. P. Savage, treasurer; Patrick Stack and 
A. E. West, justices; Nicholas Laux, overseer of 
highways; John WilUams, and J. P. Savage, con- 
stables. The first town meeting was held April 
26, 1871, at the house of Patrick Stack. 

Chauncey Beal was born in 1836 in Somerset 
county, Pennsylvania. Learned the trade of 
cooper which he followed seventeen years. From 
June 1863 to January 1864 he served in Company 
H, First Pennsylvania battery. In 1865 he re- 
moved to Wright county, Minnesota, and in 1870 
to Nelson, where he has held several town offices; 
the next spring they came to their present farm. 
Married Katharine Oristner December 2, 1860. 
Savilla and Albert are their living children. 

Monroe Cordill was born in Indiana in 1847. 
Moved to Fillmore county, Minnesota, when quite 
young; after finishing his studies, he learned the 
trade of blacksmith and followed it about three 
years. He is at present living on his farm in ul- 
ligan, to which he removed in 1869. Caroline 
Rima became his wife in 1866. Elmer, Gertie and 
Mertie are their children. 

Nicholas Eischeu was born in 1844 in Holland. 



Came with his parents to America in 1854 and 
until 1872 lived in Dubuque county, Iowa, and 
Scott county, Minnesota. Enlisted in 1862 and 
served thirteen months on the frontier; was in the 
engagement at Lone Tree lake and at the capture 
of the Indians who were hung at Mankato. Since 
locating at Blulligan in 1872 he has held several 
town offices. Married in 1870 Barbara Decker 
who died soon after. His second wife was Mary 
Bohls: Elizabeth, Mary, Barbara, Katharine and 
Anna are the children. 

Peter Englond, a native of Sweden, was bom in 
1839. Came to America in 1868 and after living 
in Illinois about four and one-half years, he came 
in 1873 to Mulligan. At the age of eighteen 
years he learned the trade of carpenter, which he 
followed several years. His marriage with Chris- 
tine Olson took place in 1873. Edward O. and 
Charles A. are their children. 

John Frasch was born in Wurtemburg, Ger- 
many, in 1829. Came to America in 1847; settled 
in Sigel, Brown county, in 1857, and moved to 
Mulligan in 1876. He had learned the trade of 
harness making, at which he worked several years, 
also followed the sea three years. Married Miss 
Elizabeth Keplar in 1851; has had thirteen chil- 
dren, seven are living. Before locating on a farm 
Mr. Frasch was engaged in the general merchan- 
dise trade and hotel business. He has served in 
different town oflBces. 

Thomas Gibbons was born in Canada, in 1834. 
Came to Scott county, Minnesota, in 1865, and 
there remained until 1877, them moved to Brown 
county and bought land in Mulligan. Was in 
California, engaged in mining in 1861-62, and in 
1863 was in British Columbia. In 1858 married 
Ellen Cannon, who has borne him twelve children. 

Byron Green was bom in New York, in 1835. 
In 1855 went to Wisconsin, and in 1859 settled in 
Goodhue county, Minnesota; ten years later re- 
moved to Brown county ; since 1870 has lived in 
Mulligan. Married Anna M. Crist in 1861, who 
died in 1876; she bore him seven children, five are 
living. Mr. Green's second marriage was with 
Mary Slagel in 1877. They have one child. 

Paul Jatiss was bom in Stuttgart, Germany, in 
1848. Since arriving in America in 1866 he has 
resided in Blue Earth, Redwood and Brown coun- 
ties, Minnesota, and has engaged in the diug and 
general merchandise business; is now a farmer on 
section 32 of Mulligan. In 1880 was united in 



758 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



marriage with Elizabeth Steiuraetz; they have 
oue oliild, Adolf. 

John P. Savage, a native of Ireland, was born 
in 1829. He (vimc to America in 1849 and for 
twelve years lived in Oonueetieut. He removed to 
Wisconsin, but in 1864 came to Minnesota, and in 
18()7 was one of the first to locate in Mulligan. 
Was instiumental in the organization of the town 
and ha.s held several ollices. In 18(!.') Mr. Savage 
entered the quartermaster's department of the 
army, remaining six moutlis. Married in .Tune, 
18-57, Zoe Arbour. Joseph, M.-irgurot, Patrick, 
Louis, .Jerome, Francis, Peter and lilizabeth are 
their children. 

John Smith was born in Germany in 1827, and 
there remained un'il 18.")(j. He lived in Illinois 
fifteen years and in 1871 came to Minnesota, loca- 
ting in Mulligan. In the spring of 18G5 enlisted 
in Company E, Ninth Illinois cavalry; served un- 
til November, 186.'5. Married in 18.53, Maria Win- 
ter, who died in 18G6. Two children living. Hel- 
ena Kout became his wife in 1867, and has four 
li\-ing children. 

John A. Torrey was born in .lefferson county. 
New York, in 1835. After residing in Massacliu- 
setts and Wisconsin, he came in I860 to Minne- 
sota, and remained in Goodhue county until 1870, 
then came to Mulligan; here he has since resided 
on a farm on section 12, where he owns 100 acres. 
His marriage with Sarah Green took place in 18G1. 
They are the parents of eight children. 

ALBIN. 

Albin is on the south line of the county and is 
formed of townsliip 108, range 32. S. G. Edsell 
was the first settler; he came in 1866 and located 
on section 2, and was followed in 1867 by William 
Harrison and Anton Kat<?n. Gunder, son of Mar- 
tin .Johnson, born .\ugust 19, 1869, was the first 
birth; the death of Mr. Upson, in 1868, was the 
first. E. J. Foot and Mary Armstrong were the 
first couple married. Clarissa Ives taught the 
first school in the summer of 1870, in John Tew's 
granary. The town was numbered district 38. 
There are now three school-houses. 

The first religious services were held at the 
house of S. G. Edsell, by Rev. W. H. Sweet, in 
1869. The Lutheran church society organized 
under Rev. Hatrom in 1871; Rev. A. L. Lobben is 
now pastor and services are held at the school- 
house. The Methodists, presided over by Rev. H. 
J. Harrington, of Sleepy Eye, hold meetings at 
school-houses; the first were held about ten years 



ago, by Rev. W. I. W. Cunningham. The Bap- 
tists have an organization, but no churclj edifice. 

The preliminary meeting for the organization of 
the town was held at the house of S. Rima; a name 
for the town could not !>e agreed upon and Albin 
was suggested by Mrs. Rima. The first town meet- 
ing was held June 23, 1870; officers elected: E. 
.1. Foot, chairman, Charles Armstrong and John 
Teas, supervisors; E. T. Jones, clerk; W. H. 
Sweet, treasurer; O. I. Owens and John Egbert, 
justices; no assessor or constable was elected; the 
ollices were tilled by Caleb Foot and E. Hammond 
by appointment. 

Burton Armstrong was bom in Nova Scotia, in 
1853, and in 1869 came to Minnesota with his pa- 
rents, who settled in Albin. He has since given 
his attention to farming, and is located on section 
twelve. Mr. .Armstrong was instrumental in the 
organization of the town, and is a leading citizen; 
has held several offices. 

0. E. Armstrong was born in Nova Scotia in 
1853. Came to Minnesota with his parents in 
1869, and with them settled in Albin township. 
He now resides on a farm in section twelve. Mar- 
ried, in 1876, Minnie Lobdell, who has borne him 
two sons: William and Lester. 

H. Harrison was born in Norway, in 1832. In 
1859 came to America, and until 1867 lived in 
lowu. then moved to Minnesota, and located in 
Albin. Enlisted in April, 1861, in Company K, 
3d Wisconsin; served four years and five months, 
particijtating in many severe battles. He has held 
several town offices. Married in 1864 Betsey Nel- 
son. Emma R., John H., Minnie M., Kaspar and 
Anna are their children. 

Freidrich Koenig, a native of Prussia, was bom 
in 1848. In 18G8 came to America, and to St. 
Paul, where he remained oue year; then settled in 
Albin. Until coming to America he worked at 
the trade of carpenter, and since locating in Min- 
nesota has been a farmer. He was one of the first 
settlers on the north side of Lake Hanska, and 
since his location here has held several town 
offices. Married in 1872, Anna K. Rossbach. 
One son: (iustavus. 

W. W. ^finer was born in Vermont, in 1839, and 
at an early age removed with bis parents to Wis- 
consin; remained there seven years, then pas.sed a 
number of years in Iowa, and in 1869 took a claim 
in Albin, Brown county, where he has since lived, 
engaged in farming. He has served in several 



BROWN COUNTY. 



759 



town offices. In the year 1878 he was united in 
marriage with Miss Alice Dtingan. 

L. D. Rice was born in Massachusetts in 1824. 
At the age of seventeen years he went on a whal- 
ing vessel at New Bedford ; was on the sea over 
two years, and during the time went around the 
world. He learned manufacturing wooden pails, 
tubs, etc., and in 1853 he went to Wisconsin and 
established a tub and pail factory at Menasha. 
In 1862 removed to Minneapolis, where for' six 
years he was foreman for J. B. Bassett & Company, 
in their wooden ware factory. In 1872 he came 
to Albin; has been town clerk seven years and 
county commissioner three years. In October, 
1866, he married Jennie S. Knowles. Arthur L., 
Nettie E., and Nellie E. are their children. 

Solomon Eima was born in New York in 1815. 
Lived in Ohio and Illinois, and in 1855 settled in 
Fillmore county, Minnesota. In 1869 moved to 
Brown county, and took a claim in Albin, where 
he still lives. Mr. Kima has been married three 
times: first, to Martha J. EoIILds, in 1840, who died 
November 15, 1857. Four living children. In 
1859 he married Mary Walker, who died in 1861, 
leaving one child. His present wife was Miss 
Lucy A. Cordell, married in 1865. They have 
three children living. 

William Rossbach, a native of Prussia, was born 
in 1830. When fifteen years old his father died, 
and he managed the farm three years. He then 
joined the army and served tour years. In 1867 
came to America, and after remaining in Illinois 
one year, removed to Albin. Mr. Rossbach has 
been treasurer two years, and at present is town 
clerk. Married in 1853, Anna M. Wiegand. An- 
na Katharine, Anna, .Jacob, Lizzie and William are 
their children. 

Lorentz Schneider was born in Ripley county, 
Indiana, in 1851. He learned the trade of black- 
smith, which he followed a short time. When 
seventeen years of age he enlisted in the army, 
but his father followed and forced him to return. 
In the spring of 1870 he came to Minnesota and 
settled on section 14 of Albin. In 1868 he mar- 
ried Eliza Chapman. Minnie, Thomas, Maud, 
Mary, Frank and Alvie L. are their children. 

A. E. SomerviU was born in Pennsylvania in 
1822. Moved with his parentis to Ripley county, 
Indiana, in 1836. In 1860 he located in Winona 
county, Minnesota, but in 1870 came to Albin. 
For the past forty years he has been engaged in 
the veterinary practice, and expects soon to pub- 



lish a book entitled "The Farmer's Own Farrier." 
For several years Mr. Somervill was chairman of 
the town board, and justice. Married in 1845 
Phoebe Cunningham. Robert J., Ledyard C, 
Emma J., Mary C, William E., Oliver H. and 
Franklin B. are their children. 

William Swtet was born in Vermont in 1812, 
and there lived until 1846. He learned the trade 
of boot and shoe making, also that of tanning 
leather. At the age of twenty he entered the min- 
istry, and has preached most of the time since; 
has also been engaged in farming. He removed 
to New York in 1846, and there remained two 
years; then went to Illinois, and three years later 
settled in Winona county, Minnesota. In 1873 
came to Albin. Married in 1836 Sarah Hale. 
Their living children are Elizabeth, Hiram P., Lu- 
cretia, Helen M. und Albert. Edward R. died 
while in the army ; Anna was drowned in the Mis- 
sissippi river while attempting to save a woman. 

John Teas was born in Indiana in 1837, and 
the next year accompanied his parents to Iowa, 
remaining until 1864. Coming to Houston 
county, Minnesota, he remained two years, then 
moved to Blue Earth county. In 1869 settled in 
Albin. In June, 1864, he enlisted in Company C^ 
Fourth Minnesota, and served until August, 1865. 
He was instrumental in the organization of the 
town of Albin, and has since been chosen to sev- 
eral of the offices. Man-ied in 1858 Ruth Moore, 
who died in 1869. Their children are Samuel, 
William, Daniel and Laura. Mr. Teas married in 
1870 Miss M. E. Davis. Edward and AUen are 
their children. 

George Trosel was bom in Pennsylvania in 
1834. He went with his parents to Canada, and a 
few years later to Illinois. Coming to Minnesota 
in 1857 he first settled in Sibley county, and in 
1865 moved to McLeod county; took a claim in 
Albin in 1871. Enlisted in August, 1862, in Com- 
pany H, Seventh Minnesota; served till August, 
1865. Since becoming a resident of Albin he has 
held several town offices. In 1866 he married 
Esther Woolley. Isaac S., MiUard F. and Ade- 
laide are their children. 

LAKE H.«ISKA. 

This is named for the lake which is partly in the 
town of Albin. The first settlers were Patrick and 
Edward Casey, and J. F. Devine, who located in 
1857. About a month later came T. O. Ormstnid 
and sons, Ole Guttorm, Iver and T. Torgrimson. 

No schools were taught untU after the Indian 



760 



niSTOBY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



troubles; the first was by Martlia Hanson. There 
arc- uow two si-hool-hoiises in the towu. The Nor- 
wegian Lutheran churoh society erected a buililing 
in the fall of 1881. There are about fifty families 
under the pastorate of Rev. L. C. Green. 

The first town meeting was held June 21, 1870, 
at the house of A. W. Peterson; first oIKcers: 
Christian .\hlne88, chairman; G. Christenson and 
Ole Tlionlson, supervisors; A. W. Peterson, clerk; 
0. Ahluess, assessor and justice; G. Thordson, 
treasurer; Siver Hage, justice; O. C. and C. H. 
Grore, constables; T. Torgrimson, poundmaster. 

During the Indian war this town suffered no 
loss of life or j)roperty; a stockade was built at 
the end of Lake Hanska and occupied for a time 
by a squad of soldiers. 

C. Ahhiess, a native of Norway, was born in 
1843, and came in 18(i3 to America. The first two 
years he spent in Wisconsin employed in the 
pineries during the winter seasons. In 1865 
moved to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and in 
1867 to Lake Hanska. Mr. Ahlness has served 
his town as clerk, assessor, justice and chairman 
of the board. Married in 1866, Miss Nelson, who 
has borne him seven children. 

Andrew M. Anderson was born in Norway in 
18-tO. He spent his childhood on the farm and in 
school, after which learned the trade of tailor. In 
1866 he came to America and soon after located a 
farm on secton 2 of Lake Hanska. After residing 
there eight years, he removed to his present farm 
on section 15. Married in 1874 Miss G. Christen- 
sen, and has four children. 

Jacob Bakke was bom in Norway in 1848. In 
1871 he came to the United States. After being 
employed in different places in Minnesota for 
two years he settled on his farm here. He has held 
the office of town supervisor and is at present 
chairman of the board. Married in 1878, Carrie 
Henin. Two children have been born to them. 

James Deviue, a native of Ireland was bom in 
1828. In 1852 came to America and lived in 
Milwaukee county, Wisconsin, where he was a 
teacher and superintendent of schools. Came to 
Minnesota in 1875 and has since lived in Lake 
Hanska. He owns a farm on sections 33, 34 and 
27. His first visit to this township was in 1857, 
when he t<iok the claim, which he returned to in 
1H75. Mr. DeWne has held several town offices. 

Nils Olson was bora in 1828 in Norway, where 
he received an education, spending his vouth])rin- 
cipally on a farm. In l8(i'J came to America and 



I settled in Ua]>idan township. Blue Earth county, 

j and in 1880 moved to Lake Hauska, Brown 

j county and purchased his farm on section 36. 

j Paul Olsim wa.s bom in 1820 in Norway, and 

I was there educated. He grew to manhood on a 

farm and remained in his native land until 1873, 

then emigrated to America; he soon after came to 

Brown county, Minnesota, and settled in Lake 

Hanska township. Married in 1841, a lady of 

Norwegian birth. They have six children. 

Knudt C. Olstaad, a native of Norway, was born 
in 1824. His youth was spent on a farm and in 
school, after which ho learned the trade of carpen- 
ter. On arriving in America in 1868 he made his 
home in Chicago six years, and worked at his 
trade. Coming thence to Minnesota he located on 
his i)resent farm on section 16 of Lake Hanska. 
Tliore O. Roan was liorn in 1844, and is a na- 
tive of Nonvay. After acquiring an education 
in his native language he, in 1862, came to Amer- 
ica and settled in Wisconsin, where be was em- 
ployed as a farmer until 1865; then came to this 
state and spent considerable time in hunting and 
trapping; since then he has been engaged in farm- 
ing in Lake Hanska. He has held the offices of 
constable and justice of the peace. 

T. E. Shelley was born in Norway in 1852, and 
there remained until the age of seventeen years, 
then came with his parents to America. His father, 
Erland Shelley, was born in Norway in 1817; lived 
eighteen months in Blue Earth county, Minnesota, 
then moved with his fami ly to Lake Hanska. He 
. married in 1842, and is the father of twelve chil- 
dren, of which seven are living : T. E. is the old- 
est: Iver is a graduate from the Normal school at 
Mankato; the rest have been well educated. 

Ole Stone, a native of Norway, was bom in 1851. 
There he was educated in his native language and 
in 1867 came to America. His father was a tailor 
by trade, and liame with his family to this country 
in 1867, and in 1876 located on a farm on sec- 
tion 35 of Lake Hanska. His marriage took 
place in 1850. Iver, Ole, Anna, Mary and Gunehl 
are the children. 

Ole Synsteby was born in Norway, and grew to 
manhood on a fami. In 1872 he came to America 
and subsequently settled on his farm on secticm 34 
of Lake Hanska. He is the present assessor of the 
town and has held the office some time. 

Tore Tundewold was born in 1842 in Norway. 
In 1869 came to this country, and soon after came 
to Minnesota. He settled on a farm in Lake 



BROWN COUNTY. 



761 



Hanska township, and in 1875 moved to his pres- 
ent home on section 33. He was married in 1875 
and has a family of three children. 

LINDEN. 

This town is iu the south-eastern corner of the 
county; it originally embraced the territory now in 
Lake Hanska township. The first settlement was 
in 1856, by John Armstrong, Peter Thormodson, 
G. Paulson, Thore Oleson, Thorson, Andrew Levig 
and Jens Harbo. At the time of the Indian out- 
break, Mr. Armstrong sent his family away, but 
remained on his farm with two brothers. In Sep- 
tember following the outbreak, he was shot with 
arrows while his brothers were absent. 

November 1, 1857, Thore Oleson's daughter, In- 
geborg, was born; the first birth in the town. The 
first death was Mrs. Peter Thormodson, in Febru- 
ary 1860. 

There is one church, Norwegian Lutheran, lo- 
cated on section 34. The first services were held 
by Eev. Frederickson in 1859. The church was 
built in 1869, and cost about .«900. There are 
about forty-five families belonging; the pastor is 
Rev. Tit 0. Green, of Madelia, who conducts serv- 
ices once a month. 

The first school was taught by Charles Mullen, 
in 1860, at Peter Thormodson's. In the spring of 
1862, the log school-house belonging to district 
number 7, was built; at that time the district com- 
prised both Linden and Lake Hauska towns. 
There are now five school buildings. 

N. C. Rukke was the first postmaster at Linden. 
J. E. Johnson now holds the office at his house on 
section 27. 

The town was set apart for organization June 
28, 1858, but failed to organize until 1859. The 
first meeting was held at the house of John Arm- 
strong and he was elected chairman and justice; 
Peter Levig, clerk and justice; Andrew Levig, as- 
sessor; Peter Thormodson, collector. Mr. Arm- 
strong was clerk at the time of his death and the 
town records up to that time were lost. 

P. H. Dahl was born in Norway, February 20, 
1840. Came with his parents to America in 1856, 
and located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, lived in that 
state fourteen years and in 1866 came to his pres- 
ent home in Linden. Since his residence in this 
town has been justice of the peace, town clerk, 
and chairman of the board. Married in 1864, 
Miss Martha Hode, who was born in Norway. 
They are the parents of seven ehOdren. 

Evan Evans, deceased, was born in South Wales 



in January, 1812. There he grew to manhood, 
and in 1838 married Miss Elizabeth Puch. In 
1857 they moved to Dodge county, Wisconsin, 
and located on a farm. Mr. Evans' death occur- 
red January 27, 1858. His widow and her fam- 
ily came to Minnesota in 1866, and located in 
Linden. There are eight sons and one daughter. 
David S. is a clerk in the store of Richard Thomas, 
of Mankato; Rees has a farm in Butternut Valley. 
He married in 1878 Aim Kern; has two children. 

C. Halvorson was born in Norway, December 10, 
1853. Came with his parents to America and 
located near Milwaukee, where he passed his youth 
and was educated. Accompanied his parents to 
Minnesota in 1869 and settled in Linden. His 
father's death occurred in April, 1878. Previous 
to this Mr. Halvorson had attended the State Nor- 
mal school in Mankato two years, and had taught 
ten terms of school. In 1877 located on a farm of 
bis own. Married in 1878 Annie Johani, who was 
born in Linden. They have two children. 

H. Halvorson was born March 8, 1846, in Nor- 
way. When eight years of age he came with his 
parents to America, and for some time lived near 
Milwaukee; at the age of fifteen years was de- 
pendent upon his personal eiforts for a livelihood, 
and engaged in lumbering until coming to Linden 
in 1868; he did not locate here permanently until 
1870; moved to his present farm in 1877. Mar- 
ried in 1876 Caroline Olsen, who was born in Wis- 
consin. Oscar T. and Betsy J. are their children. 

Lewis N. Halvorson was born in Washington 
county, Wisconsin, May 8, 1860, and is of Norwe- 
gian parentage. He came with his parents to 
Linden in 1869, and has since resided here. Since 
his father's death, which occurred April 15, 1878, 
he has resided with his widowed mother and car- 
ried on the farm. His three brothers and two sis- 
ters are living on farms in this township. 

K. H. Helling, ex-senator, was born in Norway, 
September 19, 1840. Came with his parents to 
Rock county, Wisconsin, in 1846. He was de- 
pendent Tipon his own exertions after his seven- 
teenth year, when he came to Minnesota, and di- 
rectly to his present farm. Enlisted in 1861 in 
Company H, Fourth Minnesota; was mustered out 
as second lieutenant in August, 1865. Was 
elected to the legislature in 1874, and to the state 
senate iu 1878; has also held town offices. His 
first wife died December 19, 1869. Married Cor- 
nelia Knudson in 1871. They have three sons. 

John R. Johnson was born in Norwav, August 



762 



HISTORY OF TUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



15, lS3fi. Ho leanietl the trade (if tailor in liis 
native place; also practiceil military drill ten 
years. Came to Araorioa in 1857 and remained a 
short time in La Crosse, Wisconsin; removed in 
1859 to Minnesota. In October, 1861, he enlisted 
in Company E, Second Minnesota infantry ; served 
three years; ho has been town treasurer three 
years and postmaster eight years. Married in 
1866 Bertha M. Hansen. John M. and Hannah 
M. L. are their children. 



REDWOOD COUNTY. 
CHAPTER LXXXI. 

REDWOOD COUNTY REDWOOD FALLS TOWN OF 

REDWOOD F.\LLS — SHERMAN SHERIDAN OHAR- 

LE.ST0WN NEW AVON — SWEDES FORE.ST SUN- 
DOWN. 

The county of Kedwood dates it formation from 
the session of state legislature of 1865. The act 
reads, "The county of Redwood is established and 
bounded as follows : Beginning in the centre of 
the channel of the Minnesota river on the line be- 
tween ranges 33 and 34, west of the fifth meridian; 
thence south on said range line U) the line between 
towns 108 and 109; thence west on said township 
line to the western boundary of the state; thence 
north along said boundary line to the Big Stone 
lake; thence following the main channel of the 
Minnesota river to the place of beginning." 

The boundaries thus set forth in this act of 1865 
are not those of to-day, for four large counties 
have been formed from the extensive territory in- 
cluded within them. 

March 2, 1869, Lyon county was formed from 
the western j)ortion, and March 6, 1871, Lac qui 
Parle and Yellow Medicine were taken ofF, and on 
March 6, 1873, Lincoln coimty was formed from 
that portion of Redwood county set off as Lyon 
county. Since 1871, the boundaries of Redwood 
county have remained unchanged. It will be in- 
teresting to some to look back of the formation of 
the county to see from what it was formed. 

It once was a jiart of Blue Earth county. The 
chain of changes is a.s follows: In 1856 Brown 
county was set off from Blue Earth; in 1857 Cot- 
tonwood, Murray, Pipe Stone, Rock, Nobles and 
Jackson were set off from Brown, and in 1865, as 
before stated, Redwood. 



The settlement of Redwood county began in the 
s])ring of 18(!4, by the arrival of the early settlers 
of liedwood Falls. Other settlements were made 
at nearly the same time in what is now cidled Sher- 
man, and also in Swedes Forest. At the time of 
their arrival what is now Redwood, Yellow Medi- 
cine and Lac qui Parle counties formed a part of 
Brown county. 

The reservation to which the Sioux had been re- 
moved after the treaty of 1851, extended along the 
Minnesota river through a part of Browii county .in- 
cluding within its lines the whole river front of 
Redwood county for an averge width of ten miles, 
and an ei|ual width on the east side. The Sioux 
had roamed over this and the reduced reservation 
at peace with their white neighbors, for more than 
ten years, until their savage traits broke out in the 
terrible massacre of 1862. Up to this time no set- 
tlement had been made in this county becaiLse the 
most eligible lands, lying along the river, were un- 
available, belonging stiU, as they did, to the Sioux 
reservation. The only occupants aside from Sioux 
were agents and employes appointed by the gov- 
ernment holding various offices for the benefit of 
the Indians. At the Lower Souix Agency quite a 
little village had grown up out of the government 
buildings, trading post and dwellings; all were 
directly or indirectly connected with the Indian 
agency. The horrors of the massacre of 1862 be- 
gan here. Trouble had led to the murder of 
several members of one family in Acton, Meeker 
county, about forty-five miles distant, on August 
17, the day previous, but here the first ctjncerted 
action of the tribes took place. The present site 
of Sherman was the location of the Lower Sioux 
.\gency, and the store of Captain Louis Robert the 
immediate scene of the outbreak. 

This county had its share in the perils and hor- 
rors of the barliarous massacre of 1862. Many 
incidents might be given, but it is not the province 
of this chapter to enter into minute details; refer- 
ence for these is made to the History of the Sioux 
Massacre, in another part of tliis volume. 

After the massacre and the forcible expulsion 
and pimishment of the hostile tribes, enough of 
them lingered about the woods and waters of this 
county to keep the whites who came in two years 
later in a fever of alarm. Stockades were built 
like that at Redwood Falls to enclose the dwell- 
ings of the settlers, and though they made their 
claims outside, it was considered too hazardotis to 
live on them. 



REDWOOD COUNTY. 



763 



The government surveyed the lands in 1864, 
threw them open for occupation in 1865 and oflered 
them at public sale December 7, 1867. The land 
office was at St. Peter. In the fall of 1864 com- 
missioners of the government appraised the lands 
within the reservation on which some claims had 
already been made. They valued the land at 
prices varying from $1.25 to $2.50per acre except- 
ing special tracts covered with valuable timber, 
well situated, and lands where improvements in the 
form of buildings or otherwise, had been made. 
These lands in some cases sold as high as Wl per 
acre, where the government had made improve- 
ments for the benefit of the Sioux. Houses of 
brick or of wood had been buUt at various points 
up and down the reservation and a clay pit and 
brick yard opened at Yellow Medicine. It was 
reasonable therefore that wide difference should be 
made in the appraisal of land. 

The citizens of Redwood falls. Brown county, 
with a view to the formation of a new county, held 
an election in the stockade at which most of the 
officers customary in counties were elected. The 
clerk of the court and judge of jirobate alone were 
missing from the list, and that with good reason, 
as no clerk of court could be required when there 
was no court, and no judge of probate was needed 
when no estate existed of the living or dead. The 
following were the first officers: J. 8. G. Honner, 
J. R. Thompson, and O. C. Martin, county com- 
missioners. O. 0. Martin was afterwards elected 
chairman of the board. T. W. Caster, auditor; .J. 
S. G. Honner, register of deeds; Jacob Tippery, 
treasurer; J. R. Thompson, sheriff; This action of 
the citizens was of course premature and illegal 
until legalized by the legislature. This was done 
at the session of 1865 to the extent of making 
the officers thus elected temporary officers of the 
county, to hold until the next general election. 

In the fall of 1865, the first permanent officers of 
the county were elected: O. C. Martin chairman; 
Hugh Curry and John Winters, commissioners; 
Edward March, auditor ; L. M. Baker, register of 
deeds; Jacob Tippery, treasurer; Birny Flynu, 
clerk of the court; Samuel McPhaill, judge of 
probate and county attorney; Norman Webster, 
sheriff. 

Redwood county took its name from Redwood 
river, which rises in Lincoln county and flows 
through Lyon, where numerous tributaries unite 
to form it, flows entirely across the county into 
the Minnesota three miles from Redwood Falls. 



The river took its name in turn from the red cedar 
which grew in great abundance along its banks, 
and it already bore the name when the first set- 
tlers arrived. The addition of the word falls fur- 
nished a name to the town. At the election held 
in the fall of 1865 by vote of thepeoiile Redwood 
Falls was made the county seat. Previous to the 
erection of the county buildings, courts were held 
in the room over Capt. Roberts' store, which was 
20x50, and the county offices were for some time 
kept at the houses of the persons elected to fill 
the different positions. In 1874 a building suita- 
ble and sufficient for the time was built for the use 
of the county. The fine square on which it was 
built was presented to the county by Col. McPhaill. 
In 1881 an addition was made which doubled the 
size of the original building, giving ample room 
for all county purposes. 

The first term of district court in Redwood 
county was a special term held at Redwood Palls, 
beginning June 18, 1867, and continuing seven 
days. Hon. Horace Austin was presiding judge; 
Birney Flynn, clerk of court; Norman Webster, 
sheriff. The session was held in Robert's build- 
ing, and its purpose was the trial of what are 
known as the New Ulm murder cases. The judge 
found the public sentiment too much prejudiced for 
fair trial at New Ulm, and taking advantage of sec- 
tion 4 of the statutes, approved March 9th, 1867, or- 
dered the court to be removed from New Ulm, 
Brown county, to Redwood Falls, Redwood county. 
This statute provides that whenever the judge of 
any district court shall consider it in furtherance 
of justice he may order that the place for holding 
such court be changed from the county in which 
it should be holden to one of the other counties 
embraced in the title of said court. The court 
was accordingly removed to Redwood Falls, Red- 
wood county, which was then attached to Bro^vn 
county for judicial purposes. 

The attorneys employed in the ease were: Col- 
onel Caldwell, attorney general; Samuel McPhaill, 
county attorney, and S. A. Buel, for the prosecu- 
tion ; Judge C. E. Flandrau, of St, Paul, C. T. 
Clothier, Francis Baasen and John M. Dorman, 
all of New Ulra, for the defense. At the first trial 
at Redwood Falls the citizens of New Ulm rallied 
in such numbers to the support of the prisoners 
that court-house square was covered with their 
tents as they encamped during the term of court. 
They were present again at the adjourned term, 
but in smaller numbers. 



764 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Terms of court were held in linlls belonging to 
private iudividiiaifi until 187-1, wlion the first county 
building was erected. This Imilding was used 
for all county purposes until 1K81, when additions 
were maile which render it commo lions and suffi- 
cient for the increased business. 

No debt was incurred by the county in the erec- 
tion or enlargement of the county building. The 
credit of the county is higli, and its orders are at 
par. The only debt for which the county is lia- 
ble was that incurred by the issue of bonds for 
850,000 in aid of the Minnesota Valley railway, 
none of which are yet due. 

By act of legislature of March 9, 1874, the 
county was authorized to issue !{i50,000 in bonds. 
At the election of August 18, 1876, the act was ap- 
proved by vote of the people. February 15, 1877, 
the bonds were issued, bearing seven per cent, 
semi-annual interest, running twenty years. 
These were withdrawn and burned, because the 
railroad company had not completed its contract. 
In January, 187S, the bonds were again issued, 
and are now outstanding against the county. 

February 9, 1865, Captain Louis Robert arrived 
at Redwood Falls with a stock of goods, and the 
next day opened the first store in town and the 
first in the county. It will indicate the ])rices of 
the times if we report calico was sixty cents per 
yard, and that the first sale by Captain Robert was 
ten yards of calico to Miss Julia Williams, the 
school teacher, for six dollars. 

Harry Thompson, born February, 1865, is sup- 
posed to have been the first white child bom in 
the county. The first death was that of Willie 
Honner, who died Ajiril 12, 18(55. In May, 1865, 
a son of John Mooer was shot accidentally ; this 
was the second death. The circumstances of his 
unfortunate death were nearly as follows: A num- 
ber of government scouts were encamped, with 
their families, near Rice creek, at a point about 
seven miles north-west of the stockade, at Red- 
wood Falls. John Mooer, Alexis La Frambois, 
Joe La Framljois, and Tom R< binson were the 
leaders and prominent men of the party. Though 
it is probable that they never had an encounter 
with the Indians, encamped as they were in a hos- 
tile attitude, it is not strange that they were on 
the alert and sometiiues received a scare. One 
night John Mooer's sou was on guard, serving his 
turn, as a guard was constantly kept. Finding it 
cold he wrapjied himself in a blanket and wore it 
on his beat. Coming into the tents at the end of 



his patrol, a s(|uaw waking suddenly, screamed 
when she saw him dressed so much like the hostile 
Sioux, and Alexis La Frambois, \yho was lying on 
his gun, raised it, and, taking him for an Indian, 
shot and killed him, the charge jjassing through 
him from side to side. He was brought to the 
stockade and buried jnst outside. 

The first blacksmith shop was opened by J. 
Thomas, in the spring of 1805. The first post- 
office was established in the fall of 186.5, with .T. 
K. Thompson, first postma.ster. The first saw-mill, 
excepting the old government mill, was started 
July 3, 1865, by Colonel McPlmill. O. C. Martin, 
Brand and Thompson. The first log sawed 
was furnished by Birney Flynn, and the lumber it 
made used by him for tables for a grand Fourth of 
July picnic in a grove near by. 

The firat religious services were held by a Bap- 
tist clergyman, in August, 1865, at the house of 
J. S. G. Honner. 

In the fall of 1865, Captain Boliert, who has 
been mentioned as keeping the first store, built a 
large store, 20 x 50 feet, outside the stockade. 
His first store was in a buiUling belonging to Col. 
McPhaill, within the stockade. Captain Robert 
was mentioned previously as proprietor of the 
store assailed by the Indians in the massacre at 
the Lower Sioux Agency. 

A log school-house, the first in the county, was 
built in December, 1805. The first school had 
been held previously within the stockade, in the 
winter of 1864 5, by Miss Julia A. Williams, of 
Minnesota Lake. The first lyceum was held in 
the winter of 1865-6. March 19, 1867, a train 
with Indian .supplies, consisting of twenty-five 
men and thirty-six pair of oxen, pa,ssed through, 
going to Big Stone lake. Sale of land belonging 
to Sioux Reservation took place December 7, 1867. 
The first marriage ceremony in the county was 
performed by O. C. Martin, jiistice of the peace, 
between George Cotfee and Amanda Cole. It 
took place April 10, 1865, under the falls where 
the parties chose that the ceremony should be 
solemnized. 

The first store in the county was erected in 
eight days by Henry Behnke and brother. The 
first blow wa.s struck July 17, 1865, and the build- 
ing, about 18x30 feet, one and a half stories, was 
ready for occupancy on the 24th of the same 
month, and the first goods were sold that day. Li 
the evening of the same day a dance wjis held in 
the liuildiug to celebrate its completion. 



IIEDWOOD COUNTY. 



765 



The county of Eedwood by the census of 1880, 
had a population of 5,378. Redwood Falls is the 
county seat. 

The surface of the county embraces 558,643 
acres and 705 farms. The taxable valuation of 
the real and personal property was $1,822,567. 
The county has twenty-five organized towns and 
one yet unorganized. The mail of the county is 
distributed through eight post offices ; Box Elder, 
Lamberton, Lower Sioux Agency, New Avon, Pax- 
ton, Eedwood Falls, Sanborn, Walnut Station. 

The Minnesota Valley railway was completed 
to Eedwood Falls in 1878, and January 1878, the 
bonds of the county to the amount of $50,000, 
were issued and paid over to the company accord- 
ing to vote previously passed, on its completion. 

The county anticipates larg> additional advan- 
tages from the completion of the Minneapolis & 
St. Louis railway, which will give direct commimi- 
cation with the principal cities of the state. 

In latitude it is a little below Hennepin county, 
and has about thirty miles on the Minnesota river. 
It is a county with rich soil, destined to become 
the location of rich farms whose farmers give up 
the more speculative operation of raising wheat, 
and adopt the husbandry exhibited in the older 
states. 

Nature has done enough for the county, provid- 
ing it with a diversified surface, lakes and streams 
of great beauty and utiltity, and water-falls suf- 
ficient to afford power for immense manufactories. 
Much of this lies undeveloped. Specimens of coal 
and paint have also been exhibited, which are 
found in abundance in the county, but these de- 
posits too, are yet to be opened. From all these 
agricultural, mineral and other resources, as well 
as the favorable location of the county, a great 
future may be safely predicted. 

WAR RECORD. 

At the time of the war there were no organized 
counties in the Minnesota valley above Brown 
county ; there were, however, a few settlers scat- 
tered along the Minnesota river, and of those who 
enlisted we give the record. They enlisted at 
Lower Sioux Agency. The EenvUle Rangers was 
an independent company of fifty-five men, under 
Lieutenant James Gorman; they were sworn in as 
state militia, at Port Eidgely, in September, 1862, 
and disbanded in October, and enlisted in diflferent 
regiments of the state. 

Second Infantry. Company E, mustered July 
5, 1861. Pricittcii — William Lapier, dis. on ex. of 



term July 4, '64. J. A. Legender, dis for disab'y 
in March, '62. Thomas Weire, reported deserted 
from Louisville, Ky., Oct. 1, '62, probably cap- 
tured by enemy. 

Seventh Infantry. Company K, mustered Sep- 
tember 24, 1862. Privates — Joseph Herman, dis 
with regt. Anton Huck, pro. Corp. June 1, '65, 
dis with regt. Emanuel ReyfiF, dis with regt. 
Eusebius Reyff, dis April 1, '65, for w'd rec'd in 
battle of NashviUe, Tenn. 

Tenth Infantry. Company I, mustered Novem- 
ber 12, 1862. Privates— Petex Boyer, killed Sept. 
2, '62, in battle of Birch Cooley. Samuel Bur- 
nell, dis per order June 29, '65. Jolm Campbell, 
died Feb. 19, '65, at Cairo, HI. Jeremiah Camp- 
bell, dis for disab'y Sept. 2, '64. 

REDWOOD FALLS. 

When settlement was first made the town of 
Redwood Falls embraced, so far as political action 
is concerned, all of Redwood county, but no or- 
ganization was authorized by the county board 
until January 7, 1880, so far as shown by records, 
when for the first time Redwood Falls was legally 
organized. Town meetings were regularly 
held from April 3, 1866. AU the unorganized 
portion of the county claimed a right to vote in 
the village and did take part in the elections of 
the town. Taking this view of the town, Red- 
wood Falls embraced,for poUtical purposes not only 
all of what is now Eedwood county, but also what 
is now embraced in Lac qui Parle, Lyon and 
Yellow Medicine and Lincoln counties. By set- 
ting off counties and towns, the area of Redwocjd 
Falls has been gradually reduced until its present 
limited area is reached. All acts of the town in 
this unorganized condition were illegal, but recent 
act of legislature passed since organization legal- 
ized them. The county board at their meeting 
January 7, 1880, set off the town of Redwood 
Falls and defined its boundaries and directed that 
the first town meeting for the election of officers 
should be held at the court house. This action of 
the board was as though the town had never previ- 
ously had an existence which in fact was true in a 
legal sense, although practically untrue for town 
meetings have been held for many years, officers 
elected annually and town business transacted in 
the same manner as it would have been, had the 
town been legally organized. 

The first settlers at Redwood Falls were Col. 
Samuel McPhaUl who came bringing a wife and 
two children; J. S. G. Honner and his family, con- 



766 



jiisrour OF Tiin Minnesota valley. 



sisting of bis wife nml three cbiUlicn; ,1. R. 
Tliompson ami family, wife iiiul ouc cliilil; T. W. 
Castor, Eilnmiid Fos<j;iit«> ami family, wife and five 
children; Mr. Spangler and wife, Daniel Watson, 
and O. C Martin, whose family soon came;Birney 
Flynn, whose family also oamo after a short time. 
New-comers, joining hands with those who came 
first enlarged the stockade so that it enclosed halt 
a Ijlock, reaching from what is now Second street 
foiith to Third street aiid from Washington street 
east about 150 feet. 

They built five houses within the stoi'kade, three 
log and one frame, and here they lived with their 
families. It was not considered safe to go out 
fur from the stockade aloue, and the settlers us- 
ually went two or more in company. They marked 
out claims, however, and some of the bolder ones of 
the party went sometimes alone to their claims 
and exploring the country, though always well 
armed. All except (). 0. Martin and J. S. G. 
Honner took claims adjoining the town site. Mar- 
tin took his three miles west and and Homier two 
and one-half miles east. 

In May, 1804, Col. Samuel McPhaill in com- 
pany with O. C. Martin, J. R. Thompson, and one 
Dunlap, came into this county on an exploring 
tour, and encamped for the night about a mile 
north-east from the present site of the village of 
Redwood Falls. 

They were well armed and knowing that they 
were in hostile limits, they dug rifle pits and kept 
guard against a surprise from liostile Sioux. The 
same night T. W. Caster and Captain S. A. 
Gteorge camped on the town site. The following 
day all met at the falls and were so much pleased 
with the beauty of the country, the lay of the 
land, the numerous water-powers, and richness of 
the soil of the surrounding country, that they de- 
termined to make their settlement at this place. 

Their first measure was to ])reparp a jirotection 
from Indian attack. For this they built a stock- 
ade, digging a ditch four feet wide and throwing 
up the earth; within this enclosure they kept se- 
cure and some of the party started for supplies or 
their families. 

Col. McPhaill made a claim on the fractional 
north half of the north half of section one, town- 
ship 112, range 36, and the t.oufh half of the 
south-east quarter of section ;S(;, township 113, 
range 36. T. W. Caster made a claim covering a 
portion of the north half of section 1, township 
112, range 36. The town site was located on the 



claim of Col. ^IcPliaill and a portion of that of 
('aster. McPhaill bought of Caster his part of 
the site and late in the fall of 1864 he platted it, 
employing David Watoon as surveyor. 

He then divided the lots into twenty shares, 
each share containing twenty lots and sold them 
for $100 each and thus the town began. Addi- 
tions have been surveyed from time to time. In 
1866, one by McPhaill and one by David Watson; 
in 1808 Hitchcock's addition; in 180!) one by 
Watson; in 1870, Hitchcock's second addition; in 
1878, Hitchcock's third, Lamberton's, Crowley's 
and Watson's third additions. 

No one visiting Redwood Falls can fail to see 
the attractions that drew the first settlers. There 
appears a great variety of scenery, embracing 
prairie, level and rolling, rocks, hills, timber, 
streams of water, and water-fiiUs. 

This variety pleased the eye of the first settlers 
and at the same time assured them of wealth in 
the future, to be developed from both land and 
water. Here was the most fertile land, but doubt- 
less the tumbhng of the rapids and the water-fall 
represented to them tlie greatest undeveloped 
wealth. The fall at Redwood Falls within a dis- 
tance of one mile, exceeds one hundred feet, with 
one nearly perpendicular fall of twenty-five feet. 
This latter, the most eligible is entirely unimprov- 
ed, though once the site of the old government 
mill and later of the first saw-mill of the early 
settlers. In its natural features Redwood county 
as a whole and Redwood town site in particular, 
was very attractive. The visitor at the present 
time finds great changes from the priraival condi- 
tion but still he enjoys the beauty of scenery that 
attracted the pioneers, and at the same time finds 
a thriving village jieopled with the best class of 
eastern people. This implies that he finds churches 
and schools in an advanced condition and evi- 
dences of refiuenient. The NTllage has enjoyed 
the advantaj;es of a railway communication only 
a short time, but has the promise of a second road 
soon. The Minneapolis and St. Louis railroad 
has extended it.s line and purpo.ses to secure the 
business of this county. This village has is.sued 
its bonds to the amount of ?10,000 in aid of the 
enterprise, with the provision tliat it shall pass 
through and make a station in Redwood Falls. 

In the edge of the village the state constructed 
a Howe truss bridge in 1871, over the Redwood 
river for the county, just where the dalles exhibit 
the wildest sceneiy. Ten minutes walk in one di- 



REDWOOD COUNTY. 



lei 



rection from this bridge takes one to the Eedwood 
falls, and about the same time in another direc- 
tion takes us to the Ramsey falls, a beautiful cas- 
cade, forty feet high. 

The village has four churches. The Presby- 
terian church was organized March 24, 1867, with 
nine members, under the name of the First Pres- 
byterian church of Eedwood Falls. Kev. Chaun- 
cey Hall was the first stated supply. Of the origi- 
ginal nine but two members now remain, Mr. Bir- 
uey Plynu and wife. The church was established 
under the auspices of the Home Missionary board, 
and still receives its aid. Eev. Anderson present 
stated supply. The membership is about for'^y- 
eight, and the church supports a flourishing Sun- 
day-school, of which H. F. Pond is superintend- 
ent. The church was building from 1870 to 1873 
and cost, with additions since made, about S5,000. 

The Methodist Episcopal took its beginning 
from a class started by Kev. N. Swift, in October, 
1867, which consisted of eight members. Eev. 
Swift had charge of the Redwood Falls circuit be- 
longing to the Mankato district. The parsonage 
was built in 1870 and the church in 1876. the lat- 
ter costing .f3,000. Eev. John Pemberton present 
pastor; A. E. King, superintendent of Sunday- 
school. 

The Episcopal church was organized in 187.5 by 
Bishop Whipple, of Faribault, with six members. 
The church was built m 1877 at a cost of $1,800, 
and the first pastor was Eev. J. H. Hunter. The 
church has been without a pastor since the resig- 
nation of Eev. George Gurr in 1879. A semi- 
monthly supply is received from clergymen in St. 
Peter and Mankato. The present membership is 
fifteen. A Sunday-school is held weekly. The 
Christian church also has its church and organi- 
zation. 

Antiquity lodge of Freemasons, No. 91 was or- 
ganized March 29, 1871, with eight charter mem- 
bers: F. V. Hotchkiss, W. M.; William D. Fliun, 
S. W.; .Jamet" McMillan, J. W.; Lafayette F. 
Eobinson, treasurer; WilUam C. March, secretary ; 
Robert Watson, S. D. ; Edward A. Chandler, J. D. 
Present membership, fifty-two. 

Eedwood Chapter No. 34 was organized March 
22, 1879, with nine charter members: W. F. 
Dickinson, H. P.; W. P. Dunnmgton, K.; 8. S. 
Martin, S.; F. J. Peabody, C. H.; James McMillan, 
P. S.; M. E. Powell, E. A. C; .T. J. Coyle, G. M., 
.3d v.; Eobert Watson, G. M. 2d V.; E. A. Chand- 
ler, G. M. 1st V. 



Eedwood Lodge No. 68, L O. O. F., was organ- 
ized February 18, 1879, with five charter members: 
0. W. Tousley, N. G.; W. M. Knapp, secretary 
and treasurer; A. J). Holliday, V. G. Its present 
membership is forty and greatest forty-seven. 

The Eedwood County Agricultural society held 
its iirst annual fair in the fall of 1873, having been 
organized that same year. 

The schools are embraced in one graded school, 
having five teachers and about 250 pupils, with 
one primary, three intermediate, and one grammar 
department. Salaries of teachers vary from |35 
to $50 per month, for the lower grades, and $75 
to the principal, who has charge of the grammar 
department. E. L. Marshman, principal. Plans 
are matured for a new building. At present two 
long buildings near together, and one room rented 
near by afford the necessary room. The differ- 
ent departments are provided with patent seats, 
globes, charts, etc. School is kept nine months 
in the year. 

The land office of the Eedwood Falls land dis- 
trict was established in July, 1872, with Col. B. 
F. Smith, first register; Major W. H. Kelly, re- 
ceiver. Present officers, W. P. Dunnington, regis- 
ter; W. B. Herriott, receiver. 

The first paper published was the Redwood 
Falls Patriot, Samuel McPhaill, editor. Only one 
number was issued, which was printed it St. Peter, 
March 23, 1866. This was in fact, only issued to 
be distributed in the interest of Eedwood county, 
to advertise its advantages to settlers. 

The first genuine newspaper was the Eedwood 
Falls Mail, estabMshed September 25th, 1869, by 
V. 0. Seward, editor. It was purchased in Ap- 
ril, 1873, by William B. Herriott, and the name 
changed May 1 following, to the Eedwood Ga- 
zette, under which name it is now issued by Jas. 
Aiken, editor. 

The village has four lawyers: M. E. Powell, H. 
D. Baldwin, Alfred Wallen and John H. Bowers; 
two physicians, M. D. Flinn and C. S. Stoddard. 

The business interests are represented as follows : 
The Eedwood Mills: This establishment was 
built in 1868 by Park Worden, with two run of 
stone and capacity for two additional run. Some 
changes have been made in the ownership of a 
part of the mill, but Mr. Worden has retained an 
interest since the first, and is now sole proprietor. 

Delhi Mills: This was built in 1869 by A. M. 
Cooke & Sons, with three run of stone and capac- 



7G8 



U18T01iY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



ity for one aJJitioual. Present proprietor, M. E. 
Baker, 

Cull's mill was built in 1878 by E. Cuir, its 
preseut owner, with capacity of one run. 

Birum's Mills: This establishment was built in 
1879, by Ever Birum, the present owner, with two 
run, and capacity for two more. This last mill 
was built on the site of the Birum saw-mill, 
which was built in 1868 and continued to 1879. 

Six hotels are kept: the Commercial and E.x- 
change are the jiriiicipal houses. The Baily, Can- 
ada, Redwood and City have only local custom; 
two drug stores; one, books and stationery; two 
dry goods and clothing; four, general merchan- 
dise; two, hardware; six, farm machinery; two, 
furniture; one tailor; seven, groceries; one restau- 
rant; one, jewelry; three, liamesses; two, millinery; 
three shoe shops; four saloons, three with bil- 
liards; four llour and feed stores; three meat 
markets; two blacksmiths; one photographer; 
seven, sewing machines; two, livery stables; one, 
foundry: two real estate agents; two banks; three 
ins iranee; six contractors and b\iilders; two stone 
quarries; two lumber, lime etc. 

O. P. Whitcomb's elevator was built in 1878, 
with a capacity for 100,000 bushels. 

G. W. VanDusen &• Company have an elevator 
with a capacity for 60,000 bushels, and sheds for 
lOo tons of coal: built in 1879 by W. P. Brainard 
k Company. 

The \illage was incorporated March 9th, 1876. 
The commissioners appointed by legislatiire for its 
organization were : Birncy Fij'nn, C. C. Stickle and 
S. J. F. Kuter. First officers : M. E. Powell, presi- 
dent; W. A. Sursher, recorder- James McMillan, 
A. M. Cooke and L. F. Robinson, trustees. 

James Aiken, a native of Ohio, was born in 18.51, 
in Summit county. When five years of age he ac- 
companied his mother to Wisconsin, where he at- 
tended school, and when only twelve years of age 
be began learning the jjrinter's trade. He after- 
wards went to Kansas, where he was employed in 
state printing most of the time. Li May, 1880 
he came to Redwood Falls, and bought the Ga- 
zette, which he is still publishing. 

Rev. R. E. Anderson, born February 18.53, is a 
native of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. His 
l)oyhood was ])as8ed on a farm, after which he en- 
tered college and graduated in 1875; also gradu- 
ated in 1878 from the Western Theological Semin- 
ary. His first pastoral charge was in Mansfield; 
at the end of one vear he came to Minnesota, and i 



after preaching a short time at Madelia he removed 
to Lake Crystal. Since July, 1881 Mr. Anderson 
has been in the ministry at RedwfH)d Falls. 

A. W. Eager was born in 1852 in Wisconsin, 
where he acquired his education and learned 
blaeksmithing. After spending one year at La 
Crosse, and the same length r)f time at .\lbert Lea, 
he went back to his native town and stayed two 
years. In the spring of 1877 he opened a shop at 
Paxton Station, removed thenee to Redwood Falls, 
and shortly after went to Dakota, but soon re- 
turned. Mr. Bager was married in 1875 at Al- 
bert Lea; liis wife was Katie A. Long. They are 
the parents of three children. 

8. E. Bailey, Ijorn in 1828, is a native of Sulli- 
van county. New Hampshire. After leaving school 
he engaged in farming in that state until 1860, at 
■which date he came to Minne.sota: farmed two 
years at Lake City; then removed to Prescott, 
Wisconsin, where for seven years be kept a hotel 
and livery. From 1868 nntil 1879 he was fanning 
again, at Eedw-ood Falls, and since that has been 
proj)rietor of the Bailey House. Marrieil in New 
Hampshire in 1852, Miss Emeline, daughter of 
Cyrus Carpenter. Clara J., Jesse F. and Harry 
H. are their children. 

Judge H. 1). Baldwin was bom .July 1827, in 
Ira, New York. He began the study of law ^vith 
G. W. Miller, but in 1858 removed to Minnesota 
and continued his study at Wilton, Waseca county ; 
in the spring of the following year he was admit- 
ted to practice. For several years he filled the 
otfice of county attorney and judge of probate. 
Since the spring of 1871 he has been in practice 
at Redwood Falls. He was appointed judge of 
probate by the governor and has since been twice 
elected. In April, 1882, he was appointed judge 
of the ninth judicial district by Governor Hub- 
bard. Angelina O. Marvin became his wife June 
30, 1852, at Lysander, New York. They are the 
parents of six children. 

D. L. Bigbam was born in 1844, at Hamilton, 
Ohio, and lived on a farm, also in Hamilton for a 
time. In 1859 be went to Woodford county, IIU- 
nois; worked at farming there till 1864, when he 
entered Miami University of Ohio and graduated 
in 1866. Engaged in grocery and feed business 
at Minneapolis until coming in 1868 to Redwood 
Falls, where he has since been employed in the 
lumber business and farming. At different times 
he held offices of county siirveyor and superin- 
tendent of schools. He married in 1807, Anna 



REDWOOD COUNTY. 



769 



Stimson, One cbild is deceased; the living are 
Gelma, William B.. Mattie, Lydia A., Addle and 
Darwin. 

George W. Braly was born in 1835, iu Vermont 
and in 1853 graduated from a normal school of 
that state, after which he e-.igaged in mercantile 
and produce business. Mr. Braly came to Red- 
wood Falls in 1871 and in 1873 started the 
Redwood County bunk. He was appointed regis- 
ter of deeds in 1873 and elected in 1874; has been 
president of the village council, and in 1880 was 
elected representative for the 37th district. 

Charles E. Burhans was born in 1825 in New 
York, where he received his education and followed 
farming until about twenty-seven years of age. 
Removed to Wisconsin and entered the hotel busi- 
ness; kept the first livery at Merrillan, Jackson 
county; also worked at farming. In 1874 he mi- 
grated to Birch Cooley, Minnesota and bought a 
farm, which he sold one year later and began buy- 
ing stock; since 1880 he has been located at Red- 
wood Falls. In 1846 he married Lydia Simmons 
who died in February, 1877, leaving three chil- 
dren; Orvis M., Ira W., and Pauline. The second 
wife was Miss Marietta MoCabe. 

Henry D. Chollar, native of New York, was 
born August 25, 1846, in Cortland county, but 
after two years of age he lived at Homer, and at- 
tained an academic education. When but seven- 
teen years old he entered the United States navy; 
after a time he was made paymaster's clerk which 
position he held until discharged iu 1865. Re- 
mained at his old home until coming, in March, 
1868, to Winona, Minnesota; from that date he 
was employed by a boot and shoe house, as travel- 
ing salesman until 1878, when he began his pres- 
ent lumber business. Ella C. Hall be:'ame his 
wife in June 1868. They have three children. 

Walter S. Olayson, a native of Wisconsin, was 
born in 1844, in Milwaukee. In 1869 he moved 
to Rice county, Minnesota, and lived there about 
six years. Since the fall of 1879 he has lived at 
Redwood Falls; he came here at that date and be- 
gan mercantile business. Mr. Oluyson was mar- 
ried in 1S68; his wife was Miss Lottie P. Horton. 
They are the parents of three children. 

George F. Crooks was born in 1849, in Canada. 
After leaving school he learned blacksmithing, 
and worked at his trade in Redwood Falls, where 
he located in 1875; he has been a partner of Mr. 
Wassen and has also worked in his shop as jour- 
neyman. Mr. Crooks owns the first brick build- 

49 



ing erected in the town. At this place in 1878, he 
was united in marriage with Maggie M. Penny. 

E. -Cuff was born in 1846, in England, where he 
learned the trade of miller; his father and four 
brothers were millers. In 1860, he emigrated for 
America; had charge of mills in Milwaukee two 
years; put the foundation under the mill at Albert 
Lea; worked some at faiming and lived four 
years at Nortbfield. From 1876 until 1879 he 
rented a mill at Redwood Falls, then built the one 
which he owns and is now operating. He was 
married in England in 1853, to Miss Mary White. 
Of their eleven children eight are living. 

A. Dolvin, native of Ohio, was born January 
26, 1817, in Harrison county. Mr. Dolviu is a 
mechanic but has been engaged in farming since 
coming to Redwood Falls in 1871. In 1845, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Jane Beard. 
They are the parents of three children, two of 
whom are living. 

W. F. Dougherty was born in 1855, in New- 
buryport, Massachusetts. When two years old he 
came with his parents to Minnesota; he graduated 
at Winona, at the age of sixteen and afterward 
spent two \ ears in school at Hanover, Massachu- 
setts. After leaving school he returned to this 
state and was station agent at Chester until 1878, 
then engaged in wheat buying, but since August, 
1881, he has been in charge of the elevator of Van 
Dusen & Company, of this place. 

William P. Dunnington was born Blay 27, 
1833, iu Morgantown, Virginia, and when he was 
four years old the family moved to OLio, where he 
was given an academical education. In 1858 he 
went to California: enlisted, September, 1861, in 
tlie 2d regiment of cavalry, of that state and was 
in service three years. Returned to Ohio, which 
was again his home until 1865, then came to Wa- 
basha county, Minnesota. He was married June 
4, 1868, to Maria L. Warner. From 1871 to 1875, 
he was in mercantile trade; was then elected to 
the legislature and at the close of the session, 
Governor Davis appointed him clerk in the state 
insurance commissioners department. In July, 
■1876, the president made him register of the 
United States land offlce at Redwood Falls, and 
that autumn he removed here; in July, 1880, he 
was re-appointed to the office. 

Franklin Ensign was born Octolier 11, 1840, in 
Allegany county. New York. In 1845, he accom- 
panied his parents to Dane county, Wisconsin, 
which then became their home. He enlisted in 



770 



insTour OF tub Minnesota vallbt. 



1861, ill tilt' 8tli Wisconsin, li^'ht sirtillery; par- 
tit'i])iite(l in nntiifrous battles and was niU8t<>rcd 
out in August, 186'); was in service nearly four 
years. After the war lie settlitl in Minnesota and 
has been engaged in fanning and school teaeliing; 
has been a resident of Redwood county for eight 
years. In 1880, Mr. Ensign was elected clerk of 
the court; in politics he has always been a thor- 
ough republican. 

George L. Evans, a native gf Wisconsin, was 
born in 13.57, in Berlin, where his education was 
attained. He migrated to Minnesota and settled 
in the spring of 1878, in Underwood, Redwood 
county, where he resided two years. Mr. Evans 
clerked for a time in the auditor's office, and in 
1881 he w.is elected register of deeds. 

H. D. Everett, born May 27, 1829, is a native of 
the state of New York. In the spring of 1858, he 
moved to Wisconsin and entered hotel business at 
liipon. Enlisted in the 1st Wisconsin cavalry in 
1864, and served until discharged at expiration of 
term. Since 1878, he has been engaged in busi- 
ness at Redwood Falls as proprietor of the Com- 
mercial Hotel. In 1853. his marriage with Caro- 
line F. Mather occurred iu New York. Two of 
their children are deceased and five are living. 

Birney Flynn was born .July 25, 1831, in Can- 
ada, but iu 1833 moved to Ohio, and has been an 
orphan since seven years of age. In 18-11 he re- 
moved to Racine, Wisconsin, and afterward lived 
in different parts of the state; acquired an aca- 
demic education, ard for a time was employed in 
farming and lumbering; also taught penmanship 
in Milwaukee and Chicago imtil failing health 
necessitated a change of employment. Located at 
Redwood Falls, October 31. 18(U, and the year 
following engaged in real estate business, in which 
he has been eminently successful. In 1865 he 
was elected clerk of the district court, ^^hich office 
he held four years; was elected probate judge in 
1867, and for the past three years has served as 
justice of the peace. Mr. Flynu's marriage with 
Josephine H. Cole took place November 13, 1858, 
at Deltop, Wisconsin. 

C. W. George, who was born in 1842, is a na- 
tive of Ciermany. When thirteen years of age he 
came with his father's family to America, located 
iu Washington county, Wisconsin, and finished 
his education at Lincoln's Commercial College. 
At Portage he enlisted in the 11th Wisconsin in- 
fantry, but in 1862 was discharged because of dis- 
ability. Camo to Minnesota in 1804, and was in 



the grain business at Winona and New Ulm until 
in 1880 he began dealing in lumlier. Miss Mary 
Wagner, of Winona, became his wife in 1870. 
They have one son. 

German 1'. Greene, a native of New York, was 
boni in 1815. He migrated in 1860 toMinnesotji 
and settled in Rein-ille county ; Mr. Greene now 
owns the farm which was formerly the property of 
Major Brown, whose house and bam were burned 
by Indians only a few hours after the escape of 
the family, who had been notified of the outbreak 
by Lorenzo, a friendly Indian. Mr. Greene was 
married in New York in 1841; his wife was Miss 
Mary A. Root. Eight of their children are living. 

William B. Herriott was born January 25, 1834, 
near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Graduated in 
1854 at Jefferson College; read law with Judge 
Sterrett, and in 1857 was admitted to practice. 
In 1800 he married Miss Margaret, daughter of 
Dr. G. S. Hays, of Allegheny City, and in 1867 
they removed to St. Paul, which isas their home 
four years. Came in 1871 to Redwood Falls, and 
from 1873 to 1880 he ovraeA and edited the Red- 
wood Gazette. In 1876 he was appointed re- 
ceiver of the United Slates land office of this place, 
and reappointed in 1880. Mr. Herriott is a mem- 
ber of the bar of this state, but has never prac- 
ticed here. For a number of years he has been 
president of the board of education. 

Fred. V. Hotchkiss was born in 1837 in In- 
diana. Came to Minnesota in 1852, and began 
farming in Winona county; in 1856 went to Min- 
neapolis to work for his brother; afterward vis- 
ited Colorado, and for a time lived in Missouri. 
Returned and enlisted in Company K, Second 
Minnesota; was wounded at battle of Mill Spring; 
Mr. Hotchkiss was in 1863 elected by his company 
to the roll of honor; in 1864 he was honorably dis- 
charged. He engaged in blaoksmithiiig at St. 
Paul until 1860, and has since then continued the 
business at Rjdwood Falls. For a number of 
years -lie was president of the village board and 
chainuan of the baard of county commissioners. 

W. La Du, native of New Y'ork, was born in 
1838, and lived iu that state until 1866, when he 
located at Rochester, Minnesota; after farming a 
short time and clerking in a store two years, he 
removed to Lac qiii Parle, where he was employed 
ui farming; was station agent about two yeai"s, 
then came to Redwood Falls to take charge of the 
elevator. In 1868 he was imited in marriage with 
Miss Mvra Nichols. 



REDWOOD COUNTY. 



771 



Joseph Liclitwarck, born in 1837, is a native of 
Germany. He learned butchering while living in 
that country. Upon coming to the United States 
in 1863 he located at New Ulm, but in 1870 re- 
moved to Eedwood Falls; after being interested in 
a meat market here eight years he sold and has 
since been ia the saloon Ijusinees. Mary Pfeiffer 
became his wife in 1866 at New Ulm. 

James G. Linn is a native of Oliio; he was bom 
November 15, 1847, at Portsmouth and was edu- 
cated in that city and Jackson. In January 1873 
he enlisted in the United States navy, and in May, 
1865 was honorably discharged. Mr. Linn came 
to Minnesota in 1876 and began dealing in lumber 
at Blooming Prairie, but since the fall of 1879, 
has been in the grain business; he is with W. P. 
Brainard and located at Redwood falls. 

Henry Lys was born in 1845, in Switzerland, 
where, after leaving school, he passed three years 
at the locksmith's trade. In 1865 he came to 
America and settled in Wisconsin; followed black- 
smithing until 1872, then passed one year in Man- 
kato, a ad has since lived in Eedwood Falls; he is 
associated with S. Merritt in the foundry business. 
In Wisconsin, in 1872, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Anna Jorges. Their children are Anna, 
Mary, Henry, George and Frank. 

A. E. McCarty, who was born in 1841, is a na- 
tive of Pennsylvania, but while he was a babe the 
family removed to Illinois, and that state was his 
home until 1855, when he went to Wisconsin and 
there learned blacksmithing. He went to Fari- 
bault where he remaiurd about six years, and then, 
in 1862, enlisted in the 30th Wisconsin infantry; 
was in service until the war ceased, when he re- 
turned to Faribault. Since 1867 he has been in 
the livery business at Redwood Falls. He was 
married in 1875, to Miss M. S. Hamblen. 

J. A. McConnell, born in 1840, is a native of 
Baltimore. When he was sixteen years old he ac- 
companied his father to Minnesota, and St. Paul 
became their home. Mr. McConnell has been a 
number of years in the hotel business, but is now 
located at Redwood Falls engaged in running a 
meat market. He was married in 1870 at Lake 
City ; his wife was Maggie Fluno. Tliey are the 
parents of two boys. 

James McMillan, native of Canada, was born in 
1839; his home has been in Minnesota since com- 
ing here in 1860 with his parents. He first located 
in Houston county, where his marriage t"ok jjlace 
with Jliss Ella I. Mason, in 1864, and the year fol- 



lowing they came to Eedwood Falls, where he 
built the McMillan Hotel, now called the Ex- 
change. In 1871 he sold his interest in the hotel 
and after engaging in hardware trade one year, 
opeaed his general store; he is the oldest business 
man in the village. Mr. and Mrs. McMillan have 
one son Ormie W., and an adopted daughter, Ida 
Carothers. 

Samuel Merritt was born in 1830, at Plattsburg, 
New York. Attended school at Silver Creek, also 
the academy at Fredonia, and began life for him- 
self when only thirteen years old. He worked 
three years at the trade of moulder which he 
learned at Buff do. After visiting the Southern 
states he spent three years in Brazil, then the same 
lengtli of time in Ohio and the rest of the time 
until 1868, he lived in Illinois; was in Iowa eleven 
years and since 1880 has been in the foundry at 
Eedwood Falls. Married in Illinois in 1854, Miss 
C. Mark. They have one child, Jesse. 

Mathew Oflerraan, native of Garmany, was 
bom in 1814. Immigrated to Iowa in 1858 and 
in 1860 visited the South, after which he resided 
until 1867, in Chicago; then spent two years at 
Faribault and since 1869 has been at Redwood 
Falls engaged in saloon business. Miss Mary K. 
Stadler was married in March 1868 to Mr. Offer- 
man. They have one son. 

James Robinson, native of New York, was bom in 
1840 in Livingston county. From that state he en- 
listed in 1862 and was in service four years. Mr. 
Eobinson passed eight months in rebel prisons. In 
1866 he removed to Michigan, and thence to Eed- 
wood Falls in 1872. He was elected in 1877 to 
the office of register of deeds of Redwood county. 
The marriage of Mr. Eobinson and Miss Adelle 
Chapman took place in 1877; have one child. 

Dr. .John Brown Smith was born October 30, 
1837, in Canada. When seventeen years old he 
came to Minnesota and lived in different parts of 
the state until enlisting, August 1862, in Company 
G, 10th Minnesota; was miistered out in July, 
1865. His regiment was stationed at Mankato 
when the Indians were executed, and also assisted 
in removing the sixteen hundred to the Black 
Hills. After the war he returned to Le Sueur 
county, and afterward lived in Northtield and St. 
Paul. He gave much attention to the study of 
medicine while in St. Paul, and in company with 
Dr. Deering started a help institute and a bath- 
room. He went east and attended medical lec- 
tures and also published medical books and pa- 



772 



ItlsTOUY OF THE illNNBlSOTA VALLEY. 



pere in New Ydik ami MiiSHiK-biisetts. WLile in 
the hitter state wiiB oonfiiit'd one year in tlie 
Nortliiinipton jail for refusing to i)ay poll lax; 
nnd while in jail, he in company with other prison- 
ers, putilishcd a paper called "Innocence at Home." 
In June, 1880, he canio toKetlwood Falls, and has 
since given his attentio!i to writing and publish- 
ing. Married at Northficld, Minnesota, in 1867, 
Ellen H. Goodel who graduated in medicine at 
New York city. They h,ave one child, Lindsay G. 

Samuel Stickle, whose ancestors were natives of 
Holland, was born in 1833, in Eockaway, New 
Jersey, where he obtained an academical educa- 
tion. In 1859 he removed to Wisconsin, and 
about two years after entered Company (r, 11th 
Wisconsin Infantry, and served as sergeant until 
the olope of the war. In 1868 he removed from 
that state to Minnesota; for two years was em- 
ployed in teaming between Redwood Falls and St. 
Peter, then entered the drug trade, and for a num- 
ber of year-s past has been engaged in book-keep- 
ing. Mr. Stickle has been court commissioner, 
jjistice of the peace and marshal. Married in 
1857, Mary E. Belt. 

Dr. C. S. Stoddard was born in 1846, in Kane 
county, Illinois. When he was eleven years old the 
family came to Minnesota, and at seventeen he en- 
listed in the 2d Minnesota cavalry; .served one 
year. He was early left an orphan and was ob- 
liged to work in order to obtain the education he 
wished. Studied at Hamliue University, also at 
the university at Aurora, Illinois, where he gradu- 
ated, 1871, then spent some time at a university in 
Kentucky. After teaching one year he entered Ben- 
nett Medical College, from which he graduated in 
1874, and until 1879 practiced iit Shakopee; since 
that date he has been at Kedwood Falls. Dr. 
Stoddard married in 1875, Laura B. Gopsard. 

John Strawsell, born in 1832, is a native 
of France, but has been a resident of the 
United States since six months old, when his fa- 
ther's family immigrated to Ohio and settled on 
a farm. Removed in 1865 to MiDDe8<>ta, and in 
1875 came to Redwood Falls and engaged in the 
hotel busintss; he is proprietor of the Redwood 
House. Laura A. Partlow became his wife in 
1856 and has borne him nine children. Two are 
dtcea-sed. 

.Tared J. Titrany, a native of New York, was 
born in 1841, in Oneida county, where he was 
reared on a farm. In 1866 he migrated to Minne- 
sota, and loc.itiug in Bice county, engaged in 



farming, and remained there eleven years. He re- 
moved in 1877 to Redwood Falls, where he is deal- 
ing in agricultural inij)kmeuts. Mr. Tiffany's 
marriage took ])lacein the year 1870; his wife was 
Miss Mary C. Miller. 

John H. Thomas was born in 1S41 in Maine. 
When seventeen years old lie left his native 
state and traveled extensively in the south and 
west. He came to Redwood Falls in April, 1861, 
when there were no improvements except a few 
temporary buildings, and it was lie who did the 
first blaoksmithing in the place. Enlisted No- 
vember 2, 1861, in Company I, Third Minnesota, 
but in April, 1862, was discharged liecause of dis- 
aliility. Since October 1881 he has been in part- 
uersliip with John A. Peterson. Mr. Thomas mar- 
ied in 1870, Miss Anna Longbottom. James Wil- 
liam is their only child. 

Rev. J. M. Thurston was born in 1825, in New 
Lisbon, Otsego county, New York. After grad- 
uating at the age of nineteen, he was employed 
three years by the American tract society as col- 
porteur in Kentucky; then went to Wisctmsin and 
labored as missionary nine years; his health be- 
coming impaired he removed to Minnesota and con- 
tinued his work for a time at Garden City and in 
Le Sueur county, but finally retired to a farm; as his 
health was partly restored he resumed missionary 
labor. The Maple River Baptist church was or- 
ganized under his direction and he was its pastor 
nine years. Since 1878 his home has been in 
Redwood Falls. Married May 2, 1855 to P. A. 
Smith. Of their five children, three are living: 
Lucius M., Annie E. and Irving I; they have an 
adopted daughter, Sarah .1. 

O. B. Turrell. native of Connecticut, was bom 
in 1834 at Danbury, and in 1842, accompanied 
his parents to New York. He removed in 1857 to 
St. Paul, where he engaged in real estate and 
banking: from 1872 until 1877 he was president of 
the National Marine bank ; since that time he has 
been farming in Redwood county; owns about 
16,000 acres of 1 md and has 4,600 acres under 
cultivation. In 1857 he married Harriet Smith. 
Robert and Luclla are their children. 

W. C. Tyler is a native of Wisconsin : he was 
born on the 23d of Deceml>er, 1851, at Green Bay; 
was educated in the piiblic and high schools. 
Since 1874 he has been engaged in railroad busi- 
ness; he became station agent at Redw<K>d Falls 
in August, 1878, and is still filling that position. 
The marriage of Mr. Tyler and Miss Mary Parks 



REDWOOD COUNTY. 



773 



took place April 11, 1877 at Milwaukee. They 
have one son and one daughter. 

Alfred Wallin was born in 1836 in Oewego 
county, New York. When he was a child he went 
with his parents to Michigan, and at the age of 
fifteen years, to Chicago, where he learned the 
trade of currier, and until twenty-one years old 
was with his father in the leather business. After 
spending one year at the Elgin Academy, he en- 
tered Ann Arbor law school; also real law with 
Hon. Gilbert C. Walker. Was admitted to the 
courts of Michigan and Illinois, and practiced until 
entering the army in 1864. Settled in St. Peter 
in 1865, and practiced there seven years; served 
one term as county attorney of Nicollet county. 
Mr. Wallin was republican candidate for judge of 
the Ninth judicial district but defeated by the 
democratic candidate, E. St. Julien Cox. In 1872 
he returned to Winona and formed a partnership 
with Hon. O. B. Gould, but since 1874 has followed 
his profession at Redwood Falls. Married in 1868, 
at Elgin, Miss Ellen Keyes; one child, Magdaline. 

J. B. Wasson is a native of Genesee county, 
New York. After leaving school he engaged in 
lumbering two years, and then learned black- 
smithing, at which he worked three years in Penn- 
sylvania, and afterward seven years in New York, 
then ill health compelled him to abandon business 
for a time. Removed to Redwood county and 
located on a farm near the Lower Sionx Agency; 
is now engaged in blacksmitbing in company with 
A. W. Eager. Mr. Wasson has been twice mar- 
ried; in 1877 Jennie B. Grimmer, his present wife, 
was married to him. They have two children. 

Robert Watson was born June 9, 1838, in De- 
catur county, Indiana. In 1854 he removed to 
Houston county, Minnesota. Enlisted in 1861 in 
the First Wisconsin artillery; served three years; 
in November, 1864, Governor Morton commis- 
sioned him second lieutenant of 25th Indiana 
artillery ; served in various ofBcial capacities on 
the staff of General R. S. Granger. In 1867 he 
came to Redwood Falls, where he has been town 
clerk, assessor, and since April, 1872, postmaster. 
Mr. Watson's marriage with Miss Harriet, daugh- 
ter of Royal Mayhew, state treasurer of Indiana, 
occurred September 12, 1865, at Indianapolis. 
They have two boys and three girls. 

Alpheus A. Wilson, native of North Carolina, 
was born November 17, 1841, in Guilford Cduuty. 
In 1850 he moved to Indiana, and in 1861 enlisted 
in the 36th regiment of that state; at the battle of 



Pittsburg Landing he was shot through the right 
arm and both thighs. September 26, 1864, he was 
discharged. He migrated in May, 1865, to Man- 
kato, and in July, 1867, came to Redwood Falls. 
Mr. Wilson was elected county treasurer in 1879. 
He has 160 acres in Paxton, known as Crow Creek 
farm. Married, February 1, 1870, Jane L. Fay. 

Robert A. Wilson was bom Ln 1850 in Canada, 
and in 1865 the family settled in Wabasha, Min- 
nesota. In 1869 he removed to Brown county, 
and in 1871 came to this place; worked at paint- 
ing and also taught siaging school, and in 1874 
began clerking in the store of J. McMillan; since 
the spring of 1880 he has been in the dry goods 
business. Miss Frankie Cheney, one of the first 
lady teachers of this place, was married in 1874 to 
Mr. Wilson. Leland is their only child. 

I. M. Van Schaack, born in 1838, in Green 
county. New York, obtained an academical educa- 
tion aud also graduated at Bingham's Commercial 
College. Enlisted in 1862 in the Fifth New York 
artillery; was promoted to first lieutenant and 
served until war ceased ; also served three years 
in the regular army as orderly sergeant. After 
being employed in New York two years as clerk, 
he came to Redwood Falls in 1^72, and until 1875 
was farming; since then he has been auditor of 
Redwood county. Married in 1877 Miss O. A. 
Cheney. 

REDWOOD PALLS TOWNSHIP. 

The town of Redw(jod Falls is located in the 
northern part of the county, and includes all of 
congressional township 112, range 36, excepting 
that portion included within the limits of the vil- 
lage of Redwood Falls. The town originally in- 
cluded the entire county. Other towns were or- 
ganized from time to time, and as all unorganized 
territory was considered as belonging to Redwood 
Falls for oflScial purposes, it became awkward in 
shape and inconvenient for the people to transact 
public business. The county commissioners re- 
cognizing this tact, took steps to have it regularly 
organiized according to prescribed forms, and set 
it off for that purpose, January 7, 1880. The 
election was held at the court house, January 22, 
following. 

The first settlers in the present limits of the town 
were O. C. Martin and Edward Fosgate. They 
came in 1864. and belonged to a party of several 
who came from below on the river, and located in 
and around the village. This was the advance 
guard of a colony of twenty-five or thirty families 



774 



HISroiiY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLET. 



who were intending to locate iii the vicinity but 
were iletorreil tlirougli feiir of tlie Indians. 

The first school was ta ight h\ Miss Harriet 
Fiak during the winter of 1869-'70, ut O. C. Mar- 
tin's house. She had about fifteen pupils. In 
1871 It frame st'hool-liouse was built in sei-tion 9. 
The same btiiUling is iu use at the present time, 
and is the only one in town. 

The first marriage was that of Samuel M. 
Thompson and Miss Emma Charter iu November, 

1867. Col. Samuel McPhaill, then judge of jjro- 
bate, officiating. The first birth was that of Henry 
F. Charter, a son of George L. and Susan Charter, 
December 27, 1867. The first death also occurred 
in this family. Their son, Solomon R. Charter, 
died November 22, 187.5. 

Edmund Fosgnte was born in Herkimer county, 
New York, May 30th, 1825. Learned the trade of 
blacksmith, and in 1853 moved to Illinois and 
lived in McHenry county, several years. In 1864, 
he came to his present farm in the towa of Red- 
wood Palls. Married iu 1850, Miss Caroline C. 
Goodrich, native of St. Lawrence county, " New 
York. Thev have ten children: nine are living. 

Ransom I). Oleason, native of Ohio, was born 
in Medina oount;y, March 17th, 1841. When he 
was fifteen, his father died, and he was oliliged to 
get his own living. About 1858, his mother and 
the family went to Wisconsin, where he enlisted 
in the 4th Wisconsin cavalry; served until 
the end of the war. Came to Redwood county in 

1868, and located a farm in Sheridan of 160 acres: 
has also, eighty acres in the town of Redwood 
Falls. Married in 1869, Miss Elizabeth Case. 

Mrs. Anne A. .lones was born in Rhode Island, 
September, 3d, 1824, and remained with her par- 
ents at Little Compton, until her marriage with 
Henry D. Jones, in 1852. He was bom at Hebron, 
Connecticut, iu 1830, and graduated in medicine 
from an eastern college. He died July 3d, 1853, 
at Hebron, Conn. In January, 1855, she married 
John M. Jones, and in 1858, they came to Miune- 
sota and located on a farm in Wabasha coimty. 
Mr. Jones enlisted iu July, 1864, and in October, 
of the same year, died in hospital at Pine BlufT, 
Arkansas. They had four children; the three 
youngest died at Wabasha, and in 1871, the widow 
came to her prcseat farm in this ti)«u. Her on'y 
remaining child, Minnie C, died since flioy came 
to this county. 

O. C. Martin, was born iu Lawrence <'()aiity, 
Illinois, September 24th, 1824. His parents re- 



moved to Moultrie county, where he grew uji. 
.Vfter finishing the preparatory course at Sliurtlell 
Collage, he entered that institution but did not 
finish the course. He enlisted and served through 
the Mexican war and after his discharge, engaged 
in farming in Illinois. In 1864 he came to Wi- 
nona, Minnesota, and soon after to the town site 
of Redwood Falls. In company with Colonel 
McPhaill he built a saw-mill on Redwood creek, 
wliich was the first private enterprise of the kind 
iu the county. He remained in the milling bus- 
iness until 1868, when he came to his present farm. 
He was one of the first settlers. Has held the 
offices of chairman of board of supervisors, justice 
of the peace and county commissioner for several 
years. He was appointed justice by Governor 
Miller, before the county was organized. Mr. 
Martin married Mias Mary Jane Rouey in 1850, 
imd has six children, five boys and one girl. 

SUEItMAN. 

When first organized in 1869, Sherman included 
"all of eougrcssioual township 112. range .34, and so 
much of township 1 13, range 34, as lies south of the 
j Minnesota river."' This description placed part 
of the town across the river iu Renville couuty, 
also the fractional part of township 113, range 34, 
did not join the main portion of the town. 

Fel)ruary 10, 1880, the boundaries were changed 
to include only that portion of township 112, 
range 34, lying south of the river, while the frac- 
tional part of townshiiJ 113, range 34, was at- 
tached to Honner by legislative enactment. 

The first town meeting was held at the house of 
A. E. Enei)>ple in section 8, October 4, 1869. The 
name was given in honor of Gen. William T. 
Sherman, the present head of the United State.s 
army. The officers for that year were: J. J. 
Light, chairman, A. E. McCarty and M. C. Tower, 
supervisors; M. S. Hamblen, clerk; James Steph- 
ens, treasurer; J. M. Little, justice; J. F. Deitz- 
manu and O. C. Dwyer, constables. No assessor 
elected until the following spring, when, O. W. 
Newton assumed the office. 

Lower Sioux Agency was established in the 
north part of the town in 185.3, under the charge 
of Thomas Cullen and continued in existence until 
the outbreak of 1862. A number of govern- 
ment buildings were erected and quite a village 
sprang up around them. To-day all that can be 
seen of the Iniildings. is the old government store 
house, the walls of which were left standing, but 
now re-enclosed imd used as a dwelling house, and 



REDWOOD COUNTY. 



775 



the walls of the Episcopal church, begun by 
Bishop Whipple, but never finished. The gable 
end containing the arched doorway is still stand- 
ing, the cone of the other end has fallen, the side 
walls still appear in fair condition. 

Of the later settlers, ,T. J. Light was the first; 
he came in the spring of 1866. Claims were taken 
later, by James and John Arnold, Cassius Frazier 
and George Gary. 

The first death was that of Mrs. John Wall, in 
the spring of 1868. The first marriage was that 
of M. S. Hamblen and Clara J. Bailey. The lat- 
ter taught the first school in the town in the sum- 
mer of 1870, in an old lo;; building on section 8; 
there were eight scholars. There are now two 
frame school-houses in the town. 

Lower Sioux Agency post-office was established 
about 1868 at the house of James Arnold. The 
office has had several changes and is now in charge 
of R. H. Warren at his house. 

Frank Billington was born in Bennington 
county, Vermont, November 11, 1842. In 1853 
he went to Wisconsin with a sister, and was on a 
farm until the war. He enlisted September 7, 
1861, in Company K, First Wisconsin infantry, 
and after a service of eleven months was dis- 
charged. Returned to Wisconsin and farmed 
until 1868, then came to Redwood county, where 
he owns a farm on section 36, town of Sher- 
man. He married Miss Martha E. Sherman in 
1863; they have three boys and one girl. 

Gottlieb Dietzmann, native of Germany, was 
born in 1824. He came to this country in 1852, 
and from New Orleans went to St. Louis, where he 
lived for fifteen years; for eight years worked at 
his trade, stone cutting. He enlisted in the 17th 
Missouri, Company A, and after a service of two 
years was discharged on account of disability, 
caused by the loss of his right arm. Returned to 
St. Louis and remained until 1868, engaged in 
carrying the United States mails, then came to 
Sherman, Redwood county, where he owns 380 
acres of land. Has been school director and mem- 
bo:- of town board. He married in Germany, Miss 
R ) ^anna Lippold, who has borne him six children, 
livj of whom are living: Fred., Minnie, Ameliai 
Gustave and Edward. Paulina died. 

Jiiiin F. Dietzmann was born in Germany in 
1846, and in 1855 came to St. Louis, Missouri. 
In 1861 he enlisted in Compauj' A, 17th Missouri, 
and served as drummer boy three years. He 
worked at his trade, stone cutting, iit St. Louis 



until 1868, then came to Minnesota and worked in 
St. Paul and St. Peter a few months, then came to 
Sherman township. Redwood county, where he has 
a farm of 320 acres. He is town clerk; was a 
member of the order of Grand Array of the Re- 
public in St. Louis. He married in St. Louis 
Miss Christina Gansener, since deceased. Two of 
the three children born to them are living : George 
and Ottilia. His second wife was Louisa Sehwarz, 
whom he married in 1880. 

SHEBIDAN. 

Sheridan includes all of congressional township 
112, range 37. The town was organized January 
22, 1870, at the house of George Reiber. The 
names of Holton, Bath and Sheridan were voted 
upon as the name for the town, and the result 
proved in favor of Sheridan. The following offi- 
cers were elected: George Reiber, chairman, 
Chester Fisk and George G. Sandford, supervi- 
sors; D. V. Francis, clerk; Daniel Thompson, 
assessor; John Holton, treasurer; Edwin Payne 
and Thomas Barr, justices; Adolph Leonard and 
Robert Thompson, constables. 

In May, 1868, Charles Holton came in, bring- 
ing his wife, a daughter aud four sons. Mr. Hol- 
ton selected a claim in section twelve. The two 
oldest sons, John and Laurence, took claims in 
section fourteen. A house was built on Mr. Hel- 
ton's claim, where they all lived during the first 
winter. Mr. Holton died in December, 1878. In 
the fall of 1868, George Reiber located on sec- 
tion 10, followed ;n 1869 by Robert Thompson. 
The first school was taught in the summer of 
1874, in a building on section 6, erected tor the 
purpose; there are now three school-houses. 

Weldon post-office was established in 1873, 
with Thomas Barr, pcstmaster; the office was 
discontinued after a few years. The first marriage 
was Adolph Leonard and Bertha Holton, in 1872. 
Albert E. Clark, born September 26, 1872, was 
the first birth. The first death was Annie, wife 
of Laurence Holton, who died August 29, 1872. 
James Allen was born in Ireland in 1831. His 
parents brought him to Canada while he was an 
infant, and he there grew up. In 1868 he came 
to the States, and in September of that year took 
the farm in Sheridan where he now lives. He was 
one of the fir^it settlcT.s in the town, and its. first 
assessor; has also been justice of the peace and 
supervisor. He was married in Canada in 1853 
to Miss Rebecca Pratt. They have ten children ; 
Rebecca, James, Gaorge Wallace, William H., 



776 



HISTOBY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



John, Mary, Carolinp, Belle, Gertniile iind Kililio. 

W. ti. Biirr, n uative of Ciiiiadii, wiis luirn in 
1832, nud while a child moved to Illinois, and 
from thero to New York, then agiiin to Illinois. 
In 18(18 his father came to Hedwood county and 
took ii homestead in wlint became the town of Sher- 
idan, and the family came the following spring. 
William G. Barr has since lived here and now 
conducts the farm. He was married, November 18, 
1880, to Miss Louisa, daughter of .Tamos Long- 
bottom, of Vail township. 

Laurence Holton was born in Ireland in 1840, 
and came with parents to this country when nin^ 
years of age. They lived in Cincinnati about a 
year, iu Indiana two years, and then went to Wis- 
consin and farmed in Waukesha and Vernon coun- 
ties, until they came to Redwood county, Minne- 
sota, in 18C8. Laurence and John Holton and 
their father, made the first claims and built the 
first house in the town of Sheridan, which name 
was suggested by Laurence at the organization. 
He has held the offices of justice, supervisor and 
town clerk. In 1873 he made a trip to Europe, 
and on his return was married in Rhode Island, to 
Miss Mary Davey. They have three children: 
Mary Elizabeth, Anna Theresa, and Katie Ellen. 

T. E. Kellam, a uative of Michigan, was born 
December 12, 1841. At the age of sixteen he 
came to Minnesota and spent several years in farm 
work, in the counties of Olmsted, Fillmore and 
Winona. From 1869 until 1879, he was engaged 
in buying wheat in the latter county. He now 
resides on section 24, town of Sheridan. Married 
in Olmsted county, June 8, 1861, Miss Susan An- 
drews. Their children are: Ella May, Henry, 
Claude L. and Addic. 

Thomas Kerby was bom in Canada, where he 
was raised on a farm. In 1867 he came to the 
United States, and after spending a year in Illinois 
and Missouri, he came to Minnesota and became 
one of the first settlers of Sheridan, Redwood 
county. Has held the ofiBce of supervisor, jus- 
tice and treasurer of school district. He left his 
farm four years, on account of grasshoppers but 
returned in 1878. Married in Birch Cooley, Ren- 
ville county, June 28, 1879, Miss Elizabeth Holton. 
They have one child, Ann. 

Adolph Leonard, native of G rmany, was bom 
in 1839, and learned the miller's trade. He came 
to America in 1867 and remained one year in In- 
diana. In 1868 he came to Sheridan and took the 
claim where he now lives; there was but one bouse 



I 



in the town when ho came; has lieen treasurer of 
school district and is now town treasurer. Mar- 
ried in Sheridan in 1871, Miss Bertha Newman. 
Their children are: Louis, Annie, Minnie and 
Robert. One child died. 

L. S. Martin was born in Vermont in 1843. At 
the age of eighteen he went with his parents to 
Minneapolis, Minnesota, where his father engaged 
in the manufacture of machinery and still re- 
mains. L. S. Martin worked there a number of 
years and in 1876 was foreman in the machine de- 
partment of Seymour & Sabin, Stillwater. In 1878 
he came to the town of Sheridan and opened a 
stock farm. He was mairied in St. Croix county, 
Wisconsin, to Miss Maria Brown, Jime 5, 1878. 
They have one child, Grace. 

E. Payne was borne in New York and raised on 
a farm in that state. In 1850 he went to Wiscon- 
sin and engaged in farming until 1869, then came 
to Redwood county and took the farm on which he 
now lives. He was married in Wisconsin in 1854 to 
Miss Elizabeth David, who was born in 1834. 
They have twelve children. 

Thomas James Sloan was born in Canada in 
1840 and grew up on a farm. In 1808 he came to 
Minnesota, and located the farm where he now 
lives, in Sheridan, Redwood county. He has been 
supervisor one term, clerk of school district three 
years and tiiwn assessor five years and still holds 
the latter office. In 1866, iu Canada, he married 
Miss Agnes Kerr, native of Scotland. They have 
had six children, three of whom are living : James, 
.\gnes and Margaret. 

CHARLESTOWN. 

Charlestown is located in the south-eastern part 
of the county and includes township 109, range 
36. It was named for Charles Porter, the first 
settlor; he arrived in 1864 and took a claim on 
section 31. His daughter, Lillie, born November, 
14, 1868, was the first birth. Iu November, 1868, 
George L. and ,Tohn Wagner, William Goohring 
and Gotlicb Jaool)s settled in the town. 

The village of Sanborn is located ou section 2G, 
on the line of the Winona and St. Pet«r railway. 
It was platted in 1881 and has one general store, a 
blacksmith shop, wood and liunl>er yard, a few 
dwellings and depot. The post-ofBce was i stablished 
in May, 1880, with Thomas Pool as postmaster; 
the office was kept at the house of J. W. D.)tson, 
who, in the fall of 1880 Wi;s appointed postraast<^r. 

Rev. August Kenter, n German Lutheran, held 
the first religions services in the spring of 1869. 



REDWOOD COUNTY. 



777 



The society was formed the next summer with 
eight members, and in 1878 a church was built on 
section 26, costing $400. Rev. Lange is pastor, 
and there are thirty members. The Allbright 
Brethren or Evangelical Methodists held services 
in 1870, and have a church in connection with 
members in Cottonwood county. 

A school-house was built on section 30 in the 
fall of 1873, and school taught by Chrit-tina Van 
Schaack; the town has four school buildings. 

The first marriage was that of John Bauer and 
Hattie Werner in 1873. An infant son of George 
Wagner died in 1869, the first death. 

The first town meeting was held May 25, 1872. 
Officers elected: J. G. Wagner, chairman, John 
Mondy and Henry Neeb, supervisors; G. L. Wag- 
ner, clerk; George Huhnergarth, assessor; John 
Yaeger, treasurer; William Goehring and Charles 
Porter, justices; Melville Abbett and William 
Heidlauff, constables. When the town was organ- 
ized it included Lamberton, which was set apart 
in 1874. 

John W. Dotson, native of western Virginia, was 
bom in 1829 in Wood county. In 1848 his mar- 
riage occurred with Miss Annie Pool. He en- 
listed August 18, 1861, in Company E, Sixth 
West Virginia infantry, and was honorably dis- 
charged in 1864, on the 10th day of September. 
In 1865 he migrated to Illinois, and in 1872 re- 
moved to Brown county, Minnesota; came to San- 
bom iu July, 1880, and was soon after appointed 
postmaster. Mr. and Mrs. Dotson are the parents 
of seven children. 

William Goehring was bom November 4, 1835, 
and when fourteen years old began learning the 
trade of butcher, at which he worked while living 
in his native land, Germany. From the date of 
his coming to America, 1853, until 1868, he lived 
in Pennsylvania, where he was employed in iron 
mills, then came to his present home in Charles- 
town, Minnesota, and has here filled various town 
offices. Married in 1862 Mrs. Bendz, whose mai- 
den name was Barbara Kirchler. Four children 
are living and two are deceased. 

John A. Lettord, who was born in 1849, is a 
native of Cincinnati, Ohio. He accompanied his 
parents to St. Paul in 1858, and in 1869 removed 
to Carver county. Mr. Letford has been engaged 
in various lines of business; removed in 1881 from 
Lamberton to Sanborn and opened a general store; 
the firm name is Smith & Letford. Miss Harriet 
C. Lee became his wife in 1872; her death occur- 



red October 20, 1881. The children are Harrie 
C. and William. 

Charles Porter was bom in 1829 in Franklin 
county, Maine. At the age of twenty moved to 
Quincy, Illinois, and in the fall of 1854 settled in 
Dakota county, Minnesota. In 18G3 he enUsted 
in Company F, Second Minnesota cavalry; served 
two years; he acted as scout on the frontier two 
summers. Mr. Porter was the first claimant of 
land in Kedwood county; took land in Charles- 
town, July 14, 1864, and has resided here with his 
family since 1866. He was county commissioner 
five years, and has filled numerous town offices. 
Married, December 13, 1859, Phoebe Hawkins. 
Of their ten children, seven are living. 

Lepold Seng, bom in Germany in 1841, came 
to America in 1860. Enlisted for three months 
in company E, 2d Missouri; re-enUsted for six 
months iu the same company, and at the expira- 
tion of that time he enlisted for three years in 
Company H, 25th Wisconsin; served six months 
on the frontier and the remainder of the time was 
iu the south; engaged in many hard fought bat- 
tles and was wounded twice. After the war clos- 
ed he Uved in Wisconsin until 1872, and since 
then has been farming in Charlestown, Minnesota. 
In 1866 he married Alice Martin, who has borne 
him seven children. 

George W. Skelton was bom in 1842, in St. 
Lawrence county. New York. The family moved 
to Kock county, Wisconsin, where the parents 
died, and from the age of five until the year 1873, 
his home was in Iowa. August, 1862, he enlisted 
in Company K, 38th Iowa; was discharged eigh- 
teen months after, for disability. Since 1873 he 
has resided in Charlestown, and has held several 
offices. He married August 25, 1868, Lettie 
McClelland; they have four children. 

George L. Wagner was bom in 1835, in Ger- 
many. The family immigrated to Pennsylvania 
in 1846, but since 1868, he has lived on his farm 
in Charlestown. While young he worked with his 
father at the tailor's trade. After leaving the 
common schools he passed two terms in college, 
and also studied medicine; has practiced for a 
number of years. In 1862 he was in the employ 
of the government, doing garrison duty. Mr. 
Wagner has held the offices of postmaster, town 
clerk, justice, and notary public. Dorothea Sie- 
gel became his wife in 1858. Of their eleven 
children, seven are living. 

John Weber, a native of Germimy, was bom iu 



778 



UISTORT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



1837. From 1855, the date or liis arrival in 
America, until 18GC, he resided in Dodge county, 
Wisconsin then in Winonu county, Minnesota, 
five years, and since 1H71 his liome Las been in 
Charlestown; his farm of 160 acres is on section 
2G. He has held several town offices. The mai- 
riage of John Weber and Mary Stock took place 
in 18r)8: slie was born iu Germany. Mrs. Weber 
has borne her husband nine children. 

A. J. Weldon, a native of New York, was born 
in 1858, in Fulton county. In 1873, he migrated 
to Wisconsin, but removed the next year to Cot- 
tonwood county, Minnesota, and iu 1877, came to 
Redwood county, where he now lives. He has 
followed railroading some and at present is en- 
gaged in farming. In 1877 he married Alvina 
Jac(jb, who was born iu Pennsylvania. Emma P. 
is their only child. 

NEW AVOX. 

New .\von is in the central part of the county, 
and includes township 111, range 3(5. A number 
of claims were tiled in 18(J8-9, but the first actual 
settlement was made by John Turnbull, in March, 
1870; he built on section 4, the first house in the 
town. Ira Holliday came in August; among 
those of 1871, were James Johnson, Henry Blan- 
chard, 3. McPhee and D. L. Scriven. The first 
town meeting was held at the house of J. S. 
Towle, iu September, 1872; the records are lost. 

The first religious services were conducted by 
Kev. Taylor, a Presbyterian, in the summer of 
1873. In September, 1879, the Methodist society 
was organized; services are conducted by Rev. 
Pembertou. The first meetings were held iu 187i, 
under the leadership of Rev. Smith. The first 
school was taught by Miss Flora McNiven, in 
18 72; there are now tliree frame school-houses in 
the town. The first marriage was (ieorge Davis 
and EUen Winslow, December 24, 1872. The 
first birth was John, son of James Johnson, in 
1872. The first death was that of Isabella, 
daughter of D. M. Scriven, January 21, 1874. 

New Avon post-office was established a few 
years ago, with J. S. Towle postmaster; the office 
is kept at his house. 

Jacob Louis Balmor was born in 1821. He 
grew to manhood and learned weaving in Switz- 
erland, his birthplace. In 1864 he came to this 
country; after li\ing seven years in Brown county 
Muinesota, he removed to Nicollet county, and in 
1874 to New Avon. Redwood county. Miss Mary 
Lei was married to Mr. Balmer in Switzerland. 



There are six living children ; Paul, Mary, Jacob, 
Louis, John and Louisa. 

Paul Balmer, who is a native of Switzerland, 
was born Juno 2(1, 1852. lie came with his parents 
to the United States in 1864; lived in Brown 
county, Minnesota, seven years and afterwards in 
Nicollet county three years; from there he came to 
New Avon, which has since been his home. The 
marriage of Mr. Balmer with Miss Clara Scriven, 
took place in 1880, at Beaver Falls. They have 
one child, Harry. 

Valentin Bott was boru in 1836 iu Prussia. 
After leaving school he learned the trade of moul- 
der; immigrated to Minnesota in 1857 and worked 
in different parts of the state until 1861, at which 
date ho took a farm iu Redwood county but the 
Indians compelled him to leave and he settled in 
Bro\vn county. In 1872 he removed to liedwood 
county, and eight years after, purchased his pres- 
ent farm in Gcrmantown, Cottonwood cormty; 
ho has 480 acres. Married in 1861, Miss Louisa 
Frorip. Their children are Lena, Frederick, 
Louisa, Bertha, William, Valentin, Jennie, Eda, 
August and Edward H. 

George J. Davis was bom iu Ohio, in 1848, and 
at the age of four years accompanied his parents 
to Stillwater. Enhsted in 1864 in Company K, 
Second Minnesota cavalry and served until May 
1867. In 1870 he took a claim in Avon, which has 
since been his home, when there was but one house 
iu the town. He has been supervisor, assessor and 
justice. December 24, 1872, the first marriage in 
the town occurred; it was that of George J. Davis 
and Ellen Winslow. Th(ur children are Cora B., 
Betsy, Bennie and Nettie. The father and mother 
of Mr. Da\'is reside with him. 

.Tames C. Duncan, native of Tennessee, was 
born in 1832 in Bloimt c(mnty. Removed to Illi- 
nois in 1850 and worked at farming there twenty 
years. Since June, 1870 his home has been in 
New Avon, and he has held various town offices 
here. In 1853 he married and his wife died March 
2, 1878. Mary S., Martha J., Sarah L., Robert 
A., Eva A., John H., Dorcas I., and Charles E. are 
their children. April 22, 1870 he married Mrs. 
Julia Blanchard, whose maiden name was Barber. 
Her children were William B., Emilie E., Orpha 
A. Joseph H., Rachel I., and George G. 

Gottlieb Baupli, who is a native of Switzerland 
was boru in 1847 and reared on a farm. In the 
year 1873 he emigrated for the United States, and 
located permanently in New .Vvon; his farm cim- 



REDWOOD COUNTY 



779 



tains 120 acres. Mr. Haupli's marriage with Miss 
Bosiua Hoffman occurred in 18G9, in Switzerland. 
They are the parents of five children, whose names 
are Kosina, Lonisa, Frederick, John and Mary. 

Daniel McPhee was born in Scotland in 1848, 
and when he was only one year old the family 
emigrated to Canada. In 1870 he removed to Min- 
nesota, and in June of that year he located a home- 
stead in New Avon, where he now own 320 acres of 
land. He was among the early settlers of the 
town and has served in several different offices. 
Mr. MoPhee married in 1877, Miss A. Barnum. 
Two children have been born to them : Anna M. 
and Elizabeth. 

John W. Simning was born in Canada, in 1825 
and was married there in 1848. His wife was Miss 
Mary A. Crump. In 1872 he emigrated to Minne- 
sota and worked at farming in Goodhue county 
six years, then came to New Avon and bouglit 160 
acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Simning have nine 
living children: William, Shedrick, James, Levi, 
EUen, Sarah, Peter, Hannah and George. 

J. 8. Towle was born in Avon, Franklin county, 
Maine. He went to Green Lake county, Wisconsin in 
1862 and was employed in farming there seven 
years; removed to Olmsted county, Minnesota, in 
1869, but the next year located at his present home 
in New Avon and in 1871 brought his family. Mr. 
Towle has held numerous town offices and is now 
postmaster here. In 1857 he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss B. Horn, who has borne him four 
children; they have lost one, Minnie J. The liv- 
ing are: Emma, William L. and Ada M. 

J. J. Werder, a native of Switzerland, was born 
in 1840, and brought up on a farm; he also, for a 
number of years, conducted a hotel and flouring 
mill. In 1869 he came to this state; lived three 
years near Redwood Falls then, in 1872, came to 
New Avon, where he owns a farm of 160 acres. 
His wife was Miss Annie Haupli who was born in 
1843; they were married in 1864 in Switzerland. 
Louisa, Herman G., John E. and Julia A are their 
children. 

SWEDES FOREST. 

When first organized this town included all of 
congressional township 113, range 37 and all in 
the county of township 114, ranges 36 and 37. In 
February, 1880, the town was re-organized with 
its present limits. 

The first settler in the town was Nels Swenson; 
he came about 1866, and located in section 26. In 



1868, his brother Peter came; Frederick Holt 
came in 1869 and David Tibbitts in 1870. 

The first marriage was that of Peter Swenson 
and wife September 28, 1872. The first birth 
was that of Henry C, a son of Frederick and 
Henrietta Holt, born July 25,1871 and died August 
25, 1872, also the first death in the town. 

In 1872 a school-house was Iniilt in section 26 
and a school oi^ened that summer by Miss Alice 
Lyman. There are now two school-houses in the 
town, one frame and one log. 

Swedes Forest post-office was established about 
1869. Peter Swenson was appointed postmaster, 
and he kept the office at his house in section 26 
until 1877, when he resigned and turned the office 
over to the postmaster at Eedwood Falls. No 
successor was appointed. 

The first town meeting was held at the house of 
J. J. Hansen in section 28, September 21, 1872. 
The following officers were elected: Torkel Ole- 
sen, chairman, Iver Iverson and H. A. Bakke, su- ■ 
pervisors; Peter Swenson, clerk; Torsten Mostad, 
treasurer; David Tibbitts and Frederick Holt, jus- 
tices; O. A. Hard and Torald Iverson, constables. 
H. A. Bakke, whose native land was Norway, 
was bora in 1832. He emigrated from that coun- 
try in 1854 and settled in. Wisconsin, but in 1872 
removed to the town of Swedes Forest, Minnesota; 
his farm of 240 acres is situated on section 27. 
Mr. Bakke has been chairman of the town board 
six or seven years. In 1855 he married Isabelle 
Christophers, who was born in 1832 in Norway. 
Of their thirteen children, eleven are living : An- 
drew, Christian, Mary, Die, Sada, George, Martin, 
Emma, Caroline, Anna and Martha. 

Isaac Granum was born in Dane county, Wis- 
consin, in 1855; he received a common school and 
academic education, after which he was employed 
in teaching and doing carpenter work. In 1878 
he came to Minnesota, and eventually settled in 
Swedes Forest; his home is now on section 33 
Mr. Granum is serving his town as clerk. Miss 
Caroline, daughter of Ole Johnson, became his wife 
in 1879, and has- borne him one child, a daughter. 
Frederick Holt, native of Germany, was born in 
1836, and when nineteen years of age immigrated 
to Imliana. He enlisted in Company E, 22d In- 
diana; took part in numerous battles and remained 
in service three years. Migrated in 1864 to North- 
field, Minnesota, and after making that place his 
home for five years he came to his farm on section 
25, Swedes Forest. In 1869 he married Henrietta 



780 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Miller, who hna borne him seven children ; the 
living are Edward ami Siulie, twins, Bortlin, Fred- 
erick and Mary. Mrs. Holt was a widow with four 
children: John, Louisa, Minnie and Soplia. 

T. Mostad was born in 1849 in Norway. Came 
to tlic Fnit<^d States in 1809. and after living in 
Indiana. Illinois and Wisconsin, ho settled in 1H71 
in Swedes Forest, where he has held (he offices of 
justice, town clerk and treasurer, four years each. 
His home is now in section 27. Miss Anna John- 
son became his wife in 1870; after her death he 
married Julia Anderson, who has one child. Of 
the four children born to Mr. Mostail by liis first 
marriage, only one is living. 

Andrew Pedersen was born in 1845, and lived 
in Norway, his birtliplace, until 1870. at which 
date he located in Houston county, Minnesota. 
About six years later he came to section 36, Swedes 
Forest, wliere he now resides; his farm of eighty 
acres is situated about ten miles north west of 
Kedwood Falls. Mr. Pedersen's marriage took 
place in 1870; his wife, Betsy Johnson, was born 
in 1843, in Norway. The names of their children 
are Mary, Peter, Anna, Julia and Olga. 

John Kucker, who is a native of Germany, was 
bom in 1823, and in 1857 left that country for 
America. After staying in New York eighteen 
months he migrated to Minnesota; then went to 
Hudson, Wisconsin, but returned to this state si.x 
mouths later and lived in Olmsted county a num- 
ber of years on a farm. Since 1871 his home has 
been on Section 25 of Swedes Forest. Catherine 
Wieland, born in 1837, in Germany, was married 
to Mr. Rucker in 1863. Of the six children bom 
to them, the living are William, Edward and Ida. 

Nels Stenson, native of Norway, was bom in 
1854. Accompanied his parents to Wisconsin in 
1862, and that state was his home ten years. In 
1873 he removed to Minnesota; his farm contains 
160 acres and is situated on section 34 in Swedes 
Forest. Mr. Stenson has held several town of- 
fices. He was married in 1877; his wife, who 
was i\Iiss Clara Cole, has borne him two children, 
Anna ^I. and Mena O. 

Sl'NDOWN. 

Sundown is situated iu the southeastern j)art 
of the county, and includes all of congressional 
township 110 — 35. Settlement began in 1871. 
That year Lars Thorstenson, C. B. Guile, M. L. 
and L. L. Bredvold, brothers, Jacob Lorenz, 
Ichabod Murphy, Charles and Andrew Ander- 
son, father and 3)u, and C.ilviu Stewart came. 



The first school was taught in a shanty on 
Phillip Matthew's farm in section 27, in 1873. 
The town now has two good frame scliool-liouses. 

The Norwegian and Danish Lutherans united 
and organized about 1873, under the ministry of 
tlie Rev. L. O. Lund, with about six families. 
They now have a membership of about eighteen 
families but are, at present, without a pastor. 

In 1873 the first town meeting was held at the 
house of 0. B. Giiile in section 28. Ten votes 
were east with the following result: Samuel 
Murphy, chairman; Frank Wolford and C. B. 
Guile, supervisors; W. H. Hawk, clerk; C. B. 
Guile, assessor; Lewis Sanford, treasurer; B. E. 
Brothers and Ira Sanford, justices; Z. Forman 
and Ed. Welch, constables. 

Ira Sanford, a native of New York, was born in 
1830, and in 1838 accompanied his parents to 
Michigan. From 1855 until 1871 he resided in 
Rice county, Minnesota, then located on his farm 
of 160 acres, in section 14, of Sundown. Mr. 
Sanford enlisted in the spring of 1865, in Com- 
pany D, 6th Minnesota, and was discharged in 
18G6. In 1850 he was united in marriage with 
Miss Amanda M. Blanchard. Their children are 
Warren M. and Estella D. 



CHAPTER LXXXII. 

BROOKVILLE WlIiLOW LAKE— NORTH HEBO — SPRINO 

DALE LAMBEBTON DELHI — THREE LAKES — 

UrTDERWOOD GALES — WATEBBUBY JOHNSON- 

VILLE — -WEST LINE — VAIL PAXTON HONNEB 

KINTIBE — MOEQAN VESTA ■fOW.VSHIP 111, 

RANGE 38. 

Brookville is situated in the southeast<>rn part 
of the county, and includes all of congressional 
township 110-34. Settlement began in lb69. 
Among the first to locate were, H. M. .Jensen, 
Knud Hanson, Peter Jensen, and Ole Petersen, 
Danes who came in the spring and located in sec- 
tion 24. Of the Americans, J. B. Moore was the 
first to settle; he came in the summer of 1869, and 
located in section 4 on the north side of the lake 
that bears his name. His daughter. Melinda F., 
married G. E. Couley, at her father's house, Nov- 
ember 1, 1873, the first marriage in the town. 

The first town meeting wiis held at the house of 
Peter Bodiger, in section 30, April 19, 1873. Of- 
ficers elected : — B. F. Gady, chairman ; Theodore 
Johnson and D. McMallen, supervisors; W. H. 



BBDWOOD COUNTY. 



781 



Brown, clerk; Peter Bodiger, assessor; James Som- 
mer and Otto Lamphier, justices; H. M. Johnson 
and Abe Lane, constables. No treasurer was 
elected. Mr. Oady tailed to qualify as chairman 
of the town board, and A. L. MeDonald was ap- 
pointed in his place. 

The Danish Adventists began holding services 
at the house of James Sommer in tlie fall of 1872. 
The services were conducted by the Eev. J. F. 
Hansen. The Danish Lutherans began holding 
services about ten years ago at private houses and 
still continue. 

The first school was taught at the house of D. 
J. Sheffield in section 32. There are now three 
school-houses in the town. 

The first Inrth was that of Hans J., a son of J. 
A. Hansen. He was born early in 1870. The 
first death was that of Thorine, a daughter of Ole 
Nielson, in the spring of 1874. 

Zara Cornish was born in Ontario county. New 
York, in 1829. In 1853 he located at Reed's 
Landing; in 1863 removed to Goodhue county; 
and two years later to Nicjllet county; then to 
Brown county and in the spring of 1871 entered a 
homestead in Brookville. In 1862 he enlisted in 
Company H, Fifth Minnesota; was discharged on 
account of disability. Married Matilda Youngs 
in 1848; thirteen children living, Martha, Hilaria, 
Ruth, Jesse, Emma, Joseph, Ella, Rlioda, Jack, 
Alice, Effie, Huldah and Hannah. 

D. McMillan, native of Canada, was born m 
Prescott county in 1841. In 1864 he went to 
Pensylvania and two years after, to Michigan; in 
1869 he came to Minnesota; worked at lumbering 
in the St. Croix Valley; took a homestead of KtO 
acres on section 22, Brookville in 1869, after which 
he engaged with a railroad bridge building firm, 
but now lives on his farm. 

J. H. Manchester, was boni in Canada in 1855, 
At the age of three, he went with his parents to 
Ohio and when seven to Michigan, and to Wiscon- 
sin. In 1878 he came to Minnesota and settled 
on section 20, of Brookville. His father was a 
sailor for thirteen years and in 1850 married Jane 
Grant who bore him six children, two are living; 
Joseph and Cora D. The latter is a school teacher. 

D. J. Sheffield was born in New York in 1833. 
He was agent for the New York and Erie Railroad 
at Addison and in 1857 came to Minnesota and 
was clerk in the office of register of deeds at Min- 
neapolis until fall; went to Belle Plaine and was 
raceiver of wheat in a mill two vears, then return- 



ed to New York. lu the spring of 1860 he went 
to Wisconsin, which was his home till 1871, then 
located a homestead on section 32, Brookville. 
Married in 1870, Elsie Smith; one child; Frank J. 
Mr. Sheffield served three years in Company H, 
Third Wisconsin cavalry. 

WILIiOW LAKE. 

This town is located in the southern part of the 
county and was first settled in 1871, by Christo- 
pher Whelan and his two sons, James McGiiire 
and sons, and Martin Foy, seven persons; they 
made claims in the spring of 1872. The meeting 
for organization was held September 27, 1873 and 
eight votes were cast. H. B. Goodrich was elected 
chairman, H. Evans and John Derner, supervisors; 
W. F.Smith, clerk; C. Whelan, treasurer; W. F. 
Smith and Martin Foy, justices; James McGuire 
and William McGrew, constables. 

NORTH HEBO. 

This is in the southern tier of towns in the 
county and includes township 109, range 38 and 
was named after a town in Vermont; it was called 
Barton for several years. The first settler was 
Eleck S. Nelson, who came in 1871. Other early 
settlers were William Carter, Lafayette Bedal, 
Alfred Smith, and Thomas Allen. The first town 
meeting was held September 27, 1873, and elected 
G. G. Thompson, chairman; Edward Coburn and 
James Peterson, supervisors; Lafayette Bedal, 
clerk; Gustave Sunwall, treasurer; John Wiggins 
and Edward Ballard, justices; Alfred Smith and 
William Carter, constables. 

In April, 1874, the village of Walnut Grove was 
laid out on section 30, and an addition has since 
been made in the town of Springdale. There are in 
the village, three general stores, one hardware, one 
drug, one grocery and one furniture store, one 
flour and feed store, a hotel, confectionery, har- 
ness shop, shoe shop, blacksmith shop and one 
meat market; an elevator with capacity of 12,000 
bushels, a lumber yard, one fuel dealer, one saloon, 
one physician and one law firm. Masonic lodge 
number 136, was organized in 1878 with twelve 
charter memliers, now increased to sixteen. 

The village was incorporated in 1879, and in- 
cludes within its limits about 500 acres. The first 
election was held March 10, 1879; officers: Elias 
Bedal, president; T. Quartan, J. Leo and C. Clem- 
entson, trustees; F. H. Hill, recorder; W. H. Ow- 
ens, treasurer; Charles IngaUs, justice; J. Russell, 
constable. The first building erected ou the site 
of the village was the ohiim shanty of Elias Be- 



782 



niSrORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLBY. 



iliil; the first store was bwilt by Siinwnll & Ander- 
son in 1873. Walnut Stafiou post office was es- 
tablislied that year; Lafayette Bodal was postmiis- 
ter; in 1879 J. H. Anderson was appointed. 

The Congregational society began holding ser- 
vices in 1874 at .Tamos Kennedy's, and the follow- 
ing winter erected a frame church. H. C. Sim- 
mons is now pastor, and the society now numbers 
fifty members. The Methodists organized in 1876, 
and in 1881 bnilt a church at the village; they or- 
ganized with twelve members, and now have for- 
ty- twt). Rev. J. N. Powell is pastor. The Swed- 
ish Lutherans also have an organization. 

The first school was taught in the winter of 
1873-4 by Lafayette Bedal at his house, with fif- 
teen scholors. There are at present three frame 
school- houses in the town. 

Newton M. Abbett was born in Kentucky in 
1831, and in 1839 moved to Indiana. In 1865 he 
came to ^liuuesota and located in Dakota county, 
■ was there until 1872 when he settled on section 
14, town of North Hero, Redwood county. He 
married in Indiana, in 1864, Mary Jane Bane. 

Elias Bedal was born in Picton, Canada, Octo- 
ber 17th, 1822. At the age of 24 he wont to Illinois 
and a short time after to Berlin, Wisconsin, where 
he lived ten years, then came to Olmsted county, 
Minnesota, where he farmed until 1863. He then 
enlisted in Company C, Brackett's battalion and 
was discharged at Fort Snelling in May, 1866. 
He then engaged in the grain trade at Eyota un- 
til 187.5, when he came to Walnut Grove, built 
the first grain elevator and has since dealt in 
grain. He has been president of the city council. 
Married in 1846, Miss Maria Clark, of New York. 
They have had six children, five of whom are living. 

.Tohn R. Fitch was born in St. Lawrence county, 
New York, March 29th, 1849, and remained there 
until nearly eighteen years old, then came to Min- 
nesota. He lived in Winona county six years, then 
on a claim in Murray county until 1873. In Oc- 
tober, of that year, he opened his store at Walnut 
Grove. He was chairman of the board four years. 
In 1868 he married Josephine Rice. They have 
two children. 

F. F. Goff was born in Oswego county. New 
York, May 24th, 1832. He began learning the 
trade of carriage making at seventeen which he 
followed until he enlisted in Company G, First N. 
Y. artillery in 1861. He was taken prisoner at 
Bristow Station and cmflned in Libby and Belle 
Island jjrisuns four months. He was exchanged 



and on his return to his regiment was made sec- 
ond lieutenant; he was sent to hospital for sick- 
ness, and w;is tlischarged in .Tanuary, 1864. He 
then went to Mexico, New York, and two years 
later to Tomah, Wisconsin, and engaged in car- 
riage making. He lived in Plain\'iew, Minnesota, 
and in St. Charles. In 1877 he came to Walnut 
Grove and after working at carpenter work three 
years, took charge of a lumber y.ird for Laird, 
Norton & Co. Married in 1855, Miss Delia Park- 
hurst. They have one daughter, Belle. 

Dr. R. W. Hoyt was born in New Haven, Ad- 
dison county, Vermont, February 14, 1852. At 
the age of eight years he went with his parents 
to Iowa, and from there to Fillmore coimty, 
Minnesota. In 1875 he graduated from Rush 
Medical College, Chicago, and located at Len- 
ora, Minnesota. One year later he came to 
Walnut firove, where he has since practiced his 
profession. Married in J\me, 188(1, Myra E. 
Tester, of New Lisbon, Wisconsin. 

Charles L. Webber was born in Racine, Wis- 
consin, in September, 1842. In the spring of 
1862, he enlisted in Company E, 19th Wiscon- 
sin, and served until October 27, 1864, when 
he was taken prisoner at Fair Oaks, and held 
until just before the surrender of Richmond; he 
was discharged at Madison, and during the win- 
ter of 1865-6 attended commercial college at 
Milwaukee. In 1867 he settled at Eyota, Min- 
nesota, and for three years clerked : then ran a 
lumber yard one year. Had charge of a store 
at Lafayette Mills, Wisconsin, for a time, then 
came to Walnut Grove and to a farm. In May, 
1881, opened the store he now runs. In 1871, 
he married Lucy Bedal; has three children. 

SI"RINOD.\LE. 

The town of Springdale is the extreme south- 
western corner of Redwood county. Its surface 
is a rolling prairie. A man named Frink built 
a house in 1860, at Walnut Grove, but left at 
the time of the Indian outbreak. In June, 1867, 
Joseph Steves located on section 36, and built a 
house over the cellar Frink had abandoned. For 
several years he was the only .settlor in the 
town; in 1871 the land was taken by numbers, 
and the town is now well settled. The fiist 
school was taught by Rhoda HaU, in 1872. A 
post office c.'illod Summit was established on the 
west line of the town about 1872, and was dis- 
continued when Tracy was established in 1874. 
The town was organized as Summit, November 



HE D WOOD COUNT r. 



783 



21, 1873, l)ut the name was soon changed to 
Springclale. The first town meeting was held 
at the house of Leonard Moses. 

LAMBERTON. 

Lamberton is located on the south border of the 
county, and in the third tier of towns from the 
west. It is named in honor of H. W. Lamberton, 
of Winona. The town was formerly a part of 
Charlestown, but was separated in 1874. The first 
settler was J. F. Bean, who came in July, 1864, 
and located a claim in section 25. He brought 
his family out in December, 1866, and lived in 
the town but a few years when he sold out and 
went away. The next settler was M. B. Abbett, 
who came in the fall of 1869 and located in section 
24, where he lived until the past fall, when hav- 
ing been elected sheriff of the county, he moved 
into Redwood Falls. 

In October, 1872, Praxel & Schandera erected a 
small linilding in section 20 and on the south side 
of the railroad and near what is known as Cotton- 
wood Crossing. They put in a stock of goods 
and had qtiite a trade which they conducted until 
1874, when they moved to the present site of Lam- 
berton. Charlestown jaost-office was established 
in 1873, and located at their store, with A. A. 
Praxel as postmaster. He resigned when they 
moved their store, and G. L. Wagner was ap- 
pointed. He held the office about two years when 
it was discontinued. 

The village of Lamberlon is located in section 
23, and was started in 1873. The first building on 
the site was the house of C. B. Kneeland. In 1875 
the grasshopper plague gave the village a back- 
set by causing all the business men to leave except- 
ing one. In 1877 the village took a new start 
and has advanced with a steady, substantial 
growth. 

There are now in the village three hotels, five 
general stores, two hardware stores, one drug 
store, one bank, one shoe shop, two blacksmith 
shops, one wagon shop, two meat markets, three 
elevators, one coal and wood yard, one lumber 
yard and three saloons. The professions are rep- 
resented by two lawyers and one physician. The 
Lamberton Commercial, newspaper, was estab- 
lished in December, 1878, by W. W. Yarham, and 
issued weekly. In June, 1880, he disposed of it to 
A. M. Goodrich, who continued the publication of 
the paper untU January 19, 1882, when it was 
suspended for lack of support. Lamberton post- 
offije was established in the fall of 1873, and loca- 



ted ate. R. Kneeland's store. Several changes in 
postmasters and locations have been made. The 
present postmaster is Dr. L. .S. Crandall, and the 
office located at his drug store. The village was 
incorporated by an act, approved by the legisla- 
ture March 3, 1879. The following persons were 
appointed commissioners to conduct the fir?t elec- 
tion. J. S. Letford, Frank Schandera and N. P. 
Nelson. The election was held at the school- 
house, March 17, 1879. Thirty votes were cast, 
and the following officers elected rJ.S.Letford, presi- 
dent of council, N. P. Nelson, W. M. Eeed and L. 
S. Crandall, trustees; Frank Schandera, recorder; 
W. E. Golding, treasurer; M. M. Madigan, jus- 
tice, and J. A. Letford, constable. The corporate 
limits inchide the west halt of section 23. 

The town of Lamberton was set apart for organ- 
ization March 4, 1874. The first election was held 
April 1, following, at W. W. KeUy's warehouse. 
The judges of election were J. H. Abbett, H. Small, 
George Porter. The clerks were William .John- 
son and W. W. Kelly. The following officers were 
elected: J. H. Abbett, chairman, Hiram Small 
and John Pierce, supervisors; W. E. Golding, 
clerk; William .Johnson, assessor; M. B. Abbett, 
treasurer; J. E. Libby and P. L. Pierce, justices, 
and Albert Small constable. 

The first school was opened in the summer of 
1875 by Miss Louise Kelly, with about sixteen 
scholars, at .J. H. Abljett's house in section 22. 
The following fall a building was erected and oc- 
cupied the next winter. The town now has three 
school buildings, all frame. 

The Congregational society began holding ser- 
vices in 1875, in Mr. Kelly's warehouse. In 1877 
an organization was effected under the ministry of 
the Eev. Leonard Moses. The present pastor is 
Bev. George Holden, and services are conducted 
weekly. The Catholics held services as early as 
1876, but no organization has been effected, and 
services are conducted irregularly. The Metho- 
dists began holding services in the spring of 1879; 
the minister was Rev. John Gimson. An organ- 
ization was effected the following summer with 
about six members. The jjresent pastor is the Rev. 
J. H. Harrington, of Sleepy Eye, who conducts 
services once in four weeks. A frame church was 
partially built during the summer of 1880. 

M. B. Abbett was born in Bartholomew county, 
Indiana, in 1844, and lived there until seventeen 
years of age, then enlisted in Company G, 33d In- 
diana infantry, and served until mustered out in 



784 



UmrOIiY OF TUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



1865. In tho full of tlint year lie came to Minne- 
sota, and uutil 18t)9 lived in Dakota county; he 
then came to Lamberton, among the first settlers. 
lie \v(i8 the first town treasurer, and was chairman 
of board four years; in 1H81 ho was elected slicrill 
of Redwood county, and assumed the duties of 
that ofBcc January 1, 1882. Married at Farming- 
ton in 18(58 Hulda Hawkini. William Allen and 
Maggie Etlie are their living children. 

Hogeu Anderson, native of Norway, was born 
in 1830. In 1843 he came to America and located 
at Bacine, Wisconsin; learned the trade of wagon- 
maker. Came to Minnesota and settled in Dakota 
county in 18G5; to Cottonwood in 18G8, engaged 
in farming. Came to Lamberton in 1879, and 
carries on the wagon-making business. Married 
in 18.53 Anna Christopherson, who was bom in 
Norway in 1832. Of eleven children born, nine 
are living. 

Franklin Archer was born in Livingston county, 
New York, in 1835, and at the age of three went 
with parents to Ohio. In 1852 moved to Wiscon- 
sin, and in 1867 to Iowa. Came to Minnesota and 
located a farm on section 2, town of Lamberton. 
Married in Columbia county, Wisconsin, in 1855, 
Eliza Preston, who was born in Li\'ingston county. 
New York. They have six children living. 

Charles Chester was born in Norway in 1858, 
and came with parents to America in 1861, settling 
in Elinoia. In 1862 came to Jackson county, Min- 
nesota, and six months later to Howard county, 
Iowa, where they lived four years, then returned 
to Jackson county. He worked on a farm until 
fifteen, then followed clerking until 1878, when he 
began business at Lamberton with his brother. 

Lewis Chester was born in Norway in 1856. Ho 
came with his parents to this country and followed 
farming and clerking until he embarked in busi- 
ness with his brother under the firm name of Ches- 
ter Brothers. In November, 1880, he married 
Mary Tagley, a native af Norway. 

R. Clausen was born in Denmark in 1840. He 
came to America in 1866 and engaged in brick 
manufacturing in New Jersey. Came to Minne- 
sota the next year and located at Winona; was 
railroading and kept hot«l and saloon until 1872 
then came to Redwood county and for five years 
was on a farm in Waterbury. In 1878 he bought 
the Lamberton hotel and ran it until 1881, then 
engaged in saloon business next door. At Winona, 
in 1871, he married Mary Christiancy. They have 
had five children; only two are living. 



Dr. L. S. Crandall was born in 1834, in .Mlegany 
county, New York, and in 1846 the family moved 
to Wisconsin. .Attended college there and in his 
native state, also studied medicine, which he con- 
tinued with Dr. Russel after removing in 1863 to 
Sibley county, Minnesota. From 1870 until 1874 
he was at Alden, then one year in Mankato and 
also practiced a short time Omaha. He was 
at Winnebago Agency from 1875 to 1878 and after- 
wards kept a drug store and continued his i)rac- 
tice at Lamberton. Dr. Crandall enlisted in March 
1865, and served till the close of the war. Mar- 
ried in Wisconsin in 1857,Eunice Campbell. Four 
cliildren are living, in 1881 the doctor was ap- 
pointed postmaster of this place. 

WilUam E. Golding was born in 1838 in In- 
diana. After leaving school he learned black- 
smithing, and remained in that state until 1860; 
came to Olmsted county, Minnesota and in 1861, 
enlisted in Company B, Second regiment of this 
state; remained in the army until the close of the 
war. Returned to Indiana, where he was employed 
at his trade. In 1871, removed to Charlestown, 
Bedwood county, but eighteen months later he 
came to Lamberton. Sinc^e 1879 he has been 
farming on section 2. Henrietta Thrasher, bom 
in Indiana in 1839, was married in 1864 to Mr. 
Golding. 

A. M. (Joodrich is a native of Minnesota; be 
was born at Silver Creek, Wright county in 1860. 
After attaining his education at the high school of 
Anoka he passed three years in teaohin;; winters 
and learning the trade of printer in the summers. 
On the 1st of June, 1880. he purchased the Lam- 
berton Commercial. 

Antoine Goolen, native of Canada, was born in 
1830; while young he removed to Vermont with 
his parents and there learned the trade of moulder. 
He went to Wisconsin in 1856 and engaged in 
farming; removed to Redwood county, Minnesota, 
in 1872 and afterwards to California where for four- 
teen months he was mining; located in 1875 on 
section 6 of Lamberton. In 1851 he married 
Mary L. Digneal, bom in 1835 in Canada; eight 
of their ten children are li^^ng. 

W. \. Hackley was V>orn in 1826 in New York. 
In 1844 he went to Michigan and iu 1846 to Wis- 
consin, where, he learned the trade of mason. 
From 1849 until 1856 he was engaged in mining 
and in mercantile trade in California, then return- 
ed to New York. He was in Wisconsin and Iowa 
from 1860 until 1871, at which dale he came to 



REDWOOD COLTNTY. 



785 



Minnesota and has lived in different parts I'f the 
state, but since the spring of 1879, his home has 
been at Lamberton; works at his trade, also deals 
in wood and lumber. Mr. Hackley is justice of 
the peace. Married in 18C2, Elmira Littlejohu; 
one child, Archie. 

0. M. Herreman, native of Ohio, was born in 
1844, in Tioga county, but when young went to 
Columbia county, Wisconsin, to live, and com- 
pleted his education at the Appleton University. 
Until 1863 he followed teaching and clerking, 
then enlisted in Company B, 22d Wisconsin in- 
fantry and was mustered out when the war closed. 
In 1870 he went to Blankato, but in 1874 removed 
to New Ulm and engaged in painting; came to 
Lamberton in 1877 and located on section 6. Jan- 
uary 1, 1875, he married llena Johnson. They 
have three living children. 

J. N. Hymes, born in 1853, is a native of Paw 
Paw Grove, Lee county, Illinois. In 1857 he 
accompanied his parents to Rochester, Minnesota. 
He was employed, after leaving school, in farming 
and wheat buying; has continued in the grain 
trade since coming, in August, 1880, to Lamber- 
ton. Mr. Hymes was married in 1874; his wife 
was Miss Ella Dieter, born in 1854, in Wisconsin. 
Their children are Clara L. and Herbert J. 

Fredrick Immel was born in 1833, and in 1852 
emigrated from Germany, the land of his birth, 
to America. He acquired his education under a 
private tutor, and located in New York city, where 
he learned wood carving. Afterward worked at 
his trade in Baltimore, and fi'om 1857 to 1861, in 
Cincinnati. Married in the latter city, in 1858, 
Augusta Parbs, who was bom in 1833, m Ger- 
many. Lived in New Ulm from 1861 until 1877, 
when he opened his hotel in Lamberton. Mr. 
Immel has a step daughter. 

W. W. Kelly was born in 1833, in Michigan. 
Migrated in 1855, to Winona county, Minnesota; 
worked at farming also insurance and machine 
business; about 1871 he came to Redwood county, 
and in 1873, to Lamberton, wliere be was in the 
hardware trade; also dealt in lumber and grain; 
sold in 1877 and afterward was in real estate bus- 
iness; for a time his family resided at Northfield, 
because of better educational advantages. Since 
1880 their home has been on section 12, of Lam- 
berton. Married in 1857, Laura L. Murry. Louisa 
C. is their only living child. 

C. K. Kneeland was born in Medina county, 
Ohio, in 1846. When he was a babe the family 

50 



settled in Wisconsin, where he was brought up 
and engaged in mercantile trade. In 1872 he re- 
moved to Charlestown, Minnesota; the year follow- 
ing he came to Lamberton, and it was he who 
ei'ected the first building in what is now the vil- 
lage; until 1876 he kept a store and eating house, 
then went to Wisconsin but returned in 1878 and 
has been farming on section 14, since. Kedie 
Sayles, bom in 1848, became his wife in 1866. 

A. C. Lamport, native of Illinois, was born in 
1852 at Aurora, and while young accompanied his 
parents to La Salle county. Removed in 1857 to 
Wisconsin; completed his education in Benton 
Harbor, Michigan, and afterward . engaged in 
teaching. Came to Minnesota in 1880; is em- 
ployed in the public schools here. Married in 
1876 at Mount Pleasant, this state, Heppie M., 
daughter of Hon. John A. Jackson. 

John B. Lauer was born in 1858 in Brown 
county, Minnesota, and completed his education at 
Mankato. Learned painting in that city; after 
working at it three years he followed butchering 
in Mankato, two years. Came to Lamberton iu 
1878, clerked one year and has since been in the 
butcher business. Mr. Lauer's wife was Ilettie E. 
Fisher, she was born in Wisconsin in 1860, and 
married in 1879. They have one child, Sylvia. 

J. S. Letford was born in England in 1826, and 
came to tLis country in 1840. In Cincinnati, 
Ohio, he learned the trade of making machine pat- 
terns and woi-keJ there until 1855, then came to 
Minnesota. After v/orking at his trade eighteen 
months in St. Paul, he engaged in building, in 
Carver county. He was a member of the legisla- 
ture from that county iu 1859, '60 and '62, then 
engaged in real estate and money loaning busi- 
ness. In 1872 he went to Golden Gate and was 
engaged iu merchandising four years, then came 
to Lamberton, opened a store and also engaged in 
banking business. He is agent of the American 
Express Company and was postmaster at Golden 
Gate and in this town, for several years. He 
married in Cincinnati in 1846, Jane Jones; of the 
seven children born, five are living. Mr. Letford's 
father was in the British Army and was wounded 
at the battle of Waterloo. 

Joseph E. Libby, born in New Hampshire in 
1827, removed with his parents to New York city, 
where he attended school and afterward engaged 
in hotel business. Since 1872 he has been 
farming in Lamberton; owns 100 acres of laud. 
For eight years he has been justice of this town. 



786 



nrnToiir of the Minnesota valley. 



In 1850 be ninrrietl Eliza A. Vnu Schaack, who 
waslHiru in 182!), in New York. Of their five chil- 
dren one is linng : Get>rge W., a lawyer, practic- 
ing in Lambcrton. 

M. M. Madigiin, native of Wisconsin, was born 
December 20, 1H5(I, and at the age of fourteen 
moved to KoL'liester, Minnesota for one year after 
which, until 18G8, he ran on the river. He at- 
tended college two yeara at Beaver Dam, Wiscon- 
sin, then engaged in teaching in Wabasha, Min- 
nesota. • Mr. Miidigaii was admitted to the bar 
January 4, 1879, and located in Lamberton; he 
■was the first president of this village. His wife, 
Nettie Bang; was born in 1861 in Norway; their 
marriage occurred iu 1878. They had one child 
who died in infancy. 

N. P. Nelson was born in 1842, iu Denmark, 
where he learned milling. Immigrated to Wiscon- 
sin in 1864: moved to Stillwater and until 1869 
was in the lumber trade; then dealt in merchandise 
at Carver. He afterward did business at Golden 
Gate and Sleepy Eye; in 1877 came to Lamberton 
and bought the lumljer business of W. W. Kelly 
which he still continues; also kept, for a time, a 
hotel and agricultural store; Elida E. Letford be- 
came his wife in 1870, and has borne him two 
children: one is living. 

Basmus Olson, native of Denmark, was born iu 
18-52. He learned tlu" trade of butcher in that 
country, and afterward spent two years fishing in 
Greenland; returned to Denmark for a few 
months, and iu the fall of 1878 immigrated to 
Lamberton, Minnesota. He built the fine meat 
market where he is now doing business. 

Mrs. Anna W. Osher ncr Frederickson, was born 
in 18.57, in Norway. In 1862 the family moved 
to Iowa, where she was married, October 5, 1876, 
to William Osher, who was born in 1856 in Wis- 
consin, moved to Iowa at the age of fifteen and 
completed his education at Decorah, after which 
he taught several terms, and then engaged iu 
general mercantile trade. Removed to Redwood 
county, Minnesota, and since 1879 she has been 
in business at Lamberton. Mrs. Osher has one 
child, Mabel. 

Josiah Pierce, native of New York, was born in 
1822, in Livingston county. After leaving scho'd 
he was employed in farming, which occtipation he 
continued after moving, in 1H57, to Wisconsin. Re- 
moved to Iowa, and in 1876 located on his farm on 
section 4, L;imberton; owns 480 acres of land. 



His marriage with Cordelia Brown occurred in 
1841. The children are Josiah and Cordelia. 

P. L. Pierce, native of New York, was bom in 
1839, in Livingston coimty, and when five years of 
age went with his parents to Columbia bounty, 
Wisconsin. Removed in 1861 to Bremer county, 
Iowa, where he kept a hotel and was also emj)!oy- 
ed in farming. He came to Minnesota in 1872, 
and located at Lamberton; April, 1881, he became 
proprietor fif the Lamberton House. Mr. Pierce 
was married in Wisconsin in 1869, to Rebecca 
Briggs, born in 1844, in Indiana. Four of their 
five children are living. 

A. A. Praxel was born in Austria in 1838. He 
came to America in 1849 and located at Mead- 
^Tlle, Pennsylvania; in 1854 came to Winona, Min- 
nesota, and was on a farm and in the implement 
business until 1859. He then began traveling for 
a Cincinnati drug house and was iu that business 
until 1862. In .\ugust of that year he enlisted in 
Company E, Si-^ith Minnesota, and was discliarged 
at Fort Suelling in 1865. He traveled through 
the state untU 1871. then opened a store at Cotton- 
wood station, and in 1874 moved to Lamberton, 
and is a member of the firm of Praxel and Schar- 
bera, general merchandise. Married iu 1H6.5, Mary 
King, of France; she died in 1866 and he married 
Mary Nallenger. They have four living children. 

N. P. Reed, son of William and Sarah Reed, was 
born in 1857, ;vt Newark, New Jersey, and lived in 
that state until 1871. After residing several years 
at Saginaw and Green Bay, he came in 1879 to 
Lamberton and opened a lumber yard. His 
father, who was born in Ireland, is lixnng in New 
York, which was the native state of the mother, 
Sarah Palmer. There are two sisters, Mary J. and 
Anna M., and one brother, William. 

John Roth, native of Germany, was born in 
1843. He came to this country in 1859 and loca- 
ted in Columbus, Wisconsin. In that state he 
learned the blacksmith trade, and in the spring of 
1801 enlisted in Company H, Second Wisconsin 
infantry; served until the close of the war. He 
came to Minnesota in the fall of 1866 and lived in 
New Ulm until 1868, then moved to a farm in Cot- 
tonwood county. Since 1H76 he has had a black- 
smith shop iu Lamberton. In 1862 he married 
Louisa Halter. They have had ten children ; five 
are living: Fred. Henry, Clara. Emma, Elizabeth. 

Hiram Small was born in Somerset county, 
Maine, in 1835. He moved with his parents to 



REDWOOD COUNTY. 



787 



Illinois in 1846, and to Minnesota in 1857. He 
lived in Wabasha until 1872, then came to Lam- 
berton and located on a farm in section 22. He 
enlisted at Lake City in February, 186.5, and 
served through the remainder of the war. Mar- 
ried in Grundy pounty, Illinois, in 1855, Sarah 
Koberts, who was born in 1837. Of the ten chil- 
dren born to them eight are living. 

H. J. Smith was born in Dodge county, Wiscon- 
sin, in 1857, and was raised on a farm. After 
leaving home he was agent for the Wisconsin Cen- 
tral Railroad at Elk Lake. He came to Minne- 
sota in 1878 as agent at Minneota; from there 
went to Lake Benton, then to Volga, Dakota; 
from there he came to Lamberton as agent of the 
Winona and St. Feter Eailroad. He is also en- 
gaged in the wood and coal trade. His father, 
Daniel Smith, was a native of Rhode Island, an 1 
died at Macon, Nebraska, at the age of iifty-nine 
years; his mother still resides at that place. 

DELHI. 

Like an the other towns in the county this one 
was once a part of Redwood Falls. It is situated 
in the northern part of the county and borders on 
the Minnesota river. When first set apart for or- 
ganization, it included all in the county of con- 
gressional township 113, range 36, subsequently 
the fractional part of township 114, range 36, was 
attached. The first town meeting was held at 
Worden it Euter's mill in section- 36, February 19, 
1876. Officers elected : Thomas H. King, chair- 
man, George Stronach and John Anderson, super- 
visors; James Anderson, clerk; Daniel McLean, 
treasurer; Alex. McCorquodale, assessor; Isaac 
Leslie and Ezra Ticknor, justices; George Gaff- 
ney and John Whittet, constables, and David Whit- 
tet, overseer of highways. 

The first settler was Carl Simondet, who came 
in 1865, and settled on section 13, where he li\ed 
until 1880, when he died. His sou, who also took 
a claim in 1865, now lives on the old homestead. 
There appearned no more settlers until 1868, when 
John and James Anderson and Alex. McCorquo- 
dale came in. 

The first birth was that of Christina, a daughter 
of Isaac and Margaret Leslie January 18, 1873. 
The first marriage was that of Andrew Stewart 
and Miss Kate McLean in December, 1872. .John 
McLean died June 30, 1877, and was buried in 
the cemetery at Redwood Falls; the first death in 
the town. 

The fii'st school was taught by Miss Tbora Mc- 



Niven, with seven pupils, in section 20, during the 
summer of 1873; there are three organized dis- 
tricts in the town and but two school-houses. 

In the summer of 1870 religious services were 
held at the home of John McLean by Rev. R. G. 
Wallace, Presbyterian minister. During the win- 
ter of 1870-1, an organization was effected by the 
Rev. J. L. Whitta, with thirteen members. They 
now have a membership of twenty -eight. 

James Anderson, native of Canada, was born in 
the province of Ontario, October 29, 1845. In 
1864 he went to Iowa and shortly after returned 
to his old home, where he remained with his 
parents until 1867, then came to Minnesota and 
in the spring of the following year, to his present 
farm, which consists of 320 acres. He married in 
1874, Maggie B. Brown, of St. Mary's, Canada. 
Mr. Anderson has held the office of town clerk and 
clerk of school district since its organization. Is 
now a county commissioner. 

William Anderson was born near the village of 
St. Mary's, Canada, March 3, 1851. He lived 
with his parents until eighteen years of age, then 
went to Iowa where he was employed on a farm. 
He returned to Canada and in March, 1880, came 
to Redwood county and to the farm he now owns. 
He has eighty acres of land, forty acres cultivated. 
L) connection with farming he works at the car- 
penters' trade. Married Joanna Steel in 1876; 
she was born at Toronto in 1856. They have two 
children, Maggie Isabella and Edward George. 

A. J. French was born in Jo Daviess county, 
Illinois, March 14th, 1855. His parents removed 
to Cedar Falls, Iowa, in 1861, where his father 
worked at carpentering. A. .7. came to Minnesota 
in 1874, and located in Wabasha coimty. In 1880 
he came to Delhi; he is now conducting a 
farm of 220 acres for A. T. Felton. Mr. French 
married in March, 1880, Miss Mary Allison, who 
was born in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, in 1857. 
They are the parents of one child. 

George Reiber was born in Wurtemburg, Janu- 
ary 6th, 1843, and when nine years of age came 
with his parents to America. They settled near 
Niagara Falls, New York. In 1861 he enlisted in 
Company C, 28th New York infantry, and partici- 
pated in many hard fought engagements. For 
eleven months he was confined as a prisoner in the 
pens of Andersonville. He served until 1865, and 
was discharged at New York city. In 1867 he 
came to Minnesota and located a farm in Sheridan, 
Redwood county, the next year. He came to the 



788 



UmrOHY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



farm on which he now lives, in 1877, but still 
owns his original clnim in Slioritlnn. MarrieJ in 
1867, Miss Evniini' Knowlton, who has lionie live 
children; two ln)_v»aud two girls are living. 

G. L. Richardson, native of Ohio, was born in 
Colnmbiann connty, near the village of New Lis- 
bon, Tune nth, 1849. His parents moved to Wil- 
liams oountv anil lie was there raised on a farm. 
In 18C5 heenlist^-d in the 195th Ohio and served 
until the close of the war. In 1873 he came to 
his farm of 320 acres in the town of Delhi. Was 
married in 1873 to Miss M. J. Doh-in; thoy have 
three chililren, two girls and one boy. Mr. Rich- 
ardson has been justice and constable. 

George Strouach was boni in Scotland, October 
21, 1837. He was liroiiglit up on a farm, and in 
1869 came to Wabasha county, Minnesota. In 
1874 he came to his present farm in Delhi, of 160 
acres on section 20, seventy-five acres under cnlti- 
vation. He has been supervisor and treasurer. 

D. G. Willnrd was Imrn at Utica, New York, 
March 23, 18)4. In 1868 he came with parents 
to Mankato, where they remained until they died. 
He had charge of a Hour mill at Garden City five 
years, and in 1878 came to Dellii, Redwood 
connty, where he has 320 acres of land. Married 
in 1878, Lizzie Thurston, who was born at Garden 
City, Minnesota. They have two boys and one 
girl. Mr. Willard is justice of the peace. 

THREE LAKES. 

This town is in the eastern part of the county, 
and derives its name from the group of lakes in 
the northern part of the town. The first claim 
was made in the spring of 1868 by David Wat- 
son; the claim was jumped by two men, Hunt and 
Walker; they put up a shanty and lived there for 
a time, but in 1869 Watson regjiined posse.ssion. 
Settlers of 1869 were David Parker, Henry 
Blanchard, Ora A. and Oland Sisson, Mike Maho- 
ney and A. .1. Welch. 

Mary Tenney taught the first school in 1874; a 
frame school-liouse was built in 1876. Three 
Lakes post-office was established in 1875, and dis- 
continued in two years. The first town meeting 
was held at the house of David Watson, April 4, 
1876. Officers elected : James Watson, chairniau, 
Rolwrt P.irker and Abel Lcighton, supervisors; 
Daniel Watson, clerk; Robert Parker, assessor; 
Rol>ert Montgomery, treasurer; .Tames and David 
Watson, justices; David Parker and Albert Dalims, 
constable;;; Rol.ert Montgomery, poundmast^r. 

James Watson, native of Scotland, was born in 



1842, and remained in that country until twenty- 
seven years old. He then came to the United 
States and remained one year in Lake City, Min- 
nesota, then came to Redwood county. He 
was chairman of the board when the towu was or- 
ganized, and has also been justice of the peace; 
has been town clerk for the past four years. He 
married in 1875 Mary E. McPhee; they have four 
children: Maggie, .lohn, Arlo and Lizzie. 

UNDERWOOD. 

This town is in tlie north-west comer of the 
county. Levi Ten Eyck, who located on section 
20, in August, 1869, was the first actual settler. 
Gteorge and Charles Mead, Archie and William 
Stewart, John Noble, Archie McLean and R. H. 
McKitlrick came the next year. 

May 2, 1876. the town was organized; the first 
officers were: William Caboon, chairman. Mal- 
com McNiven and A. H. Morgan, supervisors; 
Daniel McNiven, clerk; R. H. McKittrick, a.sses.'sor; 
Levi Ten Eyck. treasurer; Archie Noble and .Tames 
McKay, justices; Collin Matheson and James 
Gilkey, constables. 

There was no school till the winter of 1879, 
when Mrs. William Simmons taught at home. 

Box Elder post-olHce was ?stablished in 1879, 
and Eben Martin appointed postmaster. 

The first marriage was James McKay and Anna 
MonrcxN by Re\. Mr. Simmons, in 1877. The first 
ijirth was Van Dyke, son of Levi Ten Eyck, fciorn 
March 20, 1870. A son of Henry .Johnson died 
in 1877: the first death. 

R. H. McKittrick was born near Belfast, Ireland 
in 1847, and at the age of six, came with his pa- 
rents to Berlin, Wisconsin. He learned the trade 
of cabinet mnker. In August, 1863, he enlisted 
in Company B, of heavy artillery, and served until 
honorably discharged at Madison. During his 
serWce he was in hospital several months. In 
1869 he made a claim of 160 acres in the town of 
Underwood, where he now lives. Married in 1871, 
Miss Mary E. Barr. One child, Nessie M. 

Malcolm McNiven, native of Scotland, was liorn 
May 20, 1818. Went with parents to Nova Scotia 
in 1822 and lived there until 1852, then moved to 
Canada. In 1868 he came to Olmsted county, 
Minnesota, and one year later to Redwood county; 
finally settled on section 6, Underwood, where he 
has since lived, ^tarried in 1843, Mias Mary 
Mi'Intyre. Tlie children are Julia .'V., Flora, Mar- 
garet, Elizabeth, Colin, Donald and James. 

Colin McNiven was bom in Nova Scotia in 1846 



JREDWOOD COUNTY. 



789 



and at the age of six years went tj Canada with 
his parents. He resided in that country until 
1860. In 1868 he came to Minnesota and has 
since run a livery stable at Marshall; he also has 
160 acres of land. 

A. H. Morgan, native of Connecticut, was born 
in 18.33, and remained in that state until twenty- 
two years of age, then went to Illinois. He mov- 
ed to Lodi, and after attending business college at 
Indianapolis, went into a store at Lodi, where he 
remained until 1874. In that year he came to 
Underwood, Kedwood county, where he has since 
lived. Has been assessor and supervisor. Married 
in 1870, Mrs. Mary J. Odell, who had one child, 
Lyman B. She has borne him three children; 
Ella S., Albert T. and Walter G. 

A. Noble, native of Nova Scotia, was born in 
1838, and when fourteen, moved to Canada, where 
he remained until 1865. He went to California 
and remained four years, then after a short time 
in Minnesota, returned there and remained one 
year. He was next on Lake Superior two years, 
and in 1872, came to Underwood township and 
settled on section 6. Has been justice since the 
town was organized. In 1873, Flora McPhee 
became his wife. Alfred and Mary are the children. 

Levi Ten Eyck was born in New York State in 
1837. In 1856 he went to California, and was 
mining in Nevada county. From there he went to 
Peoria county, Illinois, and remained until 1869; 
he then came to Minnesota and located on section 
20, Underwood township. With the exception of 
one year has been treasurer since the organization 
of the town. Married in 1862, Miss Altha Root; 
they have six children; William, Samuel, Isaac, 
Norman, VanDyke and Levi. 

GALES. 

This town is located on the west side of the 
county, and was named for the first settlers, A. L. 
and S. S. Gale, who came in May, 1872; at the 
same time C. H. and C. W. Piper located. A. J. 
and C. E. Porter came during the same summer. 
July, 1876, the first town meeting was held at the 
house of A. J. Porter; officers elected: A. J. 
Porter, chairman; C. J. Nelson and J. J. Kelsey, 
supervisors; C. E. Porter, clerk; S. S. Gale, asses- 
sor; C.J.Nelson, treasurer; A. L. Gale and A. P. 
Langnest, justices; Hans Peterson, constable. The 
first school was taught by Ada Thrall in the sum- 
mer of 1879, using O. W. Ellis' granary. There are 
now three frame school-houses in the town. 

F. W. Harding, who is a native of Canada, was 



born September 12, 1857. When but six mouths 
old he accompanied his father's family to Iowa 
and lived in different parts of that state until 1877 
then located permanently in the town of Gales. 
Mr. Harding's marriage took place December 13, 
1877; his wife, Frances E. Seargeant was bom 
January 21, 1859 in Fond du Lac county, Wis- 
consin. They have one child, Ethel B. 
, I. G. Harding was born in 1853 in Lowell, Ver- 
mont. From there he went to Canada with his 
parents and in 1859 removed to Iowa; lived in 
Mitchell county eleven years and seven years in 
Winneshiek county. Remove to Minnesota and 
Kved on his farm of 160 acres on section 6, town 
of Gales; besides conducting his farm he works 
at the trade of mason. Miss B. E. Russel, native of 
Canada, was mairied to Mr. Harding September 
22, 1873. They are the parents of three children : 
Gardner J., Lelia L. and Curtis L. 

Charles Hawes, a native of Wisconsin, was 
born June 3, 1850 in Dodge county. In 1869 he 
went to Beauford, Minnesota, and from there to 
Good Thunder's Ford where he was in mercantile 
business and held the office of postmaster; after- 
wards tximed his attention to farming and since 
1879 has lived in Gales; his farm here contains 
160 acres. Married, November 3, 1873, Mary A. 
Grover who was bom November 30, 1853, in Wal- 
lingford, Vermont. Of their three children, two 
are living: Alpha C. and Alfred B. 

James Kennedy was born January 14, 1825, in- 
Canada. In 1853 he visited St. Peter, Minnesota; 
made this state and Canada his home for several 
years; came to Goodhue county in 1866, and one 
year after went to St. Peter for a t-'me; then lived 
in the town of Home, Brown county, until 1875, at 
which time he came to Redwood county. His 
farm of 160 acres is in section 6, Gales. Mar- 
garet BIcEwen, native of Canada, was married 
January 7, 1859, to Mr. Kennedy, and has borne 
him eight children : Christie M., Catherine I., 
Daniel, Alexander, Nettie, Anna E., John D. and 
Edwin J. The daughters Cliristie, Catherine and 
Nettie are teacliers. 

J. A. Tjipper was born July 15, 1839, at Glen 
Falls, New York. From 1874 until April, 1878, 
he lived in Winona county, Minnesota, then came 
to Redwood county, and in 1878 settled on section 
4, Gales. Married in April, 1864, Clara W. Kel- 
logg, who was born August 24, 1839, in New 
York. Fred. H., Eva M., Scott W., Nellie M. and 
Archie are their children. Mr. Tupper enlisted in 



790 



HISTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



September, 1861, in Ccmipaiiv C, 93d New York 
infiintry; »'iib promotod to sergeaut, and iu Au- 
gust, 1865, was mustered out. 

Eli Webb is a native of Franklin county, Illi- 
nois. From November, 18(>1. until February, 
18C1, lie served in Company D. 'iOth Illinois in- 
fantry ; re-culisted in the same, was promoted to 
first lieutenant, and August 9, 1865, was honor- 
ably diaoharged. In 1874 he came to Gales, Min- 
nesota, and now owns 24U acres. Mr. Webl) is 
town clerk, and in 1880 was census enumerator. 
He was united in marriage with L. A. Payne in 
1866; she died April 11, 1874. Wilson is her 
only living cliiUl. Sarah (rwin became his wife 
November 2, 1878, and has one child: Henry. 

WATERBURY. 

Waterbury is located in the soathern part of the 
county, and includes all of congressional township 
110, range 37. The name was derived from a 
town of the same name in Vermont. The first set- 
tlers were W. J. and Alfred Swoffer, and M. M. 
Madigau: they came in the spring of 1872, and 
all located iu section 3. James P. and A. Chris- 
tenson came the same year. 

The first town meeting was held April 9, 1878, 
at Alfred SwotTer's house iu section 28. Officers 
elected: R. Clausen, chairman, Hans Hanson and 
John Belfany, supervisors; W. J. Swoffer, clerk; 
J. E. Kenyon, assessor; Lewis B<i8el, tresisurer; 
Benjamin Butler, justice, and Henry Schmidt 
constable. 

The German Methodist denomination have an 
organization and hold services at the houses of 
the members, occasionally, having no regular pas- 
tor. The first marriage in the town w;is that of 
Alfred Swotfer and Miss W. M. Knight, December 
1, 1879. The first birth was that of Charles W. 
Clausen, a son of R. and Mary Clausen, May 1, 
1874. The first death was that of an infant 
daugliter of John Balfany in September, 1878. 

John Balfauy was born in Prussia, in 1849. He 
came to this country in 1866, and after a stay ot 
fourteen months iu New Jersey, lived in Franklin, 
Wisconsin, tmtil 1870. Lived in Illinois eight 
months, then in Bremer county, Iowa, until 
1873, when he came to Minnesota; settled in sec- 
tion 30, Waterbury township, in the fall of 1873. 
Was married at Waverly, Iowa, in 1870, to Mary 
Basel, who was born in Germany in 1851. They 
have had five children, four of whom are liTiug. 

Alfred SwolTer, native of England, was l)orn in 
Kent county, iu 1845, and there learned the har- 



ness maker's trade. He came to Minnesota in 
1871, and located in Waterbury township; he was 
one of the organizers of the township, has been as- 
sessor and is now clerk. Married in December, 
1879, Mrs. Mary Knight, who was born in Michi- 
gan. Mrs. Kniglit had one chiM by her first bus- 
baud, and has borne Mr. Swoffer one. 

JOHNSONVrLLE. 

Township 110, range 38, was set apart for or- 
ganiziitiou, July 16, 1878, but uo election was 
held on the day named. January 9, 1879, the 
county commifsioners appointed officers to hold 
till the following election: August Larson, chair- 
man, H. Burmeister and Gust. .Johnson, .supervis- 
ors; A. P. Johnson, clerk; Swau Johnson, assessor; 
C. Noah, treasurer; O. Herder and G.P. Johnson, 
justices; C. Eckland imd L. Johnson, constables. 

The first settlers were Andrew Larson, Charles 
Lund, Peter Halt, Henry Anderson, Gust, and 
Lewis Johnson, who came in 1872. The town was 
named for the Johnsons living in it. 

WEST LINE. 

West Line, as its name indicates, is located on 
the western border of the county and includes all 
of congressional township 111-39. The surface is 
a rolling prairie. Horse Shoe lake in the south- 
west, covers about one-hundred and sixty acres. 
Settlement began in 1872. In May, of that year, 
Michael Murray and his sons, Thomas and Gar- 
rett, with families, came in and located in section 
14, where they still remain excepting Thomas, who 
went to Colorado in 1877. John Cole came in 1873. 

The town was organized October 14, 1878,at the 
house of H. N. Eggleston. The following officers 
were elected: C. West, cliairman: Garrett Murray 
and James Shaw, supervisors; Benjamin Frost, 
clerk; Hugh Curry, treasurer; H. N. Eggleston 
and N. B. Weymouth, justices; and William Ar- 
nold, constable. 

There are three frame school-houses in the town. 
The first school was taught by Miss Ada Cham- 
berlain during the spring of 1879. 

West Line po.=it-ofBi'e was established in the fall 
of 1878, N. B. Weymouth was appointed post- 
master and the office located at his house in sec- 
tion 26. The office was tliscontinued in the sum- 
mer of 1880. 

A Mr. Webster and .Tane Shaw were married at 
the house of G. J[. Shaw, in the spring of 1879. 
This was the first marriage in the town. The first 
birth was that of Patrick Murray, in Febrnary. 
1875. He was a sou of Thomas and Honora Mur- 



REDWOOD COUNTY. 



791 



ray. The first death was that of Oscar Eggleston, 
a son of H. N. Eggleston. He died December 1.3, 
1881, and was buried at Marshall, in Lyon county. 

William H. Arnold was born May 14, 1847, at 
Antioch, Illinois, where he resided until 1857, then 
moved with parents to Hastings, Minnesota, and 
to Lake City, where he lived until 1877. In that 
year he came to the to\vn af West Line, and set- 
tled on section 28, where he has a farm of eighty 
acres. He was married March 23d, 1874, to Re- 
becca .Jackson; Josephine, Edna and Mary W. are 
their children. 

Joseph B. Brown was born at Johnsburgh, War- 
ren county. New York, October 26, 1833. He 
came to Winona county, Minnesota, in 1865, and 
engaged in farming until 1872, when he came to 
this town; he has a farm of 160 acres. When 
twenty-three he was made a minister of the Bap- 
tist church, and preached twelve years, but had to 
retire on account of throat trouble. Was married 
February 18, 1858, to Elizabeth West, who has 
bome him ten children, six of whom are Hving; 
Lucy v., Charles S., Laura, Ann, Herman E., and 
Irene E. His oldest daughter is a graduate of the 
State Normal School and is engaged in teaching. 

John Oasserly, native of Ireland, was born No- 
vember 25th, 1841. He went to Lake county, Hli- 
nois and in that and Cook county he lived four- 
teen years. For three years he was a member of 
the Chicago police force. In 1876 he went to 
Monroe county, Wisconsin, and in 1878 came to 
West Line and settled on 160 acres in section 24. 
Ho is justice and school director. Married in 1865, 
Maria Fenny, native of Ireland. Their living 
children are Charles, Ambrose, John, Mary, Peter, 
James, Kate, Agnes and an infant. 

Isaac Chamberlain was born in 1821, in the 
town of Luzerne, Warren county. Now York. He 
was raised in Washington county, and in 1867 
came to St. Char.les, Minnesota, where he lived six 
years; went to Berlin, Steele county, and lived 
there until coming to the town of West Line. He 
was married to Harriet Bailey, October 11, 1843, in 
Fort Ann, New York. They have had five chil- 
dren, only two of whom are living, Mary Theodo- 
sia and Isaac Henry. 

Chester Cook was born in Oneida county. New 
York, September 11, 1828. He worked at farm- 
ing and for two years ran a canal boat. In 1860 
he went to Wisconsin, where he followed farming 
until 1877, then came to Sherman, Redwood 
county, and one year later settled on section 20 



town of West Line. Married Martha Flower in 
1849; she died, leaving three children, Benjamin, 
Adelbert and Edward. His second wife was So- 
phia Goodfellow, who has borne him three chil- 
dren; Frank, Marion Augusta, and Harriet. 

John Cull, native of Ireland, was born in 1836, 
and at the age of seventeen emigrated to Vermont; 
lived there eighteen months, then went to Canada 
and in 1873 came to the town of West Line and 
settled on section 32, where he owns a half section 
of land. Married February 5, 1866 Mary Ann 
Murray, of Canada. Their children are Mary 
Ann, Margaret, Honora, Bridget, James, Clara 
and Teresa. 

Benjamin C. Frost was born in Saeo, Maine, in 
1832, and when eight years of age went to Ban- 
gor and attended school until fifteen years of age, 
then began to learn the drug business, which he 
followed thirteen years. When the rebellion broke 
out he enlisted as private in Company D, 18th 
Maine infantry, and served as hospital steward for 
eighteen months; was then made 2d lieutenant in 
Company M, First Maine artillery, and promoted 
1st lieutenant of Company B, same regiment; was 
mustered out in September, 1865. In 1866 he 
came to Lake City, Minnesota, and followed farm- 
ing until 1874, then was agent for the American 
Express company at Lake City three years, after 
which he came to this town where he has a farm 
of 160 acres. Was married December 3, 1859, to 
Lucy J. Dodge, at Saco, Maine. They have two 
children: William D. and NelUe L. 

.John A. Jackson was born at Fairfax Court 
House, Virginia, May 10, 1824, He went with his 
father, who was a Methodist preacher, to Nova 
Scotia, and from there to Boston, Massachusetts, 
from which j)lace he shipped as cabin boy on an 
African trading vessel; followed the sea three years 
then worked at blacksmithing. W^hen twenty-one 
he engaged in the boot and shoe business, and was 
for twelve years in Philadelphia. In March, 1855, 
he came to Minnesota and settled in Goodhue 
county, and in 1860 moved to Wabasha county. In 
1878 he came to West Line, Redwood county. Mr. 
Jackson was one of the first board of commis- 
sioners for Goodhue county, and in 1874 repre- 
sented his district in the legislature; was also ap- 
pointed a speaker at the Centennial. In 1864 he 
enlisted as private in the Sixth Minnesota infan- 
try and ser^'ed until the close of the war. His wife 
was Rebeoca Clifford, whom he married Septem- 
ber 14, 1845. She was born in England. They 



792 



niSrORY (IF TITE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



have hud twelve eliililren, seven of will mi :iiv liv- 
ing: Ueiiiy C, H'ibecca, William B., Heppie, 
Frank, Vir;;;inia anil ftraoe M. 

John N. Jones, native of South Wales, Wim bom 
April 13, 1851. He eame in 1867 to Ohio, where 
he worked in eon! mines and rolling mills until 
1874 when ho went to Illinois. In 1880 lie came 
to Redwood county and settled on section 26. town 
of West Line. He has held offices in his school 
district. Married June 6, 1873. Jemima Jenkins 
at Youngstown, (Jliio; their children are: Thomas 
Edward, Mary and Sarah Jane. 

Charles F. Mabrey was born May 24, 1844, in 
Chatham county. North Carolina. When seven 
years of age went with parents to Hamilton county. 
Indiana, and in 1862 enlisted in Company I. 75th 
Indiana infantry, and served until June 16, 1865. 
He was taken prisoner and exchanged; at the bat- 
tle of Cliickaraauga received wounds for which he 
draws a pt^nsion. In 1866 he went to Hennepin 
county, Minnesota, and aftfr one year went to 
JefTersou City, Missouri, and worked as fireman 
and engineer on the Missouri Pacific Kailroail un- 
til 1K71, then went to Hennepin coiuity a;;ain, 
where he farmed until 1878, then settled on sec- 
tion 34, town of West Line, where he has 320 
acres. June 27tli. 1868, married Sarah E. Grave, 
of Hennepin county. Their children are: Ori- 
anna, Mary E., Leo R., Vesta P. and Virgia Prue. 

Garrett Murray, native of Canada, born March 
13, 1847, was raised on a farm. At the age of 
twenty-two he come to Minneapolis, and after liv- 
ing there two years came to Redwood county and 
settled on section 14, town of West Line; he was 
one of the first settlera. In 1868 he married Mar- 
guerite Ring; they have had eight children; six are 
now living: Anna B., Marthi A., Edmond J., 
Thomas F., Mary and Elnora. 

Michael Murray was born in Ireland, in 1809, 
and in 1842 emigrated for Canada. In 1872 he 
settled in the town of West Line among the first 
settlers; he has a farm of 160 acres. Was married 
in 1836 to Ann Mulloy, who was born in county 
Mayo, Ireland, in 1819. Of the eleven children 
born to them, seven are living. 'J'lioiuas, Mary 
Ann, Garrett, Bridget, Maggie, Michael and John. 
The latter was caught in a storm, while on his way 
to the post-office, and nearly perished witli cold, 
being out all night. 

David Robinson was bom Ajiril 7, 1842, in Wil- 
Umantic county, Connecticut. He lived on a farm 
and at tlie beginning of the war of 1861, he en- 



tered Company B, 10th Connecticut infantry. 
After a service of two years, he was discharged on 
account of sickness and now draws a pension. In 
1865 'le ciirae to Lake City, Minnesota, and re- 
mained there until 1878, when he settled on sec- 
tion 18, town of West Line. For the past five 
years he has taught school. October 1, 1867, he 
married S. Emily Williams, at Lake City, Minne- 
sota; she was bom in Ohio. They have two chil- 
dren: Mary Low and Lois Emily. 

George M. Shaw was born January 19, 1818, in 
Seneca county, New York, find Uved there until 
1855. Went to Wisconsin, and in 1857 to 
Now Mexico, and engaged in general freight and 
milUng business until 1863. He then came to 
Minnesota and lived in Wabasha county until 1878 
in which yeiir he settled on section 22, West Line; 
he has held several town offices in this and other 
towu.s where he has lived. He married Sarah E. 
Haich in 1842. She bore four children, three of 
whom are living : Elizabeth, George and Mary; 
Rosette died in 1856. Mrs. Shaw died in June, 
1867 and in July, 1868, Mr. Shaw married Jennie 
Higgins, of Wabasha county, Minnesota. 

VAIL. 

This town is located in the central part of the 
CO mty and includes all of congressional township 
111, range 34. When set apart for organization 
July 30, 1879, Center was the name given. Upon 
learning that the name was inadmissable, it was 
changed by the* county board in August following 
to Vail in honor of Mr. Hotchkiss, then a member 
of the board, that being his middle name. 

John Taber was the first settler; he came in the 
spring of 1869 and located in section 4. James 
L'ingbottom came in October and settled in sec- 
tion 8. The next settlers were A. Milloy, M. Mc- 
Millan and Henry Meyer. 

The first town meeting was heldat J.imes Long- 
bottom's house, September 16, 1879, and the fol- 
lowing officers were elected: James Longliottom, 
chairman, David Weaver and Archibald Milloy, 
supervisors; John Longbottom, clerk: Chauncey 
Bunday, assessor; Henry Meyer, treasurer; Tlico- 
dorc Daub and John Taber, justices: Henry 
Meyer and James Longbottom, constables. 

The first marriage was that of John A. Peterson 
and Elizabeth Longbottom. They were married 
in .January, 1.S75, at the residence of James Long- 
bottom in section 8, by the Rev. Chamlierlain. 

John Daub, born December 31, 1812, is a naive 
of Gtermany, where he attained a collegiate educa- 



REDWOOD COUNTY. 



793 



tion and then taught for thirty-two years. In 1871 
he immigratetl to the United States and located in 
what is now Vail; the Daub family was among 
the earliest settlers of this town. His marriage 
occurred in 1842 in Germany, and his wife died 
in 1874. The children are Theodore, Ehzabeth, 
Elliuore, John and Matilda. 

Margaret Denney, whose maiden name was 
O'Hara, was born in 1840 in Ireland. On the 
15th of June, 1860, she became the wife of James 
Gallery, who was born in 1837 in Dublin. They 
settled in Canada in 18G1, and in 1868 Mr. Gal- 
lery took the first claim in Vail, Minnesota; he was 
accidentally drowned in the Redwood river, April 
16, 1869; Mrs. Gallery and family came here that 
year from Canada. Their children are James, 
Annie M., William H. and Katie. In November, 
1870, Mrs. Gallery was married to William Den- 
ney, who was born in 1829 in Maryland. Their 
childi-en are Francis I. and Charles A. 

John Longbottom, who is a native of Canada, 
was born in 1850. He came to Minnesota in 1869 
with his parents, who were among the first settlers 
of Vail, and in 1870 he took a claim, the same on 
which he now resides. He was the first clerk of 
the town, and has held other offices. Miss Eliz- 
abeth Johnson was married to him in 1873. Ed- 
ward, Alvin, Jennie and Carl are their children. 

John Taber was born in 1824 in England. At 
the age of nineteen he moved to Canada, and 
eighteen months later to Michigan. April 1, 
1847, he enlisted in Company K, Third United 
States dragoons, and served through the Mexican 
war, participating in many engagements; of the 
one hundred and four men in the company, only 
seventeen remained alive at the close of the war; 
for more than a year he was one of General Scott's 
body guard. Returned to Canada, and. in 1869 
came to his present farm; his was the first house 
built in the town of Vail. He was married Oc- 
tober 1, 1856, and has eight children: Elizabeth 
A., Charlotte L., Emma S., Mary A., Caroline, 
Ellen S., William C. and Minnie R. 

PAXTON. 

This town was a part of Redwood Palls till 1879, 
when it was organized and named in honor of J. 
W. Paxton, who once owned the large tract of land 
now owned by O. B. Turrell. The first town meet- 
ing was held September 13, 1879; officers elected: 
WUIiam Perry, chairman; Z. Y. Hatch and Ben- 
jamin Wolf, supervisors; S. P. Gale, clerk; A. A. 
Wilson, treasurer; D. R. Morrison and W. W. 



Byington, justices; G. E. Goodwin and Charles 
Tyrrell, constables. 

The first settlers were .John McMillan, Sr. and 
son .James, Paul Brott, Norman Webster, George 
Johnson and C. D. Chapman. The farm allotted 
to the Indian Chief, Little Crow, was in this town; 
a number of buildings had been erected by the 
government for the Indians, and these the settlers 
occupied on their arrival. 

The first school was taught by Mary Bailey in 
the winter of 1866-7, supported by subscription. 
The next year a building was erected; there are 
now two frame school-houses in the town. The 
first religious service was held in the fall of 1870, 
by a Presbyterian, Rev. Lyon. The Advent de- 
nomination formed a society in 1876, under the 
leadership of Elders Grant and Dimmick; the 
present leader is Elder G. D. Chapman. 

Paxton village was surveyed in 1878, on section 
26; a small store was conducted by the Gale 
Brothers, a couple of years, the only improvement 
made. The post-office was established in 1878 
with S. P. Gale postmaster; Harvey Moore now 
has the office at his house near the station. 

G. H. Bowe was born in Pittsfield, Rutland 
county, Vermont, in 1839. At the age of seven 
he went with parents to Wisconsin. In 1855 he 
started out for himself, working Ln the woods in 
winter and sailing on the lakes in summer. In 
1857 he went to Iowa, and from there traveled 
throughout the west and south, working at vari- 
ous kinds of work. In 1861 he came to Olmsted 
county, Minnesota, and in the fall enlisted, but 
was discharged in a year on account of disability. 
He farmed for eleven years in Olmsted coimty, 
then came to Paxton, Redwood county, where he 
has a fine farm. In 1866 he married Ermina 
Daniels; their children are: Jennie D., Edith M., 
Gertie E., Nettie E. and Harry B. 

E. H. Grover, native of New York, was born in 
Pranklin county, in 1843, and three years later 
went to Lee county, Iowa. His parents moved 
from there to Wisconsin, where he lived, in Dane 
and Monroe counties, until August, 1862, when 
he enlisted in Company D, 25th Wisconsin ; served 
two years, then farmed in Wisconsin until 1868. 
He then traveled until 1871 through the West. 
In 1878 he went to Granite Palis, and soon after 
settled in Paxton, Redwood county, where he now 
lives. He was married in Monroe county, Wis- 
consin, to Miss Hannah Kiumore. 

H. H. Moore was bom in Moultrie countv, II- 



7!>4 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



linois, in 1852. In 1869 he moved to Paxton, 
Redwood county, Minnesota, and is now pntprie- 

tor or tlie hotel, store and blacksmith sliop at 
Paxton station, and also holds the oflice of post- 
master. He was married in Brown county, Min- 
nesota, to Miss Mary V. Ross, who has borue him 
two children : Walter and Kmma. 

D. R. Morrison, native of New York, was bom 
at Pliittsburg, in 1827. In June, 1850 he moved 
to Fond dn Tjac, Wisconsin, and followed the trade 
of miller six years. In 18.5() he came to Min- 
nesota, and for twenty years worked at milling 
in Olmsted county; in 1876 he came to his 
present home in Paxton. He married in St. 
Lawrence county, New York, Miss Laura A. 
Stevens. Of the eight children born, six are 
living: Mary J., Laura M., Charles H., Francis 
F., Lillian M., and Hattie G. A. 

William Perry, native of Scotland, was born in 
1K32. Ho came to Minnesota in 18,'5-i and lived 
in Wabasha county until 1876, when he moved to 
Redwood county and located on section 5, Paxton, 
near the village of Redwood Falls. lu March, 
1861, he enlisted in Company G, Third Muinesota, 
and served until the close of the war. He was 
supervisor when the town contained ten congres- 
sional townsliips, and first chairman of the Paxton 
board. Married in Wabasha county in 18.59, Miss 
Martha Sterling who l»as borne ten children. The 
living are: George N., .Jessie M., Nellie, James A., 
Charles, William, Mattie and Ora. 

E. ISI. Preston was born in TJnionville, Connecti- 
cut, in 1836, and there lived on a farm iintil 1874, 
when he moved to Janesville, Wisconsin, and after 
farming for five years, came to Redwood Falls, and 
two years later to Paxton, where he now lives. 
Married Miss Esther H. Curtis, who has borne him 
nine children of whom eight are living : Frances 
E., Addie, Mary W., Edward N., Charles L., 
Elisha M., Susie P. and Maud S. 

Peter Robidou, native of Canada, was born in 
1825. At the age of twenty he went to Kankakee, 
Illinois, and soon after to St. Louis, where for 
three years he worked at rafting and ferrying. He 
th(>M came to Uelle Plaine, Minnesota and lived on 
a claim. His nearest neighbors were twenty-six 
miles distant, .\fter living there eight years he 
went to Pike's I'eak and in .\ugust, 1862 returned 
to Chicago and three mouths later enlisted in Com- 
pany G, 113th Illinois and served three years. He 
then lived in Michigan two years; in Lake 
City, Minnesota, until 1868, tben came to Paxton, 



where he has a farm of 160 acres. Married at 
Belle Plaine, in 1854, Mrs. Pauline Bronayer; 
tliey liavc two children, Henjarain and George. 

Edward M. Smith was born in Gallia county, 
Oliio, in 1844, and lived cm a farm until 1861, 
when he enlisted in the 36th Ohio; veteranized in 
the same regiment and served until the clo.se of 
the war. He then settled in Steele county, Min- 
nesota, and lived there until March, 1876; since 
that time has been a resident of Paxton, Redwood 
county; he holds the office of town clerk. Mar- 
ried in Owatonna, Minnesota, July 4, 1871, Miss 
Laura M. Morrison, who was bom in Wisconsin, 
in 1854. They have four children: Edward R., 
Sylvia M., Arthur M. and Francis E. 

HONNER. 

In 1853 S. F. Brown, brother of the noted pio- 
neer of Minnesota, J. R. Brown, had a trading post 
at the mouth of the Redwood river, in what is now 
the town of Honner. When the Sioux were re- 
moved to Y'ellow Medicine he went there, and is 
now living in Redwood Falls. In 1864 a claim 
was made by .1. S. G. Honner, but not located 
upon until later; he now lives in section 29. He 
was the chairman ot the first board of county com- 
missioners, and has always occupied a prominent 
position in his town and the covmty. The town 
was named for him. The first .actual settler was 
probably Hugh Curry, who came in the spring of 
1865 and located in the eastern part of tlie town, 
and close to the Paxton line. 

A village was laid out partly in each of sections 
20 and 29, on land owned by E. B. Daniels, about 
1876, and called Riverside. A store, an elevator, 
a hotel, a blacksmith shop and a few other build- 
ings were put up; a post-ofliee was also estab- 
lished. The town was not a succe-ss; the hotel 
and elevator were moved into Redwood Falls, and 
there remain but two small buildings on the site. 

In 1869. E. Birum .fc Brother built a water- 
power saw-mill in section 30 on the Redwood 
river. It continued in operation as such until 

1879, when it was changed to a grist-mill. It now 
has two run of stone, and is operated by E. 
Binim, the present proprietor. 

The German Evangelical congregation held ser- 
vices at the house of Bernhard Kunzli in option 
29, in 1867, conducted by the Rev. Hillscher. An 
organization was efTected by the Rev. Schmidt in 

1880, with seventeen members. 

A school was taught in 1876, in an old build- 
ing in section 21, by Miss Alice Patton; she had 



REDWOOD COUNTY. 



795 



about twelve pupils. This was the only school 
taught in the town, as it is divided into joint dis- 
tricts, one part going to Redwood Falls and the 
other to district number 2, in Paxton. 

The first birth was that of Frederick, a son of 
J. S. G. Honner and wife. He was born Octolier 
24, 1868. The first death was that of a little 
daughter of George and Mary E. Johnson, who 
died in October, 1868. The first marriage was 
that of Wilham Davis and Mahala Johnson in the 
spring of 1867. 

The town was formerly part of Redwood Falls. 
In 1872, an attempt was made to organize in con- 
nection with what is now Paxton under the name 
of Blackwood, but failed. Paxton liecame organ- 
ized separately in 1879 and Honner was set off for 
separate organization, January 10, 1880, under the 
name of Baldwin. TMs name was changed to 
Honner upon learning of there being another town 
in the state named Baldwin. The first town meet- 
ing was held at the house of David Watson in 
section 31, January 24, following. Officers elected: 
Henry Birum, chairman, Marion Johnson and 
Stephen Russell, supervisors; .T. K. Deming, clerk; 
J. S. G. Honner, assessor; R. W. Rockwell, treas- 
urer; David Watson, justice and G. B. Dove, 
constable. 

Ener Birum was born in Norway, November 
14, 18.39. He came to Baraboo, Wisconsin, with 
his parents in 1843. In 1861 he enlisted for 
three months but was rejected; he afterwards 
enlisted in the 6th Wisconsin, Company A, and 
served thi-ee years; he re-inhsted in Company G, 
30th Indiana, and served one year; he was in 
eleven battles. Remained in Wisconsin, farming 
for three years after the war, then came to Red- 
wood Falls and liuilt a saw-mill, which has since 
been fitted up as a flour-miU. Mr. Birum has 
been chairman of the town of Redwood Falls 
and also the town of Honner. In October, 1872, 
he married Annie Ortt, in St. Peter. Nellie M., 
Herbert L., and Arthur A., are their children. 

J. S. G. Honner, native of New York, was born 
in 1831. . His parents took him to Canada, where 
he lived until fifteen years old, then went to 
Michigan. He ran an engine in that state and 
Canada, and in 18.56 came to Minnesota. For 
two years he was in charge of a saw-mill in Wa- 
seca county, then engaged in farming. He was 
elected county commissioner in Waseca county, 
two terms. In 1864 he came to Redwood Falls, 
where he lived five years, then began farming 



again. He is now located in the town of Honner, 
which was named for him, and owns 340 acres of 
land. He was elected to the legislature in 186.5, 
again in 1870, and in 1872 to the state senate. 
He was one of the first commissioners of Redwood 
county, and her first register of deeds; has held 
the office of assessor since his town was organized. 
He was married in Waseca county in 1858, to An- 
toinette Green. They have had six children, four 
of whom are living : Edward, Howard N., Freder- 
ick G. and Minnie E. 

D. O. King was born at King's Mills, near Syr- 
acuse, New York. At the age of seventeen he 
went to sea and followed the vocation of sailor for 
seven years. When the war broke out he was ap- 
pointed revenue inspector, by the collector at 
Puget Sound, W. T., and served in that capacity, 
in office and on board of revenue cutter, until 
1865, when he resigned and went to San Fran- 
cisco, and shortly after to Chicago, where he re- 
mained one year. He came to Minnesota and 
settled in the town of Honner, Redwood county, 
on section 32. He has been chairman of the 
county commissioners, and was supervisor of 
Redwood Falls one term. Was married July 10, 
1867, to Nettie King. 

Bernhard Kinsley, native of Switzerland, was 
born in 1825. He came to America in 1847, and 
one month after he landed at New Orleans, en- 
listed in the Third Louisiana regiment for the 
Mexican war, and served until its close. After 
a time in New Orleans he returned to Switzer- 
land, and remained until 1863, then came to 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and for two years farmed 
near there. In 1865 he came to Redwood county, 
and is now the owner of 600 acres of land. 
April 4, 1851, he married in Switzerland, Mary 
Luseher. Of the eleven children born, eight 
are living: Gottleib, Charles, Emil, Mary, Lena, 
Margaret, Bertha and Anna. 

T. J. Treadwell was born in the state of New 
York in 1851, and when two years of age his par- 
ents brought him to Wisconsin. At the age of 
eighteen he learned the miller's trade, which busi- 
ness he still follows. He came to Minnesota in 
1878 and located near Redwood Falls, and works 
in Bi rums' mill. He is town clerk of Honner. 
Miss Helen B. Owen became his wife at Waupun, 
Wisconsin, in 1873. They have had five children 
only two of whom are living. 

.John Weiss, native of Germany, was born in 
1825. He learned the trade of brewer and worked 



71(6 



nrsTony of tub Minnesota vali.ry. 



nt it some ten yenra; wns Hlw)ii soldier for six 
years. In lHr)5 lie came to WisconBiou nnd fol- 
lowing lircwiug until 1S7'2, when lie came to Red- 
wood county and located on section 29, town of 
Honner. He was married in Wisconsin, to Louisa 
Flcislihauer, who has borne three children : Anton 
Louisa and William. 

KINTIKE. 

This town was formerly a part of Swedes For- 
est It was set a|iart for separate organization, in 
May, 1H80. including in its limits all of congress- 
ional township 113 37. Lyman Walsh, who came 
in the summer of 1872, and located in the south- 
western part of the town, was the first settler. 
Soon after Mr. Walsh, Allxirt Devreaux came in 
and settled where lie now lives. Archibald Stew- 
art came the following fall. 

The first to\vn meeting was held at the house of 
Archibald Stewart, in .section 13, May 2.5, 1880. 
Twelve votes were cast nnd the following oflicers 
elected: M. Keller, chairman, ,T. B. Holmes and 
Albert Devreaux, supervisors; W. C. Cook, clerk; 
Archibald Stewart, treasurer; H. F. Jones and 
Lucius Thurston, justices; Ole C. Johnson and 
J. F. Jones, constables; and M. Keller, overseer of 
highways. 

Ole Johnson Bokle]), native of Norway, was born 
in IS-t.*). In 1871 he came to America, and for 
three years lived in Freeborn county, Minnesota, 
then came to Delhi, Redwood county; three 
years later he moved to Kintire, where he has 
a farm on section 3. His mother lives with him. 

Hans Jensen was bom in Denmark in 18-17 and 
came to this country in 1868. Lived in Racine, 
Wisconsin, one year, and in Beloit until the spring 
of 1879, when he came to this county and settled 
on section 2, Kintire township. Was elected jus- 
tice in the spring of 1881, and still holds that of- 
fice. Married in 1872. Miss Rena Peterson. Ju- 
lius and Mary are the childrjn. 

Ole C. Johnson, native of Norway, was born in 
1843. Until the age of fifteen he lived on a farm, 
then acted as clerk and book-keeper in a store. 
Came to America in 1866 and engaged in various 
lines of business ab(jut eight years, then settled ou 
section 2, Kintire, and owns 200 acres of land; has 
been justice, super\'i8or and school ofiicer. Mar- 
ried in 1877. Miss Sarali Peterson, who was born 
in Norway in 1846. Hilda C. and Josie B. are 
their children. 

MOKOAN. 

This town is situated in the eastern ji.irt of 



the county, and was set apart for organization 
May 11, 1880. Tlie first town meeting was or- 
dered to be held at the statiim house in the \il- 
lage May 26 following, but owing to insulKciency 
of notice, was not held. The county commission- 
ers being notified f)f the fact, appointed the follow- 
ing officers: Thomas Butcher, chairman, L. C. 
Ketcham and William Mc(iinnis, sujjervisors; 
James Butcher, clerk; C. Christianson, treasurer; 
Peter Madsen and Knud Peterson, constables. 

The first settlement was made by the tenants on 
the farms of the large land-owners, who own over 
two-thirds of the town. They began to open up 
these farms about eight years ago; and built a 
number of hoiLses for their tenants. Settlement by 
men on their own land began a couple of years later. 

The village of Morgan was laid out in August, 
1878, and contains one general store, one black- 
smith shop, one lumber-yard, one elevator and one 
hotel. The pjst-olfice was established the same 
year, and the present incumbent, George Knud- 
sen, appointed postmaster. 

S. F. Deming was born in Washington county, 
Wisconsin, in 1847. For thirteen years he taught 
school in that state. In 1867 he first came to 
Minnesota, to FiUmore county, where he lived a 
year. He has lived in Kansas and Nebraska 
and since 1877 has been a permanent resi- 
dent of Minnesota; he has taught school most of 
the time since coming here, in Redwood county, 
and is now the owner of the hotel at Morgan sta- 
tion and holds the office of town clerk of Morgan 
township. In 1879 he married Martha B. Hanson, 
daughter of John Hanson now living in Pope 
county, Minnesota. 

\'ESTA. 

Vesta is in the western part of the county and 
embraces township 112, range 38. The first 
claim was taken by William Smith in the fall of 
1868 on section 14. He was followed by Mathias 
and Hubbard Burgess, Hinim Eldredge. George 
and Albert Dunning, in May 1869. 

The town was set apart for organization May 11 
1880, and the first election was ordered held at the 
house of Sarah Mcintosh, May 29 following. The 
name was given by Oommissioner Hotchkiss after 
the goddess Vesta. The first school was taught 
by Mrs. Mary Reed in 1872, at the house of Hub- 
bard Burge-ss; schools are still conducted in pri- 
vate hou-ses. Religions serWces have been con- 
ducted by the Methodist society, for eeveriU years 
at private houses. The first marriage was that of 



REDWOOD couyry. 



797 



S. Holson and Eliza Burgess in the winter of 1873 
The first death was an infant daughter of William 
Smith, that died in November, 1870 and was buried 
on the farm. 

James Durtnal, native of England, was born in 
Kent county, in 1824, and there learned the mill- 
ers' trade which employment filled his time until 
he emigrated, in 1856. He went to Illinois and 
in 1857 came to this state; he lived in Goodhue 
and Waseca counties until 1871, then came to 
iledwood Falls. He kept a general store tor four 
years and in 1875 was elected sheriff of Redwood 
county, and two years later moved to his farm of 
320 acres on section 34, town of Vesta. He was 
town clerk and supervisor one year in Redwood 
Falls. Since coming to his farm he has given 
considerable attention to stock raising. His wife 
was Catharine Currie, whom he married in 1880. 

Sewell A. .Johnson was born October 22d, 1849, 
in Piscataquis county, Maine, and at the age of 
fifteen came to the town of Elgin, Wabasha county, 
Minnesota. In 1870 he came to Redwood county 
and located on section 26, Vesta township; he is a 
supervisor and director of school district; has also 
been constable. Married, March 24, 1869, Martha 
J. McCormick. Their children are Ida May, 
Charles W., Roy 8., James M., Katie M., Claude. 

Alfred Stevens, born June 9, 1849, is a native of 
St. Lawrence county. New York. At the age of 
sixteen he started out for himself and in 1866 
came to Minnesota. For ten years be lived in 
Faribault and Freeborn counties, then came to 
Vesta, Redwood county and has a farm of 160 
acres on section 28. Is treasurer of his school 
district and was for three years road overseer in 
the town of Seely, Faribault county. Married 
September 10, 1871, Nancy Marvin, who was bom 
in Wisconsin, in 1850. They have four children, 
Ralph H., Hulda A., George A., and Ruby V. 
TOWNSHIP 111-38. 

Although settlement began in 1872, this town- 
ship remains unorganized, being the only one in 
the county in that condition. The first settler was 
J. C. Vining, who came in the sjjring of 1871, and 
located in section 2, where he lived until 1876; 
W. W. Howe came the following fall, and took a 
claim also in section 2; his family came out in the 
spring of 1872, and is stiU living on his original 
claim. No other settlers came until 1874, when a 
few came in and took claims, but moved away 
nfter a short stay, on arcnunt of the grasshoppers. 
Settlers began to move in again in 1877. 



The first marriage in the town occurred in De- 
cember, 1881. The contracting parties were 
Charles Noah and Sarah Comstook. The first 
birth was that of Abbie F. Howe, a daughter of 
W. W. and Sarah Howe, born July 2, 1872. 

William Comstock was bom September 25, 
1827, in Cattaraugus county, New York. When 
he was a child the family moved to Ohio, thence 
in 1840 he went to Wisconsin, and in 1847 to 
Iowa, where he lived until coming in 1874 to 
Redwood county, Minnesota; he has 160 acres 
on section 22 of town 111. Mr. Comstock mar- 
ried Eliza A. Miller, who was born June 7, 1834, 
in Michigan, and while young accompanied her 
parents to Clinton county, Iowa, where she was 
married. She is the mother of thirteen children; 
only five are living: Nelson, Sarah A., David, 
Horace L. and Monroe. 

Henry Gohrman was born in 1848 in Hanover. 
Came with his parents to the United States; after 
living at Sauk City and Madison about four years 
he removed to San Francisco; was educated at St. 
Mary's College. After going to Maine, Massa- 
chusetts, Texas, Arkansas and Indian Territory, 
he came to Minnesota; has lived in Winona and 
Sibley counties, but is now located on his farm of 
300 acres in town 111, Redwood county. Al- 
though but sixteen years old at the time of the 
rebellion, he enlisted in Company A, Seventh Cal- 
ifornia infantry. In 1873 he married Martha F. 
Shields, a native of Wisconsin. They have six 
children: Catherine, Alice B., Henry, Anna A., 
Birdie E. and Mary A. 

W. W. Howe was born February 22, 1840, in 
Kalamazoo county, Michigan. Lived in that 
state and Wisconsin until 1869; after passing 
three years at Rochester, Minnesota, he located at 
his farm on section 2 of town 111. During the 
civil war he served one year in Company K, 12th 
Michigan infantry. The wife of Mr. Howe, Sarah 
E. Towle, was born in Maine; when thirteen years 
old she moved with her parents to Green Lake 
county, Wisconsin, where she was married July 3, 
1867. Their children are Archie E., Abby F., 
Mina B. and Elijah. J. 

Mathew Parsons was born in Canada, where he 
grew up and acquired his education. In 1875 he 
came to Minnesota; worked two years in a saw- 
mill in Redwood, and afterward did some farming; 
settled in town 111 in 1878, and now has a good 
farm of 160 acres on section 22. JSIr. Parsons' 



7S»8 



luaTour OF tub Minnesota valley. 



wiri> wiiB .lane Mi-l'liee, born Septi'inbor 17, 1851, 
ill C'liniula. She has borne him five ohihlren; 
The living are Elizabeth A., May J., John E. 
and Qeorgo A. 



RENVILLE COUNTY. 



CHAPTER LXXXIII. 

REXVn.IiE PorNTY BEAVER FALM BIRCH COOLEV 

FLORA — CAIttO- -OAMP HAWK CREEK SACRED 

HEART — PRESTON Ii\KE NORFOLK BOON LAKE. 

An act defining the boundaries for a new county 
called Renville passed the legislature at its ses- 
sion ill ISo.'). Tlie boundaries therein defined are 
very ditferent from the present boundaries of that 
county. Just before the Indian ma.ssacre an 
election was held by the citizens at Beaver Falls, 
which they chose for the county seat, and a full 
staff of officers was elected. No record of the 
proceedings of these oflicers exists and their names 
are taken from the recollection of jiresent citizens, 
and errors, if they occur, must be attributed to 
the unsettled state of affairs that soon took place, 
in which records, if they existed must have been 
lost as was all else in the general disaster. The 
county oflicers in this de f,ictf> government, for 
such we must regard what cannot l)e proved by 
records of state legislation or private documents, 
were Stephen R. Henderson, John Meyer and 
Clemens Cardenelle, commissioners; Stephen R. 
Henderson, register; Andrew Hunter, judge of 
probate; John Hose, clerk of the court; James 
Carrothers, auditor; David Carrothers, sheriff; 
George Gleason, county attorney. 

It appears that the judge of probate went so 
far as tt> aufliorize the sale of land by a guardian 
for his ward; it appears, too, that .lames Carro- 
thers was sent as delegate from this county to the 
stat^ convention at Owatonna. The citizens then 
li%nng in the county doubtless supposed the county 
legally organized, but lawyers and experts declared 
this opinion erroneous. The chaos that soon en- 
sued incident to the outbreak of tlie .Sioux, 
shrouded in doubt all preceding events. 

That portion of the county bordering on the 
Minnesota river belonged to the Indian reserva- 
tion set off in accordance with the treaty signed 
by the tribe in 1851, and confirmed by the gov- 



ernment ;it Washington in 18.53. The boundaries 
of this reservation may be briefly given as extend- 
ing from Little Rock river, on the north side of 
the Minnesota river, near Fort Ridgely, ten miles 
%vide each side of the river, to Big Stone lake. In 
1854 the government built Fort Ridgely in the 
south-east j)ortion of the reservation, in Nicf)llet 
county. So long, therefore as the reservation con- 
tinued with its original bounds no settlement 
proper could lie made. The presence of any white 
people Avithin the reserve was punishable unless 
under a direct license from government and with 
the consent of the Indians. 

A few lialf-breeds, Louis La Croix, Martel, and 
others were ft>und at an early day and have been 
recorded as settlers by some historians. It is said 
that La Croix built his house on Birch Cooley as 
early as 1845. We shall confine ourselves to such 
settlers as succeeded tlie reduction of the reserva- 
tion. We find the ubiquitous Major Joseph R. 
Brown in this region, too. Figuring for a foot- 
hold for himself, he secured, or was instrumental 
in securing the treaty of 1858. Soon after the re- 
duction of the reservation settlements began to be 
made all along the river. The inducements to set- 
tlers were various. To some the fertility of tlie 
soil was the attraction and they began to open 
farms; to others the neighborhood of the reserva- 
tion was a reason since it enabled them to obtain 
employment there at the same time that they se- 
cured a homestead on the open land. Many car- 
penters and builders who were employed by gov- 
ernment in the erection of buildings and improv- 
ments on the reserve took up land across the river. 

Settlements were made at Birch Cooley by many, 
among whom were txeorge Buerry and family, 
John Kumro. David McConnell, John and Albert 
Dagon, .John Vogtmun and wife, Louis La Croix 
with his sipiaw wife, D. D. Fnizier ami family, 
Jacob Jacobus and wife, Martel the ferryman and 
others, half breeds, whose names suggest trade or 
adventure. Quite a settlement existed at Beaver 
Falls, then called Beaver Creek, among whom 
were James and David Carrothers witli wives and 
families, S. R. Henderson wife and family, D. 
Wichmann with wife and large family, Frank 
Schmidt with wife and small family, Henry Ahreus 
with wife and small family: .\ndrcw Hunter had a 
claim but was frequently absent; on his land was 
located the site for county buildings of the de facto 
county organization. .Tames and David Carrothers 
had claims adjoining; David on the present town 



RENVILLE COUNTY. 



799 



site and James adjdining on the soutli; they were 
employed as carpenters by the government on the 
reserve. S. B. Henderson, joining David Oarrothers 
on the nortli, farmed his claim; Schmidt joined 
Henderson on the north-east; Wichmann joined 
Schmidt on the north-east; Ahreus was north of 
Schmidt. A few Germans, whose names are un- 
known to the writer located with their families on 
the Minnesota bottoms. Andrew Hunter's claim 
was south of and adjoining James Oarrothers. Mr. 
Hunter was a farmer but had been a teacher 
among the Indians; his wife was a daughter of 
Dr. T. S. Williamson, the famous missionary. 

A settlement was also made in what is now the 
town of Sacred Heart. Here Major Joseph R. 
Brown settled and in 1861 he had a fine stone 
mansion, which he occupied with his wife and fam- 
ily until the outbreak of the following year com- 
pelled him, although he had a Sioux for a wife, to 
flee the country and abandon his premises. Iso- 
lated settlers were found all along the river 
throughout the pre.sent limits of Renville county. 
Just across the riVer were the Indian villlages on 
the reservation and the settlers few in number 
compared with the savages fell an easy prey 
to them when the terrible massacre occurred. The 
Germans seemed especially rejjulsive to the Indi- 
ans; they called them the "Bad Talkers." As an 
evidence of their aversion to them it may be stated 
that the blanket Indians called the farmer Indians 
"Dutchmen," in derision of their employment. 

Several German settlements existed, one near 
Beaver Creek or in the eastern part of Flora on 
the Minnesota bottoms, embracing many families. 

The settlers of Renville county had no intima- 
tion of hostility or even discontent on the part of 
their savage neighbors, until the morning of the 
fatal day that separated them from each other and 
their homes; when wives were torn away from 
their husbands; brothers and sisters were carried 
into separate captivity or fell victims to the bul- 
lets, tomahawks or scalping knives of their inhu- 
man enemies. Some of these families never were 
reunited, and almost none, even if united, but 
mourned the loss of some loved member. This 
county was thus swept of white settlers in one day 
and the settlement received a damper from which 
it did not soon recover. Some of those thus sum- 
marily ejected from their homes returned two or 
three years after which the county once more had 
peace, and received from the government some 
slight equivalent for their property destroyed. It 



is re]iorted that some received more than an equi- 
valent in dollars and cents for their losses. This 
was, however, quite unusual. It is, however, re- 
ported that Joseph R. Brown, v/hose family es- 
caped with no personal damage other than the in- 
convenience of a hasty exit, recovered from the 
government damages largely in excess of the loss 
probably sustained. It is true, nevertheless, that 
the blackened walls of his large stone house still 
exist on the farm taken as a claim in 1866 by G. 
P. Greene. 

From those who returned, heartrending stories 
are told with tearful eyes, wherein are recounted 
the terrible things they saw, heard or experienced. 
Mothers tell of noble and beautiful sons and 
daughters, as well as stalwart husbands sacrificed 
by the bloodthirsty villains who had been the 
constant recipients of kindness and charity up to 
the very day of their outrages. Taking advan- 
tage of their fonner friendship the deceitful savages 
found it easy by professions of good intentions to 
deceive their victims until they were wholly un- 
guarded when the cowardly wTetches, casting off 
their disguise, exhibited their brutal natures. On 
the morning of August 18, 1862, D. Wichmann 
came from down the river, hurrying along and 
calling out to the settlers at Beaver creek that the 
Indians had risen over on the reservation and were 
killing the whites and burning houses. 

In the confusion it is difficult to learn exactly 
how Wichmann came by his information, whether 
from seeing the fires at the agency or from meet- 
ing some refugee. It is probable that he both 
heard from refugees and saw the fires to comfirm 
the report, because he was on his way to the 
agency, and turned back so hastily and excitedly, 
that we can not doubt that he had strong proof of 
the authenticity of the report. It is certain that 
the settlers were living in entire unconcern. In 
view of the facts, the indifference of the settlers to 
their own safety when in the midst of a savage peo- 
ple who outnumbered them oue hundred to one, 
is a matter of wonder to us, but it is true that it 
was difficult to make some believe in the reality of 
the disturbance until their own scalps were about 
to be taken. 

It is not the purpose of this county history to 
attempt an account of the massacre, reference for 
which is made to other parts of the work. Soon 
after Wichmann's alarm had been given the In- 
dians who had completed their work of destruction 
at the agency came across the river in considera- 



«00 



UJHTOUr OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLHY. 



ble numlxTK, tliouf;b iu straggling piirties, and lie- 
gan a raid on tlie Imrses l)elonging to the settlers. 
They alleged, in exeuse for their lawleHsness, that 
the CliipjKJWas were come and they must have all 
the horses to repel their attack, whether the settlers 
were willing or not. In the meantime those who 
had got the news were making all haste to get 
nway. Mr. Wiohmann, by losing no time, got off 
with an ox team, accompanied by Henry Alirens. 
The former had a large family and the latter a 
small one. 

While the Indians were looking for horses, it 
was easy for this party with teams of oxen to es- 
cape witli their families and such things as could 
be hastily gathered. The distance to Headersim, 
the point determined on as a place of safety, was 
abont sixty miles, and thither they fled, reaching 
it in safety. Others Hed to Fort Ridgely. The 
trials of those who reached the tort were not over, 
however, since there they suifered the 
terrors of a siege with famine and death star- 
ing them in the face; for the particulars of this 
siege we refer to other chapters. 

Another large party, consisting of twenty, men, 
women and children, who started an hour or two 
later, presents more sad incidents than any other, 
an account of which is given on page "200. 

The German settlement mentioned suffered ter- 
ribly, as may be seen by reference to page 201. 
Stories of barbarities inflicted might be multiplied 
but as the history of tlic Sioux massacre is fully 
treated in chapters tliirty to forty-four, of this vol- 
ume, we refer the reader to those chapters. 

The massacre over, a few of the miscreants hung 
and the authority of the government re-instated, 
quiet once more prevailed, and a deathly quiet it 
was for the county. White men and their im- 
provements had gone in the general destruction; 
the bullet and torch had done their work. This 
deathly quiet prevailed for a few years and the 
fertile soil, roaring water-faO and other sources of 
wealth, all remained undeveloped. 

The blighting influence of Indian barharity at 
last began to be forgotten or at least tempered by 
the softening hand of time. Efficient measures 
of protection were established by the military de- 
partment and soon the old settlers began to ven- 
ture back, though well armed and prepared for 
emergencies, and new comers soon followed. Mr. 
Wiohmann and Mr. Ahrens returned to Beaver 
Creek in the spring of 1H6.'>; James aud David 
Citrrothers came in 1865 uud '66. N. D. White 



and family returned in October, 1865. Those 
here before the outlireak for the most part took 
up their old claims. The new comers in 1865 
were: Henry and Judson Seeley, who settled two 
miles north of Beaver Falls; M. S. Spicer one and 
a half miles uoitheast; Carl Holtz, three miles 
northwest; Francis Sho .'maker, who settled at 
Vicksburg; R R. Corey, with a large family of 
boys, two and a half miles northwest of Beaver; 
Mr. Churchill, wife and daughters, two and a half 
miles west. 

A detachment of soldiers wa.s located at Camp 
Po])e iu Redwood county, under Colonel Pfaender, 
and a patrol was extended from beyond Bird Is- 
land, in this cimnty, to Fort Dodge. This camp 
was soon broken up as confidence was restored. 
Besides, camps of government scouts were estab- 
lished and various measures taken to give confi- 
dence to the settlers and encourage the develop- 
ment of this and adjoining counties. 

Many came back to Birch Cooley who were there 
before the outbreak, the Buerrys. Dagons, Vogt- ■ 
manns, etc., etc. The Kiekes came back to the 
neighborhood of Mud lake. Without attempting 
to give other names of those who returned of the 
original settlers in the different parts of the coun- 
ty, it will suffice to say that they came back iu 
considerable numbers and received such additions 
to their ranks by the arrival of new famihes that 
in the fall of 1866, an election was held to prepare 
for organization. The settlement at Birch Cooley 
was so important at this time as to compete 
with Beaver Creek settlement for the county seat. 
The election held at Beaver was, however, confirm- 
ed by the legislature, and Beaver Falls became 
the county seat. 

First officers: N. D. White, chairman, George 
McCullooh and Francis Shoemaker, county 
commissioners: C. R. Eldriilge, auditor; Robert 
W. DavLs, register of deeds; Henry Ahrens, treas- 
urer; E. J. Tillotson, clerk of the court; George 
Bowers, judge of probate; James Carrothers, sher- 
iff, appointed by the board in place of James W. 
Graves, who did not quaUfy; (the appoint- 
ment of Carrothers was revoked, and Graves quali- 
fied;) December 30, 1867, Henry J. Witcher ap- 
pointed sheriff, tire Graves, resigned; Marlow S. 
Spicer, superintendent of selHn)ls; ,Tames Butler, 
coroner r(V< elected officer not qualifying. 

The first meeting of the commissioners was 
held April 2, 1867, and the county wjis organized 
and the following towns set oil: Mud Lake, iu- 



1 



HEN VILLE OOUI/TY. 



801 



eluding what is now Cairo, and all the towns in 
range 32 witjiin the county; Camp, including the 
towns now directly north; Birch Cooley, including 
the Tour towns now in range 34; Beaver, includ- 
ing what is now Beaver Falls and all towns now 
in range 35; Flora, including what is now Flora 
and Enimett ; Hawk Creek, including what is Sa- 
cred Heart, Erickson, Hawk Creek and Wang. 

Various changes have taken place in the boim- 
daries of the county ot Renville, since they 
were first defined by act of legislature. At the 
date ot organization the four townships in the 
north-eastern part ot the county were not in- 
cluded. At the time of the de facto organization 
previously referred to the boundaries were very 
different both from the present boundaries and 
from those existing at the date ot organization. 

Another act at the first meeting of the commis- 
sioners, was to provide for the lack of necessities 
among the settlers. Want amounting in some lo- 
calities to destitution prevailed throughout the 
belt of country devastated by grasshoppers. Eed- 
wood and Renville being frontier counties, felt 
the scarcity and consequent high prices more 
than the older counties. Successive failures had, 
moreover, nearly discouraged the farmers. In 
the emergency the aid of the state was offered to 
the sufferers through Governor Marshall. Red- 
wood and Renville counties took advantage of the 
proffered aid and received from Fort Ridgely, in 
the form of provisions, hard tack, beans, hominy 
and pork, besides seed grain with which to take a 
new start. On motion of N. D. White the county 
board passed the following resolution: "Resolved, 
that the destitution among our settlers is such 
that in order to remain upon their homesteads and 
procure seed they need prompt and official aid, 
and it is hereby ordered that the county acce|>t the 
prt)ffered aid of his excellency, Wm. R. Marshall, 
governor of the State of Minnesota, and the credit 
and good faith of the county is hereby pledged 
for the payment of any debt that shall be thereby 
incurred, and the authorities of the several towns 
in the county are hereby directed to apply to 
Samuel McPhaill, the agent for the district, for 
supplies of seed and ration.^, and to make return 
to the county commissioners, accounting for the 
amounts received, and the distribution thereof in 
each town, and it is further directed that each 
town shall be responsible for the transportation ot 
its own share ot such supplies from Fort Ridgely 
to.the place of distribution." A similar resolution 

51 



was adopted by the board of Redwood county. 

The court house and jail are in one small stone 
building erected in 1872 at a cost of $2,000, and 
in accordance with an act of legislature the bonds 
of the county were issued; they were of four 
classes, first class, payable in four years ; second 
in five, third in six years. 

The financial condition ot the county became so 
embarrassed that according to a vote of the peo- 
ple and an act of legislature approved February 
28, 1879 bonds of the county to the amount of 
$15,000 were issued to run ten years at seven per 
cent, to take up the floating debt of the county. 
This debt alone is outstanding against the wealthy 
county. The bonds sold at a premium of $135. 
The offices of the county were kept at private 
houses previous to 1871, when a building on lot 5, 
block 15 was leased for the purpose. 

BEAVER FALLS. 

Before the organization of Renville county, the 
name Beaver Creek, belonging to the dashing lit- 
tle stream that now runs a few miles, was applied 
to this locality. Before the outbreak an attempt 
was made to establish the name Upson but at the 
organization the name Beaver was adopted which 
subsequently became Beaver Falls. When first 
organized it included the whole tier of townships, 
Beaver Falls, HenryvDle, Troy and Winfield. The 
early settlers of the town, both before and since 
the outbreak will be found on a previous page. 
They began to come in 1865, and for some time 
the town showed a vigorous growth. The village 
of Beaver Falls was surveyed by T. W. Caster, 
July 25, 186(5 on land then owned by Samuel Mc- 
Phaill and David Carrothers, embracing the north- 
west quarter of section 22, township 113, range 
35. This land was the claim of David Carrothers. 

Other villages in the county are Hector, Bufralo 
Lake,OIivia, Renvillfe Station, Sacred Heart. These 
were all surveyed by D. N. Cowell on land owned 
by the Hastings and Dakota railway company, 
James M. McKinlay, trustee. 

THE VILLAGE OP BEAVER FALLS 

is situated in a hollow surrounded on all sides by 
hills and is the county seat of BenviUe county. 
Situated as it is a mile and a half from the river 
and having no railway outlet it is not wonderful 
that its early prosjjerity has come to grief in an 
almost utter stagnation. The trade of the rich 
county which should center at its county seat was 
almost wholly absorbed by Redwood Fallb until 



802 



UlSTOHY Of TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



till' growth of new towns along the line of tbe 
railway iliverted u portion. 

The first house in Beaver Falls was built by 
]>iiviil Ciirrothers. The first store by Christian 
rn'([uitz in 1808; the first hotel was erected by 
Louis Thile. The first ferry license was granted 
July 20. 18G9 to P. H. Swift. This still affords 
the only communication with Reilwood county, 
and is operated by Mr. Wilcox. Tlie first birth 
in the town after the outbreak was that of 
Eddie Butler, eon of James and Jane Butler, bom 
February 4, 186G. The first death after the settle- 
ment of the county, wjis that of Mrs. White, 
mother of N. D. White. Before tbe outbreak Rev. 
John Williamson, son of the missionary, Y>r. T. S. 
Williamson, preached at Beaver, but Elder Hall, a 
PresViyterian clergyman from Kedwood Falls was 
the firs.t to locate. He preached regularly every 
two weeks in 1866 at Beaver. The firet newspaper 
was the Renville Times, establi.shed in 1872 by D. 
S. Hall. It was sold in 1874 to Henry Kelsey, the 
present proprietor, and has a circulation of about 
300. The first justice was N. D.White. Tbe first 
school was taught by Jlrs. J. S. Greely in the fall 
of 1868. 

The present sohool building was erected in 1871, 
at a cost of S2,000. The first court in the county 
was held in 1868, by Judge Horace Austin. Earle 
& Comstock built the first mill iu the county; this 
was a saw-mill costing $3,000, just below Beaver 
Falls village, built in 1867. The dam was car- 
ried oB'by high water after two years, and owing 
to the scarcity of suitable timber it was never ope- 
rated again. The large mill of Essler, Ahrens & 
Berndgen began in a saw-mill built in 1868 by 
Reed & Essler. After changing it to a grist-mill, 
steam was added to prfivide for the emergency of 
low water. N. D. White it Stm's mill was built in 
1873-4, at a cost of $6,000, by White & Eldredge. 
This mill is located a short distance up Beaver 
creek above Beaver Falls village. 

The business of Beaver Falls is as follows: One 
newspaper, the Renville Times, H. Kelsey, editor; 
one clergyman, Eov. John Samberson, M. E.; one 
attorney, S. E. Miller; one store with general mer- 
chandise, by Peter Berndgen; one drug store, by 
J. S. Gerald; one brewery, by A. Betz; one black- 
smith, O. Strenzel; one harness- maker, H. Zura- 
wenkil; one shoemaker, Michael Keifer; one 
wagon-maker, R. Hummel; one hardware and ag- 
ricultural store, by "Heius & McClure; one hot«l, 
the Dakota House, by Carl Holtz; two grist-mills. 



Hon. Henry Ahrens was bom in Germany, 
August 2, 183o; landed in New York in Novem- 
ber, 1853, and worked at his trade, locksmith, 
there one year; farmed in Illinois until 1861, then 
soM out and settled in Renville county, Minne- 
sota, in the s])ring of 1862 : lost most of bis prop- 
erty that year by Indians, and barely escaped with 
life; returned til Illinois; in 1864 came back to this 
county and was elected its first treasurer, and held 
the office six years, besides farming extensively. 
In 1873 he bought an interest in a saw and tlour- 
ing-mill, which he has since retained. Mr. Ah- 
rens has been in the state legislature from this 
district. He was married in Illinois in 1860. 

Peter Berndgen was bom in 1840 in Prussia, 
and came to America in 1853. He lived near Mad- 
ison, Wisconsin, until 1857, then came to Minne- 
j sota, and imtil 1871 lived in Scott county; he then 
came to Beaver Falls, and has since been in the . 
mercantile trade. Married in Scott county in 
1864, Mary Siegfriedt; they have had eight chil- 
dren; six are living. 

R. G. Bestor was born at Utica, New York in 
1852, and when four years old moved to Wiscon- 
sin. Attended the common schools of New Castle 
and Huntington's Academy, at Madison; also the 
State Normal school at Whitewater, .\fter finish- 
ing his studies he taught in Minnesota and Iowa, 
until the fall of 1880, since which time he has been 
in charge of the school at Beaver Falls. Married 
iu Springfield, Brown county, Carrie Hubbard, in 
1877. Vernon E. and Burton E. are the children. 

J. B. Blume was bom in Illinois in 1860 and 
moved to Minnesota in 1867 with his parents. 
They located on section 24, Beaver Falls town- 
ship, where he now resides and owns eighty acres 
of land. 

Rusell Butler, native of New York, was bom in 
Clinton county, in 1816, and when nineteen years 
old went to Indiana. In 1838 removed to Green 
Lake county, Wisconsin, and farmed until 1864, 
then moved to INIinnesota; came from Wabasha 
county to Beaver Falls, and lives on section 12. 
His marriage with Zilpha Bush took place in Wis- 
consin in 1850; Emily, Stephen, Charles and Clay- 
ton are their children. 

John Buxton was bom in 1850 in Wisconsin. 
In 1871 located in Steele county, Minnesota, and 
three years later moved to l^dwood Falls; liveil 
there one year, then came to his farm on section 10 
of Beaver Falls. Married in this county in 1876, 



RENVILLE COUNTY. 



803 



Mary Flanigan; two children: Delia E. and Han- 
nah T. 

James Carriith was horn in Ireland in 1832, and 
at the age of fourteen emigrated to Canada; in 
the county of Perth he remained until 1871, then 
came to Renville county and has since resided on 
section 2 of Beaver Falls. Married in Canada, 
January 5, 1859, Mary Oosnes, who has borne him 
fourteen children; ten are living. 

Robert W. Coleman was bom in New York city 
May 24, 18.51. In 1862 he went to Wisconsin; 
read law with J. M.Bingham, and was admitted 
to the bar May 12, 1876. In 1879 he came to 
Minnesota and has since practiced law at Beavei; 
Falls. Married at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Novem- 
ber 14, 1876, Miss Azalea, daughter of Joseph 
Eau Claire, for whom the town and river were 
named. 

A. D. Corey was born in New York in 1845 and 
removed IS ith parents to Wisconsin in 1857. In 
August, 1865, he came to Beaver Falls, and has 
since lived on his farm on section 8. Married in 
1867,Martha Barkey.born in Canada in 1845. Mary 
E., George D. and Annie M. are tbeir children. 
Mr. Corey enlisted in the Fifth Wisconsin infantry 
in September, 1864, and was honorably dis- 
charged in July, 1865, at Washington. 

John Dagen was born in Germany in 1835 and 
came to this country in 1847; lived in Dodge 
county, Wisconsin, until 1864, then came to Bea- 
ver and located on section 24. He married in 
1861, Magdaline Hardinger, who was born in 
Germany in 1839. Henry, Annie, Joseph, Jolm, 
Peter, Bernard, Mary and Bertha arc their chil- 
dren. He has been supervisor and is now clerk of 
his school district. 

William Davis, native of Illinois, was born in 
1843, and at six years of age was taken to Iowa, 
and in 1859 came to Minnesota. He lived in Rice 
county on a farm and moved from there to his 
present home on section 18. In 1866 Mahala 
Johnson became his wife; she was born in 1848. 
They have four children : George S., Horace E., 
Arthur M. and Ernest W. 

John Garretty, native of Canada, was bom in 
1840. At fifteen years of age he moved with par- 
ents to Wisconsin and lived in that state until the 
fall of 1869, then came to Renville county, Minne- 
sota, and settled on section 22, HenryviUe town- 
ship. In the fall of 1881 he was elected judge of 
probate for Renville coimty. 

Iver S. Gerald, native of Norway, was born Oc- 



tober 1, 1851. He received an academic and 
collegiate education, and following teaching and 
farming from 1872 tiU 1875, then came to Beaver 
Falls and engaged in mercantile business; was ap- 
pointed postmaster in 1876. In 1877 lie was 
elected county superintendent of schools. Mar- 
ried in Blue Earth county April 21, 1878, Thora 
M. Strom; they have one son, Guy Howard. 

James Greeley was born in Ireland in 1846. In 
1859 he went to England and was employed by 
the London Northwestern railroad. In 1868, came 
to Belle Plaine, Minnesota, and while there was 
occupied as clerk. Came to Beaver Falls with his 
brother and engaged in business until 1874, then 
farmed in HenryviUe where he still owns a firie 
farm; since 1879 he has resided in Beaver Falls. 
Married in 1873 Bridget Holden. 

Hans Gronnerud was bom in Norway May 23, 
1840 and received there, a college and military 
education. Came to Renville county in 1871 and 
engaged in business in Beaver Falls; was elected 
county treasurer in 1872 and is now serving his 
fifth term. Married in 1864, Miss R. Eiseth, who 
has borne him six children; three are living. 

Andrew Hunter was bom in New York in 1830, 
and in 1839 moved with his parents to Illinois. In 
June, 1852, came to Minnesota, and was with Dr. 
Williamson, the missionary, on the Yellow Medi- 
cine; after five years with him, he lived near St. 
Peter; in 1862 moved into that city and continued 
farming and wool growing near there, until 1866, 
then came to Beaver Falls. Married in 1858, 
Elizabeth Williamson who died at St. Peter in 
1863; his second wife was Anna Eliza Poage; 
seven children are living. He was probate judge 
of Renville county and also treasurer, before the 
organization. 

J. C. Jackson was bom near St. Albans, Ver- 
mont, March 2, 1839. He learned the trade of 
wheel wright and moved to Wisconsin in 1862; 
worked at his trade until 1861, then located on 
section 26, of Beaver Falls, where he owns 200 
acres. 

Martin Jensen, native of Norway, was bom in 
1844. Learned the trade of harness maker, and 
in 1860 immigrated to Chicago; in 1862 he came 
to Minnesota, and one year later went back to 
Norway, where he married, in 1864, Iige Kors- 
more. He located at Red Wing, Minnesota, then 
went to St. Peter, where he worked at his trade 
until 1868; removed to Beaver Falls and opened a 
harness shop and remained in that business until 



804 



UISrORT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



July 1874, wheu he was appointed sheriff and has 
since hold the olliee. He has live children, Mary, 
Matilda, Josephine, Albert aud Ida. 

Andrew Johnson was Ijom in Sweden, in 1821, 
and came to America in 1853. He lived in Illinois 
until 18(!4, then moved to Winona county, Min- 
nesota, and three years after to St. Peter. In the 
spring of 1868 he located on section 4, Beaver 
Falls, where he now lives. Married Caroline An- 
derson in 18.54, and has four living childrer. : Levin, 
Charles, Lottie, deceased, Enieline and .\lbert. 

Henry Kelsey was born in Danville, New York, 
in 1838, and in 1842 was taken to Ohio by parents, 
and in the next year to Wisconsin. In 1857 he 
went to Read's Landing, Minnesota, and in 1801, 
enlisted and served until June, 18(54. He worked 
at printing in Wisconsin one year, then had charge 
of a daily paper at Fond du Lac one year; removed 
to Paxtou, Illinois, in 1867, and two years after 
located at Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin; was there 
engaged as printer and editor. In 1871 was editor 
of a pajjer at Paxton, Illinois, then at Lone Tree, 
Nebraska, two years, aud in 1874 bought the 
"Renville Times," at Beaver Falls, which he has 
since edited. In 1865 he married Leonore McMil- 
len; five children; Mary L., Jennie B., Milo, Jesse 
and Roy. 

Patrick H. Kirwau was born in Pennsylvania, 
in 1851, and when seven years of age his parents 
moved to Wisconsin. He was raised on a farm, 
and received his education at Wayland Univereity, 
at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. In 1875 he came to 
Beaver Falls, Minnesota, and taught school until 
his election to the olHce of county auditor, in 1878; 
he still holds that position. Married in 1875 Mary 
E. Bridges; children, James Franklin, aud John 
Henry. 

Thomas F. Marsh was bom in Massachusetts, in 
1831. Learned the trade of shoemaker and fol- 
lowed it in his native state until he came west; 
stayed five months in Rock Island, Illinois, and in 
the fall of 1852 located in Houston county, Min- 
nesota; moved to Faribault, and in the spring of 
1859 went to California; remained luatil 1868 then 
returned to Massachusetts. Came to Beaver Falls 
township in 1869. He married Irene Swift in 
1869. Waldo E. and Florence May are the children. 

G. McClure,- native of Maine, was born Novem- 
ber 3d, 1840. He followed lumbering until he en- 
listed in 1861 in the First Maine cavalry; served 
three years. Came to Minnesota in 1866, and af- 
ter hviiig in Minneapolis two years, came to 



Beaver Falls and engaged in mercantile trade; 
sold after two years, and farmed four years, then 
returned to Beaver Falls, and after clerking four 
years in a hardware store, purchased an interest. 
In 1870, he married Mary J. Burch; she died in 
1875. In 1880 he married Julia A. Patterson. 

William W. McGowan was liorn in New York 
city, in 1841. Enlisted in 1861 in the Fifth New 
York and was shortly after discharged for dis- 
ability; came west in 1862 and enlisted in the Sib- 
ley expedition against the Indians; enlisted in the 
First mounted rangers; was also with the Second 
Minnesota cavalry on Sully's expedition to the 
Yellowstone, and was discharged in 1866. He went 
to the Vermillion lakes during the gold excite- 
ment, and in 1868 went to Redwood Falls; was 
olerk in the ofiSce of register two years. Came to 
this place in 1872; served as register two years, 
judge of probate four years, and in 1878 was 
elected to the office of clerk of court. Married 
in 1870, Sarah Brown; two chddren: Alexander M. 
and Louisa Myrtle. 

John Mcintosh was born in New York In 1844. 
In 1865 he moved to Springfield, Illinois, and 
learned the trade of machinist; ran an engine in 
the new state house for a time and in 1871 lo- 
cated in Flora township, Renville county, and 
farmed five years. He then went to Texas over- 
land, and in 1879 returned to Flora. In October, 
1880, he moved to Beaver Falls; has been deputy 
sheriff two years. In October, 1871, he married 
Caroline Falkel. 

S. R. Miller was born at Mansfield, Ohio, Janu- 
ary 17, 1842. He enlisted in the 15th Ohio in- 
fantry for three months, and after expirittion of 
term, enlisted in the 100th Indiana volunteers; was 
promoted to first lieutenant and discharged in June, 
1865. At Lafayette, Indiana, he read law, aud 
finished his course at the Michigan University, 
graduating with the class of 1871. Came to Lake 
City. Minnesota, the same year, and was admitted 
to the bar of this state. In 1874 moved to Beaver 
Falls, and in 1876 was elected county attorney and 
is now sersing his third term. In July, 1873, he 
married Jennie M. Frazer. They have one child 
living: R*iek P. 

Carl A. Mork, native of Norway, was bom 
September 27, 1840. He served seven" years in 
the army and came to America in 1808; lived four 
years in Iowa, then came to Renville county, Min- 
nesota, and settled on section 10, town of Palmyra, 
where liis familv ui>w resides. Since 187(i he has 



RENVILLE COUNTY. 



805 



been register of deeds. His wife was Mary Chris- 
tiunson, married in 1864; four children. 

Lewis E. Morse, Native of Massachusetts, was 
born in 1835. In 1855 he came to Minnesota and 
farmed in Houston county three years; then was 
employed by the government in Yellow Medicine 
county, and finally settled on section 27, Beaver 
Falls; in 1860 he returned to Massachusetts and 
worked at the carpenter's trade five years, then 
came back, and now lives on section 2, Beaver 
Falls. He married in Massachusetts, in 1863, 
Elizabeth Adams; they have two children. 

H. Neuenburg was bom in Germany in 1826. 
He learned the trade of shoemaker, and in 1854 
came to the United States and went to California; 
after mining there two years, he went to Buffalo, 
New York, and the same year, 1856, settled in Le 
Sueur cotinty, Minnesota; from there moved to 
Beaver Falls township, Renville county. In 1851 
he married Celia Shoemaker. Their living chil- 
dren are Anne, .John, Celia, Frank, Jacob, Henry 
and William. 

W. A. Eoberts was born in Maine in 1843, and 
at the age of twelve years came with his parents to 
■ Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 1869 he removed to 
Mower county, and two years later returned to 
Minneapolis; in 1875 he came to Renville county 
and to his present farm on section 1, Beaver Falls. 
In 1877 he went to Fargo, but returned in 1881. 
He married, January 3, 1876, Josephine Bumham. 

Heiu"y Scheer, native of Germany, was bom in 
1846, and came with his parents to America in 
1853. Lived on a farm in Illinois until 1867, then 
moved to Birch Cooley, Minnesota, and two years 
later removed to Nebraska; lived there four years, 
then returned to this county, where he lives on 
section 27, Beaver Falls. Married in 1867 Dora 
Blume; Lizzie, Louisa and Phoebe are their 
children. 

Joseph Schweinfurter was born in Germany in 
1833, and learned the trade of tailor; worked in 
his native country until 1873, then immigrated to 
Minnesota and settled on section 16, Beaver Falls. 
Margaret Hatget became his wife in 1863 in Ger- 
many. Of their ten children, eight are living. 

Gustav Strenzel was born in Prussia in 1835, 
and there learned the blacksmith's trade. In 
1867 came to America, and to Beaver Falls in 
1870, where he began business for himself at 
once. He was married at New Ulm in 1870 to 
Miss Louise Oldenburg, who has borne him five 
children ; four are living. 



H. C. Weatherston was born in New York in 
1839, and was raised on a farm. Came to Minne- 
sota, and after living in Rice county, came to Ren- 
ville county and settled on section 23, Beaver 
Falls, where he has a farm of 160 acres. In 1870, 
in Rice county, he married Mary Sophia Robert- 
son, and has four children : Minnie, Ralph, Wil- 
liam and Jessie J. 

James Whitaker was born in Franklin county. 
New York, in 1842, and at five years of age went 
to Ohio, and from there to Brown county, Wiscon- 
sin. In Feliruary, 1863, he enlisted at Appleton, 
in the Third Wisconsin cavalry and was discharg- 
ed for disability in July, 1864. He learned the 
trade of engineer, which he followed in Wisconsin 
until 1877, then came to Renville county, Minne- 
sota. In 1867 he married Treselia Calkins; she 
died and in 1873 he married Josephine Smith. 
Four children are living. 

N. D. White was born in 1822, in Oneida coun-. 
ty. New York. His parents moved to Madison 
county and from there to Erie county, where, at 
at the age of 23, he married Miss Urain Eraser. 
In the spring of 1848 in company with his parents 
he moved to Wisconsin, and was engaged in farm- 
ing and teaching. June 28th, 1862, he, with his 
wife and family arrived at Beaver Creek, Renville 
county, and in August were forced to leave their 
homes, by the Indians, an account of which will 
be found in the "History of the Sioux Massacre," 
in this volume. He returned in 1865 and engag- 
ed in farming until 1873, and the following year, 
in company with his son Millard, built a flouring- 
millon Beaver creek, three-fourths of a mile above 
Beaver Falls, where they are now doing a success- 
ful business. 

D. Wichmann, native of Germany, was born in 
1822. Was raised on a farm and in 1853, immi- 
grated to Cook county, Illinois; farmed there vax- 
til 1858, then came to Brown county, Minnesota, 
and from there to Beaver Falls, section 14. Mar- 
ried in 1845 in Gei'many, Margai-et Borman'; they 
have seven children: Frederick was bom in 1849 
and married Annie Woohnan; he is farming in 
Beaver. The other children are, D. H., Henry, 
Dora, Ericka, William and John; the latter was 
born in 1861 and claims the distinction of be- 
ing the first child born in Beaver. 

Philip Williams was born in Bradford county, 
Pennsylvania, in 1845. At the age of nine years 
he moved with parents to Minnesota and lived in 
Nicollet countv until 1868, then located in the 



806 



IIISTOHY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



town of Flora, Kenville coiintv ; in the spring of 
1880 he engaged in buteber l)U8ineK8 iit Renville 
villngp iiiid tho next year located on bis prewont 
farm in Beaver Falls. Tn 1H71 he married Sarah 
H. Brown; she died at the age of thirty years; in 
1878 be married Lorettn Bntler. There are two 
children: Samuel D. and Jonkins T. 

H. Ziimwenkil was born in Germany in 1839. 
He learned the harness maker's trade and in 1852 
came to America; lived in Ohio, Missouri and 
Iowa, working at liis trade, and in 18.59 ciime to 
Minnesota and opened a harness sliop at LeSneur; 
moved to Shakopeeand in 18G4 went to theR<Jcky 
mountains; returned and lived in Shakopee and 
St. Peter, iu harness business until 18li9, then 
moved to Beaver Falls: engaged iu business with 
Mr. Jensen; sold out after a few years and is now 
engaged in farming; also carries on a harness shop. 
Married Elizabeth Oleson; five children are living. 
utrch t:oor,EV. 

This town was organized iu tbofall of 186G and 
an election held at J. L. Preston's, but as the 
early records are missing, the first officers can not 
be given accurately. The first settler was Louis 
La Croix; Uavid Faribault, Sr., was also located 
near the river at an early date. In 1859 John 
Kumro and David McConnell settled along the 
creek; a few more came iu tho ne.xttwo years, but 
all were forced to leave in 18C2, by the Indians. 
The re-settlement began in 18G5, by Holder Jaco- 
bus and George Buery; the latter returning to 
his claim made before the outbreak. The settlers 
of 18GC were William and John Tracy, Patrick 
Kyan, D. D. Frazier, WilUam Post, Joseph Deane, 
P. Reynolds and George Bowers. 

'She German Mothodist.s held religious services 
in the summer of 18G0, conducted by Rev. Henry 
Singenstrue; a society was sustained till 18G2 and 
is now connected with the church at Beaver Falls. 

The Catholics held services under Father Somer- 
eisen in 1868 and in 1878 erected a frame chnrch 
on section 27. Father Andre is now in charge. 

The first marriage was in 18G9, William Tracy 
and Mary Kilmer. Magdaline, daughter of Geo. 
Buery, born November 16, 1861, was tlie first 
birth. 

Franklin post-office was established in 1868, and 
located at the house of H. Jacobus, postmaster; 
he died in 1878 and the office has since been 
changed several times. Birch Cooley was estab- 
lished about 1870 and George McCulloch appoint- 
ed postmaster ; the office was at his house on sec- 



tion 20. W. G. Bartley is now postmaster and 
the office is kept at the mill, on section 28. 

About 18(i9 a water-power saw-mill w^w built on 
Birch Cooley creek, wliicli hiis changed handa 
several times and is now owned and operated by 
W. (5. Bartley & Co., as a carding and grist-mill. 
They also keep a small stock of goods. 

Tho village of Birch Cooley was surveyed in 
June 186G. by David Watson, on land owned by 
the La Croix heirs; a store, blacksmith sliop, ware- 
house and a few dwellings were erected. The 
warehouse was burned iu 1871. The plat of the 
village was never recorded and w;is vacated a few 
years since. 

Halleek Anderson was born in February, 1825. 
He emigrated in 1852 from Norway, the land of 
his birth, and became a resident of America. In 
1857 he located on a farm in Goodhue county, 
Minnesota, but in 1869 removed to his present 
home. Mr. Anderson was married iu 1848; his 
wife Miss Ellen Anderson is also a native of Nor- 
way. Of their ton children nine are living. 

W. G. Bartley, born in New York city, Novem- 
ber 21, 1838, went to Bradford county, Pennsyl- 
vania, while young, and worked in a woolen mill 
there imtil 1869. He removed to Rochester Min- 
nesota, at that date; engaged in the business of 
manufacturing j'arn and operated a carding mill; 
firm name W. (r. Bartley & Co. Since coming to 
Birch Cooley in 1880, he. has built a sraidl flour- 
ing mill, also runs a carding machine and keeps a 
general store. Married in 18G7, Elizabeth Sim- 
mons. One child: William Artbur. 

M. Brazil, native of Illinois, was born Janiiary 
22, 1842, near Peru. Accompanied bis parents to 
Dakota county.Mmnesota, where he attended school 
and worked some at carpenters trade. After serv- 
ing in Company F, Fourth Minnesota, from No- 
vember, 1864 until the close of the war, he returned 
to his farm iu Dakota county. Since 1880 his 
home has been in Birch Ctwley. Miss Sobrina 
Boonhower was married to him in 1874. There 
are three children. 

G. Buery was born January 25, 182G, in Ger- 
many. Came to -America at the age of twenty; 
worked at his trade, tliat of cooper, in Canada and 
in Buffalo, New York but in 1857, migrated to 
Mankato, Minnesota. He has lived since 1859, in 
Birch Cooley; went to Fort Ridgely in 18G2, for 
safety from Indians, but in 18G5 returnetl to 
his farm. In 1847 he married Margaret Scherman 



RENVILLE GOV NTT. 



807 



who died in 1854. Miss S. OoffmtiQ became his 
wife in 1855. Eight children are living. 

Robert Camp, born September 2, 1854, near 
Baraboo, Wisconsin, went, when two years old, to 
Canada with his parents, and shortly afterwards 
to Michigan, where his mother died November 20, 
1871, His home has been in Renville county, Min- 
nesota, since 1874, and much of the time since 
leaving school he has been employed in teaching. 
Came to Birch Cooley in 1875. Owns here a 
farm of 270 acres. In 1876 Mr. Camp married 
Miss Elizabeth Griffin. Edith is their only child. 

Nelson V. Campbell, a native of Ohio, was born 
Jvdy 29, 1841, in Portage county. He lived with 
his parents imtil enlistment in Company B, 55th 
Wisconsin infantry; was discharged in August, 

1865. The family came in 1867, to Minnesota, 
and in 1876 to theii" present farm of 200 acres, of 
which Nelson Campbell owns 120 acres. In 1876 
he was married; his wife's name was Miss B. Cur- 
tiss; one child: Charles R., bom January 1, 1879. 

John Carr was born in 1809; he was brought up 
on a farm and obtained his education in Ireland, 
his native country. In 1837 he married Mary 
Murt; seven children. Mr. Carr emigrated in 1829 
to Canada; removed to Nicollet county where he 
remained from 1857 to 1873, the date of his com- 
ing here. His son, William H., born May 12, 1857 
in Canada, owns a farm on section 8 but resides 
with his parents. 

8. J. Comstock, native of New York, was born 
December 22, 1838, in Wayne county. 
From the age of six years until the autumn of 

1866, he lived in Michigan, then migrated to Wis- 
consin and the following spring came to his home 
in Birch Cooley. In 1871 he married Miss Diana 
Harrington, who was a teacher. Mr. and Mrs. 
Comstock have two children. He has filled the 
offices of town treasurer and clerk. 

John Desmond was born in July 1823, in county 
Cork, Ireland. In 1846 he accompanied his par- 
ents to Canada, but soon after located in St. Law- 
rence county. New York, which was his home until 
coming to Minnesota. Lived for a time in Roch- 
ester, then on a farm near Mankato eighteen 
months, after which he settled in Birch Cooley. 
Married in 1856, Honora Parrell; eleven children; 
the living are Patrick, who has been town clerk 
two years, Cornelius, Mary, Ellen, Margaret and 
John J. 

George Fry, born April 15, 1824, in Steuben 
county, New York. Lived in Dodge county, Wis- 



consin, from 1864 to 1868, the year in which he 
removed to his farm in Birch Cooley. Mr. Fry 
was married in Feliruary, 1850; his wife, Sarah 
Holly, born in 1830, is also a native of Steuben 
county. New York. They have five children: 
Norton, Alvira, Norman, Julia and Ellen. 

S. A. Greenslit was born January 28, 1833, in 
Washington county, Vermont. He migrated in 
1854 to Sauk county, Wisconsin, removed to Min- 
nesota in 1856, and was one of the early settlers of 
Dodge county. Mr. Greenslit has lived since 1869 
at his farm of 320 acres in Birch Cooley. Miss 
M. Loomis, native of Orange county, Vermont, 
was married to him in October, 1856 ; two chil- 
dren : Fremont and Jessie. 

James Haed, native of Ireland, was born in 
County Galway. When about twelve years of 
age his parents died, and in 1847 he immigrated to 
the United States in company with his brother 
and sisters. Went to Rochester, New York, in 
1850, and in 1855 to Wisconsin; removed again 
in 1867 to Minnesota, and settled where he now 
resides. Mr. Haed was married in 1859 to Rose 
McChisky. Five children are living and three 
deceased. 

Thomas Hill was born May 12, 1809, in Ireland, 
and when seventeen years old came to America 
with a brother. His trade is that of mason and 
stone cutter, at which he worked previous to com- 
ing to Minnesota in 1852, then continued in the 
same business at St. Paul several years. Located 
on a farm in Scott county in 1856; removed in 
1869 to this county and in 1871 settled in Birch 
Cooley. Mr. Hill married in 1841, Rebecca Darr; 
they have eight living children. 

W. H. Jewell was born January 3, 1831, in 
Saratoga county, New York. In 1846 the family 
moved to Geneva, Wisconsin ; remained in that 
state until 1867, when he removed to Minnesota 
and came directly to the farm where he is still 
living. Mr. Jewell was sheriff of this county two 
years, has held several town offices and served ten 
years as postmaster. Married in 1852, Caroline 
Bunce. They have two boys and three girls. 

Magnus Johnson was born July 24, 1833. At 
nineteen years of age he went to Christiana, Nor- 
way, and engaged in stone work until 1861, 
the date of his emigration for this country. He 
located in Fillmore county, Minnesota, but in 1866 
removed to Renville county, and since 1868 has 
lived at his farm in Birch Cooley and has held 
various offices in tliis t"wu. Married in 1855, Car- 



808 



nisTORY OF run Minnesota vai.lky. 



oline Olsen. Their children nre .Tohn, Mary, Ole, 
Emma, Christian, Gnstave. Juliiin, Alfred, Lonisa, 
and Ahnoiln. 

John Kiiinro, native of Gcnnauy, was born Jau- 
narv 10, 1826. In 1847 he enlisted: served three 
years, then in 1850 eame to the United States; 
went to Mankato, Minnesotii, in 1857, and removed 
in the sping of 1859 to liis farm on section 32 of 
Birch Cooley. Mary Coffman became his wife in 
1856. Eight of their ten children are living. In 
1862 the Indians took their horses and they were 
comj)elled to walk to Fort liidgely for safety. 

James Leary, native of New York, was bom 
October 10, 1839, in St. Lawrence county. From 
the age of sixteen he wa-s dependent ujjon his own 
exertions. He learned the business of carpenter; 
migrated to Wisconsin in 1802, and in 1864 to 
Roche.ster, Minnesota, where he worked at his 
trade until 1808, the year he came to his farm in 
Birch Cooley. Margaret Farrell was married to 
him in 18(54, and has eight children: the living 
are Dennis, Mary A., Cornelius, Thomas, James, 
and Catliarine. 

Denis Lordan, bom in Maroh, 1845. remained 
in Ireland, his native country, until twenty-three 
years of age, when he immigrated to Rochester, 
Minnesota. Mr. Lordan was one of the first set- 
tlers in the town of Palmyra, Kenville county; 
since April, 1878, he has lived on liis farm in 
Birch Cooley. In 1872 he married Miss Mary 
Cornelly. They are the parents of five children : 
Ellen, Katie, Mary and Sarah are living. 

Oscar Miller, native of Wisconsin, was born 
August 8, 1850, in Fond du Lao. In the autumn 
of 1805 the family moved to New Ulm, and the 
following spring came to the farm where he and 
the father now live; the mother died in this town. 
Mr. Miller's farm, containing 100 acres, lies on 
section 32. He married in December, 1879, La- 
vina Kumro, native of Mankato. They have one 
child. 

T. F. Miller was born in 1855 in Wisconsin. 
Accompanied his parents to Iowa, and about two 
years later removed to Birch Cooley, where he 
finished his education. In 1874 he went to Cali- 
fornia, but returned two years later and located 
at his farm on section 32 of this town. He was 
united in marriage in 1879; his wife's maiden 
name was Louella C. Petrie. Mr. and Mrs. Miller 
have one child: George E. 

Peter Murphy, bom in 1831, in Ireland, lived 
on a farm and also worked at teaming until coming 



to America. In 1852 he moved to Canada, and 
two years later to Dodge county, Wisconsin, but 
has lived since 1870 at his farm of 24(1 acres on 
section 4, Birch Cooley. Mr. Muqjhy married in 
1854, Margaret Bagley. Of the twelve children 
bom to them, six boys and three girls are living. 

D. J. O'Shea, native of Ireland, wiis born Oc- 
tober 5, 1837. The family emigrated in 1840 to 
Canada; he removed to Chicago in 1862, and was 
employed several years in a rolling mill, but in 
1805 returned to Canada. Since 1870 his home 
has been at his farm of 320 acres in Birt^h Cooley. 
Miss Mary Holland was married to Mr. O'Shea in 
1857. ' They have eleven children. 

J. P. Patton was born October 17, 1842, in Os- 
wego county. New York. From 1854 until 1801 
he lived in Wisconsin, then removed to Olmsted 
county, Minnesota. Enlisted in Company H, 
Sixth Minnesota; was on the frontier eighteen 
months, then went south; served till the war 
ceased; returned to his home, but soon after went 
to Beaver Falls and worked two years at his 
trade, that of carpenter, then came to his present 
home. Mr. Patton has been justice of the peace 
and county sheriff. In 1870 he married Mary E. 
Griffin; six children; only one is living. 

Jens Pedersen, liorn June 19, 1855, is a native 
of Denmark. When fourteen years old he began 
learning blacksmithing, and at the age of eigh- 
teen immigrated to Minneapolis, where he was 
employed at his trade. In 1878 he came to Birch 
Cooley, where he carries on farming and black- 
smithing. Mr. Pedersen was married in 1877; his 
wife, Mary Been, was born in Norway, and when 
nine years of age came with her parents to the 
United States. 

J. L. Preston, native of New York, was born on 
July 5, 1838, in Oneida comity. His father who 
was a native of Vermont, was a farmer and died 
years ago in New York. At the age of twenty- 
two Mr. Preston entered the lumber business at 
Grand Biipids, Wisconsin. Enlisted in March, 
1862, in Company I, Third Wisconsin cavalry; 
served imtil March 15. 1805, when he came to 
Minnesota and located on his farm of 100 acres, 
section 21, of Birch Cooley. 

Phineas Reynolds was bom February 2, 1819, 
in East Canada. Aft«r the death of his mother in 
1833 he went to \'ermont and worked at farming; 
remained in the eastern states and Canada until 
going in 1854 to Wisconsin. From 1804 until 
the close of the civil war Mr. Reynolds wasjn ser- 



RENVILLE COUNTY. 



809 



vice. In 1866 he came to Bii-ch Cooley. Mar- 
ried in 1841, Emaline Annis. Four children are 
deceased; the living areChloe, and Gardner, who 
was born in Canada, February 11, 1852, and lived 
with his parents until 1877, the date of his mar- 
riage with Viola Price, who has borne him one 
child. He also owns a farm of 80 acres on sec- 
tion 29. 

E. F. Richardson, born May 21, 1829, in Cattar- 
augus county. New Yorki moved with his parents 
in 1836 to Blicliigan. In 18.54 he migrated to 
Dodge county, Minnesota, and fourteen years af- 
ter came to Birch Cooley, where he is engaged in 
farming and in practice as veterinary surgeon; he 
is treasurer of this town. He was united in mar- 
riage in 1851 with Miss S. M. Oarlough. One 
child, Emma J. 

E. M. Simmons, native of New York, was born 
in Genesee county, March 26, 1822. When he was 
eight years old the family moved to Ohio; in 1844 
he went to Iowa, and in 1850 to California; re- 
turned after mining there four years and located 
in Le Sueur county, this state. Since 1867 he has 
lived at his farm of 200 acres in Birch Cooley. 
Married in 184.3, Mary Kennedy, who died June 
2, 1871. Mrs. Ann Knighton, was married to him 
in 1878; six children. 

John Tracey, who is a native of Ireland, was 
born May 21, 1834. In 1849 the family immi- 
grated to Fayette county, Ohio; November 18, 
1863, shortly after arriving in Albert Lea, he en- 
listed in Company C, 2d l^innesota Cavalry ; was 
on the frontier until discharged in November, 
1865, at which time he located in Renville county. 
Mr. Tracy has held numerous town offices. He 
Married Ann Baird in 1861. Of their fourteen 
children, twelve are living. 

Thomas Whetston was born August 15, 1847, 
in Syracuse, New York. From the age of seven 
years until 1857 he lived with his parents in Mc- 
Henry county, Illinois, then they removed to Min- 
nesota; lived on a farm in Freeborn county until 
after the Indian massacre, when they went to Nic- 
ollet county, but in 1877 located where he now re- 
sides. Married in 1874, Bridget O'Shea; four 
children: John, Daniel and Mary are living. 

FLORA. 

This town was organized in the spring of 1867, 
and the first officers elected were: Henry Dreyer, 
chairman, .John Schefer and Henry Timms, super- 
visors; F. Shoemaker, clerk and justice; Louis 
Thiele, constable; no other officers qualified. The 



first settlers came in the spring of 1859, and were; 
Lattao, Schwauke, Theile, Stoltz, Krause, Kitsmon, 
and some others. Many of these were killed V)y 
the Indians. F. Shoemaker was the first settler 
after the Indian outbreak; he made a claim in 
August, 1865. 

The village of Vicksburg was surveyed in 1867, 
on land owned by Mr. Tillotson. William Baade 
had a store for several years; there was also a 
blacksmith shop and a few other buildings. In 
1878 the buildings were moved to Sacred Heart. 

The first jjreaching was at F. Shoemaker's, in 
1867, by Rev. George Simon; in 1869 an Evangel- 
ical society was organized by Eev. E. J. Hillscher. 
A church was built on section 35 in 1880, which 
cost $2,000. The German Methodists held meet- 
ings in 1869, conducted by Rev. H. Singenstrue; 
the society was organized in 1875 and a log 
church erected on section 22. The Christians 
have a frame church on section 19; the first meet- 
ings were held in 1874. The Lutherans organized 
in 1871, under charge of Eev. Hunziker. 

The first school was held in 1868, at Christian 
Sperver's house, taught by Bert M. Nichols; the 
town now has four districts. Herzhorn post-office 
was established in 1869 with F. Shoemaker as 
postmaster; the office was discontinued in 1879. 
Sacred Heart post-office was located at Samuel 
Burnell's house about 1869. The next year the 
name was changed to Vicksburg, and the office 
moved to the store of William Baade, who was 
made postmaster; since 1878 John Larkins has 
had charge of the office. 

The first marriage was that of Joseph March 
and Betsey Rausch, in June, 1866. Henry W. 
Shoemaker, born April 26, 1866, was the first 
birth in the town. 

H. S. Braley was born in 1833, in New York. 
When two years of age he accompanied his pa- 
rents to Pennsylvania, and in 1865 removed to 
Iowa but shortly after went to Wisconsin. Since 
1868 he has been at his farm in Flora. Mr. Braly 
has held several town offices. In 1858 he married 
Jane Smith, born in 1839. They have lost one 
child; the living are Amanda M., Willis H., Sher- 
man .1., Sumner G., Amy E. and Louisa R. 

David Brown, a native of Maine, was born in 
1845; in 1868 he migrated to Wabasha county, 
Minnesota, but the following year removed to his 
present home in Flora; the farm of eighty acres 
lies in section 18. His father, Samuel Brown was 
born in 1811, in Maine, and lived on a farm with 



810 



EISrORT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



liis paroiits uutil 1832. He came in 1808 to Min- 
nesota and the next March, moved from Wabasha, 
to Flora, where he still resides. He married in 
1834, Ehza Tibbets, who was born in 1814, and 
has borne him ten chiklren. The living are David, 
Julia. Louisa and Etta. 

James J. Christie was born in 1822, in Canada. 
He came to Minnesota in 1863; after living in Kice 
county about eighteen months he removed to 
Dodge (iounty and was employed iu farming there 
until 1870, at which date he came to Flora and 
located on his present farm. Miss Margaret 
Christie, born in 1833 was married to him in 1850; 
four children, James S., May J., Nancy G. and 
Margaret J. 

R. W. Davis, native of Ohio, was born in 1839, 
in New Lisbon, but when young went to Lawrence 
county, Pennsylvania, and at the age of ten years 
removed to Meigs county, Ohio, where he worked 
at the trade of plasterer and mason. June 13, 
1861, he enlisted in Company D, Fourth West 
Virginia; served over three years and lost his left 
arm. He made a claim in Birch Cooley, but aban- 
doned it in 1867 and came to Flora; has held the 
offices of justice and register of deeds. In 1864 
he married Vesta Black, who died in 1875. William 
A., Clarrissa A., James H., and Robert S. are the 
children; in 1876 he married Clara Chester; one 
child, JuUa A. 

J. M. Doyle was born in 1822 in New York but 
when only one year old accompanied his parents 
to Canada where after leaving school he was prin- 
cipally engaged in lumbering and railroad con- 
tracting. In 1862 he removed to Illinois and 
thence to Minnesota; he lived at Cannon City, 
Faril)ault and Northfleld, but in 1871 located per- 
manently in Flora. Married in 1843, Nancy Hun- 
ter; have six living children and have lost one. 

Henry Dreyer was born in 1828. He served 
three years iu the army of Germany, his native 
country ; he entered the service in 1848 and about 
eight months after being discharged immigrated 
to New York; soon removed to Wisconsin, where 
he worked at wagon making until 1856, then came 
to Minnesota. From LeSueur connty he came in 
1866 to Flora. Married in 1860, Mrs. Regina 
Korth, who had two children : Bertha and George. 
She and Mr. Dreyer are the parents of Riifus, 
Matilda, Louisa, Ida, Eegina, Henry and William. 

James Gaffney, native of Ireland, was born in 
1813 and in 1828 came to New- York. From there 
moved to Indiana, and after working on the Wa- 



bash canal two years, went to Illinois and began 
farming; thirty years after, ho made a trip to Kan- 
sas, then came to Waseca county, Minnesota, and 
from there to Flora, where he now lives. In 1849 
he married Mary Powers; she died in 1870. Ten 
children; nine are living. 

Simeon Kysar was born in Indiana in 1836. In 
1856 he came to Minnnesota and lived in Rice, 
Brown, Blue Earth and LeSueur counties. Served 
thirteen montlis during the war, in the mounted 
rangers; also eight months in the 1st heavy artil- 
lery. He lived in Le Sueur county until 1880, 
then came to Flora. His principal occupation has 
been that of engineer. Married in 1857, Miss 
Cynthia Thomas. Nine children. 

John Larkin was born in Ireland in 1825, and 
came to this country in 1843; landed in Boston 
and lived on a farm in Massachusetts till 1867, 
then came to St. Peter, Minnesota, and from there 
to Flora. He has for four years been justice of 
the peace and postmaster. In 1852 he married 
Mary Darcy; they have had eleven chOdren, eight 
are living. 

Charles Schaffler was bom in Germany in 1827. 
He learned the trade of tinsmith; in 1847 went in 
the army and served two years; came to this 
country in 1852. Lived in Philadelphia until 
1855 then came to Minnesota ; after working 
at St. Paul one year he took a claim in Le Sueur 
county; in 1859 started a tin and hardware busi- 
ness atlje Sueur and lived there eighteen years. 
He was first lieutenantln the Le Sueur Tiger com- 
pany during the Indian outbreak. In 1872 was 
elected sherifl" of his county; in 1877 moved to 
Flora. In 1854 he married Anna Lenc. They 
have one son; Gusta^^is. 

Francis Shoemaker was born in Germany in 
1823. Followed the life of sailor from the age of 
fifteen until 1852, then was miuiug iu California 
till '57, when he settled on a farm in Le Sueur 
county, Minnesota. The following spring he visi- 
ted Germany; lived in Le Sueur county eight 
years, then came to the farm where he now lives; 
has held several offices. Married Mrs. Rebecca 
Schluter; she had one cliild, J. C. Their children 
are: Francis M., Herman M., Celia M., Martha A., 
Rebecca A., Henry W. and Minnie G. Mrs. Shoe- 
maker is a homeopathic physician. 

F. M. Shoemaker, Jr„ was born in Le Sueur 
county, Minnesota, in 1858. Came with his par- 
ents to his present home in Flora, in 1866; heorms 
a farm of 160 acres. For four years he has been a 



RENVILLE COUNTY. 



811 



member of the order of Patrons of Husbandry. 
H. Zimmermann, native of Germany, was born in 
1855. He immigrated to this country, and from 
New York came to Minnesota and until 1876 lived 
in New Ulm; in December of that year he went to 
Iowa, and in 1878 moved to Marshall, Minnesota. 
October 10, 1881, he came to Flora; he is a minis- 
ter of the German Methodist church. May 23, 
1881, he married Mary Cluckhohn. 

OAIEO. 

This was one of the earliest settled towns in 
Benville county. It was organized April 7, 1868; 
at that time twenty-nine votes were cast, and the 
officers elected were: William Emmick, chair- 
man, August Rieke and J. H. Phelps, supervisors; 
J. H. Phelps, clerk; M. J. Haines, assessor; Geo. 
Rieke, treasurer; R. Barton and Joseph Labarron, 
justices; S. Turner and H. W. Dodge, constables. 
The town was called Mud Lake until July 8, 1869 
when the name was changed to Cairo. 

John Buehro was the first settler; he located on 
the east side of Mud lake in June, 1859, and was 
killed by the Indians iu 1862. G«orge and Victor 
Rieke came iu 1859, and in 1860 their father, J. 
Frederick Rieke. The Rieke family returned to 
their claims and resumed farming two months af- 
ter the Indian outbreak. WiUiam Rieke came in 
1864 and Joseph Labarron in 1865. 

The German Methodists, under the leadership 
of Rev. H. Singenstrue, began holding meetings 
in 1860; services are now held occasionally by 
Rev. G. Railile. The Catholics began services in 
1872, and in 1877 bought the Grange hall in 
Ridgely and moved it to section 5 in this town, 
and fitted it up as a church; services are held 
monthly by Father Andreas. The first school 
was taught in 1868 by Helen Nixen; there are 
now four school buildings in the town, three log 
and one frame. Henry, son of John Buehro, born 
March 27, 1861, was the first birth. John H. O. 
Rieke died in December, 1862, the first death. 

The cyclone of 1881 did considerable damage in 
this town. -Joseph Hallo way, wife and three 
children, were killed; one of his boys escaped 
death, but had both arms broken. John Finley, 
a boy aged fourteen, was killed while herding cat- 
tle; many of the cattle were kiUed outright or 
died from injuries received. In addition to loss of 
life, a large amount of property was destroyed. 

Charles Bird was born in 1839, in Oneida 
county. New York, and removed at the age of sev- 
enteen to Dodge county, Minnesota; worked on a 



farm about two years. August 15, 1862, he en- 
listed in Company F, Ninth Minnesota, and served 
through the war. Then lived ten years in Roch- 
ester, Minnesota, and farmed near there until May, 
1869, when he located in Cairo. Mr. Bird mar- 
ried Louisa Christman, July 10, 1860; their chil- 
dren are William H., Zoella, Zelro D. and Delmer. 
Walter Caven, native of New York, was born in 
1843 in Allegany county, but when three years 
old accompanied his parents to Washington 
county, Wisconsin. Came in 1869 to Minnesota, 
and the nest year took a homestead in Cairo; 
owns 128 acres on section 6; Mr. Caven has held 
the office of town treasurer several terms. Miss 
Mary Knaley was married to Mr. Caven in Wis- 
consin; the living children are Thomas, James, 
John, Henry and Mary. 

John Crawford was born in Bronson, Huron 
county, Ohio, in 1836. At the age of sixteen he 
went with his parents to Wisconsin, where for 
three and one-half years he lived on a farm and 
attended school. From 1865 to the spring of 1878 
he was employed in farming in Kalmar, Olmsted 
county, Minnesota; in that town he was chairman 
of the board one term and assessor five years. 
Came to his present home in Carlo in 1878 and has 
held some offices here. Married in Wisconsin in 
1856, Julia A. Hammon; their son Hiram died 
September 26, 1881 ; the living children are Effie, 
Ernest, John, Ralph and William. 

Adam S. Cristman, native of New York, was 
born July 20, 1838 in Herkimer county. When 
eighteen years old he went with the family to Wis- 
consin, and two and one-half years later removed 
to Olmsted county, Minnesota. Enlisted August 
15, 1862 in Company P, Ninth Minnesota and 
served three years after which he continued farm- 
ing at his former home, for five years, but in the 
spring of 1870, came to Carlo where he has filled 
town offices. He was married September 11,1859 
to Martha M. Crawford; the living children are 
Edwin, Adam and Charles. 

Nicholas Cristman was born in 1836 in Herki- 
mer county. New York, and after leaving school 
he learned coopering. In 1856 he moved to Wis- 
consin, where he worked at farming; from 1859 
until 1870, his home was in Olmsted county, this 
state; farmed there two years and afterwards con- 
ducted a cooper shop in Rochester. Came to Cairo 
in 1870; owns 160 acres of land here. Married 
in 1869 Mrs. Mary Williams, who had two chil- 
dren, John E. and Gertrude. She has borne Mr. 



812 



HISTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Cristman three children: Mary, George and 
Sylvia. 

Frederick Uicknieier was born in ISiJO ;md 
reared on a farm in Germany, tlie land of his birth. 
His marriage also occurred in that conntry in 1852 
with Miss Ingle Dyer. Immigrated' to Ohio in 
1858, but removed in 1867 to Minnesota and lo- 
cated permanently at his farm of IGO acres on sec- 
tion 34, Cairo. Mr. and Mrs. Dickmeier have 
seven children : Mary, Frederick, Henry, Wil- 
liam, Louis, Jolin and Amelia. 

Ralph R. Dodge, deceased, was born in 1827 in 
Massachusetts, where he learned the trade of car- 
penter. On the 27th of December, 1848 he was 
united in marriage with Miss Susan Jane Cook 
and they migrated in 1857 to Olmsted county, 
Minnesota, where he conducted a farm and worked 
at his trade. In 1869 the family removed to Cairo 
and took 160 acres of land. Mr. Dodge died here 
on the 28th day of February, 1872. Of their fam- 
ily seven boys and two girls are living, and Mrs. 
Dodge and son Philo, who was born in 1849, in 
New York, carry on the farrh. 

James Drake, native of England, was born in 
1843, and when sixteen years old came to the 
United States. Worked at farming five years in 
■ Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, and two years in 
Olmsted county, Minnesota, where he located in 
1865; then in the spring of 1867 came to his pres- 
ent home in Cairo; his farm is on section 14 and 
contains 160 acres. Emma Collins was married to 
him April 23, 1865; Charles P., Alice L., William 
E., Albert J. and Joseph E. are their children. 

Engebret Eidsvold was born in 1853 in Norway, 
and in 1872 emigrated to America. He was em- 
ployed on a farm near St. Paul two years and at- 
tended school the same length of time in the city; 
then passed one year with a brother previous to 
coming in 1877 to Cairo, which has since been his 
home; owns 160 acres on section 29. Mr. Eids- 
vold married in this town in 1878, Miss Mary 
Grasmon; Henry is their only child. 

Matthew Finley, native of Ireland, was born in 
1827. At the age of twenty he immigrated to 
Rockland county, New York, and four years later 
removed to Minnesota. Lived two years in Dakota 
county, eight years in Rice county, and from 1865 
to '77 in Nicollet county; then came to his home 
of 200 acres in Cairo. Married in 1862, Catherine 
Mulhall, who has borne him ten children; the liv- 
ing are James, Mary, Simon, Wilham, Ann Cath- 
erine and Matthew. Mr. Finley's buildings and 



farm machinery were totally destroyed in the tor- 
nado of July 15, 1881. Their son John, aged 
twelve, who was herding cattle a short distance 
from the house was found on the prairie, dead; the 
remainder of the family escaped in an almost 
miraculous manner. 

James Fnllerton was born in 1823, in Illinois; 
passed his youth in that state and Indiana. In 
1854 he began farming in Winona county, Min- 
nesota. Enlisted in 1863 in Company K, 4tli Min- 
nesota and served imtil honorably discharged, when 
he returned to Winona county, but since 1871, his 
home has been in Cairo. Mr. Fullerton is the 
father of six children; three by his first wife whom 
he married in Illinois and three by second. 

Even H. Grasmon, native of Norway, was bom 
in 1852 and when sixteen years old, immigrated 
with his parents to Renville county, Minnesota. In 
June, 1877, he removed to the farm on which he 
now lives, consisting of 160 acres on section 19, 
of Cairo. He was married March 11, 1877; his 
wife, Beta Hanson, was born in 1860. in Wisconsin; 
Alethe M. and Louis H. are their children. 

C. H. Hopkins was born in Norwich, Chenango 
county, New York, but moved, when sixteen years 
old, to Wisconsin. In November, 1863, he enlist- 
ed in the 13th Wisconsin light artillery, and was 
discharged June 20, 1865. Returned to Wiscon- 
sin, where he resumed farming ; afterward clerked 
one year, and was then in the dairy business untU 
1869, when he came to Minnesota. His home is in 
Cairo, and he has served this town as justice and 
clerk. Married Susan Cristman, in November, 
1872, and has two children: Hayward V. and 
Frank H. 

Wilham Kiehn, native of Germany, was born in 
1864 in Hanover. He came to the United States 
in 1871; lived two years in Wabasha county, Min- 
nesota, then came to Renville county, where his 
parents now reside. Mr. Kiehn has two brothers 
and two sisters living; one brother and one sister 
are deceased. His father, who owns 80 acres on 
section 19, of Cairo, was born in lS22,in Germany. 

Dr. C. S. Kuapp was boni in 1826, in Connecti- 
cut, and when twelve years old moved with his 
parents to the state of N3w York. He was given 
an academical education and then followed the 
drug business four years. Began the study of 
medicine at the age of eighteen, and in 1851 grad- 
uated from the Syracuse Medical College; prac- 
ticed in that city five years and then continued in 
the work of his profession in Columbia county. 



RENVILLE COUNTY. 



813 



Wi8C(jnsin, until 1871, at which time he came to 
Cairo. He uow conducts a farm, also contiuues 
his practice. Married in 18-t8, Miss E. M. Imsou; 
the children are W. E., Frank S., B. A., Ida May 
and William H. 

John B. Liebl, who is a native of Austria, was 
born in 1856. At the age of thirteen he accom- 
panied his parents to the United States; they lo- 
cated in NicoUet county, where he attended the 
district schools. In the spring of 1878 he came 
to Cairo, which town is stm his homo. Mr. John 
Liebl and Miss Maria Tynor were married in 
1879 in West Newton. They are the parents of 
one child: George. 

Edmond O'Hara was born in December, 1834, 
in Ireland. Came with his father's family to Am- 
erica, when fourteen years old ; lived three years in 
Kentucky, then for a time in Missouri. Worked 
on a railroad as assistant freight agent, then 
farmed in Iowa, until coming, in 1869, to Cairo. 
Mr. O'Hara has held town offices; has been county 
commissioner and state legislator. Mary Eourke 
became his wife in 1861 ; eight children : the living 
are: James, Catherine, Bridget, Mary, Eliza and 
Margaret. 

James O'Hara, born December, 1836, in Ireland, 
immigrated to Kentucky with his parents when he 
was thirteen years old. Passed three years in 
that state, two in Missouri, and then was emjiloyed 
in farming in Iowa until 1S69, at which date he 
removed to Minnesota, located in Cairo, and soon 
after brought his family here. Married Johanna 
Guiney, July 17, 1863. Margaret A., Johanna, 
James, Bridget, David, Mary, Honora and Eliza- 
beth are their children. 

Nels Peterson, native of Sweden, was born in 
1841, and at the of sixteen began the life of a 
sailor. He was in the United States navy from 
October, 1864 until November, 1867. In Decem- 
ber of the latter year he returned to Sweden, 
where, the following March, he married Miss Beata 
Leiberg, and in the autumn of 1868 they settled 
in Cairo; seven children: Stephen, Ellen, Emma, 
Minnie, Mary, Elizabeth and Oscar. 

Datis Hector, native of New York, was born in 
1H33. in Schenectady county. He migrated to 
Wisconsin when seventeen years old, and was 
chiefly employed in farming there until the spring 
of 1866, when he located permanently in Cairo, 
where he has 160 acres. Mr. Rector was a member 
of the first town board, and has since held other 
offices. Miss Ellen Babbet was married to him. 



March 29, 1859. They have an adopted child, 
Mary Jacobus. 

Adam Eieke was born June 1, 1840, in Prus- 
sia, and in 1856 immigrated with his parents to 
Ohio, where they lived until coming in 1860 to 
Cairo; has been town treasurer and supervisor. 
For a number of years the Kiekes were the only 
settlers in the town. Adam Rieke and Miss A. 
Sander were married March 15, 1871; Louis, Ed- 
ward aud Annie are their cliildren. 

August Rieke, native of Prussia, was born in 
1846. At the age of nine years he accompanied 
his father's family to America, and in 1860 mi- 
grated to Cairo ; they were among the early set- 
tlers of this county, and one boy, Herman, died at 
Fort Ridgely during the siege by Indians in 1862. 
Mr. Eieke was married in 1880 to Miss Melia 
Grounke. Frederick Rieke, Sr., born in 1796 in 
Prussia, died here in 1879. 

George Eieke was born March 1, 1834, in Han- 
over. Came to Ohio in 1855, and worked there at 
mining and manufacturing iron U)'til coming, in 
1859 to his present home in Cairo; there was but 
one settler here when he arrived, a man who was 
killed by Indians in 1862; Mr. Eieke was the first 
treasurer of this town. He married, September 
26, 1864, Mrs. Sophia Lammers, whose husband 
was killed in the Sioux massacre; she and her 
children were held prisoners about six weeks; she 
had three childi'en by first marriage and seven by 
second. 

William Eieke, native of Hanover, was born De- 
cember 23, 1831, and emigrated from that country 
in 1856. Until 1864 he resided in the state of 
Ohio, then migrated to Minnesota and located at 
liis present home in Cairo, where he owns 160 
acres. Miss Louisa VoUmer became his wife in 
1836; seven children; the living are William, 
Louisa, Mary, Victor, Adam and Katie. 

George F. Thane was born in 1839 in Germany, 
and when thirteen years old accompanied his 
parents to America; for twenty years they were 
farming in Illinois; since 1872 has lived in Cairo, 
where he owns 160 acres. Held the office of town 
clerk five years and justice three years. Married 
in 1865 Frederica Lenkering; of their nine chil- 
dren eight are living. Mr. Thane was a heavy 
loser by the great cyclone of July 15, 1881. 

Christian Vogt, born in 1830, is a native of Ger- 
many; came to America at the age of seventeen; 
with his parents he settled in Illinois, where they 
were farming twenty-three years. In 1871 he 



814 



HISTORY OP THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



camp to Ciiiro iind tiwk IfiO acres of land. He 
married in 18(>2 in Illinois, and his wife died 
there; she had borne him two children. In 
1868 he remarried, and has fonr children by his 
I)re.seut wife. 

CAMP. 

The lirst settlers in this town were Antoine 
Bucofsky and Joseph Michelsky, two Polanders 
who came in the summer of 1858; they were soon 
foll<iw(>d by John Hose, Conrad Hamni, Werner 
Bosch, O. Schlumberger, and Andrew Schott. 
These all left on account of the Indians. In June 
1865, Jolm Halverson and Hellek Petersen who 
had settled in 1862, returned and now live on their 
original claims. The early records of the town 
are missinj; and a list of the first officers cannot 
be given. 

Rev. A. E. Frederickson, Norwegian Lutheran, 
held services in 1867 and in 1868 a society was or- 
ganized by Rev. Lars Johnson, with twelve mem- 
bers. Houges Evangelical Lutheran society held 
meetings first in 1868; in 1881 a log church was 
built on section 10. The Norwegian Synod and 
Conference Synod are also organized. The Gter- 
man Methodists hold services at Rieke's mill. The 
first school was taught in 1868 by Clement Tread- 
bar. The town now has three school-houses. 

The first birth occurred in Joseph Michelsky's 
family in 1860. Renville post-office was estab- 
lished in 1873 and T. H. Hofsoe appointed post- 
m-ister; he kept the office at his store. In 1879 
the name was changed to Camp and Sever P. Nel- 
son appointed postmaster; the office is at his store 
on section 23. A water-power grist-mill, built 
by Victor Rieke in 1873 is still operated by him. 
A woolen miU was built in 1871 by B. Marchner 
and operated until 1880 when the machinery was 
taken out and moved to Brown county. William 
.Pless built a mill in 1871 which was operated until 
the dam was carred out by high water in 1881. 
Frederick Koke runs a steam saw-mill which he 
built in 1878. 

Nels O. Berge was born in 1851 and accompan- 
ied his parents from Norway, his native land, to 
Dane county, Wisconsin, and two years later to 
Trempealeau couuty. He was brought up on a 
farm and learned blacksmithing; since 1869 he 
has lived in Camp and he has held the offices of 
towTi treasurer, clerk and justice. In 1870 he 
married Caroline Hagestad who has borne him five 
children: Minnie, Clara, Otilda, Edward and 
Alfred. 



Hans O. Boium is a native of Norway, where he 
was born in 1840.He emigrated from that country 
in 1867, and since that time has been a resident of 
the United States Until 1868 he lived in Fill- 
more county, Minnesota, then migrated to Renville 
county and settled in Camp, where he owns 160 
acres of land. His marriage occurred in the year 
1865, with Betsy Oleson; the children are Ole, 
Christian, Sarah and Olhia B. 

Patrick Campbell, a native of Ireland, was born 
in 1831, and remained in that country until seven- 
teen years old. For three years his home was in 
Manchester, New Hampshire, then twelve years in 
Madison, Wisconsin, and four years in Rochester, 
Minnesota, but in 1867 he located in Camp, where 
be has 160 acres of land. Mr. Campbell married 
Elizabeth Mullen in 1849, and in 1865 she died; 
her children were Christopher, Thomas and James. 
In 1873 he married his present \vife. 

Ole I. Dale was born in 1814, and until 1857 re- 
sided in Norway, the land of his birth, then came 
to America. He was a soldier ten years in his na- 
tive country, also worked at the trade of tailor. 
Mr. Dale spent one year in Dane couuty, Wiscon- 
sin, then was employed in farming ten years in 
Trempealeau county. After living in Pope county, 
Minnesota, five years he came in 1873 to Camp. 
Married in 1846, Betsy Berge; children: Iver, 
Filing, Julia, Martha, Olaf, Betsy, Mary and Nels. 

Mikal Elden who is a native of Norway, was born 
in 1855. Immigrated in 1866 to Wisconsin, and 
upon coming to Minnesota two years later later he 
located on section 4 of Camp. The marriage of 
Mr. Elden with Anna Johnson occurred in 1877. 
They have two children : Albert and Caroline. 

Louis J. Enger was born in 1845 in Norway, 
and in 1869 came to the United States. Did car- 
penter work about two years at Neenah, Wiscon- 
sin; since 1871 his home has been in Camp, where 
he owns a farm, but he has worked at his trade 
considerably in Waseca county. Miss Johnanna 
Lee became his wife in June, 1872, and has borne 
him fonr children: Randa C, .Julia S., Emil A. 
and John L. 

Richard Gerdes was born in 1855, and was edu- 
cated in the schools and the University at Frank- 
fort, from which he graduated in 1871. For a 
time he served as a soldier; was then in the em- 
ploy of a railroad company as ticket agent five 
years, and also worked in an office as correspond- 
ing secretary some time. Came in 1878 to Amer- 
ica and clerked at Ft. Ridgely two years for an uu- 



RENVILLE COUNTY. 



815 



ole; was in partnership witli S. P. Nelson a short 
time, and has since been his cleik. 

Petter Gundersen, born in 18'22, is a native of 
Norway, where for a number of years he was a sol- 
dier. In 1869 he came to the United States; came 
to Renville county, Minnesota, and located a claim 
in Camp. Mr. Gundersen learned blacksmithing 
in the old country, and has worked at that trade 
some here. Married in 18.59, Mary Christopher- 
son; the children are Caren, Gunders, Mary, Lena, 
Hannah and Ole. 

John Halverson was born in 1827 in Norway. 
Served in the regular army seven years, and in 
185.5 immigrated to Wisconsin; removed in 1857 
to Waseca county, Minnesota, and bought a farm 
which he sold four years later, and in June, 1861, 
came to Camp ; was at Fort Ridgely in the siege 
of 1862 : then lived near St. Peter three years, at 
the expiration of which time he returned to his 
farm. In 1854 he married Julia Lnnd; Georgi- 
anna, Mary A., Helen T., .Janet, Amelia and Henry 
T. are their children. 

Halvor Hanson was bom in 1847, in Norway. 
In 1868 he came to the United States; lived one 
year in Wisconsin, and since 1870 his home has 
been in Camp, Minnesota. Mr. Hanson's occupa- 
tion has always been that of farmer, with the ex- 
ception of one year that he was employed in a 
store in his native country. In 1868 he married 
Annette Engebretson; the children are Hans E., 
John, Olga, Alfred and Julia. 

Louis Hanson was born in Norway, in 1838 ; in 
1854 immigrated to Dane county, Wisconsin, and 
five years later removed to Trempealeau county. 
He enlisted in Company D, 51st Wisconsin in- 
fantry, in 1864 and served five months. Mr. 
Hanson came to Camp, took 160 acres of land and 
lived on his farm thirteen years; is now employed 
as clerk in Hector: has been supervisor, constable 
and deputy sheriff. Married Miss A. Nelson in 
1859, who died in 1877: children are Betsy, Henry, 
Martha, Julia, Louis and Ida. 

Mathias Johnson, native of Norway, was born 
in 1846, and upon coming in 1865, to America, 
settled in Nicollet county, Jlinnesota, which was 
his home two years. He enlisted in Company A, 
First Minnesota; was honorably discharged six 
months later. In 1866 took a homestead on sec- 
tion 20, Camp. Mr. Johnson's marriage with 
Albertina Luke took place in 1870; tlie children 
are Emma, Oscar, Anna M. and Mai'ia A. 

F. Koke was born in 1841 in Germany, and 



learned the business of miller and millwright; in 
1863 moved to Jersey City, but shortly after went 
to Lake Superior and remained five years then 
passed a few months in New Ulm, West Newton 
and Yellow Medicine. In 1875 he built a mill near 
New Ulm, which was burned about two years 
afterwards; he then worked eight mouths in the 
Maple River mill, and since 1879 has operated a 
saw-mill in Camp. Married in 1871, Anna Pless; 
Helena, Adele, Herman, Louise and Hugo are 
their cliildren. 

Mathias O. Lee was born in 1836. He was a 
soldier in Norway, his native country, five years; 
his early days were spent on a farm and he learned 
the trade of carpenter. In 1864 he immigrated 
to Wisconsin, where he was employed in farming 
until 1868, at which date he located at his present 
home in Camp. Miss Olina Oleson was married 
in 1860 to Mr. Lee; seven children, Ole N., Carl 
J., Clara J., Minr-a O., Hannah S., Semmy I. and 
John B. 

Anders L. Naset, born in 1841, is a native of 
Norway. ■ When twenty-six years of age he emi- 
grated from the land of his birth to the United 
States. His home is at his farm of 160 acres in 
section 26 of Camp. The marriage of Mr. Naset 
took place in the year 1868; his wife was Miss 
Inger Marcusdotter. The children are Christian 
M., Marcus, Louis and Marie. 

Hogen Nelson, born August 12, 1847, in Nor- 
way, where he remained until twenty years old. 
He came in 1867 to the United States and after 
living about two and one-half years in Fillmore 
county, Minnesota, he came in 1869 to Camp, 
where he has held some town offices. In 1869 be 
married Sarah Thompson. His father, Nels Ho- 
ganson, born in 1816 and his mother born in 1818, 
are living with him. 

Peder Nelson, native of Norway, was born in 
1828. In 1856, he came to the United States; 
lived in Wisconsin, and in Fillmore county, Min- 
nesota, until coming in 1867, to Camp, where he 
has been supervisor three years. Mr. Nelson has 
168 acres. Married in 1853, Mrs. Mary Erickson, 
who had two children : Renda and Christine : she 
has borne Mr. Nelson six children: Sever P., Julia, 
Herman, Sarah, Nels and Betsy. 

Sever P. Nelson who was born in Norway in 
1853, moved in 1856 with his parents to Fillmore 
county, Minnesota, where they lived until 1865, at 
which time he removed to Camp. Until 1880, he 
was engaged in farming, since that time has kept 



816 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



a general store; at fii-st iu partnersliip with Eich- 
ard Qerdes, but since, ul<jne. Mr. Nelson lias been 
postmaster since being in business here. In 1876 
he married Mary Johnson; three children: Amelia, 
Betsy and Sana. 

O. O. Nesburg was born in 1836, in Norway. 
He followed the life of a sailor about nine years 
previous to locating, in 1855, in Columbia county, 
Wisconsin; removed in 1857, to Olmsted county, 
Minnesota, and one year after to Fillmore county. 
In 1861 he enlisted in the 1st Minnesota artil- 
lery; he returned and taught Norwegian school 
seven years; since 1868 he has lived in Camp. Mar- 
ried in 1862, Julia Anderson. The living chil- 
dren are Nellie, Andrew, Gunder, Anna and 
Louise. 

D. O'Neil, born in Washmgton county, Wiscon- 
sin, remained there until twenty-two years of age, 
living on a farm. In 1868 he migrated to Renville 
county, Minnesota, and located at his present place ; 
has been chairman of the town board several years. 
Johanna Mountain was married to him in January, 
1869; they have four children: Margaret, James 
F., Josie and Daniel. 

E. Otto, native of Germany, was born in 1834, 
and immigrated in 185-1 to Harrisburg, Pennsyl- 
vania, where he worked six months at carpenter- 
ing. Previous to coming to Minnesota in the fall 
of 1855, he spent six months in Iowa; worked two 
winters in the St. Croix pineries, then from 1859 
until 1862, his home was in Camp; passed some 
months in Wisconsin, and six years in Nicollet 
county, this state, then returned to Camp. Miss 
Catherine Orth became bis wife in 1857; the chil- 
dren are Henry, Emily, Frederic, Anna, William. 

Hellek Petersen, born in 1835, in Norway. Up- 
on coming to this country in 1844, he located in 
Wisconsin, where he lived eleven years; removed 
to Iowa and there married in 1857, Julia Jacob- 
son; since 1859 his home has been in Camp, with 
the exception of about three years passed in Good- 
hue county and Faribault. In 1862 he was one >>f 
the defenders of Fort Ridgely; has held townoffi- 
ces and served as county commissioner. The chil- 
dren are Peter, Isabella, Jacob, Edward, Louis, 
Henry and Alfred. 

Victor Kieke, native of Germany, was born in 
1836, and while living there learned the trade of 
miller and millwright. Immigrated in 1857 to 
Ohio, where he was employed in wagon making 
until 1859, the date of his removal to Minnesota; 
worked at farming in Cairo, this county, and since 



1872 lias been operating the mill which he built 
that year. Married in 1866, Mina Wulfe; five 
children: William, George, Anna, Lydia, Martha. 

Lauritz H. Eund was born in 1842, and raised 
as a farmer in Norway, the land of his birth. In 
1869 he emigrated from that couutry,and soon after 
pre-empted 160 acres of land in Camp, which 
town has since been his home. His marriage 
took place in March, 1873, with Maria Evanson ; 
four children : Helga, Carl, Mollie, and Albert. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Schott was bom in Warren 
county, Pennsylvania, and married in tliat state 
in 1852. Her husband, Max Haack was a native 
of Saxony; after attending college and studying 
medicine, he began practice as a physician, and 
also engaged in the drug trade. In 1858 they 
moved to Nicollet county, this state, and in 1862 
he was killed at New Ulm. The children are 
Louise, Otto and Amelia. She remained on the 
farm until coming in 1865, to Camp. Henry Graff, 
her second husband, was killed in 1867 by falling 
from a wagon. By this marriage she had one 
child: Henry; also has one son, Oscar, by her 
present husband, Andrew Schott, who is a native 
of Germany. 

John Thompson was born in Norway in 1846. 
When he was four years old the family immigra- 
ted to Dane county, Wisconsin. Eleven years 
later they removed to Fillmore county, Minnesota, 
and after living there ten years came to Camp; has 
been commissioner three years, and town clerk and 
justice about eight years. Enlisted in Company 
D, Eighth Minnesota, for three years; he was in 
General Sully's Indian expedition and afterwards 
in the south; he had two brothers in the army. 

Thomas Tweet, native of Norway, was born in 
1836, and upon coming to America in 1854, loca- 
ted in Wisconsin, which state was his home iintil 
1861. Enlisted in Company A, Seventh Wiscon- 
sin infantry; was kept in a hospital several months 
by a wound caused by the slipping of an axe 
which he was using in the fort; returned to his 
company and engaged in some severe battles; was 
wounded in the arm twice at the battle of (xettys- 
burg. Mr. Tweet has 160 acres in Camp. He 
has been deputy sheriff and has held all the town 
offices. Married in 1864, Belle Suison; the chil- 
dren are Anna J., Sarah L., Matilda A., Johnanna 
A., Julia S., Betsy P., Theodore J. and Henry U. 

HAWK CREEK. 

This town when set apart for organization in 
July, 1868, contained much more territory than 



RENVILLE COUNTY. 



817 



at present; the officers appointed were: C. C. 
O'Brien, chairman, W. P. Von Deyn and Thomas 
Olcson, supervisors; G. P. Greene, clerk; A. C. 
Enestredt, assessor. In August, 1875, the limits 
ot the town were reduced so as to embrace all of 
towns 114 and 115, range 38, lying north of the 
Minnesota river. In 1859 Magloire Kobideaux 
settled near the mouth of the creek; Louis La- 
belle, Alex. Guertin and others had settled previ- 
ous to the outbreak, bat were compelled to leave 
and did not return. In 1867 the first permanent 
settlers arrived, among whom were F. W. Brasch, 
I. S. Earle, Joseph Marsch, Joseph Schaffer and 
Louis Kope. 

The first school was taught in 1869 by Mrs. 
Eliza Mulford; the town now has three schools. 
The first marriage was that of Joseph Schaffer and 
Miss J. J. Mutter, November 15, 1868. Hawk 
Creek post-office was established in 1869, with J. 
S. Earle in charge; after several changes the office 
was discontinued in 1880. The village of Jen- 
nettville was laid out previous to 1860, by Iionis 
Robert, on section 21; only a few buildings were 
erected and the village was a failure. 

Ole Fugleskjil was bom in 1827, in Norway. In 
1862 he immigrated to Wisconsin and the year 
foUowiug located in Freeborn county, Minnesota; 
since 1867 his home has been at his farm in Hawk 
Creek; has held the office of assessor four years, 
justice five years and is now clerk of the town. 
Married in 1857, Miss S. Olsan; the children are 
Mary, Marithe, Ole, Olina, Simon O., and Petra. 
Mr. Fugleskjil is now dealing in lumber at Sacred 
Heart. 

H. Listernd was born in 1839 in Norway, where 
he learned the trade of gunsmith, and also served 
in the army five years. In 1869 he came to Min- 
nesota and settled in New Sweden; came to Hawk 
Creek in 1870, and now has 220 acres on section 
22; has served as assessor and supervisor. In 
1859 he married Martha Peterson, who has borne 
him ten cliildren: Dora, Clara, Peter, John, Mar- 
tin, Benust, Jennie, Deoliae, Henry, Olina. 

Joseph Schaffer was born in 1836 in Prussia, 
where he learned wagon making. Landed at New 
York in 1853; traveled through Canada; passed 
one year in Datroit; visited St. Louis, New Or- 
leans, St. Paul and the Rocky mountains; returned 
to Missouri and enlisted in the home guards; he 
was shot at Lexington, the ball entered the back 
and was taken out of the right side. In 1862 he 
re-enlistfcd in the Fourth Ohio battery and was 

52 



discharged in 1865. Came to Minnesota in 1865. 
Married in 1868, Julia Mutta; their children are 
Frederick, Julius, Dina, Henry, John, Mary. 

Henry Wilson was born in 1815 in Pennsylva- 
nia; remained in his native place until twenty- 
one years old, then traveled through the northern 
and western states after which he lived twenty 
years in Illinois, doing cabinet and carpenter work. 
In 1862 he located in Le Sueur, was employed in 
farming two years, and three years at his trade. 
He was in mercantile business for a time and in 
1867 removed to Hawk Creek; has been town clerk 
and justice five years. Married July 4, 1842, Fran- 
ces Campljell, who died January 9, 1849; her chil- 
dren were James H., Mark C. and Samuel J. ; the 
two former served in the late war; James, from De- 
cember, 1863, until March 1866, and Mark from 
February, 1863, to October, 1865. Lavina Luse 
became the wife of Mr. Wilson November 11, 1849; 
two of her children are living: Seuora A. and 
Augusta E. 

SACKED HEAIiT. 

The town of Sacred Heart was organized in 
1869 and the first election held at G. P. Greene's 
house April 6th, at which the officers chosen were: 
S. Brooks, chairman ; Ole Johnson and P. G. Peter- 
son, supervisors; G. P. Greene, clerk; O. B. Dahl, 
assessor: Ole Enestedt, treasurer; P. W. Brooks and 
G. P. Greene, justices; J. P. Okens, constable. The 
name is supposed to have been derived from the In- 
dian name given to a man named Patterson who 
wore a bearskin hat; the bear being a sacred animal 
to the Indians, they called him the "Sacred Hat" 
man, which gradually became Sacred Heart. J. 
R. Brown erected a fine stone building in 1861, 
with the intention of running a large stock farm, 
as he owned a large tract of land; the building 
was destroyed by the Indians in 1862 and the 
family bai'ely escaped with their lives. A few 
other settlers located along the river in 1862, but 
were compelled to leave. Among the first settlers 
after the Indian outbreak were G. P. Greene, who 
came in 1866, and a party of Scandinavians the 
same year; they were followed by others and the 
town soon became well settled. 

The Norwegian Lutherans held meetings in 
1869, and soon after organized a church society; 
in 1880 they erected a fine frame ohurcli in the 
village. A second society of this sect was organ- 
ized a few years since, and built a church in 1880 
on section 7, where services are held monthly by 
Rev. John Halverson. The Swedish Lutherans 



818 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



hold services at their eburcli in the village, which 
was built in 1880; the first services of this denom- 
ination were held about 1872. 

The village of Sacred Heart was surveyed in 
October, 1878, on laud owned by the Hastings it- 
Dakota railroad company and J. H. McKinlay, on 
the north half of section 7. The business of the 
village is transacted by three general stores, one 
millinerj', one drug and fancy grocery store, two 
blacksmiths, one shoe shop, a harness-shop, tailor- 
shop, meat-market, two hardware, two hotels, two 
saloons; there is one physician; there are two ele- 
vators, the combined capacity of which is about 
50,000 bushels. 

Minnesota Crossing post-office was established 
about 1870, and located at the house of G. P. 
Greene, who was postmaster; in 1876 O. S. 
Reishus was appointed postmaster, and the office 
was moved to bis house; in 1878 the office was 
moved to the village and the name changed to 
Sacred Heart. 

H. O. Field, native of Norway, was born Octo- 
ber 1, 1832, and came to America in 1865. He 
worked at his trade, blacksmithing, at Beloit, Wis- 
consin, for seven years, then came to Renville 
county, Minnesota, and settled on section 8; 
when the village started he moved to it and 
opened a hotel; afterward started a blacksmith 
shop. In 1854 he married Martha Henningson; 
they have four children living. 

Charles G. Johnson was born in Sweden, July 
30, 1845. Came with parents to America in 1853, 
and went to Chicago, where the father died in 
1854; two years later his mother came to Minne- 
sota and settled near St. Peter, where she lived 
until her death in 1861. He enlisted in Company 
D, Ninth Mimiesota, in 1802, and served until 
1865; he was captured at GuntowTi and remained 
in rebel prisons nine months. He lived in Nicol- 
let county until 1871, then settled in Sacred 
Heart. Was elected county surveyor in 1872, and 
has since held that office; has also been assessor, 
and is now justice of the peace. Married, April 
12, 1868, Christina Holberg; five of their six chil- 
dren are living. 

Ole O. Nes, a native of Norway, was born Jan- 
uary, 1834, and when four years old came to the 
United States with his parents; first located in 
Dane county, Wisconsin but in 1858 removed to 
Waseca, Minnesota. Mr. Nes enlisted in 1863 in 
Company I, 10th Minnesota and remained in ser- 
vice until the war ceased. In Juno, 1872 he re- 



moved to Sacred Heart. His marriage with Mar- 
garet Farrell took place March 12, 1860; eleven of 
their twelve children are living. 

H. W. Olson, who was born August 8, 1837, in 
Norway, has been since 1850 a resident of America. 
After living ten years in Rice county, Minnesota, 
he took a claim in Nicollet county. December 11, 
1863, he enlisted in Company B, Second Minne- 
sota cavalry and served until December, 1865; he 
was with Generals Sibley and Sully on the fron- 
tier; returned to Nicollet county and in Novem- 
ber, 1869, settled on his present farm. Mr. Olson 
has held different town offices since living here. 

A. Osmundson was born April 12, 1841, in Nor- 
way, and upon coming to this country in 1860, 
settled in Dane county, Wisconsin. Eighteen 
months later he migrated to Dakota county, Min- 
nesota, but in 1863 removed to Waseca county and 
in 1871 located in Sacred Heart. On the 26th of 
Febrnary, 1868, Martha Finger.son became his 
wife; she has borne six children; one is deceased. 

O. S. Rsishus, born April 6, 1843 in Norway, 
immigrated to Wisconsin, while young, with his 
parents. Was educated at the college of Decorah 
Iowa. Removed in 1854, from Wisconsin to Pill- 
more county, Minnesota, and enlisted in 1864, in 
Company D, First Minnesota heavy artillery and 
served through the remainder of the war. In 
1870 he settled on a farm in Yellow Medicine 
county and in 1872 was elected representative 
from that county ; during 1873 he was engrossing 
clerk. After residing there two and one-half years 
he came to Sacred Heart and in 1881 came to the 
village; has held various town offices and been 
postmaster since 1875; was for a time in the drug 
business. Married in 1867 Ingebar Prestgarden; 
five children are living. 

Frederick Schroder, native of Germany, was 
born September 18, 1830 and while a resident of 
that country, learned the trade of butcher. Im- 
migrated in 1857,to Chicago; worked in that city at 
his trade four years; ran on the lake and worked at 
stave making two years in Michigan; was in Illinois 
about six years. In 1862 he enlisted in the light 
cavalry of that state and served three months. 
After residing at St. Pet(!r two years he took a 
claim in Sacred Heart. Married in 1865, Cecelia 
M. Hanson. 

Berger Shunerson was born November 19, 1823 
in Norway. His marriage also occurred in that 
coimtry, in 1848, with Matilda Hanson. In Oc- 
tober, 1853 they immigrat;'d to R:icine county, 



RENVILLE COUNTY. 



819 



Wisconsin, and four years later removed to Ne- 
braska; After making that state their home three 
years, they passed twelve years in Iowa and finally 
settled in Sacred Heart. The children are Edward, 
Bernt, Isabel, Sever, Matilda and Hans. 

PKESTON LAKE. 

September 28, 1869, this town was organized by 
the election of the following officers: E. U. Rus- 
sell, chairman, William Rosser and Ira S. Shep- 
pard, supervisors; H. H. Davis, clerk; J. A. Wash- 
burn, treasurer; G. A. Gifford and Allison Houck, 
justices; J. L. Maun and W. Herring, constables. 

The first claim was taken by Dr. Engle, who, 
with N. A. Van Meter, located in August, 1862; 
they went below for supplies, but were prevented 
from returning by the Indian outbreak. In 1866 
a few families settled near the lakes, among them 
Messrs. OUoway, Ohilson, Reeks, Rosser and Mi-s. 
Ward. 

The first religious meetings were held by the 
Methodists .'n 1869; a society was organized and 
now holds services semi-monthly. Other denomi- 
nations have held occasional services. The first 
school was taught in 1870 by Mary Stone. The 
first marriage was that of Judson Mann and Lucy 
Haven, in 1867. The first birth was George, son 
ofR. Olloway, born in 1867. The first deaths oc- 
curred in 1866; two men who had gone after mail 
were found frozen to death ; their names were Go- 
zette and Cairne. Swansea post-office was estab- 
lished in 1869 witli AA'illiam Rosser, the present 
postmaster, in charge. The village of Bufi'alo Lake 
was surveyed in 1881 on land owned by J. C. Kiebe 
on section 30, and is improving rapidly ; there are 
now two general stores, a hotel, a blacksmith shop, 
two saloons and two warehouses. 

Charles W. Allen was born in Oxford county, 
Maine, in 1835, and after leaving school learned 
carpentering and shoemaking. He worked at 
those trades in his native state until coming to 
Preston Lake in 1872; he owns a farm here and 
has worked in various parts of the state at his 
trade. He has held different town offices since 
coming here. While in Maine he enlisted in the 
16th regiment of that state. Company I, and was 
in the army from August, 1862, until January, 
1864. Mr. Allen's first and second wives died in 
Maine; his present wife was Ellen Houck; the 
children are James, William, Selden, Cora, Carrol, 
Elton, Gertrude and Silas. 

H. P. Bartlett, native of Massachusetts, was born 
in 1844 in Hadley. When sixteen years of age he 



began learning carpenter work, which trade he fol- 
lowed there seven years. Upon coming to Minne- 
sota in 1867 he worked that summer in Minneapo- 
lis, spent the next winter in McLeod coimty, and 
since the spring of 1868 has been farming and 
stock raising in Preston Lake, where for seven 
years he has been town treasurer. Melinda F. 
Green was married to Mr. Bartlett January 8, 
1872. Junius and Henry are their children. 

Ambrose Eynon, born in 1851, in Canada, has 
been a resident of the States since nine years of 
age, when he accompanied his parents to Wiscon- 
sin. He learned the trade of carpenter and was 
employed in that business until 1873, at which 
date he came to his present home in Preston Lake, 
which town he has seized a number of years as 
chairman of the board. Mr. Ejnon married in 
1874, Luella Scott; the children are Marian G., 
Scott W., Arthur W., and Helen I. 

Watkins Eynon was bom in Wales in 1821, 
and when nine years old moved with his father's 
family to Canada, where he worked about eight 
years at the carpenter's trade. In 1859 he re- 
moved to Wisconsin, and continued that trade 
fourteen years, also worked some time at farming. 
His home, since 1873, has been in Preston Lake, 
and he has held the office of justice here, four 
years. Blarried in 1845, Mary WoodhuU, who 
died in 1861 : Thomas L., Sarah, Ambrose, Eliza- 
beth, William and Isabella are their children. 

William Gerber was born in 1832. He learned 
the trade of stone mason, at which he worked, in 
Prussia, his birthplace, until 1868, then settled at 
Ripon Wisconsin, where he continued in the same 
work four or five years. Lived at Howard Lake, 
Minnesota, from 1872 until 1876, since which time 
he has been employed at his trade and farming, in 
Preston Lake. Married Amelia Stahr, January 
29,1861; two of their children are deceased; the 
living are Robert, Mina, Frederick, Julius, Ida, 
August, Emma and Lucy. 

Ole Halverson, native of Norway, was born Ap- 
ril 2, 1817, and immigrated to Illinois in 1839. 
Removed to Iowa county, Wisconsin; worked at 
mining and farming, also conducted a store several 
years. In 1862 he went to Dane county, where 
he was in mercantile business ten years. His first 
wife died in that state and he married Mrs. Mary 
Halverson, who.se maiden name was Dolven. In 
1874 he came to Preston Lake; has held several 
town offices. Mrs. Halverson had one son by her 
first husband: Ole. 



820 



UIHTOBY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Cliarles Hamaiin, Iiorn in 1835 is a native of 
Prussia. When about twenty years of age he em- 
igrated for America; after living in Illinois two 
years he began farming in Carver county, Minne- 
sota, but rem net! in the spring of 1878 to Preston 
Lake. On the 2d of April, 1861, he enlisted in 
Company B, 1st Minnesota; was in more than 
twenty engagements, and was honorably dis- 
charged in May. 18G4. Married Amelia Miller 
in 1864, who has borne him eight children : Aug- 
ust, Hermann, Lizzie, Mary, Emma, Lena, Adeline 
and Charley. 

Elijah Houck was bom in 1840, in Maryland, 
but went with his father's family when only seven 
years old, to live in Indiana. In 1854 he removed 
to Minnesota: lived near St. Paul eighteen months, 
five or sis years in Kice county, and then in Da- 
kota county, until coming in 1866 to Preston 
Lake. His father, Allison Houck, who died here 
July 5, 1876, was born in 1817, in Huntington 
coimty, Pennsylvania, and was married in that 
state, in 1840, to Charlotte Christ, born in 1822, 
in Maryland. The Houck family are among the 
oldest settlers here; there were thirteen children, 
three are deceased, and ten live in this town. 

J. E. Lewis, born in New York, in 1832, came 
in 1867 to Minnesota; stayed nearly two years 
then returned and followed farming a number of 
years in his native state. Came to Minnesota 
again, and since 1873 has given considerable atten- 
tion to farming and stock raising; that year he 
took a tree claim in Preston Lake, and now has 
30 acres of thrifty trees; owns in all 465 acres of 
land. He was in the drug business at Hutchinson 
until July, 1880; in 1881 he opened a store at 
Buffalo Lake, where he carries drugs and general 
merchandise; also deals in lumber. Married, Sep- 
tember 11, 1872, Emily Ridout; John C. and Em- 
ily M. are their children. 

George and Albert Painter are sons of John 
Painter, who was born in 1832 in Pennsylvania, 
and worked at blacksmithing in that state from his 
youth until 18G8, when he migrated to Howard 
Lake, Minnesota. George was born in Indiana in 
1855, and Albert in Pennsylvania in 1857. They 
accompanied their parents to this state in 1868, and 
learned the trade of blacksmith, at which they 
worked in connection with farming in Martinsbnrg, 
Renville county, where they had located in 1877. 
In December, 1881, they built a shop at Buffalo 
Lake, their present place of business. 

George W. Rosser, native of Canada, was born 



in 1856, and his home has been in Preston Lake, 
since coming here with his parents, when ten years 
old. In 1876 he came to his farm of 50 acres on 
section 11. He has held the town offices of clerk 
and assessor. Mr. Rosser married in 1876, Sarah 
Eynon; they have three children: Watkin W., Ed- 
win R. and Anabel. 

William Rosser was born in 1830 in London, 
Canada. At the age of seventeen he began teach- 
ing ; followed that occupation nine years and then 
for ten years he was in the grocery trade at Car- 
lyle. Since the spring of 1866, his home hasjbeen 
in Preston Lake. He has b?en supervisor, justice 
and town clerk; has also been since 1868, postmas- 
ter of Swansea. Married in 1855, Elizabeth Al- 
way; five children: George, Annie, Albert, Mattie 
and Lizzie. 

NOBrOLK. 

This town was set apart for organization as Ben- 
ton, September 6, 1870; the first election was or- 
dered held on the 22d of the mouth. The records 
of the town for the first meetings are missing. Jan- 
uary 4, 1871, the name of the town was changed 
to Marschner and a few years later, to Norfolk. 
The first settlers were S. D. Childs and Charles 
Sherwood, who came in tlie tall of 1868; early in 
1869, James Murphy, Patrick Williams, and James 
Brown made claims. Rev. N. Tainter, Methodist, 
held services in 1869; meetings are held at private 
houses and school-houses. The first birth in the 
town was that of Thedea, daughter o! S. D. Childs, 
born in March, 1869; she died the following Sep- 
tember. Norfolk post-office was estaljlished in 
1879, with James Brown as postmaster, but was 
discontinued the same year. 

S. Brooks, native of New York, born in 1843, 
moved to Wisconsin when a boy, wth his parents, 
and was brought up on a farm in that state. He 
enlisted in 1862 in the 32d Wisconsin infantry 
and served through the war. Mr. Brooks removed 
to Steele county, Minnesota, in 1865 and was mar- 
ried there the next year, to Jenet Carvey. Since 
1871 their home has been in Norfolk. Of the six 
children born to them, five are living. 

Franz Ederer was born in 1836. While living 
in Germany, his birthplace, he was engaged in 
the brewing business. Prewous to coming to 
America in 1864, he visited Austria and France; 
stayed in New Y'ork three months, then in St. 
Louis until 1868, and in Wisconsin fi-om that time 
until 1870, the date of his coming to Minnesota. 
From 1874 until 1877 he was in Cahfornia and 



RENVILLE COUNTT. 



821 



Oregon, then returned to this state; he owns a 
large farm on sections 6 and 8 of Norfolk. IMar- 
ried in 1868, Annie Koch ; six children. 

.J. H. Hogan, native of Canada, was born in 
1847. In 1864 he removed to Chicago, where he 
remained two years; he has worked at his trade, 
that of blacksmith, in sixteen different states, but 
in 1880 settled in Norfolk, building a good shop 
and residence. Mr. Hogan's marriage occurred 
in this county in July, 1881 ; his wife, Sarah Jones, 
was born in 1855 in Canada. 

J. L. McLaughlin was born in 1814, in Toronto, 
Canada. From 1834 to 1837 he worked at the car- 
penter trade in St. Clair, Michigan, but then re- 
turned to Canada; in 1846 he removed to Frank- 
lin county, New York; worked at farming there 
until 1868, at which date he came to Minnesota; 
his farm is on section 35, Norfolk. Mr. McLaugh- 
lin has been justice of this town since 1870. Mar- 
ried Isabell Lynch in 1838. They are the par- 
ents of ten children. 

Frank Poseley was boi'n in 1855 in Wiscon- 
sin. Came in the spring of 1873 to Minnesota; 
located first in Nicollet county but removed to 
Norfolk, and his home has since been on section 
12, where he has a iine place. In 1875 lie mar- 
ried Maggie Keltgel. Henry and Willie are their 
children. The spring of 1881 Mr. Poseley was 
elected chairman of the town board. 

William Kicliter, native of Pennsylvania, was 
born in 1837 in Cambria county. In the autumn 
of 1875 he located in Scott county, Minnesota, 
but three years later removed to Norfolk, which 
is still his home; his farm is situated on section 
11. Mary Ann Luther became his wife in 1860. 
The names of their children are Jacob, Josephine, 
Simon, Matilda, Mary, Margaret and Peorus. 

L. M. Thompson was bom in 1826. Heleamed 
the trade of carpenter in New York, his native 
state. Eemoved to Wisconsin in 1856; the next 
year came to Minnesota and has since lived in 
Rice county. Mr. Thompson married in 1847, 
Locina Sanfrancisco. Of their four cbOdren three 
are living: T. J., George A. and Eudora. The 
sons own 350 acres of land in Norfolk. 

Elbert Van Orum, whose native state is New 
York, was born in 1846. In 1863 he went to 
Vermont where be enlisted; he was honorably 
discharged and in the tall of 1865 he removed to 
Dodge county, Minnesota, where in 1869, he 
married Laura Calhoun. Their farm is located on 
section 30 of the iovm of Norfolk. Five children 



have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Van Orum : two 
are deceased. 

STEWAHT. 

M. Blanchard, native of Wisconsin, was born in 
1847 at Wauwatosa. After leaving school he 
learned milling, in which business he was engaged 
fourteen years at Watertovm, Wisconsin. He 
then sold, and in 1878 located in Stewart, Minne- 
sota, where he has since been acting as agent in 
the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul 
railroad company. He was married in 1867, and 
has one child : Mattie. 

Albert Boedigheimer was bom Aj)ril 14, 1849, 
in Medina county, Ohio. He learned harness- 
making and removed to St. Paul, where he worked 
at that trade seven years; was then in business in 
partnership with Mr. Metzzer from 1873 to 1878, 
at which date he opened a general store and har- 
ness-shop in Stewart; his business house, built in 
May of that year, was the first erected in Stewart; 
also conducts the Union elevator, in which he 
owns one-half interest. He is treasurer of the 
town of Collins. Married, October 5, 1871, Au- 
gusta Krueger; one child: Mary. 

Eli Degree was born in Canada in 1844, and in 

1864 came to the States. He served eighteen 
months in Company A, Sixth Vermont, and after 
the war returned to that state, where he worked 
two years at blacksmithing, and then three years 
in New York. In 1875 he came to Minnesota; 
followed his trade and farming three years in 
Grafton. Since erecting a shop in Stewart, in 
November, 1878, he has been in business here. 
In 1870 he married Julia Kotie; three children: 
Moses and Rosa; Jessie is deceased. 

A. J. HaU was born in 1836 in Rensselaer 
county. New York. He graduated from a busi- 
ness college at Rocktord, Illinois; in 1865 he 
came to Minnesota, and tlie following year he and 
his brother George located at Round Grove, Mc- 
Leod county; they were among the earliest set- 
tlers there. He owned the Bound Grove farm of 
605 acres until 1879, when he sold to his brother 
and has since managed the farm, and had charge 
of G. W. Hall's elevator at Stewart. Married in 

1865 Martha Gardiner; they have adopted two 
children. 

R. H. Horgan was bom in Massachusetts in 
December, 1844, and while small accompanied his 
parents to Sheboygan county, Wisconsin. Re- 
turned to his native state in 1859, and in 1862 
sailed for California; three and one-half years 



822 



HISTORY OF rUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



later he migrated to Illinois, thence to Wisconsin, 
and eighteen months after to Minnesota. For 
some time he made a Imsiness of hunting, then for 
several years did carpenter and cabinet work at 
Hutchinson. Since 1878 he has conducted a 
lumber-yard at Stewart; is now serving the town 
as clerk. In 187.5 Miss Caroline StockiHg be- 
came his wife. 

M. Sohmitz, native of Prussia, was born in 1850. 
While yonug he learned blacksmithing at St. 
Paul, Min-nesota, and until 1878 worked there at 
his trade. During his residence in that city he 
was four years a member of the fire department. 
In July, 1878, he built a shop at Stewart, which 
was one of the first Ijuildings in the village, and 
has since been in business here. In 1874 he mar- 
ried Miss H. Schwartz. Edward W., Alexander 
J. and Francis A. are their children. 

William Senescall was born in 1826 and lived 
in England, his birthplace, until 1848, at which 
date he came to America. He lived one year in 
New York and two years in Michigan, engaged in 
livery and draying business, then removed to ] )a- 
kota coimty, Minnesota where he worked at farm- 
ing from 18.52 until 1864. Enlisted in August of 
that year in Company F, First Minnesota inde- 
pendent battalion; served eighteen months as far- 
rier, and after returning he dealt in horses until 
1880 when he came here and bought the Stewart 
House. He married January 21, 1851, Mary Mayo 
who has borne seven children; one is deceased. 

BOON LAKE. 

Until September, 1870, the territory included in 
this town was a part of Preston Lake. The first 
officers to serve were: J. W. Post, clerk; Timothy 
Cornish, treasurer; E. U. Eussell, assessor; I. S. 
Sheppard, justice and Samuel Chilson, constable. 
The board of supervisors elected failed to qualify. 
The first claim taken in the town was by I.S. Shep- 
pard in February, 1865; his family came in June, 
1866. E. U. Russell, wiio came in the summer of 
1865, was the first settler. There is a society of 
Methodists in charge of Rev. George Geer; the 
first meetings were held in 1874. In 1871 Miss 
Belle Jewell taught the first school in a building 
on section 29; there are now five school-houses. 

Benjamin F., son of I. S. Sheppard, born in 
August, 1867, was the first birth. There was a 
post-ofBcc called Malikahsahpah,in charge of E. U. 
Eussell, established in 1868 and discontinued in 

1870. Lake Side post-office was established in 

1871, with I. S. Sheppard as postmaster. 



Owen Carrigan was born in Vermont in 1848. 
He moved with parents to Walworth county, Wis- 
consin in 1855 and remained there until 1863 then 
removed to Houston county, Minnesota. Was en- 
gaged in farming and railroading until 1870, 
when he came to Boon Lake. He has been asses- 
sor, supervisor, and county commissioner. Mar- 
ried in 1.S79, Minnie Buce; they have one child: 
Ellen. His wife's parents and their four children, 
were killed by Indians in 1862. 

G. S. Edner was born in .Jefferson county. New 
York, in 1842 and in 1856 went to Wisconsin. At 
La Crosse, in 1861, he enlisted in the 14th Wiscon- 
sin infantry, and served until the close of the war. 
In the fall of 1865 he settled on section 26, town 
of Boon Lake. Married in 18(!5 Annie Hogarty 
who has borne him seven children. 

Frederick Eggert, native of Germany, was born 
in 1812. He engaged in the lumber business, and 
in 1853 emigrated to the United States. Lived at 
Troy, New York, untU 1856, then settled in Min- 
neapolis, where he Kved fourteen years. Removed 
to his present home in Boon Lake in 1870. Mary 
Sanft became his wife in Germany in 1837. Of 
their twelve children, six are living. 

Ernest Koeppe was bom in Germany in 1838. 
He was raised on a farm, and in 1857 came to this 
country ; he lived on a farm in Wisconsin until 
1878, then located on section 12 of Boon Lake. 
He married in this town in 1878, Mrs. H. Eggert, 
who was born in Germany, in 1851. 

C. D. McEwen was born near Burlington, Ver- 
mont, in 1822. In 1841 he moved to New York, 
and engaged in the dairy business until 1855, then 
went to Wisconsin ; two years later he located in 
McLeod county, Minnesota, where he carried on a 
dairy and manufactured cheese. In 1876 he set- 
tled in Boon Lake, where he conducts an extensive 
dairy. Married in 1843 Miss M. Dwinell; the liv- 
ing children are Howard, Bowman, Carlton,Clark L. 

Mrs. J. S. Newell was born in Massachusetts, in 
1845, and at ten years of age, came with her pa- 
rents to Hastings, Minnesota. In the spring of 
1866 she was married to Henry T. White, a native 
of New York. Mr. White was in the army and 
was taken prisoner and confined in Libby prison, 
where he lost his health; he died in 1877. In 
November, 1881, she was married to William J. 
Newell, native of Kentucky, born in 1849. He 
was raised in Illinois, and has been engaged in 
farming and dealing in horses, nursery goods, etc. 

A. L. Pfeil was born in Germany, in 1831. 



RENVILLE COUNTY. 



823 



Learned the carpenters' trade and also engaged in 
merchandise and saloon business. In 1869 he 
came to this country and for a time worked at his 
trade in Minneapolis. Came to his present home 
in Boon Lake, in 1872. Matilda Butdins became 
his wife in 1861. They have had twelve children, 
seven are living. 



CHAPTER LXXXIV. 

EMMETT BANDON — HENRYVrLLE PALMYRA 

WELLINGTON ERIOKSON BROOKPIELD HECTOR 

WANG — MELVILLE TROT. 

Emmett was set apart for organization September 
7, 1870, and the first election was held September 
21, 1870, at which time twelve votes were cast and 
the following officers elected : L. A. Brooks, chair- 
man, John Warner and William Powers, supervis- 
ors; Patrick Coulahan, clerk; H. E. Wadsworth, 
treasurer; William Powers and L. A. Brooks, jus- 
tices; C. Pickthorn and James Daley, constables. 

The first settlers came in June, 1869, and were 
L. A. Brooks and H. E. Wadsworth, on section 32, 
G. L. Dodge, section 20, and William Powers. The 
tall of the same year, John Warner, Patrick Coul- 
ahan, James Daley, Charles Pickthorn and Wesley 
Wiley, took claims and settled. 

The Methodists held meetings in 1871, at pri- 
vate houses, and in 1875, a society was organized. 
Services are now conducted weekly by Rev. J. 
Lamberson, in the school-house in the village of 
Renville. The Evangelicals held services at pri- 
vate houses from 1872 to 1881, when the church 
was completed on section 18, Troy, where they 
now attend. The Catholics and Norwegian Luth- 
erans have held religious services at private houses 
and school buildings. 

The first school was taught in the winter of 
1870-'l, in L. A. Brook's house, by Charles Pene- 
man. There are now five schools in the town. 

The first child born in the town was William, a 
son of James and Eliza Daley, born February 20, 
1870. The first death was that of Christian Nacke. 
who was frozen to death, January 7, 1873. He 
was found near section 14. 

Wadsworth P. O. was established in July, 1875, 
and H. E. Wadsworth appointed postmaster, the 
office being located at his house. In 1876, the 
office was removed to the house of L. A. Brooks, 
who was appointed pastmaster; in 1879 the office 
was discontinued. 



The village of Renville was surveyed in Septem- 
ber, 1878, on land owned by the Hastings and Da- 
kota Railway Company and J. M. McKinlay in 
in the south-west quarter of section 5. The pres- 
ent Ijoundaries contain about 400 acres on sections 
5 and 8. It was incorporated and the first election 
held March 15, 1881, at J. T. Brooks' office in the 
village with the following result: J. B. Boyd, 
president; O. Quamsoe, P. Williams and B. F. 
Heins, trustees ; J. T. Brooks, recorder and W. F. 
Baade, treasurer. The village has a population of 
about 275, and consists of the following business 
houses; three general stores, two hardware stores, 
one millinery and one drug store, one meat market, 
two hotels, two blacksmith shops, one harness, one 
shoe, one wagon and paint shop, two saloons, a 
lumber yard, one real estate and loan office, one 
lawyer, two physicians; two elevators, capacity 
about 45,000 bushels. 

The Renville Station News was established in 
the fall of 1879, by D. C. Wadsworth, and issued 
weekly until the spring of 1881, when it was dis- 
continued. Renville P. O. was established in Jan- 
uary, 1879, and the office located at J. B. Ander- 
son's drug store, he being appointed postmaster. 
It was afterwards removed to W. F. Baade's store 
and he appointed postmaster. 

W. F. Baade was born in 1840. He served four 
years in the army of his native country, Germany. 
Immigrated to Minnesota in 1868; worked two 
years in a brewery at Winona, then opened a store 
in Flora, Renville county; in 1879 he erected a 
building for his mercantile trade at Renville. He 
has served as town treasurer and postmaster. Mr. 
Baade married in 1869, Miss Albertina Otto; 
Anna, William and Melviua are their children. 

David Benson, native of Norway, born in 1841, 
was educated in the common schools and an agri- 
cultural coUege. From 1867 until 1871 he lived 
in Rochester, Minnesota; was employed as clerk 
in a store; after traveling in the south one winter, 
he located in Mower county, this state, but came 
in 1873 to Emmett. Mr. Benson was a member 
of the state legislature in 1873-'4-'5 and '7. Mar- 
ried in 1871, Carrie Knutson; their children are 
Belle, Benjamin, Louise, Clara, Mary and Anna. 

George Bennison, born in 1827, is a native of 
Yorkshire, England, where he lived untO twenty- 
tour years of age; since then he has been a resi- 
dent of the United States. After farming in Mur- 
ray county, Ohio, seven years he removed to Illi- 
nois, and since 1870 has Hved in Minnesota; he is 



824 



HISTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLKY. 



employed in farming on section 6 of Eramett. 
Miss Mary Coyle was married in 1851 to Mr. Ben- 
nison; William is their only child. 

J. T. Brooks, who is a native of Wisoon.siu, was 
born in 18.54 in St. Ci'oix county, where he attend- 
ed school. When fourteen years of age he accom- 
panied his i^arents to Emmett, and this town has 
since been his home. He has filled the offices of 
notary public, justice of the jjcacc and town clerk. 
In 1876 he was united in marriage with Sarah A. 
Bead, who has borne him four children : Henry, 
Minnie C, Gertrude and the baby. 

Loren A. Brooks was born June 18, 1825, in the 
state of New York. In 1835 he went to Michigan, 
and when twenty-one years old removed to Illinois; 
worked there five years at farming and mining, 
then migrated to Wisconsin, where the enlisted in 
1862, in Company D, Third regiment; served on 
the frontier and afterward went south. Since 
June, 1869, his home has been in Emmett, where 
he has been town clerk seven years, beside holding 
other offices. Married November 15, 1851, Eliza- 
beth Thomas; Jesse T., Lucy E., Flora E., Cora 
A., Estella E, and Ethel M. are their children. 

Samuel D. Childs, born in 1842, in New York, 
moved, with his parents in 1850, to Wisconsin. 
He enlisted there in 1861, in Company A, Eighth 
infantry; re-enlisted in 1864, participated in very 
many severe engagements and served through the 
entire war. Until 1868 he was in Dodge coimty, 
Minnesota, then came to Keuville county, and was 
the firbt settler in Norfolk. From 1876 until 1880 
he worked at the wagon maker and carpenter trade 
in Beaver Falls, now has a shop in Renville. Mar- 
ried in 1866, Laura Sherwood; the children are 
Leah M., Melvin B., Arthur J., Martha, Elsie and 
EHnor. 

Dr. W. Clay was born in 1854, in Chicago, Illi- 
nois. About four years later he went with his 
widowed mother to New York but one year after 
removed to Minnesota. Mr. Clay attended the 
high school at Plainview and began the study of 
medicine there in 1877, with Dr. J. P. Waste. Two 
years after, he entered Rush Medical College, of 
Chicago, and since graduating from there in 1880, 
has been in practice at Renville. Dr. Clay taught 
school some while studying medicine. 

John M. Dorman was bom in 1814, in Rock- 
bridge county, Virginia. From four years of age 
until 1836 his home was in Highland coimty, 
Ohio; his education was common school and acad- 
emical. He liegan teachhig in 1840; continued 



several years; also studied law in Indiana was ad- 
mitted in 1846 and until 1852 was in practice in 
that state. In 1852 he returned to Ohio: prac- 
ticed at Hillsboro until 1859 when lie was elected 
prosecuting attorney of Highland county; he was 
elected city justice of Hillsboro in 1861 ; served 
two years. During the rebellion he held mass 
meetings and acted as recruiting officer. He be- 
gan practicing at St. Peter Minnesota, in 1865 
and was soon elected borough attorney : removed to 
New Ulm and opened an office; was twice appoint- 
ed county attorney and was once elected attorney 
of Brown county. In 1870 ho removed to Beaver 
Falls, was chosen county attorney and court com- 
missioner of this county to both of which offices 
he was subsequently re-elected; has also served as 
justice. Practiced in 1877-'8 at Granite Falls, but 
since 1881 has been village attorney of Renville. 
Married in 1846, Miss A. Stagg who died in MarcTi 
1860; their son M. B. is in the United States navy: 
the other children are Edna F., John K., Emma 
and Anna. 

Heinrich Ereudenthal. who was born in 1837, 
remained in Germany, the laud of his birth, until the 
year 1871 ; at that date he became a resident of 
the United States. He was a soldier seven years 
in his native country, and for sixteen years fol- 
lowed the life of a sailor. Mr. Freudeuthal was 
married in 1866; his wife, Sojjhia T. Prea, liorn 
in 1843, is also a native of Germany; their chil- 
dren are .Tohn, Wilhelm. Ernst, Henry, Louise, 
Bernhardt, Frederic and Gustafi'. 

Fiauklin A. Gordon, native of Elinois, was born 
February 23, 1852, in Coles county. When 
twenty-three years old he moved to Iowa county, 
Wisconsin, where he worked at farming six years; 
passed one year in Iowa previous to 1872, the date 
of his coming to Emmett. Mr. Gordon was em- 
ployed in teaching and farming until in 1878 he 
began harness-making. He has held the offices of 
justice and town treasurer. Married in 1876 
Alice M. Green; children: Grace E., Charles E. 
and the twins, Martha and Mary. 

Ole Hansen, who was born in 1847, is a native 
of Norway, and the son of Hans Stremson. The 
latter was born in the year 1825, and his marriage 
occurred in Norway in 1847, with Rena Olson. 
In 1872 the family immigrated to the United 
States; Mr. Hansen worked two years in Wiscon- 
sin, and upon coming in the spring of 1874 to 
Emmett, took a farm of eighty acres; the children 



RENVILLE COUNTY. 



825 



are Ole, who owns eighty acres on section 4, and 
Samuel. 

B. F. Heins, born in 184(3, is a native of Ger- 
many, where he lived five years. Immigrated 
to Iowa and made that state his home until 1878, 
then came to Emmett and began the tin and hard- 
ware business; he is in partnershijD with P. W. 
Heins. He is a member of the village council, 
and has held the oflSce of town treasurer. In 
Scott county, this state, in 1873, Miss Esther Sam- 
pere was married to Mr. Heins; Edna E. is their 
only child. 

Knudt K. Nelson, native of Norway, was born 
in 1858, and when five years of age came to this 
country with his father's family. He owns IGO 
acres of land in Dakota, but is keeping a meat- 
market in Emmett. The father of Mr. Nelson loca- 
ted in Goodhue county, Minnesota, in 1863, but 
in 1871 removed to Sacred Heart, KenviUe county. 
He was the father of ten children: Carrie, Knudt, 
George, Christie, Nels, Gustave, Julia, Sophia, 
John and Charlie. 

Ole N. Olson, born in 1836 in Norway, came 
at the age of elevea years to America. He lived 
in Illinois seven years and I'eturned to that state 
after passing thi-ee years in Iowa and two years 
in Minnesota. Enlisted in company D, 36th Il- 
linois; served from July, 1861, to September, 
1864 ; at the battle of Stone river he was severely 
wounded. Upon being discharged he came to 
Minnesota; has lived in Dakota, Kandiyohi and 
Kenville counties. Married on Christmas, 1864, 
Julia Johnson; the children are Julia and Jane. 

S. N. Olsen, son of Kev. Nels Olsen, was born 
in Kendall county, Illinois, and when sis years old 
moved with his parents to Iowa. In 18.57 he went 
to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and three years 
later to Dakota county; lived eight years there, 
the same length of time in Kandiyohi county; he 
worked at the trade of carpenter; spent two years 
more in Dakota county and in 1878 came here. 
He is constable and deputy sheriff. Married in 
1874 Miss O. Knutson; one child: Adeline S. 

F. P. Parsons, native of Connecticut, was bom 
in 1854, in Winsted. The family migrated, in 
1858, to Wisconsin; four years later to Iowa, and 
in about two years returned to Wisconsin, where 
he learned telegraphy. He worked a few months 
in each of several places, then lived for live years 
at Faribault, after which he became station agent 
and operator at Renville. .Jennie Shipley was 



married December 25, 1879, to Mr. Parsons: .John 
M. and William P. are their children. 

Lars Pederson was born in 1849 and in 1871 
left the land of his birth, Norway, to become a 
resident of America. He located at St. Peter, 
Minnesota, in 1872, but removed about a year af- 
ter, to Fillmore county. Since 1878 he has been 
working at his trade, that of blacksmith, in Een- 
ville. At Chatfield, this state, in 1875, he married 
Regina Swenson; their children are Samuel, Peter 
E. and Leon C. 

William Powers, a native of Ireland, was born 
in 1838. From 1856 until 1868, his home was in 
Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in lumbering. 
He was united in marriage in that state, with Ag- 
nes Daley. After residing one year in Blue 
Earth county, Minnesota, he came to Emmett. 
For eight years he has held the offices of super- 
visor and justice. Mr. and Mrs. Powers have 
seven children: George, Mary, William, Leo, 
Eliza, Joseph and Andrew. 

B. F. Sloan, native of Pennsylvania, was born 
in 1848 in Crawford county. From 1854 until 
1863 his home was in La Salle county, Illinois; 
for several years he was a clerk. March, 1864, 
he enlisted in Company I, Second Pennsylvania 
cavalry; was transferred to the Second United 
States light artillery; honorably discharged in 
August, 1865. He was disabled three months by 
a wound in the foot. For a time Mr. Sloan was en- 
gineer on the Toledo and Warsaw railroad. Came 
to Minnesota in 1871 and in 1880 started his meat 
market in this place. 

John F. Smith was born in 1842 in France but 
has been a resident of the United States since 
coming here at the age of two years with his 
parents. He lived in Wisconsin where he was 
engaged in farming and mining. Enlisted in 
1861 in Company H, Seventh Wisconsin. Was in 
service four and one-half years; he was wounded 
at the battle of the Wilderness. Mr. Smith visi- 
ted California, but returned and since 1870 has 
lived in Renville. Married in 1866, Maria Crooks; 
then- living children are Samuel A., William H., 
Mary J. and Bertha A. 

W. D. Spaulding was bom in 1848, in Michigan. 
The family migrated in 1853, to McGregor, Iowa. 
While residing in that state he attended the com- 
mon schools, also learned telegraphing and was 
employed as operator in different places. In 
1878 he came to Renville and embarked in the 



826 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



dnig business. Mr. Spanlding married in 1879, 
Miss Nettie Farley ; they iiave one child. 

E. C. Stevens, native of New York, was bom in 
1830, iu Lewis county, where he learned the trade 
of carpenter. He moved to Columbia, Ohio, after- 
wards to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Was mayor of 
that town one term. He bnilt there the first ware- 
house on the Chicago, Milwaukee k St. Paul rail- 
road. Mr. Stevens came to Renville in 1878; 
built an elevator in company with Mr. Griffin 
and is now engaged in buying grain ; also con- 
ducts a farm of 640 acres. Married in 1853. 
Amauda Rogers; one child: George. 

A. T. Strand who is a native of Norway was 
born in 1856. Since the year 1864 he has been a 
resident of the United States. From Cohunbia 
county, Wisconsin he removed to Emmet county, 
lo wa ; his home was in that state twelve years. In 
1877 he came to Minnesota; afterwards traveled 
some in Dakota; is now assistant postmaster and 
clerk for W. F. Baade. 

John Walser was born in 1852, and while living 
in Austria, the land of his birth, he learned the 
trade of painter. In April, 1870 he moved to 
Reed's Landing; afterwards went to Menomonee, 
Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire and Rsd Wing. Since 
1880 Mr. Walker has kept a paint shop in Renville, 
and is doing a good business. 

J. Westby, who is a native of Norway, was born 
in 1856, aud in 1877 came to the United States. 
First located in Iowa, then went to Winona, Black 
River Falls, Chippewa Falls and Minneapolis, 
after which he removed to Freeborn county, but 
in 1878, came to Renville. He has worked at the 
carpenter trade; is now in the saloon business. 

John H. White, born in 1821 in New York, 
went when twenty-eight years old, to Wisconsin, 
where he served at deputy sheriif, three years. 
He kept hotel five years at Ha^ri8\^lle, that state. 
From 1860 until 1863 he was farming in Olmsted 
county, Minnesota, then removed to Beaver Falls ; 
was deputy sherifl there two years. He passed 
some time in Iowa, but since 1881 has been pro- 
prietor of the Renville House of this place. 
Married in 1849, Lucy Clark, who died in 1865; 
his second wife was Mrs. Phoebe Butler. 

George D. Wilcox, born in 1831, is a native of 
Washington county, New York. The family went 
to Virginia and lived about eighteen years; had a 
farm and cheese factory ; subsequently removed to 
Michigan. In 1864 he enlisted in Company A, 
3d Infantry of that state: was in service eighteen 



months. After farming two years in New York he 
came to Minnesota; went from Flora to Sacred 
Heart, where he lived twelve years; is now keeping 
hotel in Renville. Married Adeline Dixon in 1855; 
Silas A. is the only living child: Matilda Wilbur, 
married in 1867, is his second wife. 

William Yock, who is a native of Prussia, was 
born in 1826, and was reared as a farmer. He im- 
migrated to the United States in 1856; for seven- 
teen years his home was in Dodge county, Minne- 
sota; he worked five years in a brick yard. Since 
1873 he has lived at his farm iu Renville; 160 
acres on section 14. Mr. Yock Was married in 
1850, to Sophia Wegward; have four- children. 

BANDON. 

This town was set apart for organization Janu- 
ary 4, 1871, and election ordered held at Jeremiah 
Farrell's house, section 18. The election was held 
at the time and place appointed, but owing to the 
destruction of the early records we are unable to 
give the result. Jeremiah Farrell was the first 
settler, locating on section 18, where be now lives, 
in April, 1869. Martin Johnson, Jacob Anderson, 
G. Nelson and S. Killey located the same year. 

The Norwegian Lutheran Synod was organized 
soon after the fii-st Norwegian settlers arrived by 
Rev. T. H. Johnson; services are held monthly in 
the school-house in section 26. The Norwegian 
Danish Conference held meetings about 1876 and 
occasionally thereafter. 

There are four school buildings in the town, two 
frame and two log, all well attended during school 
sessions. Bandon post-office was established in 
1881 with A. O. Hole as jjo.stmaster. 

Iver Brandjord was born in 1838 in Norway. 
Came to America in 1866, and after living two 
years in Fillmore county, Minnesota, he removed 
to Renville county ; resided one year in Camp, and 
his home has since been in Bandon; he is the owner 
of 120 acres of land on section 32. Olive Skjie be- 
came his wife in 1875, and has borne him four 
children: Bertina, Iver, Amelia and Siveriue. 

Jerry Desmond was born in 1854; lived in Can- 
ada, his birthplace, until coming in 1870 to the 
United States ; his home has since been on section 6 
of Bandon, where he owns a farm of 160 acres. In 
1876 he married Miss Mary Cunningham; Cor- 
nelius and David are their children. 

Jeremiah Farrell, native of Ireland, was born in 
1825, and immigrated in 1851 to New York. Af- 
ter a residence of eighteen years in that state he 
■ came here, arriving at Mankato April 17, 1869; he 



RENVILLE COUNTT. 



827 



came to Bandon and settled on section 18; is now 
the owner of 808 acres of land. Mr. Farrell has 
filled various town offices. Married February 3, 
1855, Hiiunah Leary, born in 1833 in New York; 
the liWng children are Cornelius, John, Patrick, 
Ellen and Mary, twins, Timothy and Dennis. 

D. Haulon was born in 1827 and lived in his 
native country, Ireland, until immigrating to Mas- 
sachusetts in 1851; in 1861 he went to Wisconsin 
and eight years later came to his present place of 
residence, section 6, Bandon. Married Miss Ann 
Eagen in ISSG; she was born in 1833 in Ireland; 
of the nine children born to them eight are living : 
Daniel, Anna, Timothy, Ellen, William, Margaret, 
Catharine and Anna Mariah. 

Andrew Hanson, native of Norway, was born in 
1848. In company with his parents he came to 
the United States in 1866, and for eight years 
lived in Goodhue county, Minnesota, then came to 
Bandon. MissB. Iverson was married to him in 
1870; Edward, Henry, Samuel, Bertel, Albert and 
John are theii children. 

Abraham Hara, native of Sweden, was born in 
1840. Upon coming to this country in 1870 he 
located in Michigan, and three years later migra- 
ted to Wright county, Minnesota; after living 
there five years he located permanently on section 
31, Bandon ; Miss Eva M. Euso was married to 
him in 1873, and has borne three children : Isaac 
W. and Mary A. are living. 

Benjamin Holm was bom in Sweden, December 
3, 1834, and in 1872 immigrated to Michigan; he 
lived there seven years then removed to Minne- 
sota and has since lived in Bandon. In 1855 he 
married Margaretta Johns, also a native of Swe- 
den ; they have had fifteen children ; the living 
are Amanda, Charley, Herman, Selma, William, 
Mary and Annie. 

James Hurley, a native of Ireland, was born in 
1833, and in 1842 accompanied his j^arents to New 
York, where he resided twenty -five years; after 
passing five years in Olmsted county, Minnesota, 
he came to this county, and has since lived in Ban- 
don. Married Johanna Farrell in 1858; Patrick, 
Catherine, Cornelius, Johanna, Jeremiah, Mary, 
James, William and Timothy are their children. 

Herman Johnson was bom in 1854 in Finland; 
after living sixteen years in Norway he immigra- 
ted in 1878 to America; resided in Michigan for 
abC'ut four years, but removed in 1877 to Minne- 
sota and has since lived in Bandon. Miss Grata 



Caroline, born in 1850, became his wife in 1874; 
in 1879 they lost their only child. 

Martin Johnson, who was born in 1834, was 
reared and educated in Norway, his birthplace, 
but emigrated in 1866, and for two years resided 
at St. Peter, Minnesota; removed to Kenville 
county and located at his present home in Bandon ; 
has held various offices. Married in 1869, Johanna 
Halverson, born in 1842, in Norway; Eunice, Pau- 
lina, John A., Julius, Oles and Hans P. are their 
children. 

Mathias Killey, native of Norwav, was born in 
1854 and in 1868 immigrated, in company with 
his parents to Mankato, Minnesota; one year later 
he settled permanently in Bandon. In 1881 he 
married Miss E. Jord. Erland Killey, his father, 
was bom in 1810 in Norway; tiie mother was born 
in 1813 and is also a native of Norway; they re- 
side here with their son. 

John Larson, who was born in 1851, lived in 
Norway, his native country, until accompanying 
his parents, in 1866 to St. Peter, Minnesota; for 
about eight years he lived there then came to 
Bandon. In 1872 he married Miss Mary Killey ; 
Mary L. is their only living child. 

Ole H. Lee is a native of Norway, where he 
was born in 1853. In 1871 came to the United 
States; lived six years in Goodhue county, Minne- 
sota, after which he came to Bandon. His mar- 
riage with Miss Martha Martinson took place in 
1876; Hans and Bertina are their children. 

Gabriel A. Nelson was bom in 1841 in Norway, 
but has been a resident of Minnesota since 1866; 
after living six months in Fillmore and eighteen 
months in Nicollet counties he located in Bandon; 
has held various offices in this town. Married in 
1867 Carrie Christopherson. 

John Nestande, a native of Norway, was born 
in 1841 and came to this country in 1868: stopped 
one year in Wisconsin. He migrated to Minne- 
sota and to Bandon. Mr. Nestande has filled the 
offices of supeiwisor and assessor. Miss Lena Lee 
in 1874 became his wife; Peter, Albert, Mena and 
Anna are their cliildren. 

Gurenus Peterson who was born in Norway in 
1840, came to the United States in 1867: resided 
three years in Book county, Wisconsin, one year 
in Fillmore county, Minnesota and then settled in 
Bandon, of which town he has been clerk for six 
years. Married in 1870, Rejine Tollesson; chil- 
dren: Jina, Toiweld, Peter, Eoaena and Eejina. 

Ole Steflfeuson is a native of Norway : he was 



828 



niSTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



born in 1843 and in 1866 immigrated to Goodhue 
county, Minnesota, wliere for six years lie was en- 
gaged in farming; since 1872 has lived in Bandon. 
Miss Olina TIanson became his wife in 1866; Stef- 
fensou, Henry, Berlin aud Anna are their children. 
Jacob A. Volen was boru in 1840 and left his 
native place, Norway, in 1866, to settle in the 
United States: after staying two years in St. Peter 
Minnesota, he came to this county and has since 
lived in Bandon. Miss Ina Lyng, was married to 
him in 1868, and has borne him six children: 
Mary I., Annie, Sophie, Jette and Ida are living. 

UENETS'ILLE. 

The town of Henryville was organized in 1871 
and the first election held March 28th, at which 
were chosen: John Swobody, chairman, James 
Holden and F. M. Carlson, supervisors; T. H_ 
Barkey, clerk and assessor; L. G. Moore, treasur- 
er; Joseph Sharp and James Greeley, justices; 
Henry Seely, and David Smith, constables; James 
Holden and F. M. Carlson, overseers of roads. The 
first settler was Patrick Barkey, who came in May 
1866; James O'Neil and Robert Nicholson came 
that year. 

The first religious services were held by the 
Catholics in 1869, and in 1880 the society began 
the erection of a church; thirty-five families be- 
long to the parish, which Father Berghold visits 
monthly. The Bohemian Catholics separated from 
the above society in 1877, and in 1880 liuilt a 
church in the western part of the town. 

Henry, son of Thomas Barkey, bom in June 
1868, was the first birth. The first death was that 
of Thomas Garritty, who was frozen to death in 
January, 1869; between the latter date and 1876, 
seven deaths occurred in this town from freezing. 
Henryville post-ofiice was established at the house 
of Dr. Schoregge, postmaster, in 1879; he is still 
in charge of tUe office. 

J. J. Bickel, native of Ohio, was born in 1844, 
and brought up on a farm. From 1864 till the 
the fall of 1870, he lived in Eice county, Minneso- 
ta; he was then in Flora, Renville county, two and 
one-half years, after which he settled in Henry- 
ville. In 1865, Mr. Bickel married Mary Doyle; 
three children have been born to them, only one is 
living, Mary. 

F. Bouda was born in 1851, in Austria, and serv- 
ed in the German army about three and one- half 
years; came in 1874 to Minnesota; after living in 
Le Siienr five months he came to Henryville; his 
farm lies on section 4. Rosa Stiha, born in 1860 



in Le Sueur county, was married to him in 1877 ; 
May and Agnes are their children. 

Lawranc« Bouda, who was bom in 1842, is a na- 
tive of Austria, but has been a resident of Minne- 
sota since fifteen years old. He remained in Rice 
county until 1870, then settled in Henryville. Mr. 
Bouda has been constable for six years. In July, 
1874, he married Rosa Menard, who was born in 
Bohemia. Annie, Mary, Agnes, and Rosa are their 
children. 

John Cooley, bom January 18, 1812, in Spring- 
field, Massachusetts, lived on a farm until sixteen 
years old, when he learned wagon-making. In 
1833 he went to Montgomery county, New York, 
and seven years later to Orleans county; removed, 
five years afterward, to New York city, and since 
1871 has resided in Henryville. In 1834 he mar- 
ried Eliza Foster: she died in 1864. Mary, Ervilla 
and Francis are their children. Annie Davenport 
became his wife in 1866; one child; she had four 
children by a former husband. 

Michael Garritty, native of Racine county, Wis- 
consin, was born October 25, 1854, in Rochester; 
at the age of fourteen years he accompanied his 
parents to Renville coimty, Minnesota. He has 
been assessor of his town and also held school of- 
fices. Margaret Holden was born in Canada ; No- 
vember 28, 1876, she was married to Mr. Garritty. 
Margaret E., James T., Edward J. and Catharine 
M. aie their children. 

Owen Heaney was born Jime 24, 1820, in Ire- 
land. In 1832 he moved to Canada, where for a 
number of years, he held both town and county 
offices; came to Minnesota in 1867; after living 
two years in Olmsted county he settled in Henry- 
ville. Mr. Heaney has held the office of county 
commissioner six years. Married, January 27, 
1852, Margaret Percy: they have had nine chil- 
dren; the living are James, Frank H., William J., 
Alfred J., Maria C, Anna A. and Arthur P. 

Joseph Kartak, native of Austria, was boru in 
1829. In 1860 he came to Le Sueur county, Min- 
nesota, and two years later to Rice county, where 
he remained seven years, after which he came to 
Henryville; from November, 1864, until July, 
1865, he served in Company D, Second Minne- 
sota. Mr. Kartak married in 1856, MaryNekola; 
ten children: Rosa, Jacob, Mary, Stephen, Annie, 
Agnes, Francis, Josephine, Jennie and John; eight 
are living. 

John Kelly, native of Ireland, was born Septem- 
ber 17, 1845, and when a child accomjjanied his 



HENVILLB COUNTY. 



829 



parents to Bacine county, Wisconsin. Enlisted in 
December, 1863, in Company E, 19th Wisconsin 
infantry; served until August, 1865. In 1866 went 
to Fillmore coimty, Minnesota, for a few months 
and after living five years in Rochester, located in 
Henryville. Maria (rarritty was married to him 
November 28, 1872; the children are Thomas J., 
John W., George and James F. 

Joseph Kodet, native of Austria, was born in 
1833 and attended the common schools; Jearned 
the trade of blacksmith of his father. From 1854 
until 1870 be resided in Wisconsin; then migrated 
to this state and settled on section 28 of Henry- 
ville. Teresa Swoboda, became his wife in 1870; 
have four children, Emma, Josejsh, Mary and John. 

Wenzel Kojetin, native of Austria, was born 
September 20, 1828 ; served twelve years as a sol- 
dier, then worked seven years at making pumps. 
In 1866 he immigrated to Chicago, Illinois; 
about a year later he went to Missouri, and re- 
moved from there to Belle Plaine, Minnesota, 
where he bought a farm. In 1878 he came to 
Henryville. Married, February 9, 1858, Anna 
Macholdovoa; ten children; John, Wenzel, Frank 
and Blary are living. 

Jacob Ki-yl, born June 26, 1841, in Bohemia, 
moved with his parents to Rochester, Wisconsin, 
when he was twelve years old. Enlisted. August, 
1862, in Company I, 26th Wisconsin; from Jan- 
uary until June, 1863, he was in the hospital, then 
transferred to the invalid corps; was wounded in 
the right arm during a riot; discharged in July, 
1865. Mr. Kryl removed to Northfield, Minne- 
sota, but in 1867 came to Henryville; has been 
supervisor and treasurer several years. Married 
in September, 1868, Josepliine Zita; the children 
are Jamie, Thomas, Mary and Josephine. 

William Moloney, born in Ireland in 1826, im- 
migrated in 1846 to Philadelphia, and the same 
year removed to Illinois. Four years later he vis- 
ited Virginia; returned and in 1855 went to St. 
Paul for two years, after which he was in Scott 
county until coming in 1878 to Henryville. He 
married Margaret Nash in 1857; Mary, Sarah A., 
James, Andrew, Patrick, WiUiam, Thomas and 
Maggie are their children. 

Dr. H. Schoregge was bom April 18, 1816. He 
attended school at different places in Germany, 
his native laud, and after graduating, devoted 
some time to the study of medicine. Upon coming 
to this country he practiced four mouths in New 
York city, and then iu Boston until 1870, when 



he located on his farm in Henryville. He is jus- 
tice of the peace and postmaster. Dr. Schoregge 
married, November 26, 1846, Johanna Laidner; 
of their eleven children, only five are living: 
John, William, Helen, Charles and Annie. 

Joseph Sharp, native of Nova Scotia, was born 

September 8, 1820; for a time he followed the sea; 
visited England, Ireland and Scotland, then re- 
turned to his native land; from 1848 till 1865 he 
lived in Maine; after passing two and one-half 
years in Dakota county, Minnesota, he came to 
Renville county and settled on liis present farm. 
He has been justice of the peace six years. Mar- 
ried, September 30, 1850, Charlotte Chase; two 
children are dead; the living are Horatio and Ella. 

Jonas Spalsbury was born September 30, 1828, 
in Jefferson county, New York. In 1853 he 
moved to Eipon, Wisconsin; in 1865 to Roches- 
ter, Minnesota; in 1870 to Redwood county, and 
six months later to Beaver Falls, where he remained 
until coming in 1876 to Henry viUe. He served 
in the late civil war from August, 1862, until 
March, 1863. Julia Smith became his wife Au- 
gust 2, 1865. Dexter, William E., Annie, Alva 
P., Jonas J., Mildred M. and Edward M. are the 
children. 

John Swobody, born in Austria in 1846, accom- 
panied his parents to Racine county, Wisconsin, 
in 185(5. From August 1862 until June 1865 he 
served in the army; enlisted in Company I, 26th 
Wisconsin. For eight years he has been chair- 
man of the town board, and has been treasurer 
four years. July 9, 1873 he married Agnes Ze- 
tah; four children: John, Joseph, Frank and Mary. 

John Wilt who was born in Austria in 1839, 
was reared on a farm and attended the common 
schools. In 1869 he moved to Scott county, Min- 
nesota, but one year later located at Sleepy Eye, 
where he resided eleven years, and then came to 
Henryville; Annie Dobeas became bis wife in 1867; 
Annie, Lizzie, Mary, Francis, Teresa and Katie 
are their childi-en. 

John Zetah was born in June, 1850, and is a na- 
tive of Bohemia, Austria. The family emigrated 
from that country when he was ten years of age, 
and became residents of the United States. After 
residing two years in La Crosse county, Wiscon- 
sin, he removed to Le Sueur county, Minnesota, 
and lived there until coming in 1875, to Henry- 
ville. In 1878 he married Mary Budke, of Bo- 
hemia; Mary is their only child. 



830 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



PALMYRA. 

This town was set apart for organization Janu- 
ary 2, 1872, and the first election held January 
30, following, at which were chosen : E. H. Olesou, 
chairman, John Anderson and Lafe Tennis, super- 
visors; Thomas Eisdall, clerk and assessor: Ole 
Halvorsou, treasurer; A. Tollefson, justice; Halver 
Halverson, constable. Claims were taken in the 
town in Jiine, 1870, by D. S. Greene and one 
Franklin, but the first actual settler was E. H. 
■ Olesou, who came the same montli; Lorens and 
John Eiicksou came soon after. 

Tlie first religious meeting was held by the 
Norwegian Lutherans in 1872, conducted by Rev. 
J. B. Borg; who in 1878 organized a society with 
about twenty members. Rev. N. P. Xavier now 
holds services monthly, in the town hall which 
was built in 1877. The first school was taught in 
1876 at E. H. Oleson's, by Martha Ericson; there 
are now in the town four school districts. The 
first marriage was that of T. A. Risdall and Anna 
Johnson, in June, 1871. Carl, son of John Olson 
born iu August, 1870, was the first birth. Pal- 
myra post-office was established at T. A. Risdall's 
house in 1873; after several changes it was .discon- 
tinued in 1880. Eddsville post-office was estab- 
lished in 1878, and E. H. Oleson appointed post- 
master, and the office located at his house on sec- 
tion twenty-eight. 

George Carney, born October 15, 1845, in Can- 
ada; in 1850 accompanied his parents to Burling- 
ton, Vermont, but removed in 1855 to Wisconsin. 
Enlisted i.: Company K, Seventh Wisconsin infan- 
try; served from August, 1861, to February, 1863. 
In 1869 he came to this state and in 1871 to Pal- 
myra. Married in January, 1866, Mary Galliger, 
born March 19, 1850, in Concord, Massachusetts; 
six living children, Minnie M., born March, 1868; 
WiUiam J., July 21, 1870: Nettie E., May 31, 
1873; Jessie J., November 22, 1876; Gordon G., 
December 14, 1878, and Thomas A., November 
21, 1881. 

Peter Ericson, born December 21, 1845, iu Jef- 
ferson county, Wisconsin. Lived on a farm and 
worked some at carpentering. He migrated in 
1869 to Michigan, and iu 1871 came to Palmyra, 
Minnesota; owns a farm of 160 acres and has 
engaged in teaching part of the time since com- 
ing here. Mr. Ericson has been tt)wn clerk, super- 
visor and justice. In 1873 he married Tena Ten- 
nis; five children are living. 

Patrick Gillan, native of Ireland, immigrated 



in 1853 to Maine. Lived on a farm near Hastings, 
Minnesota, from 1856 until 1864, the date of his 
enlistment in C<impany F, Hatch's battalion; 
after serving about two years he was honora- 
bly discharged and was then in the employment of 
the government one year. Came to liis present 
farm in May 1869; married in June of that year, 
Catharine Connell: five children are living. 

Ole Halvorsou, a native of Norway, was born 
Octobej 15, 1835. After coming to the United 
States in 1852 he was dependent upon his own 
exertions. From 1855 until 1871 his home was in 
Fillmore county, Minnesota; he then located on 
his farm in Palmyra. Mr. Halvorson married in 
1861, Esther Anderson; eight children are living. 

Gilbert Mathison, bom March 20, 1834, remain- 
ed in Norway, the land of his birth until 1855 at 
which time he immigrated to Indiana. The fol- 
lowing year he removed to St. Paul : in 1860 he 
went to Arkansas, but in 1875 settled on his farm 
in Renville county. In 1867 Anna Ericson became 
his wife; they have five hving chUdren. 

Edwin H. Oleson was born October 14, 1830, in 
Norway, l)ut emigrated from thei'e in 1850 and lo- 
cated in Wisconsin. Enlisted in 1861, iu company 
H, Eighth Wisconsin; re-en Hsted and served 
through the eutire war. He came to this state in 
1869, but did not settle on his farm in Palmyra 
until 1870. Mr. Oleson has held different town 
offices and keeps the Eddsville post-office. Married 
in 1867, Mrs. Martha Lee; seven children are living. 

Paul J. Ranberg, born July 30, 1830 in Norway, 
moved to New York in 1852, and sot)n after to 
Wisconsin. He visited Europe but returned to 
Wisconsin and sailed on the lakes until enlisting 
in 1861 in Company H, 15th Wisconsin infantry; 
re-enlisted in 1863 and served until war ceased. 
Again visited his native place, but in 1868 came 
back, and in 1872 moved to Palmyra; married 
Betsy Nelson in 1873; six living children. 

Michael Reagan, native of Ireland, was bom in 
September, 1831. Went in 1851, to Toronto, Can- 
ada, in 1860 to Michigan, and in 1867 to Birch 
Cooley, where he was one of the first settlers. 
Since 1880 he has resided at his farm in Palmyra. 
In 1859 married Johanna Desmond; six children. 
His brother, J. H. Reagan, also born iu Ireland, 
settled in Birch Cooley, in 1868. Agnes Jones 
became his wife in 1863 and has borne him ten 
children. 

WELLINOTON. 

This town was set apart for organization Jvine 



RENVILLE COUNTY. 



831 



4, 1873, and an election held June 17, at Wil- 
liam Carson's house; the details cannot be given as 
the early records of the town are missing. Wil- 
liam Carson was elected chairman and Henry J. 
Barton, clerk. The first settler was William Chalk, 
who came in May, 1870, and was soon followed 
by Dennis Crady and John Ciarrahy. 

The German Methodists held ssrvice in private 
houses in 1874 and in 1880 liuilt a frame church 
near the center of the town, where services are 
held semi-monthly. The first school was taught 
in 1877 by Solomon Demmings; there are now two 
frame school buildings. The first birth was that 
of John Chalk, July 3, 1870. The first death was 
that of Mrs. Margaret Murphy, July 3, 1870. A 
daughter of John Fahey was killed by the cyclone 
of July 15, 1881. 

Charles Black was born in 1843 in Prussia. 
Immigrated to Wisconsin in 1868; after passing 
one year in that state and Minnesota he located in 
1869 in Cairo, which town was his home five years 
and he then came to M'^ellington. Mr. Black and 
Miss Charlotte Kruger were married in 1870. Rob- 
ert, Fred, Amil and Henry are their children. 

August Borth was born in 1837 in Germany. 
For fourteen years he followed the life of a sailor; 
he visited all the principal ports of the world. In 
1865, went to Washington county, Wisconsin, but 
shortly after began farming in Winona county, 
Minnesota; remained four years, then spent one 
year in Winona and in the spring of 1872 came to 
WelHngton. Married in 1865 Louisa Bade; their 
living children are Fritz, Minnie, Emma, Frank 
and Albert. 

August Fritz, native of Germany, was born in 
1843. His home was in Green Lake county, Wis- 
consin, from 1863 until 1871, when he removed to 
Nicollet county, Minnesota, and about two years 
after came to his farm in Wellington. Wilhemina 
PodoU was married to him to him in 1865, in Wis- 
c<msin, and died there about three years after. 
Henrietta Heise became bis wife in 1868; the chil- 
dren are Frank, Theresa, Otto, William, Albert, 
and Adolph. Minnie is deceased. 

Gustav Grams, who was born in 1840, is a native 
of Germany, but has been, since 1867, a resident 
of the United States. After living one year in 
Dodge county, Wisconsin, he removed to Minne- 
sota; worked in Olmsted county, three years, and 
in 1872 came to Wellington. Mr. Grams married 
iu 1872, Amelia Schimer. Emma, John, Matilda, 
Lena an 1 Amanda are their children. 



Karl Hillmann was born in 1832 iu Hanover, 
where also he was married in 1856, to Wilhemina 
Fenza, who bore him two children: Minnie and 
Charles. In 1865 they immigrated to Milwaukee, 
where Mrs. Hillmann died; he remained there two 
years doing carpenter work. Removed to Minne- 
sota and continued in that employment eleven 
years at Winona; since the spring of 1878, his 
home has been in Wellington. In 1865 he mar- 
ried Mary Pulka, who died in 1869 leaving two 
children, Henry afid Emma. 

Ferdinand Hinzman, a native of Prussia, was 
born in 1838. In 1867 moved to New York; af- 
terward passed three years in Green Lake county, 
Wisconsin, one year in Nicollet county, Minnesota, 
and then located in Wellington. Married in 1861, 
Sophia Gieaa, who died January 28, 1877; her 
children are William, Annie, Herman, Louis and 
Minnie. In October, 1879, he married Mrs. Kieker, 
who had one child, Annie, and has borne Mr. 
Hinzman one daughter, Eda. 

August Lehmann was born in 1844, and reared 
on a farm in Germany, the land of his birth. He 
came in 1871 to the United States and worked at 
farming five years in Wabasha county, Minnesota, 
In 1875 he removed to Wellington. Mr. Lehmann 
married in 1876, Caroline Witt; they have three 
children: Matilda, Alvina and Amelia. 

Gustav Mahlke, native of Germany, was born in 
1850. When fourteen years old he came to Min- 
nesota with his parents and settled in Winona. In 
1877 he removed to his present home in Welling- 
ton; has filled the office of justice of the peace, 
several terms. April 24, 1877, he married Mrs. 
Wilhemina Splettstear, who had five children : Le- 
na, Emma, Johanna, Herman and Otillia; she has 
borne Mr. Mahlke one child, Adelia. 

Rudolph Paschke, born in 1837 in Germany, 
came in 1867 to Minnesota, and after living in 
Olmsted county three years he removed to Cairo 
and took a homestead. Since 1877 he has lived 
in Wellington. Married in 1866 Paulina Sell. 
Reinhart, AmU and Emma are their children Mr. 
Paschke was away from home at the time of the 
tornado in July, 1881; the lives of his wife and 
family were saved by their taking refuge iu the 
cellar; the buildings and crops were destroyed. 

Robert Schoeufelder, Sr., deceased, was born iu 
1820 in Germany, and in 1848 came to America; 
located in Buflalo, New York, where he was em- 
ployed in carpentering thirty-two years. In 1878 
he settled in Wellington. Miss Mary .\dam, born 



832 



IIIHTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLBT. 



in 1824 in Germany, was married to him in 1850. 
Of their seven children, four are living: William, 
who for a number of years held the offices of jus- 
tice and town clerk, Robert, Mary and Frederick. 
Mr. Schoenfelder died October 30, 1879. 

Albert Shultz, who is a native of Prussia, was 
born in 1852. When thirteen years old he accom- 
panied his parents to this country and settled in 
Winona, Minnesota, where he was employed in a 
planing mill. In 1870 ho took eighty acres in 
Wellington. Mr. Shultz was united in marriage 
with Miss Frehlich in 1873; their children are 
Elizabeth, Amanda, William and an infant. Clara 
is deceased. 

ERICKSON. 

This town was formerly a part of Sacred Heart, 
but was organized as Erickson in 1874, and the 
first election was held January 27 of that year. 
The officers elected were: Ole GUbertson, chair- 
man and constable, Peter Gerdee and E. H. Wal- 
stad, supervisors; Henry Paulson, clerk and jus- 
tice; Peter P. Dustrud, treasurer, assessor and 
constable. The first settlers, Ole and Andrew GU- 
bertson, Christian Evensou and a few others, came 
in the summer of 1871. In 1875 occurred the 
first marriage, that of Lars H. Milstoue and In- 
gebor Hanson. The death of Emma H. Walstad, 
in 1872, was the first. The first school was taught 
in 1875 at E. H. Walstad's house, by Mary Bovee. 
In 1873 the Norwegian Lutherans began holding 
meetings, under Rev. John Halverson. 

Erik Hansen, born in 1844, is a native of Nor- 
way, but since 1871 has been a resident of the 
United States. After living in Dane county, Wis- 
consin, three years he migrated to ISIinnesota; re- 
sided two years in the town of Sacred Heart and 
then took a homestead in Erickson. Mr. Hansen 
married in 1871, Carrie Gilbertson; their children 
are Hageberth, Gilbert, Martin, Bernard, Amil 
and Charles. 

Johan S. Olsen, who is a native of Norway, was 
bom in 1830. He came in 1869 to the United 
States; lived four years in Rushford, Fillmore 
county, Minnesota, previous to coming in 1873 to 
the town of Erickson ; his farm on section 26 con- 
tains eighty acres. In Fillmore county, in 1869 
he married Miss C. M. Anderson. 

Gabriel S. Osmiindson was born in 1849. At 
the age of three years he left Norway, the land of 
his birth, and came with his parents to America. 
Until 1862 his home was in Wisconsin, then he 
removed to Iowa, and in 1809 married Julia Au- 



findson. Since the summer of 1873 their home 
has been in Erickson. The living children are 
Oscar K., Ole, Bertina M., Henrietta D. and 
Henry S. 

Hans Hanson Roly is a native of Norway, where 
he was born in 1847. Emigrated in 1866 to the 
United States. He lived about three years in Dane 
county, Wisconsin; removed to Minnesota, and in 
the autumn of 1871 located permanently in Erick- 
son. Caroline Johnson became his wife in 1867; 
eight children : Julia, John, Helga, Herman, Hilda 
and Ottia are living. 

Finger T. Strand was born in 1851 in Norway. 
In 1861 he came to this country and after living 
in Wisconsin five years, removed to Emmet 
county, Iowa, where he was engaged in farming 
until 1877, at which date he came to Erickson. Mr. 
Strand is treasurer of this town. Married January 
15, 1873, Belle Olson; Mary A., Helena, Bertina 
and Gurena are their children. 

Iver Thompson native of Norway, was born in 
1852. Upon immigrating to the United States in 
1807 he came to iMiunesota and worked at farming 
in Kandiyohi county six years. In 1872 he came 
to Erickson and took a homestead; now owns 160 
acres. Married in 1872, Miss Mary Johnson. 
Julius, John, Charles and Josephine M. are their 
children. 

Tosten H. Wolstad, who was born in Norway in 
1840, emigrated in 1850 and became a resident of 
the United States. He was farming in Dane 
county, Wisconsin, until 1876, at which time he 
came to Erickson, which town is still his home; 
his farm is located on section 14, and contains 160 
acres. Mary A. Gilbertson was married to him in 
1871. Hilda is their only child. 

BROOKFIELD. 

Brookfield was organized in 1874 and the first 
election held April 7 of that year: First officers 
E. K. Pellett, chairman; John Booth and Alexan- 
der Camp, supervisors; C. E. Porter, clerk; George 
Taylor, assessor; John Wilt, treasurer; Henry 
Girard and Diton Grindal, justices; A. Camp and 
W. C. Fleet, constables. The first settlers, who 
came in 1871, were Wm. Simmons, E. K. Pellet, 
and A. Camp; W. C. Fleet, D. Grindal, J. Wilt 
and C. E. Porter came in 1872. The Methodists 
began holding meetings in 1877, with Rev. N. 
Tainter as leader and soon organized a society, 
which is now in charge of Rev. George G«er. The 
first school was taught in 1875 by E. K. Pellett in 
a building erected for the purpose. The first mar- 



RENVILLB COUNTY. 



833 



riage was that of Albert Brown aud Franc Booth 
in November, 1881. The first birth was May, 
daughter of John Porter, born May 1, 1874. 
July 21, 1874, occurred the first death, that of 
Wilder, son of John Wilt. 

T. S. Benson was born in Massachusetts in 1841. 
In 1862 enlisted in the 46th Massachusetts and 
served one year. In 1873 he came to Renville 
county and located ou his present farm in Brook- 
field; has been supervisor, town clerk, constable 
and deputy sheriff. Married Mary C. Pellett; 
three children living, Cora, Edward A. aud 
Jessie K. 

Wm. C. Fleet was born in Pennsylvania in 18.52 
and at the age of three years his parents took him 
to Illinois. In 1866 they came to Minnesota, and 
for two years hved in McLeod county. He then 
moved to Meeker county and from there to this 
county and located in Brookfield. In 187.5 he mar- 
ried Hettie Grindal; their children are Cora A., 
Clara B. and HattieA. 

W. B. Graham was born in Green Lake county, 
Wisconsin, July 4, 1857. Came with parents' to 
Olmsted county, Minnesota, in 1863; he attended 
school in Rochester for two years ; his father was 
among the early settlers of Hector. In 1877 he 
located his farm in Brookfield; he is at present en- 
gaged in teaching school. 

HEOTOK. 

This town was, when organized in .June 1874, 
called Milford, but as there was a town Ijy that 
name in the state, it was changed to Hector, after 
a town in New York, from which many of the set- 
tlers came. June 30, 1874, the first election was 
held and the following officers chosen: W. H. Gra- 
ham, chairman, .1. N. Chase and G. W. Colwell, 
supervisors; J. J. Clark, clerk; WilHam Perkins, 
assessor; James Cammings, treasurer; John Baker 
and J. B. Perkins, justices; N. 0. Rale and Allen 
Parks, constables. Among the first settlers were 
W. H. Graham, John Baker, James Cummings 
and J. J. Clark, who came in 1873 and settled in 
the north-eastern part of the town; J. B. Perkins 
came in 1874 and located on section 34. 

Meetings were held by the Methodists, con- 
ducted by Rev. Potter, who organized a society; 
meetings are held in the village school-house, 
with Rev. Geo. Geer as pastor. The first school 
was taught in the winter of 1875, at J. B. Perkins" 
house by Julia Graham; there are four sehot)l dis- 
tricts in the town. 

Plaintield post-office was established in 1875, 

53 



with J. B. Perkins as postma.ster; he kept the 
ofBce at his house until it was discontinued in 
1878. Hector post-office was estabUshed in 1875, 
and located at John Baker's house; he held the 
office until the fall of 1878, when it was moved to 
the village aud located at the store of W. D. Grif- 
fith, who has since been postmaster. 

The village of Hector was surveyed in Septem- 
ber, 1878, on land owned by the H & D. railway 
and J. M. McKinlay, in the nortli-east quarter of 
section 29. The present boundaries include the 
south-east (juarter of section 20, the south-west 
quarter of section 21, the west halt of section 28, 
and the east half of section 29, comprising 960 
acres. It was incorporated by act approved Feb- 
ruary 23, 1881, and the first election was held 
March 11, 1881, at which were chosen as village 
officers: W. D. Griffith, president; C. H. Nixon, O. 
F. Peterson, and B. W. Schouweiler, trustees; H. 
Simmons, recorder; M. Abbott, treasurer; A. 
Strom, justice; James Chapman, constable. The 
village has a population of about 250, and has the 
following business houses: five dry goods and gro- 
cery stores, two drug stores, two hardware stores, 
one millinery, one furniture and one jewelry store, 
two b acksmith and wagon shops, one harness 
shop, a shoe shop, a paint shop, two meat markets, 
one livery stal)le, one lumber yard, three hotels, 
four saloons, two elevators, capable of storing 60,- 
000 bushels of grain; the professions are repre- 
sented by one lawyer and one physician. A news- 
paper, the Renville County Union, was established 
in June, 1881, by the Hector Publishing Company, 
is issued weekly, and has a good circulation. 

M. Abbott was born in Franklin county, Indi- 
ana, in 1837. He came to Minnesota in 1856 and 
after farming two years in Le Sueur county, re- 
turned to Indiana; in 1861 came again to this 
state and enlisted at Cannon Falls in the first Min- 
nesota and served two and one-halt years; was in 
twenty-four engagements. In 1866 he located at 
Lexington, Le Sueur county, and was engaged in 
merchandise business there and at Willmar and 
Dassel; shice 1877 has been in business at Hector. 
In 1864 Mr. Abbott married Miss A. N. Nichols, 
who died at Dassel Minnesota in 1872. Lottie 
M. Forder became his wife in 1874; he is the father 
of eight children, five of whom are living. 

J. B. Ames, native of Maine, was born in 1851. 
In 1865 he came with his parents to Northtield, 
Minnesota, and in 1872 went to Iowa and lived 
two years at Fort Atkinson ; returned to Minnesota 



834 



III STOUT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



and engaged in milling at Minneapolis; moved to 
Hutchinson and in Decemhcr 1881, came to Hec- 
tor; is dealing in grain. Married at Hutchinson 
in 1874, Henrietta Stockings, who was born in 
Indiana in 1854; they have three children. 

John Baker was bom in Pendleton county, Vir- 
ginia, May 18, 1820; in 1831 learned the trade of 
saddler and harness maker. In 1873 he came to 
Minneapolis and the following fall located on the 
farm where he now lives, on section 2. In 1843 
he married Miss Matilda Moore, who has borne him 
five children; Lucius C, Oscar H., Flavel M., 
Sherman I), and Osis K. 

H. G. Bloemendal, native of Holland, was born 
in 1838: learned the trade of baker; was also in 
the army for a time. In 1869 he came to this 
country and lived in Illinois three years, then 
moved to Jackson county, Minnesota; soon after 
removed to Eenville county and to the farm he 
now owns on section 34, Hector. In 1862 he mar- 
ried Anne E. Hageu; one child, Henry Conrad. 

H. W. Clark was born in St. Lawrence, Minne- 
sota, in 18.59, and when about twelve years old 
moved to Fort Ridgely; he remained there until 
eighteen, then learned telegraphy and worked for 
the St. Paul and Pacific railroad one year, then 
came to Hector. After acting as operator one year 
was at Glencoe one year, then took charge of the 
station at Hector, as agent. 

R. S. Crombie, was born in Richmond county, 
Canada, in 1862. He lived on a farm until twelve 
years old, then began clerking for his brother: 
three years after, he returned home and in 1880 
came to Minnesota, and a short time after went to 
Rapid City, Dakota, and engaged in mining and 
government surveying. In July, 1881, came to 
Hector and engaged in lumber business. 

Michael Davitt was born in Kentucky, in 1858. 
Came with parents to St. Paul and from there to 
Sibley county, where he grew up. In the spring 
of 1881 he came to Hector and engaged in saloon 
business, firm of Davitt & O'DonueU. He married 
Lizzie Callahan at Bird Island, in May, 1881. 

O. A. Dolven was born in Norway in 1837. At 
the age of fourteen he started with his parents for 
America, but before reaching their destination 
they were shipwrecked, and his parents were both 
drowned. He located in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, 
and in 1862 he moved to Brush Prairie, McLeod 
county: in the fall of 1880 moved to Hector, and 
is engaged in hotel business and selling farm ma- 
chinery. His wife was Sophia Anderson, whom 



he married in 1860; they have had eleven chil- 
dren, six of whora are living. In the spring of 
1864 Mr. Dolven enlisted in the First Minnesota 
heavy artillery, and was mustered out in 186.5. 

J. J. Dougherty was born in Baltimore, Mary- 
land, in 1838, and at the age of seventeen moved 
to Burlington, Iowa; in 1858 he came to Minne- 
sota, and was a farmer in Carver county until 
1878, then moved to Hector township and lives on 
section two. In 1877 he married Anna Dufify; 
they have three children: James, Frank and an 
infant. He served in Company L, Second Minne- 
sota cavalry, from 1863 until the close of the war. 

William Ebert was born in Germany in 1827, 
and learned the trade of shoemaker. In 1850 
came to the United States, and worked at his trade 
in New York city four years, then located in Sib- 
ley county, Minnesota; in 1878 moved to section 
21, Hector township. May 6, 1862, at St. Paul, 
he married Margaret Higgins, who was born in 
Ireland in 1836. 

M. B. Foster, native of Michigan, was born in 
1843. Received his education at the State Uni- 
versity, and taught lor two years; in 1872 he 
moved to Minnesota, and taught school in Wa- 
basha county four years, in Glencoe two years, and 
has since lived on a farm on section 26, Hector. 
Catherine Tolwell became his wife in Michigan in 
1871; they have four children, Adelle, William B., 
Thomas I. and Robert M. 

L. T. Grady was born in Sullivau county, New 
York, in 1852. Came with his parents to this 
state in 1857, and lived in Henderson, Sibley 
county, until 1879, then moved to Hector, and 
built the store on Main street which he now occu- 
pies with a stock of general merchandise; in 1881 
he bought out Mohan, his partner, and has since 
conducted the business alone. 

W. D. Griffith was born in New York city in 
1848, and came to Minnesota with his parents in 
May, 1853. After living in Hennepin county 
eleven years, he returned to New York city: he 
was in the lumbering business in the state of New 
York, and in August, 1866, located at Hutchin- 
son, McLeod county, Minnesota; worked at car- 
penter's trade, ;md in 1878 came to Hector and en- 
gaged in general merchandise; sold out, and in 
1880 opened a stock of stationery ; has been post- 
master since October. 1878. Married at Hutch- 
inson in 1873 Ruth A. EOs; Harold, Ada and 
Ida are their children. 

A. Isaacson was born in Norway in 1834, and 



RENVILLE COUNTY. 



835 



came aloue to the United States when he was 14 
years old; lived in Dodge county, Wisconsin and 
engaged in business there until 1859: went to 
California and was mining one year; returned to 
Wisconsin and was in merchandise business in 
Dane county, until 1877, then removed to Glen- 
coe, Minnesota; kept a hotel there three years then 
came to Hector, and opened a store of general mer- 
chandise. Married in Dodge county, Wisconsin, 
in 1858, Jane Jones; their living children are Car- 
rie, Albert, Daisy, Fred, Gladis and Frankie. 

George W. Leasman was born in Green county, 
Wisconsin, in 1852. He removed with his parents 
to McLeod county, Minnesota, in 1872, and after 
farming there for a time, came to Hector, Kenvillo 
county, and settled on section 22; has been town 
treasurer one year, assessor four years, and in 1880 
was elected constable. His father, Charles Leas- 
man, is a native of Germany. 

S. C. Levicy was bom in Clinton county, Ohio, 
in 1847. He remained at homo until 1869, then 
went to California, and for three years was freight- 
ing and mining. In 1872 he returned to Ohio, 
and in 1878 moved to Indiana, and in the spring 
of 1881, came to Minnesota; in August, located at 
Hector; for the past ten years he has been engag- 
ed in teaching and now has charge of the school at 
Hector. In 1877 he married Elizabeth Moore. 
Mr. Levicy enlisted in the 170th Ohio infantry in 
1864, and served through the war. 

Samuel Marsh, native of England, was boi-n in 
1835. In 1856, he emigrated and located at Alton, 
Illinois, and in 1863, removed to Minnesota; lived 
in Wabasha county, two years then came to Ren- 
ville county and lived in the town of Preston 
Lake, on a farm; after a time moved into the vil- 
lage of Hector. Married Elizab -th Lebanon in 
1858; of their nine children, eight are living. 

W. B. Marshall was born in Scotland, in 1844, 
and lived in the city of Kenross until 1853 then 
came with his parents to the United States and 
lived in Rook county, Wisconsin, four years, then 
moved to Dodge county. He learned the trade of 
carpenter and followed same in Wisconsin; came 
to Hector in 1878, and has since bought and ship- 
ped grain. He was married in 1873, to Emiline 
Sebring, who was born in 1858; they have four 
children : William, Frank, Helen and Edward. 

E. D. Morris was born in New York in 1857; 
lived in the village of Cobleskill until 1879, then 
came to Red Wing, Minnesota, and worked at his 
trade, printer, in the "Advance" ofiice. After 



eighteen months there he came to Hector, and on 
the first day of June, 1881, issued the first number 
of the "Renville Union." Under his able manage- 
ment the paper has gained a large circulation and 
is an influential organ in the county. 

James S. Niles was born in Sullivan county, 
Indiana, in 1822; learned the trade of cabinet 
maker and worked at that and carpenter work in 
Indiana until 1854, then settled in Olmsted coun- 
ty, Minnesota; in 1857 he engaged in furniture 
trade at Rochester and while living there was one 
of the first aldermen. In Eyota he was in the fur- 
niture business three years, grocery one year, and 
then settled in Boon Lake, Renville county, on a 
farm; in 1880 he came to Hector and has since 
run the American Hotel. He was elected county 
commissioner in 1877; also served two year," as 
deputy treasurer of Renville county. His first 
■wife was Sarah Pendy, whom he married in 1845; 
she died in Rochester; in 1860 he married Emeliue 
Matteson ; he is the parent of eleven children ; eight 
are living. 

C. H. Nixon was born in Boone county, Illinois, 
in 1840, and came with parents to Minnesota when 
17 years old. In 1861 he enlisted in the 3d Min- 
nesota, Company K, and served three years. In 
1868 he located in the town of Cairo, Renville 
county, and farmed until 1875, then opened a store 
at Fort Ridgely; three years later, moved to Hec- 
tor, and built a store and carries a large stock of 
general merchandise. Was married in this coun- 
ty in 1869, to Margaret Lebarron ; their children 
are Joseph, Eva and Harrison. 

P. O'Donnell was born in Ireland in 1847, and 
at the age of ten came to America with his parents 
who settled in Ohio. In 1868 he came to Sibley 
county, Minnesota, and in 1878 removed to Hec- 
tor. In partnership with Michael Davitt, he runs 
a saloon. 

J. E. Perkins, a native of Minnesota, was born 
at St. Anthony, Hennepin county, in 1855. He 
grew up there; from 1874 until 1879 lived on a 
farm in section 31, Hector township, Renville 
county ; during the latter year he engaged in the 
butchering business in the village of Hector, in 
company with his brother, L. J. Perkins. His 
father, J. B. Perkins a native of North Carolina, 
is living in McLeod county. 

O. F. Peterson was born in Indiana in 1852 and 
lived in the village of Milford until 1858, then 
went with parents to Illinois. In 1878 he went to 
Red Wing, Minnesota, and in the spring of the 



83*; 



UISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



following year started business in Hector. The 
firm of Nelson, Peterson »t Co. deal in liardwiire, 
machinery and furniture, and in connection have a 
harness shop, Emily Jolinson became his wife at 
Rod Wing in 1878. 

August Prelwitz, native of Europe, was born in 
1842. At the age of ten lie came to America and 
lived in Wisconsin. Enlisted in Janesville in the 
fall of 1861, and served eighteen months in an in- 
fantry regiment. In tlie fall of 1863 he moved 
from Wisconsin to McLeod county, Minnesota, 
and after farming there nine years removed to Een- 
ville county and located on section 28 ; was one of 
the three first men in Hector township. 

J. S. Kowley was born in Franklin county. New 
York, in 1839, and there learned the carpenter's 
trade. In 1873 he went to Hastings, Minnesota, 
where he worked at his trade, then removed to 
Hector and settled on section 32, on a farm; moved 
to the village in the spring of 1881, and does car- 
penter work. Ellen Freeman became his wife in 
1865; they were married in Jeffereon county. New 
York; she died at Belie^-ille, in that state. In 18 2 
he married Annie Fillmore; is the parent of seven' 
children; six are living. 

B. W. SchonweUer was born in Iowa in 1856, 
and at one year of age came to Minnesota and 
lived in Wabasha county until the tall of 1880, then 
started in the merchandise business at Hector; the 
firm is B. W. and J. A. Schonweiler. J. A. was 
bom in Iowa in 1854, and is now conducting the 
store at Kellogg, Wabasha county, Minnesota, 
owned by the firm. He was married in 1878 to 
Mary Ann Mahan, and has two children. 

Dr. W. Smaller', native of Vermont, was born in 
1849. At the age of eighteen he moved to Massa- 
chusetts, and one year after went to Kansas; at- 
tended Normal school, then taught for a time, be- 
fore commencing the study of medicine; gradua- 
ted from the medical department of the Iowa State 
University, and began practice at Nemaha, Kan- 
sas; from there he came to Hector in 1881. Mar- 
ried Josephine Kirk in Kansas in 1880; is prac- 
ticing and conducting a drug store at Hector. 

G. C. Smith was born in 1849 in Germany. At 
the age of three years his parents took him to St. 
Louis, Missouri, and he there grew up and learned 
the trade of machinist; worked in various places 
until 1870, then became employed by the Winona 
and St. Peter railroad as engineer; served one 
year, then another year in a carriage factory as 
foreman; moved to Iowa; returned to this state 



and worked m a j)low factory at Austin. Was a 
railroad contractor for some time and .January 1, 
1882, began keeping the Sherman Hotel at Hector. 
In 1872 he married Mary A. Gillett ; Alice J. and 
Margaret M. are their children. 

Henry Stockman, native of Germany, was born 
in 1821, and learned the trade of shoemaker; in 
1851 came to the United States and until 1859 
lived in Cook county, Illinois; moved to Shako- 
pee, Minnesota, and kept a boot and shoe store 
until 1871, then moved to Norwood; in 1879 came 
to Hector and engaged in the lumber Iiusiness, 
which he sold in 1880. He married Dorothy Ben- 
eke; Henry, Edward, Annie and John are their liv- 
ing children; two have died. 

A. Strom, native of Norway, was born in 1820; 
learned the trade of carpenter and in 1853 emi- 
grated ; worked at Chicago four years, then located 
in Butternut Valley, Blue Earth county, Minnesota. 
In 1878 he moved to Hector and tlie following 
year came to the village and started a drug store. 
In 1855 he married at Chicago, Marion Oleson; 
they have five living children: Thora, Owen A., 
William B., Allie and Cordelia. 

Lonis Thiele was bom in Germany in 1829 and 
learned the carpenter trade. In 1857 he came to 
this country and two years after, came to Minne- 
sota and located in Flora, Renville county, where, 
in 1862, his wife and child were killed by the In- 
dians. In the fall of that year he enlisted in the 
Sixth infantry and served until the end of the war. 
He farmed until 1868, then kept hotel at Beavc-r 
Falls until 1871, then lived on his farm until 1877; 
engaged in mercantile business in Camp townsliip 
until 1880, then removed to Hector and deals in 
general merchandise. His first wife was Elizabeth 
Haak, married in 1859. Laura Larson became 
his wife in 1864. He has seven children Hving. 

O. T. Thompson was born in Dane county, Wis- 
consin, in 1858, and lived on a farm there imtil 
1878. then moved to Glencoe, Minnesota, and two 
years later to Hector, and keeps a billiard hall and 
saloon; the business was started by the firm of 
Pejiper and Thompson, but the first named sold 
his interest in the spring of 1881 to liis partner. 

B. R. Vannice was horn in Montgomery 
county, Indiana, in 1842 and removed with his 
parents to Hlinois in 1852; taught school and 
clerked in a drug store; in 1871 moved to Hast- 
ings, Minnesota, and was in tlie drug business 
four years, then in insurance and collections until 
the fall of 1880, when he came to Hector. Is a 



RENVILLE COUNTY. 



837 



member of the firm of White and Vannice, insur- 
ance and real estate agents. Married at Hastings 
in September, 1873 .Ella R. Day; Ulrieh Harold 
and Annie Ethel are their children. 

G. H. White was born in Green county, New 
York, in 1843; was raised on a farm and attended 
the Ashland Academy. In 1880 he came to" Hec- 
tor and is village justice and general builder. In 
1862 he married Catherine Thomas, who has borne 
him three childien; two are living. 

W. C. White, native of New York, was born in 
1846, and in 1852 moved with parents to Dodge 
county, Wisconsin ; finished his education at the 
Wisconsin State University and in the fall of 1872 
removed to Shakopee, Minnesota, and taught in 
the graded school one year; was principal of the 
Henderson schools two years, and in 1875 was ad- 
mitted to the bar in Sibley county. In 1876 was 
elected county superintendent of Sibley county for 
two years and was justice of Henderson four years. 
In 1879 came to Hector and engaged in the prac- 
tice of law; is a member of the firm of White & 
Vannice. Eva A., daughter of Hon. U. D. Parker, 
of Wisconsin, became his wife in 1872. Charles 
P., William E., Ella and Ethel are their children. 

WANG. 

This town was first a part of Sacred Heart, then 
of Hawk Creek, and .July 28, 1875 was set apart 
for organization. The name was taken from a 
district in Norway. The first settlers were Theo- 
dore Rongerud, Christian Ingebretson, Hans Gun- 
derson, and O. Narvestad, who came in 1867. The 
Norwegian Lutheran denomination held meetings 
at Hans Gunderson's house in 1870, and in 1880 
built a frame church which cost $2,200. Their 
pastor is Rev. -John Berg. The Norwegian Luth- 
eran Conference separated from the other society in 
1876, and in 1880 built a church on section 34, at 
a cost of .$1,500. Rev. Ericson is pastor of this 
church. The first school was taught by Mrs. F, 
W. Brasch. There are three frame school-houses 
in thi town. The first death was that of a man 
named Nelson, in the fall of 1870. The first birth 
was Julius Tandberg, July 31, 1868. The first 
marriage was that of M. Agre and Betsey Tand- 
berg. New Lisbon post-office was established in 
1866, and A. T. Ellingboe appointed postmaster; 
he has the office at his house. 

Ole Christopherson "Soena," was born in Sep- 
tember, 1844. in Norway. From the age of nine 
years until 1857 he lived in Michig.iu, then in 
Dane county, Wisconsin until 1860, at which date 



he removed to Iowa; in 1862 he removed to Good- 
hue county, Minnesota. The year i following en- 
listed in Company F, 2d cavalry, and served 
through the remainder of the war.'^ Married, Jan- 
uary 15, 1869, Jane T. Althon; the children are: 
Anna, Betsey, Christopher, Torger, Mary and 
Gertdane. 

A. T. Ellingboe was born in Norway, August 
13, 1852, and when nine years old immigrated 
with the family to Goodhue county, Minnesota. 
He attended common school and St. Olaf's Col- 
lege, Northfield. In 1874 he came to his present 
home in Wang ; has been clerk since the organiza- 
tion of the town, justice since 1876, and postmas- 
ter of New Lisbon since June, 1879. Betsey Leen 
became his wife December 16, 1876; Tom, Betsy, 
and Christina are their children. 

Torger T. Elthon, native of Norway, was born 
December 25, 1852. Since the age of four years 
he has been a resident of the United States; the 
family immigrated to Iowa, and he removed in 
1861, to Goodhue county, Minnesota; thence in 
1876 to the town of Wang. 

O. T. Grover was born May 5, 1844 in Norway, 
and when five years t)ld accompanied his parents 
to Wisconsin. He enlisted March 23, 1865, and 
was honorably discharged when war ceased; from 
1868 tUl 1871 he was in Goodhue county, Minne- 
sota, then came to Wang. M.arried in 1870, Sa- 
rah Olson Holen; two children have died; the liv- 
ing are Louise, Nels, Betsy and Oliver. 

C. O. Narvestad was born October 14, 1837. 
He was a soldier for seven years in Norv.^ay, his 
native country. In 1864 he engaged in the furni- 
ture business at Chatfield, Minnesota, but in 
March 1865 he enlisted in the engineer corps, and 
when discharged, resumed his furniture business. 
Came to Wang in the fall of 1867, and was the 
first settler in town. Syverine Tonberg was mar- 
ried to him in 1866; Olof, Betsy, Julius, Dinah, 
Matilda, John and Anton are their children. 

K. K. Veken, who was born May 4, 1849, left his 
native laud, Norway, in 1856 and moved with his 
parents to Wisconsin; lived in Manitowoc and La 
Crosse counties and then migrated to Goodhue 
county, Minnesota, where he resided until 1872, 
the date of his location in Wang. June 18, 1874, 
he was united in marriage with Betsy .J. Webland, 
who has borne him six children: Clara, Oscar, 
Maria and Emma are living. 

O. K. Williams, native of Norway, was born De- 
. cember 22, 1847. At the age of five he acconi- 



838 



HTSTOnr OF THE MINNESOTA VAIXEY. 



panied his parents to Wisconsin, which was hie 
home until 18H1, when he removed to New Ulm; 
he was at that town wlien the severe battle oc- 
curred with the Sioux. From 1862 until 1872 he 
was in Goodhue county und then settled at his 
home on section 12 of Wang. In 1873 he mar- 
ried A. S. Simmonson who is the mother of five 
children : Cornelius Emma, Julius, Julia and Hten. 

MELVILLE. 

The organization of this town took place in 
1876, the first election being held August 1.5th. 
The first ofHcers, so far as can be given, were : F. 
E. Wolll", chairman; M. S. Kause and P. Kirchner, 
supervisors; Albert Brown, clerk; N. G. Poore, jus- 
tice. The first claim was taken by Miss Caleff in 
the spring of 1872; the first settler was N. G. 
Poore, who came in the fall of 1872. The next 
spring, F. Hart, Charles Sergeant and Louis Yea- 
ger arrived. The first religious meetings were 
conducted by Kev. S. Adams, a Baptist, in 1877. 
The Moravians organized a society early in 1882; 
they had held meetings since 1877. Other denom- 
inations hold service occasionally. In 1874 Miss 
CaleEF taught the first school in her dwelling on 
section 18. There is but one school-house in the 
town. The first birth in the town occurred in 
1875, in the family of F. Steflfens. 

Samuel Caleff, native of Massachusetts, was 
born February 8, 1807, at Ipswich and while young 
moved with his parents to New Brunswick. He 
followed the life of a sailor twenty years. In 1857 
he removed to Minnesota and settled near Hast- 
ings; came in 1878 to Melville where he holds the 
office of justice; his daughter Dora made the first 
claim in the township, 80 acres on section 18. 
Married in 1836, Susan Justasou; of their three 
children, two are living. 

Henry Hippie was born April 10, 1837, in Perry 
county, Pennsylvania, and when fifteen years old 
moved to Dover, Illinois; came to Minnesota in 
1856; worked two years atblacksmithing in Koch- 
ester, then went to Plainview and in 1862 enlisted 
in Company C, 10th Minnesota; served until 1865. 
The year following he settled at Beaver Falls and 
erected the first building there: he was one of the 
organizers of this county. May, 1877, he located 
a claim on section 6, Melville. Married in 1866 
Celestia A. Mills; five children. 

Charles Kenning, native of Prussia, was bom 
March 28, 1850. Came in 1854 with his parents 
to America; lived one year at Buffalo, New York, 
and four years in Toronto, Canada, after which he 



went to Chaska, Minnesota; learned the carpen- 
ter's trade, and was in the sash and door business 
six years. May, 1878, he came to his home on 
.section 7, Melville, and since 1879 lias been town 
treasurer. Henrietta Schau was married to him 
in 1870, and has five children. 

N. (I. Poore was born May 29, 1838, at Colum- 
bus, Pennsylvania. At the age of four years he 
accompanied his parents to Ohio, and lived in va- 
rious parts of that state, also spent one year in 
Kentucky, but returned to Ohio. He migrated to 
Minnesota, and for seventeen years lived on a 
farm near Hastings; during that time he passed 
one year steamboating, and was south for a time 
in the employ of the government. Since 1872 his 
home has been in Melville. November, 1860, he 
married Sarah J. Finney; they have five children. 

George H. Kaitz, a native of Pennsylvania, was 
born March 7, 1842, in Northampton county. The 
family moved to Illinois when he was twelve years 
old, and two years after settled in Carver county, 
Minnesota. Enlisted in 1862 in Company H, 
Ninth Minnesota, and remained in service until 
1865. In 1874 he went from Carver county to 
McLeod, and in 1877 came to Melville. Mr. Raitz 
married in December, 1869, Louisa Wolff'; they 
have four children. 

F. E. Wolff, who was born December 26, 1839, 
is a native of Green county, Pennsylvania. When 
he was fifteen years of age he moved with his 
mother to Chaska, Minnesota, and lived on a farm 
there until coming in 1876 to Melville; took a 
claim on section 20. Paulina Hedtke became his 
wife February 17, 1869; of their six children 
three are living. 

TROV. 

This town was set apart for organization March 
21, 1876, and the first election held on Ajiril 8. 
J. W. Hodsdon was elected chairman, Peter Miller 
and August Scheudel, supervisors: J. L. White, 
clerk; Charles Waldo, assessor; T. H. Risinger, 
treasurer; August Schendel and T. H. Risinger, 
justices; Charles Waldo, constable. 

August Schendel took the first claim in the 
town in 1871, and in 1873 brought his family. 
In 1872 Paul Seeger, Peter MUler and Charles 
Waldo settled in the town. The first religious 
meetings were held by the Evangelicals in 1872; 
a society was organized, which in 1881 built a 
frame church on section 18 at a cost of about 
$1,600. A Methodist society was organized, but 
afterward joined the one at Olivia. Maggie Eric- 



RENVILLE COUNTY. 



839 



son taught the first school in 1877. Millard White 
and Delia Miller were the first couple married; 
the event occurred in 1878. Robert Seeger, born 
in May, 1873, was the first birth. The first death 
was in 1874, that of Birdie Brown. 

H. S. Atchley was born April 6, 1832, in Ovid 
Seneca county. New York. Lived in Michigan 
from infancy until five years of age, when the fam- 
ily removed to Wisconsin and he resided in differ- 
ent parts of that state and Minnesota; was in Da- 
venport, Iowa, a short time, then lived five years in 
St. Paul. Enlisted August 20, 1861, in Company 
K, Second Minnesota, and returne'l to this state, 
upon being discharged April 7, 1862, for injuries 
received in service. He has lived in difl'erent places 
but since 1878 his home has been in Troy. Octo- 
ber 9, 1867, he married Eliza Verian; their children 
are Martha, Mary J., Debora A. Lizzie, Willis and 
Orin S. 

Fred Biugenheimer was bom June 30, 1851, in 
Germany, and when fourteen years old accom- 
panied his parents to Wright county, Minnesota. 
In 1873 he removed to Minneapolis, thence in 1876 
to Dakota county and in 1879 came to Troy; mar- 
ried May 24, 1877; his wife, who was Helen 
Schiveen, has borne him two children; Amanda H. 
E. and Eliza S. D. 

George Buroh, native of Indiana, was bom May 
15, 1838, in White county, and at the age of ten 
years migrated, with his parents to Illinois. He 
enlisted August 15, 1862 in Company E, 93d Illi- 
nois and served until June 23, 1865; he was con- 
fined in rebel prison four months. In 1865 Mr. 
Burch located in Beaver Falls Minnesota, but 
since 1878 has lived in Troy. His wife was Vio- 
letta M. Comstock, married March 22, 1874. 

Perry Burch was bom July 17, 1844, in White 
county, Indiana, wrere he remained until 1852, at 
which date he moved to Illinois. From 1862 un- 
til 1865 his home was in Le Sueur county, Minne- 
sota, and then he lived in Beaver Falls until com- 
ing, in 1881 to Troy. Mr. Burch participated in 
the Indian war of 1862. He married June 15, 
1875, Maggie J. Powers; one child, Mary Ethel. 

J. B. Converse, born June 22, 1832, in Bridge- 
water, Oneida coimty. New York. He learned the 
trade of miller and in the winter of 1862-3 operat- 
ed a mill in Mantorville Minnesota; returned to 
New York and until the spring of 1864 was work- 
ing at his trad^ in Will county, Illinois, then in 
Goodhue county, this state till coming in 1876 to 



Troy. Married November 25, 1857, Abbie Gas- 
kell; Arthur J. is their only child. 

W. E. Drescher, who is a native of Germany, 
was born in 1838. He emigrated from that country 
in 1868 and resided in Bock county, Wisconsin, 
until 1871 ; then came to New Ulm, Minnesota, but 
removed one year later to Troy. Mr. Drescher 
married in 1863, Lena Repe, she has borne him 
eleven children; Hulda, William, Charles, Edward, 
Anna, Magdaline and Emma are living. 

Ferdinand Fritz, who was bom in the year 1823, 
is a native of Germany; immigrated in 1870 to 
Dodge county, Wisconsin, but removed in 1874 to 
Minnesota and has since been a resident of the 
town of Troy; his fj.rm is located on section 32 
and contains 80 acres. 

Herman Fritz, a native of Germany, was born 
in 1833 and lived in that country until 1865, since 
that date he has been a resident of the United 
States; his home was in Dodge county, Wiscon- 
sin until 1872, when he located at his farm of 
eighty acres on section 32 of Troy. In 1847 he 
married Ernestine Peper; have eight children: 
Ferdinand, Bertha, Wilhelmena, Louis, Ida, Anna, 
Herman and Julius. 

J. W. Hodsdon was born September 25, 1853, 
in Kennebec county, Maine. From 1871 until 
1874 he resided in Wabasha county, Minnesota, 
then located . peiTnanently in Troy; he has filled 
various town ofiices and has been chairman of the 
board since the organization of the town. On the 
26th day of July, 1874, he married Alice M. Hel- 
ton ; Etta Belle is their only child. 

J. W. Lowery, native of Wisconsin, was bom 
July 1, 1846 in Grant county. He enlisted No- 
vember 15, 1862; remained in service until July 
16, 1865, when he returned to Wisconsin and con- 
tinued to live there till 1868 at which time he mi- 
grated to Wabasha county, Minnesota. Since 
1869 his home has been on section 30 of Troy. 
Married February 9, 1878, Matilda French; they 
have had two children; Floyd Edgar is living. 

Frank McCormick, native of Connecticut, was 
born Juue 10, 1854. In 1865 he went to Newark, 
New Jersey. After remaining there one year and 
the same length of time in Northfiekl, Minne- 
sota, he came, in 1867, to Troy, where he has held 
diiTerent town offices; his farm is located on sec- 
tion 6. Mary Alice Burch became his wife De- 
cember 25, 1876; they have one child, Effie May. 

P. ]Miller, a native of New York, was born De- 
cember 28, 1842, in Columbia county; from the 



840 



HTSTOIiY OF THE SflNNESOTA VALLEY. 



ago of four until twenty-four ye;irs his home was 
in'thestate of Wisconsin; then he lived until 1872 
in Do.lge couutiy, Minnesota ;ind since that in tlie 
town of Troy. Mr. Miller served in tlie late war 
from Febiuary, 1864 to November, 1865. 

Conrad Nill was bom in 1832. He learned 
blacksmithing in tfennauy, the land of his birth, 
and emigrating from there in 1855 he came to this 
country to live. Until 1865 he lived in Hennepin 
county, Minnesota with the exception of one year 
in New .Jersey. After residing in New Ulm three 
years he located in Troy. Mr. Nill enlisted in 
1862 and served through the remainder of the war. 
In 1865 Anna Schrap was married to him and has 
borne him four children: Anna, Conrad, August, 
Katie and Willie. 

P. Olson, native of Sweden, was born Septem- 
ber 8, 1838; when twenty-one years old he entered 
the army of that country and served fourteen years. 
In 1873 he went to Kansas but the year following 
removed to Beaver Falls, Minnesota and in 1878 
came to Troy. He married April 2, 1863, Katie 
Pearson; Mary, Peter S., Ellen, Eliza M. and 
Lawrence I. are their children. 

William Reik, who was born in 1822, is a native 
of Germany, where he was reared on a farm and 
from 1840 until 1844 served in the army. In 1873 
he immigrated to Minnesota and settled on section 
20, town of Troy. The marriage uniting William 
Eeik and Henrietta Tolsen took place in 1851 in 
Germany ; There are four children : Gustaf. Her- 
man, William and Tilda. 

G. Schendel, born -January 2, 1851, is a native of 
Germany, but has been^ a resident of the United 
States since coming here when five years old with 
his parents. Eesided in Hennepin county, Minne- 
sota, until coming in 1871 to Troy; on April 6, 
1846 he married Augusta Schaffer, who is the 
mother of three children : Amel L. and Emma M. 
E. are living. 

Johan Stange was born October 4, 1843, and re- 
mained in Germany, the land of his birth, tOl 1866, 
the date of his immigration to Jefferson county, 
AVisconsin. In 1873 he located in Brown eouuty, 
Minnesota, but removed in 1876 to Troy, his pres- 
ent home; married September 10, 1871, Eureka 
Brown; their cliildreu are Ernest, Willie, John 
and Christian. 

C. Waldo, born June 10, 1840, in Germany, came 
with his parents to Wisconsin when he was four- 
teen years old, and when fifteen he started in life 
for himself. He served from October 17, 1861, to 



October 13, 1862, in Company A, 18th Wisconsin 
infantry. From 1866 until 1872 his home was in 
Dodge county, Minnesota, then he came to Troy. 
Mr. Waldo has held numerous town offices. Mal- 
vina Miller became his wife April 15, 1871. The 
living children are Gertie L., Eosie M., John C. 
and Hiram M. 



CHAPTER LXXXV. 



BIRD ISLAND — MABTINSBORG KINGMAN— WlNFIELD 

OSOEOLA TOWNSHIP 116, RANGE 36. 

The town of Bird Island was set apart for or- 
ganization October 2, 1876, and included all of 
towns 115 and 116, range 34. Election was held 
Saturday, October 21, 1876, at .Joseph Feeter's 
house in section 14, at which seven votes wjre 
cast and the following officers elected: Charles 
Humboldt, chairman, J. H. Feeter and J. Balsley, 
supervisors; J. S. Bowler, clerk; Benjamin Feeder, 
assessor; N. Painter, treasurer; E. Bowler and R. 
S. Barter, justices; George Miller and J. Eng- 
strom, constables. 

The town was named Bird Island from the fact 
of there being an island in a lake west of the vil- 
lage of Bird Island, where in early days a great 
many birds congregated. 

November 3, 1871, the following filed claims: 
Eev. N. Tainter, section 24; J. S. Bowler, section 
26; J. M. Bowler, section 24; Marion and Calvin 
Boyer, section 28; Nic O'Brien, section 26, and 
John A. Johnson, section 34; they all moved on 
the next spring. 

Rev. N. Tainter, Methodist, conducted religious 
services at his house in 1873, and in 1879 an or- 
ganization was effected. Services are now held at 
the school-house in the village every Sabbath, con- 
ducted by Rev. H. Irvine. The Baptists held reli- 
gious services at the school-house in the village in 
1879, conducted by Rev. S. Adams. The same 
year a society was organized, and in 1880 they 
erected a frame church in Bird Island at a cost of 
about .$1,100. Meetings are conducted semi- 
monthly by Rev. F. E. Bostwick. The Catholics 
have held services in the school building, but have 
no regular priest at present. The society has pur- 
chased a building site in the village, erected a 
pasouage and will soon build a church. 

The first school was taught in the summer of 
1878, in a building erected for that purpose on 
section 24, by Miss Sadie Tillotson. At present 



BENVILLE COUNTY. 



841 



there are only two schools m the town, one in 
Bird Island, a tine building, and one in Olivia. 
The first child born in the town was Kiite C, a 
daughter of J. M. and L. S. Bowler, born Septem- 
ber 26, 1873. 

The village of Bird Island was surveyed in July, 
1878, on land owned by the Bird Island 
Town Site company, in the east half, south- 
east quarter of section 14; two additions have 
been added. The boundaries are as follows: the 
south half of sections 11 and 12, sections 13, 14, 
23 and 24, and the north-east quarter of the north- 
east quarter of section 26, all in town 115-34, 
comprising 3,240 acres. The village was incorpo- 
rated under a special act approved March 4, 1881, 
and the following officers appointed to hold until 
their successors were elected the first Tuesday in 
April following, and they qualified: M. Donohue, 
president, W. M. Holbrook, J. W. Ladd, Charles 
0. Ladd, J. W. Barnard, and E. H. Keenan, coun- 
cillors; D. D. Williams, recorder; T. M. Paine, 
treasurer; Wesley Moran and Fred. Hodgdon, 
justices; H. Feeter, street commissioner; W. H. 
Lewis, marshal, G. H. Megquier, attorney. 

The village of Bird Islmd is the largest in 
Eenville county, containing a population of about 
500, and the following business houses: Three gen- 
eral stores, one grocery, two hardware, two drug 
stores, two millineries, and one furniture store, 
one harness, one wagon, three blacksmith, one 
shoe, one paint and one barber shojis; three hotels, 
two meat markets, two saloons, two lumber deal- 
ers, three physicians, two lawyers, one bank, es- 
tablished in 1880, capital, .S50, 000, and two elevat- 
ors, capacity about 70,000 bushels. 

The Bird Island Post was established by Wesley 
Moran, in Augiist, 1879, and is published weekly, 
circulation about 500 copies. A general job office 
is run in connection. The Bird Island BUzzard was 
established; in April, 1881, and is published 
weekly, by J. M. Bowler, editor, and J. W. Ladd, 
publisher; circulation, 500 copies. Bird Island 
post-office was established in the spring of 1878, 
and the office located at J. F. Bowler's house, sec- 
tion 26; he was appointed postmaster. The same 
fall it was removed to the village and located at 
J. W. Ladd's store; J. W. Ladd is the postmaster. 

In May, 1881, a lodge of A. P. & A. M. organ- 
ized with about fifteen members, now numbers 
about twenty members. J. S. Bowler, W. M. ; Al- 
bert Brown, S. The I. O. G. T. was organized in 
December, 1879, with about twenty members. N. 



Tainter, W. C. T., and Mrs. Mary Millard, W. K. G. 

The village of Olivia was surveyed in September, 
1878, on land owned by the Hastings and Dakota 
Kailway Company, and J. M. McKinlay in the 
south-west quarter of section 7. It was incorpo- 
rated under the general law and an election held 
March 16, 1881, with the following result: W. P. 
Christensen, president, I. Lincoln, L. White and 
WilUam Windhorst, trustees; P. W. Heins, record- 
er, but he did not qualify and A. D. Simpkius was 
appointed. N. Stone, treasurer; A. D. Simpkins, 
justice; O. J. Eversou, marshal. The town was nam- 
ed Olivia, for the wife of Russell Sage Sr., he hav- 
ing an interest in the town site. The \'illagehas a 
population of about 80 people and the following 
business houses: four general stores, one each 
hardware and drug stores; one each blacksmith, 
wagon, shoe and tailor shops; one hotel, one saloon, 
one lumber yard, three dealers in agricultural ma- 
chinery; two elevators, capacity about 60,000 
bushels. A steam grist-mill, tour run, ^ath a ca- 
pacity of 85 barrels per day ; was built by Lincoln 
Bros., in 1879, and is still in operation. 

Olivia P. O. was established in 1878, and the 
office located at the elevator of I. Lincoln, Sr., who 
was appointed postmaster. In .January, 1880, W. 
P. Christensen was appointed jiostmaster and re- 
moved the office to his general store. 

In December, 1880, the A. F. & A. M. organized 
a lodge, with about ten members; has been aug- 
mented slightly. The officers are D. W. Guptill, 
M. and I. Lincoln, Sr., secretary. 

J. M. Bowler, born in 1838, in Maine, attended 
the public schools of Portland. Taught school in 
Wisconsin one year previous to going, in 1858, to 
Minneapolis, where he worked at printing until 
1861, the date of his enlistment. He was in the 
1st Minnesota, afterward in the 3d and later the 
113th United States Colored infantry; was mustered 
oul; as major. Worked in a planing mill at Minne- 
apolis, then removed to Dakota county. In 1871 
he settled in Bird Island when there was but one 
building in the town. He was elected to 
the state legislature in 1878. Mr. Bowler is editor 
of the Bird Island Blizzard, which he and J. W. 
Ladd established in 1881. Married in 1862, Liz- 
zie Califf. The first child born in town was their 
daughter, Kittie. 

J. S. Bowler, native of Maine, was born in 1841, 
and engaged in teaching after gaining an academ- 
ical education. In 1862, he entered the 22d 
Maine infantry; re-enlisted and served through 



842 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



the entire war. From 1869 till 1871 his home was 
in Dakota county, Minnesota; then he removed to 
Bird Island, where he was one of the first settlers. 
He was the first clerk of the to<vn; filled the office 
three years; was one of the charter members of the 
masonic lodge and is their present master. Miss 
Sarah F. Ricker became his wife in 1864; they 
have five children. 

William P. Christensen was born in 1844 in 
Denmark. Upon immigrating to America in 1869 
be was employed at Minneapolis as clerk, and 
served two years on the police force. In 1879 he 
began a general mercantile business at Olivia and 
has also been postmaster since living here. Mr. 
Christensen was the first president of the village 
board: he is still filling that position. Mary 
Thorson was married to him in 1875; George F., 
Snudorff W. and Harry E. are the children. 

George Crouley, a native of Pennsylvania, was 
born in 1853, in Bradford county. He migrated 
in 1875 to Redwood Falls, Minnesota; was en- 
gaged in grocery trade there imtil 1879, the date 
of his coming to Bird Island, where be is carrying 
on a grocery business in company with his 
brother. Mr. Crouley was married in December, 
1881 to Miss Olive E. Cammie. 

G. J. DePue was born in 1852, but left Ohio, 
bis native state, in 1857, and accompanied his 
parents to Minneapolis. Removed to Scott county 
two years later; lived in Jordan and Shakopee un- 
til coming to Olivia in 1878; he built the DePue 
House, the first in the village ; was proprietor of 
this hotel until 1881, when he rented it. He also 
built a blacksmith shop and continued working at 
his trade. Miss Sophia Peterson was married to 
him in 1872. 

W. P. Dinon, born in Canada in 1845, removed 
when eighteen years of age to Hamilton, Minne- 
sota; he did carpenter work and was in the grocery 
and liquor trade till 1875, at which date he went 
to Shakopee, where he kept the Farmer's Home 
four years; since 1879 he has been proprietor of the 
Bird Island House in this place. Mr. Dinon is a 
member of the village council. Married in 1871, 
Miss M. J. Carr; two children, Mary and Emma. 

J. W. Fewer, native of Ireland, was born in 
1858. From the year 1861 until twelve years of 
age his home was in St. Paul, after which he lived 
in Minneapolis four years. His father was a black- 
smith and when a young man he commenced learn- 
ing the trade; worked in Minneiipolis, also in Scott 
and Dakota counties; in 1881 he engaged in busi- 



ness at Bird Island. In 1872 Mary Thorton be- 
came his wife; Katie is their only child. 

A. W. Hagadon, who was born in 1862. is a 
native of Minnesota. Mr. Hagadon's home was in 
the town of Winfield, Renville county, four years 
previous to the autumn of 1881, the time at which 
be came to Bird Island and started a meat market 
in company with Mr. Reynolds. 

P. W. Heins was born in 1846 in England. In 
1850 the family immigrated to Iowa. In 1868 he 
came to Minnesota; has been in the mercantile 
business since locating at Beaver Falls in 1870; 
subsequently he opened a branch store at Ren- 
ville, and in 1878, another at Olivia. Married in 
1872, Jennie Patton. 

Frank Hodgdon, born in 1859, is a native of 
Maine, but has been a resident of Minnesota since 
1869. He lived at Beaver Falls, where his father 
was engaged in real estate business. In 1878 Mr. 
Hodgdon, in company with his brother Fred, be- 
gan mercantile trade just below Bird Island and 
when the village was started they removed their 
business here; theirs was one of the first stores in 
the place. Miss Mary Donohue was married to 
him in 1880. 

E. H. Keenan, native of New York, was bom in 
1854 in Troy. When a child the family went to 
Wisconsin, from there to Iowa, and in 1858 to 
Henderson, Minnesota. In 1873 be entered St. 
John's College; graduated in 1875, after which he 
taught in Henderson, also clerked and kept books. 
He worked two years for M. MuUen, of New Ulm, 
previous to embarking in hardware and machinery 
business at Bird Island. He married in 1878 
Emma E. Donahue. 

Charles C. Ladd was born in 1835 in East 
Greenwich, Rhode Island. He was apprenticed to 
learn the jeweler's trade, and worked at that until 
1867, when he went to Minneapolis, but soon re- 
moved to Ellsworth, Wisconsin, where he was in 
a stave factory two years with a brother. He 
worked seven years as foreman of Faruham & Love- 
joy's lumber-yard; passed one year in the East, 
two years in La Crosse, and since 1879 has been 
in the lumber trade at Bird Island. Mr. Ladd 
served one year in the First Rhode Island infantry. 

J. W. Ladd, born in 1841 in Phoeni.x, Rhode 
Island, moved in 1860 to St. Anthony, Minnesota. 
He was employed as clerk until 1866; after en- 
gaging a short time in insurance bu.siness, he 
removed to Ellsworth, Wisconsin, where until 1868 
he and a brother owned and operated a stave mill. 



RENVILLE COUNTY. 



843 



In 1869 he bought a flour-mill at Clearwater, 
which was burned in 1871; he then went to Chi- 
cago, where he was a member of the board of trade 
five years; while living in that city he was in dif- 
ferent lines of business. Prom 1876 to 1878 his 
home was in Minneapolis, then came to Bird Is- 
land; built the fii'st elevator in the place; also 
owns a store and a farm of SI. 000 acres. Mr. 
Laddwasa member of the first village council, 
been postmaster siaoe 1879, and is publisher of 
The Bird Island Blizzard. In 1862 he was one of 
a company tliat went from Minneapolis to the 
defense of Fort Ridgely. Married in 1863 Emma 
G. Lovejoy. 

Thomas Libby, native of Maine, was born in 
1821, and attained a high school education. In 
1842 he went to Illinois and followed teaching 
twelve years; he then lived eight years on a farm 
in Dodge county, Minnesota, where he had located 
in 1854. Mr. Libby has been a local minister in 
the Methodist church for thirty-five years: he re- 
moved to Kandiyohi county and preached the first 
Methodist sermon in Willmar village; his church 
a railroad car; he lived in Willmar fifteen years. 
Since 1881 he has lived at Bird Island; he owns 
the Merchants Hotel. His wife, who was Ohve 
E. Simmons, has borne him seven chOdren : Eve- 
line, Celia, Lorenzo, William and Albert are living. 

E. B. Lincoln was born in 1851 in Cleveland, 
Ohio, and in 1859 accompanied his parents to 
Shakopee, Minnesota. In 1866 he entered the mil- 
itary school at Faribault, from which he grad- 
uated in 1870. He was employed as baggageman, 
and afterward conductor, on the Sioux City rail- 
road; subsequently kept books in a bank in Shak- 
opee until 1878, when he became cashier in G. K. 
Gilbert's bank at Glencoe; since 1881 he has been 
cashier of the First Na'ional Bank at that place; 
is also a member of the firm Lincoln Brothers, of 
Olivia. 

Isaac Lincoln, Jr., was born in Cleveland, Ohio, 
in 1855. The family located at Shakopee in 
1859, where he attended 23ublic schools until 1870, 
at which date he entered the Faribault military 
school. After graduating in 1874 he visited Col- 
orado; one year later went to New Richland, but 
soon returned to Shakopee, where he was city en- 
gineer eighteen months; until 1878 he was in the 
draughting department of the Sioux City railroad 
ofiioe, then erected an elevator at Olivia, which was 
the first liuilding there; at the same time he 
staited a lumber-yard: is now proprietor of the 



Lincoln mill, built by him and a brother. Mr. 
Lincoln was the first postmaster of Olivia. In 
1880 he married Cora Straight. 

N. C. Little, native of Pennsylvania, was born in 
1846 in Somerset county. The family migrated in 
1856 to Glencoe, Minnesota, where he attended 
the common schools and worked at farming until 
1877; began the flour and feed busine.ss at Glen- 
coe, but removed two years after to Bird Island; 
engaged in lumber business. From February until 
October, 1865, he served in the First Minnesota 
heavy artillery. Married in 1878, Emma Cale. 

Hon. George H. Megquier was born September 
20, 1844, in Maine, and when eight years old 
moved with his parents to Bangor. In 1855 they 
migrated to Eureka, Illinois; after graduating in 
1862, from the college of that place he enlisted in 
Company D, 108th infantry; he was promoted to 
Heutenant; afterward served on the staff of Gen- 
erals Baird and A. J. Smith, until the war closed. 
In the fall of 1865 he entered the Cleveland Law 
University; graduating in 1866 and the nest year 
came to Minnesota. He married Laura Tillotson 
in 1869, and commenced the practice of law at 
Beaver Falls; was elected judge of probate in 
1873, and the following year was chosen county 
attorney and superintendent of schools; since 1878 
he has lived at Bird Island. 

Wesley Moran, native of Wisconsin, was born in 
November, 1848, in Grant county. Accompanied 
his parents to West Virginia, from there to Ohio, 
and thence to Iowa. At sixteen years of age he 
left school and began to learn printing; after 
working in different places he went, in 1873, to 
Chicago and was employed three years on the 
Tribune of that city. For two and one-half years 
he published a weekly paper at Kilbourn City, 
Wisconsin, but removed in 1879 to Minnesota, and 
established the Bird Island Post. His wife was 
Sophia Coffman, married in 1871; their children 
are Nora E., D. W., Lena M. and George E. 

John Morgan was born in 1847, in Wyoming 
county. New York; in 1865 he -migrated to Le 
Sueur county, Minnesota; in 1871 he removed to 
Eenville county; continued farming until he be- 
gan the saloon business in Olivia. Miss Eliza 
Delanie became his wife in 1876 and has three 
children; Patrick W., Mary E. and Catharine F. 

Dr. F. L. Puffer was born in 1852 in St. Law- 
rence county, New York. He attended the St. 
Lawrence University and in 1872 graduated 
from Columbia CoUege; the next year he entered 



844 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



the university at Aun Arbor. Soon after graduat- 
ing in 1877, from tlie College of Physicians and 
Surgeons, of New York city, he began practice at 
Taylor's Falls, Minnesota, with Dr. A. J. Murdock. 
From 1878 till 1881 he was at Beaver Falls, then 
came to Bird Island. He has been coroner of 
Renville county since 1878 and was county physic- 
ian two years. Dr. Puffer married Anna L. Elli- 
son in 1879. Florence E. is their only child. 

C. H. Spencer is a native of Minnesota; born in 
1858 at Shiikopee. From 1873 untU removing in 
1881 to Olivia, he was telegraph operator in the 
Sioux City railroad office at Shakopee. He is now 
station agent at Olivia. 

A. W. Stone, born in the state of New York in 
1855, went when eight years old to Dodge county, 
Minnesota, with his parents; he learned black- 
smithing, and has been engaged in that business 
at Bird Island since June 1879. His marriage 
with Lottie A. Sherwood occurred in 1879; Arthur 
is their only child. 

O. A. Strom, born in 1858, was the first white 
child born in Butternut Valley, Blue Earth 
county, Minnesota. After leaving the Normal 
school at Mankato, he entered a drug store at Bea- 
ver Falls; worked there and in Redwood Falls un- 
til 1879 when he opened a store at Renville, but 
in the autumn of 1881, removed his business to 
Bird Island. 

Rev. Nahum Tainter, born in 1821, is a native of 
of Massachusetts. He is a member of the Metho- 
dist church, and after leaving school entered the 
ministry. In 1856 he settled near Chatfield, Olm- 
sted county, Minnesota, but in 1871 selected the 
homestead where he now resides, near the village 
of Bird Island; his claim was the first in town that 
resulted in settlement. Rev. Tainter preached at 
his house in 1874, the first sermon delivered in this 
'.own. Married in 1845, Miss A. E. Peirce, one 
child living: LaurillaA. 

D. D. Williams was born in 1853 in Kane 
county, niiuois, and when two years old accom- 
panied his parents to Judson, Blue Earth county, 
Minnesota. Alter leaving school he in 1877 began 
to read law at Madelia; taught school one year, 
and then resumed the study of law until 1879, when 
he was admitted to the bar. Since the spring of 
1880 he has practiced at Bird Island. 

MABTINSBUEG. 

Set apart for organization September 3, 1878, 
and election ordered li(>ld at.T. B. Mohan's house, 
section 22, September 24, 1878. Owing to iusulfi- 



cieucy of notice the election was not held until No- 
vember 5, 1878, with the following result: Luna 
Benson, chairman, Ferdinand Marquardt and 
Friedrich Schwarz, supervisors; Smith Dewees, 
clerk, and Swan Pearson, constable. W. T. (irum- 
mons being a county commissioner and a resident 
of this town at the time it was organized, named 
it after a son of his named Martin. 

The first settlers were James Tompkins and 
James Hannah, who settled on sections 30 and 32, 
in the spring of 1873. Friedrich Schwarz the 
same year took a claim on section 24. 

The first school was taught in the summer of 
1880 by Miss Dewees in a building erected for that 
purpose on section 29. There are three schools 
in the town at present. 

John M. Anderson was bom January 24, 1838, 
in Norway. Immigrated in 1853, to Wisconsin, and 
in May, 1861, enlisted in Company I, Second in- 
fantry of that state; he was in many severe bat- 
tles; upon being discharged June 11, 1864, here- 
turned to Wisconsin. Mr. Anderson removed in 
1867 to McLeod county, Minnesota, and in 
1875 to Renville county. Married in 1869, Anna 
Egbertson; three of their seven children are living: 
Otto M., Josephine A. and Oscar C. 

Luna W. Benson, native of Massachusetts was 
born July 10, 1822 in Brookfield. He learned the 
trade of shoemaker. In 1861 he went to Con- 
necticut and the year following enlisted in Com- 
pany I, 16th infantry of that state. Lost his 
right leg in the battle of Antietam, September 17, 

1862, and was in the hospital until January 20, 

1863. Since June, 1877 he has lived at his pres- 
ent farm. Mrs. Gibbs, whose maiden name was 
Ann Besse, was married to him in 1854; three 
children are living. 

Smith Dewees born October 14, 1834, in 
Morgan coimty, Ohio, is a harnessmaker by trade. 
From 1873 until 1878 he lived at Howard Lake, 
Minnesota, then came to Martiusburg. Mr. 
Dewees married in 1862, Mrs. Worrall, who has " 
one son, Orlando; her maiden name was Sarah 
Millner; their two daughters, Mary and Minnie, 
are teachers. 

James Hannah, native of Vermont was born July 
5, 1852, in Franklin county; went at the age of 
three years to Wisconsin with llis parents. Lived 
in Wabasha county, Minnesota from 1864 until 
the autumn of 1872 at which time they came to 
Renville county. In 1877 his marriage took 



RENVILLE OOUNTY. 



845 



place with Sarah M. Maxwell; one child is de- 
ceased; the living are Mary and Sarah. 

H. C. Giltner was born August 7, 1808, in 
Tompkins county, New York; learned the trade of 
mill-wright. From 1843 until 1860 he lived in 
Wisconsin then removed to McLeod county, Min- 
nesota. He was admitted to practice law here 
and was elected county attorney. While resid- 
ing in Wisconsin the president appointed him 
deputy United States marshal. Since April, 1880, 
he has lived at his farm in Martinsburg. In 1833 
he married Adaline Taylor who bore him sis 
children; only one is living; their son, Henry P., 
died in the army during the late civil war. 

Lieutenant William F. Grummons was bom 
February 2.5, 1829, in Orleans county, New York. 
In 1844 he migrated to Iowa, but removed in 

1856 to a farm in Mower county, Minnesota. Oc- 
tober 11, 1861, ho enlisted in Company C, Third 
Minnesota; was promoted to lieutenant and served 
until September, 1864. Returned to Mower county 
where he held the office of sherilf. Came in 1868, 
to Renville county in 1878 to this town; has held 
numerous offices. He has been married twice and 
has five living children. 

Friedrich Schwarz, native of Germany, was 
born March 1, 1830. Immigrated to America in 
1852; lived in Philadelphia three years, then went 
to a farm near Henderson, Minnesota. Mr. Schwarz 
enlisted August 15, 1862 in Company G, 10th 
Minnesota and served on the frontier until the fall 
of 1863; after that he was in the south until 
the close of the war. In 1871 he came to the farm 
which is now his home. Married in 1854, Amelia 
Schumir; seven children are living. 

iTames Smith was born November 10, 1844, in 
Vermont. Accompanied his parents in 1849 to 
Wisconsin, thence in 1856, to Rochester. Minne- 
sota, and the year following to Cottonwood 
county; in 1861 they came to Renville county. 
He enlisted June 16, 1861, in Company E, 2d 
Minnesota, re-enlisted and served during the en- 
tire war; was wounded, September 19, 1863; a 
brother of his and their father were also in the 
army. In 1875 he came to his present farm. Mar- 
ried in 1874, Ann L.Tompkins; they have four 
children. 

.James Tompkins, Sr., native of Ireland, was 
boin in March, 1826. Lived in Dublin, working 
at shoe-making until the age of sixteen, when he 
moved to Canada. Mr. Tompkins emigrated in 

1857 to Wabasha county, Minnesota, but in 1873 



came to ReuviUe county, where he has since car- 
ried on his trade in connection with farming. 
Elizabeth Stanton became his wife in 1849, and 
has borne him nine children; they have lost one; 
July 3, 1877, Mrs. Tompkins died. 

James H. Tompkins was born December 7, 1856, 
in the village of Fulton, Oswego county, New 
York. He came to Minnesota with his parents in 
1857. The family came to Martinsburg in 1872; 
he lived with his parents until locating, in 1879, 
on his farm of 160 acres. 

John W. Tompkins, native of New York, was 
born July 4, 1852, in Fulton, Oswego county, but 
in 1857 the family moved to Wabasha county, 
Minnesota. They came to this town in 1872, and 
since 1874 his home has been at his farm on sec- 
tion 32. Elizabeth Maxwell became his wife De- 
cember 15, 1881. 

KINGMAN. 

Set apart for organization, September 3, 1878, 
and election held at H. W. Jones' house, section 
24, with the following result: A. P. Altman, chair- 
man, E. Fouch aud D. Coons, supervisors; S. T. 
Salter, clerk; L. W. Stearns, assessor; H. W. Jones, 
treasurer; L. W. Stearns and John Pfeiffer, jus- 
tices; D. Coons and P. B. Porter, constables. The 
first settler in the town was J. C. Hogadone, who 
came early in May, 1877. The same month L. 
W. Steams located; E. Fouch and H. W. Jones 
came the same year. 

Religious meetings were held by the Metho- 
dists at L. W. Steam's house, in the winter of 
1878-9, conducted by Rev. N. Tainter, and a so- 
ciety organized; services are now held semi- 
monthly, at the school-house, on section 20, con- 
ducted by Rev. Irvine. The first school was 
taught by Miss Clara Stearns, in L. W. Steam's 
house, during the winter of 1878-9. On section 
20 is the only school-house in the town. 

The first birth was W. M., a son of David and 
Anna Coons, born July 12, 1878. The Brst death 
was that of J. H. Sangmyhr, who died May 10, 
1881, aged 96 yeai-s, 11 months, and 24 days. 

David Coons was born November 18, 1856, in 
Canada. He came to Atwater, Minnesota, in 1876, 
and one year later went to the Black Hills ; after a 
slay there of five months, he settled in Kingman, 
Ren%'ille county. He was a member of the first 
town board, and is now constable. Married, No- 
vember 13, 1877, Anna Johnson, who was born in 
Norway in 1854; one child, William. 

John Pfeiffer, native of Germany, was born July 



846 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



13, 1828. lu 1852 he came to this country, and 
in 1854 to St. Paul, where he worked at stone- 
cuttiug five years, then moved to Hastiup;s; in 
1879 came to Kingman. In 1858 lie married E. 
Mary Bock; eleven children have been born; 
eiglit are living: Ida, George, John, Matilda, 
Emma, William, Lillian and Albert. 

S. T. Salter was born December 25, 1838, in 
Princeton, Maine. In 1874 he came to Minne- 
sota, and after living in Atwater two years, settled 
on section 20, Kingman township, Benville county. 
In August, 1863, he enlisted in Company B, 11th 
Maine infantry, and was discharged the following 
year for disability. He re-enlisted in March, 
1865, in Company E, 15th Maine, and served until 
May, 1866. September 22, 1862, he married 
Lydia H. Maxwell; Albro H., Albra S., Mary C, 
Albert G.,James E. and Seth N. are their children. 

L. W. Stearns was born in Wayne county, New 
York, October 15, 1829. Removed to Michigan, 
thence in 1860 to Wabasha county, Minnesota. 
In 1868 he went to Kandiyohi county, and in 
1873 to Missouri and to Michigan; after living in 
the latter state two and one-half years, came to 
liingman. February 18, 1864, he enlisted in the 
Eighth Minnesota, Company G, and was dis- 
charged for disability May 8, 1865. Sarah Rey- 
nolds became his wife -Tuly 4, 1855, and is the 
mother of twelve children; the living are Orvill 
A., Clara A., Eliza A., Leander J., Rhoda M., 
Frank R., Marco B., Lena, Maud and Burt. 

WINFIBLD. 

This tovra was set apart for organization Aprd 
15, 1878, under the name of Liberty, but the 
electors failed to meet at the appointed time, and 
the first election did not take place until Decem- 
l)er, 1878; the first officers were: W. Morgan, 
chairman, A. Nelson and John Burg, supervisors: 
A. D. Siiupkins, clerk; John Miller, treasurer; 
Andrew Ericson, justice; Ole Olson, constable. In 
March, 1879, the name was changed to Winfield, 
as the name Liberty had been applied to another 
township in the state. 

The first settler was Joseph Sharbona, who 
came in 1872; the same fall John Ericson, T. Ul- 
rickson and Eric Lindquist made claims. The 
first religious meetings were held by the Norwe- 
gian Lutherans in 1874. The first school was 
taught in the winter of 1876 at T. Ulrickson's 
house. Albert Lindquist, in August, 1872, was 
the first birth in the town. 

Andro Erickson, native of Sweden, was born in 



1856. From 1873, the date of bis coming to Min- 
nesota, until 1877, he worked for others, then came 
to his farm on section 22 of Winfield. Betsy Lar- 
son, bom in Sweden, immigrated in 1869 to Kan- 
diyohi county, Minnesota, where, in 1878, she 
married Mr. Erickson; Albert is their only child. 

W. John Erikson, who was born in 1850. is a 
native of Sweden. He emigrated, and from 1870 
untd 1872, his home was in Kandiyohi county, 
Minnesota; he then located in Winfield. Mr. 
Erickson's farm on section 2, contains 120 acres. 

Peter Hellberg was born in 1851 in Sweden; 
immigrated to Kandiyohi county, Minnesota, in 
1876, but since 1878 has been a resident of Win- 
field; Karin Lein, who was bom in Sweden in 
1855, became his wife November 2.3, 1880; they 
have one child: Theodore. 

D. John Johnson was born October 15, 1844, in 
Sweden, and in 1865 his marriage occurred with 
Christina Larson, who was bom in 1840. In 1873 
they came to Kandiyohi county, Minnesota, but 
the next year he came to Winfield. The names of 
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson's children are -John, Anna, 
Charlie, William, Christine, Hilda and Mary. 

Ole Juleson, who was born in Norway in 1856. 
Came to Winona in 1873, and in 1875 to Win- 
field. The marriage of Ole Juleson took place in 
1880; his wife, Christina Johnson, was born in 
1864 in Sweden. 

Ole Julson is a native of Norway, where he was 
born October 17, 1858. He immigrated to Amer- 
ica, and in 1873 located at Winona, Minnesota, 
but removed three years after to Winfield. Dur- 
ing the summer seasons he works his farm, and 
in the fall operates a threshing machine. 

Ulrik Julson was born in 1850, in Norway ; made 
his home in Winona, Minnesota, from 1871 until 
1872, then came to Winfield. Mr. Julson has 
been town treasurer several terms. Rouaag Fred- 
erikson, native of Norway, became his wife in 
1879 and has borne him two children: Julius and 
the baby. 

Erik Lindquist, born in 1846, grew to manhood 
in Sweden, his native land. He came to America 
and in 1869 lived at St. Paul three months, then 
removed to Kandiyohi county, but in 1871 located 
permanently at Winfield. Cristina EUza Ereok- 
son, a native of Sweden, was married in this state 
in 1871, to Mr. Lindcpiist, and is the mother of six 
children. 

.Tan Miller, who is a native of Sweden, was bom 
June 30, 1832. In 1867 he located iu Houston 



MENVILLE COUNTY. 



847 



county, Minnesota, and lived there until the year 
1872, when he came to Winfield, Renville county; 
his farm, on section 26 of this town, contains 160 
acres. Mr. Miller has served one term as town 
treasurer. In 1856 he married A.una Stena, who 
was born in 1833 in Sweden ; their children are 
Annalena, Uhan and Andrew. 

N. A. Nelson was born October 9, 1849, in 
Sweden. In 1869 he moved to Winona, Minne^ 
sota, three years later went to Willmar, Kandiyohi 
county, but in 1877 located in Winfield. For 
several years Mr. Nelson has been a member of 
the town board. Yngebor O. Jenson, native of 
Norway, was married to him in February, 1877, 
and has three children; Anton N., Ever O. and 
Magnus B. 

E. Palmlund, born May 24, 1842, in Sweden, 
served five years in the army of that country and 
in 1870 came to America. Lived five months at 
Duluth, about the same length of time in Iowa, 
then two years at La Crescent; after passing a 
short time at St. Paul and Rochester he went, in 
1875, to Beaver Palls, but one year later removed 
to Winfield; Anna Miller was married to Mr. 
Palmlund, December 25, 1875 and has borne him 
three children; Oscar A. and Georgina L. are 
living. 

John Snieker, who is a native of Sweden, born 
in 1829, was brought up on a farm; in 1873 im- 
migrated to Kandiyohi county, Minnesota; since 
1874 his home has been in the town of Winfield. 
Mr. Snicker's wife, Anna Erickson, was born in 
Sweden; their marriage occurred in 1853; eight of 
their twelve children are living: Anna, John, 
Christina, Andrew, Betsy, Ida, Selma and George. 

L. R. Sorenson is a native of Minnesota; born 
April 18, 1855, at St. Paul. When he was an in- 
fant the family moved to Carver county, where he 
lived until 1880, then came to Winfield. His mar- 
riage took place March 7, 1880, in Carver county, 
with Matilda Peterson, who ^\as born February 9, 
1856, at Chisago Lake. 

Jul Ulrikson was born June 14, 1817, in Nor- 
way. In 1873 he immigrated to the United States. 
After living one year at Winona, Minnesota, he 
c.ame to Winfield. Miss S. Endresdotter, born in 
Norway, became the wife of Mr. Ulrikson, Novem- 
ber 1, 1847 and has borne him seven children; five 
are living. 

E. Wipp was born in 1823, in Sweden; was in 
the army of his native land twenty years. In 
1870 he emigr-ated and until 1872 he lived in Kan- 



diyohi county, Minnesota, then came to the town 
of Winfield. Blr. Wipp was married in 1850; his 
wife, Cristina Erickson was born in Sweden and is 
the mother of eight children. 

Fr. Zinne was bom in 1826, in Germany. In 
1879 he settled in the United States, and has lived 
alternately in Beaver Falls, and Winfield, which is 
his present home. In 1859 he married Charlotte 
Meyer; their children are Louis, Frederick, Wil- 
helmena and August. 

OSCEOLA. 

A petition was granted for separate organization 
September 30, 1879, and an election held at J. F. 
Lucas' house, section 32. The first oflicers were: 
W. T. Bower, chairman, J. K. Salisbury and B. 
Potter, supervisors; S. M. Freeman, clerk; J. F. 
Lucas, Sr., treasurer; H. V. Poor and L. Daily, 
justices: J. Nillia and 0. Stevens, constables. The 
first settlers in the town were J. F. Lucas, Sr., and 
two Ferry brothers, who came in the spring of 
1875. C. M. Stevens built the first house in the 
fall of 1875. The first school was taught in the 
fall of 1880 by Miss Ida Poore in I. H. Murray's 
house. 

TOWN 116—36. 

This town is not organized, but attached to Em- 
mett for official purposes. Early in the spring of 
1871 three families, C. G. Bell, J. F. Smith and 
Henry Crooks came and settled on section 32, 

Religious services were held by the Methodists 
at private houses as early as 1874. The first school 
was taught in the summer of 1874 by Miss Nettie 
Spicer, in a building erected for that purpose on 
section 30. 

The first birth in the town was that of Ellen, a 
daughter of C. G. and Phoebe Bell, born in the 
spring of 1872. The first death was in December, 
1875, John Johnson, who was frozen to death. 

Edward O. Bakkeu, a native of Norway, was born 
in 1852. Came with parents to America when 
five years of age and grew to manhood in McLeod 
county, Minnesota; in 1872 he removed to Ren- 
ville county. His marriage with Miss Mattia An- 
derson occurred in the spring of 1880 at Beaver 
Falls; they have one child: Annie. 

C. A. Bocken was born in Norway in 1855. 
Came with parents to this country and for a num- 
l)er of years their home was in McLeod county, 
Minnesota, but since the spring of 1875 he has re- 
sided in town 116; in 1877 he married Julia LU- 
leby ; their children are William and Nellie E. 

Albert Daaren was born in 183G, in Prussia. The 



848 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



family imniigrated to Dodge county, Wisconsin, 
when be was eight years old; in 1864 be removed 
to Beaver Falls, Minnesota, and since 1876 be has 
lived in' town 116. January 6,1863, lie married 
Mrs. Theresa Isenricb, whose maiden name was 
• Hartinger; she was married in Illinois to Mr. Isen- 
ricb, and in 1855 they came to this state; he was 
shot at the breaking out of the Sioux massacre, 
while fleeing from his home; she and five children 
were held captive six weeks; Mr. Dagen is the 
father of seven children. 

C. B. Gordon was born in 1820 in Logan county, 
Kentucky, and moved with bis parents to Illinois, 
when be was a boy. In 1842 he married in that 
state and in 1865 removed to Iowa county, Wis- 
consin, where his wife died the next year. Frank- 
lin A. and Elizabeth A. are their children. Since 
the fall of 1872, has lived in this town. He has 
been justice of the peace and postmaster of Gor- 
don, named in honor of him. Married in 1867, 
Elizabeth C. Bell, who has borne bim four chil- 
dren : Thomas B., John C. Matilda J. and George. 

Mrs. Ingborg Johnson-Olson was born in 1841, 
in Norway, and in 1861, became the wife of John 
Johnson. In 1868 they immigrated to Iowa and 
lived near Decorah until 1872 at which date they 
removed to town 116, Minnesota, and took 160 
acres of land. He died here in 1874, after which 
his widow and her sons conducted the farm. In 
the spring of 1881 Mrs. Johnson was married to 
Mr. C. Olson, who was born in 1854 in Sweden, 
came to America in 1879, and after a short stay in 
Massachusetts came to Minnesota. The children 
are John, Anthony, Peter, Ole and Annie. 

Torry O. Larson, a native of Wisconsin, was 
born in 1853, in Jetferscm county; in 1877, came 
to this town. Miss Emma Nelson was married in 
1873, to Mr. Larson, and has borne him three 
children: Perry N., George T., and Tilda, who is 
deceased. 

James Mathison, born in Norway, in 1830, mov- 
ed in 1853, to Illinois. He was in the employ 
of a lumlier manufacturer, in Indiana and Michi- 
gan, for a time, but in the spring of 1856, began 
farming in Carver county, Minnesota. In August 
1864, he enlisted in Company A, 11th regiment of 
this state, and was discharged at expiration of 
term. Worked at farming in McLeod county un- 
til coming to this town in 1874. Married in 1854, 
Mary Olson; Martin, William, Peter and Edward 
are their children. 

Lars L. Otnes was born in Norway, in 1843. In 



the si)ring of 1867, he became a resident of the 
United States. For three years he resided in Fill- 
more county, Minnesota, but his home has been in 
town 116 since 1872; Miss Mary Olson became bis 
wife in 1871, and has borne him five children; 
Louis O., Dena B., Ludwig M., Peder A. and Bet- 
sy D., who is dead. 

Johan A. Svendly, who was born in 1840, is a 
native of Norway, but has been a resident of Amer- 
ica since 1867. He settled in LaFayette coimty, 
Wisconsin ; was in a store four years there, and 
subsequently lived about the same length of time 
at Chippewa Falls. In 1877, he came to town 
116 and took 80 acres on section 34. Miss Mina 
Hanson was married to him in March, 1880, and 
has borne him one child : Annie Amelia. 



LYON COUNTY. 



CHAPTER LXXXVI. 

LTON COUNTY MAKSHALL. LTND NORDLAND 

LYON FAIBVIEW GRAND VIEW LDOAS EIDS- 

VOIiD AMIBBT. 

Lyon county is located in the south-western 
part of the state, in the third tier from the south 
and the second from the west. It is twenty-four 
miles east and west, liy thirty north and south, 
and contains twenty congressioual townships. It 
formerly included within its limits what is now 
Lincoln county. This teriitory was set off by the 
state legislature of 1873, and ratified by the peo- 
ple, at the fall election of that year. The county, 
as now constituted, is almost entirely prairie. A 
heavy growth of timber existed, when it was first 
settled, in the west central part of the county, in 
the towns of Lynd and Lyon. Tliis has largely 
been cleared away by the settlers. A number of 
small groves appear in dififerent parts of the 
county, along the streams. The surface in the 
north, east, and south, is moderately rolling, in 
some cases quite level. Li the west, and a little 
south of west, the country is quite broken, and 
limestone, also gravel, appears upon the surface. 
The general slope is toward Ihe east and north- 
east as is indicated by the direction of the streams. 
As a whole the county is as well watered as any 
county in Southern Minnesota. The Yellow Medi- 
cine river crosses the west line near the north-west 
corner, flows easterly and crosses the north hue 



LYON COUNTY. 



849 



near the center. The Eedwood originates in the 
south-west, flows north-easterly, and crosses the 
east line about nine miles south of the north-east 
corner. The Cottonwood has its origin in the 
southern part of the county, tiows north-easterly 
and easterly, and crosses the east line a few 
mOes south of the center. These streams, 
with their numerous tributaries, serve to effect- 
ually drain nearly every part of the county. The 
soil is, generally, a sandy loam, and well adapted 
to the cultivation of corn and oats, the clayey 
soil in the south-west being adapted to wheat. 

Two railroads cross the county. The Winona 
& St. Peter, built in 1872, extends from southeast 
to northwest, and the Chicago & Dakota built in 
1879, extends east and west across the south tier 
of towns. These two with the prospective exten- 
sion of the Minneapolis & St. Louis across south- 
west and north-east, will give the couuty ample 
facilities for shipping to the markets of the large 
cities. The locations of the towns and villages 
are such that very little of the trade of the county 
goes to outside points, and a large trade is drawn 
from without the limits of the county, especialy 
in the south and east. 

The permanent settlement began in 1867, 
although there were trading posts in Lynd and 
Saratoga as early as ten and probably more years 
previous. Saratoga proper was in section 1, of 
the town of Custer. There is some difference of 
opinion regarding the location of Mr. Lynd's post, 
some locating it in the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion .3^, in the town of Lynd, and others in the 
southeast quarter of section 5 in the town of Lyon. 
There was a log building still standing in Lynd 
when the first settlers came in 1867 and '68 and 
used by Mr. Ticknor as a residence tor a short 
time, then as a school-house, and later as a" store. 
Tliis store, opened by G. W. Whitney in 
September, 1870, was the first in the county. He 
not long after transferred his business to a build- 
ing erected for the purpose in the village of Lynd. 
In Lyon, there only exists the remains of a build- 
ing which had been burned. The Indians, how- 
ever, point this out as the spot where the real trad- 
ing post stood. The probabilities are in favor of 
the latter. In the spring of 1880, Mr. Goodell, 
while plowing his garden, about a half mile north 
of this spot, unearthed a tub full of tools, con- 
sisting of several hand-saws, an auger, chisels, 
hoes, a hand-axe, a flat-iron, a tea cup and saucer. 
The tub was entirely rotten, only the impression 

54 



left to determine just what it was, while most of 
the tools were destroyed for use by rust. Thomas 
Kobinson, a French half-breed, and John Mooers, a 
half-breed son of Hazen Mooers, had claims in 
Lynd, when the first whites came. Robinson's 
was in section 27, Mooer's in 34. They sold in 
the spring of 1868, to Ralph Holland and Arthur 
Ransom and moved into Lincoln county, where 
they now live near Tyler. 

In the spring of 1867 T. W. Caster settled in the 
town of Stanley, a part of his claim being in Eed- 
wood county. He was a graduate of Oberlin col- 
lege, Ohio, and a man of very positive tempera- 
ment, peculiar in his views and independent in his 
thinking. He was at one time deputy register of 
deeds in Olmsted county, and was also a scout dur- 
ing the Indian war, under General Sibley. He 
was one of the pioneers of Redwood Falls, but re- 
mained only a short time. His aim was to raise 
stock, and he was the pioneer stock man of Lyon 
county. The first winter of his stay he had but 
one cow, and from this he increased until he had 
a large herd for this latitude. About four years 
ago he moved to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, 
where he now lives. He was the first county sur- 
veyor, and in 1874 was a memlier of the county 
commissioners. His son, Hugh W., was the first 
white child born in the count) . 

In June, 1867, Charles E. Goodell, of Illinois, 
came into Lyon county on a prospecting tour, and 
decided to locate. He returned to Blue Earth 
coimty and remained aintil January, 1868, when he 
came back and located in the north part of the 
town of Lyon, which has since been his home. 
Dui"ing the earlier years he followed hunting and 
trapping principally. He is six feet two and one- 
half inches in height, well proportioned, active and 
strong; many stories are told of his physical prow- 
ess. Quite a number came in the fall of 1867, and 
located in Lynd; some returned farther east to 
spend the winter. Among those who remained 
were A. W. Muzzy and daughters, Mr. C. F. 
Wright and Mrs. Bowers, Luman Ticknor, wife and 
step- daughter, Elizabeth Taylor, L. W. Langdon, 
wife and daughter Martha, and son Frank, and 
nephew, Emerson Hull. Quite a number of peo- 
ple came in daring 1868, but comparatively few 
settled. In 1869 settlement began in earnest and 
a large number came. 

In 1869 preparations were made to organize the 
county. In December the governor appointed A. 
W. Muzzy, E. E Horton and Daniel WiUiams a» 



350 



IIISTOltY Oy THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



commissioners, Edmund Lamb as auditor, and 
Charles Hildretli as slieriff, to organize the county. 
Mr. Horton was absent from the countj when ap- 
pointed, but expected back soon. Not long after 
his appointment as commissioner, Mr. Williams 
left the county on a visit to relatives. This pre- 
vented immediate organization, and the other ap- 
pointed officials could do nothing until their re- 
turn. Mr. Horton never came back, and Mr. Wil- 
liams' stay being protracted, step.s were taken to 
procure new appointments, which resulted in the 
appointment of L. S. Kiel as commissioner. The 
first meeting was held August 12, 1870, at Luman 
Ticknor's house in Upper Lynd. Mr. Muzzy was 
chosen chairman of the county board. The board 
then adjourned until October 8; met upon that 
day and prepared for the first election in the 
county, by dividing it into election precincts. 
Congressional townships 109 and 110, ranges 40 
and 41, were set off as Saratoga precinct. Ziba 
Ferguson and Oeorj^e Robinson were appointed 
justices, and Joseph Wagner, James Mitchell and 
Clarence Avery judges of election, and the election 
ordered held at the house of George Robinson- 
Townships 111 and 112, ranges 40 and 41, were 
set off as Marshall precinct. W. S. Reynolds and 
C. H. Whitney were appointed justices, and C. H. 
Upton, Joseph Carter and L. Ijangdon judges of 
election, and the election ordered held at the 
house of p. H. Whitney. Township 113-40, 41, 42, 
4.3, 44 were set off as Upper Yellow Medicine pre- 
cinct. The justices appointed were Prank Nel- 
son and Morse. Townships 111 and 112- 

45 and 43, were set off as Lynd precinct, with 
townships 109, 110-42 and 43 attached. A. W. 
Muzzy, A. R. Cnmmiugs and Luman Tickuor were 
appointed judges of election. No justices were 
appointed. Townships 109, 110, 111, 112-44, 45, 
46, and 113-45, 46, were set off as Lake Benton 

precinct. William Ross and Bentley were 

ap])oiuted justices, and William Taylor, Daniel 
Williams and John Birmingham, judges of elec- 
tion, and the election ordered held at the house of 
Daniel Williams. 

At the election which followed soon after, seventy- 
eight votes were cast, all of the precincts not hold- 
ing elections, however. The following officers were 
elected — Timothy Eastman, Joseph Wagner and 
Daniel Williams, commissioners; of whom Mr. 
Eastman became chairman. George E. Keyes, 
auditor; A. R. Cummins, treasurer; W. H. Lang- 
don, register of deeds; James Cummins, sheriff: 



A. D. Morgan, clerk of court; A. W. Muzzy, judge 
of probate: W. M. Pierce, county attorney, and 
James Mitchell, Sr., court commissioner. At a 
meeting of the county commissioners, held March 
15, 1871, at Mr. Whitney's store iu Lynd, G. W. 
Whitney was appointed superintendent of schools. 
At this meeting the county was divided into as- 
sessment districts, tlie commissioners' districts 
having been arranged October 14, 1870. They 
comprised the same territory in each and num- 
bered them the same, thus District No. 1 includ- 
ed all in the county, east of range 42, No. 2 
included all of range 42, and all west of that,No. 3. 

The election districts were changed from time to 
time, as population increased, or as the different 
towns became organized, until January, 1882, 
when the town of Stowe was set apart for organ- 
ization, thus ending the last precinct. The as- 
sessment dist;icts have been disposed of in like 
manner. The commissioners' districts have been 
changed likewise, from time to time, still keeping 
the original number until 1880, when the county 
■was divided into five districts. 

The county seat remained at Upper and Lower 
Lynd, about two years in each, the commissioners 
holding their sessions in various places. In the 
fall of 1873 the majority of the people voted iu 
favor of moving the county seat to Marshall, 
which was accomplished between January and 
March, 1874. UntU 1876 the county business 
was transacted in different places in Marshall, 
rented for the purpose by the county. That year 
the frame building now used by the auditar and 
treasurer was erected on the west corner of Main 
and Sixth streets, at a cost of about !j!450. In 
1881 a similar building was erected on the same 
lot for the use of the register of deeds and clerk 
of court. Arrangements are now about completed 
for the purchase of land upon which to erect a 
court house and jail. 

Following we give the roster of county officials 
since the organization of the county. Commis- 
sioners — -The first named being chairman. 1870, 
A. W. Muzzy and L. S. Kiel: 1871. Timothy East- 
man, Joseph Wagner and Daniel Williams; Mr. 
Wagner resigned and H. N. Randall was apjioint- 
ed, he also resigned and George Robinson was ap- 
pointed; Mr. Williams moved from the county and 
Ira Scott was appointed in his place; 1872, Tim- 
othy Eastman, M. L. Wood and James Mitchell, 
Jr.; 1873, M. L. Wood, James Mitchell, Jr. and A. 
D. Morgan; 1874, James Mitchell, Jr., A. D. Mor- 



LYON COUNTY. 



851 



gan and T. W. Caster: 1875, James Mitchell, Jr., 
A. D. Morgan and H. T. Oakland; 1876, Gordon 
Watson, James Mitchell Jr. and H. T. Oakland; 

1877, the same with Mr. Mitchell as chairman; 

1878, same, Mr. Oakland, chairman; 1879 and '80, 
James Mitchell, Jr., H. T. Oakland and G. W. Link ; 

1881, M. 0. Humphrey, James Mitchell, Jr., Fred 
Holritz, E. L. Starr and Jonathan Owen; 1882, M. 
C. Humphrey, James Mitchell, Jr., Fred Holritz, 

E. L. Starr and V. M. Smith. Auditors—l9,lQ, 
Edmund Lamb; 1871 and '72, G. E. Keyes; 1873, 
to date, O. C. Gregg. Treasurers— \9,ll and '72, 
A. K. Cummins; 1873 and '74, Jacob Kouse; 1875 
'76 and '77, J. W. Williams; 1878, R. M. Addison; 

1879, G. A. Jacobson. Registers of Deeds— 1871 
and '72, W. H. Langdon; 1873 and '74, Z. O. 
Titus; 1875 and '76, S. V. Groesbeck; 1877 and 

78, C. L. Van Eleet; 1879 and '80, W. M. Cole- 
man ; 1881 and '82, A. N. Daniels. Sheriffs— 1870, 
Charles Hildreth; 1871, '72, and '73, James Cum- 
mins; 1874, '75 and '76, Salmon Webster; 1877 to 

, John Hunter. Clerks of Court — 1871, 72, 

'73, '74, A. D. Morgan; 1875, '76, '77 and '78, Ole 

Dahl; 1879 to , C. E. Patterson. Judges of 

Probate— 1871, A. W. Muzzy, resigned, C. H. 
Whitney appointed; 1872, Orin Drake; 1873 and 
'74, W. M. Pierce; 1875 and '76, E. B. Jewett; 

1877 to , D. P. Weymouth. County Attorneys 

—1871 and '72, W. Pierce; 1873, '74, '75 and '76, 
Walter Wakeman; 1877 and '78, D. F. Weymouth; 
1879 to date, A. C. Forbes. Court Commissioners — 
1871 and '72, James Mitchell, Sr. ; 1873, Charles 
Marsh; 1874, C. H. Whitney; 1875 and '76, J. N. 
Johnson; 1877, W. M. Pierce; 1878 to date, C. H. 
Richmond. Superintendents of Schools — 1870, C. 

F. Wright; 1871, to August, G. W. Whitney; 
1871, from August, "72, '73 and '74 to April, Ran- 
som Wait ; 1874, from April, to date, G. M. Durst. 
County Surveyors — 1871 and '72, T. W. Caster; 
1873, '74, '75, '76, '77 and 78, C. L. Van Fleet; 
1879 and '80, H. L. Coates; 1881, V. M. Smith; 

1882, J. W. Blake. Coroners— 1871, '72, '73 and 
'74, Luman Ticknor; 1875 to July '76, none; 1876, 
from July, W. M. Todd; 1877 and '78, J. A. Cole- 
man; 1879 and '80, J. W. Andrews; 1881 and '82, 
S. V. Groesbeck. The state senatorial and repre- 
sentative districts comprise several counties ; those 
serving from this county are: Senator — 1875 and 
'76; J. W. Blake. Jiejnrsentative— 1873, J. W. 
Blake; 1878, J. W. Williams. 

Previous to 1876, the county was attached to 
Redwood county for judicial purijoses. Since that 



time two terms of court have been held in the 
county each year, in .June and December. 

The schools have been under the superintend- 
ence of Mr. G. M. Durst since April, 1874. In the 
fall of 1873 the first school house of any preten- 
sions in the county was built in Lower Lynd at a 
cost of about $700, and belonged to district num- 
ber 1. The same building is in use to-day. From 
this beginning, only eight years ago, the schools 
have increased until now there are fifty -three or- 
ganized districts in the county, and several peti- 
tions before the county commissioners for more. 
There are forty- four school- houses, forty -two be- 
ing frame, one brick and one log; the estimated 
value is about $25,000. 

The first public examination of teachers was 
held April 22, 1874, by Mr. Durst at Congrega- 
tional Hall in Marshall. There were eight teach- 
ers present. One first-class certificate was issued, 
two second and five third. The superintendent has 
continued to raise the grading so that a second 
grade certificate at present is about equal to a 
first grade in 1874. There are now four teachers 
in the county holding first-class certificates, twen- 
ty-seven holding second and twenty-nine holding 
third class certificates. Twenty-nine of these teach- 
ers are males and thirty-one females. The first 
institute was held at Marshall in April, 1875. The 
attendance was thirteen. The session lasted a 
week. Several institutes of two weeks' duration 
have been held since. The first school in the 
county was taught by Miss Lydia Cummins dur- 
ing the spring of 1869, in the log building in sec- 
tion 33, in the town of Lynd, mentioned as being 
connected with Mr. Lynd's trading post. The first 
superintendent was the Rev. C. F. Wright, ap- 
pointed in the fall of 1870. The following state- 
ment is taken from the report of the superintend- 
ent for 1881 : Number of pupils, 1,719; average 
attendance — summer — 685; winter — 607; number 
of teachers, 60; amount of wages, .$7,171.62; aver- 
age per month — males, .f33; females, .f25; amount 
paid for new buildings, $5,309.31; improvements, 
repairs, fuel and interest on debt, $4,695.56; 
amount on hand at the end of the year, $1,733.11. 
amount collected for all purposes, $13,697.29. 

In 1874 the value of school projierty in the 
county was about $900; amount received for school 
purposes, $677.55; number of teachers, 8; pupils, 
208; amount paid to teachers, .$642.93. 

The first religious ser\'ices in the county were 
those conducted by the Rev. C. F. Wright, in the 



852 



HISTORY OF TUE MINNEHOTA VALLEY. 



fall of 1868 at Liiuian Ticknor's house in XJpi)er 
Lyud, and the building erected by this society, in 
the fall of 1873, was the first church of any sort 
built in the county, iilthongh the Presbyteriaus 
built a church in the town of Lyon in September 
of the same year. Mr. Wright became ill not long 
after the building of the Methodist church in 
Lynd, and was taken to Bedwood Falls for treat- 
ment, and died soon after. There are now about 
thirty -live church organizations in the county. 

The Lyon County Agricultural Society was or- 
ganized in March, 1874. J. G. Bryan was pres- 
ident, and C. H. Whitney, secretary. Fairs have 
been conducted annually since, at Marshall. The 
society have a lease of forty acres, which they have 
fitted up for their purpose. At the state, fairs 
held in 1879-'80-'81, they took the first premium 
on grain display. In 1880 they took the first 
premium on general display of vegetables, and 
in 1874 and 1881, the second premium. The 
state society has awarded them a silver medal for 
a general display of products which speaks well 
for a county only twelve years old, and located -in 
the section of the state that suffered from the 
grasshopper scourge. The following comparative 
statements give some idea of growth in a few par- 
ticiilars: In 1870, the county was not enumer- 
ated. In 1880, it ranked as the thirty-sixth 
county in the state, with a population of 6,257; 
male, 3,381; female, 2,876; native, 4,558; foreign, 
1,699. The vote for presidential electors, in 1880, 
was 1,336. In 1872, of the 452,000 acres of land 
in the county, only 676 were under cultivation, 
which increased in eight years to 41,772 acres. In 
1872, there were nine sheep in the county. In 
1881, 7,450 head. In 1880, 3,450 head of cattle 
were shipped from the county, atid in 1881 the 
artificial groves covered 2,200 acres. These facts, 
in the face of the general agricultural depression 
during the time covered, speak well for the enter- 
prise of the people and the resources of the 
county. 

The first marriage in the county, occurred at 
the residence of Lnmau Tiokuor, in Upper Lynd, 
in the fall of 1868, the Eev. C. F. Wright, officiat- 
ing. Tiie contracting parties were Henry Nich- 
ols and Miss Ida Hildreth. The first death in the 
county, was that of Mrs. Bowers, of consumption, 
which occurred in the fall of 1868. 

IjA.KE MARSHALL,. 

This was the first town set apart for organiza- 
tion in the county. It is located in the central part 



of the county and includes all of congressional 
township 111-41. 

Settlement >began in 1869, W. H. Langdon came 
.Time 27th and located in section 8; C. H. Whitney 
came in and located in the southeast quarter of 
section 4, where a portion of the village of Mar- 
shall now stands. At the same time, C. H. Upton 
came in and located in the northeast quarter of 
section 4. The following fall, Mr. L. W. Langdon 
and son, E. B., came; Mr. Langdon located in sec- 
tion 18 and his son in 8. Of those that came the 
next year, we mention M. D. Morse, Orin Drake, 
Mrs U. S. Stone, G. M. Durst, C. T. and Charles 
Bellingham, Josiah Clark, and George K. Welch. 

The population increased suifieiently by 1872, 
to warrant a sejjarate organization. The meeting 
to organize and elect otticers, was held March 8, 
1872, at C. H. Whitney's house in the southeast 
quarter of section 4 ; oSicers elected : Orin Drake, 
chairman, C. T. Bellingham and Noble Cuyle, su- 
pervisors; C. H. Whitney, clerk: S. BI. Taylor, 
assessor; O. A. Drake, treasurer; W. H. Langdon 
and C. H. Whitaey, justices; C. H. Upton and O. 
A. Drake constables. 

MARSHALL. 

The Winona & St. Peter railroad was built in 
1872. A town site company was formed, compos- 
ed of W. G. Ward, J. H. Jenkins, J. H. Stewart, J. 
W. Blake and C. H. Whitney, and the village of 
Marshall laid out during the latter part of August, 
1872. It was located in the central part of section 
4. Four additions have been made since and the 
village plat tiow covers about 300 acres. The first 
store was a cheap frame building lielonging to the 
railroad construction company, Addison, Everett 
& Co., and put up in June, 1872. They conduct- 
ed their businass in this, awhile, then moved into 
better quarters and continued in business, with 
several changes in the firm name, several years. 
A short time after, another small building was put 
up by Colonel Samuel McPhaill and occupied by 
other parties as a grocery and provision store. 
This l)uilding was subsequently moved into sec- 
tion 6 as a claim shanty and eventually, moved 
back to the village. 

In 1873 C. H. Whitney started a brick-yard 
and made 85,000 brick that year. This same sea- 
son J. F. Eaichert put up the first brick block; it 
is two stories high, and is standing as a monu- 
ment to his enterprise; the lower story was used 
as a store, and the upper for a residence and the 
masonic hall. Tliere are now twenty-two brick 



LTON COUNTY. 



853 



store buildings in the place. The first hotel was 
built by C. H. Whitnej in September and Octo- 
ber, 1872. It was then a two-story building, 
35x40 feet, and known as Whitney's Hotel; a 
large addition was made in 1877. It is now 
known at the Merchant's Exchange, and is in the 
hands of Ching & O. M. Hunt. 

The business of the town is now represented by 
the following : Three hotels, two banks, five gen- 
eral stores, three drug stores, two hardware stores, 
one grocery, one boot and shoe store, one furni- 
ture store, four dealers in agricultural implements, 
two millinery and dressmaking shops, one taOor 
shop, one jeweler, two meat-markets, three restau- 
rants, one hamess-shop, one shoe-shop, one photo- 
graph gallery, four blacksmith and wagon-shops, 
one gunsmith, one livery stable, two barber- shops, 
one marble shop, two brick-yards, with capacity 
for making 350,000 brick each season, two feed- 
mills, one elevator, two warehouses, three lumber- 
yards, one contractor and builder, four insurance 
agents, five la,w firms, three physicians, one dentist 
and four saloons. The Winona & St. Peter land- 
office was established in 1876. Two newspapers, 
the Messenger and the Lyon County News, fur- 
nish the people with home and foreign news. 
The railroad receipts and shipments for 1881 were 
as follows: 33,311,198 pounds of general freight, 
208,000 bushels of wheat, 339 car-loads of fuel, 
37 car-loads of agricultural implements, and 9 
car-loads of apples. 

The Bank of Marshall was established April 18, 
1878, by O. D. Dibble, .Jonathan Owen and W. S. 
Dibble, and does a general loan and collection 
business. The Lyon County Bank was estab- 
lished September 1, 1878, with a capital of .$25- 
000. H. B. Strait, president, and S. D. How, 
cashier. 

Newspapers — The Marshall Messenger was 
started in August, 1873, by J. C. Erwin, as The 
Prairie Schooner, an appropriate name for the 
time and locality. In December, 1871, Mr. Erwin 
tired of frontier struggles, and moved to St. Paul 
and started the Liberty Blade, a temperance paper. 
The Schooner was sold to C. P. Case, who moved 
to Marshall from Waverly, Iowa. The following 
year was one of disaster to every one in 
the grasshopper belt, and existence was on- 
ly maintained at the expense of the paper's 
proprietor. During the year the name was 
changed to The Marshall Messenger. It is 
now published on a power press in one of 



the six brick buildings known as the Messen- 
ger Block, so named for the jjaper which has an 
ownership in the block. From a small beginning 
it has grown with the county, until it now enjoys 
a serene prosperity, protected by the ^gis of a 
large and constantly increasing circulation and a 
good local patronage. It is republican in politics, 
neutral in religion and family quarrels. It is the 
official paper of the town and one of the solid fix- 
tures of the county. 

The Lyon County News was established May 
28, 1879, by Wilbur M. Todd and George A. Edes. 
It was a seven column folio, with a "patent out- 
side." Mr. Edes retired and Mr. Todd continued 
its publication untU April 21, 1880, when the 
paper passed into the hands of George B. Gee & 
Co. July 7, 1880, the paper was changed to a five 
column quarto. November 15, 1880, the present 
proprietor, Mr. Charles C. Whitney, obtained pos- 
session, and within two weeks an entire revolution 
occurred: the "patent side" disappeared, the 
paper became an eight-column folio and all 
printed at home. An entire new and extensive 
outfit was secured, a large cylinder press taking 
the place of the old hand press, the latter author- 
itatively stated to be the first hand press in Min- 
nesota. The efforts of the ptiblisher to issue his 
paper and ftirnish live news through the snow- 
blockade of 1880-1 were marvels of energy and 
enterprise. From January 19th to April 19th the 
mails came irregularly and at long intervals, and 
the only resource was the telegraph. Expensive 
as it was, the pviblisher furnished his readers sev- 
eral columns of telegraphic matter each week. 
The files of the paper for this period are a curios- 
ity, including papers of different sizes, forms and 
kinds. Only once during the siege was he able to 
procure regular paper, then by team driven sev- 
enty miles. July 1, 1881, the paper was enlarged 
to a nine-column folio; Charles C.Whitney, editor 
and jjublisher; J. L. Robinson, local editor; O. C. 
Gregg, editor of the agricultural department. 
During the year the subscription list has risen 
from three hundred and thirty-six to twelve hun- 
dred, and it is the official paper of the county and 
city. With the establishment of the paper under 
the new management a first class job printing 
office and book bindery was put in, and a five 
horse-power engine introduced. The work pro- 
duced is first class, and a large business has been 
built up in western Minnesota and eastern Dakota. 

Marshall post-office was established in the fall of 



854 



UISTOHY OF TUB MlNNKiSOTA VALLEY. 



1870; C. H. Whitney was the postmaster and the 
office located at hia house. lu January, 1873, 
Walter Wakemau was appointed and held the 
office until April 1874, when Mr. Whitney was re- 
appointed. In April, 1876, W. M. Coleman took 
the office, and held it until April, 1878, when the 
present incumbent, C. F. Case, received the ap- 
pointment. 

Societies. — The societies consist of the Masonic, 
Odd Fellows, Grand Army of the Republic, and 
two temperance societies. Delta Lodge No. 119, 
A. F. and A. M., was organized November 16, 
1874. The officers were: H. J. Tripp, W. M., J. 
Goodwin, S. W., S. V. Groesbeck, J. W., G. M. 
Durst, S., M. E. Wilcox, T., G. E. Nichols, S. D., B. 
A. Gubb, J. D., L. F. Pickard, Tyler. The pres- 
ent membership is forty. Good Samaritan Lodge 
No. 73, I. O. of O. F. was instituted January 5, 
1880, with six charter members, and the following 
officers: J. E. Maas, N. G., A. T. Gamble, V. G., 
0. H. Eichardson, S., J. H. Williams, T., S. O. 
Weston, W., G. W. Andrews, Con. The member- 
ship now numbers forty-five. D. F. Markham 
Post No. 7, G. A. R., was organized in July, 1880, 
with fourteen members, with Major J. W. Blake as 
Commander, and C. C. Whitney, as Adjutant; the 
post now has sixty members. Marshall Lodge, 
T. of H. was organized June 12, 1881, with nine- 
teen charter members, and the following officers: 
Dr. E. D. Allison, W. C. T., L. Larson, W. V. T., J. 
L. Robinson, R., T. W. Robinson, F. R., Dr. C. 
E. Persons, T., Major George Mossman, U., Dr. J. 
M. Andrews, P. W. C. T. The membership now 
numbers thirty-two. Unity Lodge,- No. 173, G. 
T., was organized November 12, 1879. The so- 
ciety now has a membership of about fifty, and is 
j^rospering finely. 

The school building was erected in 1875, at a 
cost of about $2,800. An addition has since 
been built at a cost of about $2,000. The orig- 
inal building is octagonal in shape, forty feet in 
diameter, each way, two stories high, with a 
tower in front. The addition is 22x40 feet, al- 
together containing four rooms, and capable of 
comfortably seating two hundred and seventy- 
five pupils. School is conducted nine months 
in each year. Foar teachers are employed, a 
principal and three assistants. The salary of the 
principal is ^800 per year, and each assistant .$360. 

The village of Marshall was incorporated by 
an act of the legislature, approved March 19, 
1876, and again under the special law in 1881. 



The corporate limits include sections 4, 5 and 9. 
The first villivge election was held March 16, 1876. 
Grin Drake and O. C. Gregg were judges of 
election, and E. B. Jewett, clerk. Fifty-four votes 
were cast, and the following offices elected: John 
Ward, president of council; S. H. Mott, M. E. 
Wilcox and C. A. Eilwards, trustees; W. M. 
Todd, recorder; J. P. Watson, treasurer; D. 
Markham, justice; and David Bell, constable. At 
the last election, held in January, 1882, 170 votes 
were cast. The population in 18H0 was 961. 

The first school was taught during the winter of 
1872-3, in W. M. Todd's lumber office. G. H. 
Darling taught the first part of the term and 
Walter Wakeman the latter. A two story build- 
ing was completed in the spring, the lower part of 
which was used for a store and the upper part for 
school and church. Schools were conducted there 
until 1875, when the present fine building was 
erected. Outside of the village there are two frame 
school-houses, making three in all within the limits 
of the town. 

The first religious services were conducted in 
the summer of 1872, by Rev. E. H. Alden, a Con- 
gregationalist then of Waseca, on alternate Sun- 
days, in a tent that was used during the week as 
a saloon. During the following fall a building 
used as headquarters by the railroad engineering 
corps, was used. During the winter only occa- 
sional services were held and in different places. 
In the spring of 1873, regular weekly services 
were begun in the building ei-ected for that pur- 
prse, mentioned above. The first local pastor was 
Rev. Mr. Spaulding. Services were conducted at 
the above place until 1879, when the present fine 
structure belonging to the society was built, at a 
cost of about $5,000. The present pastor is the 
Rev. J. B. Fairbanks. 

The Methodist society was organized iu 1873. 
Their first local pastor was Rev. Gal pin; their 
church was buUt in 1874, at a cost of about $800. 
Their present pastor is the Rev. J. N. Lisoomb. 
The society has a large membership. 

The Baptist society oj-ganized in August 1877 
and held services at the school-house. For about 
two years past, they have had no pastor and but 
few services have been held. 

The Catholics have held occasional services in 
different places in the village, but have effected no 
organization. 

The first marriage of parties living in the town, 
was that of Charles Belliugham and Miss Louisa 



LYON COUNTY. 



855 



Durst. They were married at 'Whitney's hotel, in 
the faU of 1872, by C. H. Whitney, then a justice 
of the peace. The first birth was that Fannie W. 
Whitney, a daughter of C. H. and Mary A. Whit- 
ney, and born November 24, 1870. The first death 
was that of a daughter of James Armstrong, of 
scarlet fever. 

Edward E. Ackerman was bom January 8, 1857, 
in Iowa. Accompanied his parents to New York; 
removed to Missouri, Iowa and Wisconsin. He 
came to Minnesota and attended school in Goodhue 
county, where the family resided, also studied 
three years at the Winona Normal school. In 1876 
he and a brother took a farm three miles from Mar- 
shall; was afterward appointed assistant postmas- 
ter, and in 1881 bought a bo(jk store in the place. 
July 4, 1880, Mary Constant became his wife. 

E. D. Allison was bom in 1845 in Green county, 
Indiana, where he lived until 1860, then removed 
to Michigan. In 1867 he began the study of den- 
tistry ; after graduating in 1870 from the Cincin- 
nati Dental college, he located at St. Charles, 
Minnesota; was afterward three years at Austin, 
two years in the south and the same length of 
time at Kochester, this state, but since 1878 has 
been at Marshall. Mr. Allison married in 1866, 
Miss Charlotte Lathrop. 

Dr. J. W. Andrews, born April 6, 1849, in Clark 
coiinty, Illinois, lived from the age of seven to 
eighteen years in Le Sueur county, Minnesota. 
After attending school at St. Peter and Mankato, 
he engaged in teaching and studying medicine; 
entered the medical department of the Ann Arbor 
University, and subsequently Rush Medical col- 
lege, of Chicago; graduated in 1877, then began 
practice at Sleepy Eye, this state, but soon re- 
moved to Marshall. In 1880 he graduated from 
the Bellevue hospital, of New York. Married in 
1878, Jennie C. French. 

J. W. Blake was born August 29, 1840, in Dover, 
Maine. The family migrated to Wisconsin; he 
attended Milton Academy and State University; 
for a time he edited and published the Jeflferson 
County Eepublicau. Enlisted in 1861 in the 
Fourth Wisconsin infantry; was promoted to 
lieutenant, afterward adjutant and captain in the 
29th, and major of the 42d; at the close of the 
war was provost general for the district of Illinois. 
He built a foundry and machine-shop at Jeffer- 
son, Wisconsin; operated it until 1872, when he, 
with others, established the town of Marshall, 
Minnesota. In 1872 he was in the legislature; in 



the house in 1875-6, and the senate in 1879. Mr_ 
Blake was employed by the Chicago & North- 
western railroad company to examine country with 
a view to extending their road to the Black^Hills. 

W. P. Bryant, native of Wisconsin, was born in 
1854. At seventeen moved to Minnesota; located 
in Owatonna, where he was engaged 'An farming. 
In the spring of 1881 he came to Marshall and 
soon after started in the livery business. The 
marriage of Mr. Bryant with Sarah Robertson oc- 
curred in 1875. 

Henry M. Burchard, native of New York, was 
born November 18, 1825, in Paris, Oneida county. 
In 1847 he graduated fi-om Hamilton CoUege; 
studied law, was admitted to practice in 1850, and 
in 1855 was elected surrogate of Oneida county; 
iilled that office eight years, but in 1866 he aban- 
doned the practice of law, because of poor health, 
and located at Winona, Minnesota. He was a 
member of the legislature from that county two 
years; in 1876 was made agent for the Winona & 
St. Peter Railroad Land Company, and located at 
Marshall, his present home.. Married in 1850 
Eliza H. Clark; the children are James C, John 
E. and H. Elizabeth. 

S. Butturff was born January 6, 1831, in Cum- 
berland, county, Pennsylvania. . He learned coach- 
making, and at the age of twenty-one moved to 
Iowa; lived there and in Illinois until 1856, when 
he entered the furniture trade at Hastings, Minne- 
sota ; he was in business in various places in Min- 
nesota, and in 1881 bought a furniture store at 
Marshall. Married Fanny Schalley, who died in 
1861; four living children. He married Sarah 
Spates in 1871 ; she has three children. 

C. F. Case, born November 1, 1839, in South 
Manchester, Connecticut; went at the age of fif- 
teen, to Rockton, Illinois, with his parents, and 
two years later to Waterloo, Iowa. He entered 
Ann Arbor University, and graduated with the 
class of 1865. Embarked in the newspaper busi- 
ness in Iowa; after editing the Clarksville Star 
five years he passed one year in California, then 
returned to Iowa and became interested in the 
Waverly Republican. In 1874 he came to Mar- 
shall, and the next year bought the Prairie 
Schooner, now called Marshall Blessenger. Mar- 
ried Fannie Waller in 1873; one child, Frank. 

A. C. Chittenden, native of Connecticut, was 
liorn July 29, 1845, in Middlesex county. When 
thirteen years old went with parents to Wisconsin; 
he was employed in Milwaukee about tliree years, 



856 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



then with a capital of $500 opened a store in At- 
water, Minnesota, which he sold five years later 
for iJlG.OOO. After spending eighteen months in 
Colorado he began business at Marshall. Agnes 
Hill was married to him in 1871, and has two sons. 

K. G. Curtis was bom in Canada, June 17th, 
1834, at Brockville. He learned blacksmithing in 
that country, and in 1855, settled at Winona, Min- 
nesota, where he worked four years at plow and 
wagon making ; for seven years he was in the liv- 
ery business; in 1877, came to Marshall and started 
a plow and blacksmith shop. Mr. Curtis was 
married in New York in 1861, to Adelia 0. Place; 
they have three living children. 

A. N. Daniels was born Aj^ril '26, 1836, in Ar- 
cade, Wyoming county, New York. From the age 
of ten years until 1870 his home was in Green 
Lake county, Wisconsin; then he resided at 
Northfield, Minnesota, until going in 1876 to Eock 
Lake, Lyon county, where he was one of the earl- 
iest settlers; helped organize the town and from 
that time until 1881, was assessor and clerk; was 
also notary public; since November, 1880, he has 
been register of deeds. 

M. D. Drew, one of a family of eighteen chil- 
dren, is a native of Vermont; born in the year 
1845, in Caledonia county. He attained an acad- 
emical education at St. Johnsburg, and studied 
law in that place; was admitted to the bar in 1879. 
Mr. Drew migrated to Minnesota and settled in 
Marshall, where he is engaged in the practice of 
his profession. In 1867 he married Sarah M. 
Chamberland, who was born in Vermont. 

George M. Durst was born March 10, 1846, in 
Alleghany coimty, Maryland. In 1868 he came 
to Minnesota, and taught school in Filhnore coun- 
ty, but removed in 1871 to Lyon county; after 
living about three miles south of Marshall for 
three years, he removed to the village. He is 
county superintendent of shools and has taught 
three years in Marshall; is also engaged in the in- 
surance business. Diantha Wheeler was married 
to him in October, 1875; she taught the first 
school in this place. 

A. C. Forbes, born in 1848, in Quebec, Canada, 
emigrated in 1870 to the United States. In 1872 
he completed his education at Evanston College 
and coming to Minnesota, entered upon the duties 
of a minister. Eighteen months later he began 
the study of law with General Edgerton; was ad- 
mitted in 1877, and the next year opened an office 
at Marshall; was elected county attorney the same 



year, and holds the office stQl. Married in 1878, 
MissAdell Wheeler. 

W. C. French was born on Long Island, N. Y. 
February 21, 1821. At the age of eleven he went 
to Chemung county, N. Y., and in 1860 to Cayuga 
county; in 1870 he engaged in furnitiire business 
at Wellsville, and in 1876, came to Minnesota and 
located on a farm at Marshall. In 1847 he mar- 
ried Elizabeth Burrells, who died in 1859, leaving 
one child, now the wife of Dr. Andrews; in 1861 he 
married Sarah Price; she died in 1868, and in 1871 
Laura A. Newbury became his wife. 

H. B. Gary, native of New Hampshire, was bom 
January 4, 1831, in Cheshire county. He worked 
as fireman and engineer on different railroads and 
in 1854 came to Minnesota for the benefit of his 
health; was for a time on the C, B. and Q. road, 
then took a claim in Winona county; remained un- 
til 1860 after which he was again employed in rail- 
roading as engineer and conductor until 1876.since 
then has been mail agent on the W. and St. P. 
Married in August, 1852, Nancy E. Woodard ; four 
children are living. 

M. H. Gibson, whose native place is Hunting- 
ton, Canada East, was born in June, 1839, and re- 
moved from there to New York. He lived in 
that state and Michigan until going in 1864 to 
Addison county, Vermont, where he learned black- 
smithing; after passing three years there he lived 
the same length of time in Iowa; pi-evious to com- 
ing to Marshall he spent some time in Wisconsin, 
Iowa and Michigan. Mr. Gibson opened a black- 
smith shop here and in the fall of 1880, added a 
wagon shop. Married in 1869, Martha Babcock ; 
they have two living children. 

O. C. Gregg, son of Grin Gregg, a Methodist 
clergyman, was bom November 2, 1845, at Hyde 
Park, Vermont. Accompanied his parents to New 
York and prepared for college at Fort Edward In- 
stitute; at sixteen years of age he began teaching; 
at eighteen he entered the provost marshal's of- 
fice at Plattshurg ; remained two years. Mr. Gregg 
came to Minnesota and lived one year in Mower 
county, then entered the Methodist ministry ; he 
was at Chatfiekl, High Forest and Eyota, then 
settled in Lyon county. He was elected county 
auditor in 1872; still holds the office. Married in 
1868, Miss C. I. Carter. 

Professor L. A. Gregg was born in St. Albans, 
Vermont, December 6, 1849. In 1870 he 
graduated from the Fort Edward Insti- 
tute, New York. After passing one year at High 



LTON COUNTY. 



857 



Forest, Minnesota, he located in 1871 in Lyon 
county, where he was employed in farming and 
school teaching. In 1881 he was appointed prin- 
cipal of the graded schools of Marshall. Miss 
Ella M. Kennedy became his wife in 1878, and has 
one living child. 

Dr. S. V. Groesbeck, born September 23, 1840, 
in Otselic, Chenango county, New York, moved at 
the age of seven to Wisconsin with his parents. 
He was given a limited education and spent some 
time in the study of medicine, previous to enlisting 
September 23, 1861, in company F, Eighth Wis- 
consin ; he was wounded twice and lay several 
months in a hospital; upon being discharged in 
November, 1864, he returned to Wisconsin. Prac- 
ticed medicine eighteen months in Houston county, 
Minnesota, with Dr. Bowen; was in High Forest 
from 1868 imtil 1872, then came to Marshall ; he 
erected the first dwelling here. The doctor re- 
ceived a certificate from the state board of examin- 
ers in 1871; is at present cotmty coroner and a 
member of the State Eclectic Medical society ; has 
been register of deeds, postmaster and president of 
the board of health. Married in 1865, Mary Gibbs; 
one child living. 

E. L. Healy, native of Massachusetts, was born 
June 28, 1852, in Worcester county. While he 
was a babe the family moved to Illinois; they re- 
sided in Kendall and Kane counties, and he was 
educated at the public schools of Aurora. Mr. 
Healey migrated to Minnesota and lived on a farm 
in Kice county some time previous to embarking 
in the grocery trade at Faribault; from there he 
came to Mar.shall in August, 1878, and opened his 
present store. In 1877 he married Jennie Struth- 
ers; have one son living. 

J. A. Hunter, who was bom May 12, 1848, in 
Sullivan county. New York, went when four years 
of age to Union county, Ohio, and eight years 
later removed to Wisconsin. In 1861 Mr. Hunter 
enlisted in Company F, First Wisconsin; served 
until October 22, 1864. He came to Minnesota in 
1872 and claimed 160 acres on section 14 of Mar- 
shall; soon after he became engaged in wheat buy- 
ing at this place. Since 1876 he has been sheriff 
of Lyon county. Married in 1876, Miss C. A. 
Mitchell; has three living children. 

Lewis Janda was liorn .January 15, 1858, in 
Austria. In 1874 he immigrated to the United 
States; atMankato he began to learn shoemaking; 
was with Leo Lamm four years and two years 
with Griebel Brothers, then came to Marshall; he 



was in partnership with John Eder six months, but 
since that has been junior member of the firm o£ 
C. B. Thompson & Co. 

E. B. Jewett, born in Kennebec, Maine, June 19, 
1821; after leaving school followed teaching until 
1851. In 1852 he married Mary J. Parks; removed 
to Wisconsin, and in 1855 to Minnesota, and soon 
after his wife gave birth to the second white child 
born in Warren, Winona county; he and one other 
child died; they have two hving, Eva and Clarence 
W. Mr. Jewett studied law in different places and 
in November, 1870, was admitted to the bar; since 
1873 he has been in practice at Marshall; held the 
office of judge of probate one year. 

George E. Johnson, native of Vermont, was 
born January 10, 1847, in Caledonia county. In 
1872 he engaged in the produce business at Island 
Pond, Essex county, Vermont, but in May, 1880, 
came to Marshall, Minnesota; after doing carpen- 
ter work for a time he embarked in the meat trade. 
In 1871 he married Lurena Fletcher, who was 
born in Linden, Vermont; they have two living 
children. 

John .Johnson was born in the year 1846, and 
is a native of Norway. In 1864 he became a resi- 
dent of the United States. After living two years 
in Chicago he removed to Madison, Wisconsin, 
and five years after to Red Wing, Minnesota, 
where for two years he was employed in clerking. 
Since 1875 his home has been in Marshall, and 
since 1876 he has been proprietor of the Scandina- 
vian Hotel. Married Annie Thompson in 1876; 
there are two children. 

J. K. Johnson was born in 1825 in Maine; from 
the age of twenty-four until 1867 he was much of 
the time performing the labors of Baptist preacher; 
was also engaged in farming. In 1867 he came 
to Minnesota; farmed in Wabasha county five 
years, then in 1872 he took 160 acres in Marshall; 
he now lives on the same farm, and in the house 
which was the first frame building in the town. 
Married in 1844, Catharine Drew; they have eight 
children. 

C. JoHtz, bom January 26, 1842, is a native of 
Prussia. He learned the trade of blacksmith, and 
in 1867 immigrated to America; after passing a 
short time at Baraboo, Wisconsin he came to Min- 
nesota; lived one year at Winona then went to St. 
Louis for two years; his home was at Stillwater 
seven years previous to locating at Marshall, where 
he opened a blacksmith shop. Louisa Libe was 



858 



IirSTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEV. 



married to him in 1872; they have two living 
children. 

William C. Kayser was born March 18, 1857 at 
St. Peter, Minnesota. He learned the jewelers' 
trade at which he subsequently worked one year at 
St. Paul ; then went to Faribault, Owatonna and 
Litc'hiiold. Since May, 1878, he has been in the 
jewelry business at Marshall. May 11, 1880 he 
married Eva Robinson, a native of Wisconsin. 

E. D. Kosko was born December 12, 1823, in 
Prussia, and there learned the trade of tailor. In 
1855 he came to the United States; stayed in Mil- 
waukee, Wisconsin, a short time, then resided in 
Walworth county seven years, and eleven years in 
Dodge county; coming to Minnesota he located 
at Austin, remained but one year when he removed 
to Owatonna, which place was his home four years. 
Married in 1848, Caroline Milbred; of their nine 
children seven are living. Mr. Kosko opened a 
tailor's establishment at Marshall in 1880. , 

John Laudeuslager, native of Pennsylvania, was 
born in 1845 in Dauphin county. He enlisted in 
Company A, 50fch Pennsylvania and served from 
1861 to 1863, then came to Minnesota and entered 
Company A, Fifth regiment of this state; was 
mustered out in 1865. Until 1875 he lived at 
New Ulm, then one year at Springfield and two 
years at Winona, after which he located at Mar- 
shall where, in 1878, he opened a saloon. Caroline 
Bscke became his wife in 1870 and has four liv- 
ing children. 

A. D. Morgan was born May 19, 1843, and until 
eight years of age remained in his native place, 
Beaver county, Pensylvania; then until 1854 
in Allegheny county. At that time he removed to 
Bice county, Minnesota and in 1861 enlisted in 
Company G, First Minnesota; re-enlisted and 
served from August, 1862, until August, 1865, in 
Company B, Eighth regiment. Mr. Morgan took 
a claim in Lyon county in 1867 but since 1880 
has had charge of the Empire Lumber company's 
yards at Marshall. Married, January 1, 1872, 
Naomi McDonald who died July 7, 1876; there 
are two children. 

D. A. Mclntyre was born in 1853 in Nova 
Scotia. He passed about eighteen months at sea, 
and in 1870 came to Bedwood Falls, Minnesota; 
until 1874 he was employed in farming, then be- 
came a partner of James Andrews in the furniture 
trade at Marshall ; one year later he purchased the 
business, but in the fall of 1881, disposed of it. 
Mr. Mclntyre has erected several of the business 



blocks at Marshall. Emma A. Moore, of Canada, 
was married to him in 1874. 

J. McGandy, born in 1850, left England, his 
native country in 1852 and came with his parents 
to America. He grew to manhood and learned 
photographing in Cattaraugus county. New York; 
he followed that business in Erie county, Pennsyl- 
vania from 1872 until 1879 at which date he lo- 
cated in Marshall where he continues in his pro- 
fession. NelUe Titus, of New York, was married 
in 1875, to Mr. McGandy. 

M. E. Mathews, born September 25, 1849, in 
Jamestown, New York, moved when eight years 
old, with his parents to Iowa, and one year later 
to Bochester, Minnesota; commenced reading law 
in 1868 and in 1871, was admitted to the bar in 
Olmsted county. Then, untU 1876 he lived at 
New Ulm; since that year Marshall has been his 
home. March 23, 1881, he graduated from the 
law department of the Ann Arbor University. In 

1875 he married Minnie Boesch; two living chil- 
dren. 

C. E. Patterson, born in 1848, in Jackson 
county, Michigan, accompanied his parents to 
New York, and in 1869, graduated from the semi- 
nary at Bogersville, Steuben county. After 
teaching about two years was for three years em- 
ployed in the milling business; in 1874 he settled 
on land in Stanley, Lyon county, Minnesota; fol- 
lowed farming and clerking until 1879; since that 
date has been clerk of the court of this county.. 
Miss May Watson was married to him in 1878. 

O. Pehrson was born February 27, 1847, in 
Sweden, but since 1868 has lived in the United 
States. After clerking eighteen months at St. 
Peter, Minnesota, he was employed in the same 
capacity, at Bedwood Falls, and in 1874 went to 
New Ulm to work for M. Mullen ; one year later he 
opened a store at Lamberton, but in the spring of 

1876 began his present business at Marshall. He 
married in 1875, Miss Jessie, daughter of S. E. 
Bailey ; they have one child. 

Dr. C. E. Persons, native of Indiana, was born 
February 27, 1847, in Allen county. In 1865 he 
located at Northfield, Miizneaota: soon after 
entered Carleton College, where he studied until 
1874, and in the meantime read medicine with Dr. 
Thompson; he then spent two years at Ann Arl)or, 
graduating in 1877 from the medical department 
of tliat university, and since the fall of that year 
has been in practice at Marshall. The doctor mar- 
ried in 1879, Miss Addie Gary, who was a teacher. 



LTON COUNTY. 



859 



R. B. Pierce, bom in Litclifield county, Connec- 
ticut, in 1831, moved when twelve years old to 
New York city, where he attended school and 
clerked until 1851. After passing two years in St. 
Paul, he had charge of the Indian trading post at 
Traverse des Sioux for three years; he was on a 
claim two years, then in the Indian supply store 
until it was discontinued. From 1861 until 1871 
he was postmaster there; subsequently was in the 
grain trade at St. Peter, but since 1876 has had 
charge of G. W. Van Dusen's business at Mar- 
shall. Married in 1855 Miss C. H. Snyder; five 
living children. 

Captain J. A. Eea was born in 1827 in Frank- 
lin county Pennsylvania, and at twenty years of 
age went to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where he 
learned cabinet making. He lived twenty-five 
years in Oshkosh; was in the cabinet aud hotel 
business; he engaged in milling six years in Sparta 
and in 1878 came here and erected the Marshall 
mill. Mr. Rea enlisted in January, 1865, in Com- 
pany F, 46th Wisconsin; served through the re- 
mainder of the war. Miss L. A. Barber was mar- 
ried to him in 1852, and has borne him eight chil- 
dren: seven are living. 

Chas. H. Richardson was born in 1841 in Or- 
ange county, Vermont; learned cabinet making at 
which he worked until enlisting in 1861, in Com- 
pany D, Second Vermont infantry; he served 
through the entire war; in 1864 he was wounded 
in the right lung, and still carries the ball. He 
lived a number of years in Wabasha county, Min- 
nesota, then spent about two years east, but re- 
turned in 1872 and settled in Marshall; has held 
many town offices and been court commissioner 
four years. Married Fannie Watterman in 1864. 
Myra and Addie are their children. 

J. F. Remore, native of New York, was born 
August 12, 1824, in Oneida county. In 1846 he 
located on a farm in Racine county, Wisconsin, 
but ten y-ears later removed to St. Charles, Min- 
nesota; followed farming for some time and was 
then in the livery business until 1878, when he en- 
gaged in mercantile trade at Marshall. Mr. Re- 
more has served as a member of the village board 
and in 1877 was elected to the state senate. In 
In 1846, Miss C. Brown became his wife and has 
three children. 

Joseph Sanders, born in 1823 in England, came 
to America in 1855 and after living eighteen 
months in New I'^ork he removed to Ohio. Worked 
at shoemaking in that state ten years; also fol- 



lowed his trade and farming in Illinois until 1867; 
from that time until 1872 he lived at Rochester, 
Minnesota, then settled on his present farm in 
Marshall. Mr. Sanders was married in 1843; his 
wife was Miss Ellen Limer; EmUy A. and Francis 
W. are the children. 

V. B. Seward, born in 1853 in Indiana, went 
with his parents in 1855 to Mankato, Minnesota. 
After leaving the State University at Minneapolis 
in 1875 he began the study of law; was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1878 at Mankato, came to 
Marshall the next year and formed a law partner- 
ship with A. C. Forbes, county attorney, and has 
since continued practice. 

C. B. Tyler was born September 2, 1835, in Mon- 
trose, Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania; in 1857 
he settled at Belle Plaine, Minnesota; was dep- 
uty revenue collector at that place seven years, 
postmaster four years and mayor two years ; since 
1873 he has been register of the United States 
land office, which was moved in 1880 from New 
Ulm to Tracy, and with the exception of one year 
has been vice president of the Lyon County 
bank since its establishment at Marshall. From 
1875 to 1878 he owned and edited the New Ulm 
Herald. Married Lydia Messer in 1865. They 
have four sons. 

John Ward was born in 1819 in New Jersey, 
and at the age of two years went with his parents 
to a farm in New York, where he lived iintil 
twenty-one years old. After engaging in the 
lumber business in Virginia fifteen years, he re- 
turned to New York ; was conductor on a railroad 
and then employed in farming in that state till 
coming to Marshall in 1872; he has since lived on 
his farm, excepting the two years he was station 
agent. Mr. Ward married Miss M. J. Bacon in 
1845; they have eight children. 

S. Webster, born in October, 1833, in Jefferson, 
Ashtabula coimty, Ohio, moved with his parents in 
1855 to Rice county, Minnesota; the town of Web- 
ster was named in honor of his father. In June, 
1863, he enlisted in Company A, Seventh Minne- 
sota; re-enlisted in 1864 in Tennessee; was pro- 
moted to second lieutenant and served until the 
war closed. After residing in Rice and Dakota 
couuties he came to Marshall in 1872 and claimed 
160 acres of land. He was appointed sheriff in 
1873, and has since been twice elected; married 
in 1856 Frances Humphrey. Two children. 

C. H. Whitney was born January 16, 1836, in 
Cumberland county, Maine, and graduated from 



860 



IIISTORT OF TUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



North Parsonfielcl Seminary. When ninete^ 
years old lie went to Wisconsin, anj was engaged 
■with a brother in contracting until 1803, at which 
date he removed to Oronoco, Minnesota, and em- 
l;arked in the furniture trade; was town clerk 
tlipre three years. June 28, ]8()9, he took a claim 
where Marshall now stands, and became one of 
the proprietors of the city; spent the following 
winter in Wisconsin, but returned in Tune, 1870, 
and in 1872 built the Merchant's Exchange Hotel. 
Mr. Whitney has been judge of probate, deputy 
county treasurer, justice of the peace, chairman of 
the county board, and from the first a member of 
the school board; is also collector of the land de- 
partment of the Winona & St. Peter railroad. 
Married in 1860 Mary Wirt; Zula M., Millie A., 
Fanny W. and Gertie E. are the children. 

Charles C. Whitney, born March 20, 1846, at 
Salmon Falls, New Hampshire, accompanied his 
parents in 1856 to Lawrence, Massachusetts. 
After leaving school he entered Pemberton mills; 
was absent by chance when the building fell and 
buried seven hundred people. At the age of four- 
teen he began learning printing; continued until 
enlisting in 1864 in the Sixth Massachusetts; 
afterward entered a battahou of the 26th New 
York cavah'y ; was appointed sergeant. Returned 
to the printing office, and subseqiiently became 
known as the second best type setter in the 
United States. From 1870 to 1880 he was a regular 
correspondent of the Boston Herald; was afso cor- 
respondent and reporter for other papers. Mr. 
Whitney took a prominent part in state militia 
matters for a number of years. Upon coming to 
Marshall in 1880 he bought the Lyon County 
News. Married, November 28, 1866, Mattie 
Hogle, who died June 8, 1877; one child, Frank. 
May 1, 1879, he married Nellie Johnson; they 
have one child, Joseph. 

.Judge Dai'iel F. Weymouth, native of Vermont, 
was born June 22d, 1818, in Orange county. He 
was given an academical education, after which he 
studied law and was admitted at Chelsea, Vermont, 
in 1841. Mr. Weymouth practiced his profession 
at .Tefferson, Wisconsin, where he had located in 
18.50, imtil 1874, the date o( his removal to Mar- 
shall; he settled on a farm here. In 1876 he was 
elected judge of probate of Lyon county, and has 
been county attorney two years. Married in 1844, 
Mary Blodgett, who died in 18.57. There are 
six living children. He has one child by his sec- 
ond marriage, which occurred in 1859, with Phi- 



linda Flint, whfi died in 1865; he married Harriet 
Howell in 1866. 

C. M. Wilcox, native of Pennsylvania, was born 
August 26, 1854, in Bradford county. At the age 
of fourteen years he went to Rochester, Minnesota, 
and after attending tlje high school of that city 
five years, he removed to Marshall, where he was 
appointed express agent. Soon after, Mr. Wilcox 
began to study the drug business, and in the year 
1876, opened his present store. 

J. W. Williams was born May 26, 1848, in Dodge 
coiuity, Wisconsin, and when seventeen years old 
went to Fox Lake, Wisconsin. In 1872 he opened 
a hardware store at Windom, Minnesota, but the 
next year came to Marshall, where he has since 
been in trade. Mr. Williams has served in the 
state legislature, also as county treasurer and clerk 
of the court. Married in 1877, Ada Webster; there 
are two children. 

LYND. 

This town was named for James W. Lynd, who 
had a trading post here prior to the Indian out- 
break in 1862. Several half-breeds had claims 
near him; when the first settlers arrived, there was 
a log building on section 33, which G. W. Whit- 
ney occupied as a store. The first settlers were 
W. H. Langdon, James Cummins, A. W. Muzzy, 
Luman Ticknor, L. W. Langdon, Eugene and E. 
C. Langdon, Emerson Hall and Prank Curtis, who 
came in the fall of 1867. 

The village of Lynd was laid out by A. W. 
Muzzy, on the south side of the Redwood river, on 
section 33. Luman Ticknor kept a hotel and a 
post-office was established with D. M. Taylor in 
charge. In 1871, Muzzy sold to W. T. Ellis, who 
put up several builnings. Lower Lynd was started 
by A. R. Cummins and A. D. Morgan, a short dis- 
tance down the river; Ellis moved his business 
there and the post-office was also located there. 
When the railroad was built, leaving these towns 
at some distance from the line, they declined. Each 
was, for a time, the county seat. EUis soon after 
started the town of Camden, where a saw-mill had 
been built by James Cummins; there is one store 
a few residences, and a three-story ttourinp; mill. 
The mill has three run of sttme and was built in 
1874, by Smith, Ellis and Rouse. Camden post- 
office was established about the same time, and W. 
T. ElUs appointed postmaster; .Jacob Rouse lias 
held the office since 1875. 

H. R. 1^1 arcyes built a flouring mill with three run 
1 of stone, on section 23, in 1877. 



LYON COUNTY. 



861 



The town was set apart for organization Septem- 
ber 4, 1872, but no election was had, and the 
county board appointed officers January 9, 1873. 
they were Jacob Rouse, chairman, A. E. Cummins 
and John Stark, supervisors; N. Davis, clerk; G. 
E. Cummins, treasurer. The first school was taught 
by Lydia Cummins in the spring of 1869 in the 
old building which had been occupied by Mr. 
Lynd. There are now five school-houses. 

Rev. 0. P. Wright, a Methodist, conducted the 
first services in the fall of 1868. A society was or- 
ganized with about twenty members; in 1871 a 
log church was erected between Upper and Lower 
Lynd. Another church was partially completed 
in Upper Lynd, and used one summer, then moved 
to Lower Lynd and used as a residence. Rev. 
J. N. Lisoomb is now pastor, and services are held 
at a school-house. 

The first marriage was that of A. W. McGandy 
and Charlotte Buell, in 1871. The first birth was 
Harry Lynd, son of George E. Cummins, born in 
1869. The first death was that of Mrs. Bowers, 
daughter of A. W. Muzzy; shp died in the tall of 
1868, of consumption. 

A. R. Cummins was born July 23, 1811 in Ham- 
burg, New York. He spent eight years in Canada 
then went to Ohio, but in 1835 returned to Can- 
ada for about three years; after residing in Mich- 
igan, Iowa and Wisconsin he passed four years in 
Stillwater, this state, eighteen months in Rice 
county, and then came to Lyon county in 1868; 
was treasurer of this town several years, and was 
the first county treasurer. Married in 1833, Eliza 
W. Patterson; George E., James, Emily, Zilpha 
L. and Lydia C. are the living children. 

G. E. Cummins, born .June 10, 1836, in Canada, 
came to the United States with his parents when 
about three years old. Lived two years in Michi- 
gan, the same time in Iowa and twenty-five years 
in Wisconsin; since June 1, 1868, his home has 
been in Lynd, Minnesota. In 1858 Mr. Cummins 
married Lydia A. Cook; the living children are 
Marian M., Artemas G., Harry L., Lela B., Sophy 
C, J. Howard and Bertha; one child died. 

James Cummins, born March 30, 1838, in Can- 
ada, went with his parents to Michigan. He lived 
in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota for a number 
of years; returned to Wisconsin and enlisted in 
Company E, 25th infantry, of that state; was dis- 
charged in 1865; served eighteen months; returned 
to Dubuqtie, and two years later came to Lynd; 
ho was the first sherifl' of Lyon county ; held the 



office three yearp. Married February 24, 1864, 
Rochelle Hull; WiUiam R. is the living chQd. 

Louis Crane, native of New Hampshire, was 
born in 1838; from five until fourteen years of 
age he lived in Vermont, then in Wisconsin until 
'.hirty-four year old, when he removed to Winona 
county, Minnesota; in the spring of 1878 he set- 
tled on his farm in Lynd, but since the autumn 
of 1881 his home has been in Camden. Married 
in 1873, Miss Inez Bennett. Mr. Crane served ten 
months in Company A, 42d WisconsiQ infantry. 

O. A. Hawes, native of Illinois, was bom Janu- 
ary 16, 1847, in McHenry county. His liome was 
in Wabasha county, Minnesota, from his eleventh 
year until June, 1872, the date of his settlement in 
Lyon county. Enlisted in Company K, 3d Min- 
nesota, and was mustered out in October, 1865. 
Mr. Hawes married in 1869, Miss C. A. Waterman, 
who has borne him five children; the living are 
Edith, Cora, Harry S. and Eva. 

Levi S. Kiel was born May 30, 1836, at Union 
City, Pennsylvania. In 1839 he removed with his 
parents to Ohio, thence in 1844 to Wisconsin. En- 
listed in Company F, 3d infantry, of that state; 
was discharged nine months later; then was in 
Company E, 25th regiment, from 1864 till war 
ceased. Since coming to Lynd in 1868 he has been 
employed in farming and hotel keeping. Married 
in 1864, Emily Cummins; Jessie M., Albertie E., 
Amy, Leslie L. and Ben are their children. 

W. H. Langdon was born September 28, 1841, 
in Columbia county. New York. In 1856 he went 
to Illinois; enUsted there in Company F, 12th in- 
fantry; served untU January 1863; was wounded 
October 3, 1862, and lost his right arm; he wont 
south in February, 1864; raised, and became cap- 
tain of. Company A, 101st United States colored 
infantry; after the war he was sentinel in the 
United States senate gallery. In July 1867 he 
came to Lynd; afterward spent six years in Lake 
Marshall, then returned to this town : was the first 
register of deeds of Lyon county; has been town 
treasurer and assessor. Married in 1868 Zilpha 
Cummins; the children are Mary H., Katie A., 
Herbert C, Jonathan W., Paul H. and Raymond F. 

B. F. Link, born March 11, 1843, in Columbia 
county. New York, accompanied his father's family 
to Wisconsin in 1853. From 1864 to the fall of 
1867 he was in Montana, then spent the winter in 
Omaha; after a time he returned to Wisconsin and 
since tlie spring of 1872 has resided in Lynd, 
where he owns a farm. Married in 1873, Stella 



.s(;2 



inHTURy OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLKY. 



Farnlirtiu; tlio cbiklroii are Lilliiin C. Mabel A., 
Glen \\. and au adopted son, L. Harues. 

G. N. Link, of New York, was bom November 
10, 1834, and lived in bis native state until migrat- 
ing, at twenty years of ago, to Wisconsin. In the 
spring of 187!) he came to Minnesota and resides 
in Lyud. Miss Clara Slayton, born May 10, 1841, 
in Lake county, Ohio, became his wife in 1860 and 
has borne him four children; one is living, Clara 
May. They have adopted a boy, Henry. 

H. R. Marcyes was born Septeml)er 11, 1844, in 
Miiine and in 1854 migrated to Kice county, Min- 
nesota. Li 1861 he enlisted in Company I, fourth 
Minnesota; was immediately put into the band, 
and was its leader until the war closed. In 1868 
he removed from Rice to Lyon county and located 
at Lynd; o^vns a farm and a flouring mill with 
three run of stone. Married in 1866, Irena Orton; 
his second wife was Louisa Suffermaker, married 
in 1876; the children are Claude, Ida May, Eva. 

J. Myers was born August 15, 1844 in Canada, 
where he learned blaeksmitbing. He came to the 
United States in 186G; lived four years at North- 
field Minnesota and one year in Goodhue county, 
after which be removed to Lyon county and set- 
tled on section 4 of Lynd. Mr. Myers married in 
1862, Rosie Shafer; Jacob A., William E., George: 
A., Violet R., LOly, Myrtle, Jasper and Alma are 
the children. 

Andrew Nelson, native of Denmark, was born 
February 1, 1842, and upon coming to America in 
1865, located at Racine, Wisconsin. In 1868 he 
settled in Lyon coimty, Minnesota; he was one of 
the first settlers in the town of Lynd. Married in 
1867, Miss Anna Matson; their children are Clara 
A., Lois T., George A., Mary J., WUlie A. and 
Custer D. 

Christian Nelson, bora in 1845, grew to man- 
hood in Denmark, his native country. He came to 
the United States in 1869, and located in Wiscon- 
sin where he remained two years then came to 
Lyon county and settled vm section 14 of Lynd. 
In 1876 Miss Mary Peterson became his wife; four 
children: Cora, Cara, Edward and Dottie. 

P. I. and G. W. Pierce, natives of Maine were 
bora respectively inl844 and 1846. Accompanied 
their parents to Marquette county, Wisconsin in 
1856 and four years later to Steele county, Minne- 
sota; after living in Owatonna four years they re- 
moved to Mankato; in 1871 they came to Lynd. 
P. I. enlisted in the spring of 1865 and served 
until the close of the war, in First Minnesota 



heavy artillery; he now conducts the farm. G.W. 
learned the trade of st'>ne mason and has been 
employed as bridge carpenter. Their father, liorn 
in 1817 in Maine, met his death by freezing in the 
winter of 1875, while trapping. 

Jacob Rfiuse, born October 18, 1844, in Wapello, 
Louisa county, Iowa, went when three years old 
to Ulinois with his parents. He was afterwards in 
Wisconsin, and at the age of fifteen returned to 
Iowa; snbseijuently visited several states, and 
served seven months in Company C, 104tli Illinois; 
re-enlisted and served until the war ceased, in 
Company E, 153d infantry. Since 1870 he has 
lived in Lynd engaged in farming and milling; 
has been county treasurer and held various town 
offices. Married in 1868, Elizabeth Day; the 
children are Mary E. and Joseph C. 

V. M. Smith was born September 1.5, 1841, in 
Stowe, Lamoille county, Vermont. He served 
seventeen months in Company E, Third infantry 
of that state. 1873 he migrated to Minneapolis 
where he was employed in manufacturing flour 
three years, then removed to Lyon county ; he is 
sole proprietor of the Camden mill, on the Red- 
wood river. Mr. Smith has been county surveyor 
and county commissioner. Married in 1863, 
Isadore Latbrop. Mary I., Dow S. and Leroy V. 
are the children. 

Z. O. Titus was born July 8, 1834, in Onondaga 
county. New York. In 1871 he removed from Wis- 
consin to Lyud and in company with G. W. Whit- 
ney, started the first ttore in Lyon county; aliout 
two and one-half years later he located on his farm. 
Mr. Titus was the second register of deeds of the 
coiinty, has also been justice and supervisor. Mar- 
ried in 1867, Sarah M. Johnson, a native of New 
York. The children are Orrin W. and Clara M. 

A. C. Tucker, born in Brattleboro, Vermont, Sep- 
tember 24, 1843, removed to Wisconsin, and sev- 
eral years later to Minnesota. Enlisted in com- 
pany E, Third Minnesota infantry; eight months 
later was discharged for disability; subse- 
quently served in a thirty days independent regi- 
ment; re-enlisted in the mounted rangers and 
served one year. Since 1870 his home has been in 
Lynd. Married Maria Cleveland in 1868; the 
living children are Adelbert J., Ezra C, Mary E., 
Harriet D. and Eva A. 

Meh-iUe A. Tucker, native of Vermont, was born 
February 15, 1841, and at the age of six removed 
to New Hampshire. Seven years later he went to 
Wisconsin, and came in 1855 to Minnesota; lived 



LYON COUNTY. 



863 



about three years each at Hamilton, Ohatfleld and 
Eochester. Mr. Tucker served two years and ten 
months in Company A, Hatch's battalion. In 
June, 1870, he came to Lyon county and settled 
in Lynd. Minnie Lockey was married to him in 
1873; two children, Anna L. and William J. 

NOKDLAND. 

Nordland is situated on the western border of 
the county. The settlers are nearly all Norwe- 
gians; the first was Frederick Holritz, who located 
on section 10 in 1870. The first to^vn meeting 
was held March 10, 1873, at the house of T. H. 
riom; officers elected: Ole O. Grotf, chaiiman; 
Ole O. Bear and Nils Anderson, supervisors; Fred- 
erick Holritz, clerk; T. O. Loftsgaarden, assessor; 
A. O. Strand, treasurer; J. O. Fangen and Holritz, 
justices; Thrond Helverson and W. K. Horden, 
constables. School districts numbers 24 and 25 
were organized in 1874, and the first school was 
taught that year. Private houses are used. 

LYON. 

This town includes congressional township 110, 
range 42. The first settler was C. E. Goodell; he 
located on section 5 in January, 1868. E. E. 
Taylor came in the spring of that year; other 
early settlers were W. 0. Adams, 0. H. Hildreth 
and H. L. Pierce. The first town meeting was 
held April 1, 1873; officers elected: Gordon Wat- 
son, chairman, 0. L. Van Fleet and J. C. Buell, 
supervisors; Henry Mussler, clerk; Charles Hil- 
dreth, assessor; C. A. Wright, treasurer: J. W. 
Hoagland and Edward Lamb, justices; C. E. 
Goodell and Amasa Crosby, constables. The first 
school was taught by Florence Downie in 1873; 
the town now has three school-houses. 

The first religious services were held by Rev. 
Ransom Wait, a Presbyterian, November 6, 1870. 
A society was formed and a church built on sec- 
tion 14, in September, 1873. 

Hildrethsburg post-office was established about 
1873 at the house of Charles Hildreth; in 1878 
his house was destroyed by prairie fire and the 
office was discontinued. Leo post-office was es- 
tablished in July, 1880, and is located on section 
14, with Mrs. Libbie Hilliard in charge. 

W. C. Adams was born in St. Clair county, II- 
Uuois, in 1833 and grew up on a farm. In 1858 
he came to Minnesota and lived in Rice county, 
near Faribault, until the spring of 1869, then 
came to the town of Lyon. He is the jiarent of 
thirteen children; ten are living. 

Walter Carlaw, native of Scotland, was bora in 



1847 and in 1855 came with parents to Canada. 
At the age of sixteen he came to Minnesota and 
lived near Northfield, Rice county, engaged in 
farming. In 1870 he married Rebecca Blurphy, a 
native of Canada; moved to Lyon and resides on 
section 32 ; their children are George, John, Ellen 
and Archibald. 

A. A. Fifleld, native of New Hampshire, was born 
in 1846, and was raised on a farm. He came to 
Wabasha county, Minnesota, with his parents in 
1856. In 1869 he came to Lyon county and set-- 
tied in this town on section 10. Married in 1876 
Castillo Stedman, who was bom in 1849 in Ohio. 

M. G. Fifield was born in New Hampshire in 
1841, and came to Minnesota in the spring of 
1856. He located with his parents in Wabasha 
county, and in 1869 came to his present home in 
Lyon. In 1875 he married Mary L. Nicholas, 
who was born in Wisconsin in 1853. 

J. W. Hoagland was born in Pennsylvania in 
1838, and there grew to manhood. In 1864 he 
came to Minnesota, and lived in Nicollet county 
until the spring of 1872, when he came to section 
20 of this town. Married in 1853 Annie A. Bart- 
lett. They have had four children; three living. 

E. E. Taylor was born in Fayette county, Ohio, 
'in 1846. At the age of three years he went with 
parents to Illinois and lived on a farm in that 
state until 1868, when he came to Lyon and set- 
tled on section 3; he is the oldest settler in the 
town. In the spring of 1864 he enlisted in the 
112th Illinois infantry, and served until the close 
of the war. Elizabeth Meacham became his wife 
in October, 1874; one child, Mabel Lee. 

Rev. Ransom Wait, native of New York, was 
bom in Lewis county in 1823. He was engaged 
in the manufacture of machinery; in 1854 he 
joined the Congregational church, and in 1857 en- 
gaged in the home mission work in St. Lawrence 
county. In the spring of 1865 he moved to Wis- 
consin, and enlisted in Company F, 51st Wiscon- 
sin infantry, and served until August. In the fall 
of 1865 located in Fillmore county, Minnesota, 
and in 1871 came to Lyon county; has since lived 
in this town. Mr. Wait is married; four children. 

F.URVIEW. 

Fairview is in the central part of the county and 
embraces to^vnship 112, range 41. The first set- 
tler was William Reynolds, who located on section 
34 in June, 1870. Joseph Carter came about the 
same time; they were followed in 1871 by John 
W. Elliott, Richard Gates, Reuben Henshaw and 



804 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Henry Gibbs. April 1, 1873, the first election was 
held at the house of J. W. Elliott; officers elected: 
H. Lcjvelace, cliairmau, John W. Elliott and C. M. 
Johnson, supervisors; John Buchanan, clerk; B. 
C. Emery, assessor; Owen Marron, treasurer; H. 
Lovelace and Jolin Buchanan, justices; W. S. 
Reynolds and A. Williams, constables. 

The first religious sei-vice was conducted by Eev. 
George Sjjauldiug at his house in 1873. There 
are two entire school districts in the tovra, and one 
joint ^^^th Marshall. The first .school was taught 
by Ada Kennedy in 1874; a granary belonging to 
Thomas Lindsay was used. Walter Woodruff and 
.Tulia Lovelace were the first to marry. The first 
birth was Walter, son of William and Maria Eey- 
nolds, born April 2, 1871. The first death was 
that of Mrs. Mary Gibbs, mother of Henry Gibbs, 
in December, 1875; she was ninety years old. 

J. A. Brown was born in New London county, 
Connecticut, April 26, 1817. From eleven till he 
was twenty-one years of age he lived in Tomp- 
kins county, New York, then worked at carpenter 
work in Dodge county, Pennsylvania three years, 
then returned to New York. In 1864 he went to 
Chatrield, Minnesota; and after living for a time 
in Fillmore county and near Jordan he came to 
Fairview in November, 1872. Married September 
9, 1807; children are Henry A., Henrietta, Nancy 
N., Linnie A., Mary A. and Frank B. 

H. G. Howard, native of Pennsylvania, was born 
in Erie county, April 11, 1831. Until 1853 he was 
farming in Chenango county, then moved to Sauk 
county, Wisconsin ; in 1864 enlisted in Company 
H, 19th Wisconsin, and was discharged at Madi- 
son in 1865. In October, 1865, he moved to Good- 
hue county, Minnesota, and came to Fairview, 
in 1872. Married Mary Potter in 1855; his 
second wife was Mrs. Ellen Kendall )iee Simpson, 
married in May, 1879. 

James Lawrence was born in Scotland in 1842, 
and when twenty years old came to America. In 
1863 he settled on a farm in Wabasha county, 
Minnesota, and the nest year enlisted in Company 
G, Third regiment, and served nine months. In 
1879 he moved to Fairview and bought a section 
of land near Marshall. Mr. Lawrence was a mem- 
ber of the legislature from Wabasha county in 
1874 ; Jias been town clerk of Fairview two years. 
Married in 1869, Margaret Russell. James C. and 
George R. are their living children. 

Isaac Lindsey was born in Lincolnshire, Eng- 
land, January 29,1816. He worked at raUroad 



contracting and in a steel furnace untU 1853, then 
came to this country; he lived in New Y'ork state 
until 1855, then camo to Minnesota and until 1876 
lived in Olmsted county, then came to Fairview. 
In 1862 he enlisted in Company B, 5th Minnesota 
and was discharged at Helena, Arkansas, in 1863. 
In 1840 he married Elizalicth Hadlington. His 
second wife was Mrs. Louisa Trescott, widow of 
Solon Trescott. She is the daughter of Captain 
N. K. Culver, who was killed by the Indians at 
Redwood Ferry in August, 1862. Mrs. Trescott's 
children were: Effie, Ella, Maud and Carrie. She 
has borne Mr. Lindsey, George P., Susan, Hattie 
E., Norman and John. • 

Thomas Lindsay was born in New Y'ork, August 
4, 1839. In 1862 enlisted in the 108th N. Y. V., 
and was made commissary sergeant; was dis- 
charged in June, 1865. He farmed in New York 
until 1872, then came to Fairview and located in 
section 12. He has been supervisor several years 
and was chairman in 1878. Married, April 8, 
1866, Melissa E. Mussen. Melita, Herman, Effie, 
Carrie and Thomas are the children. 

E. C. Pierce was born in Berkshire county, 
Massachusetts, November 27, 1832. At the age 
of thirty-five he moved to New Hampshire, and in 
1874 to Fairview, Minnesota. He has held the 
office of town treasurer, assessor and justice of the 
peace; is on the executive committee of the Agri- 
cultural society, and president of the Lyon County 
Horticultural society. Married March 17, 1859, 
Martha Bartlett: their children are William E., 
Laura M., Mattie and Addie. 

William S. Reynolds was born in Venango 
county, Pennsylvania, April 28, 1841. In 1868 
he moved to Fillmore county, Minnesota and two 
years later to Fairview, Lyon county. In 1861 he 
enlisted in Company I, Fourth Pennsylvania 
cavalry ; was taken prisoner and held seven months : 
was discharged October, 1864 at Petersburg. His 
wife was Maria Carter, whom he married in 1865. 
Seven children: U. Grant, Charles L., William 
F., Walter, Johnnie, Lora and Lucretia. 

G. M. Robinson was bom in Columbiana county, 
Ohio, June 29, 1825, and lived there on a farm 
until 1855. That year he removed to Monroe 
county, Wisconsin, and in 1878 moved from there 
to Fairview; has been assessor and enumerator 
for the census of 1880. In 1847 he married 
Rhozena Gr)w; their living children are William 
C, Josie M., Kate, J. L., Sarah E., George A. and 
Homer N. 



LYON COUNTY. 



865 



W.P.Thayer was bom in Orange county,Vermont 
in 1836. In September, 1854, he moved to In- 
diana and engaged in mercantile business at Mid- 
dleburg one year, then moved fo Winona county, 
Minnesota and farmed until May, 1879; he then 
came to Pairview, Lyon county. July 4, 1857, 
he married Elizabeth Sands, who died in 1874, 
leaving three children, Fannie, Clara and Johnnie. 
In 1875, Maria Norton became his wife. They have 
one child, Cecil. 

Frank D. Wasson was born November 5, 1854, 
in New York. From 1859 till '69 his home was in 
DeKalb county, Illinois; he then lived near Red- 
wood Falls until 1872, at which date he came to 
Fairview, where, in company with a brother, he 
owns 320 acres of land. Mr. Wasson has held 
various town offices. In 1879 Kate Eobinson was 
married to him; Grace E. and Charles K. are 
their children. 

GKANDVIEW. 

Grandview is in the northwestern part of the 
county, and includes townships 112—42. The first 
settler, O. M. McQueston, came in August, 1871, 
and located on section 34; he did the first break- 
ing and built the first house, a slab shanty "dug- 
out" protected by sod. T. .7. Barber and Selden 
Coleman came soon after. The first town meeting 
was held at the house of J. Thomas in August, 
1873; officers elected: T. J. Barber, chairman; 
S. B. Green and J. M. Collins, sujiervisors; A. L. 
, Baldwin, clerk ; George Chamberlain, assessor; .J. 
M. English, treasurer; O. M. McQueston and H. 
B. Loomis, justices; G. A.Wirt and C. Cotterell, 
constables. The village of Ghent was laid out as 
Grandview in .June, 1878, and soon after changed 
to Gheijt; the plat covers eighty acres on section 
15. The first store was built by Mr. Bay in 1877. 
There is now one general store, a blacksmith shop, 
elevator and lumber yard. Graudview post-office 
was established in 1878, with R. G. Layth as post- 
master. Efforts are being made to have the name 
changed to Ghent; O. Loranger has charge of the 
office as deputy. 

The first school was taught in 1876 by Sarah 
Carstant; the town now has four school-houses. 
The first religiv>us exercises were held in 1876 by 
Rev. Hawes of the Free Methodist denomination. 
The society was organized in connection with the 
regular Methodists the same year. Services are 
conducted at the village. 

The first birth was that of Lilly, a daughter of 
O. M. McQueston, December 16, 1871. The first 

55 



death was that of a child of Joseph Chamberlain. 
T. J. Barber was born in .Jefferson county, New 
York, January 30, 1846. In 1871 he came to Fari- 
bault, Minnesota, and in 1872 located on section 

22, Grandview township. In the fall of 1864 be 
enlisted in Company H, 186th N. Y. V., and was 
wounded in the hand. Since coming to this town 
has been chairman. March 31, 1870, he married 
Elnora Fezler. Allen J. and Mary N. are their 
children. 

James Butson was born in Grant county, Wis- 
consin, in March, 1847, and resided there until 
twenty-three years old, then came to Lyon county, 
Minnesota. He was one of the first settlers in the 
town of Grandview. Married, Sei^tember 28, 1869, 
Miss H. Frances Loe; children, Annie M., Henry 
and Minnie M. 

O. Loranger was born in Lower Canada, Octo- 
ber 27, 1848. At the age of nineteen he moved to 
Essex county, New York, and lived until 1877 en- 
gaged in lambering; he then went to Chippewa 
county, Wisconsin, in same business, and in 1878 
came to Marshall, Lyon county; he was baggage- 
master there for the Chicago & North-western rail- 
road until 1881, when he was placed in charge of 
Ghent station. June 13, 1873, he married Adelia 
Williams. 

A. Van Hee, native of Belgium, was bom March 

23, 1839, and was a farmer in that country until 
1881, when he came to Lyon county, Minnesota. 
He was the first Belgian in the town of Grand- 
view. July 29, 1862, he married Miss P. Van- 
stechelmon; Aime, Bruno, Marie. Modest, Achille, 
Charles, Peter and EmUy are their children. 

LUCAS. 

Lucas is the extreme north-east corner of the 
county. There are several fine lakes in the town. 
The first settlers came in 1871, and were W. H. 
Slater, R. H. Price, who built the first house, Mr. 
Christiansen, Peter Oliason, E. T. Hanre, Hans 
Dahl and James Wardrop. The town was set ofi^ 
for organization in July, 1873, as Canton, which 
was changed to Lisbon, and again to Moe, and 
lastly to Lucas. The first town meeting was held 
August 5, 1873, and .James Wardrop was elected 
chairman, O. H. Dahl and John Moe, supervisors; 
R. H. Price, clerk; N. T. Dahl, assessor and treas- 
urer, T. S. Norgaard and P. H. Dahl, justices; R. 
J. Benjamin and George Anderson, constables. 

The first school was held in 1873, with Ella 
Williams as teacher; the building used was a 
small house built by R. H. Price on section 2. 



8(i0 



lIISTOliY OF TUE MINNEHOTA VALLEY. 



There are fourorfjanized districts and three builJ- 
inga. Kev. Joseph Williams, of the United 
Brethren, preached the first sermon in the town. 
The Norwegian Lutherans have an organized 
society. There is also an orgarization of United 
Presbyterians, with Itev. B. McCullough as pastor; 
there are twenty-five members. 

The first birth was Albert Erwin, born February 
27, 1872. The first marriage was that of D. R. 
Burdette and Alice M. Price, July 16, 1873. The 
first death was in the winter of 1873, a son of 
John Krog. 

R. H. Price opened a store at his place in 1874, 
and continued it two years. When Swan Lake 
post-office was established he was made postmaster; 
the office was discontinued. 

Thomas Bell, who was born July 15, 1836, is a 
native of Canada; he was reared on a farm in that 
country, and remained there until immigrating to 
Minnesota; he came directly to this town. In 
1873 Mr. Bell was united in marriage with Mar- 
garet Murphy, whose birthplace was in Ireland; 
the children are John A., Charles R., James, Mary 
and Elizabeth. 

Allend Christianson, born November 15, 1836, 
in Norway, was dependent upon his own exertions 
after twelve years of age. Came to America in 
1858, and made his home in Olmsted county, Min- 
nesota, until coming to his present farm, which he 
located in June, 1871. Mr. Christianson was in 
the late civil war from February, 1864, until its 
close. In 1866 Flora Price became his wife, and 
has six children. 

Christ. H. Dahl, native of Germany, was born 
January 18, 1852, and at the age of fifteen 
immigrated with his parents to Dane county, Wis- 
consin. In 1870 he located in Blue Earth county, 
Minnesota, but since the year 1875 has lived in 
Lucas. Sarah Orwall was married in November, 
1877, to Mr. Dahl. 

Jacob A. H. Dahl was born March 29, 1854, 
in Norway. The family immigrated to America 
in 1867 and located in Wibconsin; in 1870 re- 
moved to Blue Earth county, Minnesota, and since 
1872 has made his home in Lucas; he has offici- 
ated as town clerk and justice. Married in 1880, 
Emma Orwall; they have one child, Alma M. 

Edward T. Hanre, born November 22, 1843, in 
Norway. In 1868 he emigrated from the old 
country and has since been a resident of the United 
States; he came to Lucas in 1871; was among the 



first settlers here. Mr. Hanre has been elected to 
different town ollioes. 

O. H. Hatlestad, native of Norway, was born 
March 4, 1853, and in 1854 the family immigrated 
to Columbia county, Wisconsin. When he was 
eleven year.s old they removed to Fillmore county, 
Minnesota, and in 1874 he went to Marshall; was 
in the employ of P. F. Wise as traveling salesman 
and in 1877 succeeded liim in the business, which 
he carried until 1881, at which date he located on 
his farm in Lucas. In 1876 he married Miss C. 
Anderson ; they have two children : Andrew H. and 
Martha K. 

John Krog was born in Norway, February 17, 
1828. He was a soldier in the war between 
France and Prussia. Mr. Krog has been a resi- 
dent of the United States since 1861, and since 
1863 has lived in Minnesota; in 1872 he came to 
his present farm on section 22. Ellen Olson was 
married to him in 1854, and died April 2.5, 1864. 
Miss P. Ohristensen became his wife in 1865; there 
are three girls and three boys. 

J. C. Lhies, native of Canada, was born Novem- 
ber 5, 1853, in Ontario. After twelve years of age 
he was obliged to labor for self-supjjort. In 1865 
he removed to Wabasha county, Minnesota, in 
1869 to Redwood county, and in May, 1873, came 
to Lucas; has served his town as assessor. In 
1876 he married Augeline Garry. 

Jolm McDonald, born in Nova Scotia, May 10, 
1843, accompanied his parents to Canada when 
about eight years old. At the age of fourteen he 
began the life of a sailor; was at sea and on the 
lakes ten years. In 1871 he located in Bay City, 
Michigan, where he was employed in the silt 
works; since 1878 he has lived at his farm in Lu- 
cas. Married in 1871, Catharine Kennedy, who 
has two girls and three boys. 

John F. McLinnan, who is about thirty-eight 
years of age, was born in Canada and remained at 
home until twenty-six years old. He learned car- 
pentering and was employed at that trade six 
years in Duluth; for two years lie kept a stand 
in the market at St. Paul; in 1875 he came to his 
home in Lucas. Jessie McKinley became his 
wife in 1872; they have four boys and one girl. 

Martin T. Ness, a native of Norway, was bom 
March 31, 1851. Followed his trade, that of baker 
most of the time until coming to America, in 1871; 
in the spring of 1875 he came to Minnesota and 
directly to his present home. Mr. Ness has been 
supervisor and assessor. In 1880 he married Nora 



LYON COUNTY. 



867 



Midboe who bas borne him one child: Amelia G. 

C. J. Price was bom March 9, 1852, thirty miles 
south of Chicago, and lived there until five years 
old. His father died October 30, 1854, and in 
1857 the mother and family located near Roches- 
ter, Minnesota; in June, 1871, they came to Lucas 
but did not settle here till October, 1876. Mr. 
Price married Susie Hoyt in October, 1876; the 
children are Clinton E. and Grace E. 

E. H. Price, born February 3, 1846, near Chi- 
cago, accompanied his widowed mother, to Minne- 
sota, when he was eleven years old, and settled 
near the city of Eochester. He served in the late 
war from February 1864, until its close. In 1871 
he came to Lucas, was one of the first settlers and 
assisted in the organization of the town; has offici- 
ated as assessor and clerk. Mr. Price and his 
mother reside together. 

J. C. Eobertson, native of Scotland, was born 
October 20, 1848 in Edinburg. In 1849 the fam- 
ily immigrated to Wisconsin; removed to Olmsted 
county, Minnesota, in November, 1854, but since 
the spring of 1876 his home has been on section 
34 of Lucas. Married in 1872, Josephine Borden; 
they have two children : Jessie M. and Dora E. 

George Eiissell was born July 19, 1853, in Scot- 
land. From the age of fourteen he was dependent 
upon his own exertions ; came to the United States 
and directly to Olmsted county, Minnesota; in 
May, 1875, be came to Lucas. Maggie Wilson be- 
came his wife in February 1875; Alexander, Anna 
and Harry are their children. 

J. D. Smith, born August 30, 1838, was reared 
on a farm in Scotland, his native country. Came 
to Minnesota in 1866, and settled in Wabasha 
county, where he has a farm, also owns 160 acres 
in Lucas, which town has been his home since 
1878. In July, 1873, he married Mary Philip 
who was born in Scotland; four children; .John P., 
Mary E. and George A. are living. 

James Wardrop, born August 15, 1826, in 
Scotland, went to Glasgow at the age of fifteen and 
learned stone cutting. Emigrated to Canada in 
1842, soon after went to New York, and was em- 
ployed at his trade until coming, in the spring of 
1871, to his farm in Lucas. Miss Elizabeth Eus- 
sell, native of Scotland, was married to him in 
1856; Jennie and John are their children. 

J. A. White was born July 21, 1835, in Eome, 
Oneida county, New York. After leaving the com- 
mon schools he attended W'hitesboro Seminary^ 
then engaged m teaching. In May 1863 he mi- 



grated to Hlinois, and for one year during the 
war was superintendent of forage department. 
Mr. White removed in 1866 to Yellow Medicine 
county, Minnesota, and the same year located a 
farm. He has been employed in teaching and has 
held the county offices of superintendent and 
commissioner. Married in July, 1859, Anna Kil- 
bourn, who died November 25, 1861 ; re-married 
in July, 1865; two children: Julius and Burton. 

EIDSVOLD. 

Eidsvold is located in the northwest corner of 
the county, and is formed of township 113, range 
43. The first settlement was made by Nels Tor- 
gerson in Jiine, 1871; after him came Swend 
Pederson and Ole Esping. The first town meet- 
ing was held September 20, 1873; officers elected : 
H. T. Oakland, chairman; Nels Torgerson and A. 
Annundson, supervisors; John Coleman, clerk; O. 
B. Bingham, assessor; Swend Peterson, treasurer; 
H. D. Frink, justice; O. H. Esping and G. 
Annundson, constables. 

The village of Nordlaud was laid out by the 
railroad company in 1876, oji the southwest quar- 
ter of section 25. The name was changed to Min- 
neota by an act of legislature. An attempt had 
been made previously to start a town to the west; 
H. D. Frink opened a store in 1873, and continued 
about a year: N. W. L. Jager opened a store in 
1874, moved to the present village of Minneota 
the next year and put up the first store in the 
place. Christian Lee started a blacksmith shop 
on section 2G, and ran it two years. Dr. T. D. 
Seals started the second store in the village in 
November, 1875; Jacobson and Peterson estab- 
lished a lumber yard in 1878; J. C. Peterson is 
now agent fur the parties who purchased the bus- 
iness in 1880. Another lumber yard was started 
in 1880, with John Dobson as agent. 

Nordland post-office was established in 1872, and 
H. D. Frink appointed postmaster; the office was 
moved into the village in 1875, and N. W. L. 
Jager made postmaster; the name was changed to 
Minneota in 1878. Almost every branch of busi- 
ness is transacted; there are five general stores, 
two hotels, two elevators, one warehouse, two drug 
stores, two blacksmith shops and a feed mill. The 
village was incorporated and the first election held 
January 21, 1881; officers elected: G. A. Jacob- 
son, president; John Carlen, N. W. L. Jager and 
J. C. Peterson, trustees; A. D. Davidson, recorder; 
J. H. Frost, treasurer; S. B. Kentner, justice, and 
Wm. Davidson, marshal. 



808 



J/l^TOUr OF TUfS illN^KHOTA VAU.KV. 



The first religiovis services were held by Eev. J. 
Berg, a Lutheran, at the section house in the vil- 
lage. There are two Norwegian Lutheran organ- 
izations, the Conference and the Synod. The Ice- 
landic Lutheran society organized in 1880. 

In 1870 a Catholic colony was located in Lyon 
county by Bishop Ireland, a large portion of the 
land occupied being in Eidsvold. The first set- 
tlement by the colonists, who are English, Irish 
and Belgians, began in 1880. The first priest was 
Rev. M. J. Houly; he was succeeded in April, 
1881, by Eev. Louis Cornelis, who built a neat 
church and parsonage, the only Catholic church 
in the county. The colony now numbers some 
seventy families. 

The first public school was taught by O. H. 
Dahl; a railroad section house was in use until 
1879, when the school-house was built at Minne- 
ota : there is one other school building. 

The first marriage was that of J. J. Wallen and 
Miss Annie Olson, October 24, 1874. The first 
birth was twin girls to Swend Pederson and wife, 
in 1871. The first death was in 1872, a daughter 
of Ole Pederson. 

Louis Cornelis was born in Belgium, April 3, 
1843. When young, went to England, but re- 
turned to Belgium and finished his studies for the 
ministry at Loudain College. In 1865 he came 
to America and for two years was curate of St. 
Peter's church at Keokuk, Iowa; taught for two 
years and for three years traveled in Europe. Up- 
on his return to this country he engaged in mis- 
sion work in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and during 
the time built a convent at Stevens' Point, Wis- 
consin; also completed churches at Lanesboro 
and Preston, Minnesota. In 1881 he assumed 
charge of the colony at Minneota. 

Knud O. Dovre was born in Norway, February 
10, 1844, and came to America in 1870; settled at 
Northfield, Minnesota, and two years later came 
to section 34, Eidsvold. Married Annie Olson in 
1862; has five children. 

Thomas Hanson, native of Norway, was born 
July 14, 1840. In 1865 he came to Vernon coun- 
ty, Wisconsin, and from there to Olmsted county, 
Minnesota; engaged in merchandising and farm- 
ing, and was postmaster at Hanson post-oflRce tour 
years; in 1879 he opened a store at Minneota. 
Married in 1873, Martha Anderson, and has three 
children. 

G. A. Jacobson was born in Norway in 1836, and 
emigrated from there in 1854. For three years 



lived in Wisconsin, then went to Arkansas, Mis- 
souri, Dakota and Iowa; from there he came to 
MLoneota, Lyon coimty, Minnesota, and engaged 
in lumber dealing and wheat buying. In 1878, 
was elected county treasurer and is president of 
the village of Minneota. In 1801 he married 
Aase Olson; they have had sis children; five are 
living. 

N. W. L. Jager, native of Norway, born in 1841, 
came to America in 1866, and settled in Fillmore 
county, Minnesota. He worked on a farm some 
time, then ran a coimtry store two years; in 1874 
he settled in Eidsvold, started a store on section 
20, and in the fall of 1875 opened in the village; 
was ajipointed postmaster at Minneota. Married 
Christine Dahl in 1877; they have two sons. 

E. K. Kjornes was born in Norway, August 14, 
1846. In 1870 he emigrated and settled in Alla- 
makee county. lovva; lived there four years, then 
came to Eidsvold and took a claim of 160 acres on 
section 24. Has been assessor three years and is 
president of the Mutual Insurance Co. of Eids- 
vold. Married May 18, 1879, Sarah Hellickson, 
who was born in Wisconsin. 

H. T. Oakland was born in Norway, Deccember 
14, 1846. In 1866 he came to America and set- 
tled in DeKalb county, Illinois; six years later he 
went to Boone county, Iowa, and in 1873 he came 
to Lyon co>inty, Minnesota; he settled on section 
14, Eidsvold. He was chairman of the first town 
board and is now supervisor. In 1869 he married 
Isabel Nelson, and has five living children. 

Swend Pederson, born in Norway, May 3, 1838, 
came to America in 1866. He lived in LaCrosse 
county, Wisconsin, eighteen months, then went to 
Rochester and Grand Meadow, Minnesota; in 1871 
came to Lyon county and the next year took a 
claim. He was first town treasurer. In 1871 
married Christine Amuudson, and has three chil- 
dren living. 

Dr. T. D, Seals, a native of Pennsylvania, was 
born in Washington county, in October, 1839. En- 
listed in the navy in 1861, and was in the medical 
department until 1864. In 1870 he went to Cali- 
fornia, and one year later was appointed physician 
at the Sioux Agency at Flandrau D. T. While 
there he had many rough experiences. At one 
time was ordered to leave, as the Indians thought 
him an evil spirit; he stayed, however, as he was 
under the protection of friendly Indians. In 
1875, he opened a store at Minneota. 

Nels Torgerson was bom in Norway in 1834. 



LYON COUNTY. 



869 



He came, to Madison, Wisconsin, in 186R and two 
years later moved to Freeborn county, Minnesota. 
In 1871 he came to Lyon county and was the first 
actual settler in the town of Eidsvold, and one of 
the first supervisors. Married Tliore Amundson, 
and they have seven children living. 

J. J. Wallen was born in Norway, January 1, 
1849, and came to this country in 1856. Lived in 
Illinois seven years, then in Iowa, where he worked 
at carpentering thirteen years; then came to Lyon 
county, and after living on section 22 four years, 
opened a furniture store in Minueota. ' His wife 
was Annie Olson, married in 1874, the first wed- 
ding in tlie town. They have three children. 

AMIBET. 

This town is composed of congressional township 
110, range 40. The first settlers were Charles and 
Lafayette Grover in 1868, and James Mitchell in 
1869. The town was designated as Madison, 
March 19, 1874; at the election held soon after at 
the store of William Coburn, James Mitchell, Jr. 
was elected chairman, L. Grover and D. Houks, 
supervisors; William Coburn clerk; J. H. Wniiama 
assessor; S. S. Truax, treasurer; John Taylor, jus- 
tice; L. Mason, constable. The name of the town 
was changed to Amiret by legislative act. 

A store was started by WilUam Coburn in 1872. 
on section 32; the railroad company put in a 
switch and called the station Coburg. A post- 
office was established in July, 1872, with Mr. Co- 
bum as postmaster. The village of Amiret was 
laid out on land owned by the railroad company, 
in 1874, and Mr. Coburn moved his store to the 
site and conducted business till 1876. J. H. Wil- 
liams put in a stock of goods and did business at 
his residence about three years. David Bell was 
in business from 1878 till 1880. The only store at 
present is a branch of A. C. Chittenden's in Mar- 
shall. Coburg post-office was moved to the station 
in 1874 and the name changed to Amiret. 

In 1873 the Congregational society built a 
church on section 22, which was moved into the 
town of Custer in 1875. The first service was held 
in 1872 by Eev. J. Eees. 

The first school was taught in 1873 by Mrs. 
Warnick, in a board shanty on section 31 ; there 
are now two school-houses. The first marriage 
was that of J. A. fluntor and Miss 0. A. Mitchell, 
June 3, 1875. The first birth was a daughter to 
William Coburn and wife in 1873. The death of 
a daughter of L. Mason, in 1872, was the first. 

Charles S. Grover, native of New York, was 



born May 19, 1830, in Livingston county. When 
twelve years old he moved to Waukesha county, 
Wisconsin, and subsequently to Dodge county; 
in 1857 he migrated to Olmsted county, Minne- 
sota, and one year after to Waseca county. Mr. 
Grover enlisted in Company P, 10th Minnesota; 
was in service from 1862 until the war closed, then 
settled in Rice county, this state; in 1868 he loca- 
ted on section 31 of Amiret.- Married, June 14, 
1852, Sarah Northup; seven children are livingi 

Lafayette Grover, who was born February 5. 
1837, is a native of Livingston county. New York. 
Accompanied his parents to Wisconsin when he 
was five years of age, and settled in the town of 
Lake, Waukesha county; he afterward spent one 
winter in Indiana, but returned to Waukesha 
county and remained twelve years, at the expira- 
tion of which time he went to Olmsted county, 
Minnesota, and in 1868 came to Amiret. Married, 
December 31, 1858, Olive Northup; there are five 
living children. 

James Mitchell, Sr., born January 21, 1821, is 
a native of Ayreshire, Scotland. In 1838 he came 
to America; after living two years in Waukesha 
county, Wisconsin, he made his home in JeSerson 
county seven years, then went to Green Lake and 
Marquette counties; in the autumn of 1866 he 
settled in Plainview, Minnesota, but since the 
spring of 1869 has resided in Amiret. Margaret 
Barclay was married in 1845 to Mr. Mitchell, and 
has borne him nine children; five are living. 

James Mitchell, Jr., was bom September 16, 
1847, in Hebron, Jefl'erson county, Wisconsin, and 
has made his home with his parents. He was 
chairman of the first town board of Amiret, and 
since the year 1870 has served as county com- 
missioner. 



CHAPTER LXXXVII. 



MONROE — TKACT VAILBBS— WESTERHBIM- — djIP- 

TON CUSTER ROOK LAKE SODUS STANLEY — • 

ISLAND LAKE SHELBXJRNB STOWE. 

Monroe is the south-eastern township in the 
county and includes all of congressional township 
109. Settlement was begun in 1871 by David Staf- 
ford, E. W. Healy, Rees Price, and George White. 

THE VILLAGE OF TRACT 

was laid out in the fall of 1874 on land owned by 
the railroad company in section 23. With addi- 
tions made since, the plat now covers about one 



870 



niSTORT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLET. 



hnnilreil acres. Tho first store was a small frame 
building moved outo the site by H. N. Joy in tbe 
fall of 1874 from the farm of E. L. Starr, in sec- 
tion 24, where it had been built the spring j)revious 
by Mr. .Toy; it stood on tlie comer of Front and 
Third streets, on the site now occupied by a frame 
buililing ct)ntaining the law office of Charles W. 
Main and the American express offloe. The first 
hotel built, was the {commercial, begun the same 
fall by H. H. Welch, who kept it until November, 
1879, when he sold to the present proprietor, M. 
D. Gibbs: additions have been made from time to 
time until it contains twenty guest chambers, two 
parlors, and other a])partments necessary for do- 
mestic and general purposes, and has comforta- 
table accommodations for fifty guests. The growth 
of the village was comparatively slow iintil 1879, 
when the branch road was begun and finished to 
Volga, Dakota. From that time the village has 
grown rapidly, and in June, 1880, when the cen- 
sus was taken, the population was 322. About 
thirty buildings were put up during the remain- 
der of that year and 1881. There are now two 
elevators, one warehouse,one wind-power feed-mill, 
eight general stores, two hardware stores, two 
drug stores, one boot and shoe store, one furniture 
store, two jewelers, two agricultural implement 
dealers, strictly, one bank, two millinery and dress 
making shops, one harness shop, one shoe shop, 
one wagon shop, three blacksmith shops, two bar- 
ber shops, one meat market, three livery stables, 
and one newspaper, the Tracy Gazette, and three 
hotels. This is also the eastern terminus of the 
eastern division of the Chicago & Dakota and Da- 
kota Central railroad. A five stall round-house a 
short distance west of the depot furnishes employ- 
ment to a number of mechanics. The receipts and 
shipments over the two railroad lines, amounted in 
1881, to about forty million pounds. The United 
States land ofiSoe was established here in May, 
1880. 

The village was incorporated under the general 
laws of the state by an act approved February 5, 
1881. The commissioners appointed, were M. T. 
Bohannan, J. M. Wardell, D. H. Evans, E. O. 
Brauus and M. D. Gibbs. The first election was 
held at the Commercial hotel, March 15, 1881. 
The judges of election, were J. L. Craig and W. 
S. Moses, with I. E. Segur as clerk. One htin- 
dred and three votes were cast, and the following 
officers elected: .T. M. Wardell, president of coun- 
cil, Peter Iverson, Nathan Beach and M. T. Bohan- 



nan, trustees; P. S. Brown, recorder; Anson 
Warren, treasurer; Daniel Pierce, justice, and S. 
S. Tniax, constable, with delegated powers as 
marshal. The post-office established at Summit, 
in Redwood county, was removed to Tracy shortly 
after it was started, and called Shetek Station 
until February, 1877, when it was changed to 
Tracy. The first postmaster after the removal 
was H. N. Joy and the office was located in his 
store. The present postmaster is E. O. Brauns. 

The school building in Tracy, was erected in 
1880 at a cost of .f6,000; is a fine two-story brick 
structure containing four rooms, two of which are 
unoccupied at present. The number of pupils 
enrolled is about one hundred and thirty. Two 
teachers are employed, with salaries, of thirty-five 
and fifty dollars per month. From eight to ten 
months' school per year is taught. The first 
school in the village, as also in the town, was 
taught in the Presbyterian church, by Stella 
Cleveland, during the summer of 1875. The 
church was used until the present school-house 
was built in 1880. There are two school-houses 
in the town, outside of the village. 

The first religious organization in the town, was 
the Congregational Sabbath school. It was or- 
ganized in June, 1874, with twenty members, at 
the house of J. M. Wardell. The superintendent 
was W. S. Moses. The membership is about 
seventy, and the superintendent, F. E. Mallory. 
The Presbyterians conducted services during the 
spring and summer of 1873, at the house of E. L. 
Starr. The Kev. Ransom Waite officiating. The 
Rev. E. H. Alden, of Waseca, a Congrcgatitmal- 
ist, also preached there some. In the fall of 1874, 
the Presbyterians effected an organization under 
the ministry of the Rev. Waite, who became their 
pastor. A frame church was built the next spring, 
which, with improvements to date, cost about $500. 
Their present pastor is the Rev. J. C. McKee. 
The Congregationalists also efi'ected an organiza- 
tion, under the ministry of the Rev. J. H. Jenkins, 
with about seven members. They built a church 
about the same time as the Presbyterians, and 
costing about the same amount. The ministers 
who have had charge since, are Rev. Philip Pere- 
grine and Rev. H. C. Simmons, the present jiastor. 
The membership now numbers fifteen. The 
Methodists organized about a year later under the 
ministry of the Rev. William Henning. They 
have no church building and conduct tlieir ser- 
vices, once in two weeks, at the Congregational 



LYON COUNTY. 



871 



church. Their present pastor is the Rev. J. W. 
Powell and tlie membership about twenty-five. 
The Norwegian Lutherans also have an organiza- 
tion. Services have been conducted irregularly at 
the two churches and at private houses in the vil- 
lage, also at the school-house in section 20. They 
have no regular pastor. Their membership is 
about twenty families in this and adjoining towns. 

The first birth was that of George, a son of 
George White and wife. He was born June 19 , 
1872, and died September 10, 1872, also the first 
death in the town. 

The town was set apart for organization Janu- 
ary 5, 1875. The first town meeting was held 
soon after at the store of H. N. Joy in the village. 
Two names for the town were voted upon, Chelsea 
and Monroe, resulting in favor of the latter, it be- 
ing the name of a town in Wisconsin, from whence 
some of the settlers came. 

Dr. Charles L. Bohannan was bom April 2, 
1853, at Oswego, New York. At the age of four 
years he went to Rock county, Wisconsin, \vith 
parents and acquired his education at Janesville. 
In 1871 he migrated toKasson, Minnesota; began 
the study of medicine with Dr. Everhard and in 
March, 1878, comjjleted his studies at the Chicago 
Medical college. He was in practice one year in 
Mitchell county, Iowa, then came to Tracy and 
opened a drug store; has since been laboring in 
his profession here. Married Minnie M. Innis. 

E. O. Brauns, native of Germany, was born De- 
cember 19, 1850; received a good education and 
worked four years in a government bank previous 
to coming in 1873 to St. Paul. Worked one year 
for Auerbach, Pinch & Company, then kept a gen- 
eral store at New Ulm one year, after which he 
was in business four years at Tracy; since 1876 he 
has been postmaster here. In 1874 he married 
Matilda Heinemann, who has borne him four chil- 
dren: Carl and Ernst are living. 

F. S. Brown, who is a native of New York, was 
born in June, 1856, in Ontario county, but moved 
from there when only five years old and went with 
his father's family to Indianapolis, Indiana, and 
three years after to Wabasha, Minnesota, where he 
was educated. He began reading law] with S. L. 
Campbell, of that place; in 1877 was admitted to 
practice and located at Tracy in 1880. 

John L. Craig is a native of Scotland, born in 
1836. Upon coming to America in 1854 he loca- 
ted in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, but removed 
about six years after to Olmsted county, Minne- 



sota, where in 1863 he entered Company F, 9th 
regiment; served until 1865. In 1872 Mr. Craig 
settled on a farm near Tracy; he was railroad 
agent in this town two years, and in 1878 opened 
his livery stable. Miss J. Craig _was married to 
him in 1858; they have lost one child and have 
seven hving. 

Professor E. A. Currie was born February 25, 
1851, in Canada East. At the age of ten years 
he came to Minnesota with his parents; attended 
graded schools, and later the State University, 
where in 1877 he graduated, after which he 
was for two years superintendent of schools in 
Murray county; was then conducting an eleva- 
tor at Tracy until 1881, at which date he became 
principal of the schools at this place. Married, 
March 13, 1878, Caroline Gilbert; there are two 
children living. 

John P. Davis was born in 1838, on the Atlan- 
tic ocean, while his parents were coming to Amer- 
ica from Wales, their native land. UntU 1856 
their home was in Jackson county, Ohio, then 
they settled in Cambria, Minnesota. In 1862 he 
became a member of a company formed against 
the Indians, and the next year enlisted in Com- 
pany E, Second cavalry ; was honorably discharged 
in 1865. From that time until 1873 he lived on 
his farm; was then in trade at New Ulm two 
years, and has since been at Tracy. Married in 
1866 Catherine Loyd; the children are Maggie 
Ellen, John Edgar, Jane and David Edwin. 

D. H. Evans, native of New York, was born No- 
vember 1, 1852, at Utica. When five years old he 
moved with his parents to South Bend, Minnesota ; 
lived there eleven years, then attended school at 
Utica eighteen months, after which he learned the 
tinner's trade at Mankato. Since May 3, 1878, he 
has been in the hardware business at Ti-acy. Feb- 
ruary 25, 1880, he married Miss M. A. Evans, of 
Denver, Colorado. 

Dr. C. M. Ferro was born August 19, 1849, in 
Schoharie county. New York, and was given an 
academical education in that state; graduated in 
1865. He began the study of medicine in 1867, 
and graduated in 1872 from the medical depart- 
ment of the University of New York. After prac- 
ticing two years at Danbury, Connecticut, and 
three years at Petersburg, Indiana, he removed to 
Currie, Minnesota, and soon after to Tracy, where 
he has a very large practice. Married, February 
9, 1873, Louisa Forbes; they have two children. 
H. C. Garvin, native of Wisconsin, born April 



872 



niSTOUY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



23, 1858, at Fond du Lac, attended the high 
school, and subsequently graduated from the Osh- 
kosh Business College. Mr. Garvin learned tele- 
grapliy, and from 1878 until the spring of 1881 
was employed as operator at New Ulm. Since 
May, 1881, he has been agent at Tracy. 

John Germain, who was born December 25, 
1832, is a native of Washington county, New 
York. When he was eighteen years of age he 
went to Saginaw, Michigan, and later removed to 
Oconto, Wisconsin; until 1880 he was engaged in 
the lumbering business, then started a livery at 
Tracy. lu 1858 E. A. Ures became the wife of 
Mr. Germain. 

M. D. Gibbs was born December 10, 1842, at 
Pittsfield, Vermont, and resided in different places 
in that state. August IG, 1862, he enlisted in 
Cfimpany B, Sixth Vermont; received several pro- 
motions and was finally brevetted major; after 
being discharged in 1865, he was . in the mercan- 
tile and hotel business in his native state until 
1876, when he came to Minnesota; was in a hotel 
at Cannon Falls three years, since then haa been 
proprietor of the Commercial Hotel at Tracy. 
Married, May 10, 1870, Louise Blood; children: 
Myrtle L.. Minnie L. and B. Maud. 

Edward Glynn, who was born in 1829, is a na- 
tive of Wales, Ijut since 1870 has been a resident 
of the United States. For two years his home was 
in La Crosse county, Wisconsin, then he removed 
to Minnesota and opened, in Monroe, a black- 
smith shop; lie had learned that trade while liv- 
ing in Wales. Mr. Glynn was united in marriage 
in the year 1852, with Ann Davis; they are the 
parents of three living children. 

J. J. Hartigan, native of New York, was born 
May 3, 1852, in St. Lawrence county. He came 
with his parents to Minnesota, when eleven years 
old; until 1878 his home was in Wabasha county, 
and he was employed as steamboat clerk on the 
Mississippi river; in 1878 he located on a farm in 
Tracy, but the next year opened a saloon. Miss 
Flora Giem became his wife in 1880; one child. 

Edwin Healy was born in 1840, at Dudley, 
Worcester county, Massachusetts. Mr. Healy 
learned the trades of miller and carpenter; in the 
year 1868 he settled in Houston county, but in 
1871 removed to his farm of eighty acres in Mon- 
roe, Lyon county. He married Sarah Bates in 
1864 and has two children. 

Peter Iverson, whose native land is Norway, 
was bom in the year 1846, and in 1868 immigrated 



to the United States. He resided in different 
places in Minnesota until 1877, at which date he 
settled in Montevideo and opened a store; the next 
year, however, he removed to Tracy and entered 
business in company with Martin Thurin. In 1879, 
he married Annie TLuriu. 

D. W. Kutchin, born October 24, 1845, in Potts- 
vUle Pennsylvania, removed at the age of ten years 
with his parents, to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. 
After attaining an academical education he went 
to Fort Atkinson to learn printing of a brother; 
the brother is now an editor at Fond du Lac, also 
revenue collector. In 1878 he came to Minnesota 
and started the Eyota Gazette but soon removed 
to Tracy and established the Tracy Gazette. 

John Larson who is a native of Norway, was 
bom in 1854. Upon becoming a resident of America 
in the year 1861, he settled on a farm in Brown 
county, Minnesota; in 1876 he entered the employ 
S. D. Peterson, of New Ulm, as traveling sales- 
man and in 1880 took charge of his business at 
Tracy. In 1880 he married Caroline Torgerson. 

P. Lehmann was bom in 1840; Germany is his 
native land. In 1867 he came to the United States 
and until 1871 was engaged in farming in Winona 
county, Minnesota; then he was in the grocery 
trade at Winona till 1880, the date of his opening 
a saloon at Tracy. Married Dora Tee in 1870, 
and has four children. 

George Little, born in September, 1836, at Au- 
gusta, Maine, was given an academical education, 
and after spending one year at sea he went to 
Massachusetts and learned the trade of carpenter. 
From 1859 until 1863 he lived in Winona county, 
Minnesota, then enlisted in Company I, second 
cavalry, was discharged in 1865; then was in busi- 
ness at Stockton this state till 1871 and from that 
date until 1881 was chief deputy revenue collector 
at Rochester; is now in a store at Tracy in com- 
pany with his brother. His wife, S. F. Churchill, 
married August 21, 1860, died in February 1863. 
He married Miss J. M. Doolittle, December 28, 
1865; two children are living. 

W. H. Little, born July 3, 1832, at Augusta, 
Maine, was educated at the Wesleyan University. 
He passed two years at Gordon, that state where 
he learned the carpenters trade, then went to Can- 
ton, and soon after took charge of the pattern de- 
partment of the Hinslcy iron works; he filled that 
position twenty-four years and was also in busi- 
ness there the last four years; he then came to 
Tracy and opened a store with his brother. Mar- 



LTON COUNTY. 



873 



ried in 1855, Mary Barnard who died in January, 
1872; two children. Li 1874 he married Victoria 
Chase, who has one son. 

Charles W. Main was born July 10, 1852, in 
England. From the age of three years until 
1864, he lived in Green Lake county, Wisconsin, 
then removed to Winona county, Minnesota. Fin- 
ished his education with one year in the schools of 
St. Charles and the same length of time in the 
State University, after which he followed teaching. 
In 1875 he began the study of law and upon 
being admitted to practice, in 1879, located at 
Tracy. Married in April, 1879, Sarah Cumpton 
who has one son living. 

F. E. Mallory was bom February 7, 1855, in 
Steuben county, New York. When quite young 
he accompanied his parents to Oshkosh, Wiscon- 
sin, and remained two years; migrated to Winona 
county where he learned the jewelers' trade with 
S. W. Morgan, and September 4, 1879, opened a 
store at Tracy. In 1877 Mr. Mallory married 
Miss H. S. Wohlford, and has one daughter, Maud 
Charlotte. 

K. G. Marlette, native of Illinois, was born De- 
cember 28, 1853, at Aurora, and moved with his 
father's family to Minnesota. After living 
near Austin three years he went to Rochester, 
where in 1873 he engaged in the grain trade; 
seven years later he removed to Tracy and took 
charge of Whitton & Judd's elevator. Miss 
Elmira Hunt was married to him in 1872 and has 
had three children. 

William O. Musser was bom June 23, 1852 in 
SchalersvUle, Ohio, and when six years old removed 
with his parents to Belle Plaine, Minnesota, where 
he attended school and assisted his father in the 
store and post-ofSce. In 1877, he went to New 
Ulm and clerked in the land office. He has filled 
the same position since its removal to Tracy. 
May 1, 1881 he married Miss Augusta Lauden- 
sclager. 

William F. Parker, born April 30, 1851, in Lon- 
don, England, came in 1856, to Wabasha county, 
Minnesota. From 1864 to 1878, lived at Min- 
neiska engaged in mercantile and gram business; 
he then removed to Tracy and was in the employ 
of the railroad company until September 1, 1880, 
at which date he took charge of the Winona Mill 
company's elevator at this place. Miss Ada 
Gatchell was married to him October 24 1881. 

Ole Rialson, a native of Norway, was born Sep- 
■ tember 24, 1841, and in 1849 accompanied his 



parents to America; they located in Green county, 
Wisconsin. He enhsted Augiist 11, 1862 in Com- 
pany G, 22d regiment of infantry from that state, 
and served through the remainder of the war, 
when he returned to Wisconsin, which state was 
his home until 1872, the year of his settlement on 
section 22, Monroe, Minnesota. Mr. Kialson 
is treasurer of his town. Married January 1, 
1866, Guneld Olson. Of their four children only 
one is living. 

I. E. Segur, native of Wisconsin, was born 
May 29, 1855, in Trempealeau county, and re- 
sided there until the year 1878. During 1879 he 
was contracting on the Dakota Central and in 
1880 on the Minneapolis & St. Louis railroad; 
May 14, 1881, he was appointed American Express 
agent at Tracy. The marriage of Mr. Segur took 
place November 27, 1881 ; his wife was Miss Em- 
ma M. Gilbert. 

John Selck, whose native land is Germany, was 
bom in February, 1850. He learned wagon-mak- 
ing and in 1870 immigrated to the United States; 
after living in Winona county, Minnesota, on a 
farm six months, he removed to Winona and 
worked at his trade there two years; afterward, 
six years in Trempealeau, Wisconsin; he then 
came to Tracy and opened a wagon shop, the only 
one in the place. In 1874 he married Matilda 
Barnetts; four children living. 

David Stafford was born in July, 1842, at Wood- 
stock, Connecticut; lived there and at South 
Bridge, Massachusetts, until fourteen years of age. 
In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, Fourth Con- 
necticut and was in service until November, 1865; 
subsequently was employed on railroads in Illi- 
nois and Minnesota; in 1871 he took a claim near 
Tracy and in 1875, started a hardware store here. 
Mr. Stafford is deputy sheriff of Lyon county. 
Married in March, 1879, Hannah Evans, who has 
two children. 

E. L. Starr, bom December 11, 1838, in Frank- 
lin county, Massachusetts. In 1862 he located in 
Beaver, Winona county, Minnesota, and the same 
year enlisted in Company C, 10th regiment of 
this state. During 1862-'3 he was in the Indian 
campaign, then served at the south; August, 1865, 
he was discharged. Since 1872 he has lived in 
Monroe; has been county commissioner and held 
nearly all the town offices. Married in 1865, AUce 
Welsh, who has six living children. 

Martin Thurin, who was born in 1857, lived un- 
til ten years of age in Quebec, his birthplace, and 



874 



IIISTOHY OF THE MINNBHOTA VALLKY. 



then went with his parents to Chicago and spent 
four years in that city. He removeil to At water, 
Minnesota, afterward to Litchfield; was emjiloyed 
in clerking; in 1878 he came to Tracy and started 
a store in company with Peter Iverson. In 1878 
he married Cora Reynolds, who has borne him one 
child; it died when nine months old. 

W. M. Todd, born at Tthaca, New York, Nov- 
ember 29, 1851, graduated in 1871 from the Itha- 
ca academy. In 1872 he came to Marshall, Min- 
nesota, and for one year was in the lumber trade, 
then bought an interest in a general store, and in 
1878 started the Lyon County News, which he 
conducted one year; he was recorder of the town 
and a member of the callage board; iii 1879 he be- 
gan dry goods business which he moved in 1881 
to Tracy. Married in 1876, Miss L. A. Bailey; 
one child, Alice. 

S. S. Truax, born December 12, 1840, lived un- 
til 1853 in Monroe county, Ohio, his birthplace. 
After making his home in Wayne county, Illinois, 
until 1866 he settled on a farm in Monroe, 
Minnesota, but in 1871 took a claim which he 
still owns, in Amiret; he is now marshal of Tracy. 
From July, 1861 to 1862 he served in Company 
E, 40th Illinois infantry ; was then honorably dis- 
charged. Mr. Truax married Miss Adeline Dun- 
drey ; they have five children. 

Ira A. Walden was born May 27, 1853 at Bea- 
ver Dam, Wisconsin. After living about twelve 
months in Minnesota he returned to his native 
place for one year, then lived at Eochester until 
1869; after passing four years at Jackson, Min- 
nesota, he went to Pleasant Grove, and in 1878 to 
JanesvUle, this state; since spring of 1879 has 
been in the meat business at Tracy. Married in 
July, 1876, Almeda Severance: one child, Frank. 

I. R. Wagner, born September 15, 1846, in 
Herkimer county. New York, moved when young 
to Otsego county, and lived there until fourteen 
years old, then attended school three years in Chi- 
cago. After residing in Rock county five years 
he went to La Crosse where he began learning har- 
ness-making ; then was at Richfield, Spring Valley 
and Walnut Grove, this state, until May, 1881, 
when he started a shop at Tracy. Married in 186G 
Miss Mary Cogswell. 

tJ. M. Wardell was born in St. Lawrence county, 
New York, November 20, 1838. From 1861 till 
1862 he served in Company F, 60th New York 
infantry, then was employed by the government in 
carpenter work at the south until the war closed. 



After passing one winter in Iowa he removed to 
Faribault, Minnesota, thence to Redwood county, 
and in 167G opened a furniture store in Tracy: 
also has a lumber yard. Mr. Wardell is president 
of the village board. Married in 1868; Lucy 
Moses; four children are living, two are deceased. 

Henry H. Welch, born October 15, 1819, lived 
until the age of eighteen at Hyde Park, Vermont, 
his birthplace. After passing three years in 
Orange county, and six years at Lowell, Massa- 
chusetts, he was eleven years at Northfield, Ver- 
mont; worked in ear shops there and at Montpelier. 
He kept hotel eleven years at Beaver, Minnesota, 
and six years at Minneiska, after which he was on 
a farm in Lyon county until Tracy was located, 
when he built the Commercial Hotel, of which he 
was proprietor five years. Married Lucy Rams- 
dell, November 10, 1842; of their five children two 
are living. 

G. S. Woodruff, native of Connecticut, was born 
October 7, 1825, at Hartford; learned the mason's 
trade, and remained in that place until 1855. For 
ten years he lived near Faribault on a farm, then 
moved to that city and followed couti'acting ; he 
built the court house and the center building of 
the deaf and dumb asylum. In 1881 he came to 
Tracy, and with his son Edgar, opened a mill. 
Jane Dunham was married to him in 1848, and 
has borne him nine children; five are living. 

VALLEBS. 

Vallers is township 113, range 41. An attempt 
was made to organize in 1873. and several elec- 
tions were held, but no legal organization was 
effected until 1876. October 7, and election was 
held at Ole Brenna's; officers elected: S. W. Layth, 
chairman, John Anderson and M. K. Snortum, su- 
pervisors; Ole O. Brenna, Jr., clerk and justice; 
Ole O. Branna Sr., assessor. The first school was 
taught by I. L. Robinson in 1879, and a school- 
house was built in 1880. Rev. Knud Thorstenson, 
a Lutheran, preached the first sermon in 1877, at 
the house of Ole O. Brenna, Jr., and organized 
a church soon after. The first birth was John An- 
derson, in 1872. Ole O. Brenna, Jr. and Anna 
Olson were the first couple married; December 23, 
1877, was the date. Ole J. Engen, in August, 
1877, was the first death. 

Brenner post-offi<« was established with Ole O. 
Brenna as postmaster. The office was named for 
him, though not spelled the same as his name. 

Ole O. Brenna, Jr., was bom in Norway, Octo- 
ber 10, 1854. In 1868 he came 1o America, and 



LTON COUNTY. 



875 



in 1872, to the town of Vallera, where his father 
was one of the first settlers. He has been clerking 
at Granite Falls and Minneota. Is town clerk 
and justice of the peace. Married in 1877, Emma 
Olson and has three children. Mr. Brenna's fa- 
ther has held most of the town oiKces, and now 
has the post-office of Brenner at his house. 

S. H. Thorsness was born January 7, 1847, in 
Norway. When he was a few months old his 
parents emigrated to Wisconsin, and about 1865, 
located near Rochester, Minnesota. He learned the 
carpenters' trade and in 1877 located on his farm 
of 320 acres. In 1873 he married Miss TJ. John- 
son, and has a family of four children. Mr. Thors- 
ness has been chairman and assessor. 

M. O'Toole, who is about forty -one years of age, 
was born in couaty Wicklow, Ireland. When four 
or five years old he accompanied his parents 
to Philadelphia. After fourteen years of age 
he was dependent upon his own exertions; 
went to New Jersey and in August, 1861, 
enlisted: was wounded at the battle of Fred- 
ericksburg,but re-enlisted after his recovery. Since 
1878 his home has been in Minnesota. Anna 
Eeagan became his wife in 1863 and died Sep- 
tember 16, 1877. There are five children. 

WESTERHEIM. 

Tliis town is in the north part of the county 
and is township 113, range 42. The first town 
meeting was held May 9, 1876. Officers elected : 
H. A. Nyland, chairman, O. J. Moe and Hans Sam- 
uelson, supervisors; O. L. Orson, clerk; T. A. Huso, 
assessor; Andreas Lee, treasurer; John Ilstad, and 
T. Johnson, justices; T. Opdahl and B. Hansen, 
constables. 

The first settler was Halvor A. Nyland, who 
came in June, 1871 ; he was followed soon after by 
T. Aadson. The first marriage was a double one: 
H. A. Nyland and luger Olson, and T. A. Huso 
and Carrie Olson, in June, 1874. Mr. Nyland's 
wife died in September, the first death. The first 
birth was a daughter of John Ilstad in 1874. The 
first school was taught in 1877, by Knud Fodnes; 
there are now three organized districts and two 
buildings. 

Thorbjin Aadson was born in Norway in 1847, 
and came to America in 1869. He located in Dane 
county, Wisconsin, and from there moved to Free- 
born county, Minnesota, and in 1871, settled on 
section 30, Westerheim; was the first town assessor, 
and was supervisor one year. Married Carrie 
Olson in 1874, and has four children living. 



O. I. Lieeland, native of Norway,wa8 born October 
29, 1833. Immigrated to Dane county, Wiscon- 
sin, in 1856, and lived there five years; in 
Columbia county, ten years, then again in Dane 
county untU 1876, when he came to Westerheim 
and took a claim. In 1880-81, engaged in buy- 
ing wheat at Minneota ; was elected town clerk in 
1880, and still holds. Inger Helland became his 
wife in 1878; two children, one is living. 

Halvor A. Nyland was born in Norway in 1848, 
and came to this country in 1869; lived in Dane 
county, Wisconsin, and from there went to Free- 
born county, Minnesota, and in 1871 settled in 
Westerheim on section 30. He was first chairman 
of the town board. In 1878 he married Randa 
Olson and has two children living. 

CLIFTON. 

Clifton is on the east line of the county and 
was formed of township 111, range 40. J. A. 
DUlman took the first claim June 2, 1872, and 
moved with his family the next May. R. D. 
Barns, C. A. Cook and G. A. Ladenburg came 
also in 1872. The first town meeting was held 
October 6, 1876; first officers: A. J. Waite, chair- 
man, G. P. Ladenburg and Christopher Dillman, 
supeiTisors; E. D. Bams, clerk; J. A. DOlman, 
assessor; C. A. Cook, treasurer; G. W. Mossman, 
and J. Lyon, justices; H. J. Newhouse and W. B. 
Franklin, constables. The name of the town was 
fijrst Edenview, but was changed at the sugges- 
tion of Christopher DUlman, to Clifton. There 
are three organized school districts in the town 
each furnished with frame buOdings. The first 
school was taught in 1876 by Ida Mede. 

The first sermon was preached by Rev. H. G 
Simmons, a Congregational clergyman, in 1875. 
In June, 1880, a church was organized which has 
a membership of thirteen. 

Laura M., daughter of G. A. Cook, born Octo- 
ber 24, 1872, was the first birth in the town. The 
first death was in December, 1878, a child of W. 
B. Franklin. 

R. D. Barns was born July 10, 1842, in Ohio; 
removed with parents to Dane county, Wisconsin, 
and when fifteen years old came to Minnesota, 
and lived in Fillmore county until 1866, then 
moved to Iowa. In 1872 he came to Clifton. He 
was appointed assessor and when the town was 
organized was made chairman of supervisors; has 
also been treasurer. June 25, 1866, he married, 
Leonora Wheeler; they have one child, Merton E. 

C. A. Cook, native of Maine, was born May 21, 



876 



HISTORT OF TEE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



1844. In 1862 he enlisted in Company K, 22d 
Maine infantry, and served eleven mouths; Sep- 
tember 10, 18f;4, he enlisted in the 9th Maine 
regiment, and served until the war closed. In 
1866 he moved to Iowa, and in 1872 came to 
Clifton township; has been clerk and is now chair- 
man of the town board; has also held other 
oflSces. In 1868, Sarah Manning became his 
wife; Nina L., Laura M. and Alpha M. are their 
children. 

J. A. Dillman was born at Nova Scotia, May 9, 
1848. At the age of fourteen came with his par- 
ents to Minnesota, and lived in Hennepin county 
until 1872, then came to Clifton. Was elected 
first assessor and justice, and is now town clerk. 
Married Chloe A. Fleming, January 1, 1872; 
Maud, WilUam F., Stephen J., Raymond Lee, 
Arthur Charles. Mrs. Dillman had one child by 
a former marriage. 

W. H. Dilley, native of Pennsylvania, was bora 
March 4, 1846. Came with parents to Wabasha 
county, Minnesota, in 1856, and in 1876 came to 
the town of Clifton, where he lives on section 34. 
Is a member of town board, and has been constable 
and road overseer. Edna Hosmer became his wife 
July 26, 1876, and has borne him two cliildren, 
William Ray and Grace M. 

C. Gary was born January 12, 18.54, in UlLnois, 
when a child he came to Olmsted county, Minne- 
sota, and lived there until 1879, when he came to 
Clifton, Lyonccmnty; he has eighty acres on sec- 
tion 10. Married, December 17, 1871, Susan 
Smith, who was born in Winneshiek county, Iowa; 
their living children are Edith Maud, Gertie May, 
Lizzie Matilda and Grace Annette. 

B. A. Grubb was born in BeUefontaine, Logan 
county, Ohio, February 13, 1829. Moved with 
parents to Michigan ; in 1850 he went to Goshen, 
Indiana, and learned the harness trade; with his 
brother ran a shop until 1855, then came to Min- 
nesota. He pre-(^mpted a farm in Wabasha 
county, bvit sold and started a harness shop at 
Plainview; in 1867 removed to Eyota, and in 
1874 opened tlie first harness shop in Marshall, 
and made the first harness manufactured in 
Lyon county. In 1880 he came to Clifton. He 
was a member of the first grand jury in the county^ 
and has held various town odioes. Married 
Phoebe A. Hagard in 1859. 

Fred. Hawkins was born June 15, 1846, at 
Barry, Pike county, Hlinois. In 1872 he went to 
Missouri, and two years later to Hennepin county. 



Minnesota; in 1877 he came to Clifton and loca- 
ted on section 28. December 31, 1868, Mary D. 
Gray became his wife; of the five children born, 
four are living: Dan., Jessie, Halmer and Beulah. 

M. 0. Humphrey, Jr., was bom in Sheldon, New 
York, July 7, 1834. With the exception of one 
year in Michigan, he lived in New York until 1863, 
then came to Minnesota and went into the gro- 
cery business at Lake City. In 1875 he entered 
the employ of a Milwaukee firm, and in 1876 came 
to Clifton, and owns 360 acres on section 14. 
While a resident of Wabasha was a county com- 
missioner, and has held the same office here; was 
chairman of board iu 1881. Married in 1855 Jane 
Baldwin, who bore him three children: Myron B., 
Gertrude M. and Harry C. His second wife was 
Frances Lewis, married in 1871. Julius W. and 
James 8. are their children. 

G. P. Ladenburg, born January 26, 1832, is a 
native of Alsace, France; when ten years old came 
with parents to Lewis county, New Y'ork, and lived 
there uritil 1854, then went to Ohio; was there two 
years, in Illinois one year, and in 1857 moved to 
Hennepin county, Minnesota. In 1872 he settled 
on section 18, Clifton, with the first settlers; was 
elected member of the first board, and has been 
school officer. Married Kate Dillman in 1865. 
George C, James D., Eliza May, Nannie Ann and 
Eva are their children. 

H.J. Newhouse, was born in Kings county, New 
York, in 1843. At the age of eleven years moved 
to Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, and iu 1862 he 
removed to Goodhue county, Minnesota. In Feb- 
ruary, 1864, he enlisted in Company H, 8th Min- 
nesota, and served until July, 1865. In 1874 he 
came to Clifton, and now lives on section 8; owns 
240 acres; has held offices of supervisor, treasurer, 
constable and road overseer. Married April 18, 
1866, Emily Smith. Two of their three children 
are living: George E. and Willie. 

George W. Selover was born November 4, 1842. 
At the age of sixteen he went to Wabasha county, 
Minnesota. Enlisted in 1862 in Company G, 8th 
Minnesota, and served three years. He remained 
in Lake City until the fall of 1879 then came to 
Clifton, and settled on section 24; was treasurer 
of town two years, and school director. He mar- 
ried Arianna Dilley, December 29, 1869; they have 
had five children; the Uving are Margaretta, Ari- 
anna and Abbie. 

T. Stout was born at Middletown, New Jersey. 
In 1855 he came to Minnes-ota and made a claim 



LYON COUNTY. 



877 



near Lake City. In 1861 be joined the First 
Minnesota regiment, and after his term of three 
months expired returned and raised a company 
for the Second regiment; he was mustered in as 
orderly sergeant of Company I, and was promo- 
ted second lieutenant, first lieutenant, and in 1864 
to captain; was in all the battles the regiment en- 
gaged in and was wounded several times. After 
the war he engaged in mercantile business at Ken- 
yon, Minnesota, and in the winter of 1865-'6 joined 
Major 'Newson's expedition to the Vermillion 
mines; afterwards went to Montana with Captain 
Davey's expedition. Married Maggie Magee at 
St. Paul June 17, 1867, and went to Montana; he 
was there employed in hotel keeping and mining 
until 1872, when he returned to Minnesota. En- 
gaged in business at Lake City, Minneiska and 
Wykoff, aud in 1880 came to Lyon county. 

OUSTEK. 

Some time previous to 1862, a German had a 
station in this town, known as Saratoga; he was 
murdered by the half-breed, Joseph CampbeD, 
who was afterward hung at Mankato by a mob, for 
the murder of the Jewett family. The first per- 
manent settlement was made in 1868, by H. C. 
Masters, John Avery, Horace Randall and G. S. 
Eobinson. The first town meeting was held Octo 
ber 14, 1876, at the school-house in section 2. L. 
D. Lewis was elected chairman, W. H. Hughes 
and William Sband, supervisors; B. F. Thomas, 
clerk and treasurer; the other offices were not filled 
until the spring election. 

The first religious meeting was presided over by 
Eev. EUey, a Methodist, in 1870. The Presby- 
terians organized under Eev. Joseph Eees, in 1871, 
with sixteen members; a church was built in 1873, 
which was burned in 1878. The Congregational 
church is located on section 12, and EeV. Philip 
Peregiineis pastor. 

The first school was taught in the winter of 1870, 
by Jane Mitchell, in a small log building on sec- 
tion 2. The district then included the towns of 
Custer, Sodus, Amiret and Monroe. There are 
now in Custer, three organized districts. 

H. 0. Masters was born in 1833, in Illinois. In 
1853 he migrated to Minnesota, and for fifteen 
years lived on a farm in Eice county. From Au- 
gust, 1864, to July, 1865, he served in Company 
D, 11th Minnesota. Since the spring of 1868, 
Mr. Masters has lived in Custer; he and two oth- 
ers made the first improvements in the town ; has 
for a number of years been assessor and supervisor. 



Married Annie Randall, February 24, 1856; 
George, Frank, Horace S., Luanna, Maxon and 
Clark are the living children. - 

James Morgan, born in 1834, in Wales, came to 
this country when three years old and was brought 
up in Jackson county, Ohio. Came to Minnesota 
in the fall of 1855, and from 1856 till 1872, lived 
in Butternut Valley, then came to Custer. He en- 
listed in Company E, 2d cavalry, and served from 
1863 to 1865. Married in 185C, Blary P. Davis; 
they have ten children. August 10, 1862, the 
Morgan house, in which were twenty-two people, 
was attacked by Indians; one man was killed and 
one wounded; the rest were taken by a party of 
soldiers to Mankato, excepting Mrs. Morgan, who 
was unable to go the whole distance, and was left 
in a place of safety, where in a barn by the way- 
side she gave birth to a daughter. 

George Eobinson, native of New York, was born 
in 1836, in Livingston county, and, with the ex- 
ception of one year in Kansas and two in Illinois, 
lived there until 1866. In July of that year he 
came to Minnesota and lived two years in Fillmore 
county, and then removed to Custer; he was the 
first man to bring his family to the town. Mr. 
Robinson has served in different town offices. 
Miss Nellie G(.)uld became his wife in 1868; the 
children are Evin, Nelson, George, EUa and 
Frederick. 

B. F. Thomas was born in September, 1844, in 
Alleghany county, Maryland, and at the age of 
thirteen accompanied his parents to Wisconsin. 
They removed to Illinois, and in 1866, he went to 
Boone county, Iowa; where he engaged in coal 
mining three years. After farming two years in 
Blue Earth county, this state, he came in 1871 to 
Custer. Mr. Thomas was the first town clerk, and 
it was he who suggested the name of Custer. Mar- 
ried in April, 1874, Loretta Delong; one chUd, 
Edgar. 

BOCK LAKE. 

This town derives its name from the lake lying 
in the north-west. It is in the southern part 'of 
the county, and was first settled by Mr. McNabb, 
a Scotchman; a son of his was the first ohOd born 
in the town. Other early settlers were T. W. Lin- 
dtrman, C. A. Van Fleet, William Hamm and Cy- 
rus Osborne. The town was set off for organiza- 
tion, October 6, 1876, and the election ordered at 
the school-house in district 18. Officers elected: 
William Livingston, chairman, William Hanim 
and James Abernethy, supervisors; A. N. Daniel, 



878 



HISTORY OP THE MINNESOTA VAI.LKY. 



clerk; G. W. Linderman, treasurer; J. A. Van 
Fleet and G. A. Glotfelter, justices; E. R. Weeks 
and A. McNabb, constables. 

In October, 1879, the village of Balaton was 
laid out on section 23, on the west side of Yankton 
lake, and on the line of the Chicago & Dakota 
railway. The village has three general stores, one 
hardware store, one furniture store, one black- 
smith and wagon shop, a hotel, elevator, warehouse 
and lumlier vard. 

The first sdiool in the town was taught by Miss 
Katie Glenn, in 1876. There are now three or- 
ganized districts and two school-houses. 

The first sermon was preached by Eev. Joseph 
Eees, a Presbyterian, in the fall of 1873. The 
society was organized and holds services at the 
school-house in district 18. The Methodists also 
have an organization and meet for worship at the 
village of Balaton, 

In October, 1879, occurred the first marriage, 
Charles M. Eicheler, and Cora Hamm. The first 
deatli was that of G. A. Glotfelter, in 1878. 

Rock Lake post-offioe was established in 1874, 
and Roland Wicks was appointed; the office was 
at his house in the town of Lyon ; he was suc- 
ceeded by A. C. Dann, and in November, 187.5, J. 
A. Van Fleet received the office, and removed it to 
his house in Rock Lake. 

.James Abernethy, native of Ireland, was born 
in 1834, and went in 1854 to Canada. In the au- 
tumn of 1855 he came to Minnesota and was em- 
ployed in farming in Dakota county until the fall 
of 1873, when he came to this town and located 
on section 8. In 1868 he married at Northfleld, 
Jessette Carlow. Their living children are Re- 
becca J., Agnes and Isabella. 

L. Campbell was born in 1855, at Geneva, Wal- 
worth county, Wisconsin. He was employed in 
school teaching, farming and blacksraithing in 
that state; in the spring of 1880 he removed to 
Marshall, Minnesota, but in tlie fall came to Bala- 
ton, where he has a blacksmith shop. In 1880 
he married Amanda Lower; one child: Clara. 

O. S. Carlisle was born in 1844 in Addison 
county, Vermont and in 1850 accompanied his 
parents to Wisconsin; he learned the trade of 
blacksmith. In 1862 enlisted in Company E, 29th 
Wisconsin infantry and served through the re- 
mainder of the war. He migrated to Fillmore 
county, Minnesota, in 1867, thence to Lyon in 
1872 and in 1878 to Rock Lake. Jennie Wait 



was married to him in 1870; Alfred, Clara, Addie, 
and Roy are their children. 

M. S. Fauoett, native of Indiana, was born in 
1846 in Henry county. Went with his parents to 
Fillmore county, Minnesota, and three years later 
to Olmsted county, where in 1869 he married Angie 
Lamb. He served from March, 1864, until the 
close of the war, in Company K, 3d Minnesota. 
Mr. Faucett removed in 1871 to Lyon, but seven 
years after came to Rock Lake. The children are 
Celesta, Thomas E., Alice, Delia and .John A. 

J. B. Gibbons was born in 1853 in New York. 
When fourteen years old he went to Farmington, 
Minnesota, where, after leaving school he engaged 
in teaching and clerking; in 1878 removed to 
Marshall; taught school two years, then entered 
the insurance business also clerked in a bank; 
since 1880 he has been in mercantile business at 
Balaton. Mr. Gibbons serves as postmaster and 
notary public. 

Emery Hamm, native of Pennsylvania, was 
bom in 1832 in Tioga county. In 1875 he came 
to Minnesota and was employed in farming near 
Rochester until the spring of 1872, at which date 
he migrated to this town and took a claim on sec- 
tion 10. In 1858 he married Eliza Ann Pew, who 
died in 1870.' Harriet M. Byon Iiecame his wife 
in the autumn of 1871. Mr. Hamm is the father 
of seven children ; John E., Cora and Henry H. 
are living. 

William H. Hamm was born in 1830 in Tioga 
county, Pennsylvania. In 1865 he located near 
Rochester, Minnesota; from 1873 to 1880 his home 
was iu Rock Lake, Lyon county, where he owns 
a farm; he helped organize that town and was 
one of the first supervisors; in 1880 he came to 
Balatou; erected and is proprietor of the Bala- 
ton Hotel. Mary A. Pew became the wife of Mr. 
Hamm in 1855. They have lost one child; the 
living are Elbert, Inez L,, Lucy and Leroy. 

G. W. Linderman, who was born in 1830 is a 
native of Chenango county, New York. His busi- 
ness was that of a farmer and lumberman; in 1866 
he removed to Minnesota; was employed in farm- 
ing in Goodhue and Olmsted counties but has re- 
sided since 1872, in Lyon county. In 1857 Miss 
Sarah Pew, who was bom in New York, was mar- 
ried to Mr. Linderman and has borne him four 
children; one is deceased. 

William Livingston, bora in Ann Arbor, Michi- 
gan in 1831, accompanied his parents to Broome 
county, New York, and thence, at the age of thir- 



LYON COUNTY. 



879 



teen, to Rock county, Wisconsin. From 1856 to 
1873 he was farming in Dakota county, Minnesota, 
then located on section 30 of this town. Married, 
near Northfield, in 1858, William Livingston and 
Helen M. Eager, native of Vermont. Their child- 
ren are Charles M. and Clarence R. 

J. F. Moore was born in 1853, in Michigan, and 
when he was an infant the family located near 
Cedar Rapidp, Iowa, where he lived until seven- 
teen years of age. He finished his studies at the 
Mount Vernon College and has since been at dif- 
ferent places in the employ of the Chicago and 
Northwestern Railroad Company; has been in 
charge of the station and railroad office at Balaton 
since 1880. He married in 1876, Mary Helm and 
they have one child: Grace. 

A. Parker, bom in England, in 1847 ; immigrated 
to Michigan in 1853. He located in Wabasha 
county, Minnesota, and after finishing his studies 
at the Commercial College of St. Paul, was em- 
ployed in clerking in his fathers store; in 1872 he 
began mercantile trade at Minneiska; continued 
six years, then managed a supply store in southern 
Minnesota; since the fall of 1880, has been in busi- 
ness at Balaton. Married in 1877, .Josephine 
Dickerson. One child: William M. 

D. F. Sanders, born in New York State in 1844, 
went when seven years old, with his parents, to 
Wisconsin. After leaving school he was farming 
and in mercantile trade five years; in 1876 he went 
to Cherokee county Towa, but in July, 1881, em- 
barked in the hardware business at Balaton. Net- 
tie A. Carey became the wife of Mr. Sanders m 
1867. Two children: Mattie and Millie. 

Jed. B. Smith, who was bom in the year 1840, 
in New York, accompanied his parents in 1846, to 
Wisconsin, where he grew to manhood. . In July 
1878 he migrated to Minnesota and located on 
section 21, of Rock Lake township. Mr. Smith 
was married at Northfield this state, in the autumn 
of 1872; his wife was Louisa A. Terry a native of 
New York city. Jesse Guy is their only child. 

J. A. Van Fleet, native of New York, born in 
1823, in Sussex county, removed when sixteen 
years old to Pennsylvania. He learned the printers' 
trade at Montrose and worked at it in New York, 
Pennsylvania and Minnesota; in the spring of 
1857 he located at Chatfield, this state, and in 
1872 came to his present place. Nancy M. Geer, 
became his wife in 1846, and has three children : 
Charles L., Gertrude and Hattie G. 



SODtlsl 

Sodus is formed of township 110, range 41, and 
is in the south-eastern part of the county. Tbe 
first settler was Henry Cuyle, who came in the 
sprmg of 1871. Matthew Steele, Elizer Hall, Na- 
than Ware and William Bolander, were among tbe 
first settlers. The town was designated as Martin, 
October 9, 1876, and the first town meeting held 
October 27. The name was changed to Sodus by 
vote, Elizer Hall elected chairman, C. Fisher and 
Daniel Warn, supervisors; W. H. Chaffee, clerk; 
G. Sykes, treasurer; Nathan Warn and J. H. Clark, 
justices; Oscar Pangburn and W. G. Williams, 
constables. 

The first school was taught by Miss Frances 
Mason, in 1877 in a dwelling house. 

The first death was that of a son of Tollef Olson, 
in September, 1873. The funeral sermon preached 
by Rev. Joseph Rees, was the first religious service 
held'in the town. 

David Davies, who was born in 1828, is a native 
of Wales, where he was reared on a farm, and mar- 
ried in 1857; his wife was Miss Maria Jones. In 
1869 immigrated to Michigan, and in July, 1870, 
came to Minnesota; he was farming in Blue Earth 
county four years, but in 1874 removed to Sodus 
and brought his family the year following. They 
are the parents of six children: Isaac, Richard, 
Laura, Ellen, Maria and one who died. 

STANLEY. 

Stanley is on the eastern line of Lyon county, 
and is township 112, range 40. The first settler 
was T. W. Caster; he located on section 24, in De- 
cember, 1867; his son, Hugh, born m 1868 was the 
first birth. Daniel Munro settled on section 12, 
in 1870. The town was named Delevan in Sep- 
tember, 1876, and election ordered, the name was 
changed to Stanley in December, but the first town 
meeting was not held until March 12, 1878. The 
first officers were: F.B.Patterson, chairman, C. 
A. Knox and C. H. Currie, supervisors ; D. T. Lud- 
wig, clerk; Edward Wilson, assessor; S. C. Knox, 
treasurer; Duncan McKinlay and Edward Wilson, 
justices; Thomas Savage, constable. 

Rev. Edward C. Wilson, a Methodist, held the 
first services July 13, 1873, at the house of C. H. 
Currie. School district number 29 was organized 
in September, 1874, and school taught the next 
spring at the house of James White by Ann Munro. 
In 1880 a frame school-house was erected. Ceresco 
post-office was established m 1872, with T. W. 
Caster in charge; the office has passed through 



S80 



UlUTOliY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



several changes and is now kept by W. J. Sim- 
mons. The first marriage was Daniel Munro and 
Harriet White, November 12, 1874. Charles 
Knox (lied in November, 1876, the first death in 
the towij. 

James Dick was born February 3, 1833, in Can- 
ada. In 1870 he moved to Michigan, and in 1878 
oame to the town of Stanley, Lyon county, Min- 
nesota, where he ban a farm of two hundred and 
forty acres on section 8. Is a member of the town 
board and school director. In 1856 he married 
Jeanuette Streaoh; they have had eight children; 
seven are living; have also an adopted child. 

Henry Glashon, deceased, native of Scotland, 
was born in 1829, and came to this country in 
1854. Lived in Kacine county, Wisconsin, until 
1858, then settled in Wabasha county, Minnesota, 
and was the pioneer of the Scotch settlement in 
that county. December 2, 1853, he married Jane 
Green, who was born in Scotland in 1835. Mr. 
(ilashon died in Wabasha county, May 23, 1875, 
leaving four children : Maggie Jane. John, Eob- 
ert and Isabella. In 1877, Mrs. Glashon and fam- 
ily came to Stanley. 

Charles Kennedy was born in Vermont, Sep- 
tember 24, 1833. At the age of three he went to 
Illinois with his parents, and when nineteen 
learned the printer's trade, which he followed five 
years. In 1871 he moved to Dakota county, Min- 
nesota, and in 1874 came to Stanley; he owns 160 
acres on section 30. He has been chairman three 
years and assessor two years. May 20, 1857, he 
married Emily Barber; Ada J. and Cora B. are 
their children. 

Duncan McKinlay was bora in Glasgow, Scot- 
land, March, 1829. In 1845 he emigrated to Can- 
ada, and in 1870 he went to Duluth, Minnesota; 
in 1872 he came to the town of Stanley, and has a 
farm of 160 acres. Has been justice of the peace 
since the organization of the town, and has held 
other offices. January 4, 1850, he married Ann 
Stretch; they have had ten children; nine are 
living : John, Duncan, Jessie, Thomas, James, Wil- 
liam, Kichard, Mary and Arthur. 

Louis Sprague was born at Eacine, Wisconsin, 
June 20, 1856. When eighteen years of age went 
to Bipon and attended college two years; then 
went to McMymm's Academy at Eacine three 
years, and graduated w^th the class of 1878. In 
the spring of that year he came to Stanley and 
settled on section 22; is town clerk, and has held 



other offices. Married, November 20, 1881, Nina 
K. Leach. 

ISLAND LAKE. 

This town is <m the west line of the county, and 
is named for the lake withii its borders. Town- 
ship 111, range 43, was set apart for organization 
in September, 1878; and the first election held in 
March, 1879; officers chosen: Eobert Gardner, 
chairman, Lafayette Grow and G. George, super- 
visors; J. E. King, clerk and assessor; — Ken- 
nedy, treasurer, failed to qualify; J. H. Sykes, 
constable. 

The first settler was Eev. Williams, who located 
on section 24, about 1868. J. E. King came in 
1870, and Lafayette Grow in 1871. The first 
school was taught by Ada Kennedy in 1879 in the 
building erected for the purpose in district 22. 
Island Lake post-office was established in August, 
1874, and located at the house of J. E. King, post- 
master; he also keeps a slock of merchandise. The 
first marriage was in 1879, Leslie A. Gregg and 
Ella Kennedy. 

Major D. A. Kennedy, born February 13, 1826, 
in Saratoga county, New York, and lived in Ohio 
from the age of six to eighteen years. In Sep- 
tember, 1861, he enlisted from Wisconsin in Com- 
pany I, Eighth infantry; was promoted to major 
and saved through the war; he was in many of the 
most severe engagements and was wounded at the 
battle of Nashville. In 1868 he came to his pres- 
ent place, from Wisconsin. Married Sarah At- 
water in 1849; they have five girls and one boy. 

John E. King was born March 4, 1837, in Boone 
county, Indiana. Eemoved to Winona county, 
Minnesota, in 1856. Enlisted Ln 1862 in Company 
A, Sixth Minnesota; was with General Sibley on 
the plains and was at the battles of Wood Lake 
and Birch Coolie where his brother, C. L., was 
killed; served till 1864. Mr. King returned to Wi- 
nona county, where he started a store, but in 1870 
located on the farm which is now his home; he 
was the first justice, clerk and assessor of his town. 
Married in 1858, Miss C. G. Knowles; his second 
wife was Elizabeth Millner, married in 1877; there 
are five living children. 

Gustaf O. Bask, native of Sweden, was born 
May 14, 1853, near .the city of Stockholm. At 
the age of eighteen years he immigrated to the 
United States and located in Winona county, Min- 
nesota, but since the autumn of 1874 his home 
has been on section 8 of Island Lake. The mar- 
riage of Mr. Bask occurred in August, 1877; his 



LYON GOUNTY. 



881 



wife was Julia Nelson; Hannah C, born Septem- 
ber 4, 1880, is their only child. 

Presley Tuel was born December 16, 1833, in 
Washington county, Ohio, and when thirteen 
years old moved with his parents to Illinois. He 
migrated in 1855 to Winona county, Minnesota, 
and enlisted from there in the First Light Artil- 
lery ; upon being honorably discharged at the close 
of the war, he returned to his former home and 
resided there until coming to Island Lake; located 
his place here in July, 1876. Married Nancy 
Morrison in 1856; their children are Wilson and 
Charles. 

SHELBDBNE. 

This town occupies the southwest corner of the 
county, and was first settled in 1871 by E. K. 
Konning, C. P. Myran and Christopher Johnson, 
Norwegians. The first town meeting was held 
September 6, 1879, at which the officers elected 
were: P. C. McCann, chairman, D. A. Aurand and 
W. T. Kandall, supervisors; W. N. Olin, clerk; 
F. W. Howard, assessor; E. Peterson, treasurer; 
E. F. Dickson and C. P. Sanden, justices; C. P. 
Howard and Andrew Gilbertson, constables. The 
first sermon was preached in the fall of 1876, by 
Kev. Eglaud, a Norwegian Lutheran. The soci- 
ety built a frame church on section 20, in the fall 
of 1880. School district No. 49 includes the 
whole town; it was organized in 1880 and the first 
school taught in 1881, by Sadie Bartlett. 

Edwin F. Dickson was born September 6, 1835, 
in Louisville, Kentucky, where he lived until 
about eight years of age. In 1877 he came to 
Minnesota and soon after to his farm of 200 acres 
iu this town. Married in May, 1858, Lucy Emer- 
son. The children are William A., Elmer E., 
Charlie 0. and Francis J. Mr. Dlckinsou's moth-- 
er died m 1843; that year his father went to St. 
Louis and in 1845 to Hlinois, but returned to 
Kentucky where he died December 12, 1851. 

John Murphy, native of Canada, was born April 
7, 1856. The family immigrated to Goodhue 
county, Minnesota, about 1866, and settled on a 
farm which was his home till March, 1880, the 
time at which he located in Shelburne; his farm 
lies on section 14. Martha Denman was married 
to him in September, 1879; they have one child, 
Ellen Maud. 

Lieutenant Winslow N. Olin, was born April 16, 
1842, in St. Lawrence county. New York, and 
learned the printer's trade. September, 1861, he 
enlisted iu Company A, 60th New York; partici- 

56 



pated in many very severe engagements; re-en- 
listed m 1863; was made first lieutenant and 
served through the entire war. Came to North- 
field, Minnesota, in 1869 and in 1878 removed to 
his farm in Shelburne; has been justice and town 
clerk. Married in October, 1870, Maria Howard; 
there are five children. 

Erik K. Konning was born May 16, 1843, in 
Norway, where he lived until coming, about 1869, 
to the United States. From Wisconsin he re- 
moved to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and thence 
in November, 1871, to the farm where he now 
lives; he came in company with two or three 
others, and they were the first settlers in town; 
his was the first house. Married in 1869, Miss I. 
Pederson ; the children are Knut E., Peter M., 
Minnie K., Karen A. and Edward A. 

H. P. Sanden was born October 30, 1852, in 
Norway, where he was reared on a farm. He came 
to America in 1871 with his parents, and the next 
year removed from Fillmore county to the farm 
where his father and younger brother now live. 
Mr. Sanden owns a farm of 160 acres adjoining 
his father's. He has been twice chosen assessor 
of the town. There were six boys and two girls 
in the family. 

STOWB. 

This town is one of the western tier of the 
county, and second from the south. A jietition 
for organization was granted January 4, 1882, 
under the name of Garfield, but as there was a 
town of that name in the state it was changed to 
Stowe. The first settler, D. S. Burt, came in May, 
1870, and located on section 24. Other early set- 
tlers were J. B. Burgett, H. H. Hodgkins and F. 
T. Burt. The first sermon was preached by Rev. 
Eansom Wait, in the spring of 1875. Thomas 
Millner and Ella Knapp were married November 
28, 1877, the first weddmg. The first birth and 
death occurred at Mr. Burt's house. The birth 
was WilUam, son of Samuel Starrett, in 1870, and 
the death in November, 1876, a babe of Mr. and 
Mrs. Burt's. 

J. R. Burgett was bom February 3, 1831 in 
Carroll county, Ohio. At the age of sixteen he be- 
came cabin boy on a steamboat ; was employed as 
pilot on the Mississippi and other rivers about 
fourteen years. From June, 1864 to the close of 
the war he was in Company F, 41st Wisconsin in- 
fantrv. Mr. Burgett has lived on section 4, of 
Stowe since June, 1871. Married Maria Marshall 
in 1860, and has five chOdren. 



882 



uiarouy of the Minnesota valley. 



D. S. Burt, native of New York, was born Sep- 
tember 11, 1840, ill Oswego county. He migriited 
in 1869 to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and in the 
spring of 1870, came to Stowe, which has since 
been his home; Mr. Burt was the first settler in the 
town. Mary Knapp was married to him in May, 
1843 and has tliree children. Charles F. Edward 
V. and Leander B. 

Luther C.Hildreth was born November 30,1850, 
in Tioga county, Pennsylvania. When he was 
fifteen years old, the family went to New Lisbon, 
Wisconsin ; in 1868 he migrated to Lyons, Minne- 
Bota, and remained until March, 1879, then came 
to Stowe. Mr. Hildreth married in January, 
1874, Ida Uhlson; Henry H., AnnaO. and Clara B. 
are their children. 

C. A. Johnson, born in Stockholm, Sweden, May 
4, 1840. Immigrated at the age of twelve to Chi- 
cago and when fourteen years old came to Minne- 
sota. He enlisted in October, 1861 and served 
through the entire war. Since March 18. 1878 
his home has been in Stowe, where he has a farm 
of 250 acres. In 1868 Betsy Nelson was united 
in marriage with him ; They have four children : 
Mary, Emma, LiUie and John. 

E. J. Lichte, who is a native of Missouri, was 
born in the year 1853, in Warren county. At the 
age of four years he went to Red Wing, Minnesota, 
and that was his home until November, 1877, at 
which date he came to Lyon county and has since 
resided on section 12 of Stowe. 



YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY. 



CHAPTER LXXXVIII. 

COUNTY OF YELLOW MEDICINE OTIS TOWNSHIP 

GRANITE FALLS — SIOUX AGENCY STONY BUN 

SANDNES NORMANIA MINNESOTA PALLS LIS- 
BON —WOOD LAKE ECHO. 

The first white people to live within the con- 
fines of what became Yellow Medicine county, 
were those connected with early missions and what 
was called the Upper Sioux Agency, established 
by the government, in 1853. The agency was lo- 
cated near the site of the present village of Yellow 
Medicine. A portion of the county being in the 
Indian reservation, no settlers came in until after 
the outbreak. The reader is referred to the chap- 
ters on the Sioux Massacre for particulars of the 



destruction of the agency. Rev. T. S. Williamson 
was in charge of a mission station four miles up 
the Yellow Medicine river from its mouth, and 
Rev. S. R. Riggs was stationed to the west some 
two miles at a place called Hazelwood; these men 
and othei's with them, escaped the massacre. In 
tliis county was-fouglit the battle of Wood Lake, 
which decided the fortunes of Little Crow and 
practically ended the Sioux war. 

The first permanent settlers of the county came 
in 1865; they were .John Winter, and Mrs. Desire 
Sanders, who settled in the town of YeUow Medi- 
cine, and repaired and occupied one of the brick 
houses built for the Indians. The next year Mr. 
Winter made a claim and built a log house where 
Yellow Medicine city is located. This house was 
the first built after the outbreak, and was subse- 
quently occupied as a store by Joseph Fortier. 
In Octolier, 1865, Geo. S. .Johnson and D. P. Lis- 
ter settled in Minnesota Falls ; other early settlers 
of that town were J. A. White, J. Q. Parke, M. O. 
Castle, and Geo. H. Ooburn. The first settlers of 
each township are given in the histories of the 
respective towns. 

Until 1871, Yellow Medicine county was a part 
of Redwood county, but in that year a legislative 
act was passed establishing Yellow Medicine county 
with boundaries as at present defined. The act re- 
quired that notice of the proposed change should 
be given to the voters of Redwood county, that 
they might at the next general election cast their 
votes for or against the measure; the result was 
the ratification of the act and the election of three 
commissioners for organizing the new county. 
The county was attached to Redwood, for judicial 
purposes, and so remained until February 25,1874, 
when an act was passed separating it, and provid- 
ing for general terms of the district court on the 
first Tuesday in October, and placing it in the 
Ninth judicial district. 

The first meeting of the county commissioners 
was held at Yellow Medicine City, January 1, 
1872, in a small brick building owned 
by George Cary; present, the three com- 
missioners .John Winter, Ole O. Lende and Leon- 
ard Hazelden; no business of importance was 
transacted. On the 9th of January a meeting 
was held and N. T. Hoxie elected clerk and John 
Winter, chairman of the board of county com- 
missioners. Several places were desirous of ob- 
taining the county seat and bonus bonds were pre- 
sented by Messrs. Hill, Worden and Winter, to in- 



YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY. 



883 



duce the county commissioners to locate the county 
seat at Granite Falls, Minnesota Falls and Yellow 
Medicine City respectively. At the meeting held 
January 27, at Minnesota Falls, Yellow Medi- 
cine City was selected by ballot as the county 
seat and the following officers appointed to serve 
until the next general election : N. T. Hosie, au- 
ditor; T. K. Keishus, sheriff; J. M. Merriman, 
treasurer; George E. Olds, surveyor; J. W. B. 
Winter, register of deeds; Gorhara Powers, attor- 
ney; J. A. White, superintendent of schools; J. 
Otis, coroner. At the next meeting of the board 
the county was divided into three commissioner 
districts ; several school districts were also formed. 

At the November election in 1872 the following 
were elected: C. Bordewich, treasurer; N. T. 
Hoxie, auditor; Ole Joel, sheriff; P. J. Smoot, 
clerk of the court; J. S. White, H. S. Berg and Ole 
J. Dahly, commissioners. 

John Winter offered a block of land in Yellow 
Medicine City for the purpose of erecting thereon 
a court house; Gorham Powers and others had un- 
dertaken to have the necessary buildings erected. 
At a meeting of the county commissioners held 
May 21, 1873, the time for building the court 
house was extended to November 15, 1873. 

In 1873 the board assessed a tax of eight mills 
on the taxable property for county purposes, one 
mill for support of poor, one mill for roads and 
bridges, and one half mill for school purposes. 
The valuation of property in 1872 was $295,447, 
and the tax was $7,835. In 1881 the assessed val- 
uation was .$1,287,349, and the tax $29,475. In 
1874 there were 11,227 acres of land cultivated ; in 
1881, the amount had increased to 48,308 acres, 
37,650 acres of which were in wheat. 

Minnesota Falls and Granite Falls, both made 
continuous efforts to secure the removal of the 
court house from Yellow Medicine City. Granite 
Falls finally succeeded in obtaining the passage of 
an act of the legislature, removing the seat of jus- 
tice which act was approved March 9, 1874. The 
question was submitted to the people at the fol- 
lowing election and resulted in a majority of votes 
in favor of the change. The removal was effected 
but not quietly, however. An action at law was 
brought on behalf of the interests of Minnesota 
Falls, but in the name of a private citizen seek- 
ing an injunction to prevent the removal on ac- 
count of an alleged informality in the act, which, 
it was alleged rendered it illegal. The case was 



tried before Judge M. G. Hanscome, and it was 
decided adversely to the plaintiffs. 

Pending the action of the court in the matter, 
some parties from Granite Falls made a trip to 
Yellow Medicine City and obtained possession of 
all the books and records of the county. These 
were taken and hidden securely in the town of 
Stony Kun, the concealing place being a hole cut 
into a haystack. No one but those interested in 
the matter bad any knowledge as to where the 
books were. When the decision of Judge Hans- 
come was recorded, one morning all the books and 
records were found safely deposited in the court 
house at Granite Falls. Three acres of ground 
had been donated by Henry Hill, and the citizens 
of Granite Falls had erected the court-house, 
which they built and had in readiness at the time 
of the election. 

The first meeting of the county board at Granite 
Falls was held December 10, 1874. At the No- 
vember session of 1878 a petition from the town of 
Granite Falls, asking that a county jail be erected 
in their town, was presented, and to this extent 
granted, viz: that it the citizens of Granite Falls 
"will erect ;i ^ood, substantial jail on the south- 
west corner of the court-house block in said town, 
such jail to cost not less than .$200, the county 
commissioners will agree to issue county orders to 
the amount of $100, to assist the said tovm in pay- 
ing for such jail." The proposition was not ac- 
cepted by the people of Granite Falls, and noth- 
ing was done until 1879, when the county and 
town united iu building a jail containing a double 
iron cell, the latter to be the sole property of the 
county, but the city and county each having 
equal right to the use of the jail; it was built at a 
cost of $500. 

The first term of the district court held in the 
county was opened on the 6tli of October, 1874, 
with M. G. Hanscome as the presiding judge. It 
was then a part of the Ninth judicial district. 

There are forty-five school districts in the 
county, in which there are thirty-one school- 
houses, all of frame, the valuation of which is 
estimated at .$21,630. There are thirty-three 
teachers and 1,403 scholars reported for j^urposes 
of ajjportionment. In 1879 Granite Falls was cre- 
ated an independent school district, and in the fall 
of the same year a substantial and handsome 
school house was erected, costing nearly $8,000. 
Three teachers are employed. 

M. J. Whipple and Martha Erickson were married 



884 



UISTOUY OF THE MINNEHOTA VALLEY. 



in 1869, bj' B. H. Monroe, the first marriage in the 
county; it occurred in the town of Yellow Medi- 
cine. The saw-mill Iniilt by Jacob Fisk on the 
Yellow Medicine in 1871 was the first in the 
county; it was built at a cost of $5,000. 

Minnesota Falls is tlic head of navigation on 
the Miaiiesota river, the rapids, some tliree miles 
in length being situated there. The first boat to 
arrive after the couaty was organized, was the 
"Osceola," which landed in May, 1873, loaded 
with lumber and merchandise. The water-power 
at the falls is of considerable capacity. 

OTIS TOWN.SHIP. 

Pursuant to a call, tbe board of county oom- 
missioiiers met on October IG, 1873 at Yellow 
Medicine City, when township 116, range 39 was 
organized and named Otis. The boundaries were 
fixed and determined as follows: Commencing on 
the range line between ranges 39 and 40, where 
the Minnesota river crosses said line, running 
thenite south to the sonth-west corner of said town, 
thence west on the south line of said town to the 
Minnesota river, thence] iij> said Minnesota'river to 
place of beginning. The^^election of oflicers was 
ordered to bo held at H. .1. Simpson's hall at Gran- 
ite Falls and which resulted in the election of T. 
P. Hill, J. D. Todd and E. W. Howard, supervis- 
ors, the first named^being chosen chairman; C. E. 
Clark was elected town clerk. The first taxes 
assessed were highway lab.)r and road tax, real 
estate and personal property being assessed at the 
rate of fifty cents on every one hundred dollars 
worth in value and two days labor as legal com- 
mutation therefor assessed to each and everyTpsr- 
son liable to a poll tax. The second town election 
resulted as follows: J. D. Otis, W. C. Campbell, 
E. W. Howard, supervisors; O. B. Laird, town 
clerk; Ole Foss, treasurer; L. C. Laird, assessor 
and justice of the peace. 

GBANITE FALLS. 

A glance at the map of Minnesota shows that 
the Minnesota river, at this point, forms the 
boundary line between Yellow Medicine and Chip- 
pewa counties. That portion on the west side of 
the river, on which the village of Granite Falls 
now stands, was formerly a part of the Sioux res- 
ervation. A few years after the admission of Min- 
nesota as a state, the reservation was abolished. 
and the country opened to settlers; but owing to 
the presence of the Indians and their hostile ten- 
dencies, there was very little done in the way of 
settlement until about 1870. 



At that dat«. Henry Hill — now deceased — who 
was then register of the government land <jffice 
located at Greenleaf, secured the ground and 
planned the village of Granite Falls. The plat 
now in use bears date of May 7, 1872, when the 
survey was made, by G. W. Daniels. This plat 
states that '-Said town of Granite Falls is located 
on lots 1, 2, and 3, of section 34, on the west aide 
of the Minnesota river, owned by Henry Hill; on 
lots 2 and 3, of section 34, on the east side of the 
Minnesota river, owned by Henry Hill and Or- 
ange S. Miller, in undivided shares, in township 
116 of range 39." 

Tbat ou the east bank of the river being in an- 
other county, it necessarily formed another corpo- 
ration, and has been known as East Granite Falls. 
In the first few years of existence the two places 
were^joined, for school purposes, and formed a 
single school district. 

It shjuld be stated that previous to the im- 
provement of the place, Mr. T. P. Hill, brother of 
Henry Hill, in 1868 made a claim to the property, 
which afterwards became the possession of Henry 
Hill. The first house was built in July, 1868, by 
T. P. Hill. 

The town is surrounded on three sides by a series 
of rapids which each furnish good water-power. 
Two of these are improved. As soon as he had 
made the settlement Mr. Hill set about the work 
of improving his town site by building a dam, res- 
ervoir and flouring mill. Operations were fir.st 
commenced on the production of flour in this mill 
in the year 1872. This mill possessed three sets 
of buhrs, and had also an attachment for sawing 
lumber. The total cost of the mill and the im- 
provements to the river, including the building of 
the dam, was S15,000. The location of fhe mill 
had quite an influence in helping to settle the 
town. It is the mill now owned and conducted by 
W. W. Pinney. 

Soon after the location of Mr. Hill a small wave 
of emigration rolled towards the new town and 
carried several families with it. Among the ear- 
liest settlers of the town after Hill were A. J. 
Luce and A. W. Dodge. A hotel was built soon 
after the erection of the mOl, it being the second 
structure of any importance erected. Mr. Luce 
came in 1871, but did not erect tor himself a resi- 
dence until the succeeding year. The first store 
was opened in 1872 by Fortier & Davidson. A 
second store was opened the same year by H. .T. 
Simpson, who arrived in this locality about a cou- 



YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY. 



885 



pie of years previous to the opening of the store. 
In 1874 a newspaper called the Granite Rock, was 
established and the village began to assume pro- 
portions of importance. 

It was about this time, too, that the county seat 
was removed from Yellow Medicine City to Gran- 
ite Falls. There had been quite a struggle be- 
tween the latter and Minnesota Falls, a lively vil- 
lage about two miles and a half below, on the 
river, as to which should obtain the honor of be- 
coming the county seat. Both were prosperous 
little cities in embryo, and each considered its 
claims the best. Granite "Falls, however, man- 
aged to secure the prize, by donating ground and 
buildings for county offices. 

Among the earliest settlers should also be men- 
tioned C. E. Clark, now county superintendent; 
R. H. Baldwin, proprietor of Baldwin's addition 
on the east side, who came to this neighborhood 
as early as 1868, and Mr. Pound, his son-in-law, 
who arrived about the same time. In 1873 a 
third store was started by Messrs. W. B. Winston 
& Son. The same year the Stoddard & Libbey 
flouring mill was built by a gentleman named 
Fuller. From the first settlement, in fact, the vil- 
lage of Granite Falls has experienced a steady and 
healthy growth. In 1880 J. W. Hixon & Bro. 
added a third mill to those already established 
within the place. These, together with the two 
large elevators, each with capacity for holding 
immense quantities of wheat, the largest, that of 
B. F. Pillsbury, having a storage capacity, in- 
cluding extra warehouse room of 225,000, give the 
village a high rank as a grain market. Situated 
as it is in one of the finest agricultural districts in 
the North-west, and with the rapid development 
now in progress, the excellent transportatian facil- 
ities ailorded by the Hastings & Dakota railroad, 
the traffic in produce and grain must necessarily 
become an important element in the business 
transactions of the locality, a foundation uppn 
which the surest and most substantial prosperity 
will be buUt. 

A substantial bridge spans the river, connecting 
the two villagts of Granite Falls and East Granite 
Falls. Since the completion of the Hastings & 
Dakota railroad, in 1878, a vastly increased 
growth has been apparent. A substantial and 
handsome school building has been erected, which, 
together with the usual good churches, five in all, 
speaks well for the interest taken in moral and in- 
tellectual welfare. 



The act incorporating the village of Granite 
Falls was approved March 17, 1879. Although 
in reality a village organization, the charter grants 
to it the right, title and .ntyle of the "City of Gran- 
ite Falls." The territory embraced is all of section 
33, and that part of 34, lying west of the Minne- 
sota river, in township 116, range 39. 

The first officers of the corporation were : C. Bur- 
ton, president; M. C. Sullivan, recorder; K. E. 
Neste, treasurer; W. M. Stratton, John Winter, 
and William Wallace, trustees; E. F. Baker, con- 
stable; E. F. Hilton, justice of the peace. Subse- 
quently E. F. Baker resigned the office of consta- 
ble, and Joseph Fortier was appointed to hold the 
office untU the nest election. At the extra session 
of legislature the city charter was amended, grant- 
ing enlarged powers to the corporation. 

Churches. — The first permanent church organ- 
ization was the Congregational, November 3, 1872. 
the meeting for orjtanization was held in a biiilding 
erected of logs, with a sod covering, which stood 
on the prairie about a mile from town. Meetings 
were held there during the summer, and on De- 
cember 4, of the same year, the church society was 
fully organized and the meetings held in the hall 
over the store of H. J. Simpson in the village. At 
that time there were thirteen members; the only 
remaining members of this first organization are 
A. J. Luce and his wife, the remainder having re- 
moved or died. The following summer it was in- 
tended to have erected a church edifice, but the so- 
cietv united with the village and erected a school- 
house instead, which they used for the purpose of 
meetings and divine services. They erected their 
present church edifice, which was finished in the 
fall and winter of 1874, -'5. The first pastor was 
Rev. J. D. Todd. G. W. Sargent is the present 
incumbent. The building of the church cost over 
$2,800. 

Methodist Episcopal. — A class had been organ- 
ized in 1871 of this denomination, but for some 
reason it was soon afterwards discontinued. An- 
other organization was eflected under better auspi- 
ces which has continued imtil the present. This 
like the Congregational society,first met in the log 
house on the prairie. Meetings have since been 
held at different places untO the erection of their 
present eilifice, at an expense of over $2,000. It 
was finished and ready for occupancy in the early 
days of 1881. 

Baptist. — This denomination has an organize- 



886 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



tion in existence and possesses a very handsome 
little frame cliureli. 

Ejnscopal. — This organization is known as Trin- 
ity church society, and consists of about twenty 
members. Rev. J. Karcher, the ijastor, arrived at 
Granite Falls in the June of 1880, and at once 
proceeded to gather together such as pro- 
fessed the doctrines of that clinrch, with the view 
of forming a congregation. The edifice belonging 
to the Baptists is used for purposes of worship. 

Besides the above churches, the Norwegian 
Lutherans are engaged in the erection of a house 
of worship, where they will be able to celebrate 
services in their native tongue. 

The business interests of Granite Falls are of a 
varied and complete description. It is quite re- 
markable to find such an extensive amount of bus- 
iness transacted in a place of its size. 

Among the oldest and most prominent of the 
firms is that of K. E. Neste & Brothers. They 
keep on hand a large and well selected stock of 
general merchandise and do a very heavy business. 

C. Burton is largely interested in the handling 
of all kinds of lumber and building materials, 
fencing materials, sash, doors and blinds, builders' 
hardware etc. 

J. Olson has a large brick store in which dry 
goods, groceries, clothing, boots and shoes, are car- 
ried in large quantities. He has been in Granite 
FaUs about three and a half years. 

Hawley and OrwoU deal in dry goods, clothing, 
etc. The former has been in business about nine 
years, the present firm is of recent date. 

H. J. Wilkinson has been for nearly three years 
engaged in the book and stationery line, in addi- 
tion to which he deals in musical instruments. 

Wethern & Donaldson are located on the east 
side, where they are engaged in the grocery and 
flour and feed trade. 

Edward Crane has a large assortment of clocks, 
jewelry, etc. Johnson & Neste Bros, conduct an 
extensive business in agricultural implements, 
as also do the following: Goodenow & Winter, 
Letts & Johnson, W. H. Lyon, C. L. Jones and W. 
P. Baker. K. M. Clark has been for nearly three 
years in business as hardware dealer, carrying 
also stoves and tinware. F. Stoppe & Son deal in 
dry goods, clothing, groceries, etc., which firm has 
been established at Granite Falls about four years. 
Barnes & Ireland, successors to the firm of Barnes 
& Co. are dealers in drugs and furniture. L. J. 
Rice & Son are general merchants and have good 



stocks. I. O. Russell, dealer in groceries, has been 
for long identified with the locality; Hotchkiss & 
Foss established themselves in business in 1874, 
and have built up a heavy trade in general mer- 
chandise; the drug trade is well represented by 
F. J. Cre.ssey, H. J. Simpson and K. T. Hazolb\irg; 
William Wallace is extensively engaged in the 
hardware trade, as also is the firm of Whitcher 
ife Wilson; J. L. Putnam keeps a saddlery and 
harness store; Jolmson & Diegan are also engaged 
in the harness trade and deal in boots and shoes; 
the furniture trade is well represented by Jensen 
& Olson and by E. Enos, the successor of Good- 
nough & Enos; Gregg Bros, conduct an excel- 
lent restaurant and confectionery business; W. 
A. Schweiger deals largely in flour and feed. 
There are many other firms and individuals in the 
village, but enough have been mentioned to show 
the extent and variety of the commercial inter- 
ests of the place. The legal and medical profes- 
sion are well represented by competent and suc- 
cessful practitioners. 

The Granite Falls Journal is the only news- 
paper published in the village. It is the official 
paper of the county and is very widely circulated. 
Being ably conducted it has a large influence 
which reaches beyond the confines of the county 
limits. It was originally established in the year 
1874, when it was called the Granite Rock. In 
1875 it changed hands and became the property of 
M. O. Hall, who changed the name to the Granite 
Falls Journal. It subsequently became the prop- 
erty of F. A. Wilson, who subsequently sold it 
to the firm of Bennett k Harroun. The latter only 
retained his share a few months when he sold his 
interest, and the firm became Bennett & Lathrop. 
The entire editing and management rests with Mr. 
C. A. Bennett, who fills the position with ability 
and enterprise. In connection with the paper 
there is a well equipped job office. 

The banking facilities of the village are excel- 
lent, the Granite Falls Bank of J. A. Willard & 
Co. being possessed of ample financial means and 
experience. The bank was established in June, 
1878, and has since its inception proved itself well 
worthy of the support and confidence of the pub- 
lic. Mr. Willard is president of the First National 
Bank of Mankato, and resides in that city; the 
bank here is under the management of Mr. J. G. 
Dodsworth, an experienced and capable financier. 
The Commercial Hotel is a large, well con- 
structed structure, nicely furnished and comfort- 



YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY. 



887 



able in all respects. It was opened about three 
years and a half ago by Messrs. Teachout & Allen, 
but has been for some time carried on by Mr. S. 
M. Teachout, under whose administration it has 
become one of the most popular places of resort 
of travellers in the western part of the state. 

The Merchants' Hotel is kept by Mr. John 
Winter, the first settler in the county. It was 
formerly kept by his son, Mr. J. W. E. Winter. 
Granite Lodge, A. F. & A. BI., was organized 
under dispensation, Feb. 7, 1874. The first regu- 
lar communication was held April 20, 1874. The 
names of the masters have been successively Henry 
Hill, G. W. Dewey, I. O. Russell, O. J. Foss. 

Blesser Lodge No. 59, A. O. U. W., was insti- 
tuted January 6, 1879. The following were the 
first set of officers: A. J. Blesser, P. M. W.; A. 
J. Studeman, M. W.; W. Wallace, G. F.; O.J. 
Foss, O.: M. N. Rathbone, B.; C. Barton, F.; J. 
A. Weaver, Rec. ; J. Swift, G. ; Joseph Fortier, I. 
W.; C. E. Shannon, O. W. 

S. Anderson was bom in 1847 in Sweden and in 
1872 came to America. After staying a short 
time in Mankato, he began biisiness as a railroad 
contractor. In the autumn of 1878' he came to 
East Granite Falls; built and conducted a hotel 
known as the St. Paul House; in 1881 he erected 
his large hotel near the depot. Mr. Anderson was 
married in 1879, to Sarah Mickelson who died in 
September 1880. 

W. E. Barnes, native of New York, was born in 
1825, in Plattsbnrg. After receiving an acade- 
mical education, he taught school a number of 
years; he lived at Eau Claire, Wisconsin from 1855 
to 1872, at which date he came to Minnesota and 
■was engaged in the drug and furniture business 
at Minnesota Falls till 1877; since then has been 
at Granite Falls. J. F. Ireland became his part- 
ner in trade in 1878. Married in 1853, Miss R. 
M. Phelps. 

Charles A. Bennett was born July 21, 1845 in 
Baltimore, Maryland. Removed to Ohio and thence 
in 1856 to Minnesota; settled in Chatfield, where 
in 1860 he began learning printing. Enlisted in 
1862 in Company I, mounted rangers, for one 
year; re-eu listed and served on the plains in 
Company D, Brackett's battalion; was mustered 
out in May, 1866. He was connected with the 
Glencoe Register until 1874; was employed in the 
government planting office at Washington until 
1879, then resigned and bought the Journal at 
Granite Falls. Married in May, 1879 Maggie 



Lee who died March 25, 1872. Two pJiildren. 
July 12, 1875, he married Rhoda Kibbey ; she also 
has two children. 

Henry Bordewich was born in 1844 in Norway. 
After gaining a liberal education, he kept books 
until immigrating in 1864 to Chicago; entered 
the United States army and served until war 
ceased then'^after passing one year south, he was 
on the lakes three years. Visited Norway for one 
year then was in business in Iowa till removing in 
187.3, to Granite Falls, where he was in mercantile 
trade two years. Mr. Bordewich has been auditor 
of this county since 1875. Married in 1869, Miss 
B. Anderson. 

C. E. Clark, born in Anson, Somerset county, 
Maine, in 1839, went, when five years old, with 
his parents to Ohio. Entered the Western Reserve 
College, from which he graduated in 1862. He 
had enlisted in 1861 and served three months; 
after graduating he re-enlisted; was in the 86th 
Ohio infantry as sergeant; discharged in 1863, 
then served one year in the quartermaster depart- 
ment. Mr. Clark was in the mercantile trade four 
years in Ohio, farming the same length of time in 
Missouri, and in 1872 removed to Minnesota Falls; 
was in the lumber business there, and three years 
at Granite Falls; taught schools winters and 
has now beeu county superintendent several years. 
Married in 1866, Miss I. Hawk. 

William Dodge was born in 1834 in the state of 
New York. At the age of seventeen he went to 
Wisconsin, thence in 1853 to Red Wing, and from 
1879 to 1880, was in the hotel business at Minne- 
sota Falls; the hotel then burned and he went into 
the livery business. Mr. Dodge entered Com- 
pany C, First Minnesota and served tiU the close 
of the war. Married at Janesville, Wisconsin, in 
1855, Almira Conat; they have lost one child and 
have seven living. 

J. D. Dodsworth, native of England, was born 
in the year 1829. From 1834 to 1843 his home 
was in Canada; he then resided in Erie, Pennsyl- 
vania till 1855, when he returned to England and 
for six years was in commercial pursuits in Lon- 
don. He married at Mankato in 1861, Jennie, 
daughter of the late Rev. E. J. Sibley, of that 
town. Mr. Dodsworth came to this place in May, 
1878, and opened the Granite Falls bank; firm 
name, J. A. Willard and company. 

Andrew Eckman, who was born in Sweden in 
1840, immigrated in 1868 to the United States. 
Until the fall of 1876 he was engaged in the wagon 



888 



HISTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



mfiking business at New London, Minnesota, then 
came to Grauito Falls and ereofced the carriage 
shops where he has since carried on the trade. 
Mis3 Chira Grun was married to him in 1875, and 
has borne five children : Louis, Hjalmer, Phillip," 
Paul and Tames A. 

Joseph Fortier was born in 1835 in Montreal, 
Canada. Came to St. Peter in 1854 and in the 
spring of 1855 located at Yellow Medicine where 
he clerked in a dry goods store until joining the 
Benville rangers in 1862; was wounded twice at 
FortRidgely; passed the following winter in St. 
Paul, and in the spring of 1863 joined General 
Sibley's expedition; was afterward scout under 
General Thomas. After visiting Canada he was in 
the mercantile trade at Yellow Medicine till 1877; 
the following autumn was elected sheriff; married 
in 1868, Sarah E. So ward; two of their four chil- 
dren are living. 

O. J. Foss, born in 1844, in Norway, came in 
1850 to America. Lived until 1861 in Texas; 
went to Wisconsin iu 1862 and enlisted in the 2d 
regiment of cavalry ; was mustered out in Decem- 
ber, 1865. In 1873 he came to this county and 
since 1874 has been register of deeds; be is also 
in mercantile business with E. K. Hotchkiss. 
Emma Hazelbery was married July 25, 1869, to 
Mr. Foss and has five children. 

H. T. Goodnough was born in 1845 in Bakers- 
field, Franklin county, Vermont; went with his 
parents when a child to New York. He was in 
Canada a short time then returned, and from 1862 
until May, 1865, served as a drummer in the army; 
enlisted in the 28th New York infantry. In 1868 
he settled in Minnesota; farmed two years in 
Steams county, and afterward was employed four 
years in New Limdon; came to Granite Falls in 
1875; has here been in the drug, the furniture and 
the harness business. Married Luoretia Rice in 
1878. 

Hon. M. O. Hall, born in 1853 in Norway, ac- 
companied his parents to Dane county, Wiscon- 
sin, and when ten years old to Pierce county. At 
the age of fourteen he removed to Minneapolis to 
attend school; he was obliged to work for his 
board and saw wood evenings to pay for books 
and clothing ; when twenty years old he attained 
a good education and began the study of law with 
Hon. Henry Hill, at Granite Falls. At the age of 
twenty-one he was elected judge of probate 
for this county; held the office six years. He 
published the Granite Falls Journal two and one- 



half years, then sold it; besides filling 
other offices he has been clerk in the senate two 
terms; is now with his brother in the insurance, 
collection and real estate business. Married in 
1876, Julia O. Bruna. 

T. O. Hall, native of Norway, was born in 1846. 
When a child he immigrated with his parents to 
Dane county, Wisconsin, and at the age of ten 
began earning his own living; worked on a farm 
for three dollars per month summers, and attended 
school winters, until he acquired a gool business 
education. At the age of seventeen he went to 
Pierce county, Wisconsin, where he was iu the 
employ of Professor Wells, also clerked in a store 
and for a time attended school at Prescott, after 
which he taught school, clerked and engaged in 
the insurance business; is now in partnership with 
his brother at Granite Falls. Married in 1868, 
Anna Tarbenson; four children. 

Honorable Henry Hill, deceased, born in New 
Hampshire in 1879, acquired an academical edu- 
cation. In 1850 he went to Ohio where he taught 
school and read law; was admitted to the bar in 
1854 and the next 3'ear began practice at Minne- 
apolis. Mr. Hill married Mary Mills in 1858; in 
1862 removed to the western part of the state and 
was on the frontier during the Indian troubles; 
.settled at Granite Falls in 1871; laid out the 
town, built the first dam across the Minnesota, 
erected a mill and began manufacturing flour and 
lumber; was also in real estate business. He 
held numerous offices and was in the legislature 
three terms. He died March 3, 1879, at Lead 
City, Dakota. 

K. R. Hotchkiss, native of Indiana, was born in 
1842, but in 1852 migrated to Minnesota and in 
1859 removed to Wisconsin where he enlisted; was 
iu service from May 1861 to July 29, 1864; he was 
wounded at the battle of ChancellorsviUe. Came 
to Rochester, Minnesota, and began farming; since 
coming to this county in 1874 he has been in 
mercantile business. Marrried at Rochester in 
1867, Elizabeth Bostwick ; there are four children. 

J. F. Ireland is a native of Maine, where he was 
born in 1851. Received an academical education 
and then entered a store as clerk. In 1872 ho 
came to Minnesota; after staying a short time at 
Yellow Medicine, he clerked three and one-half 
years in a Minneapolis drug store. Returned to 
Maine but came to this state 'again in 1878 and 
settled at Granite Falls; is in the drug trade here 
in company with W. R. Barnes. Mr. Ireland has 



YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY. 



889 



been mayor of this city. Married in 1877, Ellen 
Bowell. 

Lewis Jenson, born in 1848, in Norway, came 
with his parents in 1850 to America, and was 
brought tip on a farm in Iowa. In 1871 he removed 
to Chicago; worked at the carpenter trade there four 
years and one at Minneapolis; continued the same 
business at Granite Falls until the autumn of 1880, 
when he began the furuiture trade. In 1881 he 
married Miss H. S. Anderson. 

B. Johnson was bom in 1847 in Norway. Came 
to America in 1869; worked at harness making 
about five years in Mankato and four years in 
Northfield; also attended the Norwegian College at 
the latter place. In 1878 he came to Granite 
Falls; engaged in the harness business with A. G. 
Diegan; since the summer of 1881 he has been 
alone. Married Caroline Fingalson in 1879. Bertha 
M. is their only child. 

L. H. Kramer, who is a native of Germany, was 
born in 1852. He immigrated to the United States 
in 1872; resided three years at Washington D. C., 
then visited California and Oregon; in 1876 he 
came to Minnesota and located at Austin, but re- 
moved in 1878 to Granite Falls where he is en- 
gaged in the butcher business; married in 1880 
Miss Katie Faber. 

Hans Larson "Ousdahl," was born in the year 
1853 in Norway. Upon leaving that country and 
becoming a resident of America, in 1871, he set- 
tled in Wisconsin, but removed in 1878 to Minne- 
sota and has since lived much of the time at his 
farm on section 10, town 112, Lincoln county, but 
spends his winters in Granite FaUs. Married in 
1878, Miss Caroline Knudson. 

Ole O. Lende, native of Norway, was born in 
1839, received a common school education,, and in 
1860 came to America. He located in Fillmore 
county, Minnesota, but in 1867 came to Yellow 
Medicine county, where he was one of the first 
commissioners; he is now serving his fourth term 
as treasurer. In 1863 he married Anna Angels: 
they have six children. 

C. D. Lewis, bom in Stafford, Connecticut in 
1845, accompanied his parents to Indiana, and in 
1865 to Otta-wa, Minnesota. He went in 1868 to 
Minneapolis and worked three years at his trade, 
that of carpenter, then went to Michigan. From 
1874 to 1877 he was in mercantile trade at Mia- 
nesota Falls, and returned there after spending 
two years at Ottawa; since July 1881 he has been 



in business at Granite Falls. Married in 1868 
Miss Manda Smith. 

G. W. Lewis was born in 1849 in Indiana, and 
when a child went with his parents to Connecti- 
cut. In 1855 he located at Ottawa, Minnesota; 
learned Itlacksmithing and worked there until 
1875, then in Minnesota Falls until the summer 
of 1881, when he came to Granite Falls and began 
business with J. S. Newell. Married in 1875 Miss 
Saphroua Brodughdon. 

J. A. Lewis, of Vermont, was born, in 1825, in 
Franklin county. In 1852 he migrated to Iowa, 
but in 1855 came to Minnesota; was employed at 
carpenter work in Winona about eighteen months, 
then went to Olmsted county; removed in 1872 to 
Minnesota Falls; held the ofKce of justice of the 
peace there tiU 1878; since coming to Granite 
Falls he has held several offices. 

A. J. Luce was born in 1820 in Ohio. He was 
employed as teller in a Dayton bank until coming 
west; went to Chicago, thence to St. Louis, where 
he was in mercantile trade until 1860, then went 
to Illinois, where he was fanning and superintend- 
ing mercantile business. Since 1872 he has been 
intferested in real estate in this county, where he 
was among the first settlers; pre-empted 160 acres 
joining the present site of Granite Falls; his res- 
idence is in East Granite Falls. Married Miss F. 
L. Clough, January 1, 1850. 

E. W. Messer, native of Maine, was born in 
1816. He worked there at farming and lumber- 
ing until 1856, was then in Pierce county, Wiscon- 
sin, till 1869, at which date he came to Minnesota; 
has since lived in Granite Falls, with the exception 
of two years in the Black HUls. Mr. Messer was 
one of the first settlers in the town, and was chair- 
man of the first town board; he worked at farming 
until the fall of 1881, when he entered the grocery 
trade. Married in 1840, Adeline Jones. 

Ole Nelson, born in 1847 in Dane county, Wis- 
consin; in 1854, the family located in Lake Prai- 
rie, Nicollet county. He enlisted in 1862, in Com- 
pany B, 1st Minnesota infantry; served a little 
more than one year; was afterward one year and 
eight months in the 1st Minnesota heavy artillery; 
was wounded three times. Left his farm in 1868 
and was in the saloon business at St. Peter, tiU 
1878, since then at Granite Falls. Married in 
1867, Julia Sanderson; six children. 

J. S. Newell, native of Maine, was born iu 1847, 
and lived on a farm until 1863. He tlieu entered 
the 12th Maine infantry, Company F; one year 



890 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



later he returned to Maine; resided there and in 
Massachusetts until 1877, at which time he came 
to Minnesota and entered the blacksmithing busi- 
ness, in comjjany with G. \V. Lewis; came to 
Granite Falls in 1881. Married in 1871, Sarah 
A. Peper. 

F. T. O'Donnell, who was born in 1857, is a na- 
tive of New York city. When he was two years 
old his parents migrated to Wisconsin, and settled 
on a farm; while quite young he began to learn 
blacksmithing, and has been employed at that 
trade since. Mr. O'Donuell came in 1878, to East 
Granite Falls, where he is carrying on his business 
as blacksmith. 

S. Olander, born in Sweden in 1846, came to 
America in 1869. He worked at the blacksmith's 
trade three years in West Mitchell, Iowa; in 1872 
came to Minnesota and took a claim in Granite 
Falls; since 1874 he has been employed in black- 
smithing. Ellen Anderson became his wife in 
1870; their children are Emil, Willie, Elida, Min- 
nie, Alford and Holda. 

H. L. Olson was bom in Norway in 1849. He 
immigrated to the United States in 1872, and en- 
gaged in photograjjfay in Iowa; has continued in 
that business at Granite Falls since 1879. Mar- 
ried in 187.5, Miss G. Olson; have two children: 
John E. and Anna M. 

C. S. Orwoll, native of Wisconsin, was born in 
1854 in Dane county. After living in Adams 
county twelve years he came in 1868 to Minnesota; 
lived on a farm in Sandues three years, after 
■which he was employed as clerk in stores at Yel- 
low Medicine and Granite Falls; since 1880 he 
has been engaged in business in company with K. 
A. Hawley. Mr. OrwoU married Miss Carrie 
Hawley in November, 1878. 

B. F. Pillsbury was born in Merrimac countv. 
New Hampshire, March 29, 1831. He attended 
the common schools, after which he followed lum- 
bering, farming and mercantile jjursuits; came in 
September, 1878, to Granite Falls, where he is 
engaged in elevator and lumber interests. Mar- 
ried in March, 1871, Susan Wright. 

W. W. Pinney, born May 8, 1834 in Crawford 
county, Pennsylvania. In 1844 he went to Wis- 
consin, in 1864 to Iowa, and in 1866 came to New 
London, Minnesota; he engaged in mercantile 
business; was appointed county auditor and in 
1868 elected for two years; also practiced law. 
Eemoved to this place in 1876 and bought the 
Granite Falls flouring miU; has been postmaster 



since 1877. He married Kate Jesmer, December 
13, 1857; Leslie H. and Will J. are the children. 

A. L. Poole was born in 1854 in Philadelphia, 
where he acquired his education. In 1874 he 
went to Detroit and thence to Chicago where he 
learned telegraphy; came in 1880 to Minne.sota; 
was for a time at Shakopee, Renville and Sacred 
Heart; is now located at Granite Falls in the office 
of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul company. 

Gorham Powers was born in September, 1840, 
in Somerset county, Maine. In 1862 he enlisted 
in the Fourth Maine battery; two and one-half 
years later was transferred to 13th United States 
colored artillery; served as second lieutenant until 
October, 1865; was wounded in 1863 and disabled 
for life. In 1866 he graduated from the Albany 
law-school; practiced at Minneapolis two years 
in company with Alonzo Plummer. He located in 
1868 in Yellow Medicine; was attorney of this 
county five years; since 1876 he has been in prac- 
tice at Granite Falls; firm name is now Powers & 
Rathbone; he was elected to the legislature in 
1878; married in 1866 Addie Ireland; th3 chil- 
dren are Minnie, Mantle and Edward. 

J. L. Putnam, born in Chautauqua county, New 
York, in 1850, lived in his native state and Penn- 
sylvania until moving in 1865 to Olmstod county, 
Minnesota. He learned harness-making, and in 
1873 came to Granite Falls; his was the first har- 
ness shop in the town. Mr. Putnam has ofiBciated 
as constable, town clerk and justice, Married in 
1875 Josephine Vermilya; Pearl and Madge are 
the children. 

A. B. Regester, born in 1820 in Columbiana 
county, Ohio, removed in 1847 to Indiana, in 1856 
to Iowa, and from 1857 to 1870 lived in Fillmore 
county, Minnesota. After going to Minneapolis 
and to Rice county, he came in May, 1871, to 
Granite Falls ; was on his homestead five years, 
and has since resided in East Granite Falls. His 
daughter Addie taught the first school in town; 
he has been notary public and justice; also post- 
master since 1880. 

B. Roessler, native of Austria, was born in 
1840, and since 1865 has been a resident of Amer- 
ica. He clerked in a store three years at Fari- 
bault, then lived at St. Paul, Mankato and many 
other places; since 1878 he has been in the saloon 
Ijusiness at Granite Falls. Married in 1870 Jo- 
hanna Harde; they have five children. 

G. J. Rolfstad, whose native land is Norway, 
was born in the year 1856, and in 1868 accompan- 



YELLOW MED WINE COUNTY. 



891 



ied bis parents to the United States. Until 1873 
he liveil at St. Peter. In 1878 he came to Granite 
Falls; after clerking tsvo years in a drug store he 
bought the business, but soon after sold, and has 
since been in the saloon business. 

I. O. Bussell was born in 1840 in Bartlett, New 
Hampshire. In 18.52 the family went to Illinois; 
from 18.57 till 1872 lived in Fariliault county, then 
came to Granite Falls; drove stage from here to 
WUlmar three years, and for five years was inter- 
ested in mail contracts, then embarked in the gro- 
cery trade at East Granite Falls; has been town 
clerk several years. Married Miss J. E. Russell in 
1858; four children: Elva, Charlotte, Ira and 
Josephine. 

Charles E. Shannon, born in Brown county, 
Indiana, in 1848, went with his parents to Illinois, 
thence at the age of seven years to Shelbyville, 
Minnesota. In 1865 he removed to South Bend; 
from 1867 to 1869 he was in Hamline University, 
and in 1870 graduated from Groveland Seminary. 
Mr. Shannon studied law with Daniel Buck; was 
admitted to the bar in 1872, aft«r which he was 
recorder one year at Mankato; from 1873 till 1876 
he practiced at Minnesota Falls, then came to 
Granite Falls, and has since been attorney for this 
county. Married in 1872 Martha Gibson. 

M. C. Sullivan was born in 1842 in Indianapo- 
lis, Indiana. His home was at Dayton, Ohio, 
from two years of age until the year 1859, and 
then at New Haven, Connecticut, till 1861, when 
he enlisted in the First regiment heavy artillery 
of that state; served three years, then re-enlisted; 
■was in service till the war closed; came to Min- 
nesota; removed from Rochester to St. Paul, 
where he clerked till 1874, then began mercantile 
trade at Minnesota Falls, but in 1878 came to 
Granite Falls. Married in 1869 Ellen Oarr. 

S. M. Teachout was born in 1842 in Racine 
county, Wisconsin. Accompanied his parents to 
Minnesota in 1860, and located in Olmsted county ; 
in 1874 he removed to Granite Falls and engaged 
in the grocery business two years, then went to 
Owatonna, but returned in 1878; enlarged his 
buildmg, and has since used it as a hotel. Ade- 
laide Kemp was married to him in 1864; they 
have three children. 

William Wallace, native of New York, was born 
in 1832 in Essex county. After clerking one year 
in Burlington, Vermont, he worked four years at 
the tinners' trade; removed to Wisconsin and short- 
ly after returned to New York, but soon went to 



Cleveland, Ohio, where he was in the tin business; 
continued that line of trade at Winnebago City, 
Minnesota, from 1863 to 1875, then came to Gran- 
ite Falls; his was the first hardware store here. 
Married in 1854, to Miss A. F. Kidd. 

Dr. P. H. Wellcome was born in 1856 in Wis- 
consin, and at the age of two years accompanied 
his parents to Minnesota. Lived three years in 
Zumbrota, twelve years in Garden City and five 
years in New Ulm. After attending high school 
at Mankato two years he entered Rush Medical 
CoUege, Chicago; graduated in 1879 and the same 
year settled at Granite Falls. Mary Taylor became 
his wife in 1879; they have had one child: Mamie, 
now deceased. 

Benjamin Wethern, who is a native of Maine, 
was born in the year 1801, and resided in that 
state till 1851. Mr. Wethern was in mercantile 
trade in Pierce county, Wisconsin, from 1851 un- 
til 1872, when he came to East Granite Falls. He 
has married three times; in 1872, Mahala Putnam 
became his wife. 

H. J. Wilkinson, born in 18.56, is a native of 
West Virginia. When he was nine years of age 
he accompanied his father's family to Minnesota, 
and until 1879 lived in St. Peter. In 1879 he 
came to Granite Falls and has since been engaged 
in the book and stationery business. He married 
Miss Mma Ripley in 1880. 

Andrew Winter, native of Germany was born in 
1847. Upon coming to America in 1866 he locat- 
ed in Wisconsin, where he worked until 1873 at 
his trade, that of tinner: he was employed for a 
short time in St. Paul, after which he resided at 
Prescott, Wisconsin, till 1878, the date of his com- 
ing to Granite Falls; he built the store where he is 
engaged in the hardware business. Married in 
1874, Frances Ferner; Joseph and Theodore are 
their children . 

John Winter was born in 1868, in Eng- 
land. When thirty years old he embarked in 
the mercantile trade in Canad.i, but removed in 
1858 to Minnesota; was interested in grist and saw 
mills in Le Sueur county, until 1865 when he lo- 
cated at the Upper Agency ; he was the first set- 
tler in this county. In 1878 he removed to Granite 
FaUs and became proprietor of the Merchants' 
Hotel. Priscilla Parr, married to him in 1846, 
died in 1856; his second wife, Victoria Walker died 
in 1864, and in 1871 lie married Mrs. Jane Winter; 
they have six children. 



ny^ 



HISTORY OP THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



SIOITC AOENCr. 

Tliis towu was set apart for organization Sep- 
tember 4, 1866, while it was yet a part of Red- 
wood coimtj, and named YeUow Medicine. In 
1872 its boundaries were cut down by the estab- 
lishment of Yi-llow Medicine county. In March, 
1877 the present boundaries were fixed and the 
name changed to Sioux Agency. Upper Sioux 
Agency was established in 1853 and placed in 
charge of Mr. Robinson; it was located on the 
Yellow Medicine river about three miles above its 
mouth. Besides the necessary government build- 
ings there were several stores and the vUlage had 
at one time, sixty-two inhabitants. During the 
Indian outbreak ot 1862, the buildings were des- 
troyed; two kilns of brick were left partly burned, 
which were appropriated by John Winter. 

Tbe fii-i-t settlers, John Winter and Mrs. Desire 
Sanders, came in 1865. The latter with her son 
Benjamin and two daughters, located on the site 
of the old agency, and Mr. Winter located on the 
bottom lands and became the founder of Yel- 
low Medicine City ; the first store in the county, 
after the later settlement, that of Joseph Fortier, 
opened in 1866, was located at the old agency. In 
1868, N. T. Hoxie started a store ou the site of 
the village, which was laid out in 1869. Mr. For- 
tier moved his goods to the village, which at one 
time had two stores, a steam grist-miO, a hotel 
completed in 1874 liy Mr. Winter, blacksmith shop 
and a few dwellings ; when the county was organized 
this was the county seat, but that being removed 
and other villages cut'.ing oif its trade. Yellow 
Medicine City soon lost its standing and the build- 
ings were remnved to other places, leaving little to 
show at the present time. 

Yellow Medicine post-office is in charge of 
John Jacobs, postmaster; John Winter was the 
first postmaster. April 2, 1867, the first town 
meeting was held. First officers: O. N. Castle, 
chairman; B. F. Sanders and J. Q. Parke, super- 
visors; J. A. White, clerk; Joseph Doncaster, as- 
sessor; G. S. Johnson, treasurer; G. E. Olds and 
Henry Pratt, justices; lugebrit Johnson and O. 
N. Castle, constables; Mr. Pratt did not qualify. 

The first school was taught by J. W. R. Winter, 
in the fall of 1871 in a house belonging to Joseph 
Harper. 

T. C. Ellingson was born in 1853 in Norway. 
He was sailing about a year and was once 
shipwrecked on the St. Lawrence river. After 
visiting Chicago and Milwaukee he came into 



Minnesota in 1872 and settled in Sioux Agency 
township. Mr. Ellingson has served his town in 
various offices. In 1864 his widow mother mar- 
ried Lars Haagoiison who was born in 1840 in 
Norway. He and his step-son reside together. 

Joseph Falkingham, bom in 1819 in England, 
came to America in 1842. Remained about twenty- 
one years in Canada, threeyearsin Winona county 
Minnesota, and finally settled in Sioux Agency; 
has been supervisor and justice. Married in 1844 
Mary Wise; eight living children: Elizabeth, 
William, Mary, Ann, Jane, Joseph, Alfred and 
Alice. 

STONT RUN. 

This town is named for the creek that courses 
through it. It includes all south of the river of 
townships 116 and 117, range 40; the latter frac- 
tion was taken from Lac qui Parle county, October 
16, 1878. The first settlers, Charles and John 
Mooney, came in 1869; they were followed by L. 
M. Jensvold, Mathias Olson, Christian Christian- 
son, Torger and John Anderson. 

The first town election was held September 26, 
1871, while the town was yet in Redwood coxmty; 
officers elected: O. N. Nelson, chairman, John 
Helgeson and Rasmus Knudson, supervisors; Leon- 
ard Hazelden, clerk; A. J. Sundahl, treasurer; L. 
Hazelden, and O. N.Nelson justices. L. M. Jens- 
vold and Halver Swenson, constables. 

The Synod branch of the Norwegian Lutherans 
held services in 1871, and a society organized un- 
der H. Solseth; in 1874 the church was built on 
section 18, at a cost of §400. Rev. Ole Loken- 
gaard is pastor. Catholic services were conducted 
in 1873, by Father Brennan, of Birch Cooley, at 
Charles Mooney's. The first nchool was taught 
by Leonard Hazelden in the winter of 1871; the 
district was organized in Sept. of that year, but 
fimds not being available, the expense was paid 
by subscription. There are now five districts in 
the town and four frame schol-houses. 

A store was opened by K. E. and K. O. Neste, 
in 1872, and moved to Granite Falls about three 
years ago. Stony Run post-office was estaljlished 
about the same time, with K. E. Neste as post- 
master; Rollof RoUofson is now in charge and has 
the office at his house on section 17. Hans Blix 
and Mary Olson were the first married; it occur- 
red in 1873. Anton Jensvold, born in 1870 was 
the first birth. The first death was in the fall of 
1870, that of Mrs. Marie Nelson. 

Gustave Anderson was bom in Norway in 1848, 



y^JLLOW MEDICINE COUNTY. 



^93 



and came with parents to America when six years 
old. In the spring of 1872 he came to this town ; been 
assessor and supervisor. May 11, 1872, he mar- 
ried Mary Watson, in Wisconsin; Peter, Joseph, 
Gensina M., Gilbert and James M., are their 
children. 

P. A. Anderson, native of Norway, was bom Oc- 
tober 6, 1848. At the age of four years he came 
with parents to this country; lived in Wisconsin 
and in Fillmore county, Minnesota, until June, 
1872, when became to Stony Run; has 200 acres 
and has filled towii offices. In 1872 he married 
Caroline Johnson; children: Eliza, John, Anthony, 
Annie. 

Henry Bsnson was born in 1840, in Norway, 
and came in 1866 to America; lived in Winneshiek 
county, Iowa, until he ca me to this town in June, 
1871, and settled on 180 acres, sections 18 and 19 ; 
has been school treasurer. Married in Norway, 
in 1866, Jane Anderson; Lsna, Bertha, Jane, 
Elert, Albert, Matilda and an infant are the chil- 
dren. 

Judge Halvor S. Berg, native of Norway, was 
bom March 16, 1843. At the age of ten years he 
came with parents to Minnesota and lived in Fill- 
more county. In August, 1864, he enlisted in the 
11th Minnesota, and served until the end of the 
war. In 1872 he came to Stony Run and owns 
275 acres. In 1874 was member of legislature; 
has been county commissioner and is at present 
probate judge; has also held town offices. His 
wife was Torborg RoUefson, married in 1872; they 
have four children. 

Erik Christenson, bom in Norway in 1842, came 
to Dodge county, Minnesota, in 1866. In June, 
1869, he came to this town; has 160 acres on sec- 
tion 31, and also the same amount in the town of 
Tyro. Married in Norway, in 1863, and has eight 
chOdren. 

John Christensen was born in Norway in 1860, 
and came with parents to Minnesota in 1863; lived 
in Dodge county sis years then came to this town. 
Married Annie ToUefson in 1879 and has two chil- 
dren. His father. Christian Erickson, was born 
in Norway, and is one of the oldest settlers in this 
town, where he came, in 1869, \vlth his family. 

Torger Christensen, native of Norway, was born 
in 1845; came to Minnesota in 1863 and lived in 
Dodge county till June, 1869, then came to Stony 
Run. His wife was Anna Ellingsun Baarnaas; 
Ranil, Elling, Mary and Christian are the chil- 
dren. 



Ole L. Enstad was born in Norway in 1848 and 
came to Freeborn county, Minnesota in 1869; 
lived there three years then came to this town and 
took 160 acres on section 6. Married .Julia Kvam 
in 1872; Louis, Ellen, Mary and Henry are the 
children. 

Johannes A. Farse was born in Norway, in 1841, 
and in 1869 came to America; lived two years in 
Floyd county, Iowa, one year in Meeker county, 
Minnesota, and in 1873 made a claim of 160 acres 
in this town. He married Annie Johnson Strem- 
men in Norway, in 1809;^six children: John, 
Albert, Coren, Helmer, Annie and Berthina. 

Ole Hansen, native of Norway, was born in 1845 
and came to America in 1866; worked in Iowa 
and Wisconsin two years, and in the fall of 1869 
came to Minnesota and worked two years in Chip- 
pewa county, then took a claim in Stony Run 
township; has been school treasurer and town su- 
pei-visor. Married in St. Peter, in 1870, Mary 
Anderson ; they have one child living : Hannah, 
bom in 1881. Hannah, Louisa, Elizabeth, Mar- 
tin and Knudt died of diphtheria. 

L. M. Jensvold was born in Norway in 1843, 
and in 1866 came to Minnesota; lived in Fillmore 
county two years; in June, 1869, came to his 
present farm: was among the first settlers and the 
first of those now here, to bring his family; has 
been supervisor and school director. Annie Fred- 
erickson became his wife June 24, '62, in Norway; 
they have ten children living and have lost two. 

Chr. Lockrem was bom in Norway in 1831; 
immigrated in 1849 and settled in Dane county, 
Wisconsin, afterward worked at tinner's trade in 
Chicago, Cambridge and .Janesville; moved to In- 
dejiendence, Iowa, and followed his trade three 
years. In 1856 he began farmirig in Bice county, 
Minnesota, and ten years later moved to Goodliue 
county; in 1873 he came to this town, and bought 
160 acres on section 36. He has held various 
town offices in this and other counties. In 1858 
he married Gertrude Lien, in Rice county; tbey 
have nine children Hviug. 

Charles Mooney was bom in county Armagh, 
Ireland, about 1816. Came to New York in 1850, 
and from there moved to Virginia; after farming 
there about seventeen years he moved to Camp, 
RenviUe county, Minnesota, and early in the spring 
of 1869 came to this town. Married in Scotland, 
in 1850, JaneRied; they have nine children living. 

John G. Olson, born in Norway in 1837, came to 
America in 1868; spent one year in Iowa, and 



894 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



came to Stony Run, July, 1869. He has 139 
acres on sections 33 and 5: has been school di- 
rector and road overseer. Married in Chippewa 
county in 1871 Christina Blix; Annie, Louis, 
(Jeorgina and Ellen are the living children. 

Wentworth Paine was born in Ireland in 1855, 
and in 1877 came to Stony Run and bought 160 
acres on section 26. In 1877 he married Mary 
Watson. Susanna and Mary Jane are the chil- 
dren. His father, Enoch Paine, died in Wicklow, 
Ireland, in 1871, aged about 7G years. 

Knud Rollcfsou was born in Norway in 1826. 
Emigrated in 1861 and settled in Fillmore county, 
Minnesota. In June, 1876, he moved to Granite 
Falls and engaged in merchandise business, and 
continued four years. In the fall of 1879 he 
bought 320 acres in the town of Stony Kun ; has 
also 160 acres in Lisbon. In 18i8 he married 
Susan Olson. Roleff, Ole, Tilda, Isaac, Susan and 
Charles are the living children; six are dead. 

Joseph H. Watson was born in Ireland in 1858. 
When a child his parents moved to England, 
and from there to New Zealand, then returned to 
England. Came with parents to America in 1872 
and settled in the town of Stony Run. In 1880 
he married Anna Amelia Peterreins, and has one 
child, Isabella Anna. 

Samuel Watson was born in Ireland in 1856 and 
with his parents went to England and New Zealand 
and finally settled in this town, when about fifteen 
years of age. In October, 1877, he married Inga 
Jenson; Samuel and Martha are their chUdren. 
Samuel Watson Sr., was born in England in 1817; 
he died in this town, on the farm now occupied by 
Samuel, January 17, 1875. 

O. C. Wilson was born in Dodge county, Wis- 
consin; at two years of age he moved with his pa- 
rents to Columbia county and at the age of seven- 
teen began clerking in a store at Columbus; worked 
in Rio and Oconomowoc; in the spring of 1872 he 
canie to this town; has been town clerk and county 
commissioner. In 1875 he married Carrie Jur- 
gensen; Clarence E., Ella, George H. and Alfred 
J. are their children. 

SANDNES. 

The first settlers in the town were Ingebrit 
Johnson, Gerharth Garman, and Hallek Glaim, 
who came in 1866. Most of the settlers are from 
Norway. The town was set apart for organization 
in 1871, while in Redwood county, but the elec- 
tion was not held until March 12, 1872; first officers: 
O. J. Ochly, chairman; L. Lorwold and T. K. 



Reishus supervisors; O. S. Reishus, clerk; Tennis 
Hanson, as.sessor; Ingebrit Jdhusou, treasurer; 
O. E. Stevens, justice; Knut Kjemhus, constal)le. 

The Yellow Medicine congregation of the Nor- 
wegian Lutherans, built a church in 1879 which 
cost $2,300. Rev. Thomas Johnson conducted the 
first services in 1868 and the society organized the 
same year; there are now 550 members and Rev. 
Knud Thorstenson is pastor. 

The first school was taught in district No. 15, 
by T. S. Nordgard; there are now four frame 
school-houses in the town. Silliard post-office was 
established about 1872 and located at Johnson and 
Veldy's store in the northern part of the town ; the 
store was opened about the same time and is now 
owned by Mr. Veldy, the present postmaster. 
Vineland post-office was established about the 
same time with O. S. Reishus in charge; S. O. 
Reishus now has the office at his house. 

The first marriage in the town was Helen Glaim 
to O. E. Stevens, January 10, 1867. 

Hanry Anderson was born in Norway in 1840, 
and in 1857 emigrated to Wisconsin, and from 
there to Freeborn county, Minnesota, the siime 
year; moved to Fillmore county in 1861, and in 
February' 1862, enlisted in the Second Minnesota 
light artillery; was engaged in all principal bat- 
tles, and discharged in 1864. He farmed near 
Winona till 1868, then came to Sandnes. In 1860 
he married Anna Johnson; they have five chil- 
dren: Fred, Henrietta, Julius, Amandus, Milo. 

Ole T. Anderson, native of Norway, born in 1840, 
came to America in 1861, and worked for farmers in 
Wisconsin two years, then moved to Goodhue, 
county, Minnesota, and in 1868 came to Sand- 
nes; on section 14 be has 160 acres. In 1862 he 
married Miss Gunnellson Johnson. Christine, 
Susanna, John, Anton, and Mary are the children. 

H. K. Beetlend was born in Norway in 1845. 
In 1860 he came to Fillmore county, Minnesota, 
and in 1867 to Yellow Medicine county. In 1868 
he married Liva Jacobson; six children: Julia, 
Knut, Lewis, Josephine, Sarah O., Henry O. 

Ole J. Dahly, born January 17, 1841, in Nor- 
way, came to America in 1859; lived in Illinois 
and Iowa; came to Minnesota, then returned to 
Iowa, and again moved to Fillmore county, Min- 
nesota. In 1867 he came to Sandnes; has been 
chairman, assessor, justice and town clerk; was 
also coimty commissioner two terms. In 1865 he 
married Julia Olson, who bore three children: 
Betsey and Anna are living; his wife died in 1875, 



YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY. 



895 



and in 1876 he married Thoma A. Trydal ; Marget 
and John are the children. 

Siver Helkson was born in Norway in 1855, and 
located in Bock county, Wisconsin, in 1866. He 
learned the trade of blacksmith of his father, Hel- 
leik Siverson, who was born in Norway ;n 1828. 
Be learned the trade of blacksmith, and in 1866 
emigrated to Rock county, Wisconsin; came to 
Sandnes and lives on section 24. He married 
Isabel Kittleson in 1854, and has seven children. 

C. H. Nellie, born in Norway in 1852, came to 
America in 1869; he landed at Quebec and went 
to Columbia county, Wisconsin; he lived also in 
Dunn and Chippewa counties, and in 1875 came 
to Yellow Medicine county. November 17, 1877, 
he married Jennie Bestland; two children; Dina 
and Anna. 

Isaac Johnson was bom in Columbia county, 
Wisconsin.March 15,1853. He was raised on a farm 
and in 1879, came to Sandnes and lives on section 
25. In 1878 he married Maria Nordgood; they 
have one child, Elmer G. 

K. S. Kjemhus was born in Norway in 1838 and 
came to this country in 1854 and lived in Illinois 
till 1858; in 1859 he came to Fillmore county, 
Minnesota, and the nest year returned to Norway, 
but came again in 1861. He enlisted in 1862 and 
was sick until his discharge in 1863; in 1864 he 
enlisted in the First Minnesota heavy artillery and 
served through the war. In 1867 he came to Sand- 
nes. Married in 1868, Ohiia G. Stevens; seven 
children. 

Ole S. Kolhei was bom in Norway in 1845. In 
1860 he came to Fillmore county, Minnesota; was 
there five years, then moved to Iowa, and the next 
year came to this to^vn ; married Anna Simmond- 
son in October, 1873; Annett, Laurits, Elizabeth, 
OUai S. are the children. 

Ed. Knudson, native of Norway, was bom in 
1848, and came to Fillmore county, Minnesota, in 
1861; came to Yellow Medicine county in 1867 
and located in Sandnes; is supervisor. His wife 
was Julia Olson, married in 1867; one child, 
Jane A. 

O. G. Veldey was born in Norway in 1845 and 
came to this county in 1867; he lived in Fillmore 
county Minnesota until 1872,tlien came to this town, 
built a shop and worked at his trade, blacksmith, 
two years, and has kept the only store in the towu 
since; has been postmaster since 1873; has also 
been justice and treasurer. In 1877 he married 



Dena Hanson; three children, Enoch G., Tidlef A., 
Laurets O. 

Kev. K. Thorstensen, native of Norway, was 
born September 6, 1839; he received his educa- 
tion in a religious school and taught for two years; 
in 1860 he came to America and after teaching in 
Wisconsin and Minnesota, went to Lutheran Col- 
lege in Decorah, Iowa, and Concordia College in 
St. Louis. In 1866 he took charge of a Lutheran 
church in Wisconsin and in 1874 came to Sandnes 
and is pastor of the Yellow Medicine congrega- 
tion. November 2, 1866 he married Aasne Aslak- 
sen; four children: Margaret, Thorsten, Thone, 
Anna. 

O. E. Stevens was born in Norway in 1844. 
Came to America in 1860 and lived in Racine, Wis- 
consin, and then in Adams county. Came to 
Sandnes and has 200 acres on section 8; has been 
town clerk and justice. In August, 1863, he en- 
listed in Company K, 50th Wisconsin, and was in 
the army of the Potomac; had a narrow escape, 
bullets jjassing through his clothing and grazing 
his ears. January 10, 1872, he married Helen 
Glaim. Children.: Rodnia, Clara, Helena, and 
Petrina; his wife died April 9, 1880. 

Andrew O. Lende, born in Norway in 1845, came 
to America in 1864 and to Fillmore county, Min- 
nesota ; he lived there one year then went to Wi- 
nona and kept saloon two years; went back to 
Fillmore county, then moved to this town and lo- 
cated on section 10. He deals in stock; has been 
chairman, supervisor and constable. Iq 1872 
Mary Hanson became his wife; five children; Olai, 
Tennes, Mina A., Amanda and Mette. 

J. J. Stevens, native of Norway, was born Aj^ril 
12, 1846, and at the age of three came with par- 
ents to Wisconsin and lived near Milwaukee and 
in Adams county. In 1867 he came to Sandnes 
and located on section 10. January 29, 1871, he 
married Anna Barnson; their children are: Re- 
becca L., Peter C, John O., EUa, Benjamin, James 
A., Ida M. 

Ole Simundson was born in 1844 and came to 
America in 1863; located in Fillmore county, Blin- 
nesota, and in 1865 enlisted in Company D, as a 
recruit: served four and a half months; in 1867 
he came to Yellow Medicine eoimty, and located 
160 acres on section 10, Sandnes. Married Han- 
nah M. Johnson, December 9, 1869; Simund, 
Julius, Arent O., Elizabeth S. and Amelia are the 
children. 

S. L. OrwoU, native of Norway, was bom in 



896 



iiiarour ok tub Minnesota valley. 



1829. He learned the tnije of tailor and came to 
America aud worked at farming in Daue county, 
Wisconsin; in 1855 moved fo Adams county; in 
1868 he came to Sandnes. He has held nearly all 
the town offices and is now county commissioner. 
Married Martha Christiansim in 1851; they have 
seven children living: Christian, Lasse, Emma, 
Sarah L., Esther, Martha, Sylvester M. 

G. S. Reishus, native of Minnesota, was born in 
Rushford, Fillmore county, April 8, 1869. He at- 
tended the St. Olat College, at Northfleld, in 1876, 
then went to the Lutheran College at Deoorah 
Iowa, three years, and is now engaged in teaching 
school; at present he is teaching in district num- 
ber one, Sandnes township. 

NOKMANIA. 

Was organized while a part of Redwood county, 
under the name of Ree, and the iii'st town meeting 
held March 12, 1872; first officers: Ole O. Lende, 
chairman, O. O. Brusnee and P. J. Berre, super- 
visors; I. L. Kolhei, clerk; Halvor GuUikson, as- 
sessor; O. A. Oraas, treasurer; Ole O. Lende and 
I. L. Kolhei, justices; M. T. Myhre, constable. 
The name was changed to Normania by the legis- 
lature in 1874. 

The first settler was Halvor GuUikson, in 1867 ; 
OleO. Lende, Ole Brusreen and Ole Mailer came 
the nest spring. School district number 2 was 
organized in 1872, and the first school was taught 
by C. Christenson; there are now four organized 
districts. The Norwegian Lutherans have a church 
organization ; their first minister was Rev. Thors- 
ten Johnson. Stavenger post-office has been es- 
tablished several years; Reier Swendson is post- 
master. 

John N. Bisseberg was born in 1839, and resided 
in Norway, the land of his birth, until 1867, at 
which date he removed to Michigan, and soon af- 
terward to Minnesota. Until 1870 his home was 
in Dakota county, he then came to Normania. 
Married in 1871, Miss P. Bratberg; they have four 
children. 

A. O. Dotseth, who was born in 1853, is a na- 
tive of Norway. From 1868 to 1872 his home was 
in Steele county, Minnesota; he then removed to 
Normania and located at his present place, on sec- 
tion 6. Lizzie C. Fredrickson was married to him 
in 1879 and has borne two children; Anna C. is 
living. 

Halvor GuUikson, born in 1844, lived in Nor- 
way, his birthplace, until 1861. Went to Chicago, 
thence to Wisconsin, where in Januarv, 1862, he 



entered Company K, 15th infantry; was discharg- 
ed in 1863 because of sickness. Came to Nor- 
mania and has held town offices. Married in 1865, 
Christiana Martin : the children are Olons, Carl, 
Ola, Hannah, Clara, Emma, John and an infant. 

John J. Kise, who was born in Norway in 1843, 
was reared to manhood in his native country. In 
1870 he immigrated to Clayton county, Iowa, 
but removed in 1879 to the town of Normania. 
His marriage took place in 1878 with Stena Lar- 
son; the chUdren are EU, Loutis and Nellie. 

Osmend Knutson, whose native state is Minne- 
sota, was born in the year 1836 in FiUmore 
county. When only five years old he came to 
Normania and now lives on section 27. 

I. Kolhei, bom February 18, 1847, in Norway 
immigrated with his parents in 1860, to FiUmore 
county, Minnesota. Went to Iowa in 1866 but 
the next year settled in Sandnes, this county, and 
in 1870 came to Normania. From the organiza- 
tion of the town till 1881 he was clerk; has also 
been justice and county commissioner; is director 
of the Norwegian Mutual Fire Insurance Com- 
pany and treasurer of of St. Lucus church. Mar- 
ried in 1872, Miss C. Hareldson; three living chil- 
dren : Noken, Hagbert and Carlina. 

O. L. Lovsner, native of Norway, was liorn in 
January, 1843. At the age of thirteen removed 
to Elinois for one year, then lived untU 1872 in 
Fillmore county, Minnesota; at that date he came 
to Normania. Mr. Lovsner has held some town 
offices. In 1871 he married Ranny Tolifson; 
Anna, Eliza, Louisa, Olof and Edward are their 
chUdren. 

M. T. Myhre, was bom November 8, 1837 in 
Norway. In 1860 went to Michigan and to Chi- 
cago; untU 1863 he was in the employ of the UU- 
nois Central Railroad; his trade is that of boiler 
maker and engineer; he worked in several states 
and finaUy deafness compelled him to give up a 
position as raUroad engineer. Bought a farm in 
this county, but sold and went to Dane county ; 
since 1871 has lived at his place in Normania. In 
1865 he married Maria Nelson; they have lost one 
child; the living are Martin T., Marte M., Caroline 
L., Albert B. and Fritof A. 

Tobias K. Reishus was born May 10, 1843, in 
Norway. When eight years old he went with his 
mother to Dane county, M'isconsin, and three years 
later to Fillmore county, Minnesota. Enlisted in 
Company D, Eighth infantry and served from 
August, 1862, till war closed. In 1868 he removed 



YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY. 



897 



to Sandnes, but now lives on his farm in Normania. 
He has held town offices and was the first county 
sheriff. Married February 5, 1867, Anna Kolhei; 
the children are Alata, Knut, Maria, Laures, Anna 
T. and Ametia E. 

Keier Swendson, who was born in 1844, lived 
until until twelve years of age in Norway, the land 
of his birth, then immigrated to Iowa. He en- 
listed and served over two years in a regiment of 
Iowa cavalry. Mr. Swendson migrated to Fillmore 
county, and that was his home until 1874 when he 
came to Normania. He has held different town 
offices and is postmaster at Stavenger. Married in 
1866, Julia Thompson. 

MINNESOTA FALLS. 

This town is in the eastern part of the county 
and contains about thirty square miles. The mis- 
sion stations of Bevs. T. S. Williamson and S. K. 
Riggs, previously mentioned, were located in this 
town. The first actual settlers, George S. John- 
son and D. P. Lister came in October, 1865; other 
early settlers were J. A. White, J. Q. Parke, John 
Doncaster, J. Soward, John Fuszard, O. N. Cas- 
tle, G. H. Coburn and Isaac Willey. 

Julius a son of Mr. White, born in 1866, was 
the first birth in the town. 

The village of Minnesota Falls is located on a 
point of land made by a bend in the Minnesota 
river, and was laid out in 1871. The first settlers 
on the site were J. H. Coburn, in 1870 and G. L. 
Letts in 1871. G. H. Fuszard opened a store in 
the sprin^*of 1872, and S. S. Russell opened in 
August; a hotel was built by Wm. Dodge. In 
1871 a saw-mUl was built by Horace Austin and 
Park Worden, the original proprietors of the town 
site; a grist-mill was added in 1872. S. M. Yearly 
started a store in 1874. The Methodists began 
holding services at the hotel in 1872, under the 
leadership of S. S. Russell; a church was begim in 
1875 but not completed. The town proved a fail- 
ure; the hotel was moved to Granite Falls, the 
mills were burned, and the only store now in the 
place, is Mr. Yearly's. The post-office was estab- 
lished in 1872 with G. M. Coburn as post-master; 
J. M. Barkey, now has the office. 

During the winter of 1872, E. H. Sorlein and 
Bros, built a grist-mill on the Yellow Medicine 
river in section 35; it is a two story mill with four 
run of stone. Sorlein post-office was established 
in July, 1878, with E. H. Sorlein in charge. 

The first town meeting was held April 5, 1873. 
officers elected ; T. O. S. Minthorn, chairman. C. 

57 



E. Clark and W. A. Monroe, supervisors; W. A. 
Dodge, assessor; S. S. Russell, treasurer; J. A. 
Ltwis and Fraud Everson, justices; L. Barrett and 
D. Dibble, constables: C. P. Griswold, overseer of 
poor; W. A. Dodge, poundmaster. 

A. Buffum, native of New Hampshire, was born 
October 31, 1826, in Cheshire county. He removed 
to Sheboygan county, Wisconsin and enlisted from 
that slate in Company E, 36th Wisconsin; was dis- 
charged at the close of the war at Washington, 
D. C. In 1874 he came to Minnesota Falls. 

Scott Bundy, who is a native of Otsego county. 
New York, was born February 27, 1853, and after 
leaving the common schools, stijdied several terms 
in a seminary. He removed to Minnesota and in 
the spring of 1876 came to Minnestoa Falls. Mr. 
Bundy has been town clerk several terms. In 
1879 his marriage occurred w^th Julia Kelehan; 
one child: Cathtrine Luella. 

Lewis Dibble, a native of New York, was born 
October 8, 1829, in Delaware county. In 1856 ho 
located in Cottage Grove township, Washington 
county, but removed in 1867 to section 26 of Min- 
nesota Falls. In 1848 Mr. Dibble married Han- 
nah Franklin who died in 1867; she has borne him 
seven children; five are living. 

Joseph Doncaster was born September 16, 1823, 
in England, but since 1853 has been a resident of 
America. After residing two and one-half years 
in Sheboygan county, W^isconsin, he removed to 
Crawford county. In 1862 he enlisted in Com- 
pany K, 12th Wisconsin, and in 1863 was dis- 
charged for disability. He located on section 
15, of Minnesota Falls in 1866. He married in 
1854, Caroline Fuszard. 

George S. Johnson was born December 18, 1838, 
in Newark, New Jersey. From 1861 to 1863 he 
served in Company F, 57th New York, and from 
January to August, 1865, in Company E, 33d 
New Jersey. In October, 1865, he located on his 
farm on section 24 of this town. Married in 1859, 
and his wife died in 1862. Mary Sharp became 
his wife in 1866. 

Peter Kelehan, who is a native of Ireland, was 
born in 1826. He emigrated from there in 1849 
and became a resident of America; his home was 
in Bridgeport, Connecticut, until 1872, at which 
date became to Minnesota Falls, and in 1874 took 
a claim of 160 acres on section 8. Catherine Gel- 
shon became his wife in 1854, and six of the eight 
children she has borne him are living. 

J. F. Langmaid was born in April, 1836, iu Mer- 



898 



UlsrOliY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



rimac county, New Hampshire. When eleven years 
old he removed to Grafton county, and at the age 
of sixteen went to New Jersey; he taught tliere 
and subsequently in his native county, also en- 
gaged in farming. Since the spring of 1880 he 
has lived on section 24, of Minnesota Falls. Mar- 
ried in 18.59, Mary .\nn Mordeu. They had three 
cliildren; one died in infancy; Josie was murdered 
October 4, 1875, in New Hampshire, while return- 
ing from school, and Waldo died of grief. 

George L. Letts, native of England, was boru 
June 2S, 184(5. He served seven years at black- 
smithing, also learned locomotive blacksmith work ; 
upon coming to America in 1868 he located at 
Meadville, Pennsylvania; worked at his trade 
some time there and was afterward employed 
eighteen months in car shops at Minneapolis; fol- 
lowed blacksmithing at Minnesota Falls until 
1881 when he began in the machine trade at 
Granite Falls; Mr. Letts is town treasurer. Mar- 
ried Myra Palmer in 1866: they have seven 
children. 

B. H. Monroe was born .July 31, 1823, in Alfred, 
New York. After being in business there four 
years he engaged in farming for some years, was 
also in the lumber business iu Wisconsin: in 1865 
he settled in Dodge county, Minnesota, then kept 
a store eighteen mouths, after which he was em- 
ployed iu farming and clerking; finally opened a 
hotel at Minnesota Falls, but it burned. Mr. Mon- 
roe has been county commissioner and sheriff, also 
held town offices. Married in 1843 Samantha 
Hunt; three living children. Martha Bood was 
married to him in 1861. 

J. Q. Parke was boru August 1, 1824, in Lee, 
Oneida county. New York, and remained there 
until 21 years old. He was employed four years 
as clerk in Deerfield, Massachusetts, and eight 
years in Springfield. From 1859 to 1862 he was 
in Missouri; on a farm at Springfield; afterward 
went to Illinois and New York. From the fall of 
1864 till the war closed he served in Company L, 
115th New York engineers. In 1866 he came 
west, and has a farm in Minnesota Falls. He has 
been town supervisor and treasurer. Married in 
1861 Sarah Jane Keed; one child, Henry, is 
deceased. 

D. W. Sherman was bom in Oswego county, 
New York, March 4, 18.34. At the age of five he 
went with his parents to Illiuuis, where he lived in 
Fulton county and Chicago until 1853, then went 
to California and stayed six yeirs: he returned to 



Illinois, and two years after came to Minnesota 
and located at Rochester. In 1862 enlisted in 
Company B, lOfch Minnesota, and took active part 
iu the Indian war; served until the close of the 
war, and in 1868 settled in Minnesota Falls. 
Married Carftline Young in 1861; they have three 
children living. 

E. H. Sorlieu was born in Norway January 16, 
1846. In 1S57 he came to this country and after 
one year at LaCrosse, Wisconsin, moved to Waton- 
wan county, Minnesota, and from there to Linden, 
Brown county. In 1876 he came to Minnesota 
Falls and started a mill. Was supervisor two 
years and is county comnrissioner. Josephine 
Christine Holdorson became his wife in 1876; two 
children living. 

Andrew Steele, native of Scotland, was bom in 
February, 1848. Emigrated to Canada in 1856, 
learned the miller's trade and in 1872 came to 
Minnesota; worked at his trade in Dundas three 
and one-half years, then came to Minnesota Falls 
and worked in a mill until it barned; since then 
he lias been farming. Married in 1872, Julia H. 
Sabin, who has four living children. 

James Walker was born in Ireland, in October, 
1849. In 1850 his parents emigrated and settled 
at Mentor, Ohio; he lived there until he came to 
Minnesota Falls in 1872; is chairman of t'wn 
board. In 1864 he enlisted in Company I, 23d 
Ohio, and served till the close of war. In 1870 
he married Mary Thompson. 

S. M. l^early was bom in Cheshire county. New 
Hampshire, October 15, 1827. .\ccompanied his 
parents to Vermont where he studied law, and was 
admitted to practice in Wisconsin iu 1850; he 
began practice in Boston, Mass., and contfnued 
till 1856; came to Owatonna, Minnesota, and was 
appointed county attorney before the first term of 
court in that county; practiced there until 1874 
then came to Minnesota Falls. Has been court 
commissi(3ner six years and justice of the jieace. 
Married in 1851, Clara Culver; she died December 
25, 1870. In 1874 he married Lydia Glasgow; 
two children living. 

LISBON. 

This town is composed of township 116, range 
41. The first settlers were H. J. Holtan, Ole 
Araundson, Ingebrit Tugebritson, B. E. Molstad, 
Mrs. Mary Bakken and Olo Halverson; they came 
in .Tune, 1871, and later came Iver Larson, Halvor 
Lee, Axel Faloh and .Jacob Olson. The first town 
meeting was held September 20, 1873, at which 



YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY. 



899 



were elected: B. E. Molstad, chairman, N. O. Nor- 
man and John Dronen, supervisors: Iver Larson, 
clerk; H. J. Hollan, treasurer; Theo. Stoltenberg 
andF. Johnson, justices; Ole Amundsen and Paul 
Iverson, constables. 

The first school was taught by Hans Christian- 
son in 1872. A school-house was built in 1878 in 
district No. 28. There are four organized districts 
and three buildings. 

The conference branch of the Norwegian Luth- 
eran church was organized in 1871; Rev. Erickson 
conducted the first services and Rev. O. N. Berg is 
present pastor; the society owns eighty acres of 
land on section 24, where the parsonage is located. 

The first marriage was that of Iver Lund, in 
1872. John N., son of Theodore Stoltenberg, born 
January 21, 1874, was the first birth. In Septem- 
ber, 1872, occurred the first death, an infant son of 
Kudt. Solomenson. 

Gust. Halvorson was born in Norway, October 
13, 18.53. After the age of sixteen he was depen- 
dent Tipon his own exertions; came to America and 
lived in Wisconsin and Iowa tintil settling in Min- 
nesota; since March, 1878, his home has been in 
Lisbon. Married m 187.5 Anna Ottoson. Mr. 
Halvorson has taught school since coming to Lis- 
bon; they have two boys and two girls. 

Ole S. Heimark, native of Norway, was born 
January 5, 1846. He came to this country in 1866 
and lived on a farm in Winneshiek county, Iowa, 
until coming in the spring of 1875, to his farm in 
Lisbon. Martha Johnson, was married to Mr. 
Heimark in 1871; they have six children. 

Lewis E. Larsen was born April 28, 1857, near 
Rochester Minnesota; his father was among the 
first settlers of Olmsted county; lived on the farm 
with his parents until coming in October, 1881, to 
Lisbon, where he keeps a general store, the only 
one in the j^lace. Mr. Larsen has one brother and 
one sister. Stark J. and Martha E. who live with 
their parents in Olmsted county. 

Timan H. Lee, a native of Norway ,was born May 
19, 1849. At the age of nineteen he came to the 
United States. Was employed on a farm in Wa- 
"basha county, Minnesota, but has lived since 1870 
in Lisbon where he has held some town offices; 
Christiana Foss liecame the wife of Mr. Lee in Jan- 
uary, 1880; they have one child, Oliver. 

N.J. Nelsen was born August 30,1845 in Norway; 
while he was a young boy his father died and his 
mother still hves in Norway. Mr. Nelson immi- 
grated to Wisconsin in 1867, but removed in 1870 



to Minnesota, and since 1873 has been a resident of 
Lisbon; he has served his town as chairman of 
the board. In 1875 he married Louisa Olsen, a 
native of Wisconsin, and has three children. 

Ole Olson was born September 13, 1850, in Nor- 
way; came to America in 1870; was in Michigan, 
also in Wyoming and Utah territories,mining. Re- 
turned in 1875 to Norway but the next year immi- 
grated to Wisconsin and remained in that state 
until coming to Minnesota; in 1879 he came to 
his farm in ' Lisbon. Married in March, 1877, 
Emma Rosse. 

- Theodore Stoltenberg was born March 19, 1832 
in Norway, and was ship's mate on the seas for a 
number of years. In 1866 he immigrated to 
Olmsted county, Minnesota and in 1873 moved to 
Lisbon. Mr. Stoltenberg has been county com- 
missioner, also justice of the peace and supervisor. 
Anna Johnson, became his wife in 1866. They 
have seven children. 

WOOD LAKE. 

The town of Wood Lake is situated in the east- 
ern part of the county and includes all of congress- 
ional township 114, range 39. It was here that 
the decisive battle of the Indian war between the 
forces of General Sibley and those of Little^ Crow, 
was fought. The remains of the trenches used 
by them, are stOl visible. 

The first settlers were William Churchill and 
Samuel Ferguson, and came in 1868. Other early 
settlers are Prof. S. A. Hall and brothers, Rinaldo 
and Benjamia, James Cohglan, H. N. Tibbils and 
Jacob Barr. 

The first election was held November 1, 1873, 
and S. A. Hall elected chairman, Daniel Smith and 
H. N. Tibbils, supervisors; B. G. Hall, treasurer; 
Evan Hegland and J. A. Cohglan, justices: Wil- 
lim Cook and James Purington, constables. The 
town has four school districts, one entire and three 
joint with other towns. The Methodists have an 
organized society and hold services in the school- 
house in district number 7. 

A. H. Cook, born September 14, 1832, in Can- 
ada, went to New York when twelve years old, in 
company with his parents. Seven years later re- 
moved to Washington county, Minnesota, which 
was his home for twenty-seven years, he then came 
to Wood Lake. Enlisted in Company F, Hatch's 
battalion and served one year. Married in 1861 
Melissa Palmer; Mary E., Henry R., George S., 
Cornelia A., Jennie E. and Ettie O. are their Hving 
children. 



900 



HISTOliY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



R. B. Cooley, native of New York, was born in 
1837. Enlisted in Comi);iny M, lOth New York 
artillery, and served nearly three years. In 1867 
he came to Minnesota; lived two years in Steele 
county and tliree years in Waseca county, then 
settled in Wood Lake where he has filled various 
town offices. Married in 1861, Sarah Kenney; 
Kosa Belle is their only child. 

Hon. S. A. Hall, native of Jefferson county. New 
York, was born in 183.5. In 184.5 accompanied 
his parents to Wisconsin and in 1861 graduated 
from the Madison University; immediately after- 
ward took charge of the Wesleyan Seminary at 
Eau Claire. He raised a company in the 5th Wis- 
consin, and became its captain; was mustered out 
in 186.5. Since 1869 he has lived in Minnesota; 
is now located in Wood Lake; has served in the 
state senate and was chairman of the board of ed- 
ucation. Married in 1868, Miss E. L. Knapp; the 
children are Charles F., Addie L., Mary R., Ben- 
jamin and Albert H. 

J. F. Hannah was born March 21, 18-17, in Can- 
ada. Went to Michigan at the age of thirteen, 
and siven years later to Cleveland, Ohio; after 
living several years in Faribault and Hastings, 
Minnesota, he located on section 12 of Wood Lake. 
Married in 1877, Mary McCulloch; they have two 
children: William J. and Robert T. 

L. W. Olson, native of Illinois, was born in 1851. 
Accompanied his parents to Wisconsin, thence to 
Minnesota and located at Red Wing; his home is 
now in the town of Wood Lake. The marriage of 
Mr. Olson with Betzie Harrison took place in 1881 ; 
they have a daughter, Esther C. 

John Purington was born in 1844 in Massachu- 
setts. While he was a boy his father died and he 
went with his mother to New Hampshire. En- 
listed in Company C, 1st heavy artillery of that 
state; served about two years. Came to Minne- 
sota and lived in Owatonna until 1872, then came 
to Wood Lake. Cornelia Dix, born in 1845 in 
Wisconsin, became his wife in 1868; two children: 
Jay and Merton. 

F. Robson, bom in 1833, in England, came in 
1856 to America. Lived in Olmsted county, Min- 
nesota, until coming in 1874, to Wood Lake; he 
owns a farm here, has served in different town 
offices and since 1879 has been postmaster. Mr. 
Robson was in the federal army three years; en- 
listed in Company F, 9tli Minnesota. He married 
in 1860, Mary Potter, who has had five children; 
Eunice C. and Sarah L. arc living. 



Lorenzo Satchwell was born in 1839, in New 
York. When twenty yoars old he went to Wisccm- 
sin; four years afterward he came to INIinuesota 
and stayed about five years then returned to Wis- 
consin; since 1878, his home has been in the town 
of Wood Lake. Miss Sarah Barr, native of Wis- 
consin, was married to him in 1861, and has borne 
him seven children; the living are Theodore H., 
Mary A., Ernest R., Sherman D., Ransom E. and 
Roscoe E. 

Daniel Smitli was lK)rn in 1814, in Vermout,and 
when twelve years old went with his -parents to 
New York. From 1837 to 1841 he was in Ohio, 
and then till 1870 in Illinois, at that time he came 
toMiniesota; his home is now in Wood Lake, 
where he has filled various town offices. Married, 
in 1845, Eliza James; she was born in 1823, in 
England. They have an adopted son, George A. 

Henry T. Sowl, deceased, was born in New York, 
in 1803. The children by Mr. Sowl's first mar- 
riage were Polly, William R., Charles W., Phcebe 
M., Henry D., Cynthia, Lydia M. and Dela Verne. 
His second wife was Rhoda B. Newton, born in 
1823, and married in 1849. They came to this 
county in 1870 and located in Wood Lake, where 
his widow and family now live. The children are 
Joseph B., Benjamin F., Samuel S., and .\braham 
L. The death of Mr. Sowl <-.ccurred June 9, 1881. 

(). J. Swan, native of Maine, was born August 
27, 1839. From 1850 till 1861, his home was in 
St. Anthony; he then enlisted in Company K, 5th 
Iowa, and served over three years. After living 
fourteen years in Dakota county, he removed to 
Wood Lake. Miss O. V. Nichols became his wife 
in 1868; they have three children: Frederick, R., 
Albert B. and George L. 

H. N. Tibbils was bom in 1836, in Auburn, New 
York. He went to Wisconsin, and in 1869 came 
to Minnesota, and lives on section 22, Wood Lake. 
Mr. Tibbils has served his town in different offices. 
He was married in 1858 to Anna Hall, she was 
born in Jefferson county. New York ; they have an 
adopted child, Isabelle. 

ECHO. 

The town of Echo was originally called Empire. 
It is in the south-eastern corner of the county, and 
was first settled in 1869 by Robert Houston, G. B. 
. iller, W. -J. Radford, D. S. Brown and Eli 
Broughton. The first town meeting was held 
March 31, 1874, at which were elected: Thomas 
Mather, chairman; J. W. Atkinson and James 
Brown, supervisore; Samuel Mather, clerk: A. H. 



YELLOW MEDLCINE COUNTY. 



901 



Yarns, assessor and treasurer; Samuel Mather and 
G. B. Miller justices; John Kitson and D. S. 
Brown, constables; Robert Atkinson, overseer of 
poor. The first religious services were conducted 
by Prof. S. A. Ha«, in 1873, at the house of Rob- 
ert Houston. The first school was taught by Jen- 
nie Grimmer in the summer of 187.5. There is 
now only one district in the town. 

Friedrig Machlanburg was bom in Germany in 
1828. In 1858 he came to America and located 
in Watertown, Wisconsin; twelve years later he 
went to Columbus, and in 1872 removed to Brown 
county, Minnesota; in 1877 caine to Echo. In 
January, 1865, he enlisted in Company A, Third 
Wisconsin, and served till the war closed. In 

1852 he married his first wife, who died in 1869; 
in 1870 he married his present wife; he has eleven 
children, five by his first wife. 

Samuel Mather was bom in England, August 
23, 1829; he learned the trade of machinist; in 
1850 he removed to Virginia, and in 1855 to 
Hastings, Minnesota, where his father ran a 
machine shop until his death, in 1868. Samuel 
Mather went on a farm in 1858, and in 1865 
enlisted. In 1873 he came to Yellow Medicine 
county, and owns 1,200 acres of land in difl'erent 
towns, with about 500 acres under cultivation. In 

1853 he married Catherine De Pue, who has borne 
him six children; three are living. Echo post- 
oiBce was started in 1878 at his place. 

G. B. Miller was born in Lanark county, Can- 
ada, February 8, 1839. He came to Wabas-ha 
county, Minnesota, at the age of twenty-six years, 
and Uved there and in Goodhue county until 1869, 
when he came to this town. Married in June, 
1866. Miss Ann Radford: Martha E., Thomas A., 
Mary E., Ella J., Sadie M. and William G. are 
their children. 

William J. Radford was born in Canada in 1843, 
and at the age of eighteen began working in the 
lumber woods; in 1869 he moved to Minnesota, 
and in May of that year took a homestead in this 
town; he was one of the first settlers. He has 
been chairman, supervisor, justice and assessor. 
In 1868 he married Isabella Robinson; their chil- 
dren are WilHam, Wallace. Jennie A., Maggie and 
Anabell; one child died in Canada. 



CHAPTER LXXXIX. 

NORMAN CANBY HAZEL RUN HAMMER — SWEDE 

PBAIBIE FRIENDSHIP FLORIDA — • WERGELAND 

POSEN BURTON OSHKOSH TTRO — OMRO 

FORTIER. 

Norman is the most important town in the west- 
ern part of th'j county, and had the county of 
Canby been organized, as was attempted a few 
years since, would have contained the county seat. 
In June, 1870, the first claim was taken by A. G. 
Gulmon, of Fillmore county, on section 32. He 
returned to Yellow Medicine, and while on his way 
met S. A. Hegaard, Friber Olson and John Bryn- 
gulson, also from Fillmore county, and directed 
them to his claim ; they all located in tlie southern 
part of the town. The next year Thor Olson and 
Knut Christianson took claims further down the 
river. During 1872 and 1873 most of the land 
near the Lac qui Parle river was taken. 

The first township officers were elected April 7, 
1874. The list is not complete as the early rec- 
ords are missing; A. G. Gulmon was chairman, 
Christian Houg and Borne Peterson, supervisors; 
John Swenson, clerk ; John Paulson, assessor ; An- 
drew Knudson, treasurer; A. G. Gulmon, justice; 
Friber Olson, constable. 

The Lutheran parish school taught by Chris- 
tian Houg at private houses in 1875-"6 was the 
first. The first public school was taught by An- 
drew Overson in 1877 at the house of Gustave 
Erickson. The first religious services were held 
by Rev. N. Brandt, Norwegian Lutheran, at the 
house of Friber Olson July 10, 1871. The so- 
ciety now occupies the school-house in Canby and 
numbers 359 members with Olof Hoel as pastor. 

Magnus Anderson was born in 1826 in Norway, 
and in 1866 came to America. He located in 
Houston county, Minnesota, and his home was 
there five years with the exception of about one 
year spent in Iowa. Since the spring of 1872 he 
has lived in Norman. Married Mena Olson in 
1858, and has had sis children ; the Living are C. 
M., Anna, Carrie and Edward. 

Martin Gilbertson, native of Norway, was born 
in 1858, and when twelve years old came with his 
father to the United States. After living seven 
years in Houston county, Minnesota, he came in 
1877 to Norman. January 17, 1880, Mary Oluf- 
son became his wife; their child, Hilda Caroline, 
died here April 1, 1881, aged six months. 



902 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Nelson Gilbert was born in 1854 in Norway. 
When sixteen years old he came with his parents 
to America; lived in Wiaoousin until 1879 when 
he came to Lincoln county, Minnesota, and in the 
fall of 1881 to this town. He raarriod in 1875, 
and his wife died in the summer of 1880. Mr. and 
Mrs. Erik Knudson settled here in 1875; their 
children are Tina, Petrina and Annie; Mr. Knud- 
son died in 1879, and liis widow became the sec- 
ond wife of Mr. Gilbert in 1881. 

Martin A. Gulrud, native of Norway was bom 
in 1842, and when eleven years of age accompan- 
ied his parents to the United 8tates and located in 
Houston county, Minnesota. Enlisted in Com- 
pany D, Second Minnesota cavalry; served from 
January, 1863, to December, 1865. In 1867 he 
took a farm in Wilmington, but since 1872 his 
home has been in Norman. Married August 3, 
1868, Martha Larson; Louis, Adolph C, Bernard 
M. and Clara M. are the living children. 

A. G. Gulmon was born in 1841 in Norway, and 
in 1851 came with his parents to America. Lived 
three years in Wisconsin, then in Fillmore county, 
Minnesota, until twenty years of age when he re- 
turned to Wisconsin for three years then came 
again to this state. In June, 1870, he came to 
Norman and took the first claim in the town; at the 
first town meeting he was elected justice and has 
held other offices. Married in 1870, Annie Law-, 
rence; has sis living children : John, Laura, Ida, 
Gilbert, Lawrence and .Julia. 

Syver Hegaard, born in Norway in 1838, learn- 
ed the trade of carpenter.and in 1868 he immigra- 
ted to America ; resided in Fillmore county, Minne- 
sota, imtil 1870; June of that year he came to 
Norman as one of the earliest settlers; he built the 
first house in town; Earen Johnson was married 
to him in 1868, and has sis children living; An- 
drew, John, Martin, Charles, Olans and Albert. 

Christian Houg, born in Norway in 1841, came 
to tliis country in 1867; after living on a farm in 
Houston county, Minnesi)ta, one year he went to 
La Crosse county, Wisconsin, and remained about 
three years; taught school winters. Since 1872 
his home has been in Norman; he taught the first 
school here and has held dilTeront town t)ffices. 
Betsy Erickson, became his wife in 1872; they 
have lost four children; only one is livi. g, Adolph. 
Bev. Olaf Hoel was born in 1841 in Norway; 
from 1868 to 1871 he lived in FiUmore county, 
Aliunesota, engaged chieHy in teaching. He 
studied eighteen months in the Norwegian Luth- 



eran College at Pecorah, Iowa, and three years in 
St. Louis; graduated July 3,1876; was ordained 
July 16th of that year, and came to this town as 
pastor of Stephanus church, also has charge of the 
congregation at Minnef)ta. Married August 19, 
1876, Mary Lund; they have three children: Han- 
nah, Wilhelm M. and an infant. 

Andrew Knutsen, who is a native of Norway, 
was born in 1846. Immigrated to the United 
States in 1868; after working four years in Fill- 
more county, Minnesota, he came to this town in 
1872; has officiated as town treasurer and assessor. 
In 1872 he married Mary Mathisou who died in 
1879, leaving one son: Anton; Anna Bindiksen 
became his wife in 1881. 

Ole N. Lien was born in 1842 in Norway. He 
worked at carpentering until 1869, when lie settled 
in Houston county, Minnesota, and worked on a 
farm there four years. In the spring of 1873 he 
came to Norman; has served his town as treasurer. 
MissOlena Simonson became his wife in 1869; they 
have seven children : Anna, Emma, Nels, Netta S., 
Thea, Hannah M. and Alette L. 

Ole O. Lokken, native of Norway, was born in 
1845 and came in 1869 to the United States. 
After working four years in FOlmore county, 
Minnesota, he came in 1873 to Yellow Medicine 
county; resided two years in Wergeland and since 
May, 1875, his home has been in Norman, where 
he has officiated three years as supervisor; married 
in 1871, Mathia Peterson. The children living 
are, Ole, Petra, Martin, Peter and Albert. 

Arnt Olufson is a native of Norway, where he 
was born in 1855, and came with his parents to the 
United States in 1865. Resided in Houston 
county, Minnesota, until the summer of 1873, when 
he removed to this town with his mother who took 
a claim on section 14; in 1878 Mr. Olufson took 80 
acres on which he has since Uved. In 1877 Miss 
Lena Paulson became his wife. They have two 
children, Matilda J., and Samuel O. 

Jens Nicolay Pedersou, who was born iu 1841, 
is a native of Norway where he learned the busi- 
ness of stone mason. Since 1866 he has been a 
resident of America; worked at his trade seven ■ 
years in Houston county, Minnesota, but in the 
spring of 1872 he located iu this town. Mr. 
Pederson married in 1867, Mary Erickson who has 
borne him seven children; the living are, Martina, 
Nels, Peterina and John. 

Charles Swcndson was born in 1840 in Norway; 
immigrated ui 1866 to America. He worked two 



YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY. 



903 



years iu Goodhue coTinty, Minnesota, and in the 
pineries the same length of time. In 1872 he came 
to Yellow Medicine county and chose a farm of 160 
acres in Nonnan; was one of the early settlers of 
the town. Married in 1874, Mary Everson; the 
children are Lem J., Thea C, John and Eena. 

John A. Tvedt was born in 1851, in Norway, and 
in 1872, came to America; lived four years at La 
Crosse, Wisconsin; he came herein the spring of 
1876, and took 160 acres on section 10. • Miss 
Lena, daughter of Harry Larson Bye, of Wood- 
bury county, Iowa, became the wife of Mr. Tvedt, 
July 19, 1879. 

VILLAGE OF C.INBY. 

In August, 1876, the village of Canby was laid 
out on land owned by the railroad company and 
occupies the northwest quarter of section -3, town 
of Norman. The site proved a good one, and 
Canby has grown rapidly, and taken her place 
among the enterprising business points of the 
Northwest, with a population of about 400. Canby 
was incorporated in 1879; the first officers were: 
Jolui Swenson, president of council, E. P. LeSuer, 
Gustave Erickson and H. G. Smith, trustees; H. C. 
Westby, recorder; O. N. Lund, treasurer; Nels 
Landru, justice; L. C. Mosier, marshal. 

The first store was opened by John Swenson, in 
his claim shanty, in 1872, with a stock of goods 
amounting in value to fifty dollars. Mr. Swenson 
has grown with the town and is now the leading 
business man, owning a mill, an elevator, a general 
store, a lumber yard, besides being engaged in the 
sale of agricultural imj^lements. Almost every 
branch of business is represented in the village. 
There is a newspaper, "The Canby News," edited 
by A. M. Morrison; two banks; two law firms; a 
flouring mill with three run of stone, capacity 
eighty barrels per day ; several general stores with 
large and complete stock of goods; hardware and 
drug stores. There are two lumber yards, one 
livery stable and three hotels; the LeSuer House 
is the most prominent. The village school build- 
ing is a credit to the place, and was erected at a 
cost of about .|3,000. The Norwegiau Lutheran 
church society occupies the building for worship. 
The Baptists also have an organization. The vil- 
lage officers for 1882, are H. C. Westby, president, 
Gustave Esickson, A. W. Chester and MUo Gates, 
M. D., trustees; Nels Erickson, recorder; John 
Swenson, treasurer; John Moore, justice; N. K. 
Landru, marshal. 

John P. Arnott was born in Hanover, Indiana, 



in 1852. He completed his education in 1876 at 
the Indiana Sta*^e University; read law at Madi- 
son, and was admitted to the bar in September, 
1876, at Bloomington, Indiana, and practiced 
there two years. In 1878 he came to Canby and 
opened a law and land office. He has been vil- 
lage attorney and dei^uty clerk of court for Yel- 
low Medicine county; also member of village 
council. In 1880 he married Maggie J. Davis. 

S. T. Bland wa.s bom in Indiana in 1844, and 
moved to IlLinois when eight years old. In 1862 
he enlisted in the 123d Illinois infantry, and 
served three and one-half years; returned to Illi- 
nois, and moved to Missouri and Kansas; in 1870 
he came to Minnesota, and was in business in 
various places until 1880, when he engaged iu the 
saloon business at Canby. In 1874 he married 
Eva Beatty. 

A. E. Chase, native of Maine, was born in 1853, 
and in childhood moved to Wisconsin. He com- 
pleted his education at the Oshkosh Commercial 
College in 1872, and then entered mercantile bus- 
iness; for four years he was deputy clerk of court 
in Winnebago county, and in 1878 came with a 
company and settled in what became Oshkosh 
township. Yellow Medicine county; in 1881 he 
came to Canby and was made clerk of the 
Exchange bank when it was started in January, 
1882. In 1874 he married Alida E. Little. 

M. E. Dodge was born in Genesee county. New 
York, in 1842. At the age of three years he 
moved with his parents to Wisconsin and farmed 
there until he came to Minnesota in 1870; he was 
farming in Lac qui Parle county sis years, then 
went to Elgin and engaged iu the butcher busi- 
ness. In 1879 he came to Canby and engaged in 
livery business. In 1867 he married Annie 
Westover; two children, George and Wallie. 

N. J. Doxtader, native of New York, was bom 
in Fulton county in 1840. He was raised on a 
farm, and in 1867 went to Wisconsin; engaged in 
mercantile business untU 1880, then came to 
Canby, and has been in general merchandise busi- 
ness since. In 1869 he married Miss M. E. 
Hayues. 

Gustav Erickson, born in Norway in 1848, 
came to America in 1871, and settled in Cotton- 
wood county, Minnesota; the next year he went 
; to Watonwan county, from there to Lac qui Parle 
county, and in 1877 located at Canby in the farm 
machinery trade. He married, in 1873, Julia 
Anderson ; Ida, Edward and Oscar are the children. 



904 



niSTOUY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Nels Erioson was born in Jefferson county, Wis- 
consin, in 1850. In 1873 he came to Minnesota 
and lived on a farm in Renville county till 1876, 
then moved to Beaver Palls and engaged in busi- 
ness about a year and a half; went into business 
at Minneota, Lyon county, and iu 1880 came to 
Canby and entered the office of J. P. Amott as 
clerk; was elected village clerk. 

Dr. H. E. Farnsworth was bom in Clinton 
county, New York, in 1856 and when thirteen 
years old, accompanied his parents to Goodhue 
county, Minnesota. In 1876 he entered Eush 
Medical College at Chicago and graduated in 
1879; came to Canby and began the practice of 
medicine. In the fall of 1881, he married Mary 
E. Wells. 

A. G. Feldhammer was born in Norway in 1848. 
He immigrated to America in 1868 and after a 
year and a half in Wisconsin, moved to Sacred 
Heart, Minnesota; farmed three years, clerked in 
a store at Waseca three years, and in 1876 came 
to Canby and entered general merchandise busi- 
ness. In 1878, Martha Thompson became his 
wife; they have one child, Mellie. 

Hon. E. A. Gove was born in Weare, New 
Hampshire, in 1832. At the age of twenty he 
entered Dartmouth College and graduated in 1856, 
after which he taught private school some time, 
then went to Janesyille, Wisconsin; he was admit- 
ted to the bar in June, 1857, and soon after moved 
to Sparta, Wisi»usin; in 1858 went to Tomah and 
in 1866 came to jNIinuesota. He practiced in 
Farmington until 1870, then went to Hastings, 
having been elected judge of probate the preced- 
ing fall; after four years he moved to Minneap- 
olis, and in 1875 was judge of probate. In 1878 
he removed to Marshall and in 1880 to Canby. In 
March, 1881, he was appointed postmaster. In 
1857, he married Miss M. L. Haynes; they have 
two children : Lottie E. and Florence. 

C. H. Hastings was born in Steuben county, 
New York, in 1845, and when twelve years old 
went witli parents to Wisconsin; when seventeen 
he entered the 3d Wisconsin cavalry and served 
two years. In 1875 he moved from Wisconsin to 
Waseca, Minnesota, and in 1880 came to Canby 
and engaged in saloon business with S. T. Bland. 

N. K. Laudrn, born in December, 1835, in Nor- 
way, came when six years old to America. Lived 
ten years in Rock county, Wisconsin, and twelve 
years in Dane county; removed to Forest City, 
Iowa, where he followed his profession, that of 



veterinary surgeon. Since December, 1877, he 
lias lived at Cauby; owns 160 acres of land, also 
practiced his jjrcjfessiou and carried on a livery 
until 1880. He has served as justice of the peace 
here. Married in December, 1856, Catharine 
Lewis; nine children. 

E. P. Le Suer was born in Jamestown, New York, 
in 1832. In 1856 he came to Minnesota and was 
in hotel business at Rochester, for two years, then 
went to St. Louis and learned photographing; from 
there he went south and was engineer on the Mis- 
sissippi Central railroad until the Union army took 
possession. In 1864 he returned to Rochester, and 
ran hotels in dilTerent places until 1877, when he 
built the house he now owns, in Canby. August 3, 
1879 while riding with his wife and five children, a 
storm arose and his wife, three of the children and 
a little girl, cousin of his wife, were killed by 
lightning; he was rendered unconscious, but re- 
covered after a long time. He has been married 
three times, his present wife Julia Olson, he mar- 
ried in 1881. 

O. N. Lund was born in Norway in 1825, 
and came to America in 1855. He followed 
the trade of harness maker twelve years in Iowa, 
then moved to Winona, Minnesota, and five years 
later to Rushford, where he engaged in general 
merchandising. In December, 1876 he came to 
Canby, and built the double store where he is now 
in business; for a time he handled general mer- 
chandise and hardware, but now, only the latter. 
In January, 1882, he started the Exchange Bank 
of Canby, of which he is jijresideut. In 1856 he 
married Johanna Johnson. 

William Michael, native of Switzerland, was 
born in 1851 and came to this country in 1868; 
went to St. Paul and to Shakopee where he learned 
the trade of harness maker. He worked in Min- 
neapolis and other places at his trade and came to 
Canby, where he engaged in business tor himself; 
he has been constable two years. 

A. M. Morrison, was born in Dubuque, Iowa, in 
1852 and came to Minnesota in 1865. He learned 
the printers' trade in Mankato and followed it there 
until 1877; he then came to Canby and established 
the "Canby News" which he still continues to edit 
and publish. He was teacher of the first school in 
the village of Canby. In 1879 he married Miss 
Eva O. Morse of Mankato. 

C. O. Norton was born in Washington county, 
New York, in 1850. In 1868 he moved to St. 
Paul and went into the First National Bank as 



YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY. 



905 



book-keeper, and after four years there, accepted 
a position in the office of the Sioux City raih'oad. 
In 1874 he took a trip through England, Prance, 
and Switzerland, and returned to St. Paul, went 
south, and then went to Marshall, Lyon county 
and bought an interest in the Lyon County Bank 
of which he was vice-president; after one year he 
came to Canby and helped establish the Bank of 
Canby, of which he is cashier. In 1879 he mar- 
ried Miss Lottie E. Gove. 

D. E. Sawtelle, native of Illinois, was born at 
Eockford in 1852. His parents moved to Wis- 
consin, and when he was eleven years old, to 
Chicago. In 1877 he went to Florida and engaged 
in farming for a year and a half, returned to Chi- 
cago, and in 1879 came to Yellow Medicine 
county ; he was one of the first settlers in the town 
of Wergeland; in 1871 he came to Canby and 
began the grocery business. Married in 1876 
Miss E. B. Wilson; four children. 

John Swenson was born in 1842 in Norway; 
came to America in 1870, and settled on a farm in 
Wisconsin; in 1872 he came to Minnesota and 
located in town 114, range 42, where a portion of 
the village of Canby now stands. He built a 
small shanty, and with a capital of fifty dollars 
opened a little store; he has kept pace with the 
growing town, and now has one of the leading 
stores, an elevator with capacity of 2,500 bushels, 
a flour mill capable of producing eighty barrels 
per day, a lumber yard, and also deals in farm 
machinery; he also owns a large farm adjoining 
the village; he was post-master from 1878 till 
1881, and held the office of town clerk. In 1870 
Olive Olson became his wife. 

A. A. Wattner, native of Norway, born in 1839, 
immigrated to Chicago in 1860. In 1875 he 
moved to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and engaged 
in mercantile business until 1878, since when he 
has been in business at Canby. Married Laura 
Erickson in 1878; two children, Martha and an 
infant. 

H.^ZEL BUN. 

Hazel Run includes township 115, range 40. 
The first settler was Mads Peterson, who came in 
1871, followed in the fall by G. Overson, Andrew 
and Edwin Anthony, and 8. S. Neskang. The 
town was organized in 1877; the first officers were: 
S. 8. Neskang, chairman; Edwin Anthony and 
Andrew Christianson, supervisors; Andrew An- 
thony, clerk and justice; Blads Peterson, treas- 
urer; G. Hoverson, constable. The first school 



was taught by Sarah Don caster, in a private res- 
idence on section 20. Rev. Knut Thorstenson 
preached the first sermon. The first marriage was 
C. C. Anderson and Emma Anderson in 1872. 
Sophia Peterson, born in 1871, was the first birth, 
and Iver Iverson, frozen to death January 1, 1873, 
the first death. 

A. Anthony was born in 1845 in Norway. In 
1850 the family moved to Wisconsin, in 1852 went 
to Illinois, and when he was twelve years old they 
returned to Wisconsin. From the winter of 1865 
till the next autumn he served in the 52d regi- 
ment of that state. In 1871 he came to Hazel 
Run ; married in the fall of that year Lettie 8. 
ToUefson; Jeanett, Clara, George, Ida, Albert, 
Alfred, Peter and Melvin are the children. 

Edwin Anthony, native of Illinois, was born in 
1851, in Boone county, and when a child accom- 
panied his parents to Adams county, Wisconsin, 
where he was subsequently employed in farming. 
In the spring of 1872 he located at his present 
farm in Hazel Run. Betsey Holverson was mar- 
ried to him in 1875, and has borne him three chil- 
dren: Selina J., Belle D. and Henry C. 

Amund Johnson who was born in 1855 is a 
native of Norway. At the age of fifteen he located 
in FiUmore county, Minnesota, but since March, 
1879, has lived in Hazel Run, Yellow Medicine 
county. In the spring of 1880, he married Julia 
Everson, who was born in 1860 in Norway. 

8. S. Neskang, born in 1836, grew to manhood 
in Norway, his birthplace. In 1869 he immi- 
grated to Columbia county, Wisconsin, and in the 
spring of 1870 came to Minnesota; after spending 
a year in Sandnes he located on section 34 in 
Hazel Run; he helped organize the town and was 
the first chairman of the board and has since held 
the offices of supervisor and justice. 

Mads Pederson was born in 1836 in Norway, 
and after leaving school engaged in teaching; also 
followed the life of a sailor for a time. In 1869 
he immigrated to Columbia county, Wisconsin, 
and the next year came to Minnesota; in the spring 
of 1871 he removed from Sandnes to Hazel Run. 
Married in 1866, Annie Madson; Jennie A., 
Mathew M., Sophia, Andrew, Annie, Mary, Mar- 
garet and Robert are their children. 

J. A. Thompson was born in 1848 in Norway, 
and at the age of twelve came with his parents to 
America. In the spring of 1878 he removed from 
Wisconsin to Minnesota and located on a farm in 
Hazel Run. Mr. Thompson has filled different 



906 



JIltiTOHY OF TUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



town offices. lu 1878 be married Annie Gunder- 
8ou; they have one child: Andrew. 

HAMMER. 

Hammer is in the western part of the county, 
and is formed of township 11.5, range 4.5. The 
first settler was .John Huffman, who came in Jnue 
1872; his father and brother came soon after. The 
first town meeting was held July 2, 1877, at which 
were elected: E. Huffman, chairman, E. E. 
Grasswick and Austin Oleson, supervisors; Erick 
Ruhson, clerk; Austin Oleson, treasurer; E. Huff- 
man and O.E. Johnson, justices; Martin Oleson 
and Haus Johnson, constables. There are two or- 
ganized school districts, numbers 38 and 41. The 
first school was taught in 1880, William Little, 
teacher. Rev. Bird, a Lutheran, preached the first 
sermon in 1879. The first child born was Maud 
Huffman. 

Erick E. Grasswick was born in Norway in 1845 
and immigrated to Wisconsin in 1867; moved to 
Fillmore county, Minnesota, and from there to this 
town; has been town treasurer and supervisor. 
Married in 1871, Margit Oleson; their children are 
Emil O., Carl A., Annie C, Mina E. 

Gunnell Jackson was born in Norway in 1826. 
At the age of thirteen years he came to America 
and lived in Rock county, Wisconsin, until 1848, 
then moved to Dane county. In 1861 he enlisted 
in Company H, 16th Wisconsin, and was at Chick- 
amauga and Resaca, where he was crippled; was 
discharged in 1866. After the war he moved to 
Clayton county, Iowa, and five years later re- 
turned to Wisconsin. In 1877 came to Hammer. 

Thomas McMUlan, was born in Lower Canada, 
June 16, 1834. In 1856 he moved to Wisconsin 
and engaged in lumbering until 1862, then enlisted 
in the 27th Wisconsin infantry ; was promoted 
from second to first lieutenant and mustered out in 
1865. In October, 1866, he moved to Redwood 
county, Minnesota, and lived on a farm four years, 
then engaged in livery business at Redwood Falls. 
In 1878 he came to this town and has since given 
his attention to breeding fine blood horses. He 
was sheriff of Redwood county five years; member 
of vUlage council two years. Married Lydia B. 
Malone.in 1857. Florence M., Charles J., Lydia 
B., Minnie May are the children. 

Andrew Olson, native of Norway, was born in 
1843. In 1858 he came to America, and lived in 
Illinois. Enlisted in the 16th Illinois cavalry and 
was discharged in three months; enlisted in Com- 
pany F, 9th Illinois infantry and served through 



the war. He learned the carpenter's trade in Chi- 
cago; in 1877 he came to this town. In 1872 he 
married Ida Jergenson; five children: Annie L., 
Oscar S., Edward ()., Freddie A., Ida A. 

SWEDE PEAIRIE. 

This town is on the south side of the county, 
and contains thirty-six square miles of rolling 
prairie land. The, first settler, Christian Olson, 
came in 1870; Ole and Peter Nelson, and Ola 
Olason came the next year. January 19, 1878, the 
first town meeting was held; officers elected: 
Christian Olson, chairman, O. F. Wilson and Nels 
Johnson, supervisors; N. O. Carle, clerk; C. B. 
Liudberg, assessor; P. J. Quam, treasurer; N. O. 
Carle and C. Schram, justices; Lars Carlstrom 
and Ola Olason, constables. The name first given 
the town was Green Prairie, but changed March 
12, 1878, to Swede Prairie. The first school meet- 
was held August 10, 1877, and the first school 
opened January 7, 1878, with Charles A. Minthorn 
as teacher. The religious services were conducted 
in the fall of 1876 by Rev. K. Thorstenson. 

C. B. Lindberg was born in Sweden in 1836. In 

1869 he came to Minnesota and lived in Carver 
county ; removed to St. Peter and from there to 
Swede Prairie. He has been assessor, school officer 
and poundmaster; owns 360 acres of land. In 

1870 Anna .Johnson became his wife. 

Ola Olason, native of Sweden, was bom in 1848. 
He came to St. Peter, Minnesota, in 1869 and in 

1871 moved to his farm in Swede Prairie; has been 
supervisor and constable. December 12, 1872, he 
married Christina Lingren; they have two 
children, Charley and Alfred. 

A. .J. Oleson- was born in Sweden , August 22, 
1852. While a child he came with parents to 
America; they lived in Chicago a year, in St. Paul 
a few months, then lived in Washington county, 
Minnesota until 1864; went to Nicollet county and 
in 1876 to .Janesville, Wisconsin, and studied teleg- 
raphy, after which he was employed in Chicago. 
After working for the Metropolitan Telegraph 
company two years, he returned to Nicollet county 
and came to Swede Prairie. March 4, 1879 he 
married Martha S. Peterson. 

P. W. Swenson was born May 10, 1849 in Swe- 
den. In 1868 he came to St. Peter, Minnesota, and 
worked on a farm there and in Olmsted county; 
for tour years from 1873, he was an attendant at 
the hospital tor insane at St. Peter. It 1878 he 
came to Yellow Medicine county and located on 
section 28, Swede Prairie; he has been chairman 



YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTr. 



907 



of town board two years. Married luger Peter- 
son November 24, 1874. 

FRIENDSHIP. 

This town is in the eastern part of the county, 
and is formed of township 115 range 41. Oscar 
Trovaton was the first settler; he carae in the 
spring of 1872. Solomon Mickelson, Hans Cheesey, 
J. L. Gulseth, and Gunder Johnson, were early 
settlers. The first school was taught by Carrie 
Hawley, at the house of C. Mickelson, on section 
14. The Norwegian Lutherans have an. organiza- 
tion. Eev. Knut Thorstenson was first pastor. 
August 3, 1878, was the date set for the first town 
election; the people failed, however, to organize 
at that time. The first officers were elected March 
11, 1879, and were H. A. Trovaton, chairman, J. 
L. Gulseth and Gunder J. Kjos, supervisors; J. 
T. Hersother, clerk; Lewis Anderson, as.sessor; H. 
A. Trovaton and J. L. Gulseth, justices. 

Gerharth Gorman was born April 19, 1821, in 
Norway, where he acquired a good education, and 
then engaged in teaching. In 1864 he removed 
to Quebec, Canada, and soon after to Fillmore 
county, Minnesota; in 1866, went to the town of 
Sandnes; was one of the first settlers there; still 
owns that farm and one in Friendship, where he 
has lived since 1879. Married in 1869, Carolina 
Tompkins-Knutson. She had three children by 
a former husband and has borne Mr. Gorman, four. 

Iver Iverson, native of Norway, was born De- 
cember 6, 1836. The family came in 1839 to 
America; from New York, removed to Chicago, 
and in 1841 to Wisconsin, where he lived on a 
farm until coming in 1860 to Minnesota; located 
in Linden, Brown county. In May, 1879, he 
came to Friendship, where he owns a farm of 160 
acres. Married in 18.57, Elena Christophers; of 
their six children four are living. 

Gunder Johnson, born April 14, 1843, was rear- 
ed on a farm in Norway, the land of his birth. 
In 1863, he emigrated to Canada, soon after located 
on a farm in Wisconsin. In 1867, Mr. Johnson 
came to Minnesota, and to his present home in 
June, 1875. He was married on Christmas day, 
1870, to Mary Gulason, and has sis children. 

Henry Munson, born November 15, 1846, in 
Norway; at seventeen years of age he came with 
his parents to America, and located in Iowa. In 
June, 1864, he enlisted in Company F, 9th Iowa 
cavalry ; from the close of the war till August, 
1878, he lived in Dodge county, Minnesota, where 
he owns a farm, then camft to Friendship; he has 



been town treasurer and supervisor. Married in 
1866, Anna Wilson; eight children. 

Peter Petersen was born November 9, 1829, in 
Sweden; came to America in 1855; lived the 
greater part of the time at Chicago until enlisting 
in March, 1865; served until the war ceased. In 
1869 he located at Lac qui Parle, but since May, 
1877, has lived in Friendship. Married in 1851, 
Sarah Magnus, since deceased; his second wife 
was Anna Olson. Seven of their nine children are 
living. 

FLORIDA. 

Among the first settlers of this town were An- 
drew West and George B. Enos. The first town 
meeting was held January 27, 1879, at the house 
of Andrew West; officers elected: G. B. Enos, 
chairman, Helge Golickson and Anton Hendreck- 
son, supervisors; A. E. West, clerk; Andrew An- 
derson, assessor; J. L. Dorr, treasurer; W. B. 
Enos and A. E. West, justices; J. L. Dorr and G. 
B. Enos, constables. Andrew West taught the 
first school, in 1881; district number 40, includes 
the whole town. 

WERGEL.4.ND. 

Congressional township 114 range 44 was or- 
ganized in 1879, and the first election held April 
5th. B. A. Borgersen was elected chairman, O. O. 
Narkin and J. Jorgensberg, supervisors; Arthur 
Hewitt, clerk; Thor Landsverk, assessor; Isaac 
Olson, treasurer; W. H. Cole and Carl Gunderson, 
justices; K. T. Sebberg and Isaac Anderson, con- 
stables. The first settler was Frederick Jacobson ; 
other early settlers were B. A. Borgersen, K. T. 
Sebberg and O. O. Narkin. The first school was 
taught by Arne Swensess, at the house of Isaac 
Anderson. Eev. Berg, a Norwegian Lutheran 
minister, held the first services at Isaac Olson's; 
a society was organized in 1872. 

The village of Porter was laid out in September, 
1881, on land owned by the railroad company, in 
section 33. There are two elevators, one general 
store and one blacksmith shop in the village. Mr. 
Porter built the first elevator and the village was 
named for him. Harstad post-office was moved 
from across the county line in Lincoln county to 
this place and the name changed to Dalston, and 
recently to Porter; Ole Dahl is postmaster and has 
the office at his store in the village. 

Bernhard A. Borgersen was born in 1845 in 
Norway; traveled through different portions of 
Europe; was also a soldier in Norway; immi- 
grated to the United States, and previous to com- 



1)08 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VATJ.KV. 



ing to Minnesota was for a time in Chicago and 
Wisconsin. In 1870 he located in Wergeland, 
where he works at farming and carpentering. 
Married, February 22, 1873, Anna Torgerson; 
the children are Henry E., Ludwig M., Alfred N., 
Janette F. and Lillie E. 

(). H. Dahl was born October 1, 1849, in Nor- 
way, and came to this country in 1866. He 
located in Dunn county, Wisconsin, and from 
there moved to Decorah, Iowa, where he attended 
the Norwegian Lutheran College, and graduated 
in 1872. He then came to Yellow Medicine 
county and engaged in business until 1875 at 
Minneota; then lived on a homestead in Lyon 
coimty two years, then bought wheat in Min- 
neota for Van Dusen & Co. In 1881 he came to 
Dalstou, now Porter, and engaged in merchan- 
dise business and buying wheat for Van Dusen & 
Co.; he is also postmaster. Married, February 
7, 1877, Amelia Michaelson; Alma, Toline and 
Hans M. are the children. 

W. E. Drummond was born in Jefferson county. 
New York, in 1845. Moved with parents to Iowa 
when ten years old, and to Fillmore county, Min- 
nesota, in 1856; he began learning blacksmithing 
in 1860. Enlisted in 1862 in Company E, Sev- 
enth Minnesota, and served till the spring of 1865. 
He worked at the blacksmith trade in Fillmore 
county three yeara, then came to Wergeland; is 
now running a blacksmith shop in Porter village. 
Married Mary H. Cooper in 1875; she died in 
1877, leaving one child, Charles E. Lizzie Pifen- 
ger became his wife in 1878; one child, William K. 

Arthur Hewitt, a native of England, was born 
in 1844. Emigrated in 1848, and lived in Indiana 
until 1855, then moved to Carver county, Minne- 
sota; in 1879 he took a homestead in Wergeland. 
in 1863 he enlisted in Company I, Second Minne- 
sota cavalry, and served until November, 1865. 
In 1874 he married Mary M. Cole; children, Eliz- 
abeth, Frank E. and Ellen M. 

POSEN. 

This name is derived from the province of Posen 
formerly belonging to Poland but now a part of 
the German Empire, from whence most of the set- 
tlers came. The town was set apart for organiza- 
tion May 2, 1879, and includes all of congressional 
township 113, range 39. Settlement began in 
1868; in the spring of that year Joseph Tyson ac- 
companied by his wife's father, William Alderson 
come in, both having their wives with them. 

TJie first birth was that of Jennie Maria, a 



daughter of B. F. and Agties Curtiss, born April, 
30, 1873. The first death was that of David M. 
Frank; he died July 10, 1874. The first religious 
'services were conducted by Prof. S. A. Hall, a 
Methodist, at the residence of Joseph Tyson in 
section 10, in the summer of 1873. The Lutheran 
denomination have a frame church which they 
built in 1879; first minister was Eev. Hunziker. 

There is but one school district in the town, 
which includes the whole of it. The school- 
house was built in the spring of 1876 and located 
in section 14. The first school was taught by Miss 
Susan L. Lampman of the town of Minnesota Falls 
during the summer of the same year. 

The first town meeting was held at the above 
school- house, May 17,1879. The following officers 
were elected: August Milbradt, chairman, L. S. 
Moses and Julius Frank, supervisors; B. F. Cur- 
tiss, clerk; Randolph Frank, treasurer; David Frank 
and Herman Stetzepfand, justices; M. A. Lee and 
August Timm, constables. No assessor was elected. 
Neither justice qualified and B. F. Curtiss ap- 
pointed to the office. August Stroscheim was ap- 
pointed constable in place of those elected who 
failed to qualify. 

J. C. Christianson, native of Norway, was born 
in 1822, and in 1850 settled in Dane county, 
Wisconsin, and engaged in farming for fifteen 
years; removed to Iowa and farmed eight years; 
came to Minnesota in 1873 and bought 156 acres 
in Posen. Steua Toleff was his wife's name; mar- 
ried in 1849; of the twelve children born five are 
living: Gabriel T., Delia, Lena, Ella, Annie. 

B. F. Curtiss was born in Yates county, New 
York, in 1843. At the age of fourteen he settled 
in Olmsted county, Minnesota. In August, 1862, 
he enlisted in Company H, 6th Minnesota, 
and was discharged for disability in January, 
1865. In 1871 he moved to Kedwood county, 
and the next year came to Po.sen. January 22, 
1807, he married Agnes McCorquodale, at Roch- 
ester; the children are: Alexander R., Samuel 
B., Arthur Garfield, Jennie M., Edith M., James 
A., John F., Harvey M. 

Julius Frank was born in Posen, Germany, in 
1849. In 1856 he came with parents to America, 
and lived in Wisconsin until 1870, then came to 
this town; has l)een supervisor three years and is 
now chairman. Married in 1873 Henrietta Stros- 
cheim. Albert D., Agnes, John and Robert are 
their children. 

R. Frank was born in Posen, Germany, March 19, 



YELLOW MEIJIGINE COUNTY. 



901) 



1847, and at the age of nine weut with parents to 
Marquette county, Wisconsin; lived there ten 
years, and in Fond du Lac county four years. 
In 1870 he came to this town and made a claim. 
He was first town treasurer, and has held 
other offices. December 6, 1871, Augusta Steal) 
ner was married to him. Their living children 
are Emma B., Keuben D. and Amelia. Anna A. 
burned to death March 2.5, 1877. David Frank, 
father of Randolph, was born in Posen, Germany, 
in 1806. He brought his family to this town in 
1870, and made the second actual settlement. He 
took a homestead of 160 acres, tlie farm now 
owned by his son-in-law, John Balm. He was 
married in (iermany in 1835 to Charlotte Klavet- 
ter. He died here July 10, 1874. 

August Keger, native of Saxony, Prussia, was 
born August 6, 1834; he learned the blacksmith 
trade at eighteen years of age; he immigrated to 
Philadelphia, and worked there for twenty-five 
years. In 1877 he came to this town and took a 
homestead of 160 acres on section 34. In 1855 
he married Catharine Frade: have six children 
living: Louisa, Christiana, Augusta, Charles, 
Katie, Frederick; tour children have died. 

A. Milbradt was bom in Germany in 1828. He 
learned cabinet making and came to Wisconsin in 
May, 1867. Lived in Ripou eleven years, then 
moved to St. Charles, Minnesota. In 1871 he 
came to Posen and took a homestead; has been 
chairman of town board. He married Henrietta 
Stroscheim January 17, 1858; children: Gus- 
tave, Herman, William and Frederick were born 
in Posen, Germany; August in Bipon, Wisconsin, 
Mary and Augusta, at St. Charles, and Charles 
in Posen, Minnesota. 

Herman Milbradt, native of Germany, was born 
in Posen, December 1, 1859. He has always lived 
with his parents and followed farming. He owns 
forty acres on section 10, Posen township. 

Peter Palmer was born in New York, in 1812, 
and lived there until 1855, then moved to Minne- 
sota and lived in Washington county until 1870; 
he then came to Posen, and lives on section 6, In 
1841, he married Elizabeth House; eight of their 
eleven children are living: Melissa, Alexander, 
Albert, Edward, Daniel, Olive, James, William. 

Peterr Peterreins was liom in Germany in 1819, 
and learned the trade of blacksmith. Came to 
America in 1849 and worked in Philadelphia un- 
til 1851, then came to Minnesota; worked at his 
trade in Minneiska two vears and farmed eleven 



years in Wabasha county. In 1864 he moved to 
Brown county and lived in the towns of Milford 
and Home until 1877, then came to Posen. He 
married in 1849, in Germany, Augusta Kocher; 
they have nine children living; three are married; 
those at home are Mina, Peter, August, Charley, 
John and Josephine; three children died. 

Ludwig Preus was bom in Posen, Germany, in 
1840. In 1872 he came to Owatouna, Minnesota, 
and worked at farming and railroad work uutU 
1880, then purchased eighty acres in this town. 
Married in 1867, Caroline Ijuok. Augusta, Her- 
man, Charles, Budolph, Frederick, and Otto are 
the children. 

Bev. J. C. Beynhout, native of Holland, was 
born July 31, 1835. Studied theology in Hol- 
lani 1, and after traveling in different parts of the 
world and acting as missionary in South Amei'ica, 
he came to the United States in 1869. In 1879 
he went to New TJlm, Minn., and from there to 
Winnebago Agency; in 1881 he came to Posen. 
He has been married twice; his present wife was 
Ida Gesstman; one child, James. 

August Stroscheim, native of Germany, was born 
in Posen, in 1852. At seventeen years of age he 
came with parents to America, and after six 
months in Wisconsin, came to Minnesota, and 
worked in Dodge county. In 1872 he came to 
Posen with his jjarents, and in 1874 he took a 
claim on section 28. Married at Sleepy Eye, 
Amelia Peterreins, April 1, 1877; Augusta, Aman- 
da and Martha are the children. 

Michael Stroscheim was born in Germany, in 
1820, and learned the trade of carpenter. Came 
to America in 1868; lived in Wisconsin till spring 
of 1869, then went to Dodge county, Minnesota. 
In the fall of 1872 he came to Posen and took a 
homestead. Married in 184.5, Karina Timm; four 
children living: Augusta, August, Henrietta and 
Theodore. 

Gottlieb Timm, native of Gei-many, was born in 
1826. Came to New York state m 1869 and lived 
near, Syracuse; in 1876 h% came to Posen, Minne- 
sota, and made a homestead of 80 acres on section 
28. Mary (irummins became his wife in 1855; 
they have four living children: Minnie, Gottheb, 
Ferdinand, Matilda. August died in 1872, aged 
twelve years. 

A. H. Yarns was born in Broome county, New 
York, in 1843. At the age of fourteen he came 
with parents to Minnesota and settled in Fillmore 
county. In 1861 enlisted and served tdl July, 



910 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



1862. In 18(i() he moved to Olmsted county and 
in 1869 returned to Fillmore county; June, 1873, 
he oame to Posen. In 1867 he married Emma 
Clark. Children: Williiiin, Mary, Ernest, Alice 
and Ethel are living; Arthur died in Fillmore 
county. 

Bt'KTON. 

The first actual settler in this town was Andrew 
Sorenge who located ou section 3 in 1877; claims 
■were taken in 187.5 by C. P. Kenyon and D. W. 
Richards but they did not locate permanently until 
later. May 20, 1879, the first town meeting was 
held; officers elected: P. O. French, chairman. A. 
L. Houghton and J. H. Footh, supervisors; Fred. 
Kockwell, clerk; P. C. Bayard, treasurer; W. J. 
Hooker and P. G. WeUs justices; Victor Anderson 
and F. Roller, constables. The first religious serv- 
ices were conducted by Rev. Christ. Botcher, Ger- 
man Lutheran, January 15, 1879. The people be- 
long to an organization in Minneota. 

There are two organized school districts in the 
town, numbered 31 and 35. The first school was 
taught in 1880 by Ella Sorenge. 

The first birth was in 1879, Mary Tash. The 
first death, that of Mrs. Mary Houghton, occurred 
December 12, 1880. P. C. Bayard and Mertie 
Wells married August 30, 1880, were the first par- 
ties living in the town to marry. 

P. C. Bayard, native ot Ohio, was born in 1855, 
and while a babe aceomjjanied his parents to 
Orange county. New York ; six years later removed 
to Winona county, Minnesota. After working two 
years in the machine shop at Rochester he came, 
in the spring of 1878 to Burton, where, in com- 
pany with a brother he is farming and stock rais- 
ing. Married August 30, 1880, Mertie Wells. 

P. O. French was born in 1837 in Bennington 
New York. Received common school and acade- 
mic education, also took a scientific course at Hills- 
dale college; after leaving school he engaged in 
teaching. Enlisted in 1864 in Company B, sec- 
ond New York mounted rifles; after the war he was 
employed in speculating. Married January 11, 
1860, Mrs. Nancy Wood, who died December 12, 
1868. One child, Willis. Mr. French was in gro- 
cery and commission business for some time in 
Chicago, also engaged in manufacturing and sell- 
ing machinery. In 1870 he married Rhoda Gillett. 
Mr. French resided for a time in Austin and was 
mayor of that city; in October, 1877, he took a 
claim in Burlon, and moved here the year fol- 
lowing. 



J. W. McAllester, who is a native of Wisconsin, 
was bom in 1855, in Oshkosh, wlierc he lived until 
twenty-three years of age. He received a com- 
mon and high school education, also graduated 
from a business college at Oshkosh, in 1875; 
taught school for a time, was also engaged in sell- 
ing tomb stones. In 1878 he came to Minnesota 
and located on section 24 of Burton. Married in 
1877, Hattie Richards; one child. Bradley R. 

H. B. Peterson was born in 1843 in La Moille. 
Illinois. From nine years of age till the year 
1862 he was in Roekford, Illinois, then enlisted in 
Company M, eighth cavalry; participated in many 
battles and served till July, 1865. Married in 
1869, Kittie Rice. Mr. Peterson was in Iowa from 
1865 to 1870, also traveled through other western 
states; was for some time in the employ of P. O. 
French; since 1879 his home has been in Burton. 

W. H. Richards, native of England, was Ijom in 
1849. He came to the United States in 1853, and 
locate 1 at Fox Lake, Wisconsin ; he was city mar- 
shal there, was engaged in the dairy and livery 
business; also had a meat market two and one-half 
years and was on a farm for a time. In 1878 he 
came to Burton and took a claim on section 34. 
Married April 21, 1872, Ida Walker; the children's 
names are Herbert .J., Willie V. and Leon A. 

Jerome B. Rogers, born in Oneida county. New 
York, in 1833, removed in 1844 to Wisconsin ; af- 
ter passing three years in Milwaukee he went to 
Winnebago county; he embarked in the lumber 
business, and was working in the pineries until 
1862, when he visited California and Oregon, but 
returned to Oshkosh and soon after came to Min- 
nesota. He was farming at Austin fourteen years 
but in 1881 located in Burton. Married in 1857, 
Adelia Wilkins, who died April 12, 1859; ore 
child: William. In 1860 he married Lucretia 
Hall; children are Wallace, Nellie, May and Lila. 

P. G. Wells was born March 16, 1821, in Rut- 
land county, Vermont. In 1854 he moved to Du 
Page county, Hlinois, and two years later to How- 
ard county, Iowa, thence in 1860 to Winnebago 
county, and in 1878 to Burton. His home ot 160 
acres is on section 6. Married in Septem- 
ber, 1852, Charlotte Bucklin: their children are 
Frank P., Mary E., Mertie O., George J. and 
Bertie. 

Professor Frank Wells, son of P. G. Wells, is a 
native of Rutland county, Vermont, and was born 
about fifteen miles from his father's birthplace, 
and they came to Minnesota the same year. Mr. 



YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTT. 



911 



Wells has been employed in teaching and farming 
since completing his studies. 

OSHKOSH. 

This town is named for Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and 
was first settled in the spring of 1877 by Halvor 
Landsverk; the nest spring L. S. Chase located on 
section 32, and N. N. Smart came about the same 
tims, but did not bring his family till 1879. The 
first town meeting was held July 19, 1879, and L. 
S. Chase elected chairman, J. F. Kuni and George 
Oale, supervisors; A. E. Chase, clerk; N. N. Smart, 
assessor; Alpheus Fuller, treasurer: Edmund 
Chase and G. E. Pratt, justices; I. J. Beals and 
Ole Mekelson, constables; C. G. Nelson, overseer 
of poor. 

There are four organized school districts, and 
the school-houses two frame and one sod; the first 
.schools were taught in 1880. July 25, 1880, the 
first sermon was preached by Rev. Geo. Y. King, a 
Baptist, at the Chase school-house. The first child 
bom in the town was Mary, daughter of Carl 
Voss, bom February 1, 1879. 

Ira J. Beals was born in Massachusetts, March 
25, 1829. He removed with his parents to Lewis 
county. New York, and in 1855 went to Winne- 
bago county, Wisconsin. In September, 1862, he 
enlisted in Company I, 21st Wisconsin infantry; 
and was with General Sherman and served until 
the close of the war. In 1878 he came to Minne- 
sota, and to Oshkosh township. January 15, 
1857, he married Miss M. Chase; Elmer E. and 
Edward C. are their children. 

L. S. Chass was born in Woodstock, Oxford 
county, Maine, May 16, 1840. At the age of 
fourteen his parents removed to Wisconsin. After 
receiving his education, he taught school for fif- 
teen years. February 22, 1865, he enlisted in 
Company C, 46th Wisconsin infantry; In 1875 and 
1876 he served in the lower house of the Wiscon- 
sin legislature. In 1878 he came to the town of 
Oshkosh ; he has been chairman of the town board 
since organization. December 18, 1866, he mar- 
ried Eliza J. North; their children are: Maud E., 
and Lee E. 

C. A. Dano was born April 25, 1854, fu Janes- 
ville, Wisconsin. His parents moved to Sauk 
county and to Baraboo. At the age o^sixteen he 
began clerking for Huntington & Stanley, and 
when twenty-one began the clothing business for 
himself. In 1879 he came to this town. Married 
February 16, 1874, Jennie A. Ambler; of the three 
caildren bira, Inez B., and Jennie I. are living. 



George Y. King, born September 25, 1831, in 
New Sharon, Maine. At the age of fifteen he 
went to sea in the merchant service, and afterward 
joined the U. S. marine service; he went on the 
Japan expedition and witnessed the signing of the 
treaty. In 1857 he settled in Wisconsin, and in 
1879 came to Oshkosh. He has a farm of 160 
acres; he is a Baptist preacher, and delivered the 
first sermon in the town. In 1862 he married 
Phosbe Pratt; they have one son, Fred Y. 

John F. Kuni was bora in Switzerland in 1835. 
In 1843 he emigrated to Wood county, Ohio, and 
in 1849 came to Minnesota; lived in Winona 
county until 1879 and then came to this town. 
In August, 1864, he enlisted in Company K, 11th 
Minnesota. Was married May 1, 1868, to Alice D. 
Welch; Cora, Belle, Frederick, Lettie, Merton, 
Wildred and Hattie, are their children. 

Halvor Landsverk, native of Norway, was born 
February 9, 1846. In 1871 he settled in Dane 
county, Wisconsin, and in 1877 came to the town 
of Oshkosh. He was the first settler in the town, 
and located "n section 32. Married in 1866, Lena 
M. Landsverk; have had nine children, seven are 
living; Teresa, Lena, Annie, Christina, Christ, 
Ole, and Hilbertina. 

C. G. Nelson, born April 27, 1847 is a native of 
Sweden. In 1868 he came to the town of Faxon, 
Sibley county, and in 1878 to his present home in 
Oshkosh; has held town ofBcesin this and Sibley 
counties. In 1875 he married Christina Johnson; 
Emma J., Hilda M., Edward .!., and an infant, are 
their children. 

Mons Swenson was born in Sweden in 1827. 
He came to Carver county, Minnesota, in 1856 
and farmed there until 1878,wheuhe sold his farm 
for :$3,500 and came to this town. In 1853 he 
married in Sweden, Elizabeth Sweltson ; she died 
in Carver county; in 1870 he married Eva Andri- 
otta; his children are: Emma M., Edwin, .Tohn 
A., Julia A. 

Carl Voss, native of Germany, was bom in 1833. 
He was raised on a farm and in 1861 came to this 
country; he lived in Illinois until 1863, then en- 
listed in Company C, 141st Illinois infantry; after 
five months service was honorably discharged. 
He worked at mason work in Cook county, Illinois 
nine years and in 1872 came to Minnesota ; lived 
in Scott county until 1878, then came to Oshkosh. 
He married Henrietta Kiarn in 1864; Minnie, 
John, August, Annie and Mary are the living 
children; two have died. 



912 



UISTOBY OF THE UINNESOTA VALLEY. 



township 115, range 42, was set apart for organi- 
zation October 6, 1879, and the first election hel 1 
October 25. First oflifers: T. V. Vose, chairman; 
P. N. Roduez and John Poison, supervisors; J. R. 
Brown, clerk; J. S. Kelm, treasurer; J. R. Brown 
and J. Johnson, justices; William Hartfield and 
Soloman Vestrom, constables. The first settlers 
were Swedes, John Poison and R. Olsou, who 
came in August, 1872. School district number 
29, includes the entire to^vnship; the school-house 
is built of prairie sod, and the first term was 
taught by Nels Rodnez in 1879. A Lutheran min- 
ister, Rev. I. Magny held the first religious services 
in 1874 at the house of John Poison. 

John R. Brown was bom in Yorkshire, England, 
December 20, 1818. He learned the trade of silk 
weaver and in 1855 came to this country and lived 
in Wisconsin until 1878, when he came to this 
town. In 1838 he married Harriet Speight and 
has ten children; his two eldest sons served in the 
war of the rebellion. 

OMRO. 

The first settlers in this town were George and 
William Dickerson, who located on section 18, in 
April, 1878; in June, 1878, Robert North located 
on section 12. The first town meeting was held 
January 29, 1880, at the house of James Abbott. 
Officers elected : Robert North, chairman, James 
Abbott and Richard Hillige, supervisors: William 
North, clerk; Anson Abbott, treasurer; Valentine 
Lenz, andN. S. Pratt, justices; George Jewell and 
J. G. Wheeler, constables; Adam Kackelman, 
overseer of highways. The first birth was in the 
family of Richard Hillige, a son, boru March 12, 
1879. The first marriage was George North and 
Elizabeth Barker. St. Leo post-office was estab- 
lished in January,- 1880, with Valentine Lenz as 
jjostmaster, and the office located at his house. 

J. Abbott was born March 28, 1814, in the town 
of Ossipee, New Hampshire. At the age of ten 
removed to Machias, Maine, and in 1848 went to 
Oshkosh, Wisconsin; in 1878 he came to the town 
of Omro, Yellow Medicine county, Minnesota. In 
1842 he married Margaret Cofrin; his second wife 
was Jane Wilson, whom he married in 1878. His 
first wife bore him eight children; seven are living: 
James A., Elizabeth, Eldora, Anson, Edgar, Ida 
and Fiankie. 

G. Abraham, native of Germany, was born in 
1843. In 1870 he came to this country and lived 
ill Indiana until 1872, then came to Minnesota; 



his home was m Faribault county until 1878, 
^vhcn he came to Omro. In 1872 he married Wil- 
helmina Ziuter; they have had five children; four 
are living: Adelia, Bertha, Wilhelmiua and Lydia. 
Robert North was born in Essex countv, New 
i i'ork, January 21, 1826. At the age of twelve he 
\ moved to Erie county, and in 1856 went to Win- 
; nebago county, Wisconsin; in 1878 he came to 
Omro; he has been chairman of town board since 
the organization of the town. His wife was Sarah 
Miranda Campbell, whom he married April 23, 
1846; their living children are Eliza Jane, Wil- 
liam H., George A. and Robert E. ; one child died. 
W. H. North was born July 0, 1850, in Erie 
county, New York. He moved with his parents to 
Wisconsin, and lived in Winnebago county imtil 
1879, then came to Omro; he has Ijeen town clerk, 
treasurer and justice of the peace. Married, Jan- 
uary 27, 1870, Nettie Drake, and has two children, 
Florence Elba and Sarah Agnes. 

John G. Wheeler, native of Kentucky, was born 
November 5, 1852, in Kenton eouuty. At the age 
of two he went with his parents to Ohio and two 
years later to Iowa; in 1858, went to Maoon coun- 
ty, Missouri; at the age of fourteen his father died 
and he then traveled through the 'southern and 
western states; returned to Missouri where he mar- 
ried, March 1877, Elizabeth C. Kimble, and re- 
turned to Minnesota. 

FOKTIER. 

This town was the last in the county to organ- 
ize, the first town meeting being held May 30, 
1881. The name of Le Roy was first given it, but 
as there was already a town of that name, Fortier 
was substituted in honor of Joseph Fortier, present 
sheriff of the county. The first settler was Hans 
J. Gunderson, who came in the fall of 1873. He 
located first on section 22, but removed in 1878 to 
his present farm on section 34. Fortier occupies 
the southwestern corner of the county. 

James A. Goombes, born in 1844, lived in his 
native city, Boston, excepting one year spent in 
Virginia, till twelve years of age, when he went to 
Michigan, and worked four years on a farm. Re- 
turned to Boston and enlisted in 1861, though but 
seventeen years old; served three years; partici- 
pated in many very hard battles and has never eu- 
tirely recovered from a wound in the knee. He 
was then employed in carpenter and farm work in 
Michigan, Boston and New York till 1879, the date 
of his .settlement in Fortier. Married, March 12, 
IHHO, Sophia Scheef; one child, Jacob H., died. 



CHIPPEWA COUNTY . 



913 



CHIPPEWA COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XC. 

CHrPPEWA COUNTY MONTEVIDEO SPARTA 

GRANITE FALLS. 

The first record that exists of any attempt at 
permanent settlement within the territory embraced 
in the present limits of Cbippewa county, relates 
to two men who settled on section 29, town 117, 
range 40. This settlement was made some time 
before the Indian outbreak in 1862, by an En- 
glishman and a Frenchman. Like many others 
on the frontier they fared badly at the hands of 
the Indians. One was killed; the other was 
wounded, but managed to escape. 

In 1865, when Walter Carlton took the claim, 
he found the remains of the murdered man in the 
cellar of the log cabin, thit was still standing. 
Besides Walter Carlton, the same year, came Dan- 
iel G. Wilkins, James Carlton, John Silvernail and 
Henry Gippe. Mr. Wilkins made a claim to the 
south-west quarter of section 18, town 117, range 
40. Next year, in 1866, a few .other settlers put 
in their appearance; G.W.Daniels, Frank Pal- 
mer, Samuel J. Sargent, C. J. C. Eldred, Henry 
and Edward Tunison and Horace Gregg. Palmer 
and Daniels located on what was afterwards known 
as Palmer's creek. Sargent, Tunison and Gregg 
settled near where the road to Fort Wadsworth 
crossed the Chippewa river. A. G. and C. D. 
Ward were also among the arrivals in 1866. Those 
already enumerated were all that were to be found 
in the county previous to 1867. 

In March, 1867, George W. Frink and family, 
and Henry Soule and family, put in an appear- 
ance, the latter settling on the north half of sec- 
tion 18, town 117, range 40; the former on the 
north-east quarter of section 18, town 117, range 
40. From this date onwards settlers began to 
come in very rapidly. The settlement was con- 
fined to a very narrow strip of country along the 
Minnesota and Chippewa rivers for several years. 
In 1870, the territory now comprising Swift and 
Chippe«a counties contained only 1,467 white in- 
habitants. Nearly all the early settlers came into 
the county by following up the Minnesota river; 
a few, however, came and settled along the Chip- 
pewa river, in 1867 and 1868, from the east, or by 
way of Meeker and McLeod counties. Previous 
to the year 1870 all merchandise came up the 

58 



Minnesota river, not on boats, however, but on 
wagons, usually drawn by oxen; and up to that 
time the greater part of what was used by the 
inhabitants was drawn from New TJlm, or beyond, 
a distance of 85 miles or more, from Chippewa 
City, as the first settlement was called. The first 
goods brought into the county were taken to 
Chippewa City in 1868, by E. C. Alcorn and J. D. 
Baker. The first house built after the outbreak 
was by D. G. Wilkins. It was built of hewed logs, 
and was afterwards occupied by H. W. Smith. 

The settlement of the county has progressed 
steadily, and the farms opened have been well 
improved. In 1869 there were only 539 acres of 
wheat under cultivation, the product of which was 
8,359 bushels. The total area of ground under 
cultivation the same year, was 1,230 acres. In 
1870, the total acreage was 1,326, of which 898 was 
in wheat, the product being 14,138 bus. of the 
cereal. From that on, the increase was very 
marked; so much so that in 1873 there were 9,457 
acres of wheat under cultivation. In 1880 the 
agricultural reports show 29,923 acres of wheat, 
producing 406,383 bushels. The total area of 
cultivated land was 40,597 acres. 

The principal lakes are Shakopee, WOlow, Black 
Oak and Badwater. 

The county was organized on the 5th of March, 
1868, until that time it formed part of the terri- 
tory belonging to Renville county. 

Renville county then embraced all the territory 
north, on the eastern bank of the Minnesota river. 
Several separate acts were passed by the legisla- 
ture dividing this territory. One of these was an 
act to change the boundary line of Chippewa 
county, section one of which provided that: "The 
county of Chippewa is established and bounded as 
follows : beginning in the middle of the main chan- 
nel of the Minnesota river, on the range hne be- 
tweeu ranges 38 and 39, thence north to the north- 
west corner of township 116 north, of range 38 
west; thence east to the north-east comer of town- 
ship 116 north, of range 37 west; thence north to 
the northeast corner of township 122 north, of 
range 37 west; thence west to the northwest corner 
of township 122 north, of range 43 west; thence 
south to the centre of the channel of the Minne- 
sota river; thence down the said river to the place 
of beginning." 

The county seat was located at a village already 
established, called Chippewa City, opposite the 
present site of Montevideo. 



914 



UISTORr OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Here was a post-office established also. When 
the struggle between the two rival places, took 
place Mr. Swift, of Beaver Falls, the representative 
of the district procured the passage of an act lo- 
cating the county seat at Montevideo, and he, in 
connection with (lovernor Ramsey, secured the re- 
moval of the post-office. As the act referred to 
only made Montevideo the temporary county seat, 
another act was secured, which was approved Feb- 
ruary 25, 1870, by which the county officers were 
authorized to keep their offices at Montevideo until 
the county seat was pernianently established, ac- 
cording to law, not exceeding three years from and 
after the passage of the act. At the same session 
the act detaching the county of Swift from Chiis- 
pewawas passed, and approved February 18. This 
was ratified by the people at the next general 
election. 

The first meeting of the commissioners of Chip- 
pewa county was held at Chippewa City, on Jan- 
uary 9, 1869. D. S. Wilkins was appointed chair- 
man of the board. The following county officers 
were then appointed: J. D. Baker, auditor; J. C. 
Eldred, register of deeds: S. J. Sargent, treasurer; 
G. W. Daniels, judge of probate; J. D. Baker, 
superintendent of public schools; Horace W. 
Gregg, coroner: George W. Frink, justice of the 
peac?; F. S. Palmer and M. Norris, constables. On 
further notice T. Christolphson was appointed jus- 
tice of the peace, and C. Pingerson, constable, un- 
til the ensuing election. The first board of com- 
missioners was composed of D. G. Wilkins, O. 
Thorsan, and M. Davidson. 

At a meeting held on March 16, the county was 
divided into three commissioner districts, and at 
the same time a resolution was adopted declaring 
each commissioner district an assessment district. 
Mr. O. Overson was appointed to the first, Ole 
Ray to the second, and Ole Duland, to the third 
district, as assessors. 

The county was then divided into two road dis- 
tricts. Knute Anuson being appointed overseer 
in the first, and B. Soule to the second district. 
On motion, Henry Conners was appointed consta- 
ble in the third district, in place of F. Palmer, re- 
signed; John SilvernaO, justice of the peace, in 
the second district; Christojjher Fingerson, justice 
of the peace, and Ole Paulson, constable, in the j 
first district. The verbal resignation of Samuel J. 
Sargent, was accepted by the board, and George 
W. Frink was appointed to fill the vacancy. At 
a subsequent meeting Ole Torgenson was ap- 



pointed assessor of the second, and William G. 
Wilkins assessor of the third districts. 

On September 6, 1869, the county was appor- 
tioned inti> four election precincts. The Novem- 
ber election in 1869 resulted as follows: S. J. Sar- 
gent, auditor; J. J. Stewart, treasurer; O. Over- 
son, sheriiT; Iver Knutson, register of deeds; Al- 
fred Lathrop, attorney; G. W. Daniels, surveyor; 
Alfred Lathrop, court commissioner; Joseph 
D. Baker, clerk of district court; J. B. Lawrence, 
judge of probate; Enos Connor, coroner; Resolvo 
Kingman, Oliver Halgeson, and Ole Torgeson, 
commissioners. 

In 1870 the register of deeds elected, failed to 
qualify and the county board appointed V. J. 
Mathews. C. J. C. Eldred, the former register, re- 
sisted the appointment, claiming that his term 
did not expire until a successor was elected and 
that the board had no power to appoint. As a 
result, there were two registers and business was 
transacted with each,' by the people. It was after- 
wards necessary for the legislature to pass an act 
making legal the official acts of each register of 
deeds, and the copying of records into official 
books. 

January 3, 1871, the county was re-districted 
into three commissioner districts; this division con- 
tinued until July, 1880, when the county was di- 
vided into five districts. 

The first white child born in the county subse- 
quent to the outbreak was Ella Daniels, daughter 
of G. W. and Julia Daniels, in the township of 
Granite Falls, in 1866. 

The first term of court was held at Montevideo 
by Judge M. G. Hanscome, in the second Tuesday 
of June, in the year 1873. 

From the time when the first school was taught 
in 1869, the educational interests of Chippewa have 
always been well attended to. The report of 1881 
shows that there were then in existence thirty-nine 
school districts, which contained thirty school- 
houses, of which twenty-sevenwere frame, two 
log and one brick structures. The latter was in the 
independent school district of Montevideo. The 
valuation of this property was S21,064. The total 
number of scholars in the county entitled to the 
apportionment was 1,270. The number of teach- 
ers was, in winter, thirteen males and fifteen 
females, and in summer, tour males and twenty-six 
females. 

MONTEVIDEO. 

Montevideo, the county seat of Chippewa coun- 



CHIPPEWA COUNTY. 



915 



ty, is situated on the Chippewa river, about a mile 
from where it empties into the Minnesota river. 
It was laid out in 1870, the survey and plat hav- 
ing been made by George W. Daniels, which lat- 
ter bears date of May 25, 1870. The property 
was owned by George W. Frink, and was part of 
the northeast quarter of section 18 of township 
117, of range 40 west. The plat was acknowl- 
edged before J. D. Baker, clerk of the court and 
justice of the peace, on January 19, 1871, and filed 
in the office of recorder of deeds for Chippewa 
county the same day. The following additions 
have since been made to the original town site: 
Nelson's first addition, in April, 1876; Nelson's 
second addition, in December, 1878; Frink's first 
addition in November, 1878; and Whitmore's ad- 
dition in May, 1879. 

George W. Frink had settled and made claim to 
the quarter section above referred to, in the year 
1867. The year after that he buOt a log house 
which was exactly sixteen feet square in measure- 
ment. This at one time was occupied as a hotel, 
post-office, land agency, and the offices of the 
county auditor and clerk of court. It was after- 
wards enlarged and formed part of the hotel sub- 
sequently known as the Montevideo House. The 
first frame house erected in the village was the one 
built by J. D. Baker. The first store was opened 
in January, 1870, by S. L. Haines, which was in a 
building owned by J. C. Sutherland. June follow- 
ing, W. H. Stone started in trade. Among those 
who arrived in 1870 were C. J. Nelson, L. R.Moyer 
and Henry Anderson. Montevideo, however, was 
not the first village that was started in Chippewa 
county. Chippewa City must take that honorable 
distinction. The former, however, proved too strong 
for the latter, and to-day it exists not at all. 

Chippewa City, however, had a most excellent 
start. It came into existence under the most 
favorable auspices, and was designated as the 
county seat. Its location was across the Chip- 
pewa river, opposite to the present situation of 
Montevideo. It was laid out by D. G. Wilkins, 
in the fall of 1868, and was located on the south- 
west quarter of section 7. This place grew and 
flourished until Blonte^'ideo was laid out, when the 
business gradually removed to the latter place, 
and the site of Chippewa City reverted to agri- 
cultural purposes. 

J. D. Baker and Edward Elker opened a store 
in partnership at Chippewa, and soon the aspir- 
ing city had the honor of receiving the mails reg- 



ularly, a post-office being established on July 18. 
This, and the post-office at Palmer's Creek, were 
the first two established in the county, and with 
the exception of Montevideo taking the place of 
that of Chippewa, the only two for many years. 
A mail route was established from Fort Ridgely 
to Chippewa City. Besides the store already 
mentioned, Josiah Faus erected a blacksmith shop 
and engaged in business. Baker & Elker only 
conducted their store one winter; they then dis- 
posed of it to v. J. Mathews. John Lawrence 
added to the business interests by starting a drug 
store. Altogether it was the center of quite a set- 
tlement, and the future prospects of Chippewa 
looked well. The most important feature was a 
saw-mill, which was started in 1869. This was 
erected by the Chippewa Mill Company, which was 
composed of Kingman, Alcorn and Pettyjohn. 

In the fall of 1869 there was some talk about 
laying out a new town, on the east side of 
the Chippewa river. In the meantime efforts 
were made, during the session of the legislature 
in 1870, which resulted in securing the passage of 
an act temporarily locating the county seat at 
Montevideo. The postroffioe was then secured and 
the doom of Chippewa city was sealed. Mr. 
Frink was appointed postmaster, and he and Mr. 
Nelson put the whole office in a box and carried 
it over to the rival city of Montevideo. For a 
while the office waj held at the log house of Mr. 
Frink, once before referred to. Mr. Frink after- 
wards appointed Messrs. Moyer and Baker as 
deputies, but shortly afterwards he resigned the 
office in favor of J. M. Severens, who has since con- 
tiniied to fill the position. Chippewa City was 
killed; and its inhabitants, therefore, removed to 
the new point. Mr. Frink built an addition to 
his house, of some sixteen feet in dimensions and 
put on a shingle roof; previously it had only been 
covered with a roof composed of bark and dirt, 
it should be mentioned in this connection that in 
the construction of the first part of this house Mr. 
Frink had used logs that had been drawn out by 
some unknown parties, sometime before the out- 
break. The drugstore, blacksmith shop, stores and 
mill all were moved over. Additions were soon made 
to this collection of enterprises, and the nucleus, 
once formed, the growth of Montevideo has been 
steady and prosperous ever since. V. J. Mathews 
came over and built a store building 22x40 feet, 
one and a half stories in height. Mr. W. H. 
Stone opened a store also. He drove stakes in the 



916 



UlSTOUY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



ground and on these set the counters. In order 
to get the saw-mill referred to, changed in its lo- 
cation, Mr. Frink gave to the owners, one quarter 
of the new site. After the mill was removed, a 
flour mill was added with two sets of bnhrs. The 
total cost of the new mill was probably about 
$6,000. The machinery of the flouring mill was 
owned by J. W. Turner. This mill was run until 
December, 1873, when the saw-mill was destroyed 
by fire. It was tlien reconstructed and conducted 
by G. W. Frink, who rented a half interest owned 
by Persons Clark. They carried on the business 
for one year when Frink bought Clark's interest. 
E. N. Kitchel bought Alcorn's interest; next year 
W. B. Kitchel bought Pettyjohn's interest, and 
the firm became Frink & Kitchel Bros. In Au- 
gust, 1879, Mr. Frink sold his interest and the 
mill has since been conducted by Kitchel Bros. 
Besides the cjuarter interest in the town site given 
by Mr. Frink to secure the removal of the mill, he 
donated one block of twelve lots for county pur- 
poses, which, however, has not been improved 
bv the county. He also gave three lots for school 
purposes. 

The first birth on the present site of the village 
was that of Frederick J., son of G. W. and Martha 
A. Frink, December 3, 1868. The first marriage 
ceremony in the village was performed by Mr. 
Frink, justice of the peace, between Eobert Star- 
beck and Miss Margaret Kohr, April 13, 1870. 

One of the first cases befoie a justice court was 
before Mr. Frink. It was the case of Lorenzo Law- 
rence, charged with the murder of an Indian at \ 
Lake Osakis, in Douglas county, named John 
Lawrence. At the hearing of the case the Indian 
pleaded guilty and Mr. Frink committed him to 
the Douglas county jail. He was finally dis- 
charged. 

Incorporation as a village was efifected in 1879, 
the act granting the charter being approved March 
4. The first section provided, "That the south half 
of section seven and of section 18, and the north- 
west quarter and fractional lot nximber 1, section 
19, all in township 117, of range 40 
in Chippewa county. Minnesota, is hereby set 
apait and incorporated as the village of Monte- 
video, under the provisions of chapter 139 of the 
general laws of the state of Minnesota." 

J. M. Severens, (t. \V. Frink and J. K. Miller 
were designated commissioners for the purpose of 
carrying out the intentions of the act. There was 
p isseJ by the legislature of 1881, approved Feb- 



ruary 5, an act to amend an act to incorporate the 
village of Montevideo. It made but a few verbal 
changes in the charter. 

The first meeting of the village for the purpose 
of electing officers was held at the house of K. O. 
Bartlett. Officers elected: G. W. Frink, jiresi- 
dent; Henry Anderson, W. B. Kitchel and T. F. 
Kuappen, trustees; John A. Munroe, recorder; F. 

A. Kline, treasurer; A. J. Mullin, constable; W. 

B. Wilson and J. L. Kitchel, justices of the peace. 
At this election the question of temjjerance was 
agitated and the matter of license or no Uoense put 
to a vote. There were 92 votes cast in favor of, and 
9.5 votes against license. In 1880 the vote was in 
favor of license. 

The first school taught in the village was liy 
Miss Florence Stewart, in the fall of 1869, in Mr. 

C. J. Nelson's house. There were then about 
twelve scholars in attendance. During the sum- 
mer of 1872 the first school-house was built at 
Montevideo, in district number one, by issuing 
bonds to pay for the cost of construction. This 
structure when erected was 24x40 feet in dimen- 
sions. It was the first frame school-house built 
above Beaver Falls in Renville county. In 1880 
the present large and handsomely constructed 
school building was finished, at a cost of $9,000. 
It is two stories in height, of brick, with stone 
trimmings, and is fitted up with all the latest and 
most approved educational apparatus. Including 
the land upon which it stands the cost has been 
.$11,000. There are four teachers and about 22.5 
scholars. Some time since Montevideo was cre- 
ated an independent school district. 

The first church services held in the county were 
by Rev. Mr. Stewart, who was traveling through 
the country with A. M. Lathrop, at quite an early 
date, in Mr. Wilkins' house. Then, in 1868, 
Bishop Whipple and Colonel McPhaill came to- 
gether from Redwood Falls, and the Bishop held 
divine services in a grove on the west side of the 
Chippewa river. The next services were those cel- 
ebrated by Rev. O. A. Starr, on the banks of the 
same river. This last resulted in the perfecting 
of a church organization according to the methods 
of the Cougregationalists. Rev. O. A. Starr becom- 
ing pastor. This was in 1871. The organization 
has been continued, but the congregation as yet 
owns no church edifice. The Rev. Starr was sub- 
sequently succeeded by Kev. D. GoodseU. At 
present there is no pastor. 

The Baptist church at an early date was repre- 



CHIPPEWA COUNTY. 



917 



sented by some six or eight members wtio used to 
meet together, bnt no real organization was effected 
until March, 1877, when Rev. F. S. Ashmore be- 
came the pastor. There were then some nineteen 
members. This gentleman has since continued to 
fill the position of pastor until the present, with 
the short exception of a space of six months, dur- 
ing which time Rev. E. J. Grant filled the position. 
The first meetings were held in the old school- 
house. During the winter of 1879 they worship- 
ped in the church edifice they were engaged in 
erecting, although it was then but partially fin- 
ished. It was not completed until some time 
afterwards. It cost about .$2,000, and was dedi- 
cated to religious purposes ,Tune 20, 1881. 

Methodist: This denomination succeeded in 
organizing during the summer of 1870. The first 
meeting was held in a small room over a drug 
store. The name of the first minister was Tainter. 
The church edifice was built in 1878, and the first 
sermon preached in it was by the Rev. J. S. Bean; 
the present minister is Rev. T. J. Higgins. 

There is a congregation of Episcopalians, which 
holds services every other Sunday, which are cele- 
brated by the Rev. .7. Karcher, who comes from 
Granite Falls for the purpose. The Norwegian 
Methodists have recently eflected a church organ- 
ization. They purchased the old school building, 
removed it from its site, and now use it for religious 
purposes. 

Societies. — Sunset Lodge, 109, A. F. and A. M. 
was organized under dispensation from the grand 
lodge, June 3, 1872, and received its cliarter 
March 10, 1874. The first meeting was held in 
a log housi' belonging to the Ward brothers, 
about half a mile t ast of town. The first officers 
of the lodge were: J. N. Porter, W. M., C. J. C. 
Eldred, S. W., V. .J. Mathews, J. W., Morrison 
McMillan, treasurer, Lewis Eddy, secretary, W. J. 
Clark, S. D., R. Kingman, J. D., B. K. Soule, ty- 
ler. Montevideo Lodge, No. 75, I. O. O. P., was 
instituted on February 11, 1880, and duly incor- 
porated March 3, 1880. The first officers were W. 
R. Pearson, N. G., N. M. Reynolds, V. G., O. A. 
Griffis, secretary. When first organized there 
were only six members. At one time there was 
in existence a lodge of the A. O. U. W., but it has 
become defunct. 

Chippewa Agricultural and Mechanical Society 
is an enterprising association that has made its in- 
fluence felt for good in the community since its 
organization. Ths first fair under its auspices 



was held in 1879, and was a great success. Since 
then it has held fairs every year. It possesses 
large and well arranged groiuids, in which there 
is a most excellent racing track. It is all fenced 
with a ten-foot fence, and possesses all the neces- 
sary requirements, such as judges stands, stables, 
etc. L. K. Stone is president, and P. B. Nettleton, 
secretary of the society. 

The first bank started was the Chippewa County 
Bank, in 1877 by L. R. Moyer. He continued it 
alone until the following spring, wlien additional 
capital was brought in by the admission of two 
new members, Cliarles H. Budd and L. G. Moyer. 
The second was the Citizens' Bank which was 
founded by L. K. Stone in 1879 and is still con- 
tinued by him. These two banks furnish ample 
capital for the wants of the business interests of 
the village. 

The first newspaper was the Valley Ventilator 
in 1877. It was founded by C. W. Wheaton. 
Soon afterwards the firm became Wheaton & Wil- 
son which was again changed to Wilson <fe Knap- 
pen. This was in the fall of 1879, at which time 
the name of the paper was changed to the Chip- 
pewa County Leader. It was purchased in 1880 
by W. F. Coffin. The same year A. F. Balton 
bought an interest and the firm became Coffin & 
Balton. The name of the paper was then changed 
in the fall of 1881, to the Montevideo Leader. The 
Leader is republican in politics and is pubHshed 
every Saturday. In connection with the business 
of publishing,a job office is conducted by the firm. 

The Valley Blossom was first started by C. D. 
Bensel July 1, 1881. At present it is published 
by Messrs. Woodworth & Wilson who succeeded 
to the business November 8, 1881. It is a live 
republican journal, published every week, and 
with a good circulation. 

The population of the village is in the neighbor- 
hood of 1,000. The location of Montevideo being 
in all respects most eligible for business purposes, 
and the surrounding country being well settled, it 
is natural to expect a good trade in the village. 
The largest general merchandise store is that of 
Henry Anderson, one of the old settlers. Another 
one is that of John Heynes, who also deals largely 
in hardware. Borgen & Co., the successors of the 
Tvedt Bros., carry, also, large stocks of general 
merchandise. George W. Frink handles flour> 
feed and groceries ; Whitmore Bros., Paris Fream 
and Heins k Co., are also general merchandise 
dealers; George A. Cortelycu carries a good stock 



918 



niSrORT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



of jewelry, watches aud plated ware; Fullerton k 
Son, hardware, aud Murphy A firiffls, drugs, are 
also prominent merchants. George J. Oraue, P.B. 
Nettletoa & Co., and P. L. Norman are engaged in 
the machinery business. Other enterprises are 
Charles Betcher, lumber; Byers & Silvernail,bhick- 
smiths: John Dalley, lumbjr; A. M. EUithorp, 
hardware; Josiah Faus, blacksmith; E. E. Husby, 
carriage maker; Leaves Meldal, lumber; W. R. 
Pearson, harness; Pratt & Robinson, grain ; R. W. 
Purdy, grocer; J. R. Seaman, marble works; W. M. 
Taylor, farm implements; C. H. Wagelsteen, har- 
ness maker; F. A. Zeten and C. J. Resler, grocers; 
Ole Anderson, photographer. The lawyers are 
Budd, Moyer A Moyer, Joseph C. Hill, T. F. 
Knappen, T. S. Stiles and J. Owen Wood. The 
medical profession is represented by Lea Murphy, 
Dr. Bacon, G. E. Dennis and Charles E. Daniels. 
There are various other lines of business represent- 
ed, as Case & Whitmore, grain dealers and owners 
of the elevator; Crane & Whitmore, insurance 
agents and sewing machines, and the flour-mill al- 
ready mentioned in former pages. There is also 
a feed-mill, with a planing miU attachment, which 
is operated by Soule k French. 

The first hotel built in the village was the Mon- 
tevideo House, which was founded on the old log 
house built by G. W. Frink, and already men- 
tioned. It has been enlarged with the growth of 
the place. It is now kept by Mrs. Bartlett. 

The Dunn House is the largest hotel in the 
village. It was built in 1878 by Mr. Dunn. After 
his death it was rented to C. A. Dwight, but sub- 
sequently became the property of C. D. Bensel, 
by whom the house has been much improved. It 
is three stories in height and well constructed. 

The Merchants Hotel, Excelsior House and one 
or two smaller ones complete the list. 

Joseph Allschwager was born in 1855 in Ger- 
many, and in 1861 accompanied his parents to 
America. When eighteen years old he removed 
from Columbus, Wisconsin, to Milwaukee, where 
he worked five years at carriage making; in the 
winter of 1880 he came to Montevideo, and formed 
a partnership with Mr. Anderson in the carriage 
aud blacksmith business. 

A. I. Amundson is a native of Wisconsin, born 
in 1854 and reared on a farm. In 1867 he located 
in Chippewa county and engaged in farming; for 
a number of years Mr. Amundson was deputy 
sherifT, constable and supervisor, and in the autumn 
of 1881 was elected sheriff of this county. 



Henry Anderson, bom June 30, l^Al, in Nor- 
way, came in 1857 with his parents to America. 
Lived on a farm in Grant county, Wisconsin, till 
18G4, when he located in McLeod county, Minne- 
sota. From February, 1865, to the close of the 
war he served in Company G, 1st Minnesota heavy 
artillery. In 1870 he located on a homestead in 
Sparta; the next year was elected treasurer of this 
county; served two years, and in 1876 he engaged 
in mercantile trade with L. K. Stone, and in 1881 
bought his partner's interest; in 187G was re-elec- 
ted county treasurer and again officiated for two 
years; is a member of the village council and also 
president of the board of education. Married in 
187.3, Rintha Palmer. 

A. C. Amtson was bom in 1849 in Wisconsin. 
Settled in Owatonna, Minnesota, in 1867, and 
worked two years as clerk in his father's store; af- 
ter farming in Kandiyohi county until 1871 here- 
moved '.o Swift county, where he waf employed in 
clerking, teaching and farming; came to this 
county in 1877 and he has resided at Montevideo, 
serving as register of deeds since 1879. Married 
in 1869, Mary E. Wicks. 

Dr. J. B. Bacon was born in 1854 in Illinois. 
After leaving the Northwestern college of Chicago 
in 1876, he attended Chicago Medical college until 
1878, and the next year graduated from the Texas 
Medical college, then practiced one year at Elliott, 
after which he was made assistant physician in the 
Cook County hospital; he graduated in 1881 from 
the Chicago Medical college and located at Mon- 
tevideo, where he has a good practice. 

H. M. Bacon was born in 1858, at Macomb, Il- 
linois. After attaining an ediieation at the North- 
western and the Vanderbilt universities lie was in a 
drug store, learning the business, till 1878, then 
went to Colorado where he made a small fortune 
in real estate, mining and drug business. Since 
1881 he has been in the drug trade at Monte- 
video. 

Lars H. Bay, born in Denmark in 1840, followed 
farming tiU 1863, then served in the army two 
years. From 1865 to 1868 he was farming in 
Dodge county, Minnesota, then located in Tuns- 
burg, and continued in the same occupation until 
1879, at which date he was elected treasurer of 
Chijjpewa county, and removed to Montevideo; 
was re-elected to the office in 1881; was a.ssessor 
of Tunsburg seven years. Married in 1869, Dora 
Wick. 

C. D. Bensel, born in Alliance, Stark coimty, 



CHIPPEWA COUNTY. 



919 



Ohio, May 11, 1855, came when two years old 
with his parents to Minnesota. Lived at Faribault 
and St. Paul; in 1876 he gniJuated from the law 
department of the university at Iowa city,then was 
in the office of Judge Quinn at Faribault; admitted 
to the bar in 1877 and began practice at Benson; 
published the Benson Times two years; in 1880 he 
came to Montevideo ; practiced law and published 
the Valley Blossom; since September, 1881 has 
been proprietor of the Dunn Hotel. Married in 

1879, Mrs. H. J. Dunn. 

Adam L. Bolton, born in Scipio, Jennings 
county, Indiana, December 6, 1849, removed in 
1869 to Mankato, where he learned printing. He 
was on the Review three years and then on the St. 
Paul Dispatch until 1880, when he became inter- 
ested in the Montevideo Leader. Married Febru- 
ary 23, 1879, Flora Berkman. 

C. M. Borgen, native of Norway, was bom Oc- 
tober 6, 1854; followed the sea from the age of 
eleven till the year 1872, when he came to America. 
He farmed one year in Houston county, Minnesota, 
clerked one year in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and was 
salesman four years in a boot and shoe house in 
St. Paul, then carried general mei'chandise at Can- 
non Falls until 1879, when he came to Montevideo 
and has been in company with his brother since 

1880. Married May 22, 1878, Carrie Olson. 

C. J. Brazee, born in New York, in 1837, lived 
with his parents at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, from 
the age of thirteen to seventeen. After complet- 
ing his studies at a commercial college in Du- 
buque, he learned painting. In 1861 he enlisted 
as musician in the Fifth Wisconsin ; re-enlisted and 
served until the close of the war as chief musician 
in the 38th Wisconsin. Worked at his trade 
at Granite Falls from 1879 to 1881 then came to 
Montevideo. Married Emma Howard in 1871. 

Hon. Charles H. Budd was born in 1848, in 
Cambria, Niagara county. New York. After gradu- 
ating from the Wesleyan University, at Lima, in 
1866, he read law for a time and in 1872, graduat- 
ed from the law department of the university at 
Ann Arbor; was admitted the same year and prac- 
ticed a short time at St. Paul, but the same year, 
1872, he opened the first law office at Montevideo; 
has served as county attorney and judge of pro- 
bate; from 1877 to 1878 he practiced at St. Paul, 
since then at Montevideo; is also president of the 
Chippewa County Bank. Married in 1877, Carrie 
Eastman, who died January 10, 1881; one child: 
Mary. 



J. A. Case was born in 1838, in Ehode Island. 
Lived for a time in New York and Indiana; in 
1856 came to Minnesota; after staying one year in 
St. Paul he located inNinninger; was there and at 
Hastings till coming in 1878 to Montevideo; he 
was employed in farming, lumbering, and in the 
mercantile trade; has been in the lumber and wheat 
business since coming here; the firm is now Case 
& Whitmore. In 1862 Mr. Case married Mary 
Batomly. 

W. F. Coffin was born in 1849 in Indiana, and in 
1856 removed with his parents to Blue Earth 
county, Minnesota. At fifteen years of age he en- 
listed in the First Minnesota heavy artillery and 
served until war ceased. He learned printing and 
worked five years at Mankato and one year in St. 
Paul, then bought an interest in the Review at 
Mankato; three years later opened a job office, 
and in 1879 started at Ortonville the Big Stone 
County Herald. In 1880 he came here and 
bought the Montevideo Leader; his partner is Mr. 
Bolton. Married in 1874 Ellen Brooks. 

Captain George J. Crane was born in 1844 in 
Tompkins county, New York, and brought up in 
Wisconsin. In 1861 he entered the Third regi- 
ment of cavalry; was made captain of Company I, 
and served until the war closed. He engaged in 
the butcher's busLoess at Oshkosh until settling on 
a farm in Sparta, this state, in 1870; he was one 
of the first in the county to embark in the sale of 
machinery; was in a general store three years. 
Mr. Crane was one of the first village aldermen, 
and has been county sheriff. In 1868 married 
Mary Raynolds. 

P. B. Crane was born in 1847 in .Racine county, 
Wisconsin. In 1869 he removed to Sparta town- 
ship; after farming there three years he engaged 
with his brother in the sale of agricultural imple- 
ments, but sold his interest m 1876 and formed a 
partnership with F. C. Whitmore; since 1879 he 
has been in the insurance business with J. M. Whit- 
more. Ada Lawrence was married in 1876 to Mr. 
Crane. 

G. Durell, native of New York, was born in 
1846 in Oswego county, and hved on a farm till 
seventeen years old, then began to learn the trade 
of miUer; worked at milUng in New York, Wis- 
consin and Kansas until 1881, then came to Mon- 
tevideo and started in the butcher business in com- 
pany with his brother. Miss Hafer, of Wisconsin, 
became his wife in 1879. 

G. Eliason was bom m 1848 m Norway, and at 



920 



UISTORT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



the age of fourteen went to sea; was promoted to 
first mate; in 1871 he came to America, and after 
following the lakes one season, located at Monte- 
video and began clerking for Mr. Meldal, with 
whom he is now engaged in business; in 1879 
they began the lumlior trade, also started the 
Bank of Montevideo, where Mr. Eliason is cashier. 
Married in 1872 Sophia Lund; Adolph O. Emma E., 
Simon G., Emilie V. and Paul W. are the children. 

A. M. Ellithorp, born in 1837 in Saratoga, New 
York, removed in 1855 to Iowa and the next year 
to Minnesota; was in the hardware trade at Roches- 
ter sixteen years, since 1879 has been in that bus- 
iness at Montevideo. Served in the army one year 
in Ool. McPhaill's mounted rangers. He is a mem- 
ber of the village council and of the board of edu- 
cation. Married in 1865, Lacy AUen. 

Josiah Faus, native of Pennsylvania, was born 
in 1834 and learned blaoksmithing. He went to 
Florence, Michigan, where he worked at his trade 
eight years, and then at MorriStown, Minnesota, 
until 1869, at which date he came to Chippewa 
county and opened the first blacksmith shop in 
the county; since 1870 he has been at Montevideo; 
his was also the first shop in the town. Married 
in 1856, Elizabeth Straub. 

Paris Fream, born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 
in 1849, went when two years old with his parents 
to Davenport, Iowa, where at the age of fourteen 
he graduated. He was employed in different 
lines of business there and at Cincinnati, Chicago 
and Faribault; since 1879 he has had a successful 
trade at his general store in Montevideo. Married 
in 1874, Miss A. V. Eoot; two children: Jessie B. 
and Florence. 

Hon. G. W. Frink was born June 24, 1829, in 
Lorraine, Jefferson county, New York. From 1850 
to 1855 he was farming in Fond du Lac county, 
Wisconsin, then in Rice county, Minnesota; he was 
engaged in mercantile trade and milling till the 
crisis of 1857-8, when he lost everything, after 
which he was compelled to rent a farm; subse- 
quently settled in the present site of Montevideo, 
and in 1870 located the town; he was largely in- 
strumental in getting the railroad through the 
place, and has done all in his power to further the 
interests of the town. In 1873 he was elected to 
the legislature. At one time he was in the mill- 
ing business here and now has a fine grocery store. 
Married ia 1850, Martha Morrill. 

Col. J. C. Hill was born in Charlestown, Massa- 
chusetts in 1840. He followed the sea a number 



of years, and served one year in the English 
army; in 1860 he began the study of law in Ken- 
nebec, Maine. At the commencement of the re- 
bellion he was the first man in the state to offer 
his services; raised a company of which he was 
sergeant; returned at the request of the governor 
to drill soldiers; afterward served in different regi- 
ments as lieutenant, captain, and lieutenant-col- 
onel; resigned in 1864 and went to New Mexico, 
where for a number of years he was clerk of the 
U. S. courts; was admitted to the bar and prac- 
ticed there till 1876, then one year at Minneapolis, 
and has since been at Montevideo; Married in 
1881, Charlotte Carlyle, his second wife. 

E. E. Husby, native of Norway, was born in 
1851. In 1869 he immigrated to the northern 
part of Michigan, where he engaged in farming 
one year, then went to Frankfort and learned the 
trade of carpenter ; after working there about two 
years he migrated to Minnesota, and since 1877 
has been in the wagon making trade at Monte- 
video. Miss O. J. Olesou was married to him in 
1878 and died in 1880. 

E. M. Kitohel, born in 1839, in Ohio, accom- 
panied his parents to Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, 
and in 1855, to Minnesota; lived in Olmsted 
county till 1862, then served in Company H, 6th 
Minnesota, until August, 1865; was on farm in 
Sparta, this county, from 1869 till 1879; since 
that date he has been in the milling business, in 
company with his brother, W. B. Miss H. M. 
Jennings became his wife in 1860. 

James L. Kitchel was born in 1847, in Monroe 
county, Wisconsin; removed to Iowa and in 1856 
to Olmsted county, Minnesota; in 1862 he enlisted 
in the 2d Minnesota cavalry ; served two years 
and nine mouths; came in 1869 to Chippewa 
county, and for the past four years has been 
court commissioner; in 1872 and 1876 he was 
elected to the state legislature; was supervisor and 
justice several years in Sparta. Married in 1876, 
Carrie Wilson. 

W. B. Kitchel, native of Illinois, was born in 
1842 in Stevenson county; accompanied his par- 
ents to Iowa, and when thirteen years old, settled 
in Olmsted county, Minnesota; from that age he 
worked to support himself. Enlisted in 1861 in 
Company B, Second Minnesota infantry; served 
one year; was farming near Rochester till 1869, 
then in Sparta, this county; while there he held 
manv town offices; in 1879 he and a brother 



CHIPPEWA COUNTY. 



921 



bought the flouring mill which they are now oper- 
ating. Married in 1864, Mary Norris. 

Hon. T. F. Knappen, born in Clinton county, 
New York in 1845, went at the aj';e of fifteen with 
his parents to Arlington, Wisconsin. He began 
reading law in 1867, and iu 1869 graduated from 
the law department of the Madison University ; 
was admitted the same year; taught school one 
year at Duluth. Then practiced at Brainerd from 
1871 to 1874, then at Cambridge and Anoka till 
1878, when he came to Montevideo ; he was a mem- 
ber of the legislature in 1873, and for several years 
attorney of Isanti county. Married in 1870, Sa- 
rah McParland. 

John Larson was born in 1857 in Norway, and 
in 1861 accompanied his parents to Columbia 
county, Wisconsin. From 1867 to 1871 he lived 
in Olmsted county, Minnesota, then was farming 
in Lisbon, Yellow Medicine county; came in 1879 
to Montevideo; clerked a short time, but since 1881 
has been in the hardware business with Mr. Nel- 
son; while residing in Lisbon he was supervisor 
and justice. 

C. H. Morton was bom in 1828 in Jefferson 
county. New York. He learned the tinners' trade, 
at which he was employed till 1855, the date of 
his settlement at Rochester, Minnesota, where he 
was in the real estate and wheat business. In 1879 
he came to Montevideo ; is in partnership with N. 
M. Pratt of Faribault; they own elevators and 
handle about 400,000 bushels of wheat annually. 

Hon. L. K. Moyer, born in Niagara county,New 
York in 1848, removed in 1869 to Chippewa coun- 
ty, Minnesota, and in 1871 located at Montevideo. 
He has held the office of county surveyor since 
that time, and has been judge of probate since 
1877 :organized the Chip2:)ewa County Bank in 1877 
and the next year C. H. Budd became a partner; this 
was the first bank in the valley, above Redwood 
Falls. In 1876 he married Anna Wightman. 

Dr. L. Murphy was born in 1849, in Wisconsin, 
and when he was seven years old the family set- 
ted near Rochester, this state. He attended school 
at St. Charles, and in 1871 entered Rush Medical 
College at Chicago; after practicing for a time at 
Montevideo he returned to college; graduated in 
1874, and has since practiced his profession at this 
place, has also been in the drug trade since 1878, 
with Mr. Griffis. Married Ruth Lawrence in 1875. 

N. S. Nelson, born in Normay in 1859, came in 
1870 to America. He lived three years in Stony 
Run, Yellow Medicine county, and was employed 



as clerk the same length of time at Granite Falls, 
after which he clerked in Montevideo until 1881, 
when he embarked in business. 

P. L. Norman, born in 1847 in Norway, came 
to America in 1871. He was employed as archi- 
tect three years in Chicago, then passed four years 
at the Madison University of Wisconsin; in 1877 
he came to Minnesota; was located at St. Paul as 
collecting agent for Fuller and .Johnson until start- 
ing in the farm machinery business at Montevideo 
in 1880; also does a large business in town col- 
lections and insurance. 

W. R. Pearson was bom in 1844 in England, 
and when a child immigrated t(j Ripon, Wiscon- 
sin. In 1864 he joined the 4th Wisconsin cavalry; 
returned in 1866 and learned harness-making.after 
which he was in business at Ripon nine years and 
has been at Montevideo since 1879; built his store 
in 1880. In 1874, Emma Tusten became his sec- 
ond wife. 

George W. Prevey was born in 1854, in Juneau 
county, Wisconsin. After graduating from the 
Elroy Seminary in 1877, he taught in Wisconsin 
and Iowa; in 1879 he came to Minnesota; was 
principal of the high school at Montevideo two 
years; is now school clerk and village justice. 
Miss May Wilcox, of Wisconsin, was married in 
1877 to Mr. Prevey. 

James Quane, native of Canada, was boru in 
1853, and in 1855 emigrated with his parents to 
the United States. Until 1860 he resided in Sib- 
ley county, Minnesota, then removed to St. Peter 
and made that place his home till 1879, when he 
came to Montevideo; opened a barber shop here 
and since 1881 has had a restaurant also. In 1881 
he married Jennie E. Glynn. 

J. R. Seamans was born in 1855 in Crawford 
county, Pennsylvania, and in 1867 accompanied 
his parents to Owatonna. He learned the marble 
business and after working about six years he 
went to Chicago; followed his trade there two 
years and in 1879 began in the business at Mon- 
tevideo. EHza Wiggins was married in 1879 to 
Mr. Seamanfa. 

J. M. Severens was born in 1839, in Windham 
county, Vermont. When sixteen years old he went 
to Illinois; lost his left arm in a broom com ma- 
chine, after which he taught in Vermont and Illi- 
nois. Studied law in Michigan, graduated from 
the State University and was admitted to the bar; 
was also admitted in Chippewa county, but never 
practiced; upon coming to this state he engaged 



922 



niarouY of tub Minnesota valley. 



in the nursery business in Rice county, till coming 
in 1871 to Montevideo; since 1872 lie has been 
postmaster and county auditor. Married in 1868, 
Mary Billings. 

Charles W. Simons, born in 1842, in Milwaukee 
Wisconsin, lived on a farm until twenty-two years 
old. He was in (Jalironiia three years, previous to 
coming in 1870, to Minnesota; after farming nine 
years in Sparta he engaged in milling at River 
Falls, Wisconsin, two years, then started his feed 
mill at INIontevideo. He married the last time in 
187i, Miss C. R. Short. 

J. Harley Smith, born in New Jersy, in 1834, 
came to Minnesota in 1861 and enlisted in the 
third regiment of infantry; after serving two years 
he engaged in farming five years in Richfield; from 
1868 to 1870 he was in an abstract and law office 
in Minneapolis, then came to Chippewa county; 
has a large farm joining Montevideo and makes a 
specialty of stock raising. Married in 1863, Mary 
Wilson. 

Chriss Solberg, native of Norway, was born in 
1855. While young he learned cabinet making, 
at which he worked in the old country till 1877, 
when he immigrated to Chicago; was employed at 
his trade there until migrating in the autumn of 
1881, to Montevideo, where he and a brother are 
now in the furniture business together. 

Herman Stevens was born in 1853, in Norway, 
and worked at tailoring there from the age of fif- 
teen until coming in 1871, to America. He was 
employed at his trade a short time in Madison, 
Wisconsin, and si^c years in Chicago, also at Red 
Wing for a short time; since October, 1880, he has 
been engaged in the business of merchant tailor al 
Montevideo. 

T. S. Stiles was born in 1857, in Indiana. In 
1862 he removed to Sauk Centre; was educated at 
the St. Cloud Normal school, and the Minneapolis 
University, after which he taught one year; in 
1876 he began to read law, and in 1878 was ad- 
mitted to the bar; the next year he came to Monte- 
video and formed a partnership tor the practice of 
law, with O. J. Ward, but since January 1882, has 
been alone; for twj years he was village recorder. 

Nelson Stoddard was born in 1822, in Maine, 
where he followed farming, lumbering, and mer- 
cantile business. In 1859 lie went to Wisconsin, 
and two year.s later to Olmsted county, this state; 
he continued farming and mercantile trade there, 
until coming in 1881 to Montevideo, where he 
bought a large farm. His first- wife, Henrietta 



Clark, died in 1842, and in 1846 he married Slercy 
Record. 

W. M. Taylor, born in 1837, in Oswego county , 
N. Y. ; worked at milling in that state from eleven 
until eighteen years of age. Followed his trade in 
Illinois and Minnesota, until 1877, then spent some 
time in Iowa and Wisconsin, since 1879 he has been 
in the livery and farm machinery business at Mon- 
tevideo; also owns a large farm. In 1860 he mar- 
ried Miss L. Allen. Mr. Taylor was county com- 
missioner of Winona county three years. 

M. E. Titus was bom January 12, 1849, in 
Cleveland. Lived with his parents on a farm 
near Milwaukee till 1862, then lived for a time in 
Dodge county, Minnesota; he was in mercantile 
business in Iowa two years and three years in Ten- 
nessee, where he was also interested in the lumber 
trade; was in a railroad office at Hannibal, Mis- 
souri, four years, then returned to Iowa; since 
1879 he has been at Montevideo, and since 1881 
has been cashier of the Citizens' Bank. Married 
in 1873, Emma Hill. 

T. J. Tvedt was born in 1850 in Norway, and in 
1861 .came with his parents to America. They 
settled in Warsaw, and in 1874 he and a brother 
started a small store on their father's farm, which 
they continued untU coming in 1877 to Monte- 
video, where they buUt a store; since February, 
1881, the firm has been Bergoust and Company. 
Mr. Tvedt married in 1881, Susan O. Holien. 

Professor George L. Vorhees was born in 1856 
in New Jersey; his father was killed by a team 
running away. When quite young he was pre- 
pared for college by a private tutor in New York; 
in 1875 he entered the University of Wisconsin, 
and graduated in 1879 as L. L. B. ; he was afterward 
principal of the high schools at Middleton and 
Miiscoda, and since 1881 has been superintendent 
of the schools of Montevideo. In 1879 he married 
Ella Culver. 

H. E. Wadsworth, born in Wyoming county, 
Ntw York, in 1844, was brought up at River 
Falls Wisconsin. He served in the 30th Wisconsin 
infantry. Company A, from 1862 till the close of 
the war. In 1869 he migrated to Renville county, 
Minnesota; in 1873 was a member of the state 
legislature and the next year was postmaster in 
the house; for a time he was jiroprietor of a stage 
line from Granite Falls to Montevideo, Beaver 
Falls and Willmar; he published the Montevideo 
Republican one year and then was in various lines 
of bu-siness; since 1881 he and Mr. Wilson have 



CHIPPEWA COUNTY. 



923 



been owners and publishers of the Valley Blossom. 
Married in 1867, CaroHne Thomas. 

W. B. Wilson was born in 1849 in Nova Scotia, 
where he received an academical education. After 
clerking three years he became a partner in the 
firm and continued in mercantile business four 
years; in 1876 he came to the United States and 
until 1881 was in the drug trade at Montevideo; 
Dr. Murphy was his partner for a short time; he 
bought the Valley Bloason in 1881, with Mr. 
Wads worth; also owns a large farm in Sparta, and 
is interested in a drug store at Big Stone City. 
Married in 1869, Mary Merriam. 

C. H. Wagelsteen, was born in 1832 and worked 
at milling in Norway, the land of his birth, till 
1868, the da g" of his coming to America. He 
worked three years at harness making in Waseoa, 
Minnesota; lived on a farm in Rosewood, this 
county, from 1871 till 1872, then came to Monte- 
video and started the first harness shop in the 
place. In 1874 Sarah Olsdotter became his third 
wife. 

William H. Wells was bom in 1849 in Roches- 
ter, New York. Received an academical education 
also attended commercial coUege, after which he 
was one year in a railroad olBce at Rochester, then 
with Dunn and Company for a time, be was five 
years in grocery business at Rochester, then came. 
In 1881, to Minnesota; has been station agent at 
Montevideo since April of that year. Married in 
May, 1870, Ida Terris. 

r. C. Whitmore, born in Livingston county. 
New York, in 1845, was educated at Lima Stmi- 
nary. In 1872 he came to Montevideo, bought 
about a thousand acres of land, and began specu- 
lating; built the Merchants Hotel in 1874; was in 
hotel business one year and the drug trade about 
the same length of time; after spending sixmonths 
east he returned and engaged in general merchan- 
dise, which he sold two years later and built a 
large elevator; is also in mercantile trade with his 
brother. In 1869 he marrieil Amelia Keller. 

J. M. Whitmore was born in 1852 in the state 
of New York, and was educated at the Lima Semi- 
nary, from which he graduated in 1868. He mi- 
grated to Minnesota in 1872 and settled in Monte- 
video, where he has since been engaged in the 
insurance business. Miss Belle Abbey, native of 
New York, was married to him in 1872. 

Eric L. Wiuje, a native of Norway, was born in 
1850. He followed the sea for two years previous 
to coming in 1869 to America; after living a short 



time in Fillmore county, Minnesota, he was em- 
ployed one year in farming in Sparta, which oc- 
cupation he continued in the town of Granite 
Falls until elected in 1881 to the office of clerk of 
the court; he has also held several town offices. 
Married in 1873, Tbibertiua -Johnson. 

Owen J.Wood was born in 1853, in Lake county, 
Indiana. At the age of twenty he began the study 
of law with bis father and at twenty-one was ad- 
mitted to the bar of Lake county ; in November, 
1876, he graduated from the Bloomington Univer- 
sity and returning to his father's office, practiced 
there till 1879, when became to Montevido; was 
soon after appointed county attorney and has since 
been twice elected to that office. Married in 1877, 
Anna Wright. 

Dr. H. Woodmas, native of Ohio, was bom in 
1851 in Monroe county. When fifteen years old 
he located at Faribault, Minnesota, where, in 1876, 
he began the study of dentistry; in 1880 he lo- 
cated at Montevideo, and has branch offices at 
Granite Falls and Appleton. Dr. Woodmas is the 
pioneer dentist of the upper Minnesota vaUey. 
Ella Burnham became his wife in 1874. 

SPARTA TOWNSHIP. 

Sparta township when first organized, was given 
the name of Chippewa. Subsequently, however, 
information was received from the state auditor 
that the name of Chippewa had already been 
taken for a town in Douglas county. Accordingly 
the board of county commissioners adopted the 
name of Sparta. This town received the first 
white settlement in the county, it being within its 
limits that Chippewa city was situated and 
afterwards Montevideo. At first the settlement 
was confined to the timber districts, but increas- 
ing immigration soon made the desirable praii'ie 
claims to be taken. The first house built on the 
prairie was by John Kohr in 1869. It was sit- 
uated on the south-west quarter of section 8 and 
was a cabin built of hewn logs with a roof of 
sticks, dirt and grass. The same year that Mr. 
Kohr located, Benjamin Pullerton, also, took his 
abode in the same vicinity, settling on the north- 
west corner of section 8. J. G. Wood also settled 
the same year, his claim being on section 4 as 
already before mentioned. Horace Gregg was one 
of the early settlers of this district. He was also 
located on section 8. He made his claim in 1868, 
and for some time lived in what is termed a 
"dug-out." 

At the meeting of the board of county commis- 



924 



IIWTOIIY OF TUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



sioners, beUl Ssptember 8, 1869, a petition signed 
by William J. Wilkins, John B. Lawrence and 
others was received, praying for a township organ- 
ization. In accordance with this petition the 
board ordered that it be established. This order 
was not carried into etfect, and March 9, 1870, a 
petition was presented, signed by twenty-five legal 
voters of and in township number 117, range 40, 
and of such portions of township 117, range 41, 
and township 116, range 40, as lie within the 
limits of Chippewa county, jjraying the said above 
described territory be organized as a town, under 
the name of Chippewa. The petition was granted, 
and the 22d day of March, 1870, and the house 
of D. S. Wilkins, in Chippewa City, fixed as the 
time and place of holding the first town meeting. 
At this election B. K. Soule, L. Stevens and John 
Koberts were elected supervisors; J. D. Baker, 
clerk; John Kohr, treasurer, and Horace Gregg, 
assessor. 

Walter Aitchison was born April 1, 1843, at 
Montreal, Canada. In 1867 he came to the United 
States, and lived in Wabasha county, Minnesota, 
two years, then came to Chippewa county ; settled 
on section 10, Sparta. In 1866 he married Julia 
M. Gladden ; they have two children : Edith M. 
and Guy W. 

John Aitchison, native of Scotland, was born in 
August, 1820; and emigrated in 1830, settling 
with parents Jiear Montreal, Canada. In 1866 he 
moved to Plainview, Minnesota, and in 1868 
located on section 10, Sparta; for two years he 
lived in a sod house. In 1843 he married Eliza- 
beth Ainslie, who died in 1855. December 23, 
1857, he married Mary Coupilain. He has two 
living children by his first wife and eleven by his 
second. 

J. S. Baker was born at Syracuse, New York, 
December 29, 1841. At the age of twelve he 
moved to Waupaca county, Wisconsin; in 1863 
he enlisted in Company B, Fourth Wisconsin cav- 
alry, and served till war ceased. He lived two 
years in Wisconsin, then moved to Faribuilt, Min- 
nesota, and in July, 1873, came to Sparta; has 
been county commissioner two years, and is chair- 
man of town board. October, 1867, he married 
Hannah South, and has five children. 

V. G. Crane was bom at Coo2)er8town, New 
York, March 28, 1810; learned the blacksmith 
trade and farmed until 1845, then moved to Wis- 
consin and lived in Racine and Walworth counties 
until 1869; in June of that year he settled on 160 



acres in Sparta, section 2. Was chairman of the 
first republican central committee, and has since 
filled the positisn most of the time; was drum 
major of tlie 145th New York regiment four years. 
July 15, 1838, he married Esther L. Reynolds; 
have had five children, three are living. 

C. J. C. Eldred was bom in Rens.selaer county, 
New York, March 23, 1827. In 1856 he settled 
at Waterville, Le Sueur county, Minnesota, and 
lived there ten years, eight of which he was justice. 
April 3, 1866, he came to Sparta; was appointed 
first register of deeds for Chippewa county; has 
been justice four years. In 1862 he married Miss 
L. F. S. Ward. They have four children living. 

G. C. Griggs was bom in Winnebago county, 
Wisconsin, October 27, 1857 and at three years of 
age moved to Winona county, Minnesota, remained 
four years, and the same length of time in Fari- 
bault county ; came to Chippewa county and located 
on section 8, Sparta. Minnie Johnson became his 
wife in May, 1881. 

A. J. Heagy, native of Illinois, was born in Car- 
roll county, October 1, 1849. At the age of five 
years he went with parents to St. Paul, Minnesota; 
lived afterward in Rice county and in 1871 came 
to Chippewa county; his father, H. W., was one 
of the early settlers. In October, 1875, Miss F. 
A. Faus became the wife of Mr. Heagy; they have 
three children. 

John Kohr was bom in Prussia, December 9, 
1842, and came to America in 1847 with parents. 
His father, Nicholas Kohr, was born in 1810 and 
learned the trade of wheel-wright; worked at his 
trade in Chicago, Dubuque and Lansing, Iowa, 
In August, 1862, John enhsted in Company B, 
27th Iowa infantry; served until the war closed. 
In 1866, the family moved to Owatonna, .\^iune- 
sota, where they engaged in hotel trade. In 1869 
they came to Sparta. John was first town treas. ; 
has been assessor three terms and is town clerk. 
In 1868 he married Louisa Alburtis; they have 
three children living. 

Lafayette Stevens was born in New York, 
January 7, 1830. He moved to Illinois and Wis- 
consin, then to Dodge county, Minnesota, from 
there he came to Sparta and settled in section 4, 
he has 120 acres. Enlisted in Company E, First 
Minnesota, and seived eight months. In 1873 he 
married Christine Aitchison ; two children : Ernest 
F., and Claud E. 

Samuel Utley, native of New York, was born in 
Leyden, Lewis county. May 31, 1829. At the 



CHIPPEWA COUNTY. 



925 



age ot twenty-two, he removed to Illinois, in two 
years returned to New York, then .again went to 
Illinois, and engaged in traveling four years. 
Went into mercantile business at Gleudale, New 
York, two years, then farming and wagon making 
till March, 1874, when he settled in Camp Release, 
Lac qui Parle county, Minnesota ; two years after, 
he came to Montevideo, and is now on his farm 
near town. Married in 1861, I'hrebe J. Hubbard. 

Ole Wefsenmoe, was born in Norway, Septem- 
ber 29, 1841. Came to Minnesota in 1868 and 
settled in Goodhue county; lived there one and a 
half years, then came to Sparta, where he owns 
390 acres, was supervisor eight years, and school 
clerk three years. In 1881 he married Alava 
Marie Peterson. 

Joseph Whipple was born in Connecticiit, Ap- 
ril 22, 1806. When sixteen years old, he moved 
to Trumbull county, Ohio; in 1858 he went to 
Bochester, Minnesota, and engaged in farming 
until 1871, then settled on section 17, Sparta. He 
married Rebecca Boyer in 1827; she had ten 
children, of whom two are living, and died in 
1860. In 1862 he married Miss H. C. Phelps; 
one child living. 

GRANITE FALLS TOWNSHIP. 

This town includes all north of the Minnesota 
river of townships 115 and 116, range 39. The 
first settlers were Geo. Daniels, Frank Palmer, and 
Enos Connor, who located along the river in 1866. 
March 9, 1870, the town was set apart for organi- 
zation ; the first officers were : E. W. Messer, chair- 
man; George GuUickson and J. R. Madison, super- 
visors; J. S. Pond, clerk; O. P. Anderson, assessor; 
R. M. Baldwin, treasurer; O. E. Stonstelie and M. 
P. Pengra, justices; Henry Connor and Christian 
Christianson, constables. 

Several additions to the village of Granite Falls 
have been made in this to^vnship; though laid out 
as additions they are distinct from the village 
proper. Henry Hdl, the first settler, made his claim 
and built a log house in 1870. D. \. Wethem 
built a frame house the same year, and in it opened 
a store. There are now three general stores, a 
harness shop, blacksmith shop, two elevators and 
a warehouse; two hotels, the Granite Falls House 
and the St. Paul House. East Granite Palln post- 
oflice was established in May, 1880, with A. B. 
Regester as postmaster. 

The Hungarian Mills, about a mile above the 
village in section 28, are owned by the Hixson 
Brothers, built in 1879-80, contain three run of 



stone. About 1872, Fuller &, Co. built a mill on 
section 27, which is not now in operation. 

Minnesota Falls Station, was established in Feb- 
ruary, 1879; the station house, one dwelling and 
an elevator, constitute the buildings in the place. 
The elevator was built in 1879 and has a capacity 
ot 40,000 bushels; it is operated by steam power. 
In the winter of 1879 a store was opened by 
Uruhm & Bergen, who soon sold out to McHern, 
who abandoned the enterprise. 

The first school in the town of Granite Falls was 
taught by Ada J. Regester, in a log school-house 
in district No. 13; there are now six frame school- 
houses in the town. The first religious services 
were conducted by Elder Starr in 1872 at the 
school-house above mentioned. 

Ole P. Anderson was born in 1844 in Norway, 
and in 1852 came with his parents to America. 
Lived one year in Pennsylvania and then in Wis- 
consin till 1869, at which date he located in this 
town. Mr. Anderson was the first assessor and 
filled the office several terms; has also been super- 
visor, town clerk and county commissioner for five 
years. Enlisted January 2, 1862, in Company I, 
15th Wisconsin; served till 1865. Married in 1868, 
Olina Mathison. Seven living children. 

Ira R. Dresser, native of New Hampshire, was 
born July 12, 183.5, in Sutton. In 1857 he located 
at Carlinville, Illinois, where he was engaged in 
the lumber business until the spring of 1880, at 
which date he settled in Granite Falls; the next 
year he was chosen chairman of the board of su- 
pervisors for this township. Angle Braley, bom 
in Massachusetts, became his wife in 1857. They 
have three children. 

.1. B. Gibhauud, a native of New York, was 
bom in 1821 at Sacketts Harbor, but was brought 
up on a farm in Maine. In 1863 he came to Min- 
nesota and lived on a fai-m in Dodge county imtil 
1870, when he came to Granite Falls, and has since 
been engaged in farming. Mr. Gibhaund has been 
town clerk and constable. He was united in mar- 
riage in 1846 with Hannah C. Wyman. 

George GuUickson lived until ten years of age 
in Dane county, Wisconsin, his birthplace, then 
accompanied his father to Rushford, Fillmore 
county, Minnesota. Three years later he retumed 
to Wisconsin, stayed five years and then came 
again to Fillmore county; in 1867 he came here; 
was one of the first supervisors, has also ofiBciated 
as assessor and treasm-er. NeUie Peterson was 
married to him in 1864; they have three children. 



f.26 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VAf.LEV. 



Hans Hansen, ■whose native country is Norway, 
was born in 1888. He emigrated from the hmd of 
his l)irth, ami siuco 1865 has been a resident of 
the United States; located in Fillmore county .Min- 
nesota, but after living there two years removed to 
Chij)pewa county, which has since been his home; 
the farm of 1(50 acres, lies on section 12. In 1863 
Christine Olson became bis wife and has eight liv- 
ing children. 

Adam H. Hixsou, who was born April 29, 1855, 
is a native of Jasper county, Iowa. He was reared 
on a farm and accjuired a good education. In the 
year 1876 Mr. Hixson came to Chippewa county 
and since that date has been in partnership with 
his brother. 

J. W. Hixson was born May 24, 1849, in Ban- 
dolph. West Virginia, and in 1850 went with his 
parents to Jasper county, Iowa. In 1873 he came 
to Granite Palls and settled on section 28; has 
been a member of the town board, also assessor; he 
was united in marriage in 1872 with Alice Ehone; 
they have three children. 

Ingebreth Johnson, native of Norway, was born 
in 1835. He immigrated to America in 1857; he 
lived one year in Illinois and from 1858 to 1867 
his home was in Fillmore county, Minnesota ; then 
located on a claim in Yellow Medicine county, but 
since 1879 has resided here. Anna Basmuson was 
married in 1860 to Mr. .Johnson, and has ten chil- 
dren; seven are living. 

Theo. Maybohn, native of Wisconsin, was born 
February 23, 1855, in Milwaukee. After gradua- 
ting from the Spencerian college he embarked in 
the grocery trade; in 1876 he located in Green 
Bay, and was there interested in general merchan- 
dise for three years, after which he came to Minne- 
sota Falls and took charge of the elevator. 

C. S. Parsons was born September 6, 1830, in 
Somerset county, Maine. From 1868 until 1871 
he resided at Eiver Falls, Wisconsin; worked at 
the carpeuter's trade; in May, 1871, became to 
Granite Falls, and took a claim on section 14, and 
has here been employed in carpenter and farm 
work. Mr. Parsons married Betsy Wyman Octo- 
ber 17, 1851. Two children. 

J. 8. Pound was born December 15, 1836, in 
Evans, Erie county, New York. He only attended 
■ school three terms until after he was twenty-one 
years of age; in 1858 removed to New London, 
Wisconsin, and fitted himself for a teacher. After 
teaching school five years he enlisted in 1864 in 
Company D, 5th Wisconsin, and served through 



the remainder of the war. In 1868 he removed 
from Eau Claire to Granite Falls; was town clerk 
a number of years, and county superintendent 
from 1873 to 1881. In 1863 he married Milhe E. 
Baldwin ; one child, Cora M. 

E. F. Rowe, born in 1842 in Franklin county, 
Massachusetts. Learned printing and followed 
that trade in different places until the breaking out 
of the war; worked until 1865 in Colt's pistol 
shops, then for a time worked in the armory at 
Sjjringfield, Massachusetts; was subsequently in 
businoss with his father in Boston till 1869 when 
he went to St. Louis and worked at his trade for a 
time; previous to locating in Granite Falls he 
lived one year in Minneapolis, Bed Wing and Lake 
City. He has been town clerk and deputy sheriff. 
Married in 1868 Miss M. J. Brown. 

S. S. Russell was born in Putnam, Ohio, Novem- 
ber 15, 1831. At the age of fifteen he moved to 
Gallia county, Ohio, and at twenty engaged in 
mercantile trade in Meiggs county; in 1854 he 
went to niinois, lived there one year, in Ohio one 
year, and in 1856 was admitted to the Decatur 
circuit of the Illinois conference of the Methodist 
church ; preached three years, then on account of 
poor health, engaged in trade at Pana, five years. 
In 1865 he came to Minnesota, lived in Owatonna 
till 1872, then engaged in trade at Minnesota 
Falls, and since 1879 has been farming; in the 
spring of 1881 he settled on his farm in Granite 
Falls township. From 1873 till 1880 he was post- 
master. In 1858 he married Mrs. C. A. Matkin, 
who died March 13, 1878, leaving three children; 
February 11, 1880, he married Miss E. O. Laib. 

James Smith, native of England, was born in 
July, 1843. He came to Wisconsin in 1857 and 
and lived in Pierce county: engaged in farming 
and mercantile business until 1871, when he took 
a claim on section 18, Granite Falls township. 
From 1878 until 1881 he was in Wisconsin, 
then returned to this town. Lucetta Cook became 
his wife in 1870; they have four children. 

David Y. Wethern, deceased, was born in Jeru- 
salem, Maine, March 30, 1824. At the age of 
twenty-two he engaged in trade at Detroit until 
1868. He then lived in Michigan one year, and 
in 1869 came to Granite Falls; in 1870 he opened 
the first store on the east side of the river. May 
16, 1871, while on his way to Willmar, and when 
fifteen miles from that place, he was murdered ; he 
was one of the most enterprising business men of 
the valley, and his loss was deeply felt. In 1848 



CHIPPEWA COUNTY. 



927 



he married Esther H. Niles, who was bom in Pe- 
nobscot, Maine; there are three children. 

H. D. Wylie was born in Eden, La Moille 
county, Vermont, August 21, 1842. At the age of 
six he accompanied his parents to Fraukh'n county. 
New York, and eight years later to Pierce county, 
Wisconsin. In March, 1862, he enlisted in Com- 
pany B, 2d Wisconsin, and was discharged in 
August on account of sickness, and in 1863 he en- 
listed in Hatch's battalion and served till 1866, 
and again returned to Wisconsin; in 1869 he set- 
tled on section 24, Granite Falls. Married in 
1867 Ellen Sutton; they have four children living. 



CHAPTER XCI. 

TUNSBURG ROSEWOOD LEENTHORP KRAGERO 

HAVELOCK BIG BEND MANDT LOURISTON 

STONEHAM GRACE WOODS LONE TREE. 

The first settler in Tunsburg, S. J. Sargent, 
came in the spring of 1865, and was followed in 
August by Heinrich Gippe and J. H. Silvernail. 
The first town meeting was held March 21, 1870, 
at which were elected : Ole Torgeson, chairman, 
Gunder Paulson and Hans Halverson, supervisors ; 
S. J. Sargent, clerk; Nils Iverson, assessor; Ole 
Erickson, treasurer; S. J. Sargent and Ole Torge- 
son, justices; P. H. Blom, constable. 

The village of Watson is located in the southern 
part of the town and on the line of the Hastings 
& Dakota railway. Although not laid out until 
August, 1879, it has become a thriving business 
center. It contains four general stores, one hard- 
ware store, one drug store, one furniture store, 
one jewelry store, one millinery shop, four wagon, 
carriage and blacksmith shops, one lumber dealer, 
one hotel, two billiard halls, and three elevators 
with a combined capacity for about 200,000 bush- 
els. The post-of&ce was established January 1, 
1880, with H. Iverson as postmaster; the two 
offices. Wren and Resser, were discontinued, and 
merged into the office at Watson. Fuller's mill, 
located on the Chippewa river, about two miles 
east of the village, was buUt by A. M. Page in 
1870. It is a frame building about 30x40 feet, 
has two run of stone operated by water-power; it 
was used as a saw-mill iintil 1874, when it was 
remodeled and changed to a flouring miU; is now 
owned by A. L. Fuller. 

There are two organizations of the Norwegian 



Evangelical Lutheran church, the Evangelical and 
Zion; the former has a membership of 340 and a 
frame church on section 12 which is not yet com- 
plete. The Zion church has 386 members; their 
church is on section 6 and is not yet completed; 
both buildings were commenced in 1876. The 
first services were conducted by Rev. J. T. Moses 
in 1869, and the church organized in 1870; the 
division was made on account of the large mem- 
bership. 

Two schools were begun in the winter of 1870, 
one at the house of E. R. Harkuess and the other 
in a log building, the property of B. Johnson; 
there are now three school buildings in the town. 

R. Adamson was born in Denmark in 1841. He 
came to Minnesota in 1869 and lived in Albert Lea 
four months, two years in Owatonna, and Faribault, 
one year, went to Minneapolis, remained till 1879, 
then came to the town of Tunsburg and built the 
first blacksmith shop in the town; is now in that 
business in Watson. In 1870 he marned Anna C. 
Lohse, who has borne six children; the living are 
Albert, Ellen, Charlotte, Sophia and Otto. 

A. M. Anderson was born in Norway in 1849, 
and settled in Grant county, Wisconsin, in 1856. 
In 1860 he removed to McLeod county, Minne- 
sota, and in 1869 came to Chippewa county; lived 
on section 4, Sparta, until 1879, then built the ho- 
tel in Watson, which he kept two years; is member 
of the board of supervisors. May 2.5, 1874, he 
married Signe Maline Olsen Wik; AmeUa Alfred 
and an infant are their children. 

John Borene was bom in Sweden, in 1843, and 
in 1864 came to Minnesota; he lived in Washing- 
ton county till 1874, then came to Tunsburg, and 
located on section 27. His wife was Swenborg 
Charlotte, who was born in Sweden in 1850, and 
married here in 1868; five children: Charles B., 
Walter, Godfred, Emma A., Adeline, Willie. 

Ole Eidem, native of Norway, was born in 1853, 
and when seventeen years old came to Chippewa 
county, Minnesota; in the fall of 1875, he took a 
homestead and entered the employ of T. Hansen, 
and now has general supervision of his business at 
Watson. He married, in 1879, Estella H. Gunn, 
who was born in Oswego, New York. Mr. Eidem 
is town clerk. 

Erick O. Erickson was born in 1850 in Norway 
and at the age of two years, went to Columbia 
county, Wisconsin; from there, in two years, to 
La Crosse. In 1868 he came to Tunsburg and lo- 
cated on section 12. He has held the offices of 



928 



niSTOllT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLKi'. 



justice, chairman anil clerk of his town; also post- 
master at Reesor. Bertha Nelson became his wife 
in 1876; Carl Oscar and Albert Calvin are their 
children. 

Henrich Gippe was born in Germany in 1834; 
in 1802, he immigrated to Michigan and in 1865 
came to Tunsbnig, Minnesota, locating on section 
26. Mary Hanson, native of Norway, was mar- 
ried to him in 1871 and has borne two children, 
Louisa and Hilda. 

A. H. Green, native of Germany, was bom in 
1852, and at the age of twelve, he came to Fond 
du Lac county, Wisconsin, and then lived in Win- 
nebago county. He started a sleight-of-hand 
show and traveled tlirough several states; 
in 1877, he married Amelia M. Petrie and in 1880 
came to Watson and is now engaged in hotel busi- 
ness; has one child, Eugene Clarence. 

Anders Hansen was born in Denmarlv in 1839, 
and in 1865 settled iu Dodge county, Minnesota; 
in 1869 he came to Tunsburg and located on sec- 
tion 8. Married in 1874, Karen Anderson; Henry, 
Gjertrud, Alfred and Emma are their children. 

G. H. Hilden was bom in Norway in 1850. In 
1866 he came to Minnesota and worked at farming 
in Fillmore county till 1869, then located on sec- 
tion 20, town ot Tunsburg, Chippewa county. 
Carrie O. Stensreid was married to him in 1878 
and has borne him Dorthea, Ole and a child not 
named. 

I. M. Irwin, native of Michigan, was born in 

1848. Enlisted in Company I, Fourth Michigan 
infantry, April 16, 1861, and was discharged in 
May, 1862, for wounds received, and now draws a 
jjension. In 1870 he came to Tunsburg and lo- 
cated on section 24; he has been supervisor, town 
clerk and treasurer. Jane Bloomer became his 
wife in 1865; they have seven children. 

Helger Iverson was born in Norway, April 17, 
1855. At nine years of age he came with parents 
to Fillmore county, Minnesota; in 1869, he came 
to Tunsburg and followed farming until 1879, 
when in company with his brother, he began mer- 
chandise business. September 2, 1880, he married 
Ingeborg Hagenstad; they have one boy Henry 
Ingeman. 

Theodore Johnson, native of Norway, born in 

1849, came to the United States in 1868; he lived 
in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Waseca and Faribault, 
Minnesota, and in 1870 came to Tunsburg and lo- 
cated on section 10; has been constable and justice. 
In 1875 he married Sophia E. Silvernail, and has 



three children: Carrie E., Arthur Norman and 
Mary Jane. 

A. S. Klovstad was bom March 28, 1829, in 
Norway. In 1870 he came to this cojintry and 
worked at his trade, carpenter, in different places 
and at Madison, Wisconsin; in 1872 lie returned 
to Norway and in May, 1873, came again to Wis- 
consin and lived at Stevens Point till November, 
and again went to Norway ; the next spring he re- 
turned to Stevens Point, and in the spring of 1875 
moved to Dodge county, Minnesota; in 1879 he 
came to Watson. In 1855 he married Anna O. 
Worket; six children: Thor, Johannes, Halver, Ole, 
Kara, Othilia. 

Knut Knutson, born in Norway in 1826, came to 
Winneshiek county, Iowa, in 1867 and stayed one 
year, then came to the town of Tunsburg, Minne- 
sota and lives on section 35. In 1859 Torba John- 
son became his wife; of their five children, 
four are living : Anna, Jacob, Clara, Inger. 

Albert H. Lund was bom in Norway in 1854, 
and in 1864 came to Wisconsin and in 1868 to 
Tunsburg, Minnesota. He has been constable 
four years and school district clerk. In 1880 he 
married Sophia Ostlie and has one child, Hulda. 

William Manderfelt was born in Prussia iul847. 
He attended the university at Cologne and Bonn 
medical college, and in 1865 went to Trempea- 
leau, Wisconsin, where his parents were living, 
for his health. In 1868 he went to Milwaukee 
and in 1871 was employed in Bellevue hospital; 
the next year he went to Washington and paseed 
examination as surgeon, entered the army and 
was stationed at various places in the South tUl 
August, 1878, when he retired on account of his 
health; he went to Wisconsin and then to Big 
Stone lake, as the climate there agreed with him; 
July, 1880, he came to Watson and engaged iu 
I'is profession. Married in 1878, Lena Komrumpf. 

O. W. McKinstry, native of Wisconsin, was 
born at Beaver Dam, March 9, 1858. Attended 
the high school there, and in 1873 went to Con- 
necticut and clerked iu a grocery one year; went 
to Cresco, I(jwa, and was with a firm that handled 
grain, machinery, merchandise, etc. In 1879 he 
came to Watson and now has charge of C. V. 
Lang's elevator and lumber business. 

T. H. Onstad was born June 19, 1865, in Nor- 
way. When eleven years old he came to Fillmore 
county, Minnesota, and one year later, went to 
Winnebago county, Iowa. He learned the drug 
business and followed it in various places; in De- 



CHIPPEWA COUNT}'. 



929 



cember, 1881, he sold out in Milan and came to 
Watson. 

Lewis Peterson is a native of Denmark. In 

1868 be came to Faribault, Minnesota, and was 
farming, then went to work at his trade, carpenter 
and mill- Wright; he was in Michigan, Illinois, and 
Minneapolis; in 1879 he came to Tunsburg and 
started the first store in the town; is at present in 
the furniture business. In 1873 he married Jo- 
hanna Erickson and has three children: Henry, 
Hattie and an infant. 

John Potter was born in Norway in 1828, and in 
1867 came to Wisconsin; in 1878 he moved to 
Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, and two years later 
to Watson, where he now has a saloon and billiard 
hall. In 1876 he married Martha Halverson. An- 
ton, Christian, Mary, Hans, Thor and Jane are 
their children. 

O. K. Seam was born in Norway in 1831. and 
there learned the trade of watchmaker. In 1866 
he came to Clinton Junction, Wisconsin ; moved 
to Illinois and Iowa; returned to Illinois, and in 

1869 came to Chippewa county, Minnesota, and 
now lives at Watson. Cynthia Johnson became 
his wife at Albert Lea in 1869; six of their eight 
children are living: Ida, John, Teressa, Emma, 
Sophia and Anna. 

John H. Silvernail was born in New York in 
1830, and in 1845 moved to Fond du Lao, Wiscon- 
sin; in August, 1862, he enlisted in Company G. 
25th Wisconsin infantry, and served till 1865. 
Came to Chippewa county and settled on section 
24, Tunsburg; has been justice one year. Mar- 
g.iret Tunison was married to him in 1851 ; she 
died, and in 1870 he married Anna Eierson; there 
are six children. 

Eev. O. E. Solseth was born in 1844 in Norway, 
and while an infant was taken by parents to Ea- 
cine county, Wisconsin; in 1853 moved to Fill- 
more county, Minnesota; in 1866 he went to De- 
corah, Iowa, and attended college three years, then 
went to St. Louis and graduated from Concordia 
CoUege in 1872. Came to Tunsburg, and has 
been pastor of the Norwegian Lutheran church. 
Married Elizabeth Maland in 1872; their children 
are Edward A., Anton G., Louisa and Hilda. 

Andrew Swenson, native of Sweden, was born 
in 1837. In 1868 he came to Minnesota, and 
lived in Washington county one year, then came 
to Tunsburg and settled on section 34. In 1875 
Christina Anderson became his wife; they have 
three children : Alma, Selma, Albert. 

59 



Jonathan Williams was born at Eichmond, 
Virginia, in 1800; his father was a sea captain, and 
took part in the war of 1812. He went with par- 
ents to western New York, and at the age of 
nineteen went to Sweden and studied navigation, 
after which he was a sea captain eight years. In 
1827 settled in New York, and in 1850 moved to 
Illinois; in 1853 to Fillmore county, Minnesota. 
August 22, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, 
Eighth Minnesota, and served through the Indian 
campaign. In 1866 he came to Chippewa county, 
and was one of the first settlers in Havelock; in 
1868 came to section 22, Tunsburg. He is now 
living with his third wife, who was Adeline Tuni- 
son, married in 1878. 

KOSBWOOD. 

Township 118 range 40 was set apart for organ- 
ization as Eosewood, January 3, 1871, and an 
election ordered at the house of J. S. McCann ; 
none of the officers elected, qualified, and June 10, 

1871, the county board appointed E. S. Warner, 
assessor; September 2d, the board also appointed: 
Stuart McCann, chairman; H. S. Chapin and 
Nicholas Jacobson, supervisors; E. S. Warner, 
clerk; Andrew Wolfe, treasurer. The first settler, 
W. H. Goar, came in 1869, and was followed the 
same year by Benj. FuUerton, and Easmus Jacob- 
son. The first school was taught in 1873 by Net- 
tie Bartlett at L. L. Morton's house. In 1877 the 
first school-house was built ; there are now three 
school buildings. The first preaching was in 

1872, by Eev. Tainter, at the house of E. S. War- 
ner. The first marriage was that of H. D. White 
and Miss E. J. Warner, February 8, 1872. Emma 
E. Chapin, born January 31, 1871, was the first 
child born in the town. 

Frank Bentley was born February 26, 1858, in 
Columbia county, Wisconsin, and in 1860 accom- 
panied his parents to Olmsted county, Minnesota; 
completed his education at the Eochester high 
school. Since 1879 his home has been at his farm 
of 200 acres on section 27 of this town. Mr. Bent- 
ley has been clerk of Eosewood several terms. His 
parents continue to reside near Eochester. 

George W. Knight, born May 16, 1846, in 
Franklin county, Maine, went in 1854 with his 
parents to Illinois. In 1861 he migrated to Fill- 
more coTinty, Minnesota, and in February, 1863, 
enlisted in Company F, 2d infantry; served 
through the remainder of the war; took part in 
numerous hard fought battles. In October, 1870, 
he came to his present farm. Married in 1868, 



930 



UI8T0BY OF TUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Harriet MoCann, bom March 17, 1851. Five 
cbildren. 

J. C. McCann, boni July 27, 1809, on Moose 
Tslarnl, Maine, went witli liis parents to Canada at 
the age of fourteen. Removed to the territory of 
Wisconsin, thence to Fillmore county, Minnesota 
in 18C2, and in 1870 to the farm where he now 
lives; has served as assessor and town cleric several 
years. Married in 1833, Racliel Cass, born Feb- 
ruary 14, 1813, in Canada. Six living children; 
two sons were in the army. 

John Mettling, native of Kentucky, was bom 
July 15, 1850 in Frankfort. In 1851 the family 
migrated to Harrison county, Indiana, and locat- 
ed on a farm; when nineteen years old he removed 
to Winona county, Minnesota, but since October, 
1870, has lived in Rosewood, where he owns a farm 
of 320 acres. Mary Hartung, born in Kentucky 
November 8, 1855, was married to him February 
10,1880. One child: Joseph. 

Henry Rubertus, born May 28, 1880 lived until 
twenty years old in Germany. his birthplace. From 
July, 1861 to July 1864 he served in the civil war 
then returned to his former home in Indiana and 
since 1875 has resided at his farm in Rosewood. 
Married in 1864, Mrs. Mettling; Mary Frink by 
maiden name; she was born in Germany February 
10, 1830. Has four children living by first mar- 
riage and six by second. 

Christians. Solid, who was born May 3, 1852, 
is a native of Norway, and began self support 
when only ten years old. In 1864 he immigrated 
to America. Resided on a farm in Wisconsin till 
1878, when he came to Rosewood. Mr. Solid's 
marriage took place in 1874 with Christena 
Isaacson, who was born in Norway. They have 
four children; Ole A., Anna P., Selma M. and 
Clara A. 

P. J. Twedt, native of Norway, was born June 
18, 1855, an^ when fifteen years old accompanied 
his mother to Fillmore county, Minnesota; at- 
tended high-school at Rushford and the Decorah 
college of Iowa, In 1881 he located a claim near 
Milbank, Grant county, Dakota. Mr. Twedt has 
been employed in school teaching in the town of 
Rosewood. 

LEENTHROP. 

Leenthrop is situated in the southern part of the 
county. Martin Dahlquist, Nels Munson, A. O. 
Lanes, Nels Dahlquist and Hans Peterson settled 
in 1870. The first town meeting was held Jan- 
uary 20, 1872, ollicers elected: Hans Peterson, 



chairman, E. O. Sonstelie and Martin Dahhiuist, 
supervisors; Martin Dahlquist, clerk; Nels Dahl- 
quist, assessor; Hans Peterson, treasurer; Martin 
Dahlquist and E. O. Sonstelie, justices; O. C. Son- 
stelie and Segard Nogan, constables; Martin 
Dahlun and N. A. Uland, overseers ofliighways. 

There are four organized school districts in the 
town two of which have frame school-houses; the 
first school was taught in Martin Dahlnn's house 
by O. J. Rollefson. The Norwegian Lutheran so- 
ciety have been holding services about ten years, 
until lately at private houses; they now use the 
school -house in distiict 41, and services arc con- 
ducted by Martin Dahlquist. Lina B., daughter 
of Andrew Peterson was the first white child bom 
in the town. She was born March 1, 1872. 

Nels Dahhjvist, born August 28, 1838, in 
Sweden, has been a resident of America since 
1868. Until 1871 he was in Iowa, then settled on 
section 22 of Leenthrop, which is still his home. 
Mr. Dahlqvist has filled various offices since living 
here. Mrs. AnnaLengrin became his wifein 1872. 
The children are Charles, Oscar, Mary, Alexander, 
Alex, Frank, Joseph and Emma, He had two 
children and she had four by former marriages. 

A. O. Lanes is a native of Norway, where he 
was born in 1832. Immigrated to the United 
States in 1868; lived three years in Goodhue 
county and in 1871 located on section 18 of 
Leenthrop where he owns a farm of 162 acres. 
Bertha Anderson, born in 1834 in Norway was 
married to him in 1856 and has borne him ten 
cliildren; the living are Betsy, Annie, Sarah, Ole, 
John, Edwin and Anna. 

Hans Peterson, who was born .June 10, 1829, is 
a native of Denmark, but since 1854 has Uved in 
this country. His home was in Wisconsin one and 
one-halt years, in St. Paul six months and in Le 
Sueur county fourteen years; he then came to 
Leenthrop, where he is now the owner of 400 
acres of land. Married in 1881, Annie Ojoien 
who was born in 1850 in Norway. Bertha and 
Peter are the children. 

KRACiERO. 

Kragero is in the western part of Chippewa 
county, and is formed of all of townships 118 and 
119, range 43, north of the Minnesota river; it 
was in the southern part of this town, near the 
river that the mission station known iis Lac qui 
Parle, was established by Dr. WiUiamson in 1835. 
John B. Bushman, an old Canadian voyager,came 
here about 1836 and broke a small piece of land; 



CHIPPEWA COUNTY. 



931 



he moved from plaoe to place for some years and in 
1867 settled again upon the site of the old mis- 
sion aud lived there until recently ; he is now in 
the village of Watson. Permanent settlement of 
the town began in 1868, Andrew Larson being the 
first to locsCte. 

The town was organized April 7, 1873, at 
the house of James Olson; officers elected: 
Thomas Anderson, chairman, Knud Hanson and 
Patrick Karigan, supervisors; James Olson, clerk ; 
Herman Gilbertson, assessor; Erick Johnson, 
treasurer, and Hermund Pederson justice. 

Aside from the missitm, the first school was a 
private one, supported by the Scandinavians and 
taught in their language at different private 
houses, a short time in each; the town now has 
three organized districts and two school-houses. 
The Norwegian Lutheran denomination began 
holding services at the house of James Olson, in 
1872, under the ministry of the Eev. L. Markhus. 
Milan is a small village located in the central 
part of the to-\vn, and on the line of the Hastings 
& Dakota railway. It was laid out in 1879, and 
now contains two general stores, a warehouse a 
blacksmith shop and a few private residences. 
The post-office was established in January, 
1880. The present postmaster is A. A. Kittelsoii. 
A. Andersim, who was born in the year 1858, is 
a native of Norway, which country was his home 
until 1868. at which time he came to America. 
He attained his education at the common schools 
of Wisconsin; previous to coming to Kragero, he 
had lived one year in Fillmore county ; was town 
clerk here in 1880. Mr. Anderson is in the mer- 
cantile trade with his brother, they also keep the 
Milan House. 

Thorbjorn Anderson, bom December 13, 1850, 
in Norway, came in 1868 to America. After farm- 
in g one year in Fillmore county, he removed to 
Kragero and took a claim; the store was at first 
about two miles from the station, but in 1879 they 
moved it here; theirs was the first mercantile bus- 
iness in the place. Mr. Anderson has served as 
supervisor and treasurer. Married January 7, 
1877, Miss K. O. Gilbertson, who died February 
7, 1880; one chUd. 

Thorn Anderson, native of Norway, was born 
May 10, 1848, and since 1869 has lived in the 
United States. He passed a short time in Fill- 
more county before coming in 1870 to Kragero, 
where he owns a farm of 500 acres. Miss Nellie 



Larson became his wife in June, 1874, and has 
three children : Andrew, Henry and Charles. 

Anthony HoUarn, born July 17, 1860, in Jeffer- 
son county, Wisconsin, acquired his education at 
Cold Springs, and in 1878 graduated from the 
high school of that place. In 1879 he came to 
Kragero, where he is now constable; has for some 
time been in the employ of the Chicago & North- 
western Kailroad company. 

Erik H. Johnson, born March 1, 1846, in Nor- 
way, immigrated in 1870 to Dane county, Wis- 
consin, where he worked at farming about nine 
months, then came to his present home. Has 
been treasurer several years. Married February 
7, 1873, Susan Hanson, who died December 18, 
1875; her children are Gurine and Susan. Sep- 
tember 21, 1876, he married Betsy Bendickson, 
whose children are Anna, Hans and Ole. 

Ole A. Johnson was born in Norway, October 
27, 1842. After following the life of a sailor two 
years, he landed May 15, 1868, in Quebec; re- 
moved to Chicago; was on the lakes during the 
summer and passed the winter in that city ; lived 
in Iowa from May to September, 1869, then came 
to Minnesota and in 1870 to Kragero, where he 
has held several offices; married in 1873, Anna 
Hansen, native of Norway. 

S. H. Johnson, native of Wisconsin, born Sep- 
tember 2, 1850, in Dane county, was brought up 
in Vernon county. In 1872 he removed to Good- 
hue county, Minnesota, and one year later to 
Steele county; came in 1876 to Kragero, where he 
is justice of the peace. Mr. Johnson's business is 
that of wheat buyer, also insurance and machinery 
agent. 

Hans B. Kragero was born June 17, 1841, in 
Kragero, Norway ; was employed as a sailor. In 
1866 he immigrated to Chicago and remained till 
1869; passed a few months in Iowa, and in the au- 
tumn of 1870 came to this town; owns 160 acres 
on section 12. Mary Hanson became his wife, 
May 15, 1878, and has three children: Herman, 
Hans and Dorau. 

James Oleson, born in Norway May 6, 1837, 
came in 1854 to America. Was farming three 
years at eight dollars per month in Dane county, 
Wisconsin ; removed to Columbia county where he 
was engaged in the grocery trade and farming; 
lived one year in Fillmore county, Minnesota, two 
years in Freeborn county and the same length of 
time in Iowa where he had a general store; since 
1870 has been at his large farm in Kragero; has 



932 



nitsTonr of the minnmisota valley. 



held numerous town oflSces. Married in 1851, 
Johanna Johaues. Betsy, Carrie, Zacharay, Nellie, 
Olina, Ida, Anna and Tea are the children. 

EliasA. Running, born October 6, 1844, in Nor- 
waj', came to America in 1862. He engaged in 
farming and lumbering in Vernon county, Wis- 
consin, which was his home from 1862 till 1872; 
now has 325 acres in this town; has held nearly all 
the town offices. Mr. Running was in the war 
from 1864 to its close; was severely wounded in 
the hip; enlisted in Company G, Fifth Wisconsin. 
Married in 1866, Ann Johnson. The children are 
Mary, Tjewis, Martinus, Eliza, Agatha, Even and 
Oliver. 

Even H. Lundgard lived until coming to 
America in 1869, in Norway, where he was born 
January 31, 1842. He lived two years in Vernon 
county, Wisconsin, but since 1871 has resided at 
his farm of 160 acres on section 24, Kragero; has 
been supervisor five years. In 1869 he married 
Miss Ingeborg Johnson. 

Jolin K. Sylte, native of Norway, was born April 
22, 1851; in 1870 he immigrated to America; re- 
sided on a farm in Kock county, Wisconsin, two 
years then, in the spring of 1872, came to Kragero 
where he now has a farm containing 560 acres. 
Married in 1876, Isabel Swenson. The children 
are Charles M., George S. and Minna J. 

Kittel Vellekson was born in 1835 in Norway 
and came in 1865 to the United States. Until 
moving to Kragero in 1868 he was farming in 
Fillmore county; he now has in this town 280 
acres of land on section 24. Married in Norway in 
1862, Karen Jakobsen. Seven living children: 
Ingeborg K., Jacob, Minna, who was the first 
child born in the town, Isaac, Ole, Hannah and 
Anna. 

HAVELOCK. 

Havelock is situated in the central part of the 
county, and includes all of congressional township 
118, range 39. The first settlers in the town were 
EUing Engebretson, E. N. Dahl, Engebret Olson 
and Ole Anderson, and came June 24, 1872, and 
located in section 24. A. J. and John Mullen 
came the same year and located in section 28. 

The first town meeting was held October 6, 
1873, at the house of A. J. Mullen; officers elect- 
ed — W. H. Cantley, chairman; EUing Engebret- 
son and John Powers, supervisors; A. J. Mullen, 
clerk; J. E. Pitcher, treasurer; E. L. Nason and 
J. E. French, justices; Richard Rice and Albert 
Nason, constables. 



There are two organized school districts in the 
town, districts 22 and 32, the latter a joint dis- 
trict. The first school was taught by Miss Mary 
Nason, during the summer of 1874, in a little sod 
building. 

Tlie first marriage in the town, wa;s a double 
one, C. S. Nason and Rosa Cushman, N. H. Cush- 
man and Hattie Nason. The ceremony was per- 
formed at the residence of C. L. Nason, in Sep- 
tember, 1877. The first birth was that of Ara- 
mina M. Mullen, October 11, 1874, and died April 
5, 1875, also the first death in the town. 

Ogdon D. Bartoo, bom May 16, 1835, lived in 
his birthplace, Seneca county. New York, till 
migrating in 1856 to Filbnore county, Minnesota. 
'He served from February, 1864, until the close of 
the late civil war; went on a visit to his native 
place, also made a trip to California; since March, 
1877, he has lived at his farm in this town. Mar- 
ried in 1875, Mary Harler, born June 23, 1849, in 
New Jersey. 

N. H. Cushman, who was born in Rutland 
county, Vermont, April 30, 1849, went with his 
parents to New York in 1852, and about eight 
years later to Illinois. When he was seventeen 
years old he started in life for himself; came to 
Minnesota, and in 1877 to his farm on section 20 
of Havelock; since his residence here he has served 
about two years as town clerk. Married in Sep- 
tember, 1877, Hattie Nason, born June 6, 1861, in 
Maine. One child : Grace. 

EUing Engebretson was boru July 10, 1838, in 
Norway, and emigrated in 1857 to Quebec; soon 
after removed to Wisconsin and in 1861 to Minne- 
sota. In 1862 he enlisted; re-enlisted and served 
till the close of the war. He came to this town in 
1872; owns a farm of 320 acres; has officiated as 
town treasurer and chairman of the Ijoard. Mar- 
ried in 1866, Sarah Gilbert, who has borne him 
six children. 

W. W. Gorman, native of Wisconsin, was born 
February 13, 1848, in Racine county. He came 
in 1871 to Minnesota; lived on a farm in Olmsted 
county until removing in March, 1877, to his home 
on section 34 of Havelock. Married, in 1874, W. 
W. Gorman and Fannie Pentony. They have a 
family of four children : two boys and two girls. 
He has served his town as treasurer. 

E. L. Nason was born December 28, 1814, in 
Cumberland county, Maine. For twenty years he 
was in the lumber Vmsiness; from 1863 to 1873 he 
lived on a farm near Hastings, Minnesota, since 



CHIPPEWA COUNTY. 



933 



then has been at his farm in Havelock. Mr. Nason 
has held town offices. Married in 1843, Martha 
Boody, a teacher, who was born August 5, 1823, 
in Maine. Six of their eight children are living. 
^■^Edward L. Stokes, who was born August 29, 
1820, lived until ten years of age in London, Eng- 
land, his birthplace, then went to Canada, where 
he lived with a sister three years. In 1839 he re- 
moved to Vermont; his home was in Nicollet 
county from 1867 till 1877, the date of his settle- 
ment on his present farm. Susan Ward, born Oc- 
tober 22, 1825, in New York, became his wife in 
1847. Five of their six children are living. 

Cyrus D. Ward, native of New York, was born July 
31, 1832, in Clinton county. In 1857 he migrated 
to St. Paul; soon after located at Little Falls, and 
two years later retui-ned to New York, where in 
1861 he entered Company E, 16th infantry; was 
honorably discharged near the close of the war, 
and came again to Minnesota. Since March, 
1878, he has lived at his present farm. Married 
in July, 1858, Marian Danforth; nine living chil- 
dren. 

Bia BEND. 

This town was formerly a part of Tunsburg, but 
was set off for separate organization March 18, 
1874. The first town meeting was held April 7, 
1874, at the residence of P. H. Blom, at which the 
officers elected were : H. S. Anderson, chairman, 
G. H. Blom and K. K. Hagen, suj^ervisors; O. H. 
Blom, clerk; N. K. Hagen, treasurer; .Joel Woods 
and O. H. Blom, justices; H. H. Nordby and H. 
S. Anderson, constables. Thirty-eight votes were 
cast. 

The first settler was Knudt Angrimson, who 
came in .Inly, 1867. Ove Overson came soon 
after, and a number came in 1868. Rev. N. 
Brandt, a Norwegian Lutheran, held the first reli- 
gious meeting in August, 1869. A society was 
organized, which now has a large membership. 
Since 1870 a parochial school has been maintained 
by the society. The first public school was 
opened in the fall of 1876; there are now two pub- 
lic school buildings in the town. 

Unadilla post-office was established in 1872i 
with Joel Woods as postmaster; in 1880 the office 
was moved to the town of Mandt, and the name 
changed to Kalmia. Hagen post-office was estab- 
lished in the spring of 1873, with Nels K. Hagen 
in charge; he held the office about seven years; 
Ole Paulson had it two years, and it was moved 
across the line into Swift county. 



Hans Anderson was bom in 1825 in Norway, 
where he grew to manhood, and in the year 1849 
married Miss Annie Henrikson, who was born in 
1825. Immigrated in 1866 to La Crosse county, 
Wisconsin, and in the autumn of 1868 removed 
here, and took 160 acres of land; was one of the 
first to settle in the town. Of the nine children 
born to them, six are living : Erik, Randi Maria, 
Henry, .lohn O., Charles and Andrew. 

N. K. Hagen, born in 1840 in Norway, lived on 
a farm there till coming at the age of twenty-one 
to America. Until 1869 he worked in Wisconsin 
and Minnesota, then came to this town and took 
the claim on which he has since lived; has been 
assessor and chairman of the town board ; he was 
postmaster from 1873 to 1877 of the Hagen post- 
office, named for him. Married in 1867 Carrie 
Anderson, born in 1844; five children: Knudt, 
Johanna E., Sivert, Edward and .Julia R. 

Marvin Hull, born May 18, 1828, in Adrian, 
Ohio. When three years old his father died and 
he accompanied his mother to Brighton, New York, 
at nine years he went to live with Dr. Miller; 
in 1848 removed to Genesee county and in 1850, 
married Miss E. J. Stowe, who was bom July 28, 
1828. They resided in Wisconsin for a time pre- 
vious to taking a claim in 1856, where Albert Lea 
now stands, but left it because of an Indian scare ; 
they lived in Illinois and different parts of Wis- 
consin, but in 1871 took the farm where they now 
reside; about four years they were at Benson and 
one year at Montevideo. For twenty-eight years 
Mrs. Hull has i^racticed medicine. The children 
are Viola M., James J., Albert J. and Alvin E. 

Sven Olsen, native of Norway was born in 1824, 
and while quite young learned the trade of shoe- 
making, at which he worked until coming to the 
United States m 1852. He lived twenty years in 
different parts of Wisconsin, engaged chiefly in 
farming, then came to Big Bend; owns 240 acres 
on section IS; he was the first settler in that part 
of the town and was a member of the first board 
of supei-visors. Married in 1848, Martha Hanson, 
born in 1821. Ole H. and Edmund S. are the 
living children. 

MANDT. 

The township of Mandt is situated in the 
north part of the county, and borders on Swift. 
It was so named in honor of E. T. Mandt, one of 
the earlier settlers. The first settlers were Mrs. 
Gubur Johnson and her three sons, who came in 
1869 and located on section 6. The first town 



931 



UllSTOliY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



meeting was held Juae 13, of that year, at E. T. 
M.mJt's hoii.sa, ia section 20; officers elected: L. 
H. JohQ30Q, oh lirm m, O. J. Nokleby and John 
Halderson, supervisors; H. P. Mersereau, clerk; 0. 
F. Peterson, treasurer; Erick Johnson and L. H. 
Johnson, justices; Julius Hull and O. M. LuuJ, 
constables. 

There is but one school district in the town, 
number 31, organized in 1876 and includes the 
southwest quarter of the town. A frame school- 
house was erected during the summer of 1881 and 
located in section 32. The first school was taught 
by E. T. Mandt, at his house in the spring of 
1875. David, a son of L. H. Johnson, born De- 
cember 8, 1873, was the first child born in Mandt. 

Erik Halverson was born in Norway in 1850, 
and when seventeen, came with his parents to 
Dodge county, Minnesota. In 1875 he moved to 
Swift county and in April, 1877, bought his pres- 
ent farm of 145 acres in Mandt, Chippewa county. 
Miss G. Johnson became his wife in Dodge county 
in 18i)5; children, Henry E., Annie I. and Julia 
H. ; one child died in 1877, aged three years. 

Erik Johnson was born in 1848 in Norway; he 
came to America in 1869 and spent one year in 
niiuois and Indiana, two years in Benson, Swift 
county, Minnesota, then took a homestead in 1862. 
on section 6 of this town; has been justice one 
year. Married Carrie Peterson, March 19, 1881, 
and has one child, Mary. 

L. H. Johnson, native of Norway, was born in 
1844, and at the age of nineteen emigrated; he 
lived in lUinois, then moved to Fillmore county, 
Minnesota, and farmed until 1873, when he came 
to Chippewa county, and took his present farm. 
He was first chairman of town Jjoard, and was 
assessor several years; was elected county commis- 
sioner in 1890. November 30, 1860, he married 
Annie Peterson who has born ten children; eight 
are living. 

E. T. Mandt was born in Norway in 1838. He 
fitted for a teacher in his native land and in 1868 
came to America and taught school in Wisconsin 
five years. In 1873 he went to Fillmore conuty, 
Minnesota, and in 1874 came to Chippewa county, 
where he has followed teaching, the Scandinavian 
language chiefly. He was clerk of the first town 
meeting in Mandt, which is named for him; he 
owns 240 acres in this town. In Wisconsin, in 
1873, he married Haga Anundson, and has four 
chOdren. 

Ole J. Nokleby was born in Norway in 1845 and 



in 1869 immigrated to Minnesota; worked in Fill- 
more county till 1875, then took 160 acres on sec- 
tion 28, this town; has been chairman of town 
board since 1878. In November, 1877, he made 
a visit to Norway and returned in May. In 1874 
he married Magdalena Peterson; five children: 
Rosie, Jacob, Andrew, Mary, Joseph. 

LOURISTON. 

This town is in the north-eastern part of the 
county, and is formed of to\vnship 119, range 38. 
John R. Goodenough was the first settler; he lo- 
cated on section 7, in 1867. No others came un- 
til 1869, when a number selected homes in this 
town. September 18, 1877, the town was organ- 
ized at the school-house in district number 10; the 
first officers were: Henry Armstrong, chairman, 
Charles Anderson and A. P. Brant, sxipervisors; 
H. D. Armstrong, clerk: D.L. Clemmer, treasurer; 
Henry Armstrong and G. W. Williams, justices; 
J. Hershey and Charles Martinson, constables. 
The first school was taught by Mary Nason in 
1876, in district number 10; there are four organ- 
ized districts and three school buildings. Rev. 
Hans Siverson, a Norwegian Lutheran, held the 
first religious services in 1871, and soon lifter or- 
ganized a society. There are also organizations 
of Swedish Lutherans and Swedish Methodists. 

The first marriage was that of H. D. Armstrong 
and Martha Erickson, in April. 1873. The first 
birth was a daughter of John R. Goodenough, in 
1868. In 1873 occurred the first death, that of 
John Bamett. 

Charles Anderson was born October 18, 1849, 
in Norway. Upon coming to America he located 
in Iowa, but removed in 1876 to his present home; 
has 160 acres on section 18. Mr. Anderson has 
served this town as assessor and supervisor. Mary 
Ericson, born August 11, 1853, in Norway, be- 
came his wife in 187.3. Addie G., Minnie E., Em- 
ma G., and Edward O., are their children. 

Henry Armstrong, born in Sandusky county, 
Ohio, July 10, 1844, accompanied his parents in 
1854, to Michigan. He served in the civil war 
until its close; enlisted in February, 1864. Mr. 
Armstrong came to Minnesota in 1868, and in 
1869 settled on the farm where he now lives; has 
been assessor, justice and county commissioner; 
keeps a small store and the Lonriston post-office. 
Married June 3, 1871, Petro Olson; Laura E., 
William H., John A., Charles F., and Edwin, are 
the children. 

Harvey D. Armstrong, native of Ohio, was born 



CHIPPEWA COUNTY. 



935 



August 9, 1845, in Sandusky county. Up'.n mi- 
grating to Minnesota in 1857 he located at Still- 
water, but in June 1869, removed to Louriston, 
where he owns a farm of 180 acres. Married Ap- 
ril 8, 1873, Martha Ericson; the children are Ida, 
Fred, Jennie and Delia. Mr. Armstrong has been 
assessor and town clerk. 

Francis A. Barrager was born in Canada East, 
and when about eight years old removed with his 
parents to Wisconsin ; enlisted October, 1861, in the 
14tli Wisconsin infantry and served until the close 
of the war. Since 1875 Mr. Barrager has resided 
at his farm in this town. Married in May 1881, 
Mary Nason, a teacher, who was born Febmary 
21, 1854, in Maine. 

L. B. Brant of New York was born December 
26, 1829, in Delaware county and began self-sup- 
port when only fourteen years old. Went to 
Pennsylvania and removed in 1853 to Hennepin 
county, Minnesota; located at Eden Prairie; pre- 
vious to coming to this county he had kejjt the 
American Hotel at Young America; came to this 
town in 1878. Married in 1851 Catherine Fred- 
eric who died April 22, 1872. Miss E. Frederic 
became his second wife. The children are Viola, 
Frank, Maud, Frederic, Lottie and Edna. 

John Coleman, native of Ireland was born in 
June, 1821, in County Cork and in 1849 immi- 
grated to America. From 1855 until 1878 he re- 
sided in Scott county, Minnesota, then removed to 
his place in Louriston: the farm contains 320 
acres. Mary Hubbard was married to Mr. Cole- 
man in 1847 and has borne him thirteen children; 
the living are Honora^ Mary, Patrick, John, Thom- 
as and Daniel. 

J. C. Sadler was born October 29, 1840 and 
lived in his native place, Dauphin county, Penn- 
sylvania, until September 1861, at which date he 
enlisted in Company H, 9th Pennsylvania cavalry ; 
remained in service till the close of the war. After 
his discharge he came to Minnesota and has been 
in the state most of the time since; in the spring 
of 1877 he located at his farm in Louriston. 

STONEH.WI. 

This town is located in the eastern part of the 
county and includes all of township 117-38. It 
was set apart for separate organization, July 19, 
1880 and the election held August 17th following 
at the school-house in district number 30. Officers 
elected— Milo Beard, chairman; L. D. Reddock 
and J. C. Underbill, supervisors; E. V. Carver, 
clerk; T. J. Howard, treasurer; J. V. H. Bailey, 



assessor and justice; W. A. Graves, justice; S. J. 
Butcher and J. H. Palmer, constables. 

There are two organized school districts in the 
town. The first school was taught by Louisa 
Everson at the house of S. J. Butcher, during th e 
summer of 1876. There is no religious organiza- 
tion in the town. 

J. V. H. Bailey was born January 11, 1833, in 
Canada. Lived near St. Paul from 1850 till 1852; 
passed one year in Lac qui Parle county, after 
which he was farming in Traverse des Sioux until 
1860, then lived in Hastings one year, and in 
Goodhue county till 1880, when he located in 
Stoneham. Mr. Bailey served eight months in 
Company I, 1st Minnesota heavy artillery. Mar- 
ried in 1856, Isabelle Kennedy. The children are 
Anna J., Isabelle E., Maggie J., Mary G., Minnie 
and J. Vincent. 

J. Hartney, born July 15, 1843, in Ireland, im- 
migrated at the age of fourteen, to Ohio. Enlisted 
in Company C, 55th Ohio infantry and served till 
war ceased. Came to Minnesota and lived in Hen- 
nepin county, until 1877, then in Meeker county; 
in 1880 he settled in Stoneham, where he is town 
clerk. Married in 1876, Ella Walworth, born Oc- 
tober 10, 1854, in Missouri. Nellie, Katie and 
Jokn J. are the children. 

James Kennedy, who was about sixty -five years 
of age, lived in Ireland, his birthplace, till fifteen 
years old, when he immigrated to Pennsylvania. 
In 1876, came to Minnesota; lived four years in 
Goodhue county, and sioce then has resided at his 
farm in Stoneham. Married in 1838, Mary Mc- 
Donald, born in 1820, in Canada. Nine children: 
William, James, Alexander, Alfred, George, John, 
Franklin, David, Elizabeth. 

GKACE. 

The town of Grace is located in the northern 
part of the county, and was named in honor of 
Miss Grace, a daughter of A. A. Whittimore. The 
first settler in the town was Andrew Olson, who 
came in October, 18P9, and located in section 12. 
The first town election was held at Patrick Martin's 
house, with the following result: John Eeddy, 
chairman, Aleck Johnson, and Martin Glynn, su- 
pervisors; L. D. Frost, clerk; T. H. Davis, treas- 
urer; Alexander Taylor, assessor; A, A. Whitti- 
more and Alexander Taylor, justices; Andrew 
Eliason, constable, and Thomas Keating, pound- 
master. 

The first school was taught by Miss Emma 
Nason, in 1880, in a frame building erected for 



i)36 



HISTORY OP THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



the purpose, and belonging to district number 43. 
There ave no.v tw > organizeil districts in tlie town, 
each containing a frame school building. There 
is no church in the town, though there are several 
organizations. The first services were conducted 
at the house of Andrew Olson, about 1872, by the 
Rev. Puns Siveraon. 

The first marriage was that of Ole Mathewson 
and Miss Isabella Olson, November 28, 1881 by 
Rev. Erick Erickson. 

Martin Beuner, native of Ohio, was bom April 
23, 1850, in Cohimbiana county, where he resided 
untU coming to Rochester, Minnesota. In 1878 
he located on his farm of 320 acres in this town. 
Stella Parker who was born in Minneapolis,became 
the wife of Mr. Benner in April 1876; they are 
the jjarents of one child, Clara Belle. Mr. Benner 
is town clerk and justice. 

Martin Glynn was born in April, 1830, in Ire- 
land, and when eighteen years old, immigrated to 
New Orleans; removed from the south in 1863 to 
Minnesota. From February, 1865 until the close 
of the war he served in Company I, First Minne- 
sota artillery. Since 1877 he has lived in section 
26 of Grace. Married in 1851, Bridget Mullen. 
There are nine living children. 

Peter Golden is about fifty-two years of age and 
was born in county Tyrone, Ireland. From 1852 
until 1876 his home was in the state of New York, 
and in 1876 became to bis farm of 240 acres on 
section 14 of this town. Mr. Golden was united 
in marriage in 1854 with Mary Duffy, who has 
borne him seven children. The living are James 
E., Peter, Mathew, Mary A., Nellie and Alice. 

Herbert A. GriiBs was born April 29, 1858, in 
Appleton, Wisconsin, where his mother was buried 
in 1861; his father is in the drug trade at Beaver 
Dam. Mr. GrifBs was employed as traveling sales- 
man for one year after coming to this state in 1879, 
and since March, 1880, has been at his farm on 
section 20 of Grace; he was chairman of the first 
town board. Married in January, 1881, Grace 
Whittimore, born in 1864 ii' Maine. 

Thomas Hartnet was born on Christmas day, 
1855, in County Claire, Ireland, which was his 
home until 1874, the date of his immigration to 
America. Resided in New York till coming, in 
1877, to his present farm of 160 acres located on 
section 22 of Grace. The mother of Mr. Hartnet 
is still living in Ireland; his father died there. 

Alex. Johnson, native of Sweden, was born 
March 28, 1852. When about fifteen years of age 



he went to Germany; three years later returned to 
Sweden for a visit and soon after immigrated to 
Washington county, Minnesota; located his farm 
in this town in 1876 and has resided here since 
1879. Married November 19, 1879, Annie Shele- 
ren, born July 5, 1862, in Sweden; one cliild: 
Emma O. 

James S. Parker was born in 1831 in New Eng- 
land, and grew to manhood in the state of Maine. 
He is a carpenter and has followed contracting 
and building in Minneapolis, where he went in 
1852, and since coming here in 1878; has 160 acres 
on section 18. Mr. Parker's first wife died in Min- 
neapolis; his present wife, born January 20, 1834, 
in Wayne county, Indiana, owns a farmr which she 
had located in Grace previous to her marriage; 
her father, Allen Graves, was one of the first set- 
tlers of Hennepin county. 

George Stewart, native of Ohio, was born July 
26, 1840, in Shelby county, and at the age of 
nineteen came to Minnesota. Enlisted in August, 
1862, in Company K, 10th Minnesota, and re- 
mained in service till the close of war. Since 
March, 1878, he has lived at his farm of 320 acres. 
Sarah Caley, born in Canada, became his wife in 
1870. Three children : Goodwin, Henry and a babe. 

Alexander Taylor, born November 2, 1829, in 
Ireland, came in 1857 to America, and soon after 
to Minnesota. He was at Red Wing three years 
engaged as contractor for excavating, but has re- 
sided on his farm in this town since April, 1879; 
has officiated as assessor and justi<^e. Married 
January 31, 1860, iVIartha Barr, born February 8, 
1841, at Rochester, New York. Of their eleven 
children, nine are living. 

WOODS. 

This town is located in the northeast comer of 
the county. It was name 1 in honor of Judge W. 
W. Woods of Ohio, who is a large landowner in 
the town. It was set off for organization, July 
21, 1879. Failing to meet and organize on the day 
appointed by the county commissioners, they ap- 
pointed the following officers: W. M. Curtis, 
chairman, J. 0. Records and Ephraim Martin, su- 
pervisors; Allen Weatherby, clerk, Frank Crain, 
assessor; D.J. Atchison, treasurer; Valentine Eppel 
and W. H. Case, justices; Theodore Pritchard and 
M. Kelly, constables. 

The first settlers were Mens Olson and his son 
William, who came in 1876. 

LONE TBEE. 

Tlie ttnvn of Lone Ti-ee is situated in the eastern 



LAG qui PARLE COUNTY. 



937 



part of the county. Settlement did not begin 
until a few years since. Among the first to settle 
were William Koss, Theodore Keithley and John 
Lucas. The former was postmaster at Eosslyn un- 
til it was discontinued, not long since. The town 
is yet sparsely settled, and was -set apart for or- 
ganization July 16, 1878. There are two organ- 
ized school districts, each having a frame school- 
building. 

UNORGANIZED. 

Congressional townships 117-37 and 118-38 are 
yet unorganized. When the census was taken in 
1880 the former had a population of four, all be- 
longing to one family. They have since moved 
into the town of Granite FaUs. In the latter 
there are about twenty families, principally Scan- 
dinavians. School district number 46 was organ- 
ized in 1881, and includes the east half of the 
town. A frame school-house was built the same 
year. The west half of the town belongs to dis- 
trict 32, and is joint with the town of Havelook. 



LAO QUI PARLE COUNTY. 
CHAPTER XCII. 

COUNTY OF LAC QUI PAELE TOWN AND VILLAGE OF 

LAC QUI PAELE TOWN.SmPS OF THE COUNTY. 

Before the French explorers or missionaries had 
visited this portion of Minnesota the Indians had 
named the lake from which the county derives its 
name "The Talking Water," on account of the 
peculiar sounds produced by the breaking of the 
waves against a rock promontory. In a storm, 
these sounds vibrate to the extremities of the 
lake. The celebrated explorer, Nicollet, gave the 
lake its ajjpropriate and poetic name. It is about 
a mile in width and ten miles long; the channel of 
the Minnesota river passes through it, and its 
shores are lined with granite and sand rock. 

The soil is very rich, and as a consequence the 
county is well settled. Most of the land is high, 
rolling prairie, though there is more or less timber 
scattered along the shores of the water-courses. 
Tree planting by the settlers has been attended 
with uniform success. 

The first white settlers, after the Indians had 
gone, arrived in 1868. Several families came that 
year. In 1870 there was, jjerhaps, a thousand 



bushels of grain raised in the county. In 1880 
the total number of acres under cultivation was 
38,706, of which 27,343 acres were in wheat. The 
name of the pioneer settler was William M. Mills, 
who first passed through the county in 1864 while 
on a hunting and trapping expedition. Four 
years later, when the land was entirely free 
from Indians, he returned and made claim 
to the spot he had previously selected. 
This claim was entered April 8, 1868, and 
embraced the north-west quarter of section 
30, township 118, range 42. At that time the 
nearest settler was distant fifteen miles in one di- 
rection and thirty in anothei'. The next settlers 
were David P. Lister, E. B. Andrews, John Nash, 
8r., David Webb, S. J. Ferguson and Frank Stay, 
who located in the towns of Cerro Gerdo, Camp Re- 
lease and Lao qui Parle. In the spring of 1869 a 
colony of Norwegians, from Fayette county, 
Iowa, were led to the Lac qui Parle country by 
Peter F. Jacobson, who selected the location in 
advance. There were forty-two families and 
teams, 500 head of cattle and 200 head of sheep. 
There was no special organization existing in the 
colony; it was a number of mutual friends, who 
agreed that if suitable land could be secured they 
would form one community. As there was so 
much unoccupied land, each individual chose his 
own, and within two weeks each had settled on a 
claim. Peter Thompson, a Lutheran preacher, 
was of this company, and held the first services in 
the county, aside from those celebrated by the 
missionaries to the Indians, on the first Sunday in 
June, 1869, which was the date of the arrival of 
the colony. The services were held in a grove on 
the banks of the Lac qui Parle river. During the 
same year T. I. Lund and John Maguire settled 
in the town of Riverside. In 1870, C. A. Anderson 
settled in the town of Baxter. Among others were 
Hans S. Hanson, Peter Simpson, Hans Johnson 
and his brother, Lars. 

The first town site laid out was that called Wil- 
liamsburg, on section 30, town 118, range 42. It 
was platted by Mills and Jacobs in the fall of 
1869. The following spring a store was built and 
occupied by Chalmers and Donaldson. When the 
village of Lac qui Parle was started, the store was 
moved there and Williamsburg was no more. 

E. B. Andrews and L. S. Hines laid the founda- 
tions of a city on section 20, town 118, range 42, 
and opened a store in December, 1869. This, too, 
gave up in favor of Lac qui Parle. 



938 



UlUTOUy OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



The county of Lac qui Parle was (irganized iu 
1S71 by au act of tbe legislature approved March 
G. The territory included in its limits had pre- 
viously been a part of Redwood county, and the 
act of legislature referred to, attached it to that 
county, for judicial purposes. The Ijoundary lines 
were fixed as follows: Ooiuraenciug at the inter- 
secti.>D of the middle line of the Minnesota river 
with the range line between ranges 40 and 41, 
thence along the middle line of the Minnesota 
river to the western line of the state; south on 
said line to the line between townships 115 and 
116, thence east to the line between ranges 41 and 
42, thence north to the line between townships 
116 and 117, thence east to the range line between 
ranges 40 and 41, thence north to the place of be- 
ginning. As the territory described was a part 
of Redwood county, the people were obliged to 
vote on the measure, which they did, in favor of 
the proposed change. 

The three commissioners elected to carry out the 
organization and locate the county seat, were 
Browning Nichols, Frederick Ehlers and Calborn 
A. Anderson. The first meeting of the commis- 
sioners was in the office of T. W. Pearsail, in the 
village of Lacqui Parle, January 11,1872; Brown- 
ing Nichols was chairman and T. W. Pearsail, 
clerk of the board. The county seat was located 
at Lac qui' Parle, on section 27, township 118, 
range 42. 

Peter F. Jacobson was appointed treasurer; L. 
C. Laird surveyor; H. J. Grant, auditor; John 
Maguire, sheriff; Emilus Brown, regi^erof deeds; 
August Harter, coroner; Darius Tupper was sub- 
sequently appointed superintendent of schools, for 
the term of two years. 

The next session of the board was held AprU 29, 
following, when M. M. Cornell was appointed as- 
sessor for the territory not organized into town- 
ships. Eli B. Miller was appointed superintendent 
of schools in place of Mr. Tupper who declined 
the office. The town of Cerro Gordo had been 
formed into a school district while it was in Red- 
wood county and at this session of the board was 
designated as school district number one. District 
number two was also formed, and comprised sec- 
tion 36, and all of sections 24, 25 and 13 south of 
the Minne.'iota river in township 118, range 42, and 
all of townshij) 118, range 41, south of the Minne- 
sota river. The county was also divided into three 
commissioner districts. 

January 7, 1873, the commissioners elected at 



the preceding electicm, held their first meeting. 
The board was composed of S. A. Anderson, chair- 
man, William M. Mills, and Ole Hanson. The 
bonds of Emilus Brown, register of deeds, Z. B. 
Clark, clerk of court, and Peter Simpson, sheriff, 
were approved. The money in the treasury was 
then counted, with the following result: Amount 
collected for fines, $21.54; from licenses, S35; total 
amount of taxes collected, ■1699.32. School dis- 
tricts four, five and six were then formed. 

There being no permanent place for county 
officials, on April 3, 1875, Mr. Cross offered to 
lease his store at a rental of $75 per annum; the 
offer was accepted and the building has since been 
used as the court house and county offices. The 
first district court held in the county was Septem- 
ber 24, 1878. The county then formed part of 
the twelfth judicial district. The only case before 
the court, Nils K. Nilson vs. Frederick Swenson, 
was withdrawn, and settled by consent of parties. 

March 12, 1877, there was a special meeting of 
the board of commissioners for the purpose of 
auditing applications for seed grain, filed in ac- 
cordance with an act of legislature appropriating 
money for the purpose of purchasing seed grain 
for sutferers from grass-hopper ravages. Twenty- 
nine applications were favorably received and 
sent to the governor. J. L. .Jacobson was ap- 
pointed committee of one to purchase seed, and 
William M. Mills was appointed to assist him 'in 
delivering the grain. The amount purchased and 
distributed was 3,014 bushels of wheat and 437 
bushels of oats; money expended for same, ^2,- 
640.2.5, of which the state furnished S2,582. In 
order to make up the deficiency, .$58.25 was bor- 
rowed from the poor fund. 

There were, in the beginning of 1882, forty- 
seven school districts in the county, and twenty- 
two school buildings, the total valuation of which 
was $4,230. The number of scholars, according 
to the apportionment list was 716. 

The first church edifice erected iu the county, 
was one belonging to the Nt)rwegian Lutherans, 
in the town of Cerro Gordo, in 1876. 

The first child born in the coilnty since the 
later settlement was Annie M., daughter of W. 
M. and Annie Mills, iu May, 1869. An account 
of the first marriage at the Lac qui Parle mission 
is on page 158. Among the later settlers, the first 
to marry were D. P. Lister and Emma Herrgiu, in 
February, 1870. The first death occurred in 1869. 



LAC QUI PARLE COUNTY. 



939 



Tore Christenson was killed by a stroke of light- 
ning. 

TOWN OF LAC QT7I PABLE. 

This township was created by the county com- 
missioners, December 27, 1872, out of a portion of 
the town of Cerro Gordo. The board voted "that 
the town of Oerro Gordo be divided, north and 
south, between ranges 42 and 43, and that the 
town of Cerro Gordo retain the books and records, 
but that the town of Lac qui Parle be permitted 
to transcribe that portion of the records which 
appertain to the town of Lao qui Parle, and that 
township number 118, range 42, and all that part 
of township 11 9, range 42, which lies south of Lac 
qui Parle lake, be, and the same is organized into 
a town, and the same is named Lac qui Parle ; and 
it is ordered that the town of Lac qui Parle shall 
collect the town tax assessed in the town of Cerro 
Gordo, for the year 1872, and pay all of the debts 
of the town incurred up to the time that the town 
was divided, and the balance of the town money, 
if any there be, to be divided between the towns of 
Lac qui Parle and Cerro Gordo, iu equal propor- 
tion, according to their assessments." The first 
town meeting was held at the school-house in Lac 
qui Parle, January 12, 1873; officers elected: Da- 
vid P. Lister, chairman ; Kittel Danielson and Ole 
Guuderson, supervisors; Maurice B. Mills, clerk; 
E. F. Jacobson, Ole Robertson, constables. The 
first meeting of the new board was March 22, 
1873. On March 29th, a meeting was held at 
which the details of the settlement between this 
town and Cerro Gordo were perfected, and Peter 
Simpson was appointed arbitrator to meet one ap- 
pointed from the town of Cerro Gordo. They were 
to meet at sunh times and places as might be con- 
venient, but their actions were in no way to con- 
liict with the acts of the county commissioners. 

VILIiAGE OF liAC QUI PARLE. 

The village of Lac qui Parle was surveyed May 
23-25, 1871, by L. R. Moyer. The surveyors' cer- 
tificate states that the village is situated "on the 
southeast quarter of the northwest quarter, the 
the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter, and 
the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of 
section twenty-seven, township one hundred and 
eighteen, range forty-two." 

The names of the proprietors as appended to 
the plat were, John T. Averill and Hannah E. Av- 
erill, Lyman D. and Mary E. Hodge, Abner and 
Marion Tibbetts, Henry and Ellen Cross, Brown- 



ing Nichols and Mary E. Nichols and Charles F. 
and Annie N. Ireland. The plat was acknowledged 
November 15, 1871, before Augier Ames, in Ram- 
sey county; February 1st, 1872, before Z. B. 
Clark, in Redwood county; February 8th, 1872, 
before J. Newhart in Brown county; September 
10th, 1872, before Addison Phelps, in Swift coun- 
ty, and filed for record in the office of E. Brown, 
register of deeds of Lac qui Parle county Septem- 
ber 14th, 1872. 

On this spot once stood an Indian village, -where 
the savages regularly camped. When the first 
white settlement was made, excavations in the 
ground over which had formerly stood the tepees, 
were still visible and formed some annoyance to 
the civilized inhabitants. These excavations were 
in the shape of a jug, the entrance being about 
two feet in diameter, and enlarged below so as to 
have capacity sufficient to contain from thirty to 
forty bushels of potatoes and corn. 

In the year 1862, at the time of the outbreak, 
there was a missionary station in the immediate 
vicinity of the present village. In September, 1862 
the residents were all compelled to ilee to save them- 
selves from the tomahawk of the savages. This 
mission station was established in 1835, by Rev. 
Thomas S. Williamson and Alexander Huggins. 
At that time there was already a trading post 
in existence in charge of Joseph Renville, w^ho had 
also a stock farm in the vicinty. Renville was the 
pioneer stock raiser of Minnesota. In 1837 Rev. 
Stephen R. Riggs joined the mission. In the fall 
of 1861 a good and substantial school room and 
dwelling, a storehouse and blacksmith shop, were 
completed at Lac qui Parle, and about the first of 
November, Mr. Amos W. Huggins and his family 
occupied the dwelling, and assisted by Miss Julia 
Laframboise, prepared the school room and devot- 
ed their whole time to teaching such Indian chil- 
dren as they could induce to attend the school. 
This like the rest, however, was put to an end 
by the outbreak. 

The village is located upon a beautiful table- 
land, between the Minnesota and Lac qui Parle 
rivers. The place is the center of a thriving trade, 
and it contains several large stores, which would 
each be a credit to a town of tar greater pre- 
tensions. 

When the colonists already referred to on other 

pages arrived, there were no supplies nearer than 

Redwood or New Ulm. On November 28, 1869, 

1 P. F. Jacobson arrived with about five hundred 



940 



IIIHTOUY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLET. 



dollars worth of merchandise, and about ten tons 
of fioiir, which he had brought from West New- 
ton, in Nicollet county. The undertaking was one 
of no small difliculty. The time consumed in the 
journey from Redwood Falls to the present village 
of Lac (jiii Parle was four days, and on account of 
the bad state of the ground the goods had to be 
unloaded and reloaded about twenty times. Mr. 
Jacobson erected the first house that had a shingle 
roof in the county in July, 1869, and this was 
used as a storehouse for the goods. This consti- 
tuted the first business house in the county. It 
was located just outside the limits of the present 
village. When the village was laid out in 1871, 
the first store within its limits was opened by H. 
Cross it Son. This building has since been used 
as the offices for the county officials. The next 
store was that of Clark & La Dn, who kept a gen- 
eral stock of merchandise. Gilbert La Du subse- 
quently opened a drug store. Then came Chal- 
mers & King, who opened a furniture store. 
Thomas Martin then opened a saloon. B. Nichols 
erected the first dwelling house, and he was accus- 
tomed to receive travellers, until the hotel was 
built by J. H. Brown in 1872. Lortz & Larson 
next opened a general store. Then came the firm 
of Nichols, Stone & Anderson, the present succes- 
sor of whom is the firm of Halvorson & Stone, 
who deal in general merchandise. Other mer- 
chants at present engaged in biisiness are Joseph 
Gaskell, who has a well appointed drug store; 8. 
G. Miller, hardware merchant; Jacobson & Oad- 
son, dealers in farm machinery ; Jacobson & Even- 
son keep a good restaurant, and Carlson & Peter- 
son and Pope k Simpson are the blacksmiths. 
The legal profession is well represented by the 
firm of Hayden & Bassett and J. C. Pope, the 
present county attorney. Dr. O. K. Limboe is the 
only physician. 

The post-office was established in 1871, J. H. 
Browu being the first postmaster. The names of 
tlie succeeding ones are Gilbert La Du, J. P. 
Jacobs, L. R. Davis and H. L. Hayden, the pres- 
ent official. 

The first mails were carried by a messenger paid 
by the colonists, who made the journey from the 
village to Chippewa city once a week. 

The first school was taught by Airrie Grant in 
1872: in a building owned by Browning Nichols. 

The first newspaper was started by C. J. Cogh- 
lan, in the fall of 1872. It was called the Lao qui 
Parlo County Press and was issued every week. It 



was continued by him until the spring of 1878, 
when he ceased to pulilish it. The Lac qui Parle 
Independent was then established, on March 1.5th 
of the same year, by the firm of Chamberlain & 
Jacobs. It is a live weekly, republican in politics 
and is alive to all the best interests of the county. 
The firm conduct a job printing office in connec- 
tion with the publication of the paper. 

The only society in existence is the Lac qui 
Parle Agricultural Society. It was organized in 
1873 with J. H. Brown for president. C. J. Cogh- 
lan, secretary, and Charles Eaton, treasurer. It 
has held regular meetings, and in addition has 
held a fair every few years since 1873, one which 
is regarded as being the best in the frontier coun- 
ties. The present officers are E. M. Baldwin, pres- 
ident; O. K. Limboe, secretary and H. J. Chalmers, 
treasurer. 

C. M. Anderson, native of Iowa, was bom Jan- 
uary 14, 185-5, in Winneshiek county; removed 
with his parents to Minnesota, and his father set- 
tled in Baxter, Lac qui Parle county. In 1876 
Mr. Anderson was elected register of deeds, and 
county treasurer in 1878, and has filled that office 
since, has also taught five terms of school in this 
county. 

E. M. Baldwin, born in Wyoming county. New 
York, Aj^ril 28, 1840, went in 1860, to Michigan. 
He enlisted in Company G, Ninth New York cav- 
alry in 1861; was taken prisoner at the second 
battle of Bull Run and paroled in 1863; in 1864 he 
re-enlisted and served until 1865. He was em- 
ployed in farming ten years at Lockport, New 
York ; spent two years at Lake City, Minnesota, 
and in 1875 came here. Married in 1874, Emily 
Ferguson; four children. 

J. H. Brown, born December 31, 1818, in Sulli- 
van county, New York, lived in Cortland county 
three years, Loraine county, Ohio, three years, La 
Salle county, Illinois, two years and then in De 
Kalb county till 1856, when he located at Roches- 
ter, Minnesota, and engaged in mercantile trade; 
since coming here in 1870 he has been proprietor 
of the Lac qui Parle Hotel. Married in 1850 
Calista Sanborn; two children living. 

Martin Carlson, whose native land is Sweden, 
was bom in the year 1851. He immigrated to the 
United States and located in Dane county, Wis- 
consin in 1872; he learned blaoksmithiug and in 
1880 opened a shop at Lac qui Parle. Mr. Carl- 
son, was married in 1880; his wife's maiden name 
was Julia Witciu ; they have two living children. 



LAO qui PARLE COUNT T. 



941 



H. J. Chalmers was born in March, 1849, in New 
Brunswick. In 1867 he removed to Wabasha 
county, Minnesota; after farming one year he en- 
gaged in carpenter work; he located on a claim in 
Lac qui Parle in 1870 but shortly after resumed 
his trade; he was proprietor of a furniture store 
in the village four years. Married in 1872, Ellen 
Nash; five children. 

M. 0. Chamberlin, born September 20, 1826, in 
Genesee county, New York, went at the age of 
eight, with his parents to Chautauqua county. 
He worked on a railroad five years and was inter- 
ested in pork packing two years. He gave con- 
siderable attention to politics; during presidential 
campaigns took an active part in canvass of the 
western states and for a time published a campaign 
sheet at Wabasha, where he was afterward in 
mercantile trade. In 1874 he came to this town 
and in 1878 started the Lac qui Parle Independ- 
ent with J. P. Jacobs. Married in 1846, Angelina 
Dodge; two living children. 

Charles J. Coghlan was born in Prince Edwards 
Island, December 24, 1846; when sixteen years 
old he went with his parents to Dodge county, 
Wisconsin; served in Company B, 16th regiment 
of that state from February, 1865 till war closed. 
He learned printing at Lake City, this state; in 
1872 came here, and until 1880 published the Lac 
qui Parle Press; was elected register of deeds in 
1874, '78 and '80; was appointed court commis- 
sioner and is now justice. Married in 1876, Mary 
O'Hara; three sons living. 

L. R. Davis was born in Berkshire county, Mas- 
sachusetts, December 25, 1815. Eeceived an 
academic education and taught nearly thirty years 
commencing at the age of sixteen; he removed to 
Ohio, and in 1849 to Wisconsin; was auditor of 
Green Lake county two years and clerk of the 
court three years; studied law and was admitted 
to the bar in Fond du Lac county; in 1872 he 
came to this place; taught two years and also 
officiated as county attorney and superintendent 
of schools; has been connty auditor since 1880 and 
was postmaster from 1877 to 1881. Married in 
1843, Miss W. L. Gridley; five children. 

H. L. Hayden, native of New York, was born 
March 23, 1850, in Onondaga county and attained 
an academical education. From 1875 to 1878 he 
resided on section 29 of Hantho, this county, then 
came to Lac qui Parle and began the study of law; 
was admitted to practice in June 1881. Ophelia 



Keller became his wife in 1872; they have three 
children. 

E. F. Jacobson, who is a native of Norway was 
born March 4, 1846. He came to America with 
his parents in 1857 and settled in Fayette county, 
Iowa; in 1870 he removed to Lac qui Parle and 
settled on section 32. He was married in 1869, 
to Miss Sorena Olson; there are five children liv- 
ing. Mr. Jacobson was elected sheriff of this 
county in 1879 and re-elected in 1881. 

J. P. Jacobson, born January 13, 1849, is a na- 
tive of Norway, but has been a resident of the 
United States since 1857. From that date until' 

1871 he resided in Fayette county, Iowa, then set- 
tled on a farm in Cerro Gordo, Lac qui Parle 
county ; he is engaged in the farm machinery busi- 
ness. Mr. Jacobson was elected county auditor in 
1873-5-7. In 1874 he married Blary Olson who 
died in 1880; there are two living children. 

P. F. Jacobson, born April 14, 1842, in Nor- 
way, immigrated to America at the age of fifteen, 
with his parents. Until 1869 he lived in Fayette 
county, Ohio, then came to Lac qui Parle county; 
was the founder of a settlement here, of people 
from Iowa; he was the first justice of this town 
and performed the first marriage ceremony; has 
served in the state legislature and as county treas- 
urer; since 1879 he has been judge of probate. 
Married in 1876, Matilda Olson; seven children. 

Philip Lortz was born October 14, 1841, in 
Hocking county, Ohio. In 1863 he enUsted in 
Company L, 12th Ohio, and served till honorably 
discharged in 1865; he was one who assisted in 
the capture of Jefferson Davis. From 1867 till 

1872 he lived in Blue Earth county, then came 
here and embarked in mercantile business in com- 
pany with H. A. Larson. Married in 1872, Matil- 
da Johnson; three of their five children are living. 

Dr. S. G. Miller, born in Beaver county, Penn- 
sylvania, in 1809, went at the age of seven with 
his jiarents to Ohio. Began the study of medicine 
■when twenty years old; attended lectures in Phila- 
delphia and in 1855 graduated at the Keokuk 
Medical college. The doctor has practiced in dif- 
ferent places and since 1874 has been at Lac qui 
Parle; opened a hardware store in 1881. Married 
in 1834 Nancy Jane McE wen, who died in 1872; 
seven living children; in 1878 Sarah Jennings be- 
came his wife. 

William M. Mills, native of Canada, born in 
March, 1825, removed in 1855 to Oshawa, NicoUet 
county, thence in 1859 to Swan Lake, where he 



9i-> 



lIISrOliY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLhT. 



lost ev(>r}'tliing st the time of thp Indian mas- 
sacre; resided in St. Peter three years, but iu 18(55 
went to Eedwood Falls; in 1868 came here and 
took the first claim iu this county, he was a mem- 
ber of the lir.st board of sujiervisors and for a num- 
ber of years was county commissioner. Married 
in 1845, At^na Graham; ten children. 

N. E. Munger was born March 31, 1840, in 
Wayne county, Michigan. From 1850 till 1862 
he lived in Fayette county, Iowa, then went to 
Eau Claire county, Wisconsin; served from 1863 
till 1864 in Company D, Seventh Wisconsin, after 
which he was iu the livery busmess at Augusta, 
that state, until coming in 1877 to Lac qui Parle 
county; was one of the first settlers in Augusta 
and chairman of the first board; was also county 
commissioner. His business is dealing in farm 
machinery. Married in 1876, Clara Snow. 

John Nash, Sr., native of Berkshire, England, 
was born January 14, 1807, and lived on a farm 
until March, 1837, when he was appointed a re- 
lieving officer and filled that position for eighteen 
years; in 1855 he came to America and resided in 
Rice county, Minnesota, till 1868, at which time 
he settled on section 30 of this town. Married in 
1836, Ann Love, who has borne him ten children; 
eight are living. 

John ]?. Oadson, born December 15, 1849, in 
Norway, immigrated with his parents to America 
in 1850. After residing three years in Jeflierson 
county, Wisconsin, they went to Fayette county, 
Iowa, thence in 1871 to Lac qui Parle; since 1875 
he has filled the ofKce of clerk of the court ; is also 
engaged in the machine trade. In 1879 he mar- 
ried Bertha Hill; two children living. 

E. W. Parsons, who is a native of Chenango 
county. New York, was born October 23, 1858, 
and remained there until nineteen years of age ; in 
1878 he removed to Lac qui Parle and in 1881 
erected a feed mill. 

E. J. Petterson, whose native land is Sweden, 
was born in the year 1852. He emigrated, and 
became a resident of the United States; located in 
Dane county, Wisconsin, in 1871, and there learned 
the trade of blacksmith; in 1880 Mr. Petterson 
opened a shop in Lac qui Parle. 

J. C. Pope, who was liorn March 12, 1849, is a 
native of Orange county, Vermont. In the year 
1860 he accompanied his parents who migrated to 
Minnesota; until 1877 he resided in Winona county 
then came to Lac qui Parle and soon after began 



reading law. Mr. Pope was elected county attor- 
ney ill 1881. 

J. B. Pope, bom in 1849 in Orange county, 
Vermont, learned blacksmithing, and remained in 
that state until twenty -one years old. Enlisted in 
1862 in Company C, 10th Minnesota; served 
against the Indians one year, then was south till 
1865. In 1877 he removed from Winona county 
to Lac qui Parle and took a homestead ; opened a 
blacksmith shop in 1880 with Mr. Simpson. Mar- 
ried in 1873, Amanda Allen; two children living. 

J. Praul, native of Pennsylvania, was born in 
November, 1836, iu Bucks county. He grew to 
manhood on a farm, and while living in the East 
he dealt in stock; in 1869 he migrated to Lac qui 
Parle, and the next spring took a claim on section 

33, where he has since resided. 

P. Simjison, born May 14, 1842, in Norway, 
came to the United States in 1862. Enlisted in 
Company I, 82d Illinois, and in 1865 was honor- 
ably discharged. He engaged in blacksmithing 
at Eldorado, Iowa, but in 1870 settled on section 

34, of this town; was elected sheriff in 1872 and 
again in 1876. Married Ida Olson in 1869; four 
living children. 

S. J. Simpson was born March 26, 1844, in Ind- 
iana county, Pennsylvania. He was employed in 
lumbering; enlisted iu 1861, in Company D, 54th 
Pennsylvania, and served till December, 1864; 
was in thirty-six engagements. Mr. Simpson was 
in Iowa six years, and in Wabasha county, Minne- 
sota, three years; in 1877 took a claim in Freeland, 
but is now blacksmithing at Lac qui Parle. 

O. H. Steenson was bom January 7, 1841, in 
Norway, and in 1858 immigrated to Columbia 
county, Wisconsin; he removed to Crawford 
county for three years, then came to Mmnesota; 
resided for a time in Dodge and Goodhue counties 
previous to coming to Lac qui Parle; he has been 
county commissioner, town treasurer and justice. 
Married iu 1864, Annie S. Peterson; of their nine 
children, six are living. 

CAMP RELEASE. 

This is the extreme south-eastern town in the coun- 
ty, and when set apart tor organization, in March, 
1874, it included, besides its present territory, that 
portion of township 117-40 lying south of the 
Minnesota river; this was taken off when Yellow 
Mediohie county was organized in 1872. The 
name was selected from the fact that the town was 
the scene of the release of the prisoners by Little 
Crow to General Sibley. The first settler was 



LAC QUI I'ARLE COUNTY. 



943 



Frank Stay, who came in the fall of 1868, and lo- 
cated where he now lives near the river in the 
north-west comer of the town. In the spring of 
1869, Bruno Arnold, Peter Peterson, and Knut 
Nelson came in. 

The first town meeting was held April 5, 187], 
at the house of Peter Peterson, in section 1.3; offi- 
cers elected: Hubert Haubries, chairman, Torger 
Christianson and Wilhelm Otto, supervisors; An- 
drew Erickson, clerk; O. C. Merrill, assessor; Peter 
Peterson, treasurer; L. R. Moyer and Andrew 
Erickson, justices; Frederick Heightman and Au- 
gust Gustaffson, constables. 

The first school was taught in a "dug-out"shanty 
in section 2.5, by Mrs. Frank Dickinson. It was a 
summer school of three months duration and had 
about twelve pupils in attendence. There are now 
three organized districts in the town. 

The first religious services were conducted at 
Bruno Arnold's house, in July, 1870, by Rev. Au- 
gust Smith, a circuit preacher of the Evangelical 
society. The Norwegian Lutherans effected an 
organization in Jauuary, 1879. A church was 
soon after built in section 32. The Rev. O. N. 
Berg is their pastor. 

Anton Andersen, born in 1835, in Norway, came 
in 1869 to Minnesota. He lived in Fillmore county 
two years, and in the spring of 1871, removed to 
his present fai-m. In 1867 he married Mary Lund, 
born in 1864, and died December 27, 1881. The 
names of their children are Minnie, Annie, Casper, 
Anders, Maria, Gerhard, Karen, Emma. .Tulia. 

Jahn Andersen was born in Norway in 1836, and 
upon coming to this country in 1867, located in 
Winneshiek county, Iowa, where he remained four 
years; since 1871 he has resided at his farm in this 
town. In 1864, Miss Karen Christiansen became 
his wife; Andrew, Carolina M., Karen S., Eliza C. 
Johanna A., Charles, Christian, Anders, and Anna 
M., are their children. 

Juel K. Axues was born November 23, 1847, in 
Norway and at the age of eighteen, came to Amer- 
ica. He was at Manitowoc, Wisconsin one year 
previous to spending three years in Winona coun- 
ty, Minnesota; worked two years in Wisconsin 
pineries and in 1871 took his farm in Camp Re- 
lease; lie has been chairman of the town board 
several years. Married Sarah Nelson in 1867; the 
living children are Christina, "Nels, Carl, Randina 
and Mary. 

John Falkenhagen was born in 1831 in Ger- 
many and at the age of twenty entered the army; 



served three years after which he was in a post- 
office fourteen years. In the sumrner of 1870 he 
immigrated to Camp Release. Rachel Heightman 
became his wife in 1861; Paul J. is their only 
child. 

Harse Halvorson, born December 11, 1822, in 
Norway, learned the trade of blacksmith and in 
July, 1849 removed to Dane county, Wisconsin, 
which he made his home for eleven years; in 1861, 
came to Minnesota; farmed four years in Dodge 
county and four years in Iowa; in 1870 he came 
to this town. He married Torber Johnson, July 
31, 1860; the children are Halver, George, Randa 
M., and Ann J. Mr. Halvorson enlisted in 1865 
and sei-ved nine months in Company C, 2d Minne- 
sota cavalry. 

Ole A. Loe was born in 1849 in Norway. . Came 
to America in 1869; his wife and child died on the 
voyage; he lived in Wabasha county, Minnesota 
three years and in 1872 claimed the farm where 
he now lives; he returned to Wabasha county for 
a time also ran a ferry two years between this town 
and Montevideo; has since lived at his farm and 
been chairman of the town board and clerk two 
years. Married Miss R. E. Strand in 1879; one 
child Bertha. 

Frank Stay, born June 26, 1837 in Canada, re- 
moved in 1854 to St. Paul thence to Traverse des 
Soux, Winnebago Agency and Yellow Medicine 
where he was in the employ of the government af- 
ter which he worked a farm about twelve miles 
west of that place. In 1862 he was warned of the 
outbreak by Red Dog a friendly Indian; after 
many narrow escapes he reached Yellow Medicine 
only to find the place in possession of the Indians 
and he then realized that he must make his way to 
Fort Ridgely; was compelled to hide during the 
day time and only walk at night; reached the fort 
at noon of the fifth day having been four and one- 
half days without food; he was with General Sib- 
ley in 1862-3 and iu 1864 joined Sully's expedi- 
tion ; one evening he and another scout were at- 
tacked by a party of eight Indians near a small 
lake since known as Frank Stay's; he received a 
ball in the shoulder which he still carries; during 
the night they made a trench three or four feet 
wide and deep in which they defended themselves 
three days; had plenty of ammunition and food 
but no water; their only drink was a kettle of soup. 
From 1866 to 1868 he lived on a claim below Hawk 
Creek then sold and came to this town where he 
made the first settlement. 



il44 



HISTORY OF TUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



CERKO OORDO. 

Cerro Gordo, when first set apart by the Red- 
wood county commissiouers in 1871, iuoluded 
what is now Lac (jui Parle; the boundaries were 
subsequently changed to include its present terri- 
tory, congressional township 118-43. The first 
settler in the town was Y>. Wel)b, who came in the 
spring of 1869 and located in section 36, and now 
lives in Baxter. Peter Thompson and Nels Jacob- 
son came later the same year. James, a son of 
Mr. D. Webb, was the first child bom in the town. 
The marriage of Nels Jacobson to Anna Thomp- 
son, which occurred in June, 1870, was the first 
marriage. 

Tlie first town meeting was held April 7, 1871, 
at the residence of W. M. Mills. First town ofii- 
oials: W. M. Mills, chairman, H. 0. Nelson and 
Kittel Dauielson, supervisors; E. Brown, clerk; O. 
H. Steuson, treasurer; Lorentz Thoreson, assessor; 
P. F. Jacobson, justice, and H. G. Chalmars, con- 
stable. There are three organized school districts 
in the town, number 12 having a log school-house, 
the others frame. The first school taught was a 
private Norwegian school, during the summer of 
1869, by John Hansen, at the house of Eev. Peter 
Thompson. There are two religious organizations 
in the town, the Norwegian Lutheran and the 
Norwegian Evangelical Society. The former or- 
ganized in 1870 with seventeen members. The 
first services were conducted by the Eev. Peter 
Thompson at his house in June, 1869. 

Charles A. Gould, born in Maine in 1849, went 
to Massachusetts and subsequently removed to 
Minnesota. He learned the trade of painter and 
clerked in a hardware store at Lake City; since 
his home has been in this state he has visited Cali- 
fornia and Chicago, passing some time in each; 
since 1873 he has resided in Cerro Gordo. In 
1875 Mr. Gould married Mary Hauck; three chil- 
dren: Ida M., John A. and Margaret E. 

Peter Thompson was born in 1815 in Norway, 
and was at sea ten years after he reached the age 
of fifteen In 1843 he immigrated to Eaoine, Wis- 
consin; lived until 1849 in Rock county, then in 
Columbia county till 1863, after which his home 
was in Iowa till coming in 1869 to Cerro Gordo. 
Mr. Thompson has been since 1863 a minister in 
the Evangelical Lutheran church. Married in 
1844 Julia Olson; the children are Anna M., 
Julia, Tobea, Thomas and Jacob. 

BAXTEli. 

Baxter is in the eastern part of the county and 



includes all of township 117-42. Settlement 
began in 1870 by C. A. Anderson, G. Home, K. 
H.Johnson and John Larson, who came in March; 
Ole and Erick Heieren, brothers, J. A. Anderson, 
Gunder Larson, John Mark, B. and A. Holte, J. 
A. Austin and son Charles, and a number of others, 
came the same year. John Mark's daughter Julia 
born in the fall of that year, was the first child 
born in the town. John Anderson, a son of C. A. 
Anderson, was born December 8, 1870, and was 
the first boy born. 

The town was set apart for organization, by the 
Redwood county commissioners, September 12, 
1871, and the meeting for the purpose was held 
September 30th following, at the house of H. A. 
Baxter, for whom the town was named. Only five 
votes were cast and the following officers elected: 
Freedom Merrill, chairman, C. A. Anderson and 
W. L. Cochran, supervisors; C. H. Stausburg, 
clerk; H. A. Baxter, assessor; Ole Heieren, treas- 
urer; Freedom MerriU and A. Hanson, justices; 
G. Home and C. A. Dodge, constables. 

The first religious services were conducted by 
the Rev. Peter Thompson, of the Norwegian Evan- 
gelical Lutheran denomination, in August, 1871, 
at the house of G. Home. The society organized 
with about twenty-five members, in the summer 
of 1873, under the ministry of the Rev. O. E. Sol- 
seth, who acted as pastor about six years. For 
the past three years, Rev. L. M. A. Hoflf has offi- 
ciated. In the fall of 1881 a frame church was 
built at a cost of about $1,700. The present mem- 
bership is about ninety. Congregational services 
were conducted by the Rev. O. A. Starr of Monte- 
video, during the winter of 1872-3, but no organ- 
ization was ever effected. 

The first school was taught by Miss Belle 
Chamberlain, during the summer of 1874, in a sod 
building erected for the purpose and belonging to 
district number 8. A frame building was erected 
in 1877; there are now four school-houses in the 
town. 

Colben Anderson was born in Norway, Decem- 
lier 31, 1837, and when two and a half years old, 
went with his parents to Iowa; he lived in Winne- 
shiek county, and in 1870 came to Baxter, one 
of the first settlers; was one of the first board of 
county commissioners. November 27, 1869, he 
married Geneva Paulson, who died May 1,1881; 
in December, 1881, he married Bertha Fall; he has 
four children : John A., Matilda, Deua, Casjjer. 

Seaver A. Anderson, native of Norway, was born 



LAC QUI PARLE COUNTY. 



945 



in 1842; came to America when fourteen years old 
and lived with parents in Dane county, Wisconsin. 
November 10, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, 
15th Wisconsin, and served until September, 1863; 
was sick from exposure tor two years; worked at 
painting six years, and in 1871 came to Minne- 
sota ; after a short stay in Eochester he took the 
farm in Baxter, where he now lives; in 1875 he 
returned to Eochester and lived three and a half 
years, then came back to his farm. For two 
years he has been mail agent on the Hastings & 
Dakota railroad. Married in Whitewater, Wis- 
consin, Isabella Seavers: five children living. 

Gunder Baanrud was born in Norway in 1829 
and learned the baker's trade; came to Chicago in 
1866, and from there moved to Iowa; lived in Win- 
neshiek county till 1871, then came to Baxter 
and took 160 acres on section 12. He married 
Miss Karen Nelson in Norway in 1857; three chil- 
dren : Gustave N., Carl M. and Nora M. 

John Clauson, native of Norway, was born in 
1851, and in 1871 came to this country; he worked 
in different places in Wisconsin and Minnesota 
till 1875, then came to Baxter, and to his present 
farm the next year. H^ wife was Martha Larson, 
married in 1876; three children: Ida J., Annie M., 
Caroline. 

William Cornelson was born in Norway in 1852 
and at the age of nine years emigrated to Can- 
ada, where his father died one mouth after their 
arrival. He removed with his mother to Iowa 
and in 1871 came to Baxter, where they have since 
lived; has been town treasurer five years. In 1879 
he married Tona Hanson, and has one child, Susie. 

James F. Dodge was born in the town of Sum- 
mit, Waukesha county, Wisconsin, December 29, 
1855; at the age of nine years he came to Minne- 
sota, and lived in Elgin, Wabasha county, till 1878. 
then came to section 26, Baxter. March 15, 1876, 
he married Alice N. Hale, and has three children : 
RoUin, Ella, and June. 

John O. Flaw was born in Norway, in 1842; he 
went to Winneshiek county, Iowa, in 1867, and in 
June, 1872, came to this town and made a claim 
on section 25. In 1867 he married Mary John- 
son, in Norway; they have six children living: Ole, 
John, Betsey, Gilbert, Joseph, .lulia. 

Thomas Gilbertsen, born in Norway in 1845, 
came to America in 1866; lived in Fillmore 
county, Minnesota, till the spring of 1873, then 
made a claim in Baxter, and has 160 acres. Mar- 
ried Betsey Olson; they have three children: Isa- 

60 



bella, Carl and Gurena. His father died in Nor- 
way, and his mother lives with him here. 

O. N. Heieren, native of Norway, was born in 
1842, and learned the trade of tanner; in August, 
1865, became to Iowa and lived in Winneshiek 
county till 1871, then moved to Baxter; has been 
treasurer four years and sujjervisor two years. 
His wife was Annie Cornelson, Married June 14, 
1873; four children: Hans N., Sina C, Martin A., 
Oscar A. 

A. A. Hoite was born in Norway, in 1847 and 
worked at farming till 1869, then came to Eice 
county, Minnesota; in July, 1871, he came to 
Baxter, and has been director of school district 
three years; has 160 acres on section 8. Annie 
Rund was married to him June 10, 1876, and has 
borne two children: Charlie A., and Samuel E. 

G. E. Home was born in Norway in 1830, and 
there learned the trade of stone mason. In 1866 
he immigrated to Winneshiek county, Iowa, and 
worked at his trade and farming till 1879, then 
came to Baxter and built the first house in the 
town. Has held town offices. December 26, 
1857, he married Mary Tostenson, who has borne 
ten children; six are living: Julia, Olava, Gudor, 
Theodore, Anne M., and Emma. 

Knud H. Johnson was born in Norway in 1840, 
and came to America in 1862; settled in Fayette 
county, Iowa, farming, and in 1870 came to Baxter, 
and located on his present farm; was one of the 
first three settlers in the town. Ellen Williamson 
became his wife in Iowa, in 1867; six children: 
Christian, .John, Paul S., Sivert B., Edward and 
an infant. 

John H. King was born in Otsego county, New 
York in 1833, and when eighteen went to DeKalb 
county, Illinois, and worked at various pursuits; 
in 1866 he came to Minn, and lived in Dodge 
county and Eochester till 1870, then came to this 
county, and took a claim in what is now the town 
of Lac qui Parle; sold his claim and engaged in 
stage business, and farming; in 1881 he purchased 
his present farm in Baxter. Married in Illinois, 
September 6, 1860, Eliza Selts; they have six 
children. 

Hans T. Lee was born in Norway in 1854, and 
at the age of fifteen, came to this country with par- 
ents and lived in Columbia county, Wisconsin. In 
the spring of 18.73 he came to Baxter, and has a 
farm on section 7 ; has four acres of trees. Mar- 
ried in Lac qui Parle in 1877, Emma Lina: two 
children, Thomas and Helena. 



946 



HISTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Freedom Merrell was born in Avon, Livingston 
county, New York, in 1816; moved to Wyoming 
county and learned the trade of carpenter; worked 
at it twenty years, then opened a country store 
at Smith's corners, and kept it until 1865, then 
cnrae to Mitm. He was farming in Wabasha 
county till 1871, then came to Baxter; has 400 
acres of land. January 1, 1839, he married, in 
Wyoming county. New York, Julia A. Dodge, who 
had three children; two are living: Marvin N. and 
Mary A. 

Martinus Moen was born in Norway in 1835, 
and came to America in 1867; lived in Winneshiek 
county, Iowa, till 1871, except one year in Wiscon- 
sin, in the spring of 1871, he made a claim in 
Baxter, where he now lives. Married Miss Karen 
Home, in 1871, and has six children: Ole, Olaf, 
Emma, Magnus, Hans, Charles. 

Andrew J. Newhall was bom in Norway, in 1845; 
when about seven years old he came with parents 
to Wisconsin, and lived on a farm in Racine 
county ; he worked at lumbering three years, then 
in 1869, he came to Minnesota and was railroad- 
ing three years and worked at coopering in Min- 
neapolis; in 1878 he came to Baxter and took a 
farm on section 30. In 1881 was elected county 
commissioner. Mary Olson became his wife at 
Minneapolis, in 1873; Ida, Nellie, Bertha and 
Alice are their children. 

Christian Pederson was born in Norway in 1835, 
and learned the trade of carpenter; in 1868 he 
came to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and worked 
at his trade; in 1872 he moved her.^ and has 160 
acres on section 15. Married in Fillmore county, 
July 24, 1870, Mary Torgerson: Anna Paulina 
and Thea Amelia are their children. 

Richard Trotter, native of Ireland, was born in 
county Armagh in 1842; at the age of fifteen he 
went to Canada and lived there till 1867, then 
came to Minnesota; he returned to Canada for a 
short time, then lived in Rochester, this state; in 
1873 he came to this town and made a claim on 
section 24; in 1875 he moved to the farm owned 
by his father, who died that year. May 17, 1871, 
he married Sarah Jane Wilson, in Canada; they 
have had six children; five are living. 

Elijah Wilcox was born in Plattsburg, Clinton 
county, New York, in 1818; learned tlje trade of 
mill-wright, at which he worked twelve years; in 
1834 he moved to Waukesha county, Wisconsin, 
and farmed till 1867; for three years of the time 
he worked as carpenter while the family carried 



on the farm; moved to Wabasha county, Minne- 
sota, and in 1872 came to this town. In 1866 he 
married Olive Bailey, who bore him seven chil- 
dren; four are living: Bessie, Horton, Charles 
and Denton. 

RIVERSIDE. 

This town comprises township 117, range 43. 
The first settlement was made by John and Daniel 
McGuire, two brothers from Olmsted county, 
Minnesota. They settled on sections 22, 14, 15, 
10 and 11, in the fall of 1868. They were fol- 
lowed by George Nash, T. J. Lund and others in 
1869. The first election was held at the house of 
John McGuire, on section 14, September 21, 1872. 
OiScers elected: T. J. Lund, chairman, John Mc- 
Guire and H. K. Nelson, supervisors; D. McGuire, 
clerk; A. B. Lund, treasurer; K. J. Knudson and 
H. B. Love, justices; Ole Hanson and George 
Nash, constables. 

The first marriage was that of Clarence Griffith 
to Miss Sophia Darling, by Ole Hanson, a justice 
of the peace, at his house on section 13, Decem- 
b'.'r 28, 1874. First death was Louis, infant son 
of Frank Smith and wife, fall of 1872. The first 
birth was a daughter. Bertha, to Peter Thompson 
and wife, April 18, 1870. 

The first religious services, were held at Peter 
Thorson's by Rev. Peter Thompson, in June, 1869. 
The Norwegian Lutheran Evangelical church of 
Baxter, Lac qui Parle, Cerro Gordo and River- 
side organized with seventeen families, October 
30, 1870. Rev. L. M. A. Hoff is pastor. The first 
school was taught at the house of Peter Thorson 
\ in January, 1872, by Marcus Simpson, of Wiscon- 
sin; about eight scholars attended; there are now 
three districts in the town. In April, 1881, Gil- 
bert Carlson opened a store on section 6; he was 
appointed postmaster at Cerro Gordo at the same 
time. Andrew A. Thompson started a blacksmith 
shop on section 6 in 1880. A mUl, begun in 1881, 
by C. B. Ford, is being completed by Ole J. Tuff, 
the present owner; it will contain two run of stone. 

Vaaler post-office was moved into the house of 
John Olson on section 24 in April, 1880; he has 
since been postmaster. 

Nels A. Bolstad was boin in- Norway in 1849, 
and came to Minnesota when eighteen years old; 
he lived in Goodhue county, and in the fall of 
1870 moved to Hawk Creek, Renville county, and 
the next spring took his farm in Riverside; previ- 
ous to 1878 he worked in Goodhue county, but on 
the 24th of April, that year, he married Miss Karen 



LAO q UI PARLE COUNTY. 



947 



Stagberg and has since lived on his farm; Albert 
Olaf and Joseph are the children. 

Gilbert Carlsen, native of Norway, was born in 
1854 and emigrated in 1872; he worked four years 
in Fayette county, Wisconsin ; then went to Nobles 
county, Minnesota; in the fall of 1879 he came to 
Riverside and built and opened the Cerro Gordo 
store on section 5 ; also has the post-office. Sep- 
tember 7, 1880, he married Lena H. Nelson. 

Knud Ellefson was born in Norway in 1845. In 
1867 he came to America and worked at farmmg 
in Dane county, Wisconsin, two years; July 17, 
1868, he married Annie Iverson and moved to 
Mower county, Minnesota; in the spring of 1871 
came to Riverside; he has been supervisor and 
school officer; they have five cliildren living; two 
have died. 

I.T. Erickson, bom in 1847,leftNorway,his native 
country, when one year old, and settled with par- 
ents,in Dane county .Wisconsin. In 1872 he came to 
this town; has been clerk, chairman of board and 
justice; also was county commissioner one term. 
In 1874 he married, in Cerro Gordo, Tobea P. 
Thompson; four children: Christina, Esther, Theo- 
dore and Gerhard. 

John T. Erickson was born in Dane county, 
Wisconsin, in 1852. In the spring of 1874, he 
came to Riverside, Lac qui Parle county, Minne- 
sota, and made a claim on sections 8 and 9; in 
1879 he moved to section 6 ; owns 400 acres of 
land in the town. 

Halver L. Graven, native of Norway, was bom 
in 1824 and came to this country in 1870; settled 
in this county in the fall of that year; took a claim 
of 160 acres on section 1, Riverside. Married in 
1849, Annie Halverson MUkild, who was born in 
1823; seven of their eight children are living. 

Ole Hansen was born in Norway in 1844, and 
came to America at the age of twenty-two; he 
worked in Wisconsin and Iowa, then settled in 
Mower county, Minnesota; in the spring of 1871 
he located his present farm in Riverside; has held 
town offices, and was member of the first board of 
county commissioners. In Mower county he mar- 
ried Miss Rosie Tuff; six children, Mary, Ellen C, 
Henry, Oscar, Kaleb, Regiua. 

A B. Lund was born in Norway, February 5, 
1848, and came with parents, at the age of one 
year, to Dane county, Wisconsin, where he lived 
tin the fall of 1870, then took a claim in this town ; 
has been supervisor and town clerk; in 1877 he 
was elected county commissioner; for two years 



he was chairman. Jane O. Mennes became his wife 
May 2, 1870; tliey liave had eight children; five 
are Uving: Iver D., Olans, Betsy Ann, Ida and 
Albert M. 

T. I. Lund was born in Norway, November 25, 
1834, and came to America with parents when fif- 
teen years old; lived in Dane county, Wisconsin, 
till 1869, then came to Riverside; he was one of 
the first settlers; he has been supervisor and chaii'- 
man; also town treasurer; July 27, 1861, he mar- 
ried Jane A. Lsren; they have six children living: 
Dortha Anna, Mary, Julia, Iver, Anton David, 
Betsy Louisa; Nels died January 7, 1879, aged 
seven months. 

Ole L. Robertson, native of Norway, was bom in 
1840; he came with parents when two years of 
age, to this country and lived in Wisconsin and 
lULnois, returned to Wisconsin, then moved to 
Iowa; he lived in Winneshiek county till August 
17th, 1862, then enhsted in Company D, 38th Iowa 
regiment; served also in the 34th Iowa and August 
15, 1865, was discharged at Houston, Texas. He 
lived in Iowa till June, 1872, then made a claim 
in this town; in 1875 was elected sheriff of Lao qui 
Parle county. In 1872 he married Mary Boren- 
son; five children: Levi, Samuel, Clara, Rosie and 
Olena. 

Peder S. Thorsen, was born in Norway in 1828 
and was educated for a teacher; taught ten years 
and in 1866 came to America; Uved in Fayette 
county, Iowa till June 1869, then made one of the 
first claims in this town; the first religious services 
were held at hi.s house and his daughter Bertha, 
was the first child born in the town. Married in 
1853, Malina Jacobson; they have had nine chil- 
dren ; five are living : Thore, Jacob, Lar^, Bertha 
and Peter. 

YELLOW BANK. 

Yellow Bank includes all of 120-46, and all of 
that part of 121-46 and 141-45 and 120-45 south 
of the Minnesota river, by which it is bounded on 
the north. The first settlement was made by Dun- 
can Murray in June 1870, on section 30, town 120 
range 45; he was frozen to death during the bUz- 
zard of 1873, the first death of a resident of the 
town. First town meeting was held at the house 
of T. Frankhouse January 28, 1878. Officers elect- 
ed: Emil Sellin, chairman; Carl Ackerman and 
William Gloege, supervisors; M. H. Diebold and 
Fred W. Lacombe, Sr., justices; Fred Frankhouse 
and Christian Gloege, con.stables; Michael Gloege, 
treasurer; Frank Bentler, assessor; M.H. Diebold, 



948 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



clerk. The first religions services were held at the 
house of William Gloege on section 19 during the 
summer of 1872 by Itev. August Schmidt, Evan- 
gelical. There are now three church organiza- 
tions, two Evangelical Lutheran and United Breth- 
ren ; the first named have a good church. 

The first birth was Robert Murray, to Dun- 
can Murray and wife, summer of 1871. First 
school was held in a small frame shanty erected for 
the purpose on section 7, summer of 1879, taught 
by Miss L. B. Morton from near Montevideo. 

D. C. Collier was born in Loraine county, Ohio, 
in 1839 and at the age of six years, removed to 
Illinois; in 18G0 to Wabasha county, Minnesota. 
In December, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, 
Fifth Minnesota, and was discharged in October 
following for disability; in 1865 he entered Com- 
pany G, heavy artillery, and served as corporal. 
He lived in Wabasha county till 1873, then moved 
to Swift county, and in 1879 came to Yellow Bank. 
Married, in 1866, Margaret Murphy. 

John Flamm was born in Hungary in 1848 and 
in 1857 came to Carver coimty, Minnesota; four 
years later, moved to McLeod county. August 
24, 1863, he enlisted in Company C, Hatch's Bat- 
taUon and serv.ed till June 27, 1866. In 1877 he 
came to Yellow Bank. Married November 15, 
1879, Mary Brand, who was bom in Faribault; 
they have one child, John William. 

C. E. Kunn, native of Germany, was born in 
1855, and came to this country at the age of six- 
teen; lived in Dane county, Wisconsin till 1880, 
then came to this town. June 2, 1878, he married 
Mary Gahringer and has one child, Dora. 

H. W. Leavitt, was born in Canada in 1848 and 
in 1869 moved to Red Wing, Minnesota, and the 
next year to Zumbrota. In 1879 he moved to 
Ortonville and in March, 1880 came to Yellow 
Bank, and settled on section 20. His wife was 
Maria Randall, married to him in September, 1873. 
Henry Warren and William Franklin are their 
children. 

H. A. Miles was born in Steele county, Minne- 
sota, in 1857; at the age of thirteen he went to 
Appleton, Swift county, and in 1879 came to Yel- 
low Bank. November, 1879, he married Jessie F. 
Murphy, who was born in Wabasha county, Min- 
nesota ; one child, Nancy A. 

F. F. Miller, native of Germany, was born iu 
1832, and in 1848 came to Chicago, and worked 
at house building till 1870, then moved to Waseca 
county, Minnesota; in 1878 he came to Yellow 



Bank and located on section 3; has held town 
oSices. In 1859 he married Elizabeth Decker; 
Susanna, Frank, Etta, Henry, Willie, Anna and 
Leah are their children. 

Frank R. Miller was born in Germany, in 
1859, and came to Minnesota at the age of 
fourteen, and lived in Waseca and Red W'ing 
till 1876, in Dakota county till 1878; Goodhue 
county two years; located on section 27, Yellow 
Bank in 1880. October 29, 1881, he married Mar- 
tha Martin. 

J. G. Perry was born in Oswego, New York, in 
1848, and went with parents to Canada; in 1862 
he moved to Dane county, Wisconsin, iu 1865 to 
Eau Claire and was lumbering till 1873, then 
went to Appleton, Minn. In 1879 he located on 
section 10, this town and has held several offices. 
Hi.s wife was Mary Eliza Mills; married January 
23, 1876; they have had three children, two are 
living, WOfred G. and Ethel M. 

J. S. Scott, born in Vermont, in 1844, learned 
the trade of carpenter; in 1865 he moved to Eau 
Claire, Wisconsin, and in 1866 began to travel as 
tight-rope walker, under the name of Jean Le- 
Fever; in 1876 he experienced religion, joined the 
denomination of .United Brethren, and has been a 
leader since. In 1873 he took a tree claim, and 
iu 1878 settled in this town, on section 14. He 
married Eliza La Belle, in 1867; six of her eight 
children are living: Marvin J., Lillie M., George 
A., Hattie B., Walter S., James A. Garfield. 

F. G. Willsey was bom in Jo Daviess coimty, 
Illinois, in 1841, and when ten, moved to Wiscon- 
sin; in 1857, he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and 
learned the trade of machinist. In 1861 he en- 
listed in Company K, 12th Wisconsin infantry, 
and served till 1865. He was employed by rail- 
way companies and bridge builders till 1874, 
when he began building grain elevators in Iowa 
and Minnesota, which he still follows. In 1881 
he moved his family from Decorah, Iowa, to his 
farm in Yellow Bank. Married in 1874, Joaima 
Sheffield; Augusta and Elsie are their children. 

MAXWELL. 

This is in the southern tier of townships and is 
known as congressional township, 118 — 43. The 
first settlement was made by J. H. Maxwell, for 
whom the town was named, in 1872. The first 
town meeting was held at Charles Jackson's, July 
27, 1878; William H. Hull was moderator, and J. 
H. Maxwell, clerk; ofKcers elected: W^illiam H. 
Hull, chairman, Charles Jackson and G. H. MLUer, 



LAO qui PARLE COUNTY. 



949 



supervisors; J. H. Maxwell, clerk; Chaiincey 
Phelps, treasurer; Henry Miller and J. H.Maxwell 
justices. The first preaching was by Revs. Galpin 
and Starr in 1874; the Methodists have an organ- 
ized society. In 1878 the first school was taught, 
at the house of E. Lundland on section 28. The 
first birth was a son, Samuel K., to J. H. Maxwell 
and wife, January 29, 1871. Mrs. Oshia Miller 
died december 18, 1873, the first death. 

Abram D. Baxter, native of Iowa, was bom 
August 23, 1850, in Muscatine county; when he 
was an infant the family removed to Jefferson 
county, and at the age of seven went to Wiscon- 
sin; from 1863 to 1869 he was farming in Rice 
county, Minnesota; also lived in Dakota county 
several years, but since 1877 his home has been on 
section 4 of Maxwell. December 24, 1879, he 
married Sophia Darling; they have one child. 

Charles .Jackson was born in Sweden in 1843, 
and came in 1868 to the United States. He was 
farming seven years in Dakota county, Minnesota, 
then resided in Carver county till coming here in 
1876 ; he was at the village of Lac qui Parle one 
year, and has since been on his farm; has been su- 
pervisor since the town was organized. Married 
Anna Johnson in 1875; Mary, John and Selma are 
the children. 

G. F. Johnson was born May 10, 1840, in Swe- 
den and lived three years in Denmark previous to 
coming in 1863 to America. He worked for a time 
in Cook county, Illinois, and was employed as car- 
penter by the government from 1864 to '65. He 
migrated to Carver county, Minnesota, thence in 
1878 to Maxwell; has been constable since the 
town was organized. Married in 1866, Christine 
Sveuson; the children are Esther M., Freehart R., 
Hulda D. and Gustot H. 

Robert Ludlow was born April 5, 1828, in 
Windham county, Vermont. When twenty-two years 
old he went to Dodge county, Wisconsin, where 
he worked at the trade of slater. Enlisted in Com- 
pany I, 8th Wisconsin, and served three years. In 
1876 he came to Maxwell ; took land on section 
26, and in 1878 brought his family here. Married 
in 1851, Jennie Craudall; of their eight children, 
seven are living: Edson, Esther, Richard, Sophia, 
Charles, Clara and Arthur. • 

J. H. Maxwell was born March 5, 1840, in Han- 
cock county, West Virginia. Enlisted September 
18, 1861, in Company F, 1st Virginia; served till 
February, 1864; re-enlisted and was honorably 
discharged July 16, 1865. He afterward attend- 



ed school, taught and farmed; in 1870 came to 
Minnesota and the next year to this town, which 
was named for him; has been county commissioner, 
town clerk and justice. Mr. Maxwell has visited 
Texas and Virginia since coming here. Married 
in 1869, Maggie Kiley; the living children are 
James A., Charles H. and Etta May. 

G. H. Miller was born in 1834, in Grand Isle 
county, Vermont. From fifteen till twenty-three 
years of age he lived in Franklin county, New- 
York, then removed to La Salle county, Illinois, 
in 1857. Enlisted in Company A, 53d Illinois, 
and was honorably discharged in December, 1864; 
returned to Illinois, but in 1872 came to Maxwell 
and located on section 2. In 1865, he married 
Rachel Ford; the children are Ulysses G., Wil- 
liam P., Minnie, Henry, John, Charles, Burton and 
Loelda. 

George Rigler was born July 9, 1810, in Lan- 
caster couiity, Pennsylvania. He removed to 
Michigan in 1832, two years later to Ohio, and 
thence to New Orleans; was also in Pennsylvania, 
Illinois and St. Louis; he was much of the time 
engaged in the butcher's business; after working 
in a grist-mill and farming several years in Illi- 
nois, he enlisted there in Company I, 53d regi- 
ment; discharged in August, 186.5, and continued 
farming and butchering in La Salle county until 
coming to Maxwell in 1872. 

Solomon Sear lived, until coming to America in 
1851, in England, where he was born January 3, 
1833. He was employed in farming and butcher- 
ing two and one-half years in Michigan; he was 
then in Dakota county, Minnesota, till 1877, the 
date of his settlement in Maxwell; since the or- 
ganization of the town, he has been its treasurer. 
Married October 2, 1854, Sarah A. Mayett; the 
living children are Sarah J., Hannah E., Eliza A., 
George W., William T., RosaM., EK S., Franklin, 
Lillie and May B. 

TEN MILE LAKE. 

This town comprises congressional township 
116-42. The town derives its name from the lake, 
which is ten miles from Lac qui Parle. The first 
settler was Peter Quale, who located on section 1 
in 1876. The first town meeting was held at the 
house of Gregor Hanson, November 4, 1878; 
officers elected : Hans Amuudson, chairman, Peter 
Quale and Gregor Hanson, supervisors; Ole K. 
Strand, clerk; Oliver Ryalen, justice; Martin 
Johnson, constable. There are no schools in the 
town. 



950 



HISTORY OP TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



PROVIDENCE. 

Providence comprises towusliiji 116, range 44. 
Tlae first settler was John Engstrantl, who located 
on section 12 in the spring of 1877. October 31, 

1878, the first election was held; officers elected: 
C. M. Holmqiiist, ohairman, Andrew O. Ness and 
Gustaf Poterstm, supervisors; Andrew O. Ness, 
treasurer; J. B. Pope, justice; Gustaf Lund, con- 
stable. The first school was taught in 1881 in a 
granary belonging to Sweu Ellefson, by Lydia 
Call. There are two churches in the town, both 
built in 1880. The first bhth in the town was 
Tilda, daughter of G«staf and Christina Peterson. 

John Breberg was born in Sweden, April 20, 
1832, and in 1869 became a resident of America. 
He resided in Nobles county, Indiana, eighteen 
months, after which he was farming six years in 
San Francisco township, Minnesota, and in 1878 
came to Providence ; has officiated as supervisor 
and postmaster. Married in 1858 Anna Danjel- 
son; eight children living. 

Emilus Brown was born October 30, 1847, in 
De Kalb county, Illinois, where he lived till 1857. 
He removed to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and 
was educated at Rochester; in 1870 he located at 
Lac qui Parle, where he was town clerk, and was 
the first register of deeds of the county; in 1879 
he came to Providence; served this town as clerk 
two years. Married in 1875 Hattie Dodge; 
Maud E., Harry W., John O. and Mary C. are the 
children. 

HANTHO. 

The town of Hantho is situated in the northern 
part of the county and includes all in the county, 
of congressional townships 119 and 120-43. It 
was named in honor of H. H. Hantho, the first set- 
tler in the town, who came in 1872. His two broth- 
ers, Nels and Ole, came the same year. Halver, a 
son of Nels, born July 30, 1873, was the first child 
born in the town. His wife, who died in 1874, was 
also the first person to die. Other early settlers, 
were Hans Gunderson and Ole Haralson. 

The first town meeting was held March 11, 

1879, at the house of Knut Olsen. Town board : 
H. J. Flota, ohau-man; H. H. Hantho and J. A. 
Hayse, and O. K. Oleson, clerk. 

The first school was taught in the Norwegian 
language in 1877, and was a private school. No 
public school was taught until 1879, when district 
number 23 was organized and a school-house 
built, which is the only one in town. The first 



marriage was that of M. Olson to Miss Annie 
Kleven, married in 1874. 

Ben. H. Benson was born in 1846 in Norway and 
in 1861 came to America. He worked in various 
places and in 1869 went to Benson, Swift county, 
Minnesota; was employed as clerk three years, 
then kept a boarding house in Appleton; in 1875 
took a claim in this town; was in mercantile busi- 
ness at Benson eighteen months also at Canby then 
returned to his farm. The town of Benson was 
named for him. Married November 22, 1872, Ma- 
tilda Larson; the children are Henry B., Juha S., 
Charles G., Alfred E. 

Thomas Benson, native of Norway was bom July 
3, 1856 and in 1864 came to this country. After 
living one year in Wisconsin he engaged in farm- 
ing in Kandiyohi county, Minnesota till 1867; 
kept a saloon about five years in Benson and in 
1876 came to Hantho. Christmas day 1876 he 
married Dora Jacobson. Oscar T. and Anna J. 
are their children. 

A. D. Boyington was born May 19, 1857, in 
Waushara county, Wisconsin; removed to Port- 
age county and lived fourteen years; was educat- 
ed there and at Racine. In 1878 he came to 
Hantho, and located 160 acres on section 19; since 
the organization of the town he has held the 
office of justice. Ida Harold became his wife in 
1879, and has borne him one child : Charles. 

H. H. Hantho was the first settler in the town, 
which was named for him; he was born August 
17, 1831, in Norway, and lived there forty years; 
in 1872 he immigrated to Minnesota, and located 
on section 15, of this town; Mr. Hantho has been 
supervisor four years. Married in 1857, Mary 
Christensen; their children are Halver, Alice and 
Christian. 

Hans O. Lillegord was born in 1807, in Norway, 
and in 1866 came to America. He worked as 
stone mason in Fillmore county, Minnesota, three 
years; removed in 1869, to Renville county, where 
he was farming nine years; in 1878 he came to 
Hantho and located on section 33. Married in 
1830, Miss M. Sakret, who tlied in 1854; her child- 
ren were Sakret O., Hans, Dorothea, Hannah, 
Lewis, Mary, Peter, Elizabeth. In 1855 he mar- 
ried Mary Nelson ; the children are Nels, EUing, 
Emily, Martina. 

Ole K. Olson, native of Norway, was born March 
8, 1855. In 1857 the family emigrated to Dodge 
county, Minnesota, where he resided ten years; 
after making Kandiyohi county his home nine 



LAG qui PAMLE COUNTY. 



951 



years lie came, in 1876, to Hantho. Mr. Olson 
has been clerk of tbe to\vn since its organization, 
and for two years has oiEciated as justice. 

0. Powell, native of Franklin county, Indiana, 
was born February 20, 1836, and lived there till 
twenty years old. He was employed in farming 
and blacksmithing in Wabasha county, this state, 
till 1878, when he built a grist-mill near Appleton, 
Swift county, but sold it one year later, and came 
to this town; in 1881 he visited Texas. Married 
Angelina Haramons, September 22, 1861; six 
children living : Hiram, .John H., Jesse G., Charles 
B., Willis W., and George A. 

AUGUSTA. 

Township 118, range 46, was organized as Au- 
gusta, February 5, 1879, and the first election held 
at the house of H. M. Bell; N. E. Hunger was 
chosen chairman, John Paulson and N. Marti, su- 
pervisors; H. M, Bell, justice and treasurer; C. J. 
Orton, clerk; George Hicks and E. Pegg, consta- 
bles. The first settlers came in April, 1879, and 
were a party of eleven families from Augusta, 
Wisconsin. The first religious service was held at 
H. M. Bell's in the summer of 1880, by the United 
Brethren deuomination. The first birth was that 
of Charles Pomeroy, and the first death was a 
child in tbe family of Mr. and Mrs. Hardy. 

H. M. Bell was born January 9, 1858, in Oxford, 
Marquette county, Wisconsin. He acquired a 
good education and learned the trade of carpenter 
at which he worked three years; in 1878 he came 
to Minnesota and April 22d of that year located 
his present farm. Mr. Bell has been justice of tbe 
peace and treasurer since the town was organized. 

Charles J. Orton was born in Franklin, Dela- 
ware county. New York, October 22, 1856. The 
family went in 1866 to Yellow Springs, Ohio, where 
his father was president of Antioch college; in 
1873 they removed to Columbus; until 1881 his 
father was president of the State University; is 
now professor of geology. In 1877 Mr. Orton 
came to Minnesota and in April of the next year 
located on his present farm; is town clerk. Mar- 
ried Florence Bell in January, 1881; one child: 
George E. 

James B. Smith was born Blarch 24, 1824, in 
New York. Learned the tanners' trade at which 
he worked about fourteen years; he came to Min- 
nesota in 1858; enlisted and served from August, 
1864, till the war ceased; in 1880 he came to this 
town; has 400 acres of land. Mr. Smith keeps 
the Boat Creek post-office. Married in 1848, Har- 



riet Fisk, who died April 4, 1857. Helen Park 
became his wife in 1857. Eight living children. 

liAKE SHORE. 

The town of Lake Shore is situated in the north- 
em part of the county, bordering on the Minnesota 
river, and includes all of congressional township 
119-44 and fractional 120-44. The first settler was 
P. S. Halverson, who came in 1874. In 1875 
Jacob Nelson and O. A. Skordal came. The town 
was organized early in 1879; town officials for that 
year: N. P. Nelson, chairman, Ole Skordal and P. 
Peteison, supervisors; M. T. Nelson, clerk; Jacob 
Nelson, assessor; Ole Legred, treasurer; Erick 
Efsti and John Hurley, justices; T. Thompson and 
K. Kniidson, constables. 

The Norwegian Lutheran denomination have an 
organization and services are conducted at the 
houses of the members. The first services con- 
nected with the church, were conducted by the 
Bev. O. E. Solseth, at Jacob Nelson's house in 
1877. A private school, taught at this house and 
in the Norwegian language, is the only school yet 
taught in the town. 

E. W. Mitchell was born in Maine, August 24, 
1848, where he remained until coming to Minne- 
sota. From 1864 to 1879 he lived in Wabasha 
county, then removed to the town of Lake Shore 
and located on section 3; Mr. Mitchell has served 
his town as treasurer. Etta Brown became his 
wife in 1871; three children: Zula, AdeUa and 
Mark. 

Jacob Nelson, born in Norway, May 18, 1829, 
immigrated in 1848 to Green county, Wisconsin, 
where he resided till 1875, at which date he came 
to Lake Shore; has been assessor since the town 
was organized. Married in 1853, Miss T. Paulson. 
Their son, Martin T., born October 20, 1858, m 
Wisconsin, came with his parents to tliis state; he 
has been clerk since the organization of the town; 
the other children are Napoleon, Bertha, Thomas, 
Hans, Isabelle and Jacob. 

Charles Pearson, who is a native of Sweden, 
was born May 8, 1851, and resided there until 
eighteen years of age, when he became a resident 
of America. Until 1879 his home was in Goodhue 
county, Minnesota; at that time he came to Lake 
Shore. In 1880 he was married to Malena John- 
son ; one child : Emma. 

Peter Peterson was born September 12, 1843, in 
Norway, where he learned the trade of tailor. 
Came in 1868 to Ameiioa, and located in Kock 
county, Wisconsin; worked at his trade about two 



952 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



years, then removed to Green county; be passed 
one year in Chicago previous to coming, in 1876, 
to this town ; has been a supervisor ever since the 
town was formed. Married in 1872 Miss L. Thomp- 
son; three children; Pauline, Bertha, Jessie. 

Cn.STER. 

This town was first settled in 1877, by H. B. 
Putnam, who located on section 4. Ouster em- 
braces township 116, range 46, and is in the south- 
western corner of the county. Ths first election 
was held at Henry Cooley's in March, 1879; offi- 
cers elected: John Lathrop, chairman; E. Smith, 
and S. K. Simonds, supervisors; Henry Cooley, 
clerk; O. E. Brown and H. B. Putnam, justices; 
Charles Roski, treasurer. The town was named in 
honor of Gen. George Custer; proposed by John 
Lathrop. 

The first death was on September 10, 1877, 
Alice, daughter of S. K. Simonds. The first birth 
was a child to Henry Cooley, in September, 1878. 

Edward Clossey, native of New York, was born 
May 10, 1842, in Albany, and while young went 
with his parents to Walworth county, Wisconsin. 
He served in the civil war from 1863 till October, 
1865. In May, 1879, he migrated from Wiscon- 
sin to his present place on section 12 of this town; 
he has officiated here as assessor. Married in Sep- 
tember, 1866, Isabella Pine; their children are 
Mary, Emma and Edward. 

G. D. Pettyjohn was born November 18, 1821, 
in Jackson Georgia. The family went to Illinois, 
and both his parents died before he was twelve 
years old. He was engaged in mercantile and 
milling business previous to coming, in 1878 to 
Minnesota; ih May, 1880, he located on section 2 
of this town. Martha Woodall became his wife in 
1848 and has had nine children, six are living. 

Hosea B. Putnam, born in Windsor county, 
Vermont, November 2, 1825, removed in 1845 to 
Chicago, and in 1853 went to Wisconsin. Mr. 
Putnam served in the late rebellion, also in the 
Mexican war; in 1876 he migrated to Lac qui 
Parle, and in November of that year took the farm 
where he is still living; has been justice of the 
peace three years. In March, 1868, he married 
Matilda Douthit; the living children are Ida May 
and WiUiam E. 

MADISON. 

This town is situated in the central part of the 
county. Settlement began in 1877, by S. Halver- 
son and O. iSI. Larson. Settlers came in suffi- 
ciently to warrant a separate organization in 1879. 



The meeting for that purpose was held in the fall 
of that year, at the house of O. M. Larson : offii-ers 
elected: P.A.Laurence, chairman, Elling Samp- 
son and Henry Dunnem, supervisors; William 
Williamson, clerk; L. Halverson, treasurer; O. M. 
Larson and O. J. Floam, justices; J. J. Koise and 
T. O. Lee, constables. The Norwegian Evangel- 
ical Society effected an organization in the fall of 
1879, and hold meetings at private houses. There 
is no public school organization, and no puljlic 
school has yet been taught. Private schools have 
been taught in the Norwegian language. Nor- 
man post-office was established in December, 1880. 
Peter A. Laurence was appointed postmaster, and 
the office located at his house in section 10. 

O. M. Larson, native of Norway, was born in 
1852. In 1868 he immigrated to Goodhue 
coimty, Minnesota, where he was farming until 
1872, and clerking from that date tUl 1875, when 
he began mercantile trade at Hader, but in 1877 
removed to Madison; has served as county com- 
missioner and justice of the peace. In 1874 he 
married Laura Tangen; three children : Matilda 
B., Ole T. and Hilma A. 

HAMLIN. 

Tliis town was settled in April, 1874, by a Mr. 
Hamlin, for whom it was named. He died about 
two years after his arrival. The town is formed 
of township 119, range 46. Organization took 
place at K. H. Safford's, September 10, 1879; first 
officers: O. I. Lerdahl, chairman, A. T. Mills, H. 
L. Barrett, supervisors; H.J. Knudson, clerk; R. 
H. Safford, justice; Everett Saflbrd was afterward 
appointed treasurer. There is one school-house 
in the town; first school was taught in 1881 by 
Belle Lerdahl at the house of Ole Lerdahl. 

MEHUBIS. 

Mehurin is town 117-46. First settlement was 
made by Miss Lucretia S. Mehurin in 1877. Her 
father Amasa Mehurin who had settled in Garfield 
in 1872, followed in 1878. The town was named 
in honor of Mr. Mehurin. First town meeting was 
held at the house of Mr. Mehurin October 14, 187'' ; 
the following officers were elected: chairman, H. 
W. Bates; A. M. Aws and Wilham More, town 
board; clerk, A. N. Bates; William More and Ja- 
cob Wilson, justices; C. J. Davis and Geo. Reuss, 
constables; treasurer, William Allen. First birth 
was a son to Mr. and Mrs. Deckman, February, 
1879. First death was Mr. Deckman, March 27, 
1879; he was buried on his fann. 

A. N. Bates, native of Minnesota was bom May 



LAC QUI PARLE COUNTY. 



953 



18, 1856 in Eolling Stone Valley, Winona county. 
Beceived a good education and lived at home till 
April, 1878 when he came to Mehurin where he now 
has a farm of 208 acres. Mr. Bates has officiated 
as town clerk four years. 

W. J. Bingham was born January 31, 1S28 in 
London, England. From ten till sixteen years of 
age he followed the sea; in 1860 he immigrated to 
Wisconsin; was employed in a Milwaukee round 
house fourteen years previous to coming in 1878 
to his present farm. In 1860 he married Elizabeth 
Nealis of Scotland; six of their eight children are 
living. 

A. D. Brown was born April 16, 1853, in Kipley 
county, Indiana. He learned engineering; came 
to Minnesota in 1875 and was employed at his 
trade in Bochester till 1878, when he came to this 
town; has 160 acres in section 28. Married in 
January, 1877, Mollie Canida, who has borne him 
two children : Elizabeth 0. and Charles T. 

Amasa Mehurin was born in Butland county, 
"Vermont, June 28, 1808. In 1833 he went to 
Iowa, which state was his home twenty-one years; 
in 1856 he migrated to Freeborn count}', Minne- 
sota, but in 1872 came to this county ; April, 1878, 
he located a part of his present farm; has 736 
acres in all and resides in Mehurin. Married in 
1850, Mrs. Doren, whose maiden name was Mary 
Murphy; she died December 7, 1879. One daugh- 
ter: Lucretia. 

CAKFIEIiD. 

This town is shown on the government plats as 
township 117, range 45. The first settlement was 
made by Amasa Mehurin in 1872. The first elec- 
tion was held at the house of Samuel Iverson.Jan- 
uary 24, 1881. Officers elected : A. Gilberg,chair- 
man, Ira C. Mills, S. M. SjorUe, supervisors; N. 
L. Nordahl, clerk; Samuel Iverson, treasurer; C. 
0. Farnham, assessor and justice; G. Hanson, jus- 
tice; Ira 0. Mills and J. P. Hanson, constables. 
The first school was taught by Christopher Blom 
at the house of Samuel Iverson, in the winter of 
1881-2. First religious services were held in May, 
1879, at the house of N. L. Nordahl. 

ARENA. 

The town of Arena is situated in the western 
part of the county, includes all of township 118-15. 
The first settler, Jens Jaoobson, came in April, 
1878. There is a Norwegian Lutheran church or- 
ganization, with a membership of thirteen, under 
the charge of the Bev. O. N. Berg. A school in 



connection with this church is the only one yet 
taught. 

The town was organized January 4, 1880, at 
the house of H. A. Skallerud. Elected: H. A. 
SkaUerud, chairman, Peter Stangaess, and C. Er- 
ickson, supervisors; Oscar Larson, clerk; Ever 
Sampson, assessor; Christian Halverson, treasurer; 
Martin Nelson and L. Larson, justices. 

Ever Sampson, born in Manchester, Brown 
county, IlHuois, in 1844, went when five years old 
with his parents to Columbia county, Wisconsin. 
Enlisted in Company K, 32d regiment, and served 
from 1862 tiU 1865. He was in ■ the Wisconsin 
pineries for a time, and then in mercantile busi- 
ness at Bio until 1879, when he come to Arena and 
opened the first store in town ; has been supervisor 
and assessor. Married, February 29, 1876, .Jennie 
Jorguison ; one child : Anna T. 

FBEEIjAND. 

The town of Freeland comprises township 116, 
range 45. Burre Frederickson was the first set- 
tler; he came in the spring of 1877 and loca- 
ted on section 30; Peter Skoresth located on 
section 34, about the same time. In March, 
1880, the first election was held at the house of 
Peter Humphrey ; officers elected: William Pad- 
dock, chairman; A. C.Dixon and O. Rulson, su- 
pervisors; William Humphrey, clerk; Oscar 
Dixon, justice; Charles Whitford, constable. The 
first marriage was Martin Thorsoh and Mattie 
Hanson, January 15, 1882. Charles A. Dixon, 
born November 14, 1878, was the first birth. 
First death was a chUd, Lena Frederickson, Au- 
gust 8, 1879. The first church services were held 
at the house of Wilham Humphrey, in Septem- 
ber, 1881, by E«v. Cornelius. 

A. C. Dixon was born in Oneida county. New 
York, September 25, 1839. The family lived in 
Wisconsin from 1845 till 1875, at which date they 
removed to Minneapolis; since March, 1878, he 
has resided at his present farm; he has served this 
town as assessor and clerk. Married in November. 
1877, Anna Harrison, born June 6, 1854, in Swe- 
den. The children are Charles A. and Mable. 

Oscar Dixon, native of Wisconsin, was born Oc- 
tober 3, 1846, in Walworth county. From tour 
years of age till coming to Minnesota in 1877, his 
home was in Sauk county , Wisconsin ; in the spring 
of 1878 he came to this town, where he has served 
as justice of the peace; owns a farm of 240 acres. 
Married in 1866, Mary Humphrey, born Septem- 



954 



ni STORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



ber 9, 1849, in WisconBin. Walter, Leslie, John 
and Anna are the living children. 

William Humphrey, born May 9, 1846, near 
Whitewater, Wisconsin, went when four years old 
with his parents to a farm in Sauk county. In 
1878 he came to Minnesota, and soon after to his 
farm on section 18 of Freeland; he was the first 
clerk of this town. Married in April, 1871, Eliza- 
beth Fischer, born September 22, 1850, in Paris, 
France; the children are Agnes, Mary and Edward. 

L. W. Hale was born November 14, 1851, in 
Walworth county, Wisconsin. At eighteen years 
of age became dependent upon his own exertions; 
he migrated to Minnesota, and in the spring of 
1880 located his present farm. Mr. Hale was mar- 
ried January 20, 1878; his wife Nettie Hallock, 
was born July 13, 1856, in Green Lake county, 
Wisconsin. 

Henry B. Tilbury was born October 11, 1854 in 
Hillsdale county, Michigan. From seven till nine- 
teen years of age he lived with his parents in Illi- 
nois, then passed two years in Kansas, after which 
he returned to Illinois, and came in May, 1880, to 
his present home; he is farming in company with 
his brother-in-law, and engaged in stock raising. 

Edward Todd, lived until nineteen years old in 
England, where he was born December 6, 1830, 
then immigrated to Chicago, remained five years; 
m 1860 he went to St. Louis; in February, 1864, 
he enlisted at Rochester, Minnesota; was confined 
in rebel prisons nine months, part of the time at 
Anderson vUle; was discharged at the close of the 
war; has lived at his home in this town since April 
1880. Married in October, 1856, Mary Steele. 
One daughter, Sarah J. 

Charles A. Whitford was born April 18, 1842 in 
Steuben county. New York. January 19, 1861 he 
enlisted; participated in several hard battles, was 
wounded and discharged for disability. In 1876 
he migrated to this state and in 1879 to his pres- 
ent home; has 341 acres on section 6. August 2, 
1864, he married Mary Jane Tarlton, bom April 4, 
1842, in lUinois. 

.John D. Winter was born in Boone county, 
Kentucky, April 9, 1826. When twelve years old 
the family removed to Indiana, and in 1858 he lo- 
cated in Wabasha county iMinnesota. He enlisted 
in 1862, in Company C, 10th Minnesota and served 
till war ceased; since 1879 he has lived at his farm 
in this town. His first wife left three children, 
James, Adam, and Frank ; his present wife was Mrs. 



Hastings, whose children are Charles, Frank, 
and Cot. 

PEBBY. 

This town occupies all of township 119-45. The 
first settlement was made by Hans O. Sage in the 
fall of 1878. M. B. Morse came in the spring of 
1879 and built the first house in the town. The 
first town officers were : R. B. Billingham, chair- 
man; Nels Skjerven and Hans O. Sage, supervis- 
ors; Jerome Morse, clerk; Edgar Morse, treasurer; 
M. B. Morse, assessor; Irven Knight, justice; Frank 
Stephens, constable. 

The first marriage was that of Robert Billing- 
ham and Phcebe Morse, December 18, 1879. Tlie 
first birth was in November, 1879, a daughter to 
Theo. Burkhardt. The first death was a son of 
Peter Johnson in July, 1880. 

The first school was taught by Mrs. M. B. 
Smalley in the summer of 1881 ; the room occupied 
was the granary of M. B. Morse on section 9. The 
first sermon was preached at the hcjuse of M. B. 
Morse in 1879 by Rev. B. Edwards a Baptist. The 
Norwegian Lutherans have an organization and 
hold services at houses of members. 

R. Billingham, born in Dane county, Wisconsin 
in 1852, removed when a child to FUlraore county, 
Minnesota. He lived in Lyon county from 1872 
till coming in 1879 to Perry. Mr. Billingham has 
been chairman of the board since the town was 
formed. December 18, 1879 he married Phebe 
Morse bom in 1860 in New York; one child, Gerty 
May. 

M. B. Morse was bom in 1835 at Lyman, New 
Hampshire and in 1855 went to New York. De- 
cember 14, 1863 he enlisted in Company H, 2d 
mounted rifles and served till war closed. From 
1868 to 1869 he was in Wisconsin then in Lyon 
county, Minnesota till 1878 when became to Perry; 
buUt the first house in the town and was the first 
assessor. Clarinda Irish was married to him in 
1856 and has had seven children; Albert J., Phebe 
L., Ernest E., Benjamin W., Frankie E. and WUlie 
E. are living. 

TOWNSHIP 119, EANQE 46. 

This is the only unorganized town in the coun- 
ty. It is bounded on the north by Yellow Bank, 
east by Perry, south by Augusta and west by 
Grant county, Dakota. The first settler was a Mr. 
Woodward who located on section 34, in 1878. 

W. Praasch, native of Germany, was bom in 
1852 and immigrated to Jeffei-son county, Wiscon- 
sin, in 1870; in 1878 he went to Iowa and one 



SWrFT COUNTY. 



955 



year later to Olivia, Keuville county, Minnesota, 
where be kept a saloou ; in the spring of 1880 he 
located on section 1 of this town. January 17, 
1881, he married Ida Gerber, who was born in 
Germany. 



SWIFT COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XCni. 

SWIFT COUNTY VILLAGE OF BENSON VILLAGE OF 

APPLETON TOWNSHIPS. 

The advance guard of the army of civilization 
that first penetrated the solitudes of Swift county, 
was a small body of Norwegians, who in 1866, set- 
tled at Camp Lake. At that time Swift was a 
portion of Chippewa county. Among the first 
settlers were Ole Thorsou, F. C. Plattin, Sander 
Thompson, Ole Dakkebakken and Pingal Pingal- 
son. About the same time, or a little later, Sven- 
ung Oleson, Over Overson, Hans Golden, and 
Hans A. Wattum settled in what since has become 
the town of Swenoda. Golden settled on section 
35, and Sventing Oleson, who was his son in law, 
on the same section. 

In 1867, Lars Christiauson made a claim, and 
built a house, at Six Mile Timber, two miles from 
the present village of Benson. In 1868 he was 
appointed postmaster, and in winter used to carry 
the mail from New London on snow shoes. 

In 1867-68 Iver Knudson, Andrew Munson and 
Nels Broton settled at Kerkhoven; and about the 
same time William Moyer and William Miller set- 
tled in Fairfield. 

A. Becker and S. A. Foley, in 1869, settled in 
the present town of Apjileton. Addison Phelps, 
however, was there a year previous to this. C. E. 
Foster settled in the same place, on section 12, in 
1869. A. W. Lathrop opened the first store in the 
county, at Benson. Soon after he moved to Apple- 
ton, and operated the fii'st mill in the county, on 
the Pomme de Terre river. The second mill was 
built at Swift Falls in 1873, by Hanson and Dan- 
ielson. 

The surface of Swift county is undulating prai- 
rie, interspersed with timber along the borders of 
the streams. The soil is good. It is well watered 
and the drainage is excellent. The Chijjpewa 
river flows through the central portion, and the 
Pomme de Terre through the western part of the 



county. The Minnesota crosses the southwest 
corner of the county. The main line of the St. 
Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba railroad crosses the 
county diagonally, a little east of the center. 

Swift county was formed from part of the terri- 
tory belonging to Chippewa county, and organized 
by act of the legislature passed, and approved 
February 18, 1870. The boundaries were defined 
as follows : Beginning at the northeast corner of 
township 122, range 37, thence west to the north- 
west corner of township 122, range 43, thence 
south to the Minnesota river, thence down said river 
to the intersection of the township line between 
119 and 120, thence east to the southeast corner 
of township 120, range 37, thence north to point 
of beginning. The county seat was established at 
Benson. For judicial purposes Swift county was 
attached to Pope county. The first board of 
con.missioners was composed of A. W. Lathrop, 
C. E. Foster and Iver Knud.«on. Their first meet- 
ing was held at the store of A. W. Lathrop, in 
Benson, January 3, 1871 ; Charles E. Foster was 
chosen chairman. The town was divided into three 
commissioner districts. A. W. Lathrop resigned 
as county commissioner, and was appointed county 
auditor; other ofiicers appointed: Ole Thorson, 
judge of probate; Daniel A. Barko, register of 
deeds; Frank M. Thornton, treasurer; F. P. 
Twitchell, sheriff; Halvor Helgeson, coroner. At 
this meeting several townships were set apart for 
organization, and school district number one was 
formed, of sections 4, 5 and 6, township 122, 
range 37. 

The next meeting was held January 13,at which 
the board appointed Halvor Helgeson, treasurer, 
in place of F. M. Thornton, who declined the of- 
fice. The bonds of the several county ofBcers were 
approved, and George W. Knight qualified as 
commissioner from the Third district in place of A. 
W. Lathrop, resigned. April 4th a petition for 
the organization of a school district in the town of 
Benson was granted, known as the Seventh dis- 
trict. 

Jamiary 2, 1872, the board met at the auditor's 
office in Benson and elected Addison Phelps,chair- 
man; having accepted the resignation of A. W. 
Lathrop as auditor, the vacancy was filled by the 
appointment of Smith Mathews to fill the imex- 
pired term. The bonds of S. L. Haines, surveyor, 
and F. M. Thornton, register of deeds, Ole Thor- 
son, judge of probate, and Ole Gilbertson, sherifi", 
were approved. 



95G 



UISTOUT OF TEE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



The other officers elected at the fall election 
of 1881 were F. P. TwitL-hell, clerk of the cotirt, 
and William Moyer, auditor. Soon afterwards Ole 
Gilbertsou resigned the office of sheritfand Thom- 
as Kuudson was appointed. March 30, 1872, the 
board met and examined claims of those entitled 
to aid, under state law, for aid to sufferers from 
fires and storms during the summer and fall of 
1871. On March 20, 1874, it was found that the 
minutes of the proceedings of the commissioners 
<if Swift county failed to show that there had been 
made out any financial statement of the county 
since its organization ; it was therefore ordered that 
the financial condition of the county be examined 
and a lluancial statement made out by the 22d day 
of May, 1874, by the board, or a committee ap- 
pointed tor the purpose. This was accordingly 
done and the statement showed that the county re- 
ceipts had been .f 1,464.32, the expenditures being 
$1,873.91, the excess of expenditure over revenue 
being represented by county orders. 

A resolution was adopted May 10, 1877; as fol- 
lows: "According to act of the legislatui-e of the 
state of Minnesota, approved March 5, 1877, 
Swift county is authorized to issue bonds to pay 
the floating indebtedness of said county ; therefore, 
be it resolved, by the board of county commis- 
sioners of S\vift county, that bonds be issued for 
the above named purpose, to the amount of 
twenty-five hundred dollars; said bonds to run for 
a period of ten years, with interest at the rate of 
twelve pertjent. per annum until jiaid." This was 
signed by O. F. Bronniche and attested by K. P. 
Frovold, county auditor. The bond^ were issued 
and were disposed of at their par value, to D. C. 
Shepard. Nearly two years later, on January 7, 
1879, on motion, a resolution of A. D. Country- 
man was adopted by the board, to the effect that, 
"Whereas we have ascertained that the county is 
largely in debt, and that there are no means to pay 
the same, therefox'e, be it resolved, that the chair- 
man of the board of county commissioners, the 
county auditor and the county attorney, be in- 
structed to prepare, and submit to the legislature, 
a bill authorizing tlie county to issue bonds to 
fund said indebtedness, said bonds not to exceed 
in amount the sum of $3,500; such bonds to bear 
interest at a rate not to exceed ten per cent, per 
annum; and treasurer's fees for disbursing money 
derived from the sale of such bonds not to exceed 
one per cent, of the same." In accordance with 
this the legislature granted the necessary a^ithor- 



ity by the passage of an act, apprqved January 
27, 1879, and the bonds were duly issued and dis- 
posed of to Z. B. Clarke for the sum of $3,525. 
Previous to these two issues of bonds there had 
been .S3,000 issued, so that the total bonded in- 
debtedness was $9,000. The first series were 
issued for the purpose of erecting a court-house. 

When t\ie question of buUding a suitable court- 
house was agitated, it was decided to get permis- 
sion from the legislature to issue bonds to the 
amount of $3,000 for the purpose of erecting such 
building. This resulted in the passage of an act 
by the legislature, in the spring of 1876, giving 
aiithority for the issue of the bonds, provided the 
measure received the sanction of the people, at an 
election held for that purpose. The people voted 
in favor of the measure, and the bonds were accor- 
dingly issued, negotiated and sold at par in the 
following August. On June 21, 1876, a contract 
tor building a court-house and jail was let to 
Messrs. A. G. Desparious & Co., of St. Paul, for 
$2,600, according to plans and specifications left in 
the county auditor's ofSce. Subsequently a spec- 
ial agreement was entered into between the com- 
missioners and the contractors for additional floors, 
etc., in the court-house according to agreement, 
the whole amounting to |132. Subsequently, O. 
F. Bronnecke and K. P. Frovold were appointed a 
committee to contract for the erection of a small 
house on the court-house block. The court-house 
was finished and accepted by the commissioners in 
the following fall. A contract was made later, on 
May 11, 1877, with Peter Christopherson for the 
erection of vaults for the sum of $590. This, how- 
ever, was never carried out; but on July 17, 1878, 
a contract was entered into with him to construct 
a vault on the west side of the co\irt- house to be 
eleven by seven by eight feet inside measure. He 
agreed to do the mason work for $175. September 
20, a contract was entered into with R. Stanley to 
furnish all the material and da the wood work on 
the vault for the sum of one hundred and thirty- 
five dollars. 

The first term of the district court was held in 
the fall of 1875, by Hon. John H. Brown, in the 
old school-house at Benson. 

VILLAGE or BENSON. 

The village of Benson, as surveyed by C. A. F. 
Morris, was located on the southwest quarter of 
section five, township 121 north, range 39 west. 
It was surveyed and laid out for the First Division 
of the St. Pjiul ife Pacific Railroad Company in the 



SWIFT COUNTY. 



957 



spring of 1870, being a portion of the land grant 
to the company. An addition was platted, and 
filed in the register's oifice, March 18, 1876, by 
Morris & Payte, consisting of the northeast quar- 
ter of the southeast quarter of section six. This 
addition was sold, in 1881, for non-payment of 
taxes. 

The first store was opened by A. W. Lathrop, 
previous to the advent of the railroad. Meldal & 
Sunde, in February, 1870, opened a store in a sod 
shanty. It consisted of a few posts driven into the 
ground, against which were banked sods; the roof 
being of straw. In this primitive edifice were sold 
very many goods. About the same time Thomas 
Knudson started a saloon, and in the following 
July, Theodore Hanson arrived and erected a frame 
buUding and started a general store. 

When the railroad company commenced the sur- 
vey of the town site there was an effort made to get 
the company to locate it a short distance from 
where it now is, on the claim of N. P. Strom, on 
the banks of the Chippewa river. The company 
however considered that the price demanded was 
too high and therefore declined. It was here that 
Lathrop and Knudson were located. There was 
also a lumber yard owned by L. B. Davis and O. 
N. Barsness. 

The first hotel was started by L. 8. Williams, in 
May, 1870, and was called the Central House. 

Soon after this a man by the name of Hyser 
kept a hotel in a temporary buiLiing put up by 
the railroad company for the use of immigrants. 
He remained there about a year when he partially 
rebuilt the structure formerly used by the survey- 
ors, as their headquarters, and called it the Ben- 
son House. 

Soon after Hanson had started his store, Peter 
Sutherland arrived with a kind of a movable store, 
in which he kept groceries and railroad supplies. 
He was in the habit of moving with the railroad, 
and did not remain long, going from here to 
Morris. A post-office was started in 1870, with 
E. Sunde as postmaster. He continued to act 
until 1874, when O. Wenaus, the present post- 
master, was apjiointed. For office purposes he 
had a small addition put on to the west side of the 
Central House, where he remained until he built 
his present store. Frank M. Thornton was the 
first station agent. In 1873, Thomas Knudson 
started a general store. From this period on until 
1875, there were very few additions made to the 
population — but in 1875 a great improvement be- 



gan to be visible. In 1876 there were four good 
general stores; those of A. N. Johnson & Co., T. 
Hanson, Croonquist & Benson, and T. Knudson. 
Other business interests were: H. L. Greaves, keep- 
ing a drug store. Stone, Clark & Co., in the hard- 
ware business, and, early in the year, D. E. B. 
Biiudy came, and started another drug store. W. 
A. Foland opened a law office, in February, and 
also commenced to edit the Times. There were 
then two saloons, but the town had voted the pro- 
hibition ticket, and they were running without a 
license, and the owners were under indictment. At 
the next town meeting, however, opinion had 
changed, and the licenses were again granted. 
Besides these there were two machinery houses, 
Ole Jacobson & Co., and H. B. Strand, and three 
hotels, the Crandall House, Pacific House, and the 
Central House. The above constituted, in the be- 
ginning of 1876, all the business interests of the 
place. During the spring and summer M. Hoban 
opened a general store; William McCabe built a 
two-story building and started a saloon; Peter 
Burns erected a blacksmith shop, and Charles G. 
Austin built, and took charge of a store as a 
branch of Campbell, White & Co., of Litchfield. 
He was afterwards succeeded by M. Cosgrove. 
That summer, L. A. and R. W. Dunn, two broth- 
ers from WiUmar, bought out the Crandall House, 
and re-named it the Benson House. 

A veritable "boom" struck the place in 1876, 
and speculation in town lots was very htavy. All 
the hotels were crowded with the rush of immi- 
grants, so that sleeping accommodations, even on 
the floor, were at a premium. All the conversa- 
tion was about lotis and quarter sections, and much 
prospecting was indulged in. So eager were the 
new comers, that many claims were made before 
the snow went off the ground, and when the thaw 
came, the happy claimants in some cases would 
have found difficulty in finding their claims with- 
out the aid of boats. 

In the fall of 1876 the land office was moved 
here; J. E. Braden being the register and W. H. 
Greenleaf the receiver, who both came with the 
office from Litchfield. In 1877, Braden died and 
D. S. HaU, the present register, succeeded him. 
Greenleaf resigned his position as receiver in 1879 
and was succeeded by H. W. Stone, the present 
officer. 

In the fall of 1875, Thornton built an elevator 
about half the size of the present one, the addi- 
tion being made to its capacity in 1877-8. It is 



958 



HISTOBT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



now known as the Farmers' Elevator, and will 
liolJ 120,000 bushels of grain. Davidson eleva- 
tor which originally was a couple of small ware- 
houses, was reljiiilt and enlarged to its preseutca- 
j5acity of containing 75,000 bushels, in 1877. 

In 1877, the streets were much improved by the 
laying of 100 car loads of gravel, obtained from 
beyond Morris. A complete system of drainage 
was also efTected, by which the surface water is all 
carried by pipes, under the streets, into a creek, 
which runs into the Chippewa river; so that the 
village, at all times is dry, and free from any ma- 
larious influences likely to arise from defective 
sewerage. 

The act to incorporate the village of Benson was 
approved February 14, 1877, and W. A. Foland 
Z. B. Clarke, R. R. Johnson, T. Hanson and Ole 
Jacobson were appointed to give notice of and 
conduct the first village election. March 11, 1878, 
another act was passed which provided that the 
village of Benson should constitute a separate and 
independent organization from the town of Ben- 
son; this act also conferred other privileges on the 
village. The first meeting of the village councO 
was March 3, 1877. Officers: A. N. Johnson, 
president; F. M. Thornton, T. Knudson and O. A. 
Dwight, trustees; J. Q. A. Braden, justice; H. W. 
Stone, treasurer; R. R. Johnson, recorder; A. Mc- 
Millen, constable; W. A. Poland was appointed 
village attorney. 

The present village hall was completed in 1881 
and cost $3,000. It is a well constructed edifice; 
the upper floor is fitted up for a lecture hall with 
good stage and seats; the rear part is used by the 
fire company, in which is kept good fire apparatus; 
the compaay was organized by a resolution of the 
council passed June 18, 1881. 

The first church edifice in the village was that 
erected by the Congregational Society in the fall 
of 1876. Rev. Walcott was first pastor; the pres- 
ent pastor is C. A. Ruddock. The Episcopal 
church was built in 1878. The first rector was 
Rev. D. T. Booth. Rev. F. B. Nash is now 
in charge. Other organizations are the Cath- 
olics, who are building a church ; the Norwegian 
society, who use the court-house, presided over by 
Rev. C. A. Peterson, and the Lutherans, who pur- 
chased the old school building and refitted it; 
their pastor is Rev. A. Almklov. In 1879-'80 there 
was a Baptist organization, presided over by Rev. 
O. B. Reed, and in 1876 there was a Methodist 
class, but neither are now iu existence. 



The first school was taught by Mrs. Charlotte 
Knowltou in the winter of 1870-'71, in the emi- 
grant building erected by the railroad company. 
Tlie first sclKiol-hoiise was erected in 1872, at a 
cost of •'{11,200. The present two-story brick 
school-house was built in 1879, and cost $6,000. 

Swift Lodge, No. 129, A. F. & A. M., was insti- 
tuted in 1877. J. Q. A. Braden was the first W. 
M. ; Z. B. Clarke the first secretary. Benson 
Lodge, No. 54, A. O. U. W., was organized in 
March, 1878; W. A. Foland was the first M. W. 

The first newspaper was the Swift County Cen- 
sor, published in February, 1874, by E. V. Price. 
It was only continued for a few months. The 
Benson Times was started in February, 1876, by 
Edward Thomas as publisher, and W. A. Foland 
as editor. It is in the hands of the same gentle- 
men, and is, both typographically and editorially, 
a creditable journal. The Swift County Advocate 
was started in 1877, by Z. B. Clarke, who sold it 
in 1879 to W. A. Foland and T. W. Woodburn. 
They dispo.sed of it in 1880, and the material was 
taken to Willmar by the purchaser. 

On August 5, 1880, quite a disastrous fire oc- 
curred in the village, which completely wiped out 
of existence one whole block of liusiness houses. 
The fire started in a small building next to Joseph 
Fountain's saloon. Fountain's, Paul Sheridan's 
and Otto Oleson's saloons, the general stores of 
T. Knudson and M. Hoban, the drug store of E. 
R. Bundy, the meat-market of Brambilla k Hack- 
ett, the harness shop of T. F. Thompson, law office 
of Poland A- Hudson and the Benson House wei'e 
totally destroyed. 

There are about thirty stores and shops of va- 
rious kinds now in the vUlage, including a bank 
and two elevators, and preparations are being 
made for the erection of a flour-mill, on the roller 
process, with a capacity of 100 barrels per day, to 
cost S20,000, towards which the village gave a 
bonus of $4,000; a machine shop is also to be 
erected. 

The Swift County Bank was started in 1875 by 
L. K. & H. W. Stone and continued by them until 
1877, when it was reorganized, H. W. Stone being 
president and Z. B. Clarke, cashier, then as now. 
There are six general stores, those of A. N. John- 
son & Co.,Theodore Hanson, Sanders Bros., M. Ho- 
ban, Amensen & Bergen dahl, and Steen & Son. F. 
M. Thornton has a general hardware store and 
deals in machinery, lumber and coal and lime. He 
is also the proprietor of the Farmers Elevator. 



SWIFT COUNT r. 



959 



There are two other hardware stores, that of Far- 
well & Colby, who also handle stoves and tinware, 
and that of P. J. Johnson, who, in addition, deals 
in wood and feed. H. L. Greaves and the firm of 
Eat-on it Brown, are the proprietors of the two 
drug stores. The latter is recently established. J. 
S. Eaton, the senior member, is also a practicing 
physician, the only one in the village. O. Wenaus, 
the postmaster, keeps a general line of books, sta- 
tionery and fancy goods. Besides these there are 
two harness shops, one tailor, a restaurant, two 
furniture stores, two good millinery stores, four 
blacksmith shops and a wagon maker, two meat 
markets, a paint shop, and various other enter- 
prises. The legal profession is represented by W. 
A. Poland, S. H. Hudson, I. L. Prues, T. F.Young 
and James Hodgson. S. H. Hudson is the coimty 
attorney. There are four hotels: the Merchants, 
kept by Joseph Ward; the Pacific House, by S. L. 
Haines; the Central House, by H. Helgeson, and 
the Benson House, by Aldrich Bros. H. Helgeson 
of the Central, was the first county treasurer. 

The Benson House, as previously stated, was 
originally the building used by the surveyors and 
to which George Knowlton made some additions. 
After that Joseph Moore took it, and then John 
Crandall, who called it the Crandall House. In 
1876 L. A. & R. W. Dunn bought the house, and 
again called it the Benson House. In a short 
time R. W. bought the interest of his brother, and 
conducted the hotel until he sold it to the Aldrich 
brothers, in August, 1878, who enlarged it. After 
its destruction by fire it was rebuilt with brick in 
a handsome and complete manner, at a cost of 
about $10,000. It was re-opened January, 1881. 
It is three stories in height, 75x90 feet in size. 
The firm is composed of L. E. and A. D. Aldrich. 

Rev. S. Almklov was born in 1850 in Norway. 
After leaving college and completing a course of 
studies, he was tutor in private families three years ; 
in 1874 came to America; studied theology in 
Augsburg Seminary of Minneapolis and graduated 
in 1877; was ordained to the ministry of the Nor- 
wegian Danish Lutheran church and came at once 
to Benson; has charge of seven congregations. 
Married October 31, 1877, Sina Wadel; one child, 
Christian W., now deceased. 

Z. B. Clarke was born October 18, 1844, in 
Licking county, Ohio. In 1849 he accompanied 
his parents to Green county, Wisconsin, where his 
mother died; when ten years old he went alone to 
Olmsted county, Minnesota. He worked on a farm 



and as chore boy around a country store until 1861, 
when he enlisted in Company C, 3d Minnesota and 
served almost four years; from 1867 to 1879 was 
employed in a hardware store in Rochester, then 
went to Kansas; returned to this state and made 
a claim near the present village of Lao qui Parle; 
after living in a tent six months he drew lumber 
from Benson to commence building, aud it was he 
who made the first traveled road between the two 
places. Mr. Clarke was in mercantile trade in the 
new town two years; after serving three years as 
clerk of the district court of Lac qui Parle county, 
he resigned. In 1874 he served in the state legis- 
lature, and the next year was enrolling clerk of 
the house; he was appointed 4)y the governor to 
investigate the extent of grasshopj^er devastation. 
For a time he was in the hardware business in 
Benson, then become editor of the Benson Times 
and afterward founded the Advocate, but since 
1878 has given his entire attention to the bank. 
Married, in 1872, Dora Eaton. Nellie F., Fred B. 
and Ziba B., Jr., are their children. 

George D. Breed, born September 29, 1847 is a 
native of New York. He attained an academical 
^education and learned the printer's trade at which 
he worked until 1870. Since 1872 he has been a 
resident of Minnesota and in the employ of the St. 
Paul,MinneapoIis and Manitoba company as station 
agent at different jjoints along their line; at pres- 
ent he is in charge of the station at Benson. He 
was married to Josephine McCollom; one son. 

A. J. Carnihan was born April 13, 1838, in New 
Brunswick. In 1855 he came to Minnesota, and 
being an early settler he found employment in 
teaming and freighting to western points; this bus- 
iness was attended by great danger from the In- 
dians; he has traveled extensively through the en- 
tire northwest. In 1870 he located permanently 
in Benson on a farm within the village limits; for 
a number of years has been county sheriir. Wil- 
mina Kemper became his wife in 1870 and has four 
daughters. 

M. Cosgrove, a native of Canada was born in 
1840. He learned the trade of mill-wright and 
upon coming to Minnesota in 1866, located at St. 
Paul; two years later he removed to Mankato and 
continued working at his trade until 1870, at which 
time he took a homestead near Redwood Falls, 
where he did farming and carpentering until 1875. 
In 1877 he began dealing in agricultural imple- 
ments at Benson; since March, 1879 he has dealt 



9G0 



niHTOUY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



in furniture. His marriage took place in October 
18(iil, with Margaret McDonaUl. 

W. A. Poland was boru March 12, 1846, in Day- 
ton, Ohio. Removed to Indiana, thence to Ten- 
nessee; in 18,58 returned to Indiana and in June, 
1870, graduated from the State University at 
Bloomington,takiug Latin honor; in 1873 he grad- 
uated from the law department of the same school 
and was chosen by the faculty to deliver master 
oration. He served one year as deputy clerk of 
the court of Monroe county; the next year, 1874, 
he began practice at Willraar, Minnesota, and the 
year after was appointed county attorney of Kan- 
diyohi, to fill the vacancy caused by Hon. J. H. 
Brown being elector} jndge of the Twelfth district. 
Since February, 1876, ho has been in practice at 
Benson. Married July 26, 1876, Laura, daughter 
of Prof. J. A. Woodburn. 

Darwin S. Hall, a native of Wisconsin, was born 
January 23, 1844, in Kenosha county. He re- 
ceived an academical education and then worked 
with his father at lumbering until 1864, when he 
entered Company K, 42d Wisconsin infantry, and 
served through the remainder of the war. In 1866 
he took a homestead in Benville county, Minne- 
sota. He was elected auditor of that county in 
1868, and served four year; also five years as dis- 
trict clerk, and was in the state legislature in 1876. 
Mr. Hall established the Eenville Times in 1872 
and conducted it two years. Since 1878 he has- 
been register of the United States land office at 
Benson. In 1868 he married Mary McClaren. 

S. Henry Hudson was born November 29, 1857, 
at Janesville, Wisconsin, and received his educa- 
tion at the academy of that place and at the State 
University. He studied law with his father. Judge 
S. A. Hudson, now associate justice of the supreme 
court of the territory of Dakota, and August 8, 
1879, was admitted to practice, at JanesviUe, 
where he continued to reside until the spring of 
the following year, when he came to this state and 
has since been in practice at Benson. 

Ole Jacobson, a native of Norway, was boru Sep- 
tember 17, 1842, but has lived in America since 
twenty years of age. Upon coming to this coun- 
try he located in southern Minnesota, and in 1868 
moved to his claim, six miles from Benson; after 
farming four years he engaged in lumber and ma- 
chinery business in company with P. M. Thornton; 
since 1877 he has been alone in the agricultural 
implement trade. His marriage took place in 



1873, with Miss I. Oleson. They have one child 
and have lost two. 

Frank M. Thornton was bom December 25,1841, 
in England. In 1849 he accompanied his widowed 
motlier to New York, where he worked as errand 
boy in a clothing house and afterward became 
shipiung clerk. In 1855 the family removed to a 
farm near Minneapolis, and he worked there until 
enlisting in 1862 in the Sixth Minnesota; he took 
an active part in the war against the Lidians and 
also served at the South; was transferred to the 
18lh United States colored regiment and commis- 
sioned captain; was also brevetted major. Upon 
being mustered out he returned home and worked 
on the St. Paul, Stinneapolis & Manitoba railroad. 
Prom 1870 to 1875 was station agent at Benson 
and during a part of that time was in the lumber 
and machinery business; he now owns a grain ele- 
vator, keeps a coal yard and a hardware store. 
Married in May, 1871. Lizzie Clague. 

Ole C. Vaugen was born in 1851. He attained 
his education and learned the trade of jeweler in 
Norway, his native land. In 1870 he came to 
America and worked at his trade in La Crosse, 
Wisconsin, until 1875, after which he came to Ben- 
son and started in business for himself. 

APPLETON TOWNSHIP. 

The first settler in the township was Addison 
Phelps, who came from Owatonna in the fall of 
1868, and made a claim at the mouth of the Pomme 
de Terre river. Tlie next to settle were two men, 
S. A. Poley and A. Becker, who made claims on the 
banks of the Minnesota river, on section 20. 

These two latter left after an occupancy of four 
or five years, Poley's claim passing into the pos- 
session of William Saunders, that of Becker becom- 
ing the property of A. W. Lathrop. The next 
settler was C. E. Foster, who came late in the fall 
of 1869. The township was organized in 1870, 
and at that time formed part of what was known 
as Fairfield township. This waa subsequently di- 
vided, and Clarksville became the name of the por- 
tion in which Appleton is situated. Previous to 
the name of Appleton, as its designation, it was 
known as Phelps, which was changed at the re- 
quest of Addison Phelps, himself, who was then 
one of the county commissioners. This change 
was effected September 4, 1872. The original 
town of Fairfield embraced what is now nine 
townships in the western part of the county. 

The Pomme de Terre river is the largest tribu- 
tary of the Minnesota river. It is fed by a large 



SWIFT COUNTY. 



961 



nuTiber of lakes, so that its flow is constant and 
abuaJant. As the stream nears the town it be- 
comes rapid, thus creating a number of very val- 
uable water powers. Two of these are already im- 
proved. The upper power, in section 14, has a 
fall of about thirteen feet; the lower one, in sec- 
tion 16, has ii fall of about twenty feet. On sec- 
tion 17, on what is railroad property, there is also 
an excellent fall, at present unimproved. 

The first township officers, of which any record 
exists, were for the town of Phelps, for the year 
1872. They were: 0. F. Ireland, W. S. Herbert, 
Persons Clark, supervisors; Richard Mills, clerk; 
Addison Phelps, justice of the peace; Gideon G. 
Phelps, assessor; James Buchanan, constable. 

APPLETON. 

The village of Appleton is located on both sides 
of the Pomme de Terre river, about three miles 
from its confluence with the Minnesota river, in 
the south-western corner of Swift county, on the 
line of the Hastings & Dakota division of the Chi- 
cago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Minneapolis railroad, 
midway between Montevideo and Big Stone Lake. 

The first settlement in the vicinity of the village 
was made in 1868 by Becker & Poley. In 1869 
came 0. E. Foster, and soon after a man by the 
name of Clark. D. D. Robinson settled in 1871. 
Mr. C. E. Foster was chiefly instrumental in get- 
ting Mr. Clark to settle, as it was at his solicita- 
tion that he located and commenced the erection of 
a mill on the Pomme de Terre river, receiving 
from Foster for so doing a bonus of one hundred 
dollars, and enough lumber for the construction of 
the dam. Work was commenced on the erection 
of this mill in the spring of 1871. It was only 
partially enclosed before Clark's means proved 
insufficient for the continuance of the work. At 
this juncture A. W. and W. V. Lathrop, of Ben- 
son, were induced to take hold of the enterprise. 
This was in the summer of 1872. Under the new 
auspices the mill was soon completed, and its ope- 
rations were conducted under the firm name of 
Lathrop Bros. & Clark. The Lathrop brothers 
then went to work and laid out a town site on the 
north-west quarter of section 14. This was Clark's 
original claim, but which he had disposed of by 
sale to the Lathrops when the mill was sold. The 
new town site was called Appleton, after the town 
by that name in Wisconsin. The Lathrop 
brothers then opened a store, the first in the place. 

In the whole township there were but twenty-two 
families at that time. The following spring, how- 

61 



ever, many more came in. As an evidence of the 
character of these early settlers it should be men- 
tioned that as soon as the town was platted a 
school-house was erected, at a oust of nearly one 
I thousand dollars, and in 1874 the Appleton Li- 
brary association was incorporated, fcjr better dis- 
semination of general knowledge, by sustaining 
lectures, debates and a public library. The library 
soon contained a goodly number of choice books, 
to which members had free access. Thus was 
early given to Appleton a reputation for intelli- 
gence and enterprise it has ever since enjoyed. 

In 1874, the village of Appleton contained one 
store, one hotel, one blacksmith shop, one mill and 
about half a dozen dwellings. 

The second store opened was that of W. A. Mat- 
tice, the hardware merchant. The post-office was 
established in 187.3, with William Lathrop as the 
fiist postmaster, who continued to hold the office 
until 1879, when he was succeeded byE. Lathrop. 
The latter held the position until 1881, when the 
present postmaster was appointed, C. A. Seeley. 

In the fall of 1879 the track of the Hastings & 
Dakota railroad reached Appleton. At this time 
there were ab.mt half a dozen stores, a wagon and 
blacksmith shop, two other blacksmith shops, two 
livery stables and a hotel. The summer before the 
advent of the railroad was one of great activity in 
building, and from that period on the village at- 
tained a position of prosperity, a condition of af- 
fairs it has since continued to maintain. The erec- 
tion of two large elevators the same fall added 
largely to the importance of the village. The im- 
provements made during 1880 were also very 
marked. 

In the spring of 1879 D. D. Robinson made an 
addition to the village of part of the southwest 
quarter of section 14. The railroad company 
also made an addition. 

The village was incorporated by act of legisla- 
ture in the spring of 1881. A. W. Lathrop, D. D. 
Robinson and A. F. McKay were designated as 
persons to carry out the provisions of the act. This 
act did not separate the village from the township, 
for all purposes, but only for the purpose of hav- 
ing its own officers and raising taxes, otherwise it 
remained a part of the township. The first vil- 
lage election was held March 12,1881; officers 
elected: D. D. Robins in, president; J. N. Berg, A. 
Glines and A. W. Lathrop, trustees; C. F. Ireland, 
treasurer; C. T. Gray, recorder-; \. F. McKay, jus- 
tice ; Edward Coglan, constable. 



9()2 



IIISTOliY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



The first school was tartght in 1873 by A. M.Ut- 
ter, in the school- house which had been erected at 
an expense of about .fl,000. The present hand- 
some school edifice was erected in 1880 at a cost of 
nearly $7,000. It is two stones in height and well 
appointed in all respects. There are three teach- 
ers and an average attendance of about 125 schol- 
ars. Appk'ton was created an independent school 
district in 1880. 

The first religious services were held in the hquse 
of C. E. Foster, by the Rev. T.G. Crump.of Litch- 
field, an Episcopalian minister, in June, 1871. The 
next services were held at the same place, by Rev. 
O. A. Starr. The first church organization ivas ef- 
fected in 1875, and was of the Episcopal denomina- 
tion. Rev. T. D. Booth used then to preach there 
once in every four weeks. The first regular resi- 
dent minister was Rev. J. K. Karcher, who came in 
1878. The church edifice was erected dur- 
ing the year 1878. Rev. C. M. Arm- 
strong succeeded the latter minister in 1880, 
and in the spring of 1881 he, in turn, 
was succeeded by Rev. G. H. Mueller. The 
Methodists held their first meeting in the, old 
school-house, in the fall of 1879. Their first resi- 
dent minister was Rev. J. S. Bean. Previous to 
that the Rev. William Kerr preached tliere, he be- 
ing in a circuit which included Appleton. 

Congregational: This society was organized in 
the spring of 1879. The first pastor was Rev. C. 
A. Rudtlock. The first meetings were held in E. 
Latbrop's house. Afterwards they were held in 
the Methodist church. The present pastor is Rev. 
R. W. Jamison. 

Besides the above, the United Brethren and the 
Norwegian Lutherans have organizations, but no 
church edifices. 

Appleton Lodge No. 137, A. P. & A. M., was 
organized under charter, April 1, 1880, H. A. Wells 
acting by appointment as M. W. G. M. For some 
two years previous, the lodge bad been working 
under dispensation. The first officers were, B. P. 
Cheney, W. M.; A. D. Countryman, S. W.; M. E. 
Randall, J. W.; D. C. Dow, treasurer; C. F. Ire- 
land, secretary; L. A. Countryman, S. D.; Wil- 
liam Austin, J. D.; F. A. Countryman, S. S. ; W. 
V. Lathrop, J. S. ; J. Turner, tyler. 

Appleton Mills: These mills were first started in 
1871, by the Mr. Clark already once referred to. 
The finii afterwards became Lathrop Bros. & Clark. 
In 1873, A. W. Lathrop bought Clark's interest 
and the firm became A. W. Lathrop & Bro. This 



was continued until 1879, when it became Lathrop 
& Thompson. In 1881, the business was incor- 
porated as the Appleton Mill Co., of which T. 
Thompson is president and W. L. Doe secretary. 
It is a well apjwiuted mill with four ran of stone. 

Rosette Mills: These were built in 1878 by Bar- 
ton * Powell. In the fall of 1879 the firm was 
changed to Barton k Alvord, the latter buying Mr. 
Powell's interest. Three run of stone constitutes 
the equipment of the mill. 

The first newspaper published in the village was 
the Appleton (iazette, which was first issued 
March 20, 1879, by E. C. Detuncq and E. R. Bar- 
ritger. July 24, 1879, they sold out to William 
Murphey, who changed the name of the paper to 
the Appleton Recorder, which title it still retains. 
On the death of the latter owner the widow con- 
tinued its publication, with G. B. Newton as ed- 
itor. In May, 1881, the latter purchased the 
property and has since continued the publication 
of the paper on his own account. The Riverside 
Press was first issued April 3, 1880, with Charles 
T. Gray as publisher and proprietor, who has since 
continued its issue. It is republican in politics, 
and is published every Saturday. 

Lathrop & Ireland keep the Pioneer House, the 
firat store in the village. The stocks are of a gen- 
eral nature, and are large and well assorted. Tut- 
tle Bros., recently of Hastings, deal principally in 
fancy groceries, clothing, etc.; they have a weU 
arranged stock. W. A. Mattice, who erected the 
second store in town, has a good assortment of all 
lines of hardware, and stoves and tinware. In the 
same line of business is A. Ghnes. There are two 
harness stores, that of S. L. Keller, and that of A. 
E. Winnege. J. Simmons has a large general 
store, as has also the firm Hastings <t Nelson. 
John N. Berg keeps the "Farmers' Supply Store;" 
it is well named. The drug trade is represented 
by La Rue k Lewis and John Clayton. There 
are three lawyers and two physicians, A. I). Coun- 
trymen and Johnson & Young representing the 
former, and B. F. La Riie and R. C. Russell the 
latter profession. The wagon-making industry is 
represented by Schoepp Bros., and J. C. Dow, and 
its kindred art, the blacksmithing one, by Coun- 
tryman & Strathem, and M. Moe. E. V. Dickey 
and Williams & Minzell are engaged in the livery 
business. A. K. Pederson has a good lumber 
trade. There are also two other yards. There 
are two elevators, the one with sixty, and the other 
with thirty thousand bushels capacity. They 



SWIFT aOUNTY. 



963 



were both erected in the fall of 1879, one by S. 
Norrish k Son, the other by Hoyt it Son. There 
are three hotels in the village. The St. James 
Hotel is the one which is mostly patronized by the 
commercial element of travel. It was built in 
1879 by Sol. Sias. In March, 1880 it became the 
property of the Mehegan Bros., who have since 
continued to manage it. 

The Franklin House was built in 1878. This 
also was built by the same individual who con- 
structed the St. James. Mr. Sias managed it for 
some time and then disposed of it to L. C. Wood- 
ard. 

Appleton house. This was the first hotel built 
in the village, being the one erected in 1872, by 
A. Becker. In 1876, D. C. Dow bought Becker 
out, and enlarged the property. It subsequently 
became the possession of Sol. Sias. 

Hon. A. D. Countryman was born in 1850 in St. 
Lawrence county, New York. When he was a 
child the family located at Hastings, Minnesota ; 
he studied at the State University and in 1874 
graduated from the St. Louis law school; was ad- 
mitted the same year and practiced two years at 
Minneapolis; since 1879 he has been at Appleton 
where he was the first attorney ; ever since the 
county was organized he has been one of the com- 
missioners; is now judge of probate; he is master 
of the masonic lodge here, which he assisted to or- 
ganize. Married in 1874, Jennie Borwick. 

L. A. Countryman, native of New York, was 
bom in 18.51 in St. Lawrence county, and in 1855 
accompanied his parents to Hastings, Minnesota, 
where he learned blacksmithiug. He worked at 
his trade at Minneapolis and other places and in 
1878 located at Appleton where he is engaged in 
blacksmithiug. In 1877 he married Miss Sarah 
Steothern. 

P. Detuncq, who was born in 1854, is a native of 
Brooklyn, New York. While he was a child he 
removed with his parents to Wisconsin and was 
there reared on a farm. In the year 1879 he mi- 
grated to Minnesota and located in Appleton, where 
he engaged in furniture business; his was the first 
store of the kind in the place. 

E. V. Dickey, born in 1840 in Madison county, 
New York, came in 1859 to Minnesota and settled 
in Goodhue county. He enlisted in Comj^any I, 
Second Minnesota, in 1861, and served till war 
closed; was mustered out as first lieutenant. He 
was in a flouring mill in Wabasha county five years 
previous to coming in 1879 to Appleton, where he 



is in the livery business. In 1870 he married Net- 
tie Harper. 

W. L. Doe was born in 1855 in Maine, and grew 
to manhood in Milford. In 1876 he migrated to 
this state; was employed as clerk in a store until 
1880, then kept books in Appleton; in 1881 he was 
made secretary and treasurer of the Appleton Mill 
Company; is also a stockholder. Married Lena 
Glines in 1879. Mr. Doe is a member of the vil- 
lage board. 

George H. Elwell was born in 1856 at Minne- 
apolis, Minnesota. He attended Carleton College 
of Northfield, and in 1879 finished his studies at 
the State University; since the autumn of 1880 be 
has been principal of the public schools at Apple- 
ton; his sister, M.W. Elwell, is also a teacher here. 
Mr. Elwell owns a farm of 800 acres in Big Stone 
county. 

C. E. Foster, born in 1832 in Maine, removed 
in 1855 to St. Anth.my, Minnesota, and ran the 
first stage between that place and St. Cloud. In 
1869 he located on section 12 of Appleton; he was 
the first set'tler and took an active part in the or- 
ganization of the town and county; he was ap- 
jjointed one of the first county commissioners; the 
first town election was held at his house and he 
was chosen one of the supervisors. January, 1882, 
he embarked in the farm machinery business. 
Married in 1859, Sara Henderson. 

Albert Glines, born in Canada in 1823. removed 
when a child to Vermont. From 1844 to 1850 his 
home was in Wisconsin; after mining one year in 
California he returned to that state, and was in 
mercantile trade in Grant county till migrating 
in 1856 to Wabasha county, Minnesota ; he opened 
the flrst store in Elgin where he remained four- 
teen years; was county commissioner there Im'o 
years; he was in the drug trade at Lake City and 
took a course in the primary department of the 
Michigan University; was in tho hardware trade at 
Lake City till 1880, since then at Apj>letou, where 
he has been a member of the village board. Mar- 
ried Olive L.qne in 1854. 

C. F. Ireland was born in 1 845, in Tioga coun- 
ty, New York. From the age of eleven till the 
year 1870, his home was in Rochester, Minnesota; 
he was then farming in Appleton, until 1875, at 
which date he began mercantile trade with Mr. 
Lathrop; in 1880 they established the Bank of Ap- 
pleton. Mr. Ireland enlisted in the 3d Minnesota, 
and served from 1861 to 1865. In 1868 he mar- 
ried Anna Cutler. 



964 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



S. H. Johnson, native of Wisconsin, ■was bom 
in February, 18r)9, in Winnebago county. He ao- 
quireil an acaileuiical education, and in 1879 
came to Benson, Swift county; eighteen months 
later he removed to Appleton; his business is real 
estate and iusurance: since the summer of 1881, 
the firm has been Johnson and Young. 

S. L. Keller, born in 1845, in Lima, Ohio, be- 
gan while quite young to learn harnessmaking, 
witli liis father. He served in the army from 1863 
till war ceased, after which he worked at liis trade 
four years in Ohio, and then in different placf s 
until coming to Appleton, where he embarked in 
the business for himself; his was the first harness 
shop in the place. 

Hon. A. W. Lathrop, born in 1835, in New Jer- 
sey, lived in that stute, Ohio, Michigan and Iowa, 
till 1860, then settled in Wabasha county, Minne- 
sota. In 1858 he graduated from the Albany law 
school, and practiced till 1863 when he entered 
the 1st Minnesota light artillery ; served until the 
war closed. In 1866 he went to Pope county; 
laid out the town of Glen wood ; took part in the 
organization of the county, and was county attor- 
ney till 1870, when he came to Swift county, of 
which he was one of the first commissioners; was 
also clerk of court but resigned in 1872, and lo- 
cated at Appleton; he bought part of the present 
village site and erected the flouring mill; was in 
mercantile trade but sold in 1878, and continues 
the milling business. September, 1881, a stock 
company was formed and he is president. In 
1858 he married Harriet Reynolds. 

W. A. Mattice was born in 1836 in New York. 
He resided in Michigan three ye.'trs previous to go- 
ing to Illinois where, in 1861, he enlisted; served 
till 1864 when he was mustered out as first lieu- 
tenant. In 1865 he located at Owatonna, Minne- 
sota ; worked at farming and in other lines of busi- 
ness till coming in 1878 to Appleton; his was tlie 
first hardware store iu town. In 1861 he married 
Armelda Maxwell. 

k. F. McKay, born in 1844 in Cattaraugus coun- 
ty, New York, live 1 from twelve years old till 1861 
in Wisconsin, then s 'ttled at Rochester, Minnesota. 
Enlisted in 1862; served three years and was mus- 
tered out as lieutenant, after which he did carpenter 
work till made chief of police at Brainerd in 1872; 
was sherifT of Crow Wing county two years and 
for a time was in Montana in the emj^loy of the 
government; in 1877 he came to Appleton where 
lie was iu the machinery business till elected 



sheriff of this county in 1881. Married in 1866, 
Lizzie Allen. 

R. Miles was bom in Caledonia county, Ver- 
mont, February 17, 1830. He lived in Massachu- 
setts five years and in 1848 migrated to Iowa; he 
taught the first school in Bremer county. Re- 
moved to Winnebago Agency, Minnesota, and was 
in the employ of the government one year; settled 
at Owatonna, 1855. Enhsted in Company A, 10th 
Minnesota, and served from 1862 till 1865. Since 
1870 he has lived in Appleton: was the first clerk 
of the town. Married in 1854, Adeline Phelps. 

G. B. Newton, was bom January 24, 1851, in 
Orange county, New York; removed to Tioga 
county and when twelve years old went, to Ken- 
tucky; remained till 1865; then migrated to Wis- 
consin, where he began learning printing; he was 
afterward in Michigan, and was employad on dif- 
ferent papers; he worked for a time at lumbering 
and book-keeping and in 1880 Ijecame employed 
on the Appleton Recorder, which he purchased in 
1881; it is probably the largest paper in his part 
of the state. 

Daniel D. Robinson was born in 1818 in New 
Hampshire. From 1852 till 1857 he was in mer- 
cantile trade in California then returned to his na- 
tive state; from 18P2 till 1870 he was in Washing- 
ton, D. C. ; he kept a boarding house and was city 
constable; after spending one winter in Garden 
City, Minnesota, he came in 1871 to Appleton and 
took a claim, the greater portion of the village 
now stands on his land; he was town clerk seven 
years, is now president of the village board and 
board of education. Married in 1842 ; Miss Mary 
Parks. 

Dr. R. C. RusseU was born in 1850 in England, 
and in 1852 came with his parents to America. 
Unto eighteen years of age his home was in 
Sussex, Wisconsin; he graduated from the Cincin- 
nati Eclectic College in 1875 also Rush Medical 
College of Chicago; the doctor practiced some 
years in Freeborn county, two years at Granite 
Falls and then settled in Appleton. 

A. Schoepp, bom in 1858 in Hastings, Minne- 
sota, learned his trade at Northfield and worked 
in various places till 1879 when he formed a jjart- 
nership with his brother at Appleton. Married in 
1881 ; Carolina Michal. 

G. B. Schoepp, born in Germany iu 1846, came 
to America in 1852 and lived in Milwaukee till 
1855, then located at Hastings and learned car- 
riage making; since 1879 he has been in business 



SWIFT COUNTY. 



965 



with his brothers at Appleton. In 1868 he mar- 
ried Mary Seaben. 

H. J. Schoepp, native of Minnesota, was born 
in 1860 at Hastings where he learned the carriage 
business which he followed in that place till com- 
ing here to enter business with his brothers. 

A. Seeley was born in 1859 in Wabasha county, 
Minnesota. When but twelve years old he entered 
the post-office at Lake City and remained seven 
years; in 1879 he came to Appleton and began the 
book and stationery business; since July, 1881 he 
has been postmaster. In 1880 he married Ella 
Soruberger, native of Wisconsin. 

J. Simmons was born in 1845 in Norway, and 
in 1854 immigrated to Wisconsin. In 1856 he 
settled at Bed Wing, Minnesota; was educated at 
Hamline University ; he clerked in a store previous 
to enlisting in 1862; served three years, then was 
in mercantile trade at Red Wing at different times, 
also at Lake Crystal, and since 1879 at Appleton; 
for two years he was in the bank of Pierce, Sim- 
mons & Co., at Red Wing. Married in 1869, Miss 
P. A. Bergh. 

T. Thompson, born in 1847 in Norway, immi- 
grated in 1868 to Rock county, Wisconsin, where 
he was farming till 1874, at which date he settled 
in Appleton. Until 1878 he was in the employ of 
.A. ^V^. Lathrop, then bought an interest in the 
business and is vice president of the company. 
Married in 1881, Caroline Anderson. 

J. T. Wilkinson was born in 1840, in England. 
In 1855 he immigrated to Rhode Island, where in 
1861 he enlisted; he was wounded once; sjient 
eleven months in Libby and other prisons. Upon 
leaving the army in 1865 he worked at coopering 
in Wisconsin, and Goodhue county, Minnesota, till 
coming, in 1878, to Appleton, where he is town 
clerk; has worked at farming here, also in Mr. 
Dudley's lumber yard. Married Ruth Darbyshire 
ml861. 

E. T. Young, was horn in Washington Lake, 
Sibley county, Minnesota, October 27, 1858. He 
taught school two years, then attended the State 
University from 1877 till 1880, when he went to 
Benson, read law and was admitted in March, 1881 ; 
since August of that year he has been in practice 
at Appleton. 

PILLSBURY. 

Town 120, range 37. The first settlement was 
made by Andrew Johnson on sec. 28, in 1869. The 
first town meeting was held at the store of John 
P. Jacobson & Co., Jan. 29, 1876. The officers 



elected were T. Baldwin, chairman, J. P. Seger- 
strom and P. Dahlstem, supervisors ; C. C. Odney, 
clerk; O. E. Solan, treasurer; J. Hubbard, assess- 
or; G. Z. Birtchard, constable. The first marriage 
was O. E. Solan to Miss B. Iverson in 1874. The 
first school was taught in the village of Kerkhoven 
by Miss Flora A. Morton in 1874; there are now 
two frame school buildings in the town. The vil- 
lage of Kerkhoven is located on sec. 21. In 1876 
the village was nearly destroyed by fire, but being 
settled by a thriving, energetic class of business 
men, it soon began to rebuild. In January, 1881, 
the village was incorporated ; the first election was 
held at that time; officers elected, were H. 8. Sjo- 
berg, president; O. J. Lankner and L. P. Ander- 
son, trustees; H. C. Odney, recorder; C. C. Odney 
treasurer; E. R. Barrager, justice; H. P. Barrager, 
constable. The post-office of Pillsbury was estab- 
lished in 1872. John P. Jacobson, first post- 
master. 

The business of the vUlage of Kerkhoven is rep- 
resented by four general stores, one hardware store, 
one harness shop, one drug store, one shoemaker, 
two blacksmith shops, one wagon shop, two hotels, 
two elevators, one newspaper, three saloons and 
one cheese factory. 

Ole Backlund, born in Sweden in 185.5, immi- 
grated to America in 1880 and located at Pills- 
bury. He worked on a farm and clerked in a 
hardware store till commencing business in com- 
pany with Mr. Sjoquist. 

E. R. Barrager, born in Sheboygan county, 
Wisconsin, in 1859, removed to Hudson and later 
to Appleton, where he started the Gazette. Learned 
printing at Montevideo and since 1879 has pub- 
lished the Weekly Itemizer at Pillsbury. 

James A. Barrager, native of Wisconsin, was 
born in 1854 in Sheboygan county, where he re- 
mained until 1862, then removed to Hudson; he 
was employed on a farm, in a store and in a livery 
stable, but in 1881 came to Pillsbury and formed 
a partnership with his brother; their Weekly Item- 
izer is a newsy seven column paper. 

J. B. Beatty, born October 7, 1857, at Winne- 
bago Agency, Blue Earth county, Minnesota, went 
with his parents to Itasca, seven years later to 
Sauk Rapids and thence to St. Cloud. He ac- 
quired a good education, learned telegraphy and 
has been employed in different places; since 1880 
he has been at Kerkhoven, where he is telegraph, 
ticket, express and freight agent. 

C. B. Boody of Maine, was bom in 1843 in 



966 



niSTOUY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Jackson, Waldo county, and received a good eom- 
mou and luE;h scliool eduoation. Enlisted in Com- 
pany H, 26tb Maine infantry, and served one year. 
He was farming till 1876; came to Pillsbnry in 
1877 anil for a time worked at lumbering on the 
Kum river: is now foreman of the Brookside farm. 
Married in 1867, Rose Roberts; the children are 
Lizzie A. and Clara L. 

John Harrigan, born iu 1853 in Wisconsin.lived 
in Portage till thirteen years old. He was em- 
ployed in St. Paul one yeiir as carpenter for the 
Lake Superior railroad company; went to Otter 
Tail county where he worked in geuting out wood 
and ties until 1880; has since had a saloon at Pills- 
bury. Married Cornelia Thorgson September 20, 
1879; one child: Mary J. 

Aron Hultgren was born in 1848 in Sweden, 
where he was a soldier two years, and came in 1867 
to America. He was at St. Paul two years, in 
Kandiyohi county twelve years, and since 1881 
has been in business at Pillsbury in company with 
John Strate. In 1870 he married Inge Anderson; 
six children: Theodore A., Manne, Amanda K., 
John K., Angus O. and Frethof. 

C. J. Mastrnd is a native of Norway, where be 
was born in 1852; while living there he learned 
the trade of tinner. In 1870 he came to America; 
lived for a time in Wirmeshiek county, Iowa; came 
to Pillsbury in 1875 and started a tin shop: now 
has a hardware store. Married in July, 1881, 
Christine Anderson. 

O. C. Odney, born in Norway, in 1847, removed 
in 1869 to Wisconsin, thence in 1871 to St. Paul. 
He was employed as clerk there and at Willmar; in 
1873 he came to Pillsbury and after clerking about 
three years, engaged in mercantile business with 
O. P. Lofgren; since 1880 Mr. Evens has been his 
partner. Married December 8, 1874, Rosa Evans; 
four children: Benry W., Oscar T., Agnes E. and 
Stella K. 

Andrew Sjoquist was born in 1864, in Sweden 
where he learned the trades of carpenter and har- 
nessmaker. In 1880 he came to Pillsbury; worked 
in an elevator one year and was for a time in part- 
nership with Charles Mastrud; in 1881 he and Ole 
Backlund built a store where they have a harness 
shop, also deal in boots and shoes and groceries. 

HAYES. 

Town 121, range 37. The first settlement was 
made by Peter and Daniel Broberg, on section 1, 
in 1868. The first town meeting was held at the 
house of John Carlson in 1877; officers elected 



were Iver Iverson, chairman; John Beckman and 
Halvor Evenson, supervisors; John C. Carlson, 
clerk; Ole Turkelson, treasurer; Lewis Monson, 
assessor and justice; Andrew Tyen, constable. 

John A. Johnson, native of Norway, was born 
September 15, 1845. In 1868 he came to America; 
was farming and carpentering four years in Rock 
county, Wisconsin, after which he removed to 
Kandiyohi county, Minnesota, and in 1876 located 
on section 28 of Hayes; he is clerk of this town. 
Married in 1873 Dorthea Larson ; four children : 
Lewis, Alfred, Albert and John A. 

Lewis Monson was bom in 1837, in Norway. 
After coming to America in 1847 he lived until 
1860 in Wisconsin, then in Rice county, this state 
till 1865, when he came to Hayes and bought a 
farm, l)ut resided in Kandiyohi county till 1876; 
held the office of county commissioner in that 
county and this. Married in 1864, Ingra Fige; 
the children are Martin, Uny, Anna, Isabelle, 
Olina, Josephine, George, Necolina and Marcus. 

KERKHOVEN. 

Town 122-37. The first settlement made in this 
town, was by Ole Home in 1865 on section 4. The 
first town election was held at the house of N. O. 
Broten on section 1. Carl Hanson was chosen 
moderator and Peter Undeen, clerk; officers elect- 
ed were: Peter Undeen, chairman; M. Rasmunson. 
and Carl Johnson, supervisors; -John P. Jacobson, 
clerk; A. C. Arntson and Carl Hanson, justices, A. 
P. Carlson and M. Rasmunson, constables. The 
first school was taught by Ole Hanson in the 
house of Andrew Anderson, in 1870. The first 
religious services were held at the school-house in 
1878 by Rev. Modal Jacobs. The first death was 
Mrs. Ingra Olson in 1874, of consumption. 

Professor George O. EUingboe was born .Janu- 
ary 29, 1859 in Norway. His father died and he 
came with his mother to America in 1862; the 
family resided in Goodhue county, Minnesota five 
years and since that have been in Kerkhoven. He 
received a good education and has since been teach- 
ing; has a farm of 160 acres; since 1880 has been 
town clerk. Married January 30, 1882; Ida Syse. 

Thosten O. Qvammen, native of Norway, born 
in 1841, came to the United States in 1864 and 
was farming two years inXJoodhue county, Minne- 
sota. He came in 1866 to Kerkhoven where he 
now owns a farm of 240 acres. In 1866 he mar- 
ried Mary Thompson; the childrf^n are Christine, 
Thorson, Mary, Anna, Ole, Martin and Simon. 



SWIFT COUNTY. 



967 



CAMP LAKE. 

Town 122, range 38. The first settlement was 
made by Ole Thorson on section 3 in 1866. The 
first school was taught at the house of T. Swenson 
by Miss Sophia Northerhouse in 1874. The first 
death was Erick Thorson in 1871. The first relig- 
ious services were held at the house of T. Swen- 
son on section 10 by Rev. S. Rickway in 1869. 
Swift Falls post-office was established in 1871 with 
Mr. Das as first postmaster. A flouring mill was 
built on section 3 in 1872, with three run of stone. 

J. M. Danelz, born in 1839 in Sweden, came to 
America in 1869. He lived about three years in 
Washington county, Miunesota; was quarrying 
stone; has also worked some as a carpenter; came 
to Camp Lake in 1871 ; had bought his land and 
mill site in 1870 at Swift Falls; he has a grist- mill 
and general store, and is postmaster; has held 
various town offices. Married in 1877 Lena Peter- 
son; the children are Herman and Garfield. 

KILDARE. 

Town 121, range 38. The first settlement was 
made by A. Anderson, section 2, in 1868. The 
first town meeting was held at the depot, April 20, 
1875. M. P. Morgan was chosen moderator. 
Officers elected were J. J. Murphy, chairman; 
Michael Kennedy and 0. B. McVay, supervisors; 
Patrick Moore, treasurer; Michael Keho, assessor. 
The first marriage was Thomas Buta to Jane 
Clint, in August, 1875. The first school was 
taught by Miss Celestia Martin in 1876, at De 
Grafi'. The first birth was Edward, son to Wm. 
and EHza Clint, August 11, 1875. The first death 
was Miss Kate Mannix, in January, 1876. The 
first religious services were held at the house of 
Wm. Clint, by Rev Father McDernin, in August, 
1875. DeGrafi' post-office was established in 
1875, Wm. Clint being first postmaster. 

The village of DeGraif is located on section 29, 
and was incorporated February 18, 1881. First 
officers elected were: E. N. Conway, president; 
G. L. Caster and Joseph Robinson, trustees ; C. J. 
Williams, recorder; John McKennj', treasurer; 
Thomas McKay, justice; M. F. Duggan, consta- 
ble. There are three general stores, one hardware 
store, one meat-market, one blacksmith shop, two 
hotels, one elevator, two churches. 

G. L. Caster, native (?f Germany, was born in 
1840, and in 1856 settled in Shakopee, Minnesota; 
he clerked in a hardware store ten years, in the 
auditor's office three years; was in St. Paul in 
1871-'72; traveled for his health, and in 1874 re- 



turned to Shakopee, and was again in the office of 
auditor; was book-keeper in Minneapolis till Au- 
gust, 1879, then engaged in the hardware business 
at DeOraff, firm name of Caster & Paul)'. In 
1880 he married Angela Weyer; one child, Mary E. 

WiUiam Clint was born in county Down, Ire- 
land, in 1836, and was raised on a farm; he was 
a sailor for twelve years; came to America and 
sailed the lakes as mate and captain. In 1871 he 
came to Minnesota and settled in Swift county in 
1873; worked for the railroad company till 1876, 
then located on his farm; has been justice, and 
was made postmaster at De Graff in 1875, the 
first to receive the appointment. Married in 1857 
Barbara McClemment, of Ireland; she died in 1868, 
and in 1870 he married Eliza O'Connor. Jane, 
James and William are children by first wife, and 
Eliza, Rosa, Edward and Richard by his present 
wife. 

E."W. Conmy was born in county Sligo, Ire- 
land, in 1854. He came to America in 1874, after 
graduating at Maynooth College in philosophy 
and theology, and located at Anoka, Minnesota; 
visited New York and Montreal, and then returned 
to Anoka county and taught school five years; 
came to De Graff in February, 1880; read law and 
was admitted to practice January 18, 1881, at St. 
Paul, and has since practiced here; is postmaster, 
and also in general merchandise business; is pres- 
ident of village council. February 10, 1880, he 
married Oelina M. Parenteau, and has one child, 
Lucy B. 

M. H. Halpin was born in the county of Long- 
ford, Ireland, June 1, 1851, and in 1873 came to 
America; he located in Kentucky and engaged in 
farming; came to De Graff, Minnesota, in 1876, 
and engaged in general merchandise with a stock 
of SI, 300; has been town clerk and village re- 
corder. Married, April 27, 1878, Mary O'Brien; 
two children, Margaret and John. 

DUB-LIN. 

Town 120, range 38. First town meeting was 
held at the residence of David Murphy, on section 
8, February 14, 1878. Officers elected were J. J. 
Murphy, chairman, J. W. Fredericks and A. J. 
Mclnerney, supervisors; Owen Duffy, clerk; Jo- 
seph Pothan, treasurer; Michael McDonnell, as- 
sessor; Samuel Geiser and John McDonnell, jus- 
tices; Aug. Shelgren and Michael Corneford, con- 
stables. 

First birth was a daughter to Owen and Mary 
F. Dnff'ey, (Mary I.,) February 25, 1878. Fu-st 



968 



niSTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



death was Mary Duffey, March 25, 1880. The 
first religious services were held in the depot at 
Murdock, in the spring of 1878, by Kev. D. J. 
Higgins, of the Methodist Episcopal persuasion. 
There are now three organizations in the town- 
ship. The post-office at Murdock was established 
at the village, January 23, 1879, George Botham 
being first jiostmafater. The village of Murdock 
is located on the north-east quarter of section 11, 
and was surveyed and platted by P. M. Quist, in 
1878, and was incorporated by an act of the legis- 
lature in 1881. There are now five general stores, 
one hardware, two blacksmith shops, two elevat- 
ors, one hotel, one bank, one harness shop, one 
butcher shop, one wagon shop, one newspaper and 
one saloon. 

W. P. Andrus, native of New York, was born 
in 1849, in Foughkeepsie; he was in the drug busi- 
ness sixteen years in that place and New York 
city; since 1880 he has been in the banking busi- 
ness in Murdock, Minnesota. Mr. Andrews was 
united in marriage in 1872, with Carrie Dater, of 
Poughkeep^ie. Grace is their only child. 

George Botham, born in 1845, in England, re- 
moved in 1861 to Canada, thence to New York, 
and from there to Wisconsin ; his home was then 
in Mitchell county, Iowa, from 1864 to 1878, 
when he came to Murdock, where he has been 
postmaster since the office was established. Mary 
Hershey was married January 17, 1879, to Mr. 
Botham, and has one child, Georgie May. 

J. P. Briggs, born in 1827, in Cohasset, Massa- 
chusetts, removed to Redding, learned cabinet- 
making, and afterward went to Wisconsin, but in 
1866 migrated to Minnesota; worked at his trade 
in Faribault and Owatonna till 1868; was in Iowa 
until 1878, then came to Murdock, built the firat 
store and began business in company with Mr. 
Botham. Married Mary Hargraves in 1866; one 
child, Frank. 

James Paruen, born in Ireland in 1848, immi- 
grated when a chUd to Ohio. In 1856 he removed 
to Le Sueur county, Minnesota; after graduating 
from a St. Paul business college he passed one year 
in Dakota and afterwards tauglit school; was book- 
keeper for Thornton Brothers of St. Paul for a 
time; in 1879 came to Murdock and began mer- 
cantile trade with Joseph Thornton. Married 
Mary Thornton in 1876; three children. 

O. E. Hogue was born in 1845 in Ohio. En- 
listed in 1862 in Company E, 15th Ohio; from 
1863 to 1865 he served in the U. S. telegraph 



corps, department of the Cumberland. He began 
the newspaper business in Iowa, removed to Gran- 
ite Falls, Minnesota, and started a paper called 
the Granite Rock; in 1876, started the Howard 
Lake Union, which was discontinued the next 
year; he passed two years in Kansas and then 
came to this town; since 1880 has published the 
Murdock Herald. Married Louisa Faucett in 
1866; one child, Emma; his second wife was Anna 
Crady. 

C. W. Planner was bom at Mount Pleasant, Jef- 
ferson county, Ohio, in 1850. After graduating, 
he was station agent and telegraph operator at 
different places from 1869 to 1875; was then in the 
drug, furniture and grain trade at DeGraff, but in 
1879 came to Murdock where he continued busi- 
ness as druggist and grain buyer; for a short time 
he edited the Herald of this place and since 1875 
has been a correspondent of the Benson Times; 
has been justice since Dublin was organized. Mar- 
ried in 1873, Etta Wadsworth; four boys: Abner, 
Frank, Charles and Henry. 

John Powers was born in 1852 in Ireland. When 
a child he went to Illinois and remained till 1864, 
then Uvedin Dakota county, Miunesota,until 1876, 
when he removed to DeGraff, and in 1879 to Mur- 
dock; is now engaged iu the lilacksmi'.h business 
and is the patentee of a blacksmith fire pot. Mar- 
ried Bridget Kearney in 1874; the children are 
Mary E., Fanny E. and John E. 

CASHEL. 

Town 120, range 39. The first settlement was 
made by Ole Thorson on section 6, in 1873. The 
first town meeting was held March 23, 1878, at the 
residence of Michael O'Reilly on section 2. Offi- 
cers elected: John Kennedy, chairman, Thore 
Olson and Olaf Johnson, supervisors; William 
Daulphin, clerk; Dennis Byrne, treasurer; Ole 
Thorson, assessor; Thomas Hennessy and G. 
Johnson, justices; Swan Swanson and Maurice 
Murjihy, coustables. The first school was taught 
by Thomas Givens at the house of Michael Glea- 
son in the fall of 1878. First religious services 
were held at the house of Swan Swanson by Rev. 
Ole E. Solseth. First ))irth was daughter to .Tohn 
and Margaret Kennedy, November 8, 1878. First 
death was James McCauley, died August 17, 1878. 

John Kennedy was bom in 1847 in Ireland. 
From 1861 to 1863 he was in Minneapolis; then 
in Massachusetts till 1865; after working some 
time for different firms he visited St. Louis, Chi- 
cago, Racine and Omaha, then returned to Minne- 



SWIFT COUNTY. 



969 



apolis and St. Paul; since 1876 his home has been 
on section 2 of Casbel; he has filled different town 
offices. Married Margaret Duggan in 1869; five 
living eliildreu. 

TOKNING. 

Upon receiving a petition of a majority of all 
the legal voters in the congressional township 
number 121, of range 39, asking that the same be 
organized as a new town, under the township or- 
ganization law, to be named Torning, the board of 
commissioners issued the following: 

."We, the county commissioners of Swift county, 
did on the 19th day of March, 1879, proceed to 
fix and determine the boundaries of such new 
town, and named the same Torning, in accordance 
with the said petition, and designated the school- 
house in school district number 16 as the place 
ft)r holding the first town meeting in such town, to 
beheld on Saturday, April 5, 1879. The bounda- 
ries of said town of Torning as fixed and estab- 
lished by us are as follows: AU of township 121, of 
range 39, except the part of said township which 
is organized as the village of Benson. Given 
under our hand this 19th day of March,1879."' This 
was signed by W. H. Topping as chairman of the 
board of county commissioners, and attested by 
O. F. Brouniche, county auditor. In accordance 
with this the election for town officers was duly 
held and a town organization effected. The terri- 
tory embraced in the town of Torning before this, 
formed part of the town of Benson. 

P. Christopherson was born in Norway in 1810, 
and there learned the trade of mason and plasterer. 
In 1866 he came to America; worked at his trade 
seven years in Erie county. New York, and since 
then in this town, where he also carries on his 
farm. His first wife, who died in 1878, was the 
mother of five children ; his present wife, tnarried 
in June, 1879, has one child. 

Ame Jahnson, born in 183.5 in Norway, grew up 
there and worked in a saw-mill until coming in 
1867 to America; lived three years in Olmsted 
county, Minnesota, and in 1870 took the farm of 
120 acres on which he lias since lived, section 8 of 
this town. Married, December 28, 1857, Miss M. 
E. Halverson; the living children are Hannah, 
Julia, Annie G. and Martin A. 

BENSON. 

Town 122, range 39. The first settlement was 
made by Wm. B. Johnson, in 1867. John Torger- 
son also came the same year. The first election 
was held at the Benson House, in Benson village. 



April 1871; officers elected were: Halvor Dahl, 
chairman, John Olen and Ole Bronniche* super- 
visors; Ole Barrioko, clerk; Louis Meldal, treas- 
urer; A. W. Lathrop, and Ole Jacobson, justices; 
George H. Knight, assessor. 

First school tanght in the town was in a frame 
school-house, district No. 1.5, in 1876, by Miss 
Sophia Nordrehouse. There are two school- 
houses in the town at present. 

Firmin Bedard, born December 29, 1842, in 
Canada, received a good education and afterward 
learned the trade of tanner. In 1870 he came to 
St. Paul, and soon after to this place; in company 
with his father and a brother, he o^vns 960 acres of 
land, also has a tannery. Mr. Bedard has been 
chairman of the town board several years. In 
1863 he married Clarissa Farland, who has borne 
him ten children. 

E. A. Smith was born March 20, 1850, near 
Adrian, Michigan. Removed in 1855 to Illinois, 
and in 1857 to Hennepin county, Minnesota; he 
attended high school at St. Paul, and the State 
University at Minneapolis, after which he taught, 
and in 1876 came to his present farm of 337 acres; 
during the winter of 1879 he was engrossing 
clerk of the house of representatives. Married in 
1873, Cora Grant; the children are Grace E., and 
Myrtle I. 

CLONTAEF. 

Town 122, range 40. The first settlement in 
the town was made by D. F. McDermott, in June 
1876. The first officers of the town were appoint- 
ed January 16, 1877, being James O'Donnell, 
chairman; Michael Donovan and Henry Keordon, 
supervisors; James O'Donnell, clerk; Wm. Dug- 
gin and John Bond, justices; John H. Eeordon, 
assessor; Frank Bennett, constable. The town was 
named by Bishop Ireland. The inhabitants are 
mostly Irish, a colony having settled here in 1878. 
The first birth was a daughter of Thomas and 
Jane Butler, July, 1876. The first death was 
John, son of Mr. and Mrs. D. F. McDermott, 
Sept. 22, 1877. The first school was taught in 
the Catholic church in 1878, by Kate Shin- 
nick. The first religious services were held 
in the section house by Rev. Father John McDer- 
mott, in 1871. 

The village of Clontarf, located on section 15 
was platted in 1876. The first business done on 
the village site was lumber yard, by D. F. McDe- 
mott. There are now two general stores, a depot, 
hotel, church and school-house. 



970 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Brother Benediot and Brother Vincent. Brother 
Benedict was born December 26, 1851, in Limeric, 
Ireland, where he remained till seventeen years of 
age. After coming to America he attended St. 
Francis College of New York, twelve years. 
Brother Vincent, native of ] )ubliu, Ireland, was 
born December 23, 1853, and since 1865 has been 
a resident of America; he also studied at St. Fran- 
cis College. In 1880 they came to Clontarf to- 
gether, and have charge of the St. Paul Indn.strial 
School, established by Bishop Ireland. 

Frank GoUon was born December 21, 1828 in 
Germany where he worked twenty-seven years at 
carriage making. In 1853 he immigrated to New 
York City; worked at his trade there but in 1856 
removed to St. Paul where he hkd a carriage shop 
thirteen years; from 1868 to 1880 he lived in Da- 
kota county where he was in mercantile trade; since 
that time, has continued the business at this place. 
Married in 1855 Margaret Grenville; eight living 
children. 

John L. Green grew to manhood in New Bruns- 
wick where he was born December 22, 1840. He 
came to Minnesota in 1866 and in 1874 started a 
store at Anoka; since February, 1877 he has been 
in business at Clontarf; his was the first store in 
the viUage; he is also postmaster and has held var- 
ious town offices. In November, 1870 he married 
EUen McGraw; eight children. 

B. B. Johnson, born in Ohio, December 16, 1849 
went with his parents to Wisconsin in 1850 where 
he attained a thorough education and learned sur- 
veying and civil engineering. In 1875 he mi- 
grated to Benson, Minnesota; was soon after chos- 
en cjunty surveyor and has filled that position 
since; in 1878 he was elected judge of probate. 
He owns 280 acres on section 8 and is in real es- 
tate business at Benson. Married Emageau Shove 
in 1876; one child; Ainsley. 

D. F. McDermott, native of Ohio, was born No- 
vember 2, 1850 at Cincinnati. In 1856 the family 
located in Scott county, Minnesota; he obtained a 
good education there and in Minneapolis; came to 
Clontarf in 1876 and is proprietor of the only hotel 
in the place, also keeps a flour and feed store; he 
has been treasurer since the town was organized. 
Married in 1876 Rosa Brodrick; the living chil- 
dren are Mary and Fanny P. 

James O'Donjjell was born August 1, 1848 in 
Philadelphia and at the age of eleven went with his 
parents to Jefferson county, Pennsylvania. From 
1863 till 1876 his home was in Winona county. 



Minnesota; then he came to Clontarf and was the 
first actual settler here; has been justice and clerk 
since the town was formed. Mr. O'Donnell's farm 
contains 320 acres. 

Rev. A. Oster, born June 4, 1834, is a native of 
France, where he graduated from college and at- 
tended a theological seminary. In the year 1854 
he immigrated to St. Paul; was ordained Decem- 
ber 13, 185G, and has since been a zealous worker 
and instrumental in building many churches 
throughout the state; since 1878 he has been pas- 
tor of St. Malachy church at Clontarf. 

C. H. Rhodes was born February 20, 1849, in 
Dodge county, Wisconsin. His father died in 
1854 in the mines of California. After leaving the 
common schools he was several years in the high 
school at Wauijun ; for some time he has been em- 
ployed by railroad companies to fill different po- 
sitions, and since 1880 has been depot agent at 
Clontarf. In 1878 he married Mary Leach. 

William Shinnick, born in county Cork, Ireland, 
in 1817, immigrated in 1841 to Massachusetts, 
and served through the Mexican war, after which 
he lived in Wisconsin nearly thirty years. Came 
here in 1877, and now has 600 acres of land; has 
been chairman of the board nearly all the time 
since the town was organized. Married in 1857, 
Margaret McQuade; seven children. 

SIX MILE GROVE. 

This town comprises town 121, range 40. The 
first settlement was made by Cornelius Olson, 
Hans Erickaon and Simon Olson in April, 1866. 
The first town meeting was held at the house of 
Ole Homme, November 1, 1877. The following 
officers were elected: Lars Christenson, chairman, 
Hans E. Hanson and Ole Cornelinsou, supervis- 
ors; Olaf P. Newhouse, clerk; John O. Strom, 
treasurer; Henry Johnson, and Carl M. Cornel- 
inson, justices; Ole O. Tverstol and Iver Hanson, 
constables. The first school was taught at the 
residence of Erick Hanson, in Jan., 1872, by Louisa 
Kepner. The first religious services were held 
by Rev. J. T. Moses, in the summer of 1869. There 
are two organizations in the town at present, the 
Trinity congregation, and the Danish Lutheran. 
The first death was Ole Kittleson, died December 
11, 1866. The first birth was a daughter to Hans 
Christensoli and wife, January 17, 1867. 

Lars Christenson was born in 1839 in Norway. 
Learned blacksmithing and wagon making and in 
1864 came to America; worked two years in Iowa 
and Minnesota and since 1866 has been farming 



SWIFT COUNTY. 



971 



in this town where he has served as assessor and 
sujjeiTisor, and was postmaster till the office was 
discontinued; has also been county commissioner. 
Married in 1864, Anna Johannesdotter; seven liv- 
ing children; a daughter of theirs was the first 
child bom in this town. 

Carl M. Cornelinson was born in 1844 in Nor- 
way, where he learned the business of painter. In 
1866 he came to America and in 1867 located at 
St. Paul, where he worked at his trade till 1870, 
when he came here and has since lived at his farm 
on eectiou 13; has been supervisor six years. Mar- 
ried Martha Olson October 10, 1870; five living 
children. 

Erik Erikensen, born in Norway in 1839, came 
to the United States in 1862. He worked at farm- 
ing in Fillmore county, Minnesota, five years, and 
since 1867 has lived at his farm of 160 acres on 
section 34 of this town. In November, 1862, he 
married Gurena Sigerson; two children are de- 
ceased, the living are: Edward, Simon, Christina, 
Sophia, John, Gilbert, Amelia, Martenius. 

Hans Eriokson, born in Norway in 1835, came 
in 1863 to America. After residing three years in 
Fillmore and Freeborn counties, this state, lie came, 
in 1866, to what is now the town of Six Mile Grove 
and took the farm which has since been his home. 
Married in 1867, Emily Christopherson; there are 
seven living children. 

David C. Horton, born iu 1845 in England, re- 
moved, while a boy, to Illinois with his parents, 
and in 1855 to Hennepin county, Minnesota. 
From 1867 to 1879 he lived in Minneapolis, then 
located on his farm which he had bought the year 
before, in Swift county; has been justice of the 
peace here two years. Married in 1870, Hattie 
Baker; two children: George W. and Grace E. 

Olaf P. Newhouse, born in Norway in 1834, 
came in 1867 to America. He woiked in Illinois, 
Wisconsin and Blinnesota till June, 1870, when he 
came here and soon after took the farm on which 
he has since resided ; has been clerk since the town 
was organized. November 18, 1874 he married 
Mary Barsness, who has borne him five children; 
the living are Mary B. and Peder. 

Kev. Chr. Pederson was born in 1852, in Nor- 
way, and when sixteen years old came to America; 
settled in Allamakee county, Iowa. He studied 
four years in tlie Lutheran College at Decorah, 
and two years in the Theological Seminary at 
Madison, Wisconsin; graduated in 1880, and was 
ordained to the ministry; his first pastorate was in 



Livingston county, Illinois; since 1881 he has 
been in this town in charge of Trinity congrega- 
tion of this county and congregation of Zion, of 
Pope county. June 17, 1880, he married Maria 
Shager; one child, Paul H. 

Olons A. Kadal was born iu 1825, in Norway. 
He was married there in 1851, and his wife died 
in 1874; their only child is deceased. In 1869 
he came to America; spent one year in Meeker 
county, Minnesota, and has since lived at his farm 
in this town. In 1876 he married Mrs. Johnson, 
who.se maiden name was Martha Olson; she had 
ten children, five are living. 

Ole Erikson Samsal was born in 1818, in Nor- 
way; he worked at farming, and in the spring of 
1873, immigrated to Swift county, Minnesota, and 
two years later settled in this town. He married 
in Norway, in 1841, Mary Henrysdotter, who bore 
him ten children; the living are: Hans O. Sem- 
enstad, Emma, Blartin, Andrew, Ole and Ben. The 
two latter live at home and help on the farm. 

Erik O. Strom was born in Norway in 1831, and 
worked at farming there till 1869, then came to 
Minnesota and took a farm of 160 acres in this 
town on section 26. Married in Norway, Decem- 
ber 28, 1860, Mary Gulbranson; seven children: 
Ole, Edward, Annie, Gilbert, Julius, Andrew, 
Milla. 

SWENODA. 

Town 120, range 40. The first settlement 
was made by Ole O. Simenatad, on section 10, in 
the spring of 1869, The first town meeting was 
held at the house of Halle Larson, April 7, 1873. 
Officers elected were: Gilbert Gilbertson, chair- 
man, Jens Christensen and C. J. Norby, supervis- 
ors; Ole Bronniche, clerk; Andrew Johnson, treas- 
urer; S. Olson, assessor; Ole Knudson and Ole 
Bronniche, justices; Halle Larson and Nels Hal- 
verson, constables. Swenoda post-office was es- 
tabUshed in 1877, and Ole O. Simenstad was first 
postmaster. First religious services were held at 
the house of Christian Erickson, and conducted 
by Eev. Ole E. Solseth. The first birth was a 
son to Ole F. Bronniche, March 7, 1873. The 
first marriage was Gilbert O. Simenstad to Jo- 
hanna Johnson in 1871. 

OleO. Simenstad was born in Norway, in 1838, 
and worked eight years at the trade of carpenter. 
In 1867 he went to Wisconsin where he lived till 
1869; came to Swenoda and settled on section 10; 
he has officiated here as town clerk, assessor and 
postmaster. In 1867 he married Ellen Anderson. 



972 



IIISrORT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Olons, Aiitou, Carl, Martin and George are the 
children. 

WEST BANK. 

Town 120, range 41. The first settler in this 
town was Ole Hagan in 1868. First town meet- 
ing was held March 11, 1879, at the house of C. 
V. Johuson;' officers elected were; C. J. Norby, 
chairman, H. T. Golden, Moses Shallenborger, su- 
pervisors; J. J. Norby, clerk; Jeff Graham, treas- 
urer; F. J. Norl)y, assessor; John J. Norby and S. 
Olson, justices. C. V. Johnson and Ole Goulson, 
constables. 

MARYSIiAND. 

Town 121, range 41. The first town meeting 
was held at the house of John Gallagher, March 
11,1879. Officers elected : John Gallagher, chair- 
man, John Maher and Frank Kaufman, supervis- 
ors; Michael McGuire, clerk; Dennis Maher, as- 
sessor; P. J. Maher and John Dully, justices. 

TAEA. 

Town 122, range 41. The first settlement was 
made by Michael Dunvan and William Duggin, 
spring of 1877. The first election was held at the 
school-house in district No. 20, December 21, 1878, 
when the following officers were elected: Wm. 
Duggin, chairman, Michael Scheo and James 
Flemming, supervisors; John Boyd, clerk; Luke 
Curry, treasurer; Edward McGinley, asse-isor. 
The town was first named Redgeville, afterward 
changed to Tara. 

FAIKFlEIiD. 

Comprises town 122, range 42. The first set- 
tlement was made by John Miller and J. Hart, in 
1867. The first election was held April 16, 1872, 
at the residence of G. B. Smith, on section 5; 
officers elected were : D. Tupper, chairman, John 
Wilson and Thor Olson, supervisors; Joshua Mar- 
tin, clerk; B. Arnold, treasurer; A. M. Utter, asses- 
sor; Nick Kepuer, justice; J. O. Hoddard and A. 
Palson, constables. 

MOYER. 

Town 121, range 42. This town was first set- 
tled by Wm. Moyer, June 20, 1869. The first 
election was held at the residence of D. M. Min- 
ert, January 25, 1879. J. J. McKay was chosen 
moderator. Officers elected were: J. J. McKay, 
chairman, H. Dehna and C. B, Mills, supervisors; 
E. E. Mills, clerk; John Beyer, treasurer; C. E. 
King and John Parker, justices; Joseph Utter and 
E. Kepner, constables. Fairfield post-office was 
established on section 18, Cyrus Martin being fiirst 
postmaster. 



NEW POSEN. 

Town 120, range 42. The first settler was 
George Kenney, in 1872. First town meeting 
was held at the school-house in district No. 8, 
March 23, 1878. Officers elected were: Henry 
Stuart, chairman, Walcott Alvord and John Shep- 
eske, supervisors; Geo. P. Walbridge, clerk; D. C. 
Collier, treasurer; Martin Frieskee and D. C. Col- 
lier, justices; Dan. Thornton and John Shepeske, 
constables; Geo Shumway, assessor. 

.SHIBLE. 

Town 121, range 43. The first settlement made 
in this town was by Albert Shible in August, 

1869, on section 34, but he left in April, 1870. 
Conrad Yeakel came in Sei^tember, 1869, and lo- 
cated on section 20, where he now lives. The first 
election was held at the residence of Samuel Akey, 
July 8, 1876. Officers elected were: S. Hayes, 
chairman, G. G. Phelps and W. E. Mosher, super- 
visors; Samuel Akey, clerk; W. E. Mosher and H. 
W. Coolidge, justices; John Phelps, constable. 
The first school was held at the house of E.C.Mills, 
summer of 1877, and taught by his wife. There 
are now three frame school-houses in the town. 
The first religious services were held at the house 
of Conrad Yeakel in 1871, and conducted by Eev. 
August Schmidt. The first birth was a son to 
Conrad Yeakel and wife, (William) bom July 25, 

1870. The first death was Emma Louisa, daugh- 
ter of Conrad Yeakel and wife, died March 12,1872. 

Conrad Yeakel, born October 7, 1819, in Ger- 
many, came to America in 1850. He was farming 
in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, fifteen years, 
lived in Oshkosh four years, and in 1869 settled on 
the farm which has since been his home; he was 
the second settler in this town ; the nearest j^ost- 
office was then thirty miles distant and it was forty 
miles to the nearest mill. His first wife was mar- 
ried in 1848; in 1872 he married Catherine Stru- 
bearn; ten children. 

HEfiBERT. 

Town 122 — 43. The first settlement was made 
by Ole Hegstad on section 26, in 1869. The first 
election was held at the house of Ole Hegstad, 
April 8, 1876. Officers elected were: Ole Hegstad, 
chairman; E. Christianson and L. Lofthus, super- 
visors; John Olson, clerk; John Wilson and J. 
Emery, justices; Nels Olson, treasurer; J. Peder- 
son and John Phelps, constables. 



Bid STONE COUNTY. 



973 



BIG STONE COUNTY. 



CHAPTEK XCrV. 

BIG STONE COUNTY OBTONVILLE TOWNSHIPS. 

At a comparatively early date there existed a 
government trail from St. Peter to the head of Big 
Stone lake; and it was along this path, naturally, 
that the first settlement was made. The first to 
penetrate this upper region for the sake of settle- 
ment was Ole Bolstad, who, in 1871, arrived and 
took up. his residence in the vicinity of Artichoke 
lake. Soon after this Thomas and William Otrey 
settled at what is now called Otrey's Grove. The 
next settlement was made at Bailey's Grove, now 
known as Long Island, six miles north of Orton- 
ville. In 1872 there were numerous settlements 
effected along the shore of the lake; Among these 
were Jacob Hurly, Alfred Knowlton and M. I. 
Mathews. There were also some Scandinavians. 
Mr. Hurly came all the way from Arkansas with 
a wagon drawn by big-horned Texas oxen, carry- 
ing with him a family all sick with the ague, to 
escape which illness he had left the country. 

C. K. Orton settled on section nine of township 
121, range 46, in the summer of 1872. 

During 1871 and 1872 the government- survey 
was made; in 1873 there were about twenty or 
thirty families added to the population of the coun- 
ty, jjartly Americans and partly Scandinavians. 
The next year there were about the same number 
added; but in 1875 very few arrived. In 1876 and 

1877 there was quite a rush of immigration, chief- 
ly from the eastern states, so that by the year 

1878 all the government land had been taken up. 
In 1875 the population of the county was 317; in 
1881 it had increasad to over 8,000. As early as 
1871 the governor appointed three commissioners; 
they never qualified and no organization was ef- 
fected until 1874. When first established, the 
boundaries of the county were: Beginning at the 
point where the line between townships 124 and 
125 intersects the boundary of the state, thence 
eastwardly to the corner of township 124, range 
44 ; thence south on range line to its intersection 
with the Minnesota rifer; thence up the channel 
of said river to Big Stone lake; thence through 
said lake along the boundary of the state to the 
place of beginning. In 1868, townships 123 and 
124, range 44, were attached to Stevens county; 
by the same act, Traverse county was made to in- 



clude the two northern tiers of townships in Big 
Stone county. In 1876 the present boundaries of 
the county were established. 

The people petitioned Governor C. K. Davis for 
the appointment of three county commissioners, 
which was com])lied with. He appointed Jacob 
Hurly, 0. K. Orton and James N.' Morrison as 
such commissioners, in March, 1874. They soon 
after entered upon the discharge of their duties. 

The first meeting of the board of county com- 
missioners was held at the house of Jacob Hurly, 
about four miles from Ortonville, on April 13, 
1874. Jacob Hurly was chosen chairman of the 
board. July 20, 1874, the second meeting was 
held, and the following county officers apj^oiuted : 
J. Church, auditor; A. Phelps, treasurer; J. T. 
Leet, register of deeds; J. W. Hurly, sheriff; A. J. 
Parker, attorney; A. L. Jackson, probate judge; 
M. I. Mathews, superintendent of schools; W. 
Otrey, coroner; J. H. Hart, surveyor; A.J. Parker, 
clerk of district court. The county was divided 
into three commissioner districts, and the county 
seat was located at Ortonville. At the next meet- 
ing, September 1, 1874, they divided the county 
into school districts and nominal school districts. 

The first election was held in the fall of 1874; 
the officers elected were: A. J. Parker, auditor; J. 
T. Leet, register of deeds; A. L. Jackson, treasurer; 
Jacob Hurly, sheriff; A. J. Parker, attorney; J. 
T. Leet and W. K. Browu, justices of the peace; 
Jacob Hurly, C. K. Orton and M. I. Mathews, 
county commissioners. 

January 5, 1875, the new board met, and a chair- 
man was chosen for the ensuing year. They di- 
vided the county into road districts and appointed 
road overseers; divided the county into assessment 
districts and appointed assessors for the same, who 
were duly qualified and proceeded to make an as- 
sessment of the county. 

May 12, 1875, a special meeting of the board 
was held, and W. R. Brown was duly appointed to 
the office of county superintendent of schools. 
July 26, the commissioners met to equalize the 
assessment of taxes. M. I. Mathews presented 
notice of his election and qualification as a com- 
missioner from the first district, which notice was 
from the clerk of the court of Stevens county, 
under date of May 5, 1875; the application was 
rejected by the board, for the reason that "the 
said Mathews did not qualify and enter upon his 
duties at or prior to the January meeting of the 
board." On July 27 the board completed the 



974 



UlUTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



equalization of taxes, and audited the accounts 
against tlie county. 

Taxes levied for this year, as appears from the 
tax books of 1875, was »2'28.96, this being the 
first county tax ever levied in the county. There 
was also levied a state tax of $56.77 and a general 
school tax of S6.2fi, the first by warrant of the 
state auditor, and the second under the statute. 
There was also levied $170.17 for all school pur- 
poses. January 4, 187G, the commissioners met 
pursuant to statute, and C. K. Orton was chosen 
chairman for the ensuing year. They made lists 
of grand and petit jurors for the district court, 
appointed assessors tor the several districts 
and audited the county accounts. A. J. Parker, 
the county attorney, was authorized to employ 
such assistance as he deemed necessary, to assist 
him in defending actions against the county. 
These actions were being brought to test the va- 
lidity of the organization of the county. May 
21, 1876, the commissioners met to settle with the 
auditor and treasurer and make an annual finan- 
cial statement of the county. The total amount 
of money received by the treasurer from the or- 
ganization of the county until this meeting, was 
!i!125.47, of which sum S97.60 was received tor 
county expenses, the balance being state and 
school tax. The total expenditures of the county 
for thi same period were $73.80, for all purposes. 
The liabilities of the county were .$238.21, and 
the assets .$220.20. 

February 26, 1877, the board met to consider 
applications for seed grain; forty-seven claims 
were presented of which forty-six were allowed 
and filed as required by law. March 31, A. J. 
Parker was authorized to purchase grain for dis- 
tribution. In 1875, twenty-two applications for 
seed grain were allowed. 

Big Stone county has been subjected to much 
litigation. The first action was brought in a jus- 
tice's court, in the summer of 1875, the case be- 
ing against the county treasurer for enforcing the 
payment of taxes. The object of the action 
was to test the validity of the organization 
of the county. The result of the case 
was that the action was defeated, and the or- 
ganization held to be legal. The next litigation 
was in the spring of 1877, when action was 
brought against the auditor, treasurer, jjrobate 
judge, and clprk of the court. The action had for 
its object the same reason as the former one. Tliis 
action was tried by Judge J. H. Brown, in the 



June term of the district court, and the judge de- 
cided in favor of the organization. In the fall an 
appeal was taken to the supreme court, when the 
previous decision was reversed, and a declaration 
made that the county was not legally organized 
and was not entitled to the officers, i. e., auditor, 
probate judge, treasurer and clerk of the court. 

This decision, therefore placed the county in 
the position of an unorganized county. 

Under the provisions of the general law of 1876, 
which provided for the assessment and collection 
of taxes by officers of counties to which unorgan- 
ized counties were attached, for judicial find re- 
cording purposes, and Big Stone having been so 
attached to Stevens county, the officers of the lat- 
ter then proceeded to levy and collect the taxes as 
required to do on account of the decision of the su- 
preme court deciding that Big Stone was as yet an 
unorganized county. This continued until the 
spring of 1881. 

During the fall of 1880 the people of the county 
held meetings and petitioned the legislature for 
the organization of the county. As the result of 
this the legislature, in the February of 1881, pass- 
ed an act organizing the county of Big Stone,and 
designating OrtonvUle as the temporary county 
seat. The act also recognized the old commis- 
sioners under the previous organization as com- 
missioners for the county. The act required the 
redistricting of the county into five districts in- 
stead of three, which was done by the old commis- 
sioners in the spring of 1881. The act further 
provided for an election to be hold on March 8, 
1881, for five new commissioners and all other 
county officers. Provision was also made in the 
act authorizing a transcript of the records from 
the books of Stevens county. A term of the dis- 
trict court was also established, which was first 
held on the third Tuesday in June by Hon. John 
H. Brown, the county being made to form part of 
the twelfth judicial district. 

The election on the 8th of March resulted as 
follows: C. H. Mero, auditor; Ole Bolsta, treas- 
urer; John McCallum, register; A. E. Randall, 
sheriff; T. M. Grant, attorney; S. I). Kemerer, 
judge of probate; B. Dassel, clerk of court; W. R. 
Brown, superintendent of schools; B.H. Chapman, 
surveyor; G. W. Parker, court commissioner; D. 
Strong, J. C. Todd, J. T. Webb, C. K. Orton and 
A. D. Beardsley, commissioners. In the fall of 
1881 the question of the county seat was voted 
upon, which resulted in Ortuuville being selected 



BIO STONE GOUNTT. 



975 



by an immense majority as the permanent seat of 
justice tor the county. 

OBTONVILLE. 

Ortonville was first laid out by its proprietor, C. 
K. Orton, as early as 1872, the survey being made 
in September. Although at tliat time there was 
no settlement in the vicinity, Mr. Orton was- satis- 
tied, from the location of the site at the foot of that 
magnificent sheet of water. Big Stone lake, and 
the fertile country surrounding, that, at some 
future time, it would be a town of no small pro- 
portions. For a couple of years the situation re- 
mained unchanged. The Hastings & Dakota rail- 
road was then running only to Glenooe, over one 
hundred miles distant, with no particular point 
designated for striking Big Stone lake. 

The second arrival on the spot was Mr. K. O. 
Orton, the father of C. K. Orton, who came in July, 
1874, and built a dwelling house. When C. K. 
Orton arrived he commenced trading with the In- 
dians, for which piirjiose he had to haul his goods 
by team from Benson. He kept this trading post 
until the fall of 1874, when A. W. Lathrop opened 
a store, as a branch of his Appleton business, in a 
small building near where the Evans House now 
stands. The business was put in charge of A. J. 
Carlson, but was only continued for some six 
• months. Nothing was done in the way of improve- 
ment for nearly a couple of years, when Shumaker 
& Woodly erected and opened the first permanent 
store. The same year A. J. Parker and A. E. Ran- 
dall arrived, and erected dwelling houses. In 1877 
there were several new houses erected, among 
which were Clarence Smith's blacksmith shop, a 
meat market and a couple of saloons. In the 
spring of 1878, although there were scarcely a 
dozen buildings in the place, the question of start- 
ing a newspaper being agitated, R. W. Miller pro- 
cured material and issued the first number of the 
North Star, June 30, Mr. Miller had previously 
opened a law ofiice. Among the others to arrive 
in 1878, were Mero & Williams, who started a 
general store. Ward Bros., who opened up the 
hardware lousiness, and P. G. Gessner, who en- 
gaged in the farm machinery trade. The firm of 
G. W. & A. J. Parker also opened a law ofBce over 
Mero & Williams' store. Other arrivals were 
Horace Bingham, a minister of the United Breth- 
ren denomination, and Dr. A. E. Pettingill, a 
physician. From this on, new business men began 
to arrive and put up buildings, until quite an ex- 
tensive village had sprung up, when on Sunday, 



April 20, 1879, a terrible fire, driven from the Da- 
kota pineries by a strong wind, swept across the 
bottom, and in spite of the efforts of the citizens, 
almost totally destroyed the village. 

A fire guard was organized to burn the grass on 
the side of the fire. Although they managed to 
burn a space of about from twenty to thirty rods 
in width, it was of no avail: the fire leaped across 
the vacant space with the energy of a whirlwind. 
The ground was as dry as tinder, the heat intense, 
so that all the buildings were on fire at the same 
time, so rapid was the passage of the flames. At 
the time of the fire there were in the village two 
general stores, a meat market, hardware store, 
three machine houses, three saloons, a printing of- 
fice, two law offices, one hotel, a blacksmith shop, 
wagon maker's shop; the total number of build- 
ings, stores and dwellings, including a school- 
house was twenty-eight. More than one-halt of the 
total number were destroyed, the only business 
houses left being the three saloons, hotel, printing 
office, meat market and the blacksmith and wagon 
shops. Rebuilding commenced immediately, small 
sheds being erected for temporary business pur- 
poses untU the new stores were completed. The 
rebuilding, too, was on a larger scale than the 
structures destroyed. All the buildings were re- 
placed that summer, the first one ready for occu- 
pancy being the store of F. Shumaker. A. W. 
Lathrop had a building just completed, waiting 
for stocks of goods to arrive, which was not touched 
by the flames. The goods arrived soon after the 
fire and his was the first store fit for l)usiness after 
the conflagration. 

About the first of .July succeeding the fire it be- 
came generally known that the Hastings & Dakota 
railroad had located their line to Ortonville, and 
people began to come in very rapidly so that the 
improvements made that season were of great ex- 
tent. 

Van Inwegen & Norrish erected an elevator 
with a capacity of 75,000 bushels. In the winter 
of 1879 and '80 a stock company was formed for 
the purpose of building a steamboat and navi- 
gating Big Stone lake. Work was began on a 
steamer, 125 feet in length and 25 feet beam. It 
was called the "Helen Balch," ami was success 
fully launched in the spring of 1880. 

Its location at the foot of the lake is an impor- 
tant element in considering the future prosperity 
of Ortonville. The lake is navigable its entire dis- 
tance; it is a most beautirul sheet of water, well 



it7<; 



UHSTUliY OF TUE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



stocked with fish, ami its banks afford scenes of 
exquisite beauty. In summer its surface is dot- 
ted with innumerable small sail-boats; in the win- 
ter ice-bosts of eminent swiftness take their place. 
From the advantages it possesses it is destined to 
become a summer resort ol reputation. As a resi- 
dence, Ortoaville, and its sister, Big Stone City, 
on the Dakota side, offer charms possessed by few 
other places in the North-west. 

In the fall of 1879, Burdock's addition was 
made to the village, consisting of forty acres. In 
1880, 0. K. Orton made an addition of fifty acres. 

During the year 1881 a number of fine resi- 
dences were erected, and the hotel accommoda- 
tions were increased by the erection of a fine hotel 
on the banks of the lake. 

The first school was taught in the village by Ida 
E. Van Kleeck, in the summer of 1877, in the 
school-house which was erected the year previous, 
at a cost of about SiOO. This structure was used 
until the new school-house was finished in Jan- 
uary, 1882, at a cost of nearly $10,000, including 
the furniture. It is a handsome frame building, 
two stories in height above the basement. There 
are two teachers employed. 

The first religious services were held by the 
Rev. Knickerliacker, an Episcopal minister from 
Minneapolis, in July, 1874, at the house of A. L. 
Jackson, one mile from the village. The first ser- 
vices in the village proper were by Rev. George L. 
Berry, of the United Brethren church, in 1875, 
who continued to hold services ir-regTiIarly until 
September, 1877, when Elder H. Bingham was 
placed in charge by that church body, and who 
held services regularly, until the fall of 1880, when 
Elder S. D. Kemerer, took charge. 

The first religious society to be organized, how- 
ever, was of the Episcopal denomination, iu No- 
vember, 1879, with W. R. Brown as lay reader. 
The first pastor was the Rev. Armstrong, under 
whose ministry the church building was erected 
and finished in the spring of 1881, at a cost of 
about $1,000. 

The Congregational society was organized in 
September, 1879, Elder Ruddock holding regular 
services until Rev. A. Hadden assumed the charge 
under whose ministry the church edifice was erect- 
ed in the summer of 1880. 

The Methodist society was organized in October 
1879, Rev. Plielps holding the first regular services. 

Lake View Lodge, No. 143, A. F. <t A. M. was 
organized iu 1881; Clarence Smith is the present 



W. M., and J. E. Randall the present secretary. 

Star of Hope Lodge, No. 8, I. O. G. T., was or- 
ganized in October 1880, by Z. Nash, with A. J. 
Parker, W. C. T.; Mrs. C. H. Mero, V. C. T.; and 
A. J. Hess, secretary. 

The post-office was established iu the fall of 
187.'), with C. K. Orton for the first postmaster. J. 
C. Wood succeeded to the office in the spring of 
1878, and F. G. Tuttle in January 1882. The 
first oifice was at 0. K. Orton's dwelling house. 

The Musical and Dramatic Society was organ- 
ized in the winter of 1881, for the purpose of 
holding entertainments throughout the winter sea- 
sons. Prof. Varney is president, and E. Sander- 
ford, secretary of the society. 

The first marriage of residents of the county 
was that of Job K. Hart to Sarah Palmer, they 
going to Benson for the purpose. The marriage 
of .Jacob Church to Mary A. Goodwin, in the sum- 
mer of 1873, before W. R. Movius, was however, 
really the first marriage in the county. The first 
birth of a white child was that of Park W., son of 
0. K. and Augusta Orton, on March 19, 1873. The 
first death was that of John Swanson, in Decem- 
ber, 1874. 

The Ortonville North Star was first issued, as 
previously mentioned, .lune 30, 1878, by R. W. 
Miller. He continued to jjublish it until the fol- 
lowing December, when his law business occupied 
so much of his time he was compelled to retire. It 
is now published by Hess & Tuttle, and issued 
every Tuesday. It is a live republican paper. 

The Big Stone County Herald was started on 
August 21, 1879, by Wilbur F. Coffin, and con- 
tinued by him until April 1, 1880, when he sold 
out to J. H. Sheets, who has since continued its 
publication. It is published every Thursday. Mr. 
Sheets also conducts a well appointed job print- 
ing business. 

Ortonville was organized as a village by act of 
legislature, passed in the spring session of 1881. 
The first village officers were: H. Van Inwegen, 
president; C. K. Orton, Bernard Dassel and A. L. 
.Jackson, trustees; F. G. Tuttle, recorder; F. H. 
Holloway, city justice; and F. E. Randall, treas- 
urer. 

' There are two banks in the village, both having 
been started about the same time. Orton's Bank 
had its foundation laid soon after the fire, and the 
bank commenced business in the fall of 1879. It 
was called then the Bank of Ortonville, and was 
changed soon after to its present title. C. K. Or- 



hun STONE Goi'yrr. 



977 



ton is president and A. J. Parker, cashier. The 
banking house of Bernard Uassel was started in 
July, 1879, and changed, February 1, 1880, to the 
Bank of Ortonville, when C. E. Brooks assumed 
an interest in the business. 

There were three hardware stores in the village, 
all of them doing a good business; the oldest 
of them is Wood Bros., they are also engaged in 
the machinery business; Clark & Hartnett and T. 
H. Faus conduct the other two hardware stores. 
There are six establishments doing business as 
general stores; Shumaker, Kietmanu & Co., are 
the successors of F. Shumaker who established 
the first general store in the village; Eyre and 
Yanz came in after the railroad was completed. 
They have a very large store. 

A. Blom does most of the Scandinavian trading 
and keeps good stocks of merchandise. M. F. Pot- 
ter is the successor ot Libby & Potter; N. Kerkel- 
rath & Co. and A. P. Flye & Co. are the other gen- 
eral merchants, and both transact a prosperous 
trade. C. Van de Bogart carries on an exclusively 
grocery trade. The drug business is well 
represented by S. H. Chittenden and L. C. Lane, 
the latter as successor to the firm of Lane & 
Fraudberg ; both stores are well appointed. Au- 
gust Engquist, proprietor of the big stone plow 
works, is building up a large trade in plows and 
tui-ns out really first-class work. Carlson Bros. 
have a carriage and wagon shop that turns out 
large quantities of work. There are three black- 
smiths, A. Dahlstrom, A. G. Atha and Clarence 
Smith; the latter being the first established. The 
livery business is representad by W. R. Ewing 
and Isaac Young and both stables are well stocked 
with good teams. There are two jewelers, F. C. 
Stam and G. L. Parker. Rowson & Harknesa 
carry on the harness trade. The Boston one price 
clothing store is the only one exclusively devoted 
to clothing, it is carried on by P. M. Orton, who 
keeps a well assorted stock. A. E. Pettingill, L. 
C. Lane and George McMurphy are the physi- 
cians. The legal profession is represented by 
Jones & Stam, L. Emmett, G. W. and A. J. Parker 
and T. M. Grant. G. A. Moore has a wind-power 
feed mill, and O. Linseth has a furniture store. 
Preparations are also being made for the erecting 
ot a flouring mill and a large brewery. The 
lumber business is represented by several firms. 

The Lake House was built in the spring of 
1881 and opened by Greenman & Boutecou. 
Several months later the firm became Greenman & 

62 



Gurley, and in January 1882, Charles E. Gurley 
assumed the management. The Evans House was 
built by Captain E. Cook and opened by Mrs. 
Ellen Craig, as the Lake View House, in 1877. 
Later on, Mr. C. H. Mero took the property and 
enlarged it. In t]ie spring of 1880 it was taken 
by T. W. Dickson, who kept it until April 1, 1881, 
when J. H. Evans assumed the control and 
changed the same to the Evans House. 

The Barton House was opened by J. E. Smith 
June 1, 1880, and sold by him about a year later 
to Mr. Gassoway. In October, 1881, the latter 
sold out to F. H. HoUoway. There are several 
other minor hotels. 

N. G. Anderson, born in Sweden in 1853, came 
to America in 1870 and settled in Minnesota. He 
was employed as clerk in stores at St. Johns and 
Willmar till coming in 1879 to Ortonville; he is 
now in business with Mr. Blom. Majried in 1877, 
Bertha Berthelson. 

Adolph Blom was born in Sweden in 1850 and 
in 1872 removed to Minnesota. From Carver he 
went to St. Paul and stayed six years ; since com- 
ing in 1879 to Ortonville he has been in mercan- 
tile trade. Married in 1877, Carrie Johnson. 

C. E. Brooks was born in 1859 in Burlington, 
Iowa. After attending a preparatory school in 
New Jersey he entered Harvard College in 1876 
but failing health compelled him to leave shortly 
before graduation. In 1879 he was employed in 
the Ortonville bank and since 1881 has been a 
partner. Married in 1881, Flora Carpenter of 
Iowa. 

B. Dassel was born in New York city in 1850 
and first came to Minnesota in 1859; settled in St. 
Paul in 1865. He was secretary of the land de- 
partment for the Manitoba railroad twelve years; 
in 1879 he came here and established the Orton- 
ville Bank ; is now senior partner. He had filled 
various offices previous to the organization of the 
county, in which he took an active part, and has 
since been clerk ot courts and is one of the city 
council. Married in 1878, Caroline Peasley. 

Lyman R. Jones was born in 1844 in Sandusky 
county, Ohio. He enlisted in 1862 and served two 
and one-half years. In 1878 he graduated from 
the law department of Ann Arbor University and 
has since been in practice at Ortonville. Married 
in 1866, Mary Bardorflf of Ohio. 

Dr. George McMurphey, born in December,1852 
at Prescott, Pierce county, Wisconsin ; was educat- 
ed there and at the Minneapolis University. In 



978 



HISTOltY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



1878 he grcidusited from the Belleviie Hospital Col- 
lege of New York ; jiracticed oue year iu his native 
state and since 1870 has been at Ortonville. The 
doctor holds the following positions: president of 
the board of edncution, county coroner and U. S. 
pension examiner. 

John McOalhim born iu Scotland in 1847 immi- 
grated in 1855 to Livingstone county, New York 
and in 18G3 came to Washington county, Minne- 
sota. He enlisted the same year in Company A, 
12th Wisconsin and served through the remainder 
of the war. In 1876 he came to Prior and the next 
year Custer post-office was established at his house ; 
took an active part in organizing the town and was 
first clerk; was elected register of deeds in 1881. 
Married in 1877 Mary Secrest. 

C. H. Mero was born iu 1843 in Lincoln county 
Maine. He enlisted in Company E, 20th Maine 
and served from 1862 till the war closed after 
which he was farming in Wisconsin ten years and 
engaged in mercantile trade four year years; held 
niimerous offices there; was in the hotel business 
for eighteen months after "coming to Ortonville in 
1879; took an active part in organizing this coun- 
ty and has since been coanty auditor. In 1866 he 
married Mary Ellen Fletcher. 

G. A. Moore, native of New Hampsliire, was born 
in 1843 and when nine years old accompanied his 
parents to St. Anthony, Minnesota. He was in the 
grocery trade at Minneapolis twelve years previous 
to coming in 1879 to Ortonville, where he is en- 
gaged in the lumber business. In 1877 Jennie 
Kelly became his wife. 

C. K. Orton, born in 1846 in Dane county, Wis- 
consin, removed in 1853 to Iowa, thence in 1857 to 
Fillmore county, Minnesota. In 1871 he came to 
Big Stone county and took 160 acres, on which 
now stands Ortonville, named in honor of him; he 
is a member of the city council, president of 
Orton's Bank, and chairman of tlie board of county 
commissioners; he is a large stock-holder in the 
Big Stone Lake Navigation Company. 

A. J. Parker, born in Cattaraugus county. New 
York, in 1839, went to Wisconsin when three years 
old, with his parents, and lived in different j^arts 
of that state; was educated at Ripon. In 1862 he 
entered Company F, 3l8t Wisconsin; in 1864 was 
transferred to the 37th and made first lieutenant; 
discharged that year for disability; was in the 
pension claim business for a time, and read law. 
In 1873 he took a claim near Ortonville, and the 
next year was elected county auditor; since 1880 



he has been cashier of Orton's Bank. Married in 
1877 Eleanor Plielps. 

M. F. Potter was born in 1843 in Washington 
county. New York. In 1861 he went to Illinois; 
lived there, and in New York and Iowa till 
1875, then in Faribault, Minnesota, till 1879, 
since which date he lias dealt in general. merchan- 
dise at Ortonville ; he is town clerk and a member 
of the board of education. Married in 1870 Net- 
tie Taylor. 

A. E. Randall was born in 1846 in Lockport, 
New York. Lived five years in Illinois, then 
went to Wisconsin, and in 1860 located in Olm- 
sted county, Minnesota; three years later removed 
to Wabasha county, but in 1876 came to Orton- 
ville and took a slaim; has served his county as 
treasurer and sheriff. Mr. Randall was in the 
late war eighteen months. Married in 1872, So- 
phia Bullock. 

J. H. Sheets, born in Randolph county, In- 
diana, in 1848, entered Ridgeville College at the 
age of twenty, and graduated four years later 
with the degree of A. B. He located iu Long 
Prairie, Minnesota, and pubbshed the Todd 
County Argus from 1876 till he bought the Big 
Stone County Herald, of which lie is now propri- 
etor; it was established in 1879 by Wilbur Coffin; 
while living in Todd county he was superintend- 
ent of schools and eui-veyor. Married in 1881 Jen- 
nie McClaflin. 

D. C. Stam was bom in Madison county. New 
York, in 1840. When fourteen years old he went 
with his father to Wisconsin, but two and one-half 
years later returned to New York, and after grad- 
uating in 1862 from the Oneida Seminary, went 
back to Wisconsin, studied law, was admitted in 
1866, and lived in different places in that state until 
1880, when he came to Ortonville; has since prac- 
ticed law here with L. R. Jones. Mr. Stam 
helped organize this county; in 1880 he took an 
active part in the political campaign, making nu- 
merous speeches in different parts of the state; he is 
attorney for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul 
railroad. Married in 1860 Sarah Wiuslow. 

G. A. Wood, born in Canada East in 1852, came 
to the States in 1864. Lived in Wisconsin till 
1870, then came to Minnesota; entered the State 
University in 1872, graduated in 1878, and has 
since been in hardware trade at Ortonville. Mar- 
ried in 1879 Miss C. Rollit, also a graduate of the 
University. 

J. C. Wood, born in 1855 in Canada East, came 



BIG STONE COUNTY. 



979 



in 1864 to the United States, and in 1870 removed 
from Wisconsin to Fillmore county, Minnesota. 
From 1878 till 1882 was postmaster at Ortonville; 
be is in the hardware business with his brother. 
Married in 1881 Lottie Warren, a graduate of the 
Winona Normal school. 

OETONVTLLE TOWNSHIP. 

The township of Ortonville, contains that part 
of town 121, range 46, east of the Minnesota river 
and Big Stone lake. In October, 1871, Nels 
Lindgren filed a claim on section 12, and May 21, 
1872, brought his wife and family. His brother 
Olof settled on section 2 at the same time. In the 
summer of 1873, A. L. Jackson made a claim on 
section 4 and came here to live in February, 1874. 
The first birth was on September 11, 1872, Charlie, 
son of Nels Lindgren. December 16, 1874, John 
Swenson and son were frozen to death, near the 
Minnesota river. There are two school districts 
outside the village of Ortonville and one building. 

W. R. Brown was born in Niagara county, New 
Tork, December 24, 1824. Removed to Canada 
and in 1846 went to Ohio; taught seven years in 
Miami county and completed his education at Au- 
gusta College; in 18.53 he moved to Wisconsin and 
was in mercantile business till "57, then settled in 
Goodhue county, Minn. He vifas farming and 
teaching till '73, then went to Kansas; in Decem- 
ber, 1874, he came to Big Stone county and took 
the farm of 320 acres where he now lives. Since 
May, 1875, has been county superintendent of 
schools. Married Miss C. A. Crist in 1854 and 
has four boys living; three children have died. 

A. L. Jackson was born in Wyoming county, 
New York, in 1822. From the age of twenty till 
1852 he was in Wisconsin, after which he jiassed 
three years mining in California, then spent some 
years in Wisconsin and Missouri. He was in 
Goodhue county, Minnesota, from 1861 till 1874, 
then came to his farm which he had taken the year 
before in this town ; he was the first treasurer of 
this county. His first wife, Annie Baker, married 
in 1849, died September 5, 1860; in 1866 he mar- 
ried Jennie Brown, who died August 29, 1880; 
Emily Clement became his wife in 1882. He has 
three children living, and his wife two. In 1862 
he entered Company D, Seventh Minnesota and 
served three years. 

A. P. Jackson was born in 1826, in Wyoming, 
County, N. Y., and went at the age of sixteen with 
his parents to Wisconsin. In 1847 he married Sal- 
lie Hoyle who died in 1854. He removed to Min- 



nesota in 1861; was elected to the legislature in 
1871. He removed in 1878 from Goodhue county 
to his present home in Big Stone county. His 
second wife was Julia Wing, married in 1854. 
Of his nine children seven are living. 

J. T. Leet, bom in Delhi, New York, accompan- 
ied his parents to Kacine, Wisconsin, when tour- 
teen years old. He went to Fond du Lac in 1848, 
worked as salesman five years and was then in 
business there till removing in 1861 to Goodhue 
county, Minnesota. Since June, 1874, he has 
lived at his farm in this town; has been justice of 
the peace and was the first register of deeds in the 
county. Married in 1846, Angelina Jackson ; four 
children. 

Nels Lindgren was born in 1836, in Sweden 
and was married in that country in 1865 to Mary 
Johnson. Immigrated to America in 1870; in 
1871 came to Big Stone county, and brought his 
family the next year; he now owns a farm of 320 
acres. The children are John, Emma, P. August, 
Charlie, the first child born in this town, Christina, 
Bernt, Botilda and Swen M. 

ODESSA. 

Town 121, range 45. The first settlement was 
made by Frederick Frankhouse, from Sauk Centre, 
who settled on section 33, in June 1870, in 1875 
he moved to his present location in Yellow Bank 
town, Lac qui Parle county. Wm. Harriman set- 
tled on section 34 in 1871. The first town meet- 
ing was held at the residence of Herman Seydler; 
officers elected were : John Desso, chairman, Tobias 
Amball and James La Lond, supervisors; Albert 
D. Beardsley, clerk; Day L. Beardsley, treasurer; 
James M. Sherman, assessor; Herman Seydler and 
Henry Sutherland, justices; John D. Ross and 
Thomas Zimmerman, constables. 

The first religious services were held at the house 
of F. Frankhouse by the Rev. August Schmidt. 
The first birth was a son, Willie, to F. Frank- 
house and wife, April 24, 1871. 

The first school was held in a building now used 
by Mr. Wildung for store purposes in April, 1880, 
and taught by Miss Edna Desso. There are now 
three organized districts; the Odessa school build- 
ing is an ornament to the town. The village of 
Odessa was located in 1879, and first building 
erected in November of that year. There are now 
two general stores, furniture store, harness shop, 
blacksmith shop, hotel and elevator. 

A. D. Beardsley, born in 1846, in Schuyler 
county, New York, went when ten years did to 



il8(1 



nrsTdi-Y OF riiw minnb^c 



7' I 1 ' 1 / / / 



T 



Wisconsin with bis parents. From the age of 
fifteen till 1879, he wns on the railroad between 
La Crosse and Chicago, and was conductor tour- 
teen years. Since 1879 he lias lived in this county, 
and since 1881, on his farm: previous to that he 
biul kept a store and been depot agent at Odessa. 
He was the first town clerk and has since been 
chairman; is also county commissioner. Married 
Martha Dalil iu 1867; fonr liWng children. 

.Julius 11. Held, born in Harrisville, Marquette 
county, Wisconsin, in 1858, removed with his 
parents to Faribault county, Minnesota, when 
nine years old. He graduated from Janesville 
Commercial College and learned telegraphy; he 
has beer employed in different places but since 
1881 has been station agent at Odessa. Novem- 
ber 14, 1881. he married Susan Swaby. 

.1. R. Meier was born in 1849, in Switzerland. 
He learned blaoksmithing and in 1869 came to the 
United States; worked at his trade in Ohio, Indi- 
ana, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin. In 
1878 he came to Minnesota, and in 1879 removed 
from Ortonville to Odessa, and began business at 
his present stand. Married Lizzie Ambuhl, Jan- 
uary 31, 1880, in Big Stone City. 

William H. Mueller, native of Wisconsin, was 
born in 1854 in Dodge county. In 1874 he mi- 
grated to Minnesota; lived in Winona county for 
a time, and in 1878 took a farm in Lac qui Parle 
county, which was his home till February, 1882, 
since which date he has been proprietor of the 
Odessa House. Married in 1879, Helena Sellin; 
two boys: Henry and Arthur. 

J. M. Sherman was born in Washington coun- 
ty. New York, in 1840 and fitted himself for 
teaching, which occupation ho followed much of 
his time until recently. In 1862 he came to Min- 
nesota; lived two years in Washington county, 
then returned to New York, but two years later 
came again to Minnesota; in 1880 he removed from 
Dakota county to Odessa, where he is in charge of 
Pratt's elevator; he is town treasurer. Mairied in 
1864, Jennie Shelleubarger. 

H. C. Sutberlaud, born in Trumbull county, 
Ohio, in 1833, came in 1860 to Minnesota. He 
enlisted in the Ninth regiment of this state and 
served three years. Removed from Austin, Mower 
county, to Hastings, where he engaged in farming 
four years, but in 1878 took a farm iu Big Stone 
county and came here the next spring. Manied 
hi 1863, Miss L. Carter; five living children. 

HAiry Walter was boru iu 1841 in Perry coun- 



ty, Missouri, lie removed to Illinois where he 
learned blacksmithing; afterward worked at that 
business in Indiana till the war, then served three 
months; in 1862 he removed to Olmsted county, 
Minnesota, and re-enlisted in 1863; served till war 
ceased, in Company I, Sixth Minnesota. He lived 
in Nicollet, Ottowa and Camp Release till locating 
in 1877 on his farm in Yellow Bank; has been town 
clerk and justice, also county commissioner and 
notary public; conducts his mercantile and real 
estate business iu Odessa. Married in 1861, Maria 
Lehman; seven living children. 

F. Wildung was born May 1, 1840, iu.Gerraany. 
He learned the trade of brushmaker; immigrated 
to St. Louis in 1860, and there started a brush 
factory; in 1864 went to St. I'aul and soon after 
to Carver, where he kept a hotel and store three 
years; afterward engaged in farming and mercan- 
tile l)usiness in and near Howard Lake, but since 
1880 he has been at Odessa; has a large stock of 
general merchandise and hardware. In 1870 he 
married Caroline Diens; five children. He served 
fifteen nioutlis iu the civil war. 

BIG STONB 

ConiprisPB all of town 122, range 46, and all of 
town 122, range 47. oast of Big Stone lake. The 
first election was held at Hurly's school-house 
October 4, 1879. Officers elected were: G. S. El- 
well, clerk; Moses Smith, treasurer; C. A. Berdan, 
chairman, Gus. Sweuson and , super- 
visors. First marriage was Andrew Anderson to 
Mary Lysing. First death was Jacob Hurly, in 
1879. First birth was William L. Goodno, born 
November 4, 1880, and was the first white child 
born in the county. The first school was held in a 
small log building on section 19, fall of 1876, 
taught by Miss Johanna Nash, 

J. L. Cherry, born July 18, 1849 in Washing- 
ton county, Ohio, made bis home iu that state, 
Illinois and Iowa. From 1864 to 1865 he served 
in Company H, Tenth Illinois cavalry. In 1867 
he removed to Wabasha county, Minnesota; was 
afterward iu Illinois and Kansas, but returned in 
1871; he came here in 1877 and now o\vns 240 
acres in Malta ;,wa8 in mercantile trade but sold 
in 1880 and has since been handling machinery 
at Big Stone. 

William B. Dow was born June 2, 1830 at 
Plattsburg, New York. Lived in that state and 
Vermont; learned the trades of blacksmith and 
machinist; afterward worked in Illinois. Iowa and 
various parts of Minnesota; returned to_New York 



BIQ STONE COUNTY. 



981 



for three years but came to this state again. En- 
listed in Company H, Eighth Minnesota and served 
eighteen months. He operated a saw mill in Wis- 
consin three years: returned to Wabasha county 
and in 1876 took hmd in Otrey; in 1878 he was 
made postmaster at Big Stone. Married March 
17, 1857, Caroline Converse; three children: John, 
Claud and William. 

John E. GooJno was born September 22, 1830 
at Swansea, Massachussetts, and when eight years 
old went to Wisconsin. In 1849 he came to 
Minnesota and took a farm where Carver now 
stands, but in 1867 removed to Chippewa county 
and in 1874 oame to Big Stone. In 1855 he mar- 
ried Elizabeth Wallace; seven children: Jerome, 
Elizabeth, John, William, Angie, Hattie and Al- 
bert. Mr. Goodiio enlisted in Company H, Ninth 
Minnesota and served till 1865 ; was with General 
Sililey the first year. 

David Hancock, born April 22, 1812 in Worces- 
ter county, Massachusetts, went with his parents 
to Vermont and learned blacksmithiug of his 
father. In 1836 he began running on a steam- 
boat on the Connecticut; was promoted to captain. 
He was drum major in the army; served from 1861 
till 1862. Lived at Bed Wing till coming in 1878 
to Big Stone; since coming to Minnesota he has 
owned and run several steamboats but is now lo- 
cated on his farm. In 1840 he married Adeline 
Stearns, who died 13, 1853; two children, Lucius 
and Joseph. In 1854 he married Olive Field ; her 
children are Adeline, Frances, May and Howard. 
A. A. Randall was born March 22, 1852 in Ni- 
agara county. New York. In 1857 he removed to 
Wisconsin and five years later to Minnesota; he 
was in Olmsted, Wabasha and Goodhue counties 
till 1874, then went to Albert Lea and about three 
years later to Hastings; in 1877 he located on sec-" 
tion 22 of Big Stone. In 1873 he married Emma 
Curtis; their children are Ida and Theta. 

PRIOR. 

This town comprises all of 123-47 and all that 
portion of 123-48 east of Big Stone lake. The 
first settlement was made Ijy S. P. Lindholm on 
section 10 in 1870. The first election was held in 
1874 but the town was not organized until 1879. 
Officers elected were M. J. Mathews, chairman ; O. 
M. Gillesater, supervisor; the other not recorded; 
M. J. Mathews, justice: E. T. Hanes, constable. 
The town was named in honor of C. H. Prior, gen- 
eral superintendent of the C. M. & St. P. R. R. 
The fir.st marriage was O. M. Gillesater to Stena 



Skeldom, June 4, 1879. First death was Mrs. Ad- 
dison Phelps October 1874. First birth was Wil- 
liam Bowman May 13, 1874. First school was 
taught by Soloman Seljholberg in 1877. 

William H. Bowman, born in .Jefferson county. 
New York, March 24, 1843, removed in 1856 to 
Wisconsin and studied at Madison University un- 
til enlisting in 1861; he served till war closed. 
Since 1872 he has lived in this town, where he has 
a farm of 400 acres. Married in 1868, Mary Wor- 
den; five children. Mr. Bowman has been super- 
visor and justice. 

George William Buck, born in Germany, Feb- 
ruary 2, 1835, came when nineteen years old to 
America. In 1857 he located in Washington 
county, Minnesota; served in Company G, Sixth 
Minnesota, from 1864 till war closed; in 1877 he 
came to his present farm. Married in 1861, Mrs. 
Miller, nee Barbara May; their living children are 
Mary, William H., Ida J., Sophia E., Harriet D. 
and George W. 

George C. Oranmer, was born May 24, 1857 
in Barnegat, New Jersey. He attended an acad- 
emy and afterward the State University of Penn- 
sylvania. In July, 1876 he removed to Anoka, 
Minnesota, and in May 1878 came to this town. 
In January 1880 he married Frances Kelsey, a 
graduate of the St. Cloud Normal School; she was 
born September 24, 1859. They have two chil- 
dren. 

Sam. M. Dodd, born July 16, 1855, in Schuyler 
county, Illinois, removed in 1873 to St. Pau', where 
he attended school, and was employed as clerk. 
Since June 1878 he has lived on his farm of 320 
acres in this town. November 17, 1878, he mar- 
ried Hattie Everett; the children are Harold E. 
and Mildred L. Mr. Dodd has been constable 
and assessor. 

0. A. Durandwas born August 14, 1845, in La- 
grange county, Indiana. The family came to Min- 
nesota, and from 1851 till 1860 lived at Red Wing 
and Cannon Falls, engaged in the hotel business; 
then located in Washington cotinty; in 1879 he 
came to the farm which is now his home. In 1879 
he mariied Jennie Kemp; one child: May. Mr. 
Durand is town clerk. 

J. M. Foren, born in 1843, in Knox county, 
Kentucky, migrated in 1860 to Minnesota. Nov- 
ember 16, 1861 he enlisted in Company G, 3d 
Minnesota; served till September, 1865; his home 
was in Rice county, this state, until 1868, then in 
St. Paul until 1879; now resides at his farm in 



982 



HISTORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Pripr. January 7, 1869, he married Mary Sulli- 
van; six children. 

E. B. IIu»iimau was born December 31, 1823, 
in Montgomery county. Now York. In 1845 he 
■went to Wisconsin, wliere he worked as carpenter 
and mill Wright, but moved in 1879 to the farm 
where he now lives. Married Harriet Bartlett in 
18i5; seven children. Mrs. Hagaman's grand- 
father.a pensioner of the war of 1812 is living, aged 
eighty-nine years. 

C. H. Hifferuan was born in Toronto, Canada^ 
December 9, 1854, and in 1856 came with his 
parents to Winona, Minnesota. He worked as 
brakesman on a railroad three years, and was in 
the employ of J. B. Cook, of St. Paul, one year; 
came to his present home in 1876. In 1880 he 
married Anna Crist, born July 16, 1864, in Penn- 
sylvania. 

A. S. McPhee, born September 5, 1842, 
in Ontario, Canada, removed when about ten 
years old with his parents to New York. In 1861 
he enlisted in the Sixteenth New York ; partici- 
l^ated in many severe battles and was badly 
wounded. He came in 1867 to Minnesota, and in 
1878 to his farm in this town. Married in 1869, 
Annie McGilles; five children, John A., Mary M., 
Josejih D., James L. and Lewis M. 

M. Irwin Matthews, born August 7, 1844, in 
Erie county, Pennsylvania, went, at the age of two 
years, with his parents to Wisconsin. In 1869 he 
removed to Olmsted county, Minnesota, where he 
taught school; he came in 1872 as one of the 
early settlers of Big Stone county, owns 467 acres 
of land; he has been county superintendent and 
commissioner, and was the first notary public. 
Married Miss C. Henderson in 1870; four children. 

Amos Mireau was born November 22, 1848, in 
Canada. At the age of nineteen ho left home; 
visited Massachusetts and in 1868 came to Minne- 
sota; afterward located in Grant county, and in 
1875 came to the farm where he still lives. March 
10, 1880, he married Emma Bailey, born July 27, 
1866, in Tennessee. 

E. W. Newell, born December 13, 1843, near 
Hamilton, New York, removed in 1853 to Wiscon- 
sin and in 1863 to Minnesota. Excepting the 
time spent in the army he was in Goodhue county 
until locating, in 1878, on his present farm. In 
1873 he married Mary Wheat; the children are 
Jean C. and Allen W. 

George W. Peterson was bom December 12, 
1837, in New York. He learned the trade of car- 



penter and has worked at that business much of 
his time. Mr. Peterson, six of his brothers, and 
their father, served in the late war. Since 1876 he 
has lived at his farm near Foster. His wife, Mary 
Mosely, married in 1861, died May 2, 1870, and 
in 1872 he married Mrs. Mary Wilcox; nine living 
children. 

Addison Phelps was born February 1, 1816, in 
Ashtabula county, Ohio, and learned the trade of 
carpenter. In 1855 he came to Minnesota; lived 
at Owatouna till 1869; then at Appleton, and in 
1874 came here; has a farm of 100 acres and a 
general store at Foster, which was the first one in 
the town of Prior. In 1840 he married Sarah 
Ohilsen, who died in 1874; he remarried in 1880; 
five living children. 

F. G. Phillips, who is a native cf New York, was 
born February 7, 1854, near the city of Oswego, 
and in 1855 accompanied his parents to Ohio. He 
migrated in 1875 to Minnesota and in 1878 came 
here; bought 160 acres of land of the government 
and his mother who resides with him, also owns 
160 acres. 

George W. Ransom was born in New Y'ork, De- 
cember 4, 1842; his father died in 1849 and he ac- 
companied his mother to Massachusetts. He en- 
listed in 1862 and remained in the army till near 
the close of war. Mr. Ransom was engaged in 
fruit culture some time in Florida previous to com- 
ing here in 1878. Married in 1876, Wilhelmena 
Cox. 

Levi Seeley was born March 20, 1843, in Cuya- 
hoga county, Ohio, and about 1856 went to Sauk 
county, Wisconsin, where his parents died. He 
enlisted and served from 1861 till war ceased. In 
1880 he came to Prior; his farm contains 160 
acres. Married Mary Hagaman in 1865; three 
children : James W., Harriet E. and Charles E. 

Charles A. Wheeler was born May 24, 1828, in 
Oneida county. New Y''ork. He learned cabinet- 
making; removed in 1855 to Indiana, and in 1874 
til St. Paul; he was several years in the employ of 
N. B. Harwood; in March, 1877 he came to his 
present farm; has 320 acres. In 1855 he married 
Sarah Sawyer ; two sons : Clarence and Charlie. 

BROW'NS VALLEY. 

This town occupies all of township 124, range 48, 
and 124, range 49, east of Big Stone lake and the 
Minnesota river. The first settlement was made 
by Ole Moen on section 25, town 125, range 49, 
in 1875. The first town meeting was held April 
5, 1880, at the house of Joseph Branch on section 



BTG STONE COUNTY. 



983 



7, town 124, range 48. Ole Moen" was chosen 
moderator, and Joseph Shannon clerk. Officers 
elected were : George W. Freer, chairman, John 
Burt and Robert Glen, supervisors; W. H. King, 
clerk; Ole Moen, treasurer; 0. A. Prevey, assessor; 
S. Burt and J. M. Carver, justices; Joseph Shan- 
non and Edwin Haley, constables. The first 
school was taught by Paulina Hammond, on sec- 
tion 8, in May, 1880. The first marriage was 
Robert Gillis and Olina Olesou, June, 1880. The 
first birth was Nettie Mabel, daughter to W. W. 
and Helen Beardsley, April 22, 1879; she died 
August 28, 1881. The first death was Thoren 
Hansen, March 15, 1880. The first religious ser- 
vices were held at the house of Joseph Branch in 
the spring of 1880. 

A store was established by Charles Philhps on 
section 34, town 124, range 48, in November 1879; 
a blacksmith shop was built about the same time, 
both were removed in January, 1881. Phillip's 
post-office was established at this store October 1, 
1880, and Mr. Phillips was appointed postmaster, 
the post-office was discontinued .January 1, 1881. 

The village of Bay View at the head of naviga- 
tion on Big Stone lake, was laid out in August, 
1880. The village of Beardsley is located on the 
northeast quarter and northwest quarter section 
17 — 124—48, on land owned by W. W. Beardsley, 
who took the claim in 1878 and platted the village 
in November, 1880. The town is a growing, 
thriving one. Every branch of retail business is 
represented ; the post-office of Beardsley was estab- 
lished April 11, 1881, J. A. Shannon, postmaster. 
Hilo post-office established 1880, Stejihen Burt, 
post-master. 

W. W. Beardsley was born in Schuyler county, 
New York, in 18.52. He grew up in Livingston 
county, and in 1873 went to Pennsylvania; in 1874 
he went to Illinois and the next year to Wisconsin; 
in 1878 he came to Big Stone county, Minnesota 
and located on section 17, town of Browns Valley; 
he is proprietor of the town site of Beardsley. In 
1878 he married Helen Oleson ; have had two chil- 
dren; Charles Frederick is living. 

L. P. Burdick was born at Waddington, St. 
Lawrence county, New York, in 1844. June 13, 
1862, he enlisted in Company C, 142d, New York, 
and served till April 1865; received wounds for 
which he draws pension. In 1874 he came to 
Minneapolis and started a barrel factory; was 
burned out three times and in 1878 came to Big 
Stone county; is now a resident of Beardsley 



and one of the proprietors of Burdick and Spen- 
cer's addition to the village. Married Mary 
McPhee in 1868. 

J. M. Cole was bom in Bucksport, Maine, in 
1834, and at the age of fourteen'ahipped as sailor 
and followed the sea twenty -two years, in' differ- 
ent positions; made one trip around the world. 
In 1872 he came to Hancock station, Minnesota, 
and while there held various town offices; in 1881 
he came to Beardsley and built the first hotel, 
which he is now keeping. In 1859 Caroline 
Page became his wife. 

Henry Covart was born in the" town of Wheel- 
ing, Rice county, Minnesota, in 1857. March 15, 
1881, he came to Browns Valley, Big Stone 
county, and located on section 18, town 125, 
range 48; he raised a crop in the season of 1881, 
and marketed the first load of wheat sold to the 
elevator at Beardsley ; is now employed^^by W. P. 
Brackett at the elevator. 

George W. Freer was born in Tompkins county. 
New York, in 1844, and when a child was taken by 
parents to Wisconsin; lived in Sauk and Dodge 
counties till 1878, then came to Big Stone county, 
Minnesota; he located on section 31, and is now in 
the grain and produce business at Beardsley ; has 
been chairman of the Browns Valley town board 
since its orgauization. In 1861 he enlisted in 
Company E, 12tb Wisconsin infantry, was pro- 
moted to sergeant and discharged in 1865. Jennie 
John became his wife April 4, 1868; of the four 
children born, two are living : Lota S. and James 
Osman. 

Patrick J. Green was born in Ireland, in March 
1851, and came to New York when a child; moved 
to Canada, and when thirteen went to Ogdensburg, 
New York; in 1878 he went to farming in Clay 
county, Minnesota, and in July, 1879, came to 
Beardsley, and is section foreman for the railroad 
company and owner of several village lots. 

A. W. Jones was born in Richland, Kalamazoo 
county, Michigan, in 1857. He attended a sem- 
inary and the state agricultural college at Lan- 
sing; he lived in Howard Lake, Minnesota, two 
and a half years, and in 1878 returned to school 
one year; May, 1879, he engaged in mercantile 
business at Howard Lake, and in June, 1881, 
came to Beardsley and built the first business 
house in the village; is now dealing in general 
merchandise. Married in June, 1880, Cora Bon- 
niwell. 

W. H. King, native of Pennsylvania, was born 



984 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLK7. 



at Wilkesbarre, in 1840. In 1849 his parents 
moved to Fond dii Lac, Wisconsin, tlien to Mar- 
quette county; ho engaged iu himbering at Grand 
Rapids, and in 1860 went to St. Louis, Mo. June 
1, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Seventh Mis- 
souri infantry; October 1, 1863, was promoted to 
first lieutenant in Company C, Fifth U. S. artil- 
lery; promoted to captain in same company and 
discharged May 20, 1866. He came to Minne- 
sota and bought a farm in Mower county, which 
he sold and went to Kansas in 1871; returned to 
Austin in 1873, and iu 1878 came to this town. 
In 1868 he married Eliza Stone; Eva M., Frank 
Julius, Sarah Edith, Mabel Caroline, Hulda 
Viola and an infant are their children. 

Jeffery Spencer was born in England in 1839; 
in 1867 he immigrated to Massachusetts and five 
years later came to Minnesota. He lived in 
Meeker county till 1878, then came to the town of 
Brown's Valley ; he is with Mr. Burdick, jjroprie- 
tor of an addition to Beardsle'y village; has held 
town offices in this and Meeker county. He mar- 
ried in 1861 Emma GalUmore; two children, 
Thomas and Sarah Ann. 

Henry Stouebraker was bom in 1850, in Swit- 
zerland; in 1863 he went to Ohio and worked on a 
farm; learned the saddler's trade at Troy. He 
traveled through the western states and territories; 
went to Alaska and returned to California; in' 1880 
he went into the restaurant business at Minneapo- 
lis, Minnesota, and in May, 1881, came to Beards- 
ley and put up the building where he now has a 
saloon, and deals iu coal, wood, lumber, etc. 

George M. Telfer was born at Elroy, Juneau 
county, Minnesota, in 1855. After leaving school, 
in 1876, he went to Wabasha county, Minnesota, 
and went into the nursery business; in 1878 he en- 
gaged in selling fanning mills for N. T. Davis, of 
Wisconsin, and in 1880 came to Big Stone county, 
and is a justice at Beardsley; is also assistant 
postmaster and is notary public and collection 
agent. 

TOKUA. 

Town 124, range 47. The first settlement was 
made by A. M. Briggs, October 15, 1877. The 
first supervisors were elected March 16, 1880, and 
were William Katiuy, James O'Connor and Wm. 
Nash. Barry post-olfice was established in 1878 
with Miss Rose White as postmistress. 

GRAOEVILLE. 

Town 124, range 46. In 1866, Barse i' Co. lo- 
cated at Tokua lakes in this town, and began the 






fur trade with the Indiana. They remained but a 
short time. Strong Bro's, in 1878 opened a gen- 
eral store at Gracoville. There are at present four 
general stores, one drug store, one harness shop, 
one shoe shop, one farm machinery depot, three 
saloons, one elevator, two blacksmith sho|)s, one 
Catholic church and one physioiiin in the town. 

M. Beaudoin was born iu Canada in 1858 and 
when fourteen years of age went to Massachusetts; 
in 1876 he moved to New York and learned the 
trade of harness maker; in 1877, went to Minne- 
apolis, and in the fall of that year began the har- 
ness business at Graceville. 

D. J. Burke was bom in Ireland in 1854 and re- 
ceived a classical education in Kilkenny; in 1873 
he omigjated to Canada and was in business tiU 
1878, then returned to Ireland for six months; 
came to Graceville, Minnesota, and engaged in 
general merchandise business; is postmaster and 
school district treasurer. 

J. N. Huey was born in Pennsylvania in 1853, 
went to Wisconsin while young, and in 1867 te 
Iowa; in 1874 he removed to Stillwater, Minne 
sota, and in 1877 went into machinery biisiness at 
Morris; in June, 1880, he came to Graceville, and 
is engaged in the drug business. January 2, 
1881, he married Anna Murphy. 

James Mullooly was born in Western Virginia 
in 1860, and was raised on a farm; in 1880 he 
went to St. Paul, Minnesota, and worked in a hard- 
ware house, and from there to Graceville and en- 
gaged in liquor business. 

James O'Douovau was born in Ireland in 1840 
He came to Graceville, Minnesota, in 1881, and is 
now engaged in the flour, feed and grocery busi- 
ness; is a member of village council. January 
27. 1866, he married Margaret O'Counall; they 
have six children : John, James, Stephen, Jeffrey, 
Humphrey, Thomas. 

Strong Brothers, proprietors of the Graceville 
roller mill and dealers in all kinds of merchandise, 
lumber, cement, etc. The firm is composed of 
M., D., & H. Strong, who came from Ontario in 
1860, and separated; D. Strong went to Mem- 
phis, Tenn., and engaged in raising cotton till the 
yellow fever • drove him out; M. Strong went to 
Ontonagan as a railroad contractor; H. Strong 
went into carriage and wagon-making in Michi- 
gan; in 1881 they met at Graceville and formed 
a partnership; they put up a roller flour- mill with 
a capacity of J 25 barrels per day ; have a hay- 
press, with capacity of twenty tons a day; also 



BIG STONE COUNTY. 



985 



own a saw-mill at Hinckley, on the St. Paul & 
Duluth railroad, which outs 50,000 feet per day; 
they cut 1,000,000 ties this year. 

ALMOND. 

Town 123, range 46. The first settlement was 
made by a Mr. Bailey in 1870. The first election 
was held March 29, 1880 at the Lysing or Long 
Island. The officers elected were, J. P. Webb, 
chairman ; D. G. Berkman and John Olson, super- 
visors; J. F. Webb and M. Coat, justices; Oscar 
J. Webb and S. D. Kemerer, constables; A. K. 
Lysing, treasurer; L. Hong, assessor. The first 
marriage was Lewis K. Hong and Miss. E. Lysing, 
September 1879. The first school was taught by 
Erick Lysiug in the Lysing or Long Island 
school-house in 1879. The first birth was a daugh- 
ter to D. G. and Eliza Berkman June 9, 1877. The 
first death was James Percy Kathwell, December 
30, 1878. 

J. H. Bath well was born August 11, 1849, at 
Pawtucket, Massachusetts and when seven years 
old went with his parents to Wisconsin where he 
learned blacksmithiug. In 1874 he came to Min- 
nesota and in 1877 to his present home; since 1878 
he has been postmaster of Central post-office. Mar- 
ried in 1875, Miss P. Percy; one living child: 
Archie A. 

Thomas Eathwell was born December 21, 1840 
in England. Immigrated with his parents to 
Massachusetts and in 1856 removed to Wisconsin. 
Enli^ed in 1861, in the 3d Wisconsin cavalry and 
served till war ceased. He came to Minnesota in 
1876 and the next year to the farm where he now 
lives. Married December 14, 1873, Ella Vande- 
mark; one living child: Joseph Edward. 

MALTA. 

Town 123, range 45. The first settlement in the 
town was made by David K. J. Clark, in June, 
1876. The town was first named Clarksville, but 
afterward changed to Malta. The first town elec- 
tion was held at the house of J. Burlingame, Feb- 
ruary 14, 1880. Officers elected were: E. Stadou, 
chairman, H. Watkins and C. E. Beaty, supervis- 
ors; David K. J. Clark, clerk; L. C. Nickerson and 
D. H. Congdon, justices; G. A. Swandonand J. B. 
MoCanty, constables. The first school was taught 
by Miss Ida M. Gear, in spring of 1880. 

C. A. Miner was born July 13, 1850, in Dodge 
county, Wisconsin. His father went to California 
and he stayed with his mother in New York seven 
years, then the family removed to Dodge county, 
Minnesota, and in November, 1876, he came to 



his present home; was the first settler in the town 
and now has a farm of 320 acres. Married in 1875, 
Elizabeth Nunn; two children: Alfred C. and Jen- 
nie H. 

OTBET. 

Town 122, range 45. The first settlement in 
this town was made by Thomas and Wm. Otrey, 
on sections 20 aud 21, in June, 1869. The town 
was first named Trenton, but was changed to 
Otrey in honor to the Otrey's. The first town 
meeting was held February 14, 1880, at the house 
of W. B. Dow, on section 6. W. B. Dow was 
elected chairman, Andrew Nelson and R. H. Chap- 
man, supervisors; .Jolm T. Lockwood, clerk; A. B. 
Campbell, assessor; W. H. CampbBll, justice, and 
John S. Dow, constable. Adelaide post-office was 
established December 19, 1879, with Jonathan 
Sharrow as postmaster. The first death was An- 
drew Annundson, who was frozen to death in the 
blizzard of .January, 1873. The first school was 
taught by Miss Mira Vandermark in May, 1880. 
The first marriage was MLss Mary Thompson to 
Knud Hanson. First birth was Joshua, son of 
Wm. and Hannah Otrey. 

R. H. Chapman was born May 17, 1824, in 
Provincetown, Massachusetts. For thirty-four 
years he followed the sea, and was captain of a 
vessel tweuty years; he owned shares in several 
different vessels. Mr. Chapman was awarded a 
gold medal from the Massachusetts Humane So- 
ciety, for his efibrts in saving the passengers of a 
wrecked vessel. Since 1878 he has lived in Otrey. 
Married in 1857, Miss J. Commons; six children: 
Isalinda, Edward H., John M., E. H. Jr., Samuel 
aud Robert L. 

William Otrey was born December 12, 1845, in 
Cook county, Illinois. He enlisted in 1864 in the 
Cliicago board of trade light artillery and served 
nine months. In 1866 he came to Minnesota, and 
lived in Goodhue and Kandiyohi counties, then 
came to Otrey and in 1869 settled on section 20. 
June 10, 1870 he married Hannah Johnson; five 
children: Joshua B., Nellie M., William W., Jose- 
phine C. and Ida M. 

ARTICHOKE. 

Town 122 range 44. The first settler was Ole 
Bolsta on section 36, May, 1869. The first town 
election was held at the house of H. P. Weeding; 
officers elected were : John Dahlvang, chairman ; 
H. H.'Gaardand Christ. Johnson, supervisors; Ole 
Bolsta, clerk and justice; Nels Johnson, treasurer: 
H. P. Eeeding and Willis Allen, constables. The 



!)86 



BISTORT OF THE MINNESOTA VALLET. 



first marriage was H. Hanson to Miss Tina Ben- 
son, in 1873. 

John Keefe, native of Irelnnd, was boru in 1822 
and resided in that country till immigriitiug in 
1849 to Provincetown, Massachusetts. He follow- 
ed the sea twenty-four years; owned interests in 
several vessels and tor a time was captain. In 1879 
he came to Artichoke, where he owns 326 acres. 
Married in February, 1847, Mary Commons; four 
children: Charles, Alice, Jane and John. 

AKRON. 

Town 121, range 44. The first settlement was 
made by Harry and John Blum on section 12, 
1872. The following officers were appointed by 
the county commissioners July 25, 1881 : Joseph 
Keinmuth, chairman; .John Mitchell and E. Ferris, 
supervisors; H. L. Holmes, clerk; E. L. Kings- 
bury, treasui-er; W. A. Kyes and S. Woodard, 
justices; P. Maxwell and H. Vanderburg, consta- 
bles. Kingsbury did not qualify as treasurer and ' 
Herman Kollitz was appointed in his stead. The 
first school was taught by Mrs. Eugene Howe, in 
a school-house on section 28, during the spring of 
1881. The first birth was Mabel, daughter to 
Harry Wise and wife, January 30, 1878. Correll 
post-office was established February 13, 1880 and 
H. L. Holmes appointed postmaster. 

H. L. Holmes was born in 1835 in Mesopotamia, 
Ohio. He was farming in Illinois four years 
previous to removing in 1861 to Goodhue county, 
Minnesota. In 1862 he entered Company H, 
Eighth Minnesota and served three years, after 
which he did carpenter and farm work; in 1876 
he took a farm in Big Stone county and since 
1878 has resided here with his family. He kept 
the Correll post-office over a year. Married Eme- 
line Parker in 1855; five children. 

E. L. Kingsbury was born in 1831 in Madison 
county, New i'ork. He did carpenter work in that 
state till twenty-three years old, then went to 
Michigan, where in 1855 he married Elsie Curtis. 
He worked at his trade and farming in Goodhue 
county, Minnesota, where he located in 1856; took 
a claim in Akron in 1876 and in 1878 brought his 
family ; lie owns a farm of 300 acres. Of their 
three children two are living. 

John Mitchell, born in Norway in 1853, came 
when fourteen years old to America. He lived in 
Wisconsin two years and the same length of time 
in Illinois. In 1871 he came to Minnesota; 
worked in different parts of this stiite and Wiscon- 
sin till 1876, when he came to Big Stone county. 



and since 1878 has lived on his present farm. 
February 22, 1878, he married Miss T. Nelson. 

Adam A. Vie was born in 1833 in New Bruns- 
wick, where he learned the business of veterinary 
surgeon and horse shoeing at which he worked six 
years in Washington county, Minnesota, where he 
settled when nineteen yearsold. He continued work- 
ing at his trade eight years in Minneapolis; was 
in Illinois two years and then in Goodhue county 
till coming in 1876 to this town. His first wife, 
married in 1856 ilied in 1863; two living children: 
his present wife, Kate Price, married in 1878, has 
two children also. 

C. E. White, bom in 1845, in Dorchester, Mass- 
achusetts, removed when ten years old with his 
father to Mower county, Minnesota, which was his 
home till he came to this town. He came here in 
1876, and began making improvements on his 
land; has lived here since 1878. In 1862 he en- 
tered Company I, Fifth Minnesota and served two 
years. Married in 1878, Ella Hudson; they have 
two children. 



TRAVERSE COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XCV. 

TRAVEBSE COUNTY VILLAGE OF BROWNS VALLEY. 

About the beginning of the present century, 
Robert Dickson, a red-haired Scotchman, was, by 
the British government appointed " superintend- 
ent of the western tribes." Traverse county was 
included in his vast range of dominion. "Bed 
Head," as the Indians called him, had a post on 
Lake Traverse, where he lived tor several years. 
The remains of his post, which was occupied for 
years by his successors, are visible to-day on the 
lake valley belonging to Walter Steers, six miles 
from Browns Valley. The real founder of Browns 
Valley was Joseph R. Brown, one of the most dis- 
tinguished of Minnesota's pioneers. In 1835 he 
located at Lake Traverse as agent of the North- 
west Fur Company. He located on or near the 
farm now owned by A. M. Huff. Samuel J., his 
son, is engaged in business <at Browns Valley, 
three of his other children are residents at the 
agency. Traverse county is historic ground, but 
its earlier events are connected with the doings of 
the pioneers and explorers, and are therefore 



TRAVERSE COUNTY. 



987 



treated in another place. In the "sixties" the fur 
trade of this region was immense. 

From 1865 to 1869 Major Brown operated a 
line of stages out from the valley to Eedwood 
Falls and Forts Wadsworth and Bidgely. From 
1868 to 1879 Ool. E. Diinlap, resident at the_To- 
qua lakes, ran the Fort Wadsworth and Sauk 
Centre stage line via the valley. He subse- 
quently changed the route and discontinued it 
■when the railroad was completed in December, 
1880. 

In 1877 about 1200 cattle entered the valley. 
They were destined for the agency, to be substi- 
tuted for Indian ponies to prevent roving habits. 
The first live stock brought by cars was on Sep- 
tember 15, 1881. In 1858, Messrs. Snow & Hut- 
ton, duly authorized, erected an iron monument at 
the head of Traverse Lake; and one at that of Big 
Stone, to define the' boundary between Minnesota 
and Dakota. A straight line connecting there 
demarks the boundary. The one at Traverse is 
an object of oimosity. This is an initial point 
for a homestead strip of land and a datum for 
surveys. During the outbreak some Indians at- 
tempted to pull it up, but it was down too solid 
for that. They succeeded, however, in tipping it 
to one side. They also gave it a savage blow, 
knocking off a corner and cracking it down a few 
inches. 

The government surveys were made in 1870, 
and in 1871 and 1872 permanent settlement com- 
menced all along the lake. The first colony of 
white settlers located on Lake Traverse in what is 
now Windsor township, September, 1871. It con- 
sisted of Hugh Whitely, George Schiefiy and 
James D. Finley, with their wives and children. 
They all came from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 
Mr. Whitely built the first frame house in the 
county. At first they suffered many privations; 
at times they almost starved. The Indians were 
friendly to them without exception. The Bailey 
family, from Tennessee, settled in 1867, on Lake 
Traverse. From there they moved to Big Stone, 
and thence to the meadow land south of the val- 
ley. Lon, Thomas and Frank trapped it for 
years. 

To establish an election precinct and execute 
local duties, Governor 0. K. Davis, in 1874, ap- 
pointed S. J. Brown, county commissioner. The 
next year the governor added Hugh Whiteley and 
M. I. Matthews. In 1879, G. JM. McLane, James 
Maroney and H. H. Howe constituted the board of 



commissioners, and served .until the county was 
organized. Until the organization. Traverse 
county was under the jurisdiction of the officers 
of Stevens county. 

On the raUroad bond question in 1877 Traverse 
unanimously voted to pay the debt — the only 
county in the state so voting unanimously. 

The iii'st meeting to organize the county was 
held in the office of J. Alley, at Brown's Valley, 
December 17, 1880, Col. Hooper being chairman. 
Major Folsom, E. C. Goodenow and H. W. Barrett 
were appointed a committee to confer with the 
people in other parts of the county. Under t he 
management of H. L. Prescott, the boundary 
lines were drawn, and a bill introduced into the 
legislature by S. J. Comstock. The act, which 
was approved February 14, 1881, defined the fol- 
lowing boundaries: Beginning at the intersection 
of the line between townships 129 and 130, with 
■ the Bois des Sioux river, thence east to the north- 
east corner of township 129, range 45; thence 
south to the south-east corner of township 125, 
range 45; thence west to the boundary of the state; 
thence along the state line, through Lake Tra- 
verse to the point of beginning. The county seat 
was located at Brown's Valley until the following 
general election. At the first county election, 
held March 8, 1881, the oflicers elected were: H. 
W. Barrett, auditor; J. T. Schain, treasurer; H. L. 
Mills, register of deeds; W. H. Place, judge of 
probate ; Josephus Alley, attorney ; W. 8. Barnett, 
sheriff; S. W. Frasier, clerk of court; D. L. Eoach, 
superintendent of schools; A. Cowles, court com- 
missioner; C. C. Mills, coroner; George McLane, 
P. D. Phalen, and H. H. Howe, commissioners. 
The highest number of vot«s was 266. 

, The first term of the district court was held at 
Brown's Valley, at the store of BI. Davis, Septem- 
ber 27, 1881, John H. Brown being the judge. As 
there was no case on the calender, the court ad- 
journed. The first trial by jury was the case of 
Hufl"vs. Holman, before Walter Steers, justice, 
February 25, 1880. 

The first school district in Traverse county was 
organized in the fall of 1879, and embraced the 
western jiart of township 126, range 48. A school 
« house was built the following summer, and the 
first school in an organized district was taught by 
C. T. Havens. School districts 2 and 3 were or- 
ganized in 1880; there are now over twenty dis- 
tricts. 

At the election of November 8, 1881, the per- 



988 



HISTORY OF THE MINNEf^OTA VALLEY. 



manent location of the-county seat ■was voted upon. 
Maudatii received a majority of sixteen of nil the 
votes cast. It was clininod by the friemls of 
Brown's Valley that Maudata was not entitled to 
the county seat, and the claim was contested. The 
ground taken was that there was not and never 
had been, within the boundaries of Traverse coun- 
ty, any such place as Maudata. This ground was 
taken, owing to the fact that no plat had ever been 
recorded of any such place as Maudata. It was 
also claimed that fraudulent votes had been cast; 
that at one precinct where thirty votes had been 
cast in favor of Maudata, the number was 
eighteen ballots in excess of the total number of 
legal voters. 

BEOW.NS VALLEV. 

Browns Valley, now the title of the town, for- 
merly represented the valley, which is an excava- 
tion in the prairie, made by glacial drift, having a 
length of four and a breadth of two miles, which 
was the possession of the Brown family, of which 
Major Joseph R. Brown was the celebrated head. 
The bluffs surrounding this valley have a height 
of from a hundred to a hundred and fifty feet. 

The Brown family first owned about one thous- 
and acres of land in this valley. The town site, 
and its additions consists of the original "Todd 
site" of sixty acres, which mainly comprises the 
present village, and which was purchased by An- 
gus Brown, who erected thereon the first home- 
stead in the county and was surveyed and platted 
into lots in 1878, and four additions. 

The Prescott addition consists of four acres, con- 
tiguous to Prescott & Co.'s store, and was also 
purchased of Angus Brown. It was platted in 
1880. The Dale & Boise addition consisting of 
eight acres in the western jxirtion of the village, 
was purchased of S. J. IJrown, who had bought 
up the balance of his brothers' claim, was platted 
in 1878. The Plateau addition, located mainly on 
the plateau, was surveyed and platted in the sum- 
mer of 1881. The Bartlett addition, located east 
and north of the plateau, was also platted in 1881. 
A portion of the Plateau addition has been laid 
out as a city park. In its limits is a curious gran- 
ite rock, on which are a number of strange hiero- 
glyphics, which seem to have been chemically im- ■ 
pressed. It appears to have been known as the 
"Sacred rock," and in early days was spoken of as 
having been worshipped by the Indians. 

The first business firm in the valley was Brown, 
Searles & Downie, who were engaged in general 



mercliuiulisiiig and farming, as early as 1867. Sub- 
sequently Brown's partners sold out and tlie firm 
became J. R. Brown & Sons. In 1870 the firm 
was Brown & Allanson. Benjamin Thompson, the 
first Indian agent, in 1867, built the government 
warehouse, now occupied by J. W. Hines, and dis- 
tributed rations and ;mnuities from there. It^was 
then discovered that the house was not on the res- 
ervation. He therefore bought it of the govern- 
ment. Attached to it was a blacksmith shojj, and 
the whole was sold by him, to H. T. Lovett. It 
afterwards again jiassed into the possession of 
Thompson. In 1867 S. J. Brown was appointed 
postmaster, the first in the county ; he held the of- 
fice until 1878, when he was succeeded by Walter 
Steers. In 1879, H. L. Prescott, the present post- 
master, was appointed. Prior to 1870 it was called 
Lake Traverse. On the death of Major Brown, 
that year, the name was changed to Browns Val- 
ley. S. J. Brown was also the first notary public 
in the county, being appointed in 1869. In 1872 
Brown & Bros., consisting of Samiiel, Angus and 
.Toseph, established the first real estate office. J. 
W. Hines, in 1872, built and traded in a store on 
the table land at the head of Lake Traverse. In 
1874, he purchased Benjamin Thompson's store, 
and Conducted it until the spring of 1881, when 
he sold out to E. C. Goodenow. The first busi- 
ness firm on the present town site, however, was 
that of Prescott & Co. 

With the exception of the services held by Fath 
er Ravoux, which occurred as early as 1842, at 
Lake Travei'se, the first religious services were 
those held in 1877, when Father Oster, also, at the 
house of S. J. Brown, baptized the children of Mrs. 
Hines and Mrs. Parker. From then, until 1879, 
services were held by ministers of different denom- 
inations, at various times. In April, 1881, at the 
residence of E. S. Beck, Rev. O. Rogers organized 
a Baptist society, and the following summer the 
erection of a church edifice was' commenced. The 
Presbyterians, on September 18, 1881, organized 
a church society in the building belonging to M. 
Davis, not yet occupied. 

During the extra session of the legislature, in 
1881, Browns Valley was created an indei)endent 
school district. 

The Traverse County Bank was started in 1881, 
and opened in December of that year. 

The first business firm on the town site, Prescott 
& Co., was established in the spring of 1879. 
They do a general trade. In the tall of the same 



TliA VBIiSE GOi -A' TY. 



989 



year William Cameron commenced general mer- 
chandising. The first drug store was started by 
A. Cowles. Larkin & Bros, general store was 
started 1880, when there were only three other 
stores. Nelson & Schain, who have a large general 
store, also established in 1880. E. O. Goodenow, 
whrj bought ont J. W. Hines, settled in the sum- 
mer of 1880. The hardware interest is represented 
by J. Brown & Co., who also, deal in tin and 
wooden ware; and by Bowman &, Barrett, the lat- 
■ ter also keeeping a line of drugs. .J. F. Moore is 
n heavy dealer in flour and feed. Walter Steers 
representing Hardy & Co., of Winneconne, Wis., 
deals in groceries, and handles, on his own ac- 
count, flour and feed. The lumber interest is rep- 
resented by H. W. DezoteU, and John A. Burnett. 
The firm of Gordon, Holding & Co., are the ma- 
chine men. Place & Brown are engaged in real 
estate, insurance and kindred branches of business. 
W. H. Place is a lawyer; the Brown of the firm is 
S. J. W. P. Todd is also engaged in the real es- 
tate line. .Tosephus Alley, who was the first coun- 
ty attorney, practices law anil attends to collec- 
ting and insurance matters. The elevator was built 
by J. I. Brown, and is now owned and operated 
by him; it has a capacity of 35,000 bushels; he 
represents the Minneapolis Millers' Association. 
The Traverse House is the principal and first hotel 
in the village. It was opened in 1879 in a build- 
ing used by Presoott as a store; in 1881 it was 
rented to B. Holding, who has since kept it. He 
also has a well stocked livery stable. Werts Hotel, 
the second built, was erected in the fall of 1880, 
by A. Werts; he was succeeded in the spring of 
1881 by A. Rustad. 

The Browns Valley Reporter is the first news- 
paper established in Traverse county. S. W. Fra- 
sier is the editor and publisher; he started it in an 
historic edifice known as the "old log house" from 
whence the first issue of the Reporter came on 
May 2, 1880. It is a well conducted journal. 

Josephus Alley, born in 1848 in Virginia, came 
to Minnesota in 1865. He read law, was admitted 
in 1874 and practiced in Wright coviuty till com- 
ing in 1881 to Browns Valley ; he was the first coun- 
ty attorney of this county; now belongs to the 
Traverse County Bank company. 

J. F. Baer was bom in Cro.-is Plains, Wisconsifi, 
in 1854. When fourteen years old he went to 
Sherburne county, Minnesota, and two years later 
to St. Paul and Minneapolis; he was employed at 



painting; m lb78 he located at Browns Valley and 
in 1881 opened a paint shop. 

H.W.Barrett, native of Maine, was born in Piscat- 
aquis county, May 6, 1864, and soon after accom- 
panied his parents to Sheboygan county, Wiscon- 
sin. In June, 1880, he came to Browns Valley 
and in company with E. H. Bowman opened a 
hardware store. Mr. Barrett was the first auditor 
of this county. 

G. I. Becker, native of St. Paul, was bora in 
1857. He engaged in the stock business in 1879 
in Grant county, Dakota, and continued two yeai-s, 
then became interested in banking at Browns Val- 
ley with the Traverse Comity Bank. 

J. J. Brown was born in 1852 in Canada, and 
in 1874 came to the United States. Locating at 
Minneapolis he operated the Tower mill four years ; 
in 1880 he came to this town and built a ware- 
house; the next year he completed the Browns 
Valley elevator. 

William W. Cameron was born in 1837 in New 
Brunswick, and upon coming to the United States 
at the age of twenty, located in Rook county, Wis- 
consin. In 1872 he removed to Winona county, 
Minnesota, and in 1878 to Browns Valley, where 
he has since been in the mercantile business. 

Samuel W. Chadbourue, born in Maine in 1847, 
went to Boston when eighteen years old and em- 
barked in dry goods trade. In 1877 he was em- 
ployed in the Fort Sisseton government store and 
the next year opened a store at Browns Valley; 
since 1881 has been one of the Traverse County 
Bank Company. 

S. W. Frasier, bom in Valparaiso, Indiana, in 
1855, removed in 1870 to Litchfield, Minnesota, 
and in 1872 began to learn printing. He was on 
tiie Litchfield Ledger till 1880, when he bought a 
six column folio outfit, with army press, came with 
a mule team to this town, and May 2d, issued the 
first copy of the Browns Valley Reporter, setting 
type and doing editorial work himself; the paper 
has since been enlarged; in 1881 he was elected 
clerk of the district court. 

Harry L. Pre*"ott was bom in 1850 in Stillwa- 
ter, Saratoga county, New York. In 1877 he came 
here and the next year, in company with others, 
opened the first store in the place; he drew up the 
billestablishing the boundary of Traverse coimty, 
and was instrumental in having it organized; was 
the first delegate from this county to the republi- 
can state convention; in 1879 ho was apjjointed 
postmaster. Married in 1876, Kate Hooper. 



990 



UISrORY OF TUB MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



W. P. Todd was born in Vemon, Jennings cown- 
ty, Indiana, in 1847. He attended scliool at 
Cleveland and after leaving Fairfield college was 
in business at that place four years, and subse- 
quently at Willmar, Minnesota; be started the first 
bauli in the latter place and was its president; in 
1873 he removed to Litchtield and in 1878 bought 
the town site of Browns Valley ; in 1880 he was 
active in securing the organization of the county, 
and- the next year ojiened the Bank of Browns 
Valley. 

A. E. Tuckey was born in 1843, in Otsego, New 
York. In 1862 he entered Company K, 121st 
New York, and served till 1865; soon after came 
to Minnesota; lived in Scott, Hennepin and Stearns 
counties till coming in 1878 to Traverse county, 
where he has since lived on his claim; in 1881 he 
took charge of Becker & Co.'s elevator. 

K. A. Tuckey was bom in 1846 in Otsego coun- 
ty, New York. Prom 1857 to 1866 he was in Soott 
county, Minnesota, and afterward employed at 
Sisseton agency; subsequently located at Lake 
Crystal; was contracting for five years, in general 
trade two years, and three years in the wheat 
business; in 1877 he took a claim in Traverse 
county; he was principal of schools at Sisseton 
agency two years and afterward chief clerk at the 
fort. Since 1881 has been in lumber trade here. 



GRANT COUNTY, DAKOTA. 



CHAPTER XCVI. 

GBANT COUNT! — BIG STONE CITY MILBANK. 

Grant county is situated on the eastern edge of 
the territory of Dakota, about thirty miles north 
of the forty-fifth parallel of latitude. The county 
is bounded on the north by Big Stone lake, Min- 
nesota river, and the Sisseton and Wahpeton 
Sioux Indian reservation; on the east by Big 
Stone lake and the stjite of Minnesota; on the 
south by D^uel and Codington counties; on the 
west by Codington county and the Sisseton and 
Wahpeton reservation. There are within these 
limits thirteen full-sized townships and eighteen 
fractional townships, the latter being caused by 
the irregular boundaries and surveys. There are 
twenty-one townships named. The total area of 
the county is about 800 pquare miles. 

The first white settlers in the county were Solo- 



mon Roberts and Moses Mireau, both of whom 
are now living on their farms adjoining the little 
town of Hartford on the shore of Big Stone lake. 
They came during the year 1865, and engaged in 
the business of trading with the Indians, their 
trading post being situated in town 122, range 48. 
They continued their trading operations until 
1873; after which period they engaged in farm- 
ing. The next settlement was made by Dr. J. 
W. Movius, who located in Sejiteniber, 1870. 
With him was his wife and family of six children. 
Mr. Movius took a claim, for the purpose of start- 
ing a dairy farm, about two miles below Big 
Stone lake on the Minnesota river. He subse- 
quently built a flouring mill, which now stands, on 
the Whetstone river, which was finished by Christ- 
mas, 1874. The mill was bought in the fall of 
1881 by John Kaercher of Christian Oehler, the 
latter having purchased it of Dr. Movius in Au- 
gust, 1878. 

The next season following the settlement of 
Movius, Oliver Martell and Louis Shoreau (com- 
monly called Sharron), settled near the foot of the 
lake and filed upon their pre-emptions. In 1874, 
John Blake and Ludwig Rieschka located, and 
from thence forward settlers commenced to come 
ui slowly, taking their claims where their choice 
selected. J. K. Hart came in 1877, and took a 
claim on the southeast quarter of section 4, town 
122, range 48. This afterwards, in 1880, was laid 
out by him as the town of Hartford. In 1881, the 
name was changed to Geneva. In the western 
part of the county, near the ooteaux, James G. 
Lamoreaux and David Faribault settled, in 1877. 

It wasnot until the Hastings & Dakota railroad 
opened up the country that the great rush com- 
menced, which was in the fall of 1879. Since 
that date settlement has been continuous. Shor- 
eau's claim was the east half of the northeast quar- 
ter of section 17, the southwest quarter of the 
northeast quarter, and the northwest quarter of 
the southeast quarter of section 17, town 121, 
range 46. This claim was afterwards bought by 
John Blake, who sold it in 1877, to M. J. Whip- 
ple. The latter laid it out as a town site two 
years later. This is part of the present village of 
Big Stone city. 

Grant county was formerly part of the territory 
contained within the limits of Deuel county. In 
1873, in accordance with a petition to the gov- 
ernor for a board of county commissioners, Oliver 
Martell, Louis Shoreau, and Moses Mireau, were 



GRANT COUNTY, DAKOTA. 



991 



appointed. About all the business ever transacted 
by this board was the appointment of a clerk to 
the board. They held no meetings, and called no 
election for their successors, as required by law. 
The next officer in the county was Albert W. 
Movius, who was appointed clerk of the court for 
Grant county, by Judge P. C. Shannon, of the 
second jaidicial district. This was on February 
28, 1878. Soon after this, in .June, a new petition 
to the governor was obtained, in response to 
which the governor appointed Solomon Koberts, 
Levi A. Card, and James G. Lamoreaux commis- 
sioners to organize the county. This board, 
the first real one, held their initial meeting at Ink- 
pa City, June 17, 1878, at which session the coun- 
ty seat was temporarily located at that place. At 
the same meeting the following officers were 
appointed: David Faribault, register of deeds; 
Melvin J. Whipple, sheriff and assessor; J. K. 
Hart, surveyor; Moses Mireau, probate judge; 
Oliver Martell, treasurer; Phillip DeGreef, attor- 
ney; Daniel Ranville, Helger Halvorsen, Frank 
DeGreef and J. K. Hart, justices of the peace; 
John Ashley, coroner; Louis Faribault, Lorenzo 
Lawrence and Napoleon Ooty, constables. 
Of these appointed, only about one-third of the 
number qualified for the offices. August 15, 1878, 
the board divided the county into three commis- 
sioner districts. 

At the same meeting Albert W. Movius was ap- 
pointed to the office of probate judge, on account 
of the failure of Moses Mireau to qualify. 

At the regular session held October 7, 1878, the 
board appointed the following judges of election: 
W. Davis, George Burns and Moses Mireau, for 
precinct number one; L. A Card, Oliver Martell 
and M. J. Whipple, for precinct number two; F. 
L. Cameron, H. H. Harris and John M. Blue 
Cloud, for precinct number three. The elections 
wure then ordered to be held at the following 
places: precinct number one, at the house of 
Solomon Eoberts; precinct number two to be held 
at Inkpacity; precinct number three, at the house 
of H. H. Harris. 

The officers for 1879 were David Faribault, reg- 
ister of deeds; Oliver Martell, treasurer; Albert 
W. Movius, clerk of district court and surveyor; 
Frank DeGreef, assessor; Lorenzo Lawrence, con- 
stable; J. K. Hart, justice of the peace; Meloni J. 
Whipple, sheriff; James G. Lamoreaux, justice of 
the peace; Louis E. Faribault, constable; L. A. 
Card, justice of the peace; L. J. Ludloff, James 



G. Lamoreaiix and Levi A. Card, commissioners. 

At the meeting held January 10, 1879, the first 
three school districts were created. May 6, 1879, 
the county was formed into ten road districts. At 
the regular meeting of the board held May 3, 
1880, the county was divided mto-ten election pre- 
cincts and judges of election appointed for each. 
On July 25, 1881, the county was organized into 
townships. 

At a special session of the board held October 
29th, 1881, a petition was presented by John W. 
Bell, signed by 985 qualified voters of the county 
of Grant, the same being more than two-thirds of 
the qualified voters of said county, praying that 
the electors thereof be notified in the notice for the 
election to be held on the eighth day of Novem- 
ber, 1881, to designate upon their ballots at said 
election the place of their choice for county seat of 
said county. On motion, it was ordered "that said 
petition be, and the same is, hereby granted, and 
the county clerk is hereby directed to embody 
such notification in said notices." 

The strife for the county seat was between Big 
Stone City and Milbank. The election was close 
and until the official canvass was made both 
places claimed the honor. Milbank, however, fi- 
nally proved the victor. 

The first marriage solemnized in the county was 
that of Herman Seydler in July, 1874, before Wil- 
liam R. Movius, clerk of the court. The next, and 
the first of residents of the county, was between 
Ernest F. Movius and Mary Rosenkranz, in the 
fall of the same year. 

The first birth of a white child was that of Leon, 
son of Solomon Roberts, in the summer of 1872. 
The first deaths were those of Duncan O. Murray, 
Thomas Quinn and a man named Fiudlater, who 
perished in the severe storms of the winter of 1872. 

BIG STONE TOWNSHIP. 

Big stone township. was organized in the winter 
of 1881-'2. The first officers elected were: John 
W. Moln, Charles S. Brown and Philip De Greef, 
supervisors: Frank A. Eldridge, clerk; William 
Movius, treasurer; R. F. Gibson, assessor; Charles 
Billiard and John A. Monroe, justices of the peace; 
J. R. Taylor and John Segraves, constables. 

BIG STONE CITY. 

The present location of the village of Big Stone 
City was, long before any white settlers had made 
their appearance, the site of an Indian town called 
Inkpa, and the excavations made by these dusky 
inhabitants are yet visible along the hill from the 



992 



UISTORy OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



old residence of M. J. Whipple to the west of the 
St. Charles Hotel. At the time of the coming of. 
the first settlers into the county the celebrated 
chieftain, Ink-pa-dn-ta, presided over the covincils 
o[ his people, and the locality around the foot of 
the lake was a favorite rendezvous for the various 
Indian tribes of the surrounding country. When 
the location now occupied by the village was first 
seen by the white settlers, it was readily predicted 
that, from it sujiorior natural advantages, it would 
be the site of a future thriving and prosperous 
town. 

It was not until after the advent of the railroad, 
late in the fall of 1879, that the town could be 
said to liave commenced its existence, as prior to 
that all lumber and building material had to be 
drawn by teams tor a distance of over fifty miles. 

The prosperty of tlie town has since that period 
been steady and continuous. It has never received 
any of the spasmodic "booms" which is the ex- 
perience of so many western towns to receive for a 
short time and then elapse into nothingness. Its 
growth has been stal)le and steady, backed by the 
growth and development of the county and the 
enterprise of its citizens, until it now contains 
a population of many hundred, and numbers of 
substantial business houses, representing much 
capital. 

Big Stone city consists of three distinct town 
sites, Inkpa City, Geneva and Big Stone City. 

Theiirst in the order of existence was Inkpa 
City. The claim on which it is situated was filed 
in the summer of 1874, b}' John Blake, who sold 
it in 1875, to Wilhelmine Brahz. Soon after the 
latter died, and her heirs, in 1878, sold it to Simon 
Oehler. The latter jiroved up the claim in the 
winter of 1878-'9, and sold it immediately after- 
wards to G. T. Oeliler. The latter then laid it out 
as a town site, in 1879, and called it Inkpa City, 
thus cimtinuiug its old Indian name. Soon after, 
Geneva was laid out, coraering on to Inkpa City, 
on the northeast. This was laid out by D. W. 
Diggs, who had purchased the property from D. 
M. Tenney. The latter had made claim to it as 
early as 1873. Next comes Big Stone City, 
which was laid out, joining Inkpa on the east and 
Geneva on the south, by M. J. Whipple, in 1879. 
This was on the site of the claim first made by 
Shoreau; he disposed of it to John Blake, who in 
turn sold it to M. J. Whipple in 1877. 

When Whipjile laid out his town site an agree- 
ment was entered into with the owners of Inkpa 



City and Geneva by which the name of the whole 
should become Big Stone City ; and the interests 
of the three were consolidated by the sub-division 
and e.xcbange of lots. 

Subsequently to this Charles Betcher, of Red 
Wing, purchased a one-half interest in the whole. 
The latter, immediately on acquiring his interest, 
commenced the improvement of the property by 
the erection of buildingsj. The first which he 
erected was a frame hotel, 24xC0 feet in dimen- 
sions, which was called the Holbrook House when 
finished, it being first kept by D. W. Holbrook. 
Soon after this was finished Mr. Betcher com- 
menced the erection of a fine brick hotel of large 
dimensions. The first building of any kind ex- 
cept claim shanties after the village was laid out 
was the frame structure, 14x20 feet in size, used 
by the Movius brothers as the office of the clerk 
of the court and :is post-i>ffice. This was erected 
in the spring of 1879 on the portion then called 
Inkpa City. Previous to this, however, William 
B. Movius kept a store on pai't of the land after- 
wards laid out as Big" Stone City, but then out- 
side the limits of the town. This store was 
erected in 1874, and used as store and residence. 
Inkpa City was designated as a post-office in 1875, 
and a commission issued to William R. Movius 
as postmaster. He is the present postmaster of 
Big Stone City, having continued in office since 
the first appointment. The second building was 
the blacksmith sho|) put up and afterwards con- 
ducted by the Kua))p brothers, in 1879. Soon 
after this Charles M. Ivnapp opened a small hotel. 
The next enterprise was a saloon, started about 
the same time by Andrew Gorvil. In the suc- 
ceeding winter Haight Bros, opened a grocery 
store. 

Up to the spring of 1880 the only objects that 
proclaimed the place a town were one general 
store kept by John Heiues & Co., the blacksmith 
shop, two hotels, the land office of Movius & Bros., 
three dwelling houses, the claim cal)in of M. J. 
Whipple, and the empty store-house, formerly 
occupied by Haiglit Bros., who had left the place. 

Great impiovements wore made in the spring of 
1880; the first building ready for occupancy being 
the store of E. O. Williams. The first Iwick struc- 
ture was the hotel, the next, the store of Caward & 
Stevenson, both of which were erected by Charles 
Betcher. 

The first religions services were held in the office 
of the clerk of the court, bv Rev. George Britzius, 



GRANT COUNTY, DAKOTA. 



993 



on April 20, 1879, being on the same day tbat 
Ortonville was destroyed by fire. Mr. Britzius, 
who was a minister of the German Evangelical de- 
nomination, held services every few weeks, there 
being already an organization in the neighbor- 
hood, of members of that faith, which dated to 
1876. In the spring of 1880, Rev. C. W. Sydow 
succeeded Mr. Britzius as pastor, under whose 
auspices the present handsome church was built, 
at a cost of about two thousand dollars. It was 
dedicated November 27, 1881. The Methodists 
organized a class in the fall of 1881, with the Rev. 
Keith as pastor, and have since held meetings at 
the school-house and St. Charles Hall. The Bap- 
tists organized a society in the winter of 1881-2, 
with Rev. H. Story as minister. The same winter 
Rev. Charles Toner came and organized a Catho- 
lic society. AH three of the latter denominations 
made preparations for the erecting of churches in 
the spring of 1882. The first school was taught 
by Mrs. Louisa F. Schwantes, in the second 
story of her dwelling house, in the fall of 1879. 
The present school house was put up in the fall of 
1880, at a cost of $2,500. The average attend- 
ance of scholars is eighty. 

The town is the county seat of Grant county, 
and the enterprise of its merchants and the heavy 
and varied stocks they carry in their difl'erent lines 
make it a growing commercial centre. The growth 
of the town in the past year has been of a good 
character, and the buildings erected have gener- 
erally been large, permanent, and expensive and 
such as would indicate that those who have erect- 
ed them have done so with the intention of re- 
maining in the place. 

Caward & Stevenson occupy a handsome brick 
buOding, which is well stocked with everything in 
the Hue of dry goods, groceries, provisions, boots 
and shoes and clothing. Frank A. Eldredge is 
the successor of the firm of John Heines & Co., 
the first business house in the village; he carries a 
good stock of general merchandise. 0. L. Holmes 
& Bro. are engaged in conducting a general mer- 
chandise biisintss, as are also the firm of Oehler & 
Husser. John A. Munroe & Co., have a very com- 
modious building used as a drug store, which is 
very finely arranged; this is the oldest drug store 
in the county. F. W. Thorcdike & Co. handle 
large quantities of flour and feed. P. J. Monroe 
has a well stocked line of furniture. O. W. Bal- 
lou, a well arranged dry goods store, and Neill & 
Ressiquie a handsome drug store, Movius Bros. 

63 



are engaged as land locators, and keep in the post- 
ofiice building a stationery store; in addition they 
handle a complete line of farm machinery. Mc- 
Givern & Buchholz are also engaged in the ma- 
chine business. The hardware business is repre- 
sented by Furber & Requa, and Charles Betcher; 
the latter has also a large lumber yard. The lum- 
ber trade is also represented by the Stillwater lum- 
ber yard and the Wisconsin lumber yard. There 
are other interests too numerous to mention ; a res- 
taurant and bakery, meat market, harness store, 
boot and shoe shop, and wagon makers and black- 
smiths. The legal and medical professions are 
both well represented. 

There are two hotels. The St. Charles Hotel is 
a fine brick structure, 30x43 feet, three stories, and 
4.5x47 feet, two stories above the basement. It 
was built by Charles Betcher and opened by D. 
W. Holbrook, and called the Betcher House. J. 
H. Evans obtained possession of it January 1, 
1882, and is conducting it as a really first-class 
hotel. The other hotel is the Spicer House, which 
was also built by Betcher, and first kept by D. W. 
Holbrook, who left it to take charge of the brick 
hotel, when he was succeeded by George Spicer 
in the spring of 1880. 

The Grant County Herald was started in Au- 
gust, 1879, by Downie & Jackson, which firm was 
succeeded, October, 1880, by Downie & Jones. 
The paper is issued every Friday, and is in all re- 
spects one of the very best of the country jiapers, 
being well edited and neat in appearance. 

J. M. Baker was born in Walworth county, Wis- 
consin, and educated in Oshkosh. In August, 
1880, he came to Big Stone City, Dakota, and em- 
barked in lumber business with his brother. 

B. F. Baker, born in 1858 in Walworth county, 
Wisconsin, grew to manhood in Oshkosh, and 
graduated from the high school there. Since Au- 
gust, 1880, he has been in the lumber trade with 
his brother at this place. 

A. P. Bailly, whose father was a member of the 
American Fur Company, and settled at Mendota 
in 1826, was born in 1828 ^t Mendota, Minnesota, 
and educated at Knox College, Illinois. After 
living in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, he was 
in Wabasha from 1849 to 1855, then at Hastings 
till 1860. Enlisted in 1861 in the Fifth Minne- 
sota and served two and one-half years. Since 
1879 his home has been in Grant county, Dakota, 
where he is register of deeds. 

H. B. Burnell was born in 1858 in Wayne conn- 



994 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



ty, New York. He lived at Red Wing, Minnesota, 
from fifteen years of age till 1879, when he came 
to Big Stone City; he was employed as book- 
keeper for a time, then served as deputy register 
of deeds and afterward clerked for A. L. Abbott, 
judge of probate; is now in the hardware trade 
with fir. Furher. In October, 1881, he married 
Milly Dunnell. 

A. H. Caward was born in 1854 on Lake Cham- 
plain, New York, and accompnuied his parents to 
Wisconsin. His father died when he was a child 
and at twelve years of age he began clerking; 
since fifteen years old has been in business for 
himself; in 1880 he removed from Iowa to Big 
Stone City, where he is doing a large business in 
company with Mr. Stevenson. In 1878 he mar- 
ried Elizabeth Hanson, who died in 1881. 

W. W. Downie was bom in 1855 in Hamilton, 
Ontario. The family moved to Michigan where he 
attained an academical education and learned j>rint- 
ing; from 1878 to the autumn of 1879 he worked 
at his trade in St. Paul, then came to Grant coun- 
ty, Dakota, and in company with Mr. Jackson es- 
tablished the Grant County Herald. 

Samuel Dunnell was born in 1819 in Baxter, 
Maine, and learned carriage making. During the 
civil war he served one year in the 27th Maine in- 
fantry, Company C. In 1865 he migrated to Min- 
nesota; worked at his trade and farming in differ- 
ent places; since 1880 has been in the carriage 
business at Big Stone City. Married in 1843, 
Hannah Nason. 

Frank A. Eldredge, born in Buffalo, New York, 
in 1856, received a liberal education, studied law, 
and in 1877 was admitted to the bar. He prac- 
ticed for one year and then because of failing health 
removed to Minnesota: was at St. Faul two years, 
and in 1880 came U> Big Stone City, where he is 
in mercantile trade. 

F. J. Hatz was born in 1855, in Sauk county, 
AVisconsin, where ho grew to manhood and at- 
tained a good education. In 1878 he went to 
Nebraska; after engaging in the grocery trade 
there two years he visited his native state, then re- 
turned, but in tlie autumn of 1881 came to Big 
Stone City, and here continues the grocery busi- 
ness. 

C. L. Holmes was born in Cattaraugus eouuty. 
New York, in 1848. From 1869 to 1872, his home 
was in Sparta, Wisconsin, and his business that of 
a nurseryman; after coming to St. Cloud, Minne- 
sota, and carrying on the same business four 



years, be returned to Sparta, and was in mercan- 
tile trade there till 1881, since' that date at Big 
Stone city. In 1872 he married Jennie Butler. 

O. T. Jones, born in Clyde, Ohio, in 1851, came 
to Minnesota in 1872, and located at Hastings. 
He learned the printer's trade and was one of the 
founders of the Hastings New Era; in Wisconsin 
he pul)lished the Prescott Clarion one year; from 
1877 to 1881, he lived in Cannon Falls, where he 
published The Beacon; then came to this city, and 
has since been connected with the Grant County 
Herald; for a few months he was proprietor of the 
Milbank Journal. In 1880 he married Mary Wal- 
aver. 

S. C. Jones, born in 1855 in Clyde. Ohio, re- 
moved at the age of sixteen to Cottage Grove, 
Minnesota. Graduated from the law department 
of the Ann Arbor Dniver.sity in 1878, was admit- 
ted the same year and since 1879 has practiced at 
Big Stone City; he is in the real estate business 
and since 1880 has been county siiperintendent; 
also connected with the Grant County Herald. 
Married in 1881, Emma Edelmon. 

H. J. McGiverin was born in 1845, in Ireland, 
and in 1863 immigrated to Erie, Pennsylvania, 
where he was in the grocery trade four years. In 
1868 he came to Minnesota; engaged in mercan- 
tile trade two years at Red Wing, after which he 
clerked nine years for one firm, and two for an- 
other, then came here and took charge of Mr. 
Betcher's hardware trade; he is also interested in 
farm machinery business. In 1874 he married 
Julia Robson. 

A. W. Movius, born in 1843, in Giermany immi- 
grated in 18G5 to Wisconsin, where he was em- 
ployed in milling. He removed to Pope county, 
Minnesota, and was employed in surveying which 
business he has followed the greater part of the 
time since coming, in 1874, to Big Stone City; 
has served for a time as clerk of the court and 
judge of probate, is also in the fann machinery 
trade. Married in 1870, Sophia Stresser. 

William R. Movius, born in Germany, in 1850, 
came in 1867 to America. After living three 
years in Pope county, Minnesota, he came in 1870 
to Dakota, and settled near the present site of Big 
Stone City; since 1874 he has been in mercantile, 
farm machinery, and real estate business; has also 
been postmaster since 1875. In 1876 he married 
Marcella Murray. 

F. J. Monroe lived until fifteen years of age in 
De Pere, Wisconsin, where he was born in 1852. 



ORANT COUNTY, DAKOTA. 



995 



After passing four years on the lakes he lived in 
different places till coming in 1879 to Big Stone 
City, where he is interested in land locating, real 
estate and loan business, also has a large furniture 
store. 

John A. Munro, born in Nova Scotia in 1854, 
clerked in a drug store from the age of sixteen till 
coming in 1878 to the states. His home was in 
Montevideo one year previous to coming to Big 
Stone City, where he is engaged in the drug busi- 
ness. Mr. Munro was the first village recorder and 
has been justice ever since residing here. 

Dr. L. S. Osborne, was born in 1855, at Janes- 
ville, Wisconsin, went with his parents to New 
York, and was educated at the Brockport normal 
school. In 1876 he entered the medical depart- 
ment of the Michigan University ; after graduat- 
ing in 1878, he began j^ractice in Plainfield, Iowa 
but in 1880 removed to Big Stone City ; he was 
the first physician to settle in Grant county, of 
which he is now coroner. 

J. Parcher was born in 1841 in Waterbury, Ver- 
mont. Removed to Canada, thence to Michigan 
and in 1859 settled in Steele county, Minnesota; 
he worked at farming there fourteen years then 
kept hotel at Owatonna till 1880; since that date 
has been in the saloon business at Big Stone City. 
In 1869 he married Sarah Grandprey. 

Henry Schafer, born in 1838 in Germany, immi- 
grated in 1860 to New York. In 1861 he entered 
the army and served eight months. Removed in 
1868 to Red Wing Minnesota where he was in the 
butcher's business two years then resided at Owa- 
tonna till coming in 1880 to Big Stone City where 
he has a fine meat market. Married in 1861, 
Elizabeth Schafer. 

J. J. Stevenson was born September 10, 1857 in 
Port Henry, New York. In 1878 he removed to 
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in 1879 to Cresco, Iowa and 
1880 to Big Stone City; he is a partner of Mr. 
Caward in mercantile trade. 

C. C. Thompson, native of Indiana, was bom 
in 1854 in Indiana. Accompanied his par- 
ents to Iowa when eleven years old and was edu- 
cated in Independence; he followed farming till 
coming to Big Stone city where he is engaged in 
the livery business. In 1878 he married Elizabeth 
Hacket. 

F. W. Thorndike, born in 1857 in Dayton, Hen- 
nepin county, Minnesota, was educated at Anoka. 
Since becoming a resident of Big Stone city in 
1880 he has dealt in grain, flour and teed. Clara 



Brookway was married in 1880 to Mr. Thorndike. 

MILBANK. 

The first settlers in the town of Milbank did not 
arrive until the fall of 1877 and the spring of 1878. 
These pioneers and the location of their claims 
were as follows: Hiram Baxter, on section one, 
town 120, range 49; George W. Bartlett, on the 
north-east quarter of section 7, town 120, range 
48 ; Charles Sohato, on the soutli half of section 7, 
town 120, range 48; Conrad Horan, on the south- 
west quarter of section 5, town 120, range 48; Ben- 
JHmin Bartlett, on the south-east quarter of sec- 
tion one, town 120, range 49; Miss Henrietta Bax- 
ter, on the north-west quarter of section 7, town 
120, range 48; William Baxter, on the south- 
west quarter of section 6, town 120, range 48. 

The village of Milbank was located on the 
north-west quarter (jf section seven, and the south 
half of the south-west quarter of section six, in 
township 120, range 48; the main portion of the 
village being on the first mentioned quarter sec- 
tion. It was selected as a town site in June, 1880, 
while it was yet a wheat field. It was laid out aa 
a town as soon as the crop was harvested, by C. 
H. Prior, for the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul 
Railway Company, the land being purchased for 
the purpose of Miss Henrietta and William Bax- 
ter. An addition of twenty acres were laid out in 
the spring of 1881, by George W. Bartlett, and 
later another addition of twenty acres was platted 
by John R. Eastman. 

The growth of the town from the first was ex- 
tremely rapid, so much so, in fact, that, by the 
spring of 1881, the town could boast a population 
of over three hundred souls. The capital invested 
in buildings during the year 1881, amounted to 
over seventy-five thousand dollars. It is esti- 
mated that the sale of merchandise for the same 
period was nearly a million dollars. The first 
building erected was the small lumber oflfioe of 
George B. Reed, built July 1, 1880. E. P. Ska- 
hen had built a small store just outside of the town 
site and commenced selling goods July 9; the 
"dwarf drug store" was started by Wood & Mc- 
Cann at the same time. Prey & Cross moved a 
building from Big Stone and began selling goods 
July 15, and remained in business nine months. 
William W. Wilson brought lumber from Orton- 
ville and opened a drug store in the latter part of 
July. These were soon followed by the general 
store of James C. Drake, the grocery of James 
Shaw, a saloon by Mary Ann Shaw, a hotel by 



996 



HI STORY OF THE MINNESOTA VAI.LET. 



Mrs. M. G. Niles and a meat market by B. Soha- 
fer. All of these were started almost assoou as 
the town was laid out. Within a month after the 
location of the town there were nearly fifty build- 
ings of various kinds erected. So great was the 
progress made that ou October 3, 1881, a petition 
was presented to the board of county commis- 
sioners by O. S. Pine, which was signed by num- 
erous citizens of Milbank praying that they have 
the privilege of voting on the question of incor- 
porating the village of Milbank, having complied 
with the law in regard to taking the census, sur- 
veying and platting the town. The petition was 
granted and the day for balloting set for Tues- 
day, October 18, 1881. The election was ordered 
to be held in Schater's building. The board or- 
dered that "Biich territory shall, with the assent of 
the qualified voters thereof, be an incorporated 
town by the name specified in the application." 
In accordauce with this a special election was held 
and on October 29, 1881, John W. Bell, attorney, 
pre-sentod to the board of county commissioners, 
the statement of the inspectors of the election held 
in the to'mi of Milbank on the 18th day of Oc- 
tober, 1881, upon the question of the incorporation 
of said town, duly verified by affidavit of said in- 
spectors, showing the whole number of ballots 
cast at said election to be 123; that 118 thereof 
had the word "yes" thereon, and 5 thereof the 
word "no" thereon. Being satisfied of the legality 
of the election and that a majority of the ballots 
cast thereat had on them the word "yes," the board 
ordered and declared that "said town has been and 
is, incorporated by the name of Milbank." 

Previous to the location of the present town 
site the post-office, called Grant Centre, was lo- 
cated at the residence of the present postmaster, 
George W. Bartlett, on his farm half a mile east of 
the present office; the name was changed to Gran- 
vUle; and when Milbank started up the office was 
removed and the name changed. 

The first newspaper to be started was the Grant 
County Review. On the 22d of July, 1880, the 
present proprietor of the Review, A. H. Lewis, an- 
no\inced that he would shortly commence the pub- 
lication of a nswspaper at Grant Center Junction, 
for the town as then had been neither surveyed 
nor named. He kept his promise and has regu- 
larly since issued a journal that has done much 
towards building up the town. 

On April 27, 1881, a second newspaper was 
started, by O. T. Jones, called the Milbank Jour- 



nal, which was continued by him until September 
1881, when he sold out to E. W. Moore, the pres- 
ent proprietor. 

The Grand Central Hotel was started first in the 
fall of 1880, when it was called the Buchanan 
House. It was, at that time, what now consti- 
tutes the rear and kitchen of the present house, 
which was built in June, 1881, by John King. 
The firm became Harris & King in August, 1881. 
Pleasant Hill Cemetery was surveyed and laid out 
by George C. Kline, on George W. Braekett's 
farm, half a mile from the village, in May, 1881. 
The first interment was that of the remains of 
James Gear, which were buried soon after the 
cemetery was prepared. 

The first birth was that of a son of W. W. Wil- 
son, who was named Milbank, and who was do- 
nated a village lot by the railroad comi^any. The 
first school taught was by Mary J. Smedlej', in the 
rear of the post-office building. 

The Methodists, Baptists and Congregationalists 
each have church organizations, but as yet no 
church edifices have been erected. 

Milbank Lodge No. 20, A. F and A. M., was or- 
ganized in the summer of 1881, with James Shaw, 
W. M., and J. 0. Knapp, Secretary. Regular 
communications are held at Parker's Hall, on the 
second and fourth Saturday evenings of each 
month. Besides the Grand Central Hotel, already 
referred to, there are several other hotels, the Mil- 
bank House, Key City House, Dixon House, St. 
John's Hotel, Union House, and three or four 
others. 

The first officials elected were as follows: E. D. 
Ely, President; G. W. Bartlett, E. D. Ely and 
N. J. Schafer, trustees; J. A. Scott, clerk; E. A. 
Buchanan, treasurer; James Shaw, assessor; James 
Lockhart, marshal; J. H. Owen, attorney. 

Business interests. During the year 1881, the re- 
ceipts for freight at the office of Chicago, Mil- 
waukee & St. Paul Railway in Milbank were $.50,- 
398.68; local ticket sales were $7,336.50. The 
wheat shipped was 101,447 bushels. This does 
not include all the wheat received at the elevators, 
as thf^e is yet a large amount in store in the two 
elevators there. 

There are eleven general stores, all of which are 
well stocked; they are kept by the following firms 
and individuals: J. C. Drake, James Shaw, Ska- 
hen & Baird, Seely & Buck, C. J. Smedley & Co., 
A. B. Olsen, Owens Bros., Druecker Bros., Erland- 
son & Johnson, James Imrie & Sons, and Stout A' 



GRANT COUNTY, DAKOTA. 



997 



Co. There are four firms engaged in the hard- 
ware trade. Wood Bros., Buchanan & Far- 
ley, Landberg & Nash and Williams & Garver. 
W. W. Wilson, J. C. Drake, F. W. A. Poppe and 
O. S. Pine are each engaged in the drug business, 
and have all well arranged stores. Others engaged 
in business are as follows: H. E. Fletcher and Jno. 
Waif, jewelers; J. 0. Drake, G. B. Beed, Scott 
Daniels & Co., and John Oelhafen, lumber deal- 
ers; Wood Bros., B. Dassel, .Tames Leckhart, A. 
E. Dearborn, A. B. Olsen, A. A. Story, and Land- 
burg & Nash, farm machinery ; W. T. Armstrong 
and V. Fisher, furniture dealers; Antelraan & 
Homer and Frank Hughes, harness makers; James 
Leckhart, Call & Leonard, and Dilly & Gibson, 
blacksmiths; H. Finley, S. R. Kentner, James 
Brannon and W. Diets, livery ; B. Schafer and Dan- 
iel McFall, meat markets; John Sauerressig, wag- 
on maker; Blesser & Evans, Sargent & Diggs, A. 
L. Abbott & Son, D. B. Frey, W. B. Bichards and 
J. R. Eastman, real estate dealers and money loan- 
ers. Besides the above lines enumerated, the minor 
lines of business are well represented. There 
are six practicing attorneys and five physicians. 
There is a grist-mill, operated by W. Deits. 
The Bank of Milbauk was started by Dassel & 
Brooks in the spring of 1881 and soon passed into 
the hands of Sargent and Diggs. 

Judge A. L. Abbott was born in Steuben county, 
New York, April 19, 1833, and moved with parents 
to Michigan, when two yeara old. Enlisted in 
1861, in Company A, 12th Michigan infantry, and 
was promoted from sergeant to first lieutenant; 
served till July, 1864. He was in mercantile 
trade and farming in Michigan and Iowa till 1871, 
then moved to Olmsted county, Minnesota; clerked 
for a time, then engaged in the hotel business at 
Eyota;iD 1878 moved to Martin county, and in 
1879 to Grant county, Dakota. In the spring of 
1881, he engaged in real estate business at Mil- 
bank; was elected judge of probate for this county, 
in 1880. Married in October, 18.56, Adeline 
Houghland. They have three children. 

W. T. Armstrong was born in Cattaraugus 
county, New York, July 8, 1833, and soon moved 
to Erie county. He learned the trade of cabinet 
maker and moved to Janesville, Wisconsin; in 
1865 went to Owatonna, Minnesota, in 1879 to Or- 
tonville, and in 1880 to Milbank and opened a 
furniture store. Married in 1858, Miss S. F. Far- 
rington. 

B. S. Bartlett was born near Toronto, Canada, 



in 1832, and moved with parents to Michigan, 
when five years old; lived in Lenoway county till 
1854, then moved to Wright county, Minnesota, 
and in May, 1878, settled in town 120, range 49, 
Grant county, Dakota; he is engaged in farming. 
His wife was Ann Jeanette Johnson, of Michigan. 

George W. Bartlett, postmaster, was bom in 
Lenoway county, Michigan, May 16, 1841, and 
came with his parents to Minnesota in 1854. En- 
listed in 1861, in Company D, 1st Minnesota, and 
was wounded at Gettysburg: discharged in 1864, 
and lived in Wright county till May, 1878, then 
took a claim in Grant county, Dakota. In May, 
1881, he platted Bartlett's addition to Milbauk; is 
one of the village board and postmaster. Married 
Sarah E. Buruam, January 27, 1880. 

Hiram Baxter was born in Canada, in 1832; was 
farming and lumbering till 1847, then went to 
Adams couuty, Wisconsin, and after two years, to 
Traverse City, Michigan; again to Wisconsin and 
in 1866 to Olmsted county, Minnesota; lived there 
five years, in Hennepin county, five years, and in 
1876 settled on a claim near Milbank, Dakota; his 
sou and daughter took the claim on which the 
town now stands. Mr. Baxter has much pride in 
the rapid development of his town. In 1854 he 
married Elizabeth Ledbeter, a native of Canada. 

A. J. Bleser was born at Manitowoc Bapids, 
Wisconsin, August 28, 1850; when fifteen moved 
to Appleton; after attending common school and 
the Milwaukee Seminary, he was state agent at 
Milwaukee, for the Minneapolis harvester works; 
in 1878 he went into the farm machinery business 
at Ortonville and soon after began general trade, 
firm of Bleser, Nettleton & Co., at Inkpa City, D. 
T. In 1879 he was appointed clerk of court for 
Grant county; is also in real estate and loan busi- 
ness with W. M. Evans at Milbank. 

A. E. Dearborn was bom in PiUsbury county. 
New Hampshire, in 1838. In 1861 he came to 
Winona county, Minnesota, and in 1862 enlisted 
in Company B, Seventh infantry ; served till 1865. 
Lived in Winona, Kasson, Waseca, Montevideo 
and Big Stone, engaged in trade; is now in the 
machinery trade at Milbank. In 1868 he married 
Miss M. Allen. 

D. W. Diggs was bom in Shelby county, Ken- 
tucky, February 10, 1837, and when one year old, 
his parents removed to Keokuk, Iowa ; in 1853 he 
began clerking in a dry goods store and ui 1860 
went to New York city and followed same there; 
in 1866 he engaged in wholesale notion business 



998 



HISTORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



flrmof Diggs & Doughaday; in 18G9 he organ- 
ized the firm of Throckmorton, Diggs k Co., 
wholesale dry goods: six months later by the death 
of tlie senior partner the firm became Diggs, Cun- 
ningham k Co., and in 1873 the panic caused 
them to suspend. He engaged in business jn 
Chicago, in 1878 in Minneapolis and in .Tune 1879 
moved to Big Stone City and bought the town site, 
also engaged in banking and in 1881 opened the 
bank of Milbank in company with William M. 
Sargent. Married in 1862, an adopted daughter of 
Wm. M. Cornell of New York. 

Jame-s 0. Drake was bom in Sullivan county, 
New York, September .3, 1852. In 1870 he en- 
gaged in lumber business and in 1874 moved to 
Austin, Minnesota; after living in Cresco and 
Sanborn, Iowa, three years, he came to Milbank in 
August, 1880 and erected a store and opened a 
lumber yard; he also bought a large tract of land 
and now owns 1,183 acres in Grant county; since 
his opening in 1880, his business has amounted to 
$100,000. In 1879 he married Bertie Sherman, a 
graduate of Milwaukee Female college. 

John K. Eastman, native of Michigan, was born in 
Heaton county, in September, 1849. He grad- 
uated from the law department at Ann Arbor in 
1871 and was admitted to the bar in Barry county, 
Michigan, in 1873; practiced at Hastings, that 
state till May, 1880 when he came to Milbank and 
bought land on section 6; he platted Eastman's 
addition to Milbank and January 31, 1882 was 
appointed county clerk and register of deeds. 

E. D. Ely was born in Wyoming county, New 
York, in 1845 and at the age of ten moved with 
parents to Kane county, Illinois, afterwards to Mc- 
Henry and Jo Daviess counties. In 1862 he went 
to Colorado and engaged in mining two years> In 
1864 he euhsted in Company I, 1st Colorado cav- 
alry and served until October, 1865. Returned to 
Illinois and in 1871 came to Minnesota; lived in 
Mankato and Owatouna till 1880, then engaged in 
wheat trade at Milbank, Dakota; was elected vil- 
lage president in 1881. Married in August 1881, 
Ella Robuison, New York. 

William M. Evans was born in Rockland coun- 
ty. New York, in 1836. In 1854 he came to Olm- 
stead county, Minnesota, and in August, 1862, en- 
listed in the 6th regiment. Company H; was pro- 
moted to 2d lieutenant in 1863 and served till 
1865. He engaged in wheat trade on the M. & St. 
Paul R. R. and from 1872 till 1879 was in the news- 
paper business in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; he 



then located in Grant county, Dakota and engaged 
in real estate and loan business with A. J. Bleser; 
in 1880 was elected county treasurer and now holds 
the office. 

W. P. Filbert was born in Bulfalo, New York, in 
1836 and at the age of ten moved with his parents 
to Chicago; in 1858 he gra;luated from Bryant 
&. Stratton's Commercial and Law College and was 
admitted to the bar in Cook county, Illinois, in 
1859. In 1866 he began farming and practicing 
law in Rice county, Minnesota; in 1881 he located 
in Milbank, Dakota, where he practices his profes- 
sion. In 1860 he married Helen R. Clump; she 
died in 1879. 

Daniel R. Frey, native of Ohio, was born in 
Mansfield, in 1841; lived at that place, Massillon 
and Manchester and went to Joliet, Illinois when 
twenty-one years old; learned engineering and 
mason's trade at which he worked at different 
places in Illinois; in 1880 he came to Big Stone 
and in July, opened a dry goods store at Milbank 
in company with B. F. Cross; he retired after nine 
months and engaged in real estate business; in 
1881 was appointed justice of the peace. 

A. H. Lewis was born March 13, 1853, in Penn- 
sylvania, and at the age of fifteen began to learn 
printing. He afterward passed some time in 
Michigan, Iowa and Minnesota; published the 
Owatonna Review several years, but in 1880 re- 
moved to the present site of Milbank, Dakota, and 
August 19, of that year issued the first number of 
the Grant County Review, which has been en- 
larged from time to time, and is now one of the 
largest and most influential papers in Dakota; it is 
the official paper of the town and county. 

James Lockhart, native of Wisconsin, was born 
September 4, 1857, in Columbia ccmnty, where he 
remained till twenty-one years old and learned 
blacksmithing, after which he removed to Iowa 
and opened a shop at Morris. In 1880 he came to 
Milbank and estalilished an extensive wagon and 
blacksmith shop. Mr. Lockhart is marshal of this 
town. 

John W. Manning, bom in Le Sueur county, 
Minnesota, removed when fourteen years old to 
Cottonwood county, and three years later to Free- 
born coimty. In 1878 he came to Grant county, 
Dakota, and claimed 160 acres. Clarissa Burman 
was united in marriage in 1881 with Mr. Manning. 

Dr. H. Omsted, a native of Norway, was bora 
September 11, 1852, in Christiana, and acquired 
his education at the university of that place. He 



SI88BT0N INDIAN RESERVATION. 



999 



graduated in medicine in 1879, and in 1881 came to 
the United States. He is located at Milbank where 
be enjoys a large practice. 

John H. Owen, liorn in Ireland in 1850, studied 
law at a Dublin university, was admitted in 1874, 
and practiced one year. In 1876 he came to 
America; was assistant editor of a paper for a 
time in Canada; removed to St. Paul and read 
law; he was admitted to the bar in Wisconsin in 
1877, and practiced there till 1881; then came to 
Milbank. Married in 1880 Estelle Stevens. 

S. M. Paaco was born May 2, 1854, in Warren 
county. New York. He accompanied his parents 
to Albany, and in 1873 graduated from a law 
school in that city; in 1875 he began practice at 
Lu Verne, Minnesota, but the year following he re- 
moved to Pipestone City; he located at Milbank 
in 1880, and in 1881 was elected city justice. 

William B. Bichards was born November 24, 
1859, in Orange county Vermont. When seven 
years old he entered school at Concord, New 
Hampsliire, and later attended private school in 
Paris, France, until eighteen years old, then' en- 
tered a law office in New York city, after which 
he attended law lectures in Paris. In 1841 he 
opened a law office at Milbank. 

LaddBobie was born August 4, 1831, in Orange 
county, Vermont. From five years of age till 1854, 
his home was in Madison county. New I'ork, after 
which he passed four years in Van Buren county, 
Michigan. Then engaged in mercantile trade and 
farming in Minnesota, but in 1878 settled on sec- 
tion 27 of Grant Center. In 1870 he married Dul- 
oeia Thomas. 

B. Schafer is a native of New York, born in 
1862 at Buffalo. While young he accompanied 
his parents to Steele county, Minnesota, which 
was his home till 1880, at which date he began 
tlie butcher's trade at Ortonville, and in June, 1881, 
bought the business of his brother N. J. at Mil- 
bank. 

James Shaw, native of Scotland, was born Janu- 
ary 5, 1844, and when eight years old came with 
his parents to America. After passing one year 
in Illinois, he removed to Iowa, and in 1862 en- 
tered Company I, 38th regiment of that state; 
served till September, 1865. In 1880 he started a 
store at Milbank. Married in 1868, Ella Emmons; 
four hving children. 

Ed. P. Skahen was born in 1856 in Calumet 
county, Wisconsin. He attained his education at 
the Normal school at Oshkosh and graduated in 



1877; for two yeais he was superintendent of 
Calumet county, then came to Milbank and en- 
gaged in business. 

William W. Wilson, born in Bainbridge, New 
Y^ork, lived from five until twenty -three years of 
age in Peoria, Illinois. After mining in California 
three years and speculating four years in San 
Francisco, he returned to Peoria, and in 1862 went 
to Wisconsin; five years later he migrated to 
Minnesota and manufactured barrels three years 
at Northfield, then opened a drug store at Hutch- 
inson, but since 1880 has been in the drug trade 
at Milbank. Married in 1863, Anna Armstrong. 



SISSETON INDIAN BESEBVATION. 



CHAPTEB XCVII. 

On the present reservation about 1500 Sisseton 
and Wahpeton Indians live. They are tribes of 
the great Sioux or Dakota nation. The eastern 
line of their reservation divides Lake Traverse cen- 
trally north and south, the iron monument de- 
marking it initially; thence a straight line to Lake 
Kampeska, at Watertown, is the converging point. 
The western hue runs thence northerly, along the 
western border of the coteaux; at their northern 
line the east and west line crosses — making a tri- 
angular strip of laud, richly diversified, containing 
918,780 acres. It is a reserve out of ten millions 
of acres sold by treaty of Sioux to the govern- 
ment, for .f 800,000, to be paid in ten annual instal- 
ments, to be divided equally between these Indians 
and those at Devil's Lake. At the time of the 
treaty the Indians did not know the vast amount 
of land they were selling in Dakota for that small 
sum — eight cents an acre. When Major Brown 
penned the treaty of 1867, therein crediting the 
Sisseton and Wahpeton tribes with being our effi- 
cient allies during and after the outbreak, secur- 
ing to them the Lake Traverse ( Sisseton ) reserva- 
tion, he was careful to abolish the pauper clause, 
common to nearly aU other treaties, making work, 
equal in value to the annuity, the best right to 
such support; and the results are what he antici- 
pated, and in fact helped lay the basis of, during 
his agency at Yellow Medicine. Fort Wadsworth 
(now called Sisseton) north-west of the reservation, 
has been kept fortified all these years to enforce 
order when necessary. 



1000 



HI STORY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY. 



Lake Traverse reserve was created by treaty 
signed February 19, 1867; a further agreement 
was made September 20, 1872 which was confirmed 
by act of congress June 22, 1874. The annuities 
cease June 30,1883. The Indians, however, are 
fast learning self-support. Last year they raised 
over 30,000 bushels of wheat, and, including all 
other crop.s, 70,000 bushels of produce. Tril)al re- 
lations are at an end, and much progress has been 
made towards civilization. 

By article five of the last treaty each Indian is 
entitled to 160 acres of land, when he has fifty 
acres plowed and in crop, to hold for himself and 
heirs, subject to the prohibition of disposing of it, 
except to the United States government. Under 
this stimulus many of the Indians have made at- 
tempts towards carrying out their part of the terms 
of the agreement, and in January, 1881, the pa- 
pers were made out for three Indians, who had 
earned the right to lands, and applications for pat- 
ents made out. Much progress is shown also from 
the fact that at least thirty reaping machines have 
been bought by Indians, who gave their notes and 
paid them like any other farmer. All these notes 
were paid, except two, and these two were given 
by half-breeds from below. Pour-fifths of the 
population on the reservation are fuU-blood In- 
dians, and about the same proportion are engaged 
in the cultivation of the land, to a greater or less 
extent; and almost all of them are engaged in 
some sort of civilized pursuits. There are almost 
5,000 acres in all under cultivation. Nearly all 
have substantial houses of some kind, but few liv- 
ing in tepees; there are fifteen frame houses. The 
lumber is issued to them as other supplies, and the 
houses are constructed by the Indians with the as- 
sistance of the employes at the agency. About 
one-fifth of these Indians speak enough English to 
make themselves understood, some of them speak- 
ing quite fluently. The process of development, 
though necessarily slow, is, nevertheless, owing to 
the present influences being brought to bear, hav- 
ing a permanent force. 

The mechanism by which the barbarian is being 
transferred into the civilized man, schools, churches 
industries, is being operated on the reservation 
with signal force. A great factor in this progress 
is the government manual labor boarding school 
under the charge of Professor T. M. Young. He 
is assisted by Mrs. Young as matron and Messrs. 
L. E. Dittes and C. L. Hadamek as teachers, and 



Misses A. A. Grant and M. Howell the housekeep- 
er and her assistant. 

There are in the school about sixty Indian 
children of both sexes, many of them showing 
great proficiency in their studies. Besides this, 
there are two other schools. Good Will mission 
school under charge of W. R. Morris and Miss 
Carrie Thompson, and Ascension school, under 
the charge of Miss Ella Renville, grand-daughter 
of Joseph Renville. There are six churches on 
the reservation, five of them being under the aus- 
pices of the Presbyterians, with a membership of 
nearly four hundred. These are presided over by 
native preachers, as follows : Ascension, by Rev. J. 
B. Renville, a son of old Joseph Renville; Good 
Will, by Rev. C. R. Crawford; Buffalo Lake, by 
Lewis Mazawakianna, the translation of which 
would be iron hghtning; My ason, by David Grey 
Cloud; Long Hollow, by Joseph Tispamaza, or 
Iron Door. During 1881, the A. B. C. F. M. con- 
tributed towards the support of the five churches, 
$1,200, and the native members contributed S850. 
Other contributions amounted to $500. These 
churches are under the superintendency of Rev. S. 
R. Riggs, who so long has done mission work 
among the Dakotas; he pays an annual visit to 
these people. Under his ministrations eleven na- 
tive pastors have been ordained to the ministry. 
After years of persistent work he translated the 
Bible into the Dakota language. There is some- 
thing peculiarly fascinating in this language. It 
is quite phonetic — every syllable is the ennuncia- 
tion of an idea. School books are also in use, 
printed in both the Dakota and English languages 
together. In July, 1881, Rev. Edward Ashley 
came to the reservation, and has since erected a 
frame church of good dimensions. Here he holds 
regular services, according to the rites of the Epis- 
copal church, preaching in the morning in Da- 
kota, and in the evening in English. The church 
is known as St. Mary's. The work of Christianity 
is still further assisted by the labors of a white 
lady missionary. 

The agency is situated about twelve miles from 
Brown's Valley. It is under the charge of Major 
Charles Cressey, who took the sujierintendency in 
1879. He has proved himself an efficient agent, 
and is well liked by his people. He has labored 
early and late since he assumed control, and has 
produced many improvements. He is practically 
teaching the Indians to be self-supporting. 



INDEX. 



1001 



INDEX. 



PAGE. 

Aadsen, Svend 696 

Aadson, Thorbjin 875 

Aarnas. A. E 752 

Abbett, Newton M 782 

Abbett, M. B 783 

Abbott, Judge A.L 997 

Abbott, J 912 

Abbott, M 833 

Abernethy James 878 

Abraham, A. D 690 

Abraham, G -912 

Acker, Frank 385 

Ackermann, Julius ilW 

Accault, Michael 10,18, 26 

Ackerman, Edward E 855 

Adam, Bi.*rnard 726 

Adams.James E 694 

Adams, James L 694 

Adams, W. C 883 

Adamson, 11 927 

Addy. James 732 

Ady, Joshua 598 

Agnew, E 507 

ABlbrecht, Henry 470 

Ahlf, John 484 

Ahlness C 760 

Ahrens, Hon. Henry 8i)2 

Aiken, James 768 

Aitchison, John 921 

Aitchistin, Walter 924 

Akers, Henry C 552 

Akins, JcmasP 385 

Akron Township 986 

Albin Township 758 

Alexander. Ellas 515 

Alfsborg, Township 466 

All, John 385 

AUdredge, William S 621 

Alldritt Edwin 376 

AUdritt, Samuel 377 

AUeu, Charles W 819 

Allen, .James 775 

Allen, William H 552 

Alley, Josephus 989 

AUisun.E. D 855 

Allison. Thomas 7.57 

AUsohwager, -Joseph 918 

Almklov, Rev.S 959 

Almond Township 985 

Almquist, Johan 374 

Altermatt, J B 750 

Altermatt, P. F 752 

Altnow, Augustus 454 

Altnow, F.J 418 

Altnow, William 454 

Amee,Ur. A. E 279 

Ames, J . B 833 

Ames, M. E., Early Lawyer 122 

Amiret Township 869 

Amundsen, A. I 918 

Anderley, Ignatius 428 

Anderson A 450 

Anderson, A 931 

Anderson, A. M 927 

Anderson, Adolph 683 

Anderson, A G 399 

Anderson, Andrew 694 

Anderson, Andrew M 760 

Anderson, Anton 943 

Anderson, August 451 

Anderson, Carl W •»o 



PAGE. 

Anderson, Charles 934 

Anderson, Charley 466 

Anderson, C. M 910 

Anderson, Christian 696 

Anderson. Colben 944 

Anderson, Emma 688 

Anderson, Gabriel 469 

Anderson, Gustave 892 

Anderson, Halleck 806 

Anderson, Hanry 894 

Anderson, Hans 933 

Anderson, Henry 918 

Anderson, Hogen 784 

Anderson, Jahn 943 

Anderson, .Tames 787 

Anderson , Johan 466 

Anderson, .John 694 

Anderson, John M 844 

Anderson, Lars 659 

Anderson, Magnus 901 

Anderson, N. G 977 

Anderson, N. H 691 

Anderson, Ole P 925 

Anderson, Ole T 894 

Anderson P. A 893 

Anderson. Peter 466 

Anderson, R 515 

Anderson, Bev. R. E 768 

Anderson, R.J 6.59 

Anderson, Seaver A 944 

Anderson, Swan W ^166 

Anderson, Swen 466 

Anderson, Thorn 931 

Anderson, Thorbjorn 931 

Anderson, William 787 

Andrews. Dr. J. W 855 

Andrus.C.D 621 

Andrus, W. P 968 

Angle, J. A 659 

Annie, Arzro 621 

Anthony, A 905 

Anthony, Clans 683 

Anthony, Edwin 905 

Antrias. Ule 333 

Apgar, Sainuel 304 

Appleton Township 960 

Appleton, Village of 961 

Arbes, Nic 727 

Archer. Franklin 784 

Arena Township 953 

Arlington Township 440 

Armstrong, Arthur 304 

Armstrong, Burton 758 

Armstrong, C. E 758 

Armstrong, Harvey D 934 

Armstrong, Henry 934 

Armstrong, W T 997 

Arneson. ,\rne 382 

Arndt.Gotlep 681 

Arnolda, Michael 727 

Arnold. Adam 571 

Arnold, James 753 

Arnold, James W 457 . 

Arnold, John B 712 

Arnold, William 457 

Arnold, William H 791 

Arnott, John P 903 

Arntson, A. C 918 

Artichoke Township 985 

Artillery, First Battery 133 

Second Battery 1"4 



PAGE. 

Asher, John 676 

Ashason, B 382 

Aspden, James 377 

Aspden. John T 377 

Aspden, Henry 377 

Assineboines 2, 23,43,46, 65 

Atchley, H. S 839 

Atrops, John 473 

Atwater, Judge Isaac 280 

Augusta Township 951 

Axnes, Juel K 943 

Ayer, Judge E.J 411-413 

Ayer, Frederick, Missionary 107 

Ayer, Otis, M. D 218, 484 

Baade, W F 823 

Baasen, Francis 713 

Babcock, M. F 464 

Baberish, Casper 659 

Bach, C 713 

Bach, Martin 428 

Bachmann, Charles H 490 

Backlund, Ole 965 

Bacon, H. M 918 

Bacon, Dr. J. B 918 

Bade, H 441 

Baer, J. F 989 

Bagen, John 753 

Bager, A. W 768 

Bagge, H. T. B 659 

Baier, William H 322 

Bailey, Ezra 457 

Bailey, Henry 4.57 

Bailey, J. V.H 935 

Bailey, Patrick 434 

Bailey, S. E 768 

Bailly, A. P 993 

Bailly, Alexis 93 

Baker, B.F 112 

Baker, David 485 

Baker. Charles E 603 

Baker. John 834 

Baker, J. M 993 

Baker, J.S 924 

Baker, Julius 498 

Baker, R F 993 

Bakken, Edward C 847 

Bakke.H.A 779 

Bakke Jacob 760 

Baldwin, E M 940 

Baldwin, Judge H. D 768 

Baldwin School 125 

Balfanv, John 790 

Ball,H. M 743 

Ballard, C 598 

Balmer, Jacob Louis 778 

Balmer, Paul 778 

Baltes, Joseph 345 

Baits Peter J S« 

Bandon Township 826 

Bangs, Andrew J 748 

Bannatyne. David 485 

Barber, J. H :.. 756 

Barber, T.J 865 

Barbier, Jacob lOl 

Barker. Thomas 50i 

Barle, Joseph 426 

Barlow. J. L 3f9 

Barnard, Frank 485 

Barnes, Franklin 612 

Barnes. R.D 875 

Barnes, W. R 887 



lOOii 



INDEX. 



Barnett, Stephen 3S8 

Baniick, Frederick 386 

Burr, John 818 

Barr. W. G 77H 

Barrnger, E. R !1«5 

Barragor Francis A 985 

Barratrer. James A 965 

Barrett. H. W il89 

Barrv, Joweph 441 

Barth, Frank A 386 

Barthels, John 676 

Bartlett, B. S 997 

Bartlett, (>ru8 K 659 

Bartlett, H. F 819 

Bartlett, George W 997 

Bartley, W. Q 806 

Barton, Frank J 787 

Barton, .Tereraiah F 74r> 

Bartoo, Ogden ]) Wl 

Baatihor. .Toseph 7,i6 

Bashaw Township 758 

Bass, J.B 314 

Bass, J. W 116 

Bandy, W. B 322 

Bauer, J 659 

Baner, Henry F 326 

Banman, Prof. J. A 860 

Banmanu, F 485 

Baumgarth. Fred 881 

Baum'.'arten, William 471 

Baumhocfer, Fr 314 

Ba.xter, Hiram 997 

Baxter. L. L 381 

Baxter Township 944 

Bay. LarsH 918 

Bayard. P. C 910 

Beal. Chauncey 757 

Beals, Ira J 911 

Bean, David 494 

Bean. William J 094 

Beardslev, A. D 997 

Beardsley, W. W 983 

Beattv, J. B 965 

Beatt'y, ('aptain J R 552 

Beattv. Holiert 454 

Beattv, s. B 454 

Beaiiiloin, M 984 

Beanford Township 804 

Beaver Falls 801 

Bechmann, V 7116 

Becker, Fred 681 

Becker, G. 1 989 

Becker, George L 271 

Becker. H 446 

Becker. Henry 681 

Becker, John C 8m 

Becker, Peter L 3.W 

Bedal, Elias 782 

Bedard, Firmin 969 

Beebe, L. R 458 

Beer, Albert 322 

Beetlend.H. K 894 

Beihoffer. .Tacob .361 

Beinhorn. Frederick 713 

Bcireis. IVIichael 575 

Beisan?. Francis 316 

Belirrade Township.- 674 

Bell. Thomas 868 

Belle Plaine Township 332 

Belle Plaine. Borough of 327 

Bellig. Samuel 748 

Bellm. John 713 

Belsing. .Toseph 361 

Beltrani, G. C 90, 93 

Bender, .Tacob 713 

Bcndixen, H 753 

Benedict, Allen 621 

Benedict, Brother 770 

Benham, A. H 861) 

Benham, Frederick 747, 748 

Bengstrom, .\ndrew 467 

Bengtsfni. Swen. Jr 589 

Ben in g, Henry 442 

Benncr, Martin 936 

Bennett Charles A 887 

Bennett. Ezra 489 

Bennett. S W 418 

Bennison, George 823 

Bensel, C. D 918 

Benson. David 828 

Benson. Hans 880 

Benson. Henry 893 

Benson. lama W 844 

Benson, Swan 688 



PAQE. 

Benson. T. S 833 

Benson township 969 

Benson, village of 9.56 

Bentley. Frank 929 

Benton township 393 

Berg, ('arl 737 

Berg. Judge Halvor 8 893 

Berg. Henry 748 

Berg, John 746 

Bcrghold. Alexander 713 

Berge. Nels O S14 

Berger. William 428 

Bergstrani, A. W 888 

Berndgen. Peter 802 

Bernadotte township 888 

Berrisford. John 317 

Berry. Charles, M. D 713 

Berry, John 280 

Bertrand. .Tohn P 737 

Bestor, R. G 802 

Beussmann. H. H 714 

Bickel.J. J 828 

Biehn. Anseim 499 

Biehn. Henry 499 

Bierniann. Fred W 473 

Bierl)auer, Jacob 55,3 

Bierbauer, William 553 

Bierline, Jacob 391 

Bierline M 381 

Bierstadt, Wilhelm 451 

Big Bend 933 

BigelowElisha, A 485 

Bigelow, WW 4,58 

Bigham, D. L 768 

Big Stone County 973 

Big Stone Township 980 

Big Stone City 991 

Billet. A.F 808 

Billington, Frank 775 

Bingenheimer. Fred 839 

Bingham. A. W 714 

Bingham, R. H 737 

Birch Cooley 806 

Battle of 249 

Bird, Charles 811 

Bird Island 84o 

Birum, Ener 795 

Bischof , John 458 

Bisseberg, John N 896 

Bishop. Harriet E 114 

Bismark Township 470 

Bisson, Camille 418 

Bisson, H 418 

Black, Charles 831 

Blake, George 458 

Blake, J. P 478 

Blake, J. W 855 

Blake, John 886 

Blake. James, Jr 686 

Blakely.H.E 593 

Blakely. Town of 388 

Blanchard, A 787 

Blanchard. .Albert 714 

Bliinchard. J. D 612 

Blanchard. M 821 

Bland, S. T 903 

Blaser, E 485 

Biasing, ."V. F 418 

Biasing, Frederick 442 

Bleedorn. William 386 

Bleichner, George 394 

Bleser, A.J 997 

Blessing, Anthony 684 

Bliss. Andrew J 8,38 

Bliss, Benjamin 327 

Bliss. Francis : 380 

Bloma, Henry 442 

Block, Henry 681 

Bloedcl, John 369 

Bloeniendal, H. G 834 

Blom, Adolph '. 977 

Blomquist, C. A 369 

Blue Earth County 582 

Blue Earth River 45, 47, 48 

Blume. J.B 802 

'Boal. J. .McC 116, 118 

Bobleter, Joseph 714 

Bock. Stephen 426 

Bocken, ('. A. 847 

Bode, A. H 280 

Bode, Henry 676 

Bode. William 677 

Bocdigheimer, .\lbert 821 

Boethin. Wilhelm 860 



PAOE. 

Boettcher, Rev. Henry 485 

Bohannan. Dr. Charles L 871 

Bohnen. Nic. 684 

Bogen. Ludwig 711 

Boium, Hans 814 

Boland, James 434 

Bolink, E 418 

Bolton, Adam L 919 

Bolton, Williivm 822 

Bongard. G 394 

Bonne, William H 714 

Boody. C. B 965 

Bookwalter, Joseph 612 

Boor, Leonard 698 

Bordewich. Henry 887 

Boren, .\ndrew 467 

Boren, Nels 467 

Borene, John 927 

Borgen. CM 919 

Born. Jacob ,573 

Bornarth, Charles 304 

Bornemann. B 660 

Berth. August 831 

Bosh. Frank 612 

Botham, George 968 

Bott, Valentin 778 

Bottineau, J. B I(r2 

Bouda, F 828 

Bouda, Lawrence 828 

Boutwell. E. E 496 

Bowen. Le Roy 125 

Bowen. Thomas E 737 

Bowie. G. H 793 

Borwman. William H 981 

Bowler. J. M 841 

Bowler. J. S 841 

Boyer. R D 821 

Boylan. Arthur 458 

Boynton, T. N .589 

Boys. E. J 673 

Bradley B 553 

Brady. Peter 669 

Bragdon. W. W 533 

Bragg. Johnson 322 

Bragg. Enos 327 

Bnaley. H. S 8(i9 

Braly. George W 769 

Brandjord, Tver 826 

Brandt. John 66" 

Brandt. William 800 

Brandt. Ernst 714 

Brandt. L. B 935 

Braun, Charles H 681 

Braun. Rev. Godfrey H 394 

Brauns, E. 871 

Braxmeier. John 553 

Bray, Patrick 418 

Brazee, C. J 919 

Brazil, M 806 

Breed, George D 9.59 

Bremer. Henry 451 

Brenna. Ole O. . Jr 874 

Bretch, Gustave 447 

Brewster. George H 553 

Brighton Township 696 

Briggs. J. P 988 

Briard. Frederick A 451 

Brinker. Jacob 335 

Brisbin, J. B 127 

Brock. Caleb 520 

Brookfield 832 

Brooks. Charles 439 

Brooks. C ■. E 977 

Brooks. J. T 824 

Brooks. Loren A 821 

Brooks. S 820 

Brooks. S C 625 

Brookville Township 780 

Broome, John M 5.52 

Brophy. Thomas 753 

Brown, C. IZ 732 

Brown. Charles T 660 

Brown County 695 

Browns ValleV Township 982 

Browns Valley Village 988 

Brown. David. 809 

Brown. E. R 389 

Brown. Jlrs. Eliza 501 

Brown. F. 8 871 

Brown. George W 751 

Brown, J. A 864 

Brown, J. E 625 

Brown, J. H 940 

Brown, J. J 989 



INDEX. 



1003 



PAQE. 

Brown, James ^^3 

Brown, James L S18 

Brown, John R 811 

Brown, Joseph B 791 

Brown, Joseph R 95, 102, 113, 116 

Brown. Mrs. Julia M 486 

Brown, Hon. Luther, M 304 

Brown, 5.51 

Brown. Peter 8 467 

Brown, Thomas 428 

Brown. Thomas F 429 

Brown. WR 979 

Branson, Rev. A HI, 11» 

Branson, B. W 119 

Brush, George H hW 

Brust, diaries 715 

Brustle, Christian 370 

Bruer. Henry, Jr 697 

Bryant. W. F 8'i5 

Buck, Daniel 554 

Buck, Adam 418 

Buck, George William 981 

Buckley. Samuel R 4.51 

Buckmeister. George. 618 

Budd. Hon. Charles H 919 

Budke, August 486 

Budke. H 447 

Buell W ••■ 621 

Buell. Major Salmon A 654 

Buelow, W 61)8 

Buenger. Louis 715 

Buery, G «n6 

Buffum, A 897 

Buhler, John 386 

Bundy. Scott 897 

Burcli, Perry 839 

Burch, George 839 

Burch. Thomas 673 

Burchard, Henry M 855 

Burdick, Aaron W 4.58 

Burdick, L P 983 

Burhans, Charles E ,• 769 

Burk, Anton 694 

Burk, Henry 738 

Burk, John..., 694 

Burke. D.J...'. 984 

Burg, Frank 715 

Burger. Charles F .' . . 418 

Burgess. S. W 5.54 

Burgett..J.R 881 

liurgatahler. August 471 

Burns, Daniel 698 

Burns, John 698 

Burnell.H.R 993 

Burnstown 752 

Burrill,N 677 

Burt, D.S 882 

Burt, G. C 554 

Burton, John A 507 

Burton Township 910 

Bush, John 654 

Bushard. Wilfred 683 

Busse, Chr. E 305 

Butler. Rusell 802 

Butson. James 865 

Butterfield. C. F 589 

Butternut Valley 585 

Butters. Reuben 497 

Butturff.S 855 

Buxton. John 8(12 

Cairncross. William 436 

CairoTownship 811 

Caleff. Samuel 838 

Calkins, Dr. J B 698 

Calkins, W. H 343-243 

Oallanan. John 748 

Cambria Township 583 

Camden 401 

Cameron. William W 989 

Cameraud, Jesse 419 

Camp Township 814 

Camp Lake 9b7 

Campbell, Colin 92 

Campbell, Homer L 32.1 

Campbell, L 878 

Campbell, Nelson V 807 

Campbell, Patrick 814 

Camp Release 943 

Camp Robert 8(li 

Canbv, Village of 903 

Cautwell. P 48b 

Carney. George 830 

Carnihan, A. J 95? 

Carrier, David 694 



PAGE. 

Carl, Dr. CB 715 

Carlaw Walter 863 

Carlisle, O.S 878 

Carll, F. A -520 

Carlson, A. J 374 

Carlson. Martin 940 

Carpenter, D 613 

Carpenter, Morgan 554 

Carpenter. S. B 497 

Carr. E 571 

Carr. John W 

Carr. Lorenzo 571 

Carrigan. Owen 832 

Carroll, Michael 429 

Carroll. Richard 429 

Garruth, James 803 

Carter, Capt. T. G 660 

Carver. Capt. .Jonathan. .64. 66. 68. 70 
Carver's Cave, mentioned, 66, 78. 84 

Carver, Village of 367 

Carver County 352 

Case, C. F 855 

Case, Charles H 625 

Case, E. P.. M. D 515 

Case, George E 497 

Case, Harvey 6(.W 

Case, J. A 919 

Casey. Edward 698 

Cashel Township 968 

Casserly, John 791 

Cassidy O ••• 608 

Caster, G. L 967 

Caswell, O. B 571 

Cate^ Freeman A 575 

Catlin. George. Artist 156 

Cavanaugh. Patrick 397 

Caven, Walter 811 

Caward, A. H 994 

Cedar Lake Township 340 

Cedarstam. Rev 669 

Censusof 1849 161 

Ceresco Township 614 

Cerro Gordo 944 

Chadderdon, Joseph 534 

Chadbournn. Samuel W 989 

Chadwick, John 5J3 

Chalmers. H. J 941 

Challstrom. Andrew 688 

Chamberlain. Hon. G. C 5.54 

Chamberlain. Isaac 791 

Chamberlin, M. C 941 

Chamberlin. William J.... 618 

Chambers. J. W 501 

Chambers. NP 615 

Champlin. Hon. E- T 613 

Chanhassan 375 

Chapin. George K 464 

Chapin, J. C 458 

Chapman, Charles A 5.54 

Chapman, J. U 507 

Chapman, R. H 985 

Charlestown 776 

Chase, A. D 512 

Chase. A. E 903 

Chase. Henry W 743 

Chase, .John 586 

Chase, John 625 

ChascL.S 911 

Chaska Township 357 

Chaska Village 359 

Cheadle. Asa 497 

Cherry. J. L 980 

Chester. Charles 784 

Chester. Lewis 784 

Childs.F 605 

Childs. Samuel D,, 834 

Chilgren, M. P 669 

Chilgren. Peter . .. .6/7 

Chilgren. NelsP.... .. 6iO 

Chilson, Chas. L... 5.5o 

Chippewa county . . 913 

Chittenden A. C 805 

Christenson, Erick ■ ■ ^So 

Christenson, .Tens 1' '38 

Christensen, .John. 893 

Christenson Lars. .- 9/0 

Christensen, Torger . 893 

Christenson. AUend 866 

Christman, Herman 51o 

Christiansen, J. C. . W" 

Christie, James J 810 

Christopherson, Ole Soena 887 

Christopherson, T 969 



P.\GE. 

Chronology 257 

ChoUar, Henry D 769 

Clark, A 628 

Clark C. E 887 

Clark, George 621 

Clark, George A 625 

Clark, H. W 834 

Clark, John C 677 

Clark, Lt. Nathan 90, 94, 98 

Clark, MM '. .590 

Clark, W. E .555 

Clarke. William 512 

Clarke, Z. B 9.59 

Clary.D.T 738 

Clausen, R 784 

Claesgens, Anthony ;191 

Clancy, .James 743 

Cleveland .500 

Clay. Dr. W 824 

Clayson, Walter S 769 

Clifton township 875 

Clint, William 967 

Clock, J. B 555 

Clontarf township 969 

Cochrane, Hugh 486 

Cochrane. John M 486 

Coffin, Samuel 673 

Coffin, Tompkins .579 

Coffin, W. F 919 

Coghlan, Charles J 941 

Coghlan. Edward 305 

Cole, J. M 983 

Cole, Oliver 745 

Coleman. John 935 

Coleman. Robert W 803 

Collins, Dr. D. B 660 

Collins. John 429 

Cologne 393 

Compart. L 694 

Comstock, Marshall 555 

Comstock.S. J 807 

Comstock. William 797 

Conboy. Patrick 397 

Conlin James 374 

Conniy, E. W 967 

Connolly, Daniel 429 

Connolly, Patrick 429 

Constans, H. B 715 

Constans. William 121 

Conter, John B 305 

Converse. .1. B 839 

Cook, A. H 899 

Cook, C. A 875 

Cook, Chester 791 

Cook, J.L 600 

Cook. Lysander 612 

Cooley, John 828 

Cooley,R. B 900 

Coombes, James A 912 

Cooper, Ezra A 612 

Cooper George W 618 

Coon, George G 458 

Coon, O. B 465 

Coon. W. L 55d 

Corbel, Philip 327 

Corbett, Herbert A 618 

Cordill, Monroe 757 

Cordova 509 

Corey, A. D 803 

Cormeir, G 447 

Cornelinson. Carl M 9/1 

Cornells, Louis 868 

Cornell, James 62.i 

Cornell, L. A 621 

Cornish, E.D 613 

Cornish. Zara 781 

Cornish Township 468 

Cosgrove. CM 4Sb 

Cosgrove M 9a9 

Cotter. John 43» 

Cottingham, Niles mW 

Cottonwood 730 

Coulthard, David W 738 

Countryman, A D 963 

Countrvman, L. A 963 

Courtland 68'' 

Covart. Henry "M 

Cowlv, Mark 434 

Cox, E. St. Julien 643, 661 

Craig, John L J'l 

Crandall, Dr. L. S 784 

Crane, D.F....;. 593 

I Crane, Captain George J 919 



1004 



INX>BX. 



^ ■ VKar.. 

Crane, Louis Mil 

Crane, P. B ym 

Crane, V. G Uit 

Craumer, George ityl 

Crawford, C.H 75B 

Crawford. John 811 

Cray, Jjorin 5113 

Credit Kiver Township 344 

Crislcr. L 377 

Cristman, Adam 8 811 

Cristmau. Nicholas 811 

Crombic, K. a 834 

Crofif, .1. P 4(K1 

Crone, Anton 7.53 

Cronen, John (570 

Crooks, George F 7(ifl 

Crosby, Atwood 4iB 

Crowley, George 842 

Cuff, E 7H9 

Cnll, John 7!ll 

CuUen. Ur. W. 11 51)3 

Cumiiigs, T. (' 732 

<_'uniomis. A. it 8iil 

('uinniins. G. E H()l 

Cummins, .Tames 8fil 

Cimningham, Martin 437 

Cunningnam, Samuel 38(5 

Curren, Martin 4(}7 

Current. William P 727 

Currie. Prof. E. A 871 

Currier. Kr.ink B94 

Curry, Robert 622 

Curryer, J. C 5.55 

Curtis. U. 8.5B 

I'urtiss, Alva Ii75 

Curtiss, B. V 008 

Custer Township 877 

Cutter. F. W B61 

Cutting, William 732 

Cyclone at New Ulm 7o8 

Dagan, John .575 

Uagen. Albert 847 

Dagen. John 81)3 

Dahl. Ben. C fl97 

Uahl, Christ. H Stiti 

Dahl, Jacib A. H R8B 

Dahl, O. H illis 

Dahl.P.H 761 

Dahlgren 3S1 

Dahlqvist, Nels il3l) 

Dahly.Ole J 894 

Dakota County 283 

Ualchow, John 38B 

Dale, Ole 1 814 

Damp, Nathaniel 515 

Dane, B 0:13 

Dane. Jerome 575 

Dane. Henry J 486 

Danelz. J. M 967 

Daniels, A. N 851! 

Daniels. Dr. Asa Wilder 661 

Dank, Anton 573 

Dannheim, William 6S3 

Uano. C.A 911 

Danville Township 627 

Dapper, C 442 

Dassel, B 977 

Daub, John 792 

i)auwalter. (Charles D 37n 

Davitt. Michael 834 

Davies, David 879 

Davis, A. K 661 

Davis, Benjamin F 555 

Davis, C. E ,593 

Davis, Charles K (jBi 

Davis, D. ,\ 471 

Davis, David T 584 

Davis, Elisha 732 

Davis, Ephraim 512 

Davis, George ,J 778 

Davis, J. H .55.'; 

Davis. John P 871 

Davis, Ij. K 1141 

Davis, K. W 81(1 

Davis, S. W Hill 

l>avis, T. !■; 575 

Davis, William 803 

Davis, William l{ .579 

Davis, W. H (iii5 

Davitt, Michael .. (39 

Dawald. Jacob 5U1 

P"y. P. B 1118 

Day, David, M. D 271 



! ^ PAOF. 

I Dean, Isaac N 555 

Dean, 1. N 3.35 

Dea'-born, A. E 997 

Decker, Fayette (122 

Decoria 598 

Dee, August 42<1 

Degree, Eli 821 

De Groodt, H. W .5.56 

Delany, James SBl 

Delger, Arnold 447 

Dclger. Conrad H 447 

Delhi Township 787 

i Denn, Jacob 598 

Denney, Margaret 793 

Denton, Eev.D., Missionary lU 

DePue,G. J 842 

Derby. Erastus H 486 

Derby, J. W 595 

Derby, J. E 486 

Derrynane ,^.^ 

Desmond, Jerry !"!!',! 826 

Desmond, John *.*.!'.'.'.". 8(ff 

Detuncq.P .. .'."!!.'.'. 963 

Devine, James '...'.'. 760 

Devine, John 386 

Dewees, Smith 844 

Di bble, Lewis 897 

Dickey. E. V 963 

Dick, James 880 

Dick. Philip 661 

Dickhnt. William 55B 

Dichinson, Judge D. A 556 

Dickmcier, Frederick 812 

Dickson, Col. Kobert 77, 80, 96 

Didra. Christ 419 

Diedrich, Ernst 699 

Diedrich, R '." 7(15 

Diepolder, Henry 685 

Dietsch, Charles 715 

Dietz, Charles tj25 

Dietz. Frederich 451 

Dietzmann. Gottlieb 775 

Dietzmann, John F 775 

Diestler, J,acob J 323 

Diggs, D. W 997 

Dilley, James F 362 

Dilley, W. H 876 

Dillion, E 661 

Dillman.J. A 876 

Dinon. W. P 842 

Dodd, Sam. M 981 

Dodge, M. E 9113 

Dodge, Ralph R 812 

Dodge. William, M. D 419 

Dodge, William 887 

Dodsworth, J. D 887 

Doe, W. L 963 

Doehne. George 715 

Doere. Jonas 442 

Doescher, August R 487 

Doheney. Dennis 429 

Doheny. John H 429 

Doheny. Thomas 429 

Doheny, Walter 434 

Doheny, Walter 743 

Doland. Creorge E 6(10 

Dolin. Felix 4.34 

Dole, Lucas 394 

Dolven, O. A 834 

Dolvin, A 769 

Donahower, F. A 662 

Donahower, J. C 662 

Donaldson, K. S 471 

Doncaster. Joseph 897 

Donovan. James 429 

Doolittle. F. J .575 

Dooly. Michael 521 

Door. Simon 694 

Dorman, John M 824 

Dornberg, Dr. A. L .556 

Doster. John 727 

Dotseth. A 896 

Dotson, .John W 777 

Doty. J. H 682 

Dougherty, James 5.56 

Dougherty. John 5.56 

Dougherty. J. J 834 

Dougherty, W. F 769 

Dovre, KnudO 868 

Dowd, Midiael 397 

Dow. William B 98(1 

Downie, W. W 994 

Downs. Dennis 437 

Downs. John 493 



. PAOE 

Downs. Thomas 662 

Doxtader, N. J 903 

D(tyle, Hon. Dennis .521 

Doyle, J. M 810 

Doyle, Lewis ,521 

Drake, J. L 487 

Drake, James 812 

Drake, James C 998 

Drake, Samuel 518 

Drcritt.l Eloriaii 501 

Dres,-el, Philip .504 

Dresser, Charles L 4.54 

Dresser. Ira P 925 

Dresser, Oscar A 743 

Drescher, W. E 839 

Dretchko, William 419 

Drever. Kracht Fred 447 

Drew.Eli 459 

Drew. George 494 

Drew, M. D 8.56 

Dre.ver. Henry 810 

Drummond, W. E 908 

Dr.vden Township 153 

Dryer, George W 662 

Dnane, Charles 437 

Dublin Township 967 

Dugaw, D .501 

Dulitz. Rev Adolph 487 

Du Luth. early explorer. 9, 11, 15, 26 

Dumbeck, Joseph 605 

Duncan, Jacob, .Tr 748 

Duncan, James C 778 

Duncan, William 7:i8 

Dunkel, Edward 715 

Dungan, W, J 748 

Dunn, Rev. C. 8. H 662 

Dunn, Dr. James H 305 

Dunnell. Samuel 994 

Dunning, Samuel 662 

Dunnington, William P 769 

Dunsmooor, R 603 

Dunwell, W. H 469 

Durand, C. E 981 

Durbahn, Jacob 674 

Durell. G 919 

Durkee. Benjamin 5.56 

Durkee. William C 556 

Durst. George M 8.56 

Durtnal, James 797 

Du Toit, FrederickE 362 

Dyckman, F. H 738 

Dyer E. M 025 

Dyer.L 626 

Eagle Creek, Town of 315 

Eagle Lake village 575 

Earl, Robert 603 

Earle, George J 507 

Earle. Jonathan W 2(10 

Eastman, John R 998 

Eaton H. G 738 

Ebert, William 834 

Ebilsiser, Geo. B 751 

Echo Township 9il0 

Eckberg. Swen 688 

Eckmann. Andrew 887 

Eckstein, Andrew J 716 

Eckstein. Jos. A 715 

Edberg, John 374 

Eden Township 742 

Ederer. Frani: 820 

Edert. John 305 

Edner. G. 8 822 

Edson. O E 497 

Edwards, Daniel 581 

Edwards David W 487 

Edwards, Hugh H 581 

Edwards, Isaac B 887 

Edwards, John 581 

Effertz, Peter 400 

Egan, .Tames 442 

Egan. Michael 434 

Eggert. Frederick 821 

Eickshen. Bernard 4.59 

Eidem.Ole 927 

Eidsvold, Ingebert 812 

Eidsvold Township 867 

Eiselein, Adolnh 391 

Eischen, Nicholas 7.57 

Eitel. John G 362 

Ekber, Carl J 691 

Elden, Mikal 814 

Eldred. ('. J. C 924 

Eldred. H. S 743 

Eldredge, Frank A 994 



INDEX. 



1005 



PAGE. 

Eliason, G 919 

Ellingboe, A. T 837 

Ellingboe, Prof. George 9fi6 

Ellingson, T. C 892 

Ellithorp, A. M 92() 

Elliott, Kobert 400 

Ellis, A. J R22 

Ellis, William 622 

Elshoff, William E •*87 

Elthon, Torger T 837 

Elwell, George H 963 

Ely, E. D 998 

Elysian 511 

Emery, G. D 119 

Emmett Township 823 

Enes, Christian 419 

Enfield.F. T 589 

Engel, Christian J 746 

Eogel, Michael 442 

Englebert, John, 467 

Engebretscm, Eliing 932 

Engebritson, 603 

Enger, Lous J 814 

Englond, Peter 757 

Engesser, M 662 

Ensign. Franklin 769 

Enstad, Ole L 893 

Entrap, Dr. Carl A ■•. 305 

Epple, Meinrad 716 

Erdmann, Edward 727 

Ericson. Nels 904 

EriCBOii. Peter H3U 

Erickson Township 832 

Erickson. Andrew P 586 

Erickson, Andro 846 

Erickson, Gustav 9113 

Erickson, Erick 927 

Erickson, Erick 465 

Erickson, E 434 

Erickson, Hans 971 

Erickson, Martha 695 

Erikensen. Erik 971 

Erikson, Ole 

Erikson, W.John 846 

Erlhoot, Frank 487 

Ernsting, Gotleib 335 

Esser, Peter W •■■ 440 

Essig. Jacob 727 

Essler, Henry ,383 

Essler, W. C 663 

Estell, C.H . 593 

Esvig. Ole Olson 888 

Etsel, Jacob 521 

Etzell. John 379 

Evans. David C 556 

Evans, David E 581 

Evans, D.H 871 

Evans. George L 770 

Evans, Edward 581 

Evans, Evan 761 

Evans. E. D . 585 

Evans, Major E.P 591) 

Evans, William M 998 

Evans, W. D 487 

Evans, William 266 

Evenson, Christopher 6.'ji) 

Evenson, M. G 683 

Everett, H. D 770 

Everett, R. H 501 

Everitt E. F 557 

Eynon. Ambrose 819 

Eynon. Watkins 819 

Ewing, Isaac N 578 

Ewer. Chester 576 

Eyrich, Hev. G. M 487 

Fabel. Henry 4a) 

Each, William 704 

Fadden. Abraham 459 

Fadden, James 459 

Faddon, George 459 

Fairbank, J. P 593 

Fairfield Township 972 

Fairview Township 863 

Falkenhagen, John 943 

Falkingham, Joseph 892 

Fallenstein, M. L 557 

Falls of St. Anthony, 25, 75, 85, 93, 129 

Faly, James 603 

Farley, Bennony 618 

Farmer, John M 488 

Farmer, b.C ■- 594 

Farnen James 968 

Farnsworth. Dr. H. E 904 

Farrell, Jeremiah 82b 



PAGE. 

Farrer, Abram 675 

Farse. Johannes .\ 893 

Faucett, M.S 878 

Fans, Josiah 920 

Faxon Township 433 

Fecker. Lucas 753 

Felch, H. P 586 

Feldhammer, A. G BU4 

Feldman, Johan F 442 

Feldmann,D 419 

Felt, Andrew 691 

Felton. Willi.am 288 

Ferguson, Prof. O.E 738 

Ferro, Dr. C. M 871 

Fewer, J. W 842 

Field, H.O 818 

Fiene. William, Jr 677 

Fifield, A. A 863 

Fifield, M. G 863 

Filbert, W. P 998 

Filkel, Louis 716 

Filler, Loui- 678 

Finley, Matthew 812 

Finnagen, Luke 430 

Fischer, Adolpn 706 

Fischer, Gu-tave 716 

Fischer, Richard 716 

Fisher, Henry J 504 

Fisher, J, C 443 

■Fisher, -Josepll 574 

Fitch, JohnR 782 

Fitzlotf, John 600 

Fitzsimra >ns, Thomas 600 

Flachsenhar, Jacob 557 

Flanagan, I.N 60S 

Flandrau. Charles E. 271 

Flanner, C. W 968 

Fleet, Wm. C 833 

Fletcher, L. G. M 5,57 

Flinn, John 430 

Flinn, Michael 430 

Flinn, Patrick 419 

Flora Township 809 

Florida Township 907 

Flowers, W. A 501 

Flvnn.Birney 77(1 

Flynn. D 521 

Poland, W. A 960 

Foley, Daniel 571 

Follmann, Dr. P 628 

Folsom. A -587 

Folsom, Simeon P 271 

Foot, John 683 

Forbes, A. C 856 

Forcier, Louis 471 

Ford, A. S 488 

Ford, J.B 557 

Forea,J. M 981 

Forster, Charles H 673 

Forsyth. George 501 

FortL'Huiller on Blue Earth. ... 43 

Fort Ridgelv. Siege of 222 

Fort Soelling 75, 90, 92. 112, 121 

Fortier, Joseph 888 

Fortier Township 912 

Fosgate. Edmund 774 

Foss. Alfred 471 

Foss, Edwin 323 

Foss, James 323 

Foster, C.E 963 



Foster, Henry 

Foss,0. J 

Foster, M. I 

Foster. Thomas 

Fowler.F.H 

Fowler, G.W 

Fowler, J G 

Fowler, Samuel 

Francis, Dr. C. L 

Francis. Daniel 

Frank. B 

Frank. Julius 

Frank, R . . . 

Frank Wenzcl 
Frank, William 
Frankland William 

Frantz Charles 

Franz John P 

Franziscus, M 

Frasch, John 

Eraser, C. B 

Frasier. 8. W ;. • 

Frazer, Trader '8 

Fream Paris 



600 
888 
834 
745 
557 
.516 
557 
362 
622 
459 
42tl 
9(18 
9(18 
685 
710 
333 
417 
738 
43.-) 
757 



PAOE. 

Frederickson, John 688 

Frederickson. Lars 74.") 

Freer. George W 983 

Freer P. A 319 

Freeman. David 459 

Freeman. E. P 557 

Freitag. Albert 877 

Freitag, Frederick 677 

Freitag. Herman 677 

French A. J 787 

French M.L 497 

French, P. 91(1 

French, W. C 856 

Franzel. Henry 716 

Frenzell. Peter 572 

Freudenthal, Heinrich 824 

Frey Bernard 751 

Frey, Daniel R 998 

Frey. H. M 663 

Frey, John 6(i5 

Friburk. Charles 5ii4 

Friedman. Fr 716 

Fridrich, William 392 

Friendship 9(17 

Frink. Hon. G. W 920 

Fritz August 831 

Fritz. B'erdiuand 839 

Freeland Township 9.53 

Fraasch. W 954 

Fritz. Herman 839 

Frost. Benjamin C 791 

Fry, George 807 

Fuerstnow. F 447 

Fugleskjil, Ole 817 

Fullerton, James 812 

Funk, JohnP 4»8 

Furber, J. W 127 

Purch Julius 429 

Furch, Wiilam 430 

Gabbert, William 430 

Gadlow. Lewis H 430 

Gaffnev. .James 810 

Gail, .1. B .590 

Gales Township 789 

Gallagher, Isaac 73H 

Gallagher, Patrick 48.') 

Galles. Joseph 716 

Galles.N 663 

Galtier. Rev. L 114 

Galvin.M. A 330 

Gamble, Charles 753 

Gannon, John L 333 

Garden City 587 

Gardner, E.P 459 

Gardner, George 306 

Gardner George R 471 

Garfield Township 953 

Garretty, John |0S 

Garritty. Michael 828 

Gassier. W 557 

Gartner. M 467 

Garwin, H. C 8il 

Gary,C 876 

Gary,H.B 856 

Gates, Joel 62h 

Gates, M 33(1 

Gauerke, August '39 

Ganlt, Zenus A ; 870 

Gavin, Rev. Daniel, Missionary.. Ill 

Gay.P 702 

Gebser, William i39 

Geib, Jacob 447 

Geib, Valentine 448 

Gellenbeck, Geo Wm 3(lb 

George, C.W..... - ™ 

George. Capt. Sylvester A 748 

Georgius, Michael 682 

Gerard,Iver S 883 

Gerber. William 719 

Gerboth. Charles W 682 

Gerboth. Frederick 732 

Gerdes, Richard 814 

Gerken, John 420 

Gerlioh, B. H .:98 

Gerlich.H.H o98 

Germain, John 872 

Gibbon, Homer E 495 

Gibbons, J.B 8/8 

Gibbons, Thomas '. . i.>7 

Gibbs.D. A ■;33 

Gibbs.F. N 4W1 

Gibbs.S 49;; 

Gibbs.M.D 8.2 

Gibhiiund, J. B 925 



lonc, 



I SDKS. 



I'AtrE. 

Gilisim, M. H 8JB 

HicfLT, l'<-tpr 097 

Gifseke, William 717 

Qifford, Frank 311) 

Gilbert. Kev. L. C 741 

Gilbratson, Thomas lU!) 

Gilbcrtsim. Martin IKll 

GiU>ert, Nelson !IH2 

Gilbi-rt, T. L 744 

Giles, H r.lB 

Gilfillan. \Yilliam 576 

Gillan, I'atrick 830 

Gilman. Andrew J 748 

Giimore. MA 026 

Giltuer. H. C 845 

Ginther, Charles H 488 

Gippe, Henrich 928 

Girvin Samuel 677 

Gish, Henry h ' 516 

Glashon. Henry 880 

Glatigy, L. A 733 

Glavin.John 557 

Glauckc, Gottfried 61)9 

G leason, ItanHom D 774 

Glendale.Town of 317 

Glines, Albert 963 

Glockzin. August 576 

Gluth. Henry 727 

Glynn. JamcB 590 

Glynn. Edward 872 

Glynn. Martin 936 

Goebel. .John 443 

Goebol, Otto 420 

Goehring. William 777 

Goetze, C. A 370 

Goetze. Krnst F 382 

Goff, F. F 782 

Gohrman. HeEry 797 

Golden, Peter 93B 

Golding, William E 784 

Goldsmith , Nelson .501 

GoUon. Frank 970 

Gommei, Fr 717 

Gondreau. S 430 

Goodell, William P 678 

Goodhue. James M.......U7, lit, 263 

Goodham. .John 451 

Gooduo, John U 981 

Goodnough, H. T 888 

Goodrich, A. M 784 

Goodrich, Judge Aaron.. 118, 123, 271 

Goodrich, Benjamin 4()2 

Goodrich, Evans 557 

Goodyear, Kobert 558 

Goolen, Antoine 784 

Gordcm, C. B 848 

Gordon, Franklin A 824 

Gordon. James 605 

Gorlich, Fred 605 

<Torman.(Iertiarth 907 

Gorm.in. (iov. W. A 125 

<iorman. W. W 932 

Gould, Charles A 9« 

Goutermout, F. L 603 

Gove.Hon. E, A 904 

GraceviUe .-. 984 

Grace Township 935 

Graeber. Nicholas 558 

Grady. L. T 834 

Graf, Ferdinand 608 

Graf, J. J. F 608 

Graftcm Township 470 

Graham, J. G 608 

Graham. Michael 430 

Graham, W.B....' 833 

Grams, (iuatav 831 

Grandview Township 865 

Granby Township 693 

Granite Falls 884 

Granite Falis Township 925 

Grant county, Dakota 990 

Gran. Christian 323 

Grams, Tlieodore ti86 

Granum, Isaac 779 

Grasmon. Even H 812 

Grafiswick, Erick E 906 

Graves. I). D 460 

Gray. I.. N 495 

Greeley, Elam : 109 

Greeley, James 803 

Greely, H. W 605 

Greene, DeForia... 733 

Greene, German P 770 

Greene, Phidelia. Mrs 733 



PARE. 

Green Isle Township 439 

Grecu, A. H 928 

Green. Byron 757 

Green. .Tames J 488 

(ireen. John L 970 

Green. I'atrick J 983 

Green. George 619 

Grecnslit. S. A 807 

Greenwood, J. H 590 

Greg'_' John W 362 

GrcKg. I'rofessorL. A 856 

(Jret;g. O. C 856 

Gregory S. C 469 

Greig. .lames 471 

Greig. John 471 

Greig. Robert 471 

Greiner. F S62 

Grek.G.L 7.56 

Gresham, WilliamG 663 

Griebel, .T. G .558 

Griffin. John 435 

Griffin. Levi H 370 

Griffin, Patrick 335 

Griffin. William A 370 

Griffiia, HerbertA 936 

Griffith. W. D 834 

Griggs, G. C 924 

Grignon. H. R 601 

Griswold. William B 368 

Grimes. Edward 430 

Grinnell, William .521 

Grinnell. William E 338 

Groesbeck. Dr. S. V 8.57 

Grnetsch, John 448 

Groh, Wenzel ■; 516 

Groll, JohuA Jacob 603 

Gronnerud, Hans 803 

Groselliers. explorer 1. 2, 5, 6 

Groshong, Charles 42J 

Gross. Henry F 306 

Gross, Phillip 717 

Grover. Charles S 869 

Grover, E. H 793 

Grover. Lafayette 869 

Grover. O. T 837 

Grubb, B. A 876 

Grubb, Edmund 558 

Gruber, Joseph 394 

Gruby. John F 748 

Grnmmons, Lieutenant Wm. F. . 845 

Grussendorf. E. D 688 

Gude. H. L .558 

Ouenther, B 330 

Guggermos. C S92 

fiuUiekson, George 925 

Gullickson, Halvor 896 

Gulmon, A. G 902 

Gulrud Martin A 902 

Gundersen, Petter 815 

Gustofson, Andrew 467 

Guslander. Frank 524 

Gustofson. Gustof 467 

Gutenberg. Henry 3C6 

Haeberle, L 717 

Haed, James 807 

Hack. Philip 697 

Hacklev, W. A 784 

Hackerott. A. H 67s 

Hagar. Frank N S-TO 

Hagbarg. Peter 469 

H a gad on . A . W 842 

Hagaman. E. B 982 

Hageu.N.K 933 

Hahn. ('harles 454 

Hahn. William ^80 

Haigh, ( 'aptain George W 572 

Hainlin, Ernest 387 

H.ale,L. W 954 

Halgron, C. G 387 

Halgren. Frank L 387 

Hall.A J 821 

Hall. B. F 4150 

Hall. CM 521 

Hall. Darwin 8 960 

Hall.D. M 687 

Hall. F.0 682 

Hall.G. P 688 

Hall. John N 558 

Hall. Hon. M. 8«8 

Hall, RobertJ 465 

Hall. Hon. S. A 900 

Hall T. 888 

Halpin, U. C «67 

Halverson, Erick 934 



PARK. 

Halverson, .John 815 

HalvcT.Hon. Ole 819 

Halvorson. C 761 

Halvorson, Gust 899 

Halvorson. Harse 943 

Halvorson H 761 

Halvorson. Lewis 761 

Halvorson Ole 830 

Hamann, Charles 820 

Hamilton. William B 454 

Hamlin Township 952 

Hamm. Emery 878 

Hammer Township 9i)6 

Hammond, T. W., M. D 524 

Hancock 39t) 

Hancock David 981 

Hanes, J. C 516 

Hane.v, E. B 420 

Hankins. Jesse 502 

Hankins. John 510 

Hanlon, D 827 

Hanna David 605 

Hanna. John 606 

Hannah. .James 844 

Hannah. J. F 9(K) 

Hanny. John 572 

Hanre. Edward T 8«t> 

llanscome. Clarence G 670 

Hansen, Anders 92s 

Hansen, Erick 832 

Hansen, Ilans 926 

Hansen, Ole 824 

Hansen, Ole 947, 893 

Hansim, Andrew 827 

Hanson, Halvor 815 

Hanson, Hans "Roly" 832 

Hanson, Lars 739 

Hanson . Liouis 815 

Hanson. Thomas 868 

Hantho Township 950 

Hantho, H. H 950 

Hara Abraham 827 

Harding,F. W 789 

Harding. I. G 789 

Harlin, Kobert 606 

Harms. J. C 394 

Harigan, .John 966 

Harrlman, Benjamin W ."lOl 

Harris, Charles S 420 

Harris, Willard L 460 

Harrison, Edward B 377 

Harrison, H 758 

Harrington. George W 751 

Harrington. Z. G., M. D 5.58 

Hart. George 744 

Hartigan, James 431 

Hartigan. J J 872 

Hartley, E. H.. M. D 371 

Hartnet Thomas 9.36 

Hartney, J 9.'!5 

Hartwieh Carl 609 

Hass, August 465 

Hassings, C H 904 

Hattinger.E. A 717 

Hatlestad, O. H 8)56 

Hatz F.J Wl 

Hauenstein. .John 717 

Hauenstein, Weigaud 717 

Hauer. Matthew 345 

Haunehild. Henry 307 

Haupli. Gottlieb 778 

Haupt, Joseph 413 

Havelock Township 934 

Havlieek, Frank 524 

Hawes B. S 609 

Hawes, Charles 7X9 

Hawes, O. A 8))1 

Hawk Creek 811! 

Hawkins Fred 876 

Hawkins. Htm. J. D 601 

Hawkins, Lewis R 343 

■ Hawley, P. J 5r>8 

Hayden.HL 911 

Ha.ves Township Witi 

Hayes, James 495 

Haynes, Dr. E. B 601 

Hazel Run 905 

Heagy.A. J 924 

Healy, Daniel 4.37 

Healy, Edwin 872 

Healv.E. L 8.57 

Healy, Thomas 437 

Heanev. Owen 828 

Heard, LV. D 272 



INDEX. 



1007 



PAGE. 

Heberle, Stanislaus 120 

Hector Township 833 

Hedricll . Theodore 451 

Hedtke, August 420 

Hesaard, Syver •. 902 

Heghert Township 972 

Hegstrum. John 691 

Heideman, C. W. H 717 

Heidenreioh. W 306 

Heieren, 0. N 94ri 

Heiken. John 504 

Heimark. Ole S 899 

Heimerdinger, Ferdinand 733 

Heins, B. F. 825 

Heins, P. W 842 

Heinen, Mary 727 

Heinze, F. G 558 

Held. Julius H 98(1 

Helena, Town of 337 

Helkson, Siver 895 

Hellberg. Peter 846 

Helling. K. H 761 

Hemberle. Charles 420 

Hemes. Henri 671 

Henderson, Borough of 414 

Henderson Township 426 

Henderson, Walter 753 

HeniUey, James 678 

Hendley, John 678 

Hendrickson, Christian 689 

Henk, Ge(»rge. ._. 363 

Henle. Athanasius 727 

Henneberg, John H 421 

Hennepin C^ounty 274 

Hennepin. Louis 19,22.25,28, 106 

Henning, F. W 363 

Heiuioh, N 395 

Henry ville 828 

Henry, Hon. William 330 

Henton. Robert B 733 

Herbert, Owen 579 

Bering, Dr. H. H 594 

Hermanson, Lewis 691 

Herman. P 717 

Herrmann. Rudolf 421 

Herreman, C. M 785 

Herriott. William B 770 

Hertz, Berthold 371 

Hess, Floriah 717 

Heslep. Robert 576 

Hewitt, Arthur 908 

Hewitt, Jerome 744 

Hewson, Samuel J 489 

Hegmann, John 682 

Hidde, Charles 626 

Hiffernan. C. H 982 

Higgins. James 460 

Higgins, J S 516 

Higgins, Michael 431 

Hilden. G.H 928 

Hildreth, Luther C 882 

Hilger, Peter 443 

Hilgers. Casper 323 

Hilgers. Gerhard 307 

Hilgers. Mrs. Marie Annie 573 

Hill, Adam 387 

Hill. N. S 603 

Hill. A. N 663 

Hill. Denison .502 

Hill. Col. J. C 920 

Hill. Hon. Henry 888 

Hill, Thomas 807 

Hiller. Johan 609 

Hiller, Phillip 507 

Hilliker, ,Iohn A 619 

Hillmann, Karl 831 

Hills, H.M 7.')3 

Hillstrom. .John A 374 

Hilton, Humner C 601 

Himmelman. Henry 558 

Hinckley, John y 559 

Hinderman, Ernst 687 

Hinderman, Jacob 687 

Hinton. C. E 516 

Hinz. F. C 613 

Hinzman, Ferdinand 881 

Hippie. Henry 838 

Hirscher, Francis X 307 

Hislop, Thomas 606 

Historical .Society 119 

Hitchcock, H. A., M. D 753 

>0\ Hitz, Paul 705 

^^HnnrorrriWam H 626 

Hi.'ison, J. W «2H 



PAaE. 

Hoagland. J. W 863 

Hobert. Swen A 691 

Hohson. Thomas B 502 

HodgdoQ. Frank 842 

Hodgson Joseph 675 

Hodgson, J. W 839 

Hodson, James 678 

Hoecke. Charles 448 

Hoel, Kev. Olaf 9ii2 

Hoefer, C. W 473 

Hoefer, John 473 

Hoerr. J. W 559 

Hoescheler, .Jacob 71S 

Hoff, S 34« 

Hoffmann, Henry 728 

Hof mister, Fritz 443 

Hogan, J. H 821 

Hogan, Thomas 437 

Hogle, Orange K 510 

Hogue. O. E 968 

Hohmann, Frank 3.30 

Hokanson, M 670 

Holberg, 597 

Holbrook, S. F 498 

Hole-in-the-day 103, 121 

Hollarn, Anthony 931 

HoUeran, John 343 

Hollywood 402 

Holmes, C. L 994 

Holmes, Knoch . 371 

Holmes, H. L 9S6 

Holmes, G. W 460 

Holmes. L. N....- 559 

Holmes, Thomas 327 

Holmquis. John 691 

Holm, Benjamin 827 

Holmes, H. H 371 

Holte, A. A 945 

Holt, Frederick 779 

Holter, H. 1 689 

Holton. Laurence 776 

Holzgrove, Casper 448 

Home, G. E 945 

Home Township 731 

Honner.J.S. G, 795 

Honner Township 794 

Hooper, C. M 619 

Hopkins. C. H 812 

Hoppe, Fred 609 

Hoppenstedt. Fred 473 

Horgan. R. H 821 

Hermann. Frederick W 7.51 

Hornburg. C. H 718 

Horner, i§imon D 695 

Horner, Mrs. Sarah 695 

Horton, David C 971 

Hotchkiss, Fred. V 770 

Hotchkiss. K. K .888 

Houck, Eli.jah ,s2ii 

Hong, Christian 903 

Hoverson, Thron 603 

Hovland, I. C 6H1 

Hovorka, Joseph 339 

Hovorka, Thomas G .524 

How, David Lennox 307 

Howard, H. G 864 

Howard, John 685 

Howard M 733 

Howe. W. W m 

Hoy. Hugh 375 

Hoyt, Dr. R W 782 

Hubbell. James B 5.59 

Huhbard, Norman 455 

Hubbard, R. D 559 

Hudson, S. Henry iWO 

Huggins, .\lexanaer 107, 159 

Huey, J. N 984 

Hughes Charles A 751 

Hughes, John Richard .594 

Hughes, R. H 584 

Hughes, Thomas .579 

Hughes. William J 678 

Hull.E. P 498 

Hull. Marvin 933 

Hultgren. .\ron 966 

Hummel. William 718 

Humphrey. M. C, Jr 876 

Humphrey. T. R 748 

Humphrey, William 9.54 

Hunt. L. o 594 

Hunt. Rev. N. A 622 

Hunt. Patrick 510 

Hunter. .Andrew 803 

Hunter, J. A 857 



Huntington, Ed. P 489 

Huntley, O. F 508 

Hunziker, John 413 

Huonder, Joseph ."i(U 

Husby, E. E 92(1 

Husmann. .J. B 315 

Hutchins. Cyrus H 387 

Hurley, James 827 

Hymes, J. N 785 

Ibberson. Francis 739 

lUsley Edwin P 739 

litis. Frederick .363 

"O^holf. Peter .504 

Immel. Frederick 785 

Indians of Minnesota 104 

Ireland. C. F 963 

Ireland, J. F 888 

Ireland. Thomas 559 

Irwin. I. M 928 

Isaacson. A 834 

Island Lake 88(» 

Itasca, origin of word 107 

lustus. Peter 387 

Ives, G. S 654. 663 

Ives, Luther C 74« 

Iverson. Helger 928 

Iverson, Iver 907 

Iverson. Peter 872 

Jache. August 431 

Jacklin, R. W 316 

.Jackson, Town of 313 

Jackson. A. L 979 

Jackson. .\. P 979 

Jackson. Gannel 906 

Jackson. John A 791 

Jackson, J. C 803 

Jackson, Mary A .508 

Jackson, O. .A 510 

.Jackson, Peter 335 

Jacobs, Asa P 619 

Jacobs, George 718 

.Jacobs, J. W 613 

Jacobson. Ole 9(i0 

Jacobson.P. F 941 

Jaeobson, Paul C 7.39 

Jacobson, E. F 941 

Jacobson, G. A 868 

Jacobson. Andrew 697 

•Jacoby, Joseph 560 

Jacques, John 698 

Jager. N. W. L 868 

JaEn. Rev. J. C 718 

James. J. Henry, M. D 663 

James, John J 581 

James, Paul 7.57 

James, William W 581 

Jamestown Township 574 

.Janda, Lewis 857 

Japs, F.H 388 

Jenkins, Jenkin 584 

Jensen, H. P 560 

Jensen, Hans 796 

Jensen, Martin 803 

Jenson, Christian 697 

Jenson, Lewis 889 

Jenson. Michael t>89 

Jensvold L. M 893 

Jertson. Ole H 739 

Jessenland 428 

Jewell. W.H 807 

Jewett. E. B 837 

Johnson, Andrew 804 

Johnson, Alex .. 936 

Johnson. Amund 905 

Johnson, Arne 969 

Johnson, August 467 

Johnson, B 889 

Johnson, C. A 882 

John.son, C. E 739 

Johnson. Charles 691 

Johnson. Charles G 816 

Johnson, D. John 816 

Johnson, Erick 9;!4 

Johnson, Erick H 931 

Johnson, Rev. E. S 670 

Johnson. George V. 8.57 

Johnson, George S 897 

Johnson. Gunder 907 

Johnson. Hans 739 

Johnson. H. A 502 

Johnson, Herman 827 

Johnson. Ingebreth 926 

Johnson. Isaac 89 

Johnson, J. K 85^ 



1008 



TNDKX. 



■k 



PAGE. 

Johnson, J. M 678 

Johnson. J. r 395 

Johnson, John H 781 

Johnson, .lohn 857 

Johnson, John A B89 

Johnson, John A 9li(i 

Johnson, John H 897 

Johnson, Knnd H 94.5 

Johnson, I,. C 618 

Johnson, L. H 98+ 

Johnson, Miijinus 807 

.Fohnson. Martin 827 

Johnson, Muthias 815 

Jolinson, Nils 469 

Johnson, Ole 718 

Johnson. Ole A 931 

Jolinson. OleC 796 

Jolinson, P. A 371 

Johnson, I'eter 371 

Johnson, Philip () 888 

Johnson, P. K S6l) 

Johnson, H. U 970 

Johnson, S. J 891 

Johnson, Sy ver, H 670 

Johnson, s. H 981 

Johnson, S. H 96i 

Johnson, Sewell A 797 

Johnson, Rev. Thom,a8 670 

Johnson Theodore 928 

Johnson, William U 622 

Johnson, William L 307 

Johnsonville 7S0 

Johtz, C 857 

Jonason, Olof 689 

Jones, Mrs Anne .\ 774 

Jones, A. W 983 

Jones, Charles 622 

Jones, George 728 

Jones, Griffith 580 

Jones, Humphrey 581 

Jones, Humphrey H 581 

Jones, Henry 663 

Janes, Hugh 582 

Jones, John C 584 

Jones, John N 792 

Jones. Lyman K 977 

Jones, O. T 994 

Jones, Rev. K. W 582 

Jones, S. C 994 

Jones, Rev. W^illiara M 582 

Jones, W. P 584 

.Tones, William R 495 

Jones, W. R 582 

•Torjirenfion, Hans 560 

Jortjensoii, H 421 

Jordan, Village of 821 

.lorrison. Peter 395 

Jost, Mathias 601 

.Tndfion Township 580 

Juenemann, M 718 

Juergens, F. W 307 

Juleson. Ole 846 

Juhson, Ole 848 

Julson, Ulrik 846 

Juni. Benedict 718 

Kartak. Joseph 828 

Kain, Peter 440 

Kalzenberger, Adam 754 

Kampp, Peter 431 

Kasota 495 

Kast, S. H 505 

Hastens. Kred 678 

Kanth.John 308 

Kavser. William C 8.58 

Keber. Nicholas 560 

Keefc, John 988 

Keegan, Thomas P 739 

Kec-nan, E 11 842 

Keeiian, George M 580 

KciMian, Peter 465 

Kfene. Ijoren/.o D 678 

Kr^'iT, August 909 

KiliriT..Ioscph 323 

Keith. 8. M 622 

K.lehan, Peter t97 

K.'lhun, T.E 776 

Keller. Charles 421 

Keller, F 718 

Keller, Henry 719 

Keller.H. L 964 

Kclsey, Henry 804 

Kelso Townsnip 446 

Kellv. U.A 835 

Kelly, .lohn 828 



PAOE. 

Kellv, Michael 421 

Kellv, W.W IK, 

Kendall. Klnathan 813 

Kendall, iMerell S 522 

Kendall, William 5118 

Kennedy, Charles 880 

Kennedy, Major U. A 880 

Kenne<lv, Edmund 673 

Kennedy, E. R 678 

Kennedy, l'"r.anci8 M 734 

Kennedy, Frank 590 

Kennedy, James 789 

Kennedy, James 935 

Kennedy, Joel B 678 

Kennedy, John S38 

Kenning, Charles 522 

Kenny .John 968 

Kent, J 522 

Kenworthy, Silas 597 

Kerkhoven Township 966 

Kerby. Thomas .... 778 

Kerker, John... 363 

Kern, Jacob 3811 

Kerr, R. A , M. D 46(1 

Kieffer, .Joseph 594 

Kiehn, William 812 

Kiel Levis 881 

Kiene, E. A 421 

Kiesling, H 719 

Kiesling, Rudolph 719 

Kiffe, George .'i72 

Kildare Township 967 

Kilkenny 52(1 

Kill, Louis 421 

Killev, Mathias 827 

Kiraljall, Elias F 169 

Kimmet, Casper 4:U 

King,D. 795 

King, George Y 911 

King,H. R 801 

King, John R 880 

King,W.H 983 

King, William H fiO,'; 

Kinghorn, David 318 

Kingman Township 845 

Kingsbury. E. L 986 

Kinslsy, Bernhard 795 

Kintire Township 798 

Kipp, Orin 421 

Kipp, Sylvester 421 

Kipp, William 161 

Kirby,.LP 421 

Kirwan, Patrick H 804 

Kirch. .John 427 

Klsc.John J 898 

Kisner, Charles 734 

Kissner, Fred "45 

Kitchel, E. M 920 

Kitchel, James L 920 

Kitchel, W. B 920 

Kittson. Norman W 272 

Koch, E.G 719 

Koch William 719 

Kodylek, John 308 

Kodet, Joseph 829 

Koehne, F 739 

Koelf gen, Henry 684 

Koenen, John P 498 

Koenig, Frederich 7.58 

Koeppe, Ernest 822 

Koerner, Anton, Sr .308 

Koerner, Henry C 324 

Kohler, Albert 392 

Kohler. B XX 

Kohler. Celestine 388 

Kobn, Ferdinand 682 

Kohr, John 924 

Kojetin, Wenzel 829 

Koke,F 815 

Kolbert, Nicholas 497 

Kolhei. I 896 

Kolhei,01e8 895 

Koller, J.R .561 

Koons, .lacob 461 

Koons, -loseph 461 

Korth, Frederick 421 

Kosko, E. D 858 

Kjemhus, K. S 895 

Kjorues. E. K 868 

Kliseus. Jacob 498 

Klein, William 664 

Kletscbke, Vincent 517 

Klingele, Martin 522 



PAOK. 

Klinket, C'hrist 443 

Klinkhammer, .1. H. ,1 323 

Klovstad, A. S 928 

Knapp, Dr. C. S 812 

Knapp, John A.; 522 

Knappen. Hon. T. F 921 

Kneeland. C. R 785 

Kneeland, R. S 664 

Knight. George W 929 

Knoblauch. Anton S71 

Knoff JacobC 561 

Knott. Thomas 327 

Knudsen Hans 597 

Knudsen. Ed 895 

Knudson. II 754 

Knutsen, .\ndrew 902 

Knutson, Knut 928 

Knutson, ( )smead 896 

Krambeer, Christian 746 

Kramer, L. H 889 

Kragero Township 930 

Kragero, Hans H 981 

Krans. .Joseph 561 

Krause. Jacob 400 

Krayenbuhl, Gustave 865 

Kreger, John ^ 489 

Kreraer, .John 628 

Kremer, John 1' 628 

Kremer, N.J 629 

Krenik, Jacob .508 

Krov, George 749 

Krog, John 866 

Kron Joseph ,561 

Kronschnabel. Casper 395 

Krook, Carl W. A 719 

Kroplin. .John 695 

Krueger, William. 427 

Kruger, George 465 

Kruger, .John D 728 

Kruger, .John A 47(1 

Kruse Henry 189 

Kryl. Jacob 829 

Kuehn, F. W 749 

Kuehner George 451 

Kuetzing. KranK 719 

Kuhlman, Eli 720 

Kuni, John F 911 

Kumro, John 808 

Kunselman. MoseB 6l9 

Kusche, Will +48 

Kusske, .Vdolph 4.51 

Kusske. Gustave 451 

Kusske, J. E 452 

Kutchin D. W 872 

Kysar, Simeon 810 

Labott. A 517 

LaChapelle, .\ntoiuc 572 

Lac qui Parle Mission 109 

Lac qui Parle County 937 

Lac qui Parle Village 989 

Lac qui Parle Township 939 

Ladd, Charles C 842 

Ladd, J.W 842 

Ladd. Sumner 664 

Ladenburg, O. P 876 

LaDu, W 770 

Lafayette 683 

La Framboise William 687 

Lahr. Jacob 4C3 

Lagerstrom, J A 388 

Laird, E.M.,L.B 578 

Laidlow 91, 93 

Lake Calhoun 106 

Lake Crystal 592 

Lake Hanska 759 

Lake Harriet Mission 109 

Lake:\Iar.shall Township 852 

Lake I'rairie 669 

Laketown 878 

Lamberton 788 

Lamlierton, George W 590 

Lamp, Lois 745 

Lampman, H, B 502 

Lamport, A. C 785 

Landon Louis 739 

Landrn, N. K 9M 

Landsverk, Halvor S 911 

Lane, Mrs. Angeline L 576 

Lanes, A.t) 930 

Lanesinirgh 525 

Lange, .\uguBt, H. E .512 

Lange, F. E 664 

Lange, William 673 

Langer, Franz .594 



INDEX. 



1009 



PAGE. 

Lake Shore 951 

Langdon.W.H 811 

Langmaid, J. F 897 

Laraway, Thompson 461 

Larkiii, John 810 

Larkins, .John S fiOti 

Larpenteur, A. L 116 

Larraliee, Alva S 73t 

Larson, Andrew 383 

Larsen, Christian 689 

Larson. Gustof 467 

Larson , Hans. Ousdahl 889 

Larson, .Tohn 827 

Larson, John 872 

Larson, John 921 

Larson. L. A 754 

Larsen, Lewis E 899 

Larsen, Luis 372 

Larson, Ole — 606 

Larson, O. M 9.52 

Larson. P. A 594 

Larson, Peter 452 

Larson, Peter 561 

Larson, Swan 383 

Larson, Torry 848 

LaSalle. explorer 10,18, 19 

Lassen, A. C 392 

Lathrop, Hon. A. W 964 

Latzke, John 330 

Lau.John 754 

Laudenschlager, H 720 

Lauer, John B 785 

Laudenslager, John 858 

Laui;hlin. Orlin 7.54 

Laurens, John* 327 

Lauterbach. John 720 

Lawrence, James 864 

Lawrence, Joseph 431 

Lawson, A. A 422 

Lawton. Edward T 4(il 

Leach, Alonzo D 378 

Leary, .James 808 

Leasraan. George W 835 

Leavitt, H. W 948 

Leavenworth Township 750 

Leavenworth, Colonel i«), 91 92 

Leatherman. Eugene 744 

Ledbeter. William 604 

Lee, Mathias 815 

Lee, OleH 827 

Lee,Timan H 899 

Leeland, Ole 1 875 

Leenthrop Township 830 

Legge, J. J.... 740 

Lehmann, August 831 

Lehmann, F 872 

Lehnert. .John 505 

Leiferman, Clemens 6(i6 

Leiferman, ,T. H 606 

Leighton. L. 8 604 

Liverman. B 364 

Lemke, Frederick 395 

Lende, Andrew 895 

Leonard, Adolph 776 

Leonhard. Charles 720 

Leonard, H. C. M. D 122 

Leonard. Quirinus 561 

Lende. Ole O 889 

Leni. Adolph 576 

Lent. Robert 747 

Le Kay Township 574 

Lescher, B. 422 

Le Suer, E. P 904 

Le Sueur, explorer 32, 39, 43, 74 

Le Sueur County 477 

Le Sueur, Borough of 480 

Le Sueur Centre 506 

Leth. Carl 502 

Letts, George L 898 

Letf ord, John A 777 

Letford, J. S 785 

Levicy, S. C 835 

Lewis, A. H 998 

Lewis, C. D 889 

Lewis, D. J 580 

Lewis, E. H., M. D 364 

Lewis. G. W 889 

Lewis, J. A 889 

Lewis, J. E 820 

Lewis, John W 582 

Lewis, Paul 613 

Lewis, Kichard 582 

Lexington 506 

64 



PAGE. 

Libbv, Joseph E 785 

Libby, Thomas 843 

Lichte, E.J f82 

Lichtwarck. .Joseph 771 

Liddell, Daniel. 740 

Lieberg. O. P 561 

Liebl, John B 813 

Liedloff. William F 561 

Lien, Ole N 902 

Lienan. M. F 388 

Liesenfeld. John 746 

Light. Benjamin F 388 

Liiljengren. August 689 

Lime Township 573 

Lincoln, E. B 843 

Lincoln, Isaac 309 

Lincoln. Isaac. Jr 843 

Lincoln Township .586 

Lind, John 720 

Lind.JohnE 673 

Lindberg. C. B 906 

Linden 761 

Linderman. G. W 878 

Lindekugel, F 443 

Lindgren, Nels 969 

Lindill. John 671 

Lindiiuist. Erik 846 

Lindsay. Thomas 864 

Lindsey. Isaac 864 

Lines, J. C 866 

Link,B.F 861 

Link.G.N 862 

Linn, James G '- 771 

Linstrom, .J. G 674 

Lipmann, Charles 685 

Lisbon Township 898 

Listerud, H 817 

Litchfield, H. H 461 

Little, A.B 582 

Little, George 872 

Little, N. C 843 

Little. W.H 872 

Little Crow. Sioux Chief 95 

Death of 256 

Livingston. William 878 

Lillegord, Hans 950 

Loba, Rev. v. E 744 

Lockhart. James' 998 

Lockrem, Chr 893 

Loe, Ole A 943 

Logan, Francis -J 493 

Logefeil, August. 308 

Logelin B 364 

Loheyde, Henry 720 

Lohmann. Otto 684 

Lokken. Ole O 902 

Lone Tree 936 

Long, Frank M 512 

Long, Major Stephen H ... .82, 85, 94 

Longbottom, John 793 

Longini, Isidor 561 

Loomis, Almond 716 

Loras. Bishop 109 

Loranger, A "• 865 

Lord, Frank J 308 

Lord, L. C 664 

Lord, Samuel 308 

Lordan, Denis 808 

Lorence, Henry 431 

Lorenz, August 664 

Lorenz, Henry 561 

Lortz, Philip Ml 

Louisana, Transfer of 73 

Louisville, Town of 317 

Louriston, Township 934 

Lovsner, O. L 898 

Lowenthal, S 720 

Lowery, J. W 839 

Lucas Township 865 

Lucas, Adam A 510 

Luce, A. J 889 

Ludcke, H.J 664 

Lnddington. Wesley 744 

Luders, Fritz 388 

Luders, Henry.... -- 336 

Ludlow. Robert 949 

Ludwig, vV'illiam .505 

Luedke. A. E 609 

Luedloff, Charles 383 

Lund, A. B 947 

Lund, Albert H 928 

Lund, Carl 8 «8 

Lund, O.N 904 



PAOE. 

Lund, T. 1 947 

Lundborg, -John 467 

Lundborg, Samuel A 3<)5 

Lundgard. Even H 032 

Lussier, H 517 

Lynch, Michael 505 

Lynch, Peter 435 

Lynd Township 860 

Lyon County H48 

Lyon Township 863 

Lyra Township 607 

Lys, Henry 771 

McAfee, Rev. G. F 664 

McAllester, J. W bid 

McBain, Alexander 745 

McCarty, A. E 771 

McCarty, A. F 609 

McCarty, M 604 

McCallum. John 978 

McCann, J. C 930 

McClelland. R. H 324 

McClellan. William B 389 

McCormick, Frank 839 

McCloskey, Charles 435 

McCormick, Patrick 4.37 

McClure, G 804 

McConnell, J. A 771 

McCoy. Rose A 510 

McDermid, A 336 

McDermid, Peter H 679 

McDonald, John 866 

McEwen, CD 822 

McFadden, William 674 

McGandy. J 858 

McGiveren. H J 994 

McGowan, William W mi 

McGrade, Frank 309 

McGrann, Owen 440 

McGrann, Phillip 437 

McGraw, Dr. D. F .562 

McGuinnis. P 438 

Mcllreavie. Alexander. Sr 745 

Mcintosh, John 804 

Mclntyre, D. A 858 

McKay, A. F 964 

McKee, George 599 

McKeever, Peter 754 

McKenzie. Colin 734 

McKeon, Owen 432 

McKinlay, Duncan 880 

McKinstry, O. W 928 

McKittrick, R. H 788 

McKnight, Frank 336 

McLaughlin. James 626 

McLaughlin, J. H 821 

McLeod, George A 672 

McLeod, Martin 102, 124 

McLinnan, .John F 866 

McMahan, M. D 562 

McManus, Hugh 432 

McMaster, William P 672 

McMehan, Thomas 438 

McMillan, D 781 

McMillan, Thomas 906 

McMichael, Dr. Oliver H 613 

McMurtie. James 562 

McMurtie. Hugh 562 

McMurphy, Dr. George 977 

McNamara, Honora 432 

McNiven, Colin 788 

McNiven, Malcolm 788 

McOuat, William 665 

McPhee, A. S 982 

McPhee, Daniel 779 

McPherson 599 

McSweeny. Dan 443 

McSweeney, Edmond 432 

Maag, John C 189 

Maas, H.A •• 561 

Mabrey, Charles F 792 

Macdonald, John 364 

Mace, 8. J 599 

Machlanburg, Friedng 901 

Mack, Peter 728 

Madigan. M. M 786 

Madison Township 9.52 

Madson. Andrew 562 

Maeiss. Frederich 443 

Maertz Joseph 339 

Magner. John 674 

Manlke, Gustav 831 

Mahn, Andrew 468 

Mahoney, John !.3o 



1010 



INDEX. 



PAOE. 

Main, Charles W 873 

Maiser, Benediht 3ie 

Maicwski, Peter 7W 

Malhzahii, Kdward 720 

Mallette.H. V 755 

Mallory, F. E 873 

Malrnbiir!;. John B89 

MiUmo. K K I!t)5 

Malta Township 985 

Maniiigc Peter 801 

Manchester, J. H 781 

Manderfeld, Antliony 747 

Manderfcld, .Tiihii 730 

Manderfeld, .loBcph S82 

Maudcrfeld, William 928 

Mandt, K. T 93i 

Mandt Townahiii, 933 

Manning, .lohn W 998 

Mankati), City of ii37 

Mankato Township 571 

Mann. Frank 571 

Mann, Fred Ii09 

Mans, J. B. 679 

Mansfeldt, Martin 455 

Mansfeld, William 4B2 

Manthey, Ernst 452 

Manthey, Fred i'Xi 

Manthey, Michael 4.52 

Manthey, Stephen 4,52 

Manuel, Fred 422 

Manuel, Peter 431 

Mapleton t)24 

Mareellus, T. M., M. D 74(1 

Marcyes, H. K 81)2 

Markhara. William G H04 

Marks, Isaac .563 

Marlette, K. G 873 

Marmorin, Olof 431 

Marrinan Michael K »09 

Marsh, Ocorge H 5B3 

Marsh, Samuel 835 

Marsh, Thomas F 8ti4 

Marshall, Village of 852 

Marsh, .J. Q. A 563 

Marshall, Hon. W. R 11.5, 126. 272 

Marshall, W. B 835 

Marston, W. P .594 

Marti, Benedict 728 

Marti, Samuel 728 

Martin, .Juliu.s 4(11 

Martin, L. S 776 

Martin, O. C 774 

Martin. 8. B 583 

Martinsburg 844 

Martine, Isaac 734 

Martindale, E. L 887 

Martinson, Olof 587 

Marysland Township, 972 

Mason, llathias .S80 

Masters, H. C 877 

Mastrud, C J <«i6 

Matchett. Frank 324 

Mather, F. C 309 

Mather, Oliver U .563 

Mather, Samuel 901 

Mathes, W. G .517 

Mathews, M.Irwin 982 

Mathews, M. E 8.58 

Mathison. Gilbert 830 

Mathison, James 848 

Matthei. Herman 422 

Mattice, W. A 994 

Mattesou, A. H .599 

Mattson. Nelson 389 

Mauch, Ijawrence 740 

Maurer, William 422 

Mautner, .Joseph 472 

Maxiiehl, George ,563 

Maxwell, J. H 949 

Maxson, Charles 465 

Maxwell Township 918 

Mayliohu. Tlieo 926 

Mayerding. Henry 707 

Mead, George W 563 

Mead, J. M 615 

Meagher, John F ,583 

Meagher, John L 499 

Medo Township 802 

Mee. Phillip 468 

Meeker, Mrs. Lydia .502 

Mcgquier. Hon. George H 843 

Mehurin Township 952 

Mehurin. Amnsa 953 



PAOE. 

Meile, Fred 720 

Meier, John 444 

Meier. Rev. John 665 

Meier, H. J 980 

Meihofcr, Martin 562 

Meilicke, Dr. A. G 609 

Melville Township 838 

Melvin, Kcnben 384 

Mel/.er, John 682 

Meiulenhall, H. W .597 

Menth. J. P 562 

Mergen, Michael 380 

Mergens, Peter 422 

Merickel, C. P 604 

Mero, C. H 978 

Merrell, Freedom 948 

Merritt, Samuel 771 

Merrill, Mrs. O HfZ 

Merrill. S. M 629 

Mertesdorf, Peter 813 

Messenbring, 395 

Messer, E. W 889 

Mettling, John 930 

Meyer, Louis 705 

Meyer. Ijudwig 705 

MicOiell. John :.... 986 

Michael, William 904 

Middleton, Fowler 734 

Miely, A. B 804 

Miesen, P 672 

Milbank 995 

Milbradt, Herman 909 

Miles, H. A,'. 948 

Miles, li 964 

Milford Township 726 

Mill, first in Minnesota 93,98 

Mil ler, A. G 389 

Miller, Andrew 495 

Miller, Bowthell 874 

Miller, D. G .517 

Miller, F. F 948 

Miller, Frank R 948 

Miller, G. B 901 

Miller, G. H .. 949 

Miller, H. C 685 

Miller, Herman 383 

Miller, James E 664 

Miller, Jacob 583 

Miller, Jacob 721 

Miller, Jan 848 

Miller, J. K 685 

Miller, Oscar 808 

Miller, P 839 

Miller, Robert 363 

Miller, Dr. 8. G 941 

Miller, S. K 804 

Miller, T. F 808 

Mills, Orrin 576 

Mills, S. T .590 

Mills, Wm. M 941 

Mills, W. T 564 

Miner, C, A 985 

Miner, L. L 576 

Miner, Wm 749 

Miner, W. W 758 

Minnesota Falls 897 

Minnesota Lake. 628 

Minnesota, meaning of the word, 118 

Territory 115 

When organized 117 

First election 118 

First legislature 118 

Seal of 120 

Recognized as a state 128 

During the Civil War 131 

Minnesota River, first steamboat 122 

Navigation of 185 

Minnesota Valley, early history of 141 

Early traders in 148 

Geology of 169 

Mintkiewitz, John 422 

Mircau, Amos 982 

Mitchell, James, 8r .869 

Mitchell, James, Jr 869 

Mitchell, R. G 951 

Mitchell, Thom,a8 H 74(1 

Moen, Martinns 946 

Moflit, I iot 273 

Mohrenweiser. August 427 

Mohan, Patrick 4.55 

Mohan, Peter 4.55 

Moltke Township 472 

Moll, Henry 665 



PAOE. 

Moloney, Dr. R. G .331 

Moloney, William 829 

Monroe, B, H 898 

Monroe, F. J 994 

Monroe Township 889 

Monson, Lewis 998 

Mcmson, Peter 389 

Montevideo 914 

Montgomery 623 

Montgomery, James N 734 

Montgomery, Major Thomas 685 

Montour, John 339 

Mo, Hans 74(i 

Moody, N. B 604 

Mooers, Hazen 291 

Moon, Zimri .577 

Moonev, (Jharles 893 

Moor, G W 591 

Moore, Dennis 522 

Moore, Edward 122 

Moore, G. A 978 

Moore, J. F 879 

Moore, Joseph Knight 865 

iMoore, H. H 793 

Moore, Simon 472 

Moran, Wesley M3 

Morgan Township 796 

Morgan , A. D 858 

Morgan, A. H 789 

Morgan. Francis S .508 

Morgan. James 877 

Morgan, John 843 

Morgan, Peter 331 

J'ork, Carl A 8(U 

Morris, E. D 835 

Morns, James 823 

Morris, John G 609 

Morrison, A.M 9ol 

Morrison. D. R 791 

Morrell, Hector 432 

Morse, Lewis E 805 

Morse, S, B 336 

Morse. M. B 954 

Morshan, August ^ 488 

Mortimer Richard W 267 

Morton, C, H 921 

Morton, Luther 687 

MoBes,Abram 822 

Moss, Henry L 118 

Mostad, T 780 

Mott, Manlty 588 

Mountin. W. J 623 

MoviuB, A. W 994 

Movius. William R 994 

Moyer. Hon. L R 921 

Moyer Township 972 

Muchow, August 185 

Muckley, Jacob M .505 

Muehlberg, Hermann 372 

Mueller, Jacob L 721 

Mueller, J Cr 444 

Mueller, Philip 574 

Mueller, William H 980 

Mullen, Hugh 488 

Mullen, J. H 472 

Mullen, Michael 721 

Mullen, Patrick 438 

Mulligan. Michael 438 

Muller Alfred, M,D 721 

Mulligan Township 757 

MuUooly. James 984 

Munger, E 623 

Munger, N. E 942 

Munro, Daniel 482 

Munro, John A 995 

Munson, Henry 907 

Murfin, W.M 740 

Murnan. Patrick 685 

Murphy, Daniel 604 

Murphy. Ichabod 389 

Murphy, Captain J. A 594 

MnrphV, Dr. G .591 

Murphy, Dr. J. H 273 

Blurphv, John 881 

Murphy, Dr. I, 921 

Murphy, Stephen L 8(v4 

Murphy, Peter 808 

Murray, (f arret 792 

Murray, John, -522 

Murray, Michael 792 

Murray, Wra P 273 

Musser, William 873 

Myers, J 862 



INDEX. 



1011 



PAOE. 

Myers, Robert 317 

Myhre, M. T 896 

Mynard, Edward 577 

Myrick. Ira 512 

Nagel, Philip 444 

Narr. John 444 

Naset, Anders L 815 

Nash. John 8r 842 

Nason, E. L 932 

Nason. li. L 498 

Nason, William, Jr 498 

Naven, Michael 438 

Narvestad, CO 837 

Nealy, Thomas 309 

Needham, Caarlea 495 

Neill. Rev Edward D 119 

Nellie. C. H 895 

Nelson, A 570 

Nelson, Andrew 862 

Nelson, Gabriel A 827 

Nelson, G . H 721 

Nelson, Hogen 815 

Nelson. John 682 

Nelson, John A 5tj4 

Nelson, Christian 862 

Nelson, C- G 911 

Nelson, Sever F 815 

Nelson Knudt K : 825 

Nelson, L. C 564 

Nelson, NelsSr 697 

Nelson, Ncls 692 

Nelson. N. A 847 

Nelson, Jacob 951 

Nelsen, N. J 899 

Nelson, N. P 786 

Nelson, N. S 921 

Nelson, Norman ^ 432 

Nelson, Ole 671 

Nelson. Ole 889 

Nelson, Peder 815 

Nenno, John N 721 

Nereson, Gunder 692 

Nes, Ole 818 

Nesburg, O. O 816 

Neskang, S. S 905 

Ness, Martin T 366 

Nestande. John 827 

Neuenburg, H j/QS 

Neukirch, Louis 473 

New Auburn 456 

New Avon Township 778 

Newell, E.W 982 

Newell, J. S 889 

Newell, Mrs. J. S 822 

Newell, Thomas R 310 

Newhall, Andrew J 916 

Newhart. J 721 

Newhouse, H. J 876 

Newhouse, Olaf P 971 

New Market Township 344 

New Posen Township 972 

New Prague, Village of 338 

New Sweden 690 

Newton, G. B 964 

Newton, James 685 

New Ulni 704 

Attacked by Indians 216 

Nichols. Alonzo 730 

Nicolm, Frank 324 

Nicollet, J. H 102 

Nicollet County 637 

Nicollet Township 675 

N iedeg»er, Christian 747 

Niles. James S .'■35 

Nill, Conrad 840 

Nilson. Martin 582 

Nix, Jacob 722 

Nixon, C. H 835 

Nixon, David 317 

Noble, A 789 

Noble. LvmanW 364 

Noe, John C 564 

Nokleby, Ole J 934 

Nordland Township 863 

Norfolk 820 

Norman. P. L 921 

Norman Township 901 

Normania Township 896 

Norten, Friedrich 455 

North Andrew 695 

North Hero 781 

North St.ar 755 

North Itobert 912 



PAGE. 

North, W. H 912 

Norton. CO 904 

Norton. E. L 517 

Norwood 399 

Norwood, J. A 666 

Nott, S.B 613 

Noys, George 489 

Nuessle. J. Paul 7.54 

Nun. John 722 

Nutter, James 666 

Nyland. Halvor A 875 

Oadson. John B 942 

Oakland, H. T 868 

(.)benolte. Christian 444 

Oberg. CF 679 

Obernolte, A 448 

Oberst, Lawrence 422 

Ochsenreiter. L. G 324 

O'Connell. John 462 

O'Connors, Jeremiah 444 

O'Connor Patrick , 601 

Odell. William C 365 

Odessa Township 979 

Odney. C C 966 

O'Donnell, .Tames 970 

ODonnell. F. T 890 

0;Donnell, P 835 

O'Donovan. James 984 

Oehler, J. J ,502 

Oglesby. Edward 564 

Oerter, Kev. W. H 3H5 

Ofenloch, John 498 

Offerman, Mathew 771 

0'Flynn,D 435 

O'Hara, Edmund 813 

O'Hara. James 813 

Ohde, Herman 490 

( VHearn, R. R .522 

O'Keefe, Joseph 432 

Olander. S 890 

Olason, Ola 906 

Oleson. A. J 906 

Oleson, Edwin H 830 

Oleson, Erick 468 

Oleson, James 931 

Olesen. Tory 722 

Olin, Winslow N 881 

Olsen, JohanS 832 

Olsen.S.H 825 

Olsen, .Sven 933 

Olson. Andreas 689 

Olson, Andrew 906 

Olson, H. L 890 

Olson, H. W 818 

Olson, Mrs. Ingborg 848 

Olson, John 375 

Olson, John A 375 

Olson, John G 893 

Olson, J. M 679 

Olson, L. W 900 

Olson. Ole K 9.i0 

Olson. Nils 7611 

Olson, Ole 689 

Olson. Ole 899 

Olson, Ole N 825 

Olson. Olof 597 

Olson, P 840 

Olson, Paul 760 

Olson. Rasmus 786 

Olson. Swan 395 

Olstaad. Knudt C 760 

Olufson. .A.rnt <X& 

O'Mara. Patrick 440 

Omsted Dr. H 998 

Omro Township 912 

O'Neil.D 816 

O'Neii. Thomas 455 

Oney, William 522 

Onstad, T. H 928 

Orr, J. B 572 

Ort.Fred 674 

Orth, Valentine 728 

Orton,C. K 978 

Orton, Chas. J 951 

Ortonville 975 

Ortonville Township 979 

Ortwein, William 749 

OrwoU. C S 890 

OrwoU, S. L 895 

Osborne, Dr. L. S 995 

Osceola Township 847 

O'Shea, D 808 

Oshawa Township 672 



PAOE. 

Osher, Mrs. Anna W 786 

Oshkosh Township \,' 911 

Osmundson, A '.',\\ gjg 

Osmundson. Gabriel S. .'!!!!! 832 

Oster, Rev. A ! ! ! 970 

Ostrom, Nels N 692 

Other Day, Indian ...!.;!!'.!!! 205 

Otis Township 884 

Otnes, Lars L fiiA 

o'Tooie. M ...;;:;■::■■■ l?? 

Otrey, Wm 935 

Otrey Township 985 

Ott, Joseph 751 

Ottawa "493 

Otto, E '.;■.■.■.■. 816 

Owen, John H 999 

Owens, OR ' '"'. 532 

Oxendale. Aaron '.'.'.'.'.'. 462 

Paegel. Adolph B26 

Paine. Wentworth 894 

Painter, George and Albert..!... 820 

Palmer, Eli J 324 

Palmer. Ephriam 609 

Palmer, H. F 462 

Palmer. James L .', 462 

Palmer, Peter 909 

Palmlund, E 847 

Pal myra ! ! ! 830 

Papke, August 473 

Parcher. J ' 995 

Pardv, Lawrence D 564 

Parke. J. Q 898 

Parker, A 879 

Parker, A. J 978 

Parker, James 8 ,'.'...... 9.36 

Parker, John G '....'.'. 510 

Parker. Wm. F . 873 

Parks. J. S \\_'_\ 616 

Parsons, Ambrose 755 

Parsons, C.S 926 

Parsons, E. W 942 

Parsons, F. P .'.'.'.'.'.'.',, 825 

Parsons, Mathew 797 

Pasehke, Rudolph 831 

Pasco, S. M 999 

Patton, Hon Wm. H 490 

Patton, J. P 808 

Patterson, C. E 858 

Paulman. John 455 

Paxton Township 793 

Pay, Benjamin 564 

Payne, E 776 

Pearson, Charles 951 

Pearson, James 626 

Pearson, W.R 921 

Peet, S 626 

Pehearson. John W 671 

Pehrson, Rev. John 671 

Pehrson, O 8.58 

Pedersen. Andrew 780 

Pederson, Bernt 692 

Pedersen. Christine 756 

Pederson. Christian 946 

Pederson, Rev. Chr 971 

Pedersen H. C 757 

Pedersen. Jens 808 

Pederson, Jens Nicolay 903 

Pederson. Lars 825 

Pederson, Mads 905 

Pederson. Swend 868 

Pendy. John 833 

Pennesha, French Trader 53 

Penning, John J 747 

Penning, Mathias 747 

Penning, Martin 734 

Perkins, J. E 835 

Permoentgan. Nicholas 729 

Perrin, William 616 

Perrot, Nicholas 12. 20, 29, 38 

Perry. J. G 948 

Perry, H.W 564 

Perry, T. J 594 

Perry. T. M 666 

Perry Township 9.54 

Perry. William 794 

Persons. Dr. C E 858 

Peterreins, Peter 909 

Peterson, A. P 872 

Petersin, Cha'-les S 740 

Peterson, George W 982 

Peterson. Gilbert 695 

Peterson, Gurenus 827 

Peterson, Hans 980 



1012 



INDEX. 



PAOE. 

Peterson, Hellek 816 

Peterson. H. B 910 

Peterson. Juilse John t)6t) 

Peterson, .1. M 087 

Peterson,. John liHl 

Peterson, l/ewis 929 

Peterson, Jlartin 892 

Peterson, Nels KIS 

Peterson, O. F K3.'i 

Peterson, Ule eK9 

Peterson, P. M .W7 

Petersen, Peter 9(17 

Peterson, Peter 951 

Peterson, Peter G t>9.'» 

Peterson, Hon. 8. U 732 

Peterson, 8. Otto 897 

Petricka, Joseph '125 

Petterson, K.J 942 

Pettijohn, K. S 687 

Pettis, Alex 498 

Pettyjohn, G. D 952 

Ptaender. VVilliam 722 

Pfarr, John D 448 

Pfau, A. U 565 

Pfeiffer, John 845 

Pfeiffer, Jost 729 

Plefferle, U 722 

Pfeil, A. L 8-22 

Pheeney, John R 498 

Phelps, Addison 982 

Phelps, Mason W 740 

Phelps, F G 982 

Phillips, Thomas W 582 

Picker, George 695 

Picket, Daniel 423 

Pickle, John E 734 

Piemeisl, John 722 

Pierce, EC .-. 864 

Pierce, J. B 613 

Pierce, Josiah 786 

Pierce.P.I. and G. W 862 

Pierce.P.L 786 

Pierce, K. B 859 

Pierce, W. 8 49(1 

Pigler, Charles 462 

Pike, Lt. Z. M 74, 78 

Pillsbury, B. F 8911 

Pillsbury, Hon. J. 8 281 

Pillsbury Township 9li5 

Pinney, W. W 890 

Pioske, Fred 418 

Piper, J. A «fU 

Piper, .Johnston ■ 51a 

Pischel, FA 517 

Pitcher. O. O 565 

Pittmann, Anthony 523 

Pittman, Joseph 523 

Plath, Herman 749 

Pleasant Mound 615 

Pleet Alois 310 

Plieseis, .Joseph 462 

Plymat, William N 826 

Plowman, George 490 

Poaps, A. P.,M.I) 740 

Podratz, Fred 463 

Poehler, Hon. Henry 4'23 

Poehler, H 682 

Pof paff , Joseph Mi 

Pohl John. . .572 

Polchow. F 564 

Pomnlan, John 144 

Poncin, C 672 

Pond, George 565 

Pond, Kev. G.H 103, 122,121, 281 

Pond, Rev. 8. W 1113,107,1(18, 111 

Ponwitt, Joseph 502 

Poole, A. L 890 

Poore, N. G 838 

Pope J. C 942 

Pope, J. U 942 

Poppitz, F. Ernst 380 

Porter. Charles 777 

Poselejj Frank 821 

Posen Township 908 

Post, William H 740 

Potter, C. H 735 

Potter. Captain D. E 518 

Potter, John 929 

Potter, J. 8 508 

Potter, M. F 978 

Ponnd.J. 8 926 

Powell, C 950 

Powers, Gorham 890 



PAOE. 

Powers, John 968 

Powers, William 825 

Prahl, Herm 449 

Prairieville 744 

Pratt. M. M 628 

Praul. J 942 

Praxel, A. A 788 

Prelwitz, August 838 

Prescott. Granville F 741 

Prescott, Harry L 989 

Prescott, Philander 91 

Preston. E. M 794 

Preston. J.I, 8118 

Preston Lake 819 

Preus, Ludwig 909 

Prevey, George W 921 

Price, E 585 

Price, C. J 887 

Price, R. H H67 

Price, Rowland W .582 

Prieser, A 7(»5 

Prior, Henry 449 

Prior Township SWl 

Propp, Julius 451 

Propping, F 723 

Proshek, John 339 

Prosser. A. E 512 

Providence Township 9.50 

Provencalle, Louis 81 

Puffer, Dr. F. L 843 

Purdy, Daniel 602 

Purington, John 9U0 

Purrington, Edwin 508 

Pntman, Dr. E. C 679 

Putnam, Hosea B 9.52 

Putnam, J. L 890 

Quackenbush. L 490 

Qvammen, Thosten 966 

Quane, James 921 

Quann, John 565 

Quast. August 144 

Quense, August 723 

Quiggle. George 619 

Quinn, James H 604 

Quinn, Patrick 885 

Quinn, Peter 103 

Quist, Martin P 892 

Rabe, A. F 679 

Radal, Olcms A 971 

Radford, William J 901 

Rahing. H 423 

Rahling, Conrad 441 

Rahling, William 415 

Raitz, George H 838 

Ralls. W. C 490 

Ramsdell. Charles A 365 

Ramsey County 283 

Ramsey, Hon. Alexander 

117, 118, 121, 273 

Rknberg, Paul J 830 

Randall, A. E 978 

Randall, B.H 687 

Randall. Frank L 723 

Randall, William 823 

RandoD, Lorenzo D 502 

Kaney, T. M 495 

Ranney, N. A 462 

Ransom. George W 982 

Rapidan Township .596 

Rask, Gustaf 880 

Rath, John 606 

Rathke, Charles 485 

Rathwell, J. H 985 

Rathwell. Thomas 985 

Rausch, John 574 

Ray, J. J 7.54 

Rea, Captain .J. A 859 

Reagan, Michael 830 

Redtearn, Walter 810 

Redmann. J. J 723 

Redwood County 762 

Redwood Falls 765 

Redwood Falls Township 773 

Red River of the North 87 

Reed, A. B 62;) 

Reed, Edwin .585 

Reed. N. P 786 

Rees, John .583 

Reese, T 595 

Reetz, Wil 610 

Rector, Datis 813 

Rector, Ole 472 

Kegester, A. B 890 



PAGE. 

Repenscheit, Charles .505 

Reiber. George 787 

Reim, Rev. O 723 

Rein, Theodor 7.30 

Reinbold. Meikel .572 

Reis Geo 310 

Reishus, G. S 896 

Reishus. Tobias K 896 

Reiter, J. B 616 

Remes, Mathias 339 

Rcraore, J. F 859 

Renville County 798 

Renville, Josepli H 109 

Rcvier, Charles 674 

Heynhout, Rev. J. C 909 

Reynolds, CM 623 

Reynolds. Eliza 819 

Reynolds, Phineas 808 

Reynolds, Wm. S 884 

Rhodes, C. H 970 

Rialson, Ole 873 

Rice. Andrew 452 

Rice, Edmund 273 

Kice, Hon. H. M 115, 118 

Rice, John 152 

Rice, L. D 759 

Rice, P. P 518 

Rich, Robert 606 

Richards, Wm. R.... 999 

Richardson, Chas. H 859 

Richardson, G. L 788 

Richardson Jas. F 510 

Richardson, R. F 809 

Richardson, Robert 619 

Richardson. W. D 591 

Richards, W. H 910 

Riches, C. W., M. D 395 

Richmueller. August 445 

Richter, A. J 585 

Riehter. Andrew J 5li5 

Richter. August .524 

Richter, William 821 

Ridgelv Township 686 

Riedele. A 365 

Rieke Adam 813 

Rieke, August 813 

Rieke. George 813 

Rieke, Victor 816 

Rieke, William 813 

Reik, William 840 

Ries, Anthony 341 

Ries, Jacob, Sr 310 

Riggs, S R Ill 

Rigler, George ■ 949 

Riley. Luke 449 

Riley. Patrick .595 

Rima, Solomon 759 

Ring. John 1 310 

Rinke, A 741 

Rinkel, George 503 

Ritz. Andre 895 

Rivers. David .572 

Riverside Township 946 

Roan.Thore 780 

Robbins, Johnathan H 510 

Robert, Cant. Louis 274 

Roberts, Charles H 623 

Roberts, George A 675 

Roberts, Henry R 583 

Roberts, John R 501 

Roberts, Louis A 495 

Roberts, Owen 583 

Roberts, W. A 803 

Roberts, William J 583 

Robertson, Mrs. Alice 490 

Robertson, Henry .577 

Robert-;. .n, J. C 867 

R..hfTts.>n. Ole L 947 

Robid.iu, I'oter 794 

Robie, Ladd 999 

Robinson, Daniel D 964 

Robinson, David 792 

Robinson, George 877 

Robinson, G. M 864 

Robinson, G. W 744 

Robinson, James 771 

Robinson, J.N 614 

Robinson, William 616 

Robinson. William K 595 

i{obson. F »l«l 

Roeliek. Anton 339 

Rock Lake Township 877 

Roden, Edward 723 



INDEX. 



1013 



PAGE. 

Boe, J. 8 827 

Roechise, George 389 

Roessler, B 890 

Rogers, Major H. B 518 

Rogers, Benjamin 667 

Rogers, Charles 503 

Rogers, Jerome B 910 

Rogers, Josiah 606 

Rogers, Hor. L. Z 5X9 

Rogers, Zoar 518 

Rolette, .Joseph, Jr 128 

Rolfson, 1 565 

Rolfstacl, G.J 891) 

RoUefson, Knud 894 

Roller, Peter P 741 

Rollins, Capt. John 282 

Romberg, Henry 735 

Ronning, Erik K 881 

Roocl,.\, W 6'9 

Roone.v, Thomas .591 

Roos, Christian 565 

Root, Lafayette 503 

Rose, Frederick 456 

Rose, Jacob !■"* 

Rose, John ' 462 

Rose, Major Robert M .565 

Rosebrook, E. L 566 

Rosenfeld, Johan 452 

Rosenquist, Nels 691^ 

Rosewood Township 929 

Ross.C.H 723 

Kossbach, William 7.59 

Rosser. George W — 820 

Rosser, William 820 

Roth, John '54 

Roth. John 78b 

Rouse, Jacob 862 

Rounseville, Daniel T t>72 

Rounseville, W. H 667 

Bowe, E F ?2b 

Rowland, J. E jj^ 

Rowley, J. S 83b 

Rubertus, Henry 930 

Ruckcr, John 780 

Rudolph, JohnO '23 

Rueeg, Henry IjJS 

Rukle, N. C 7bl 

Rund, Lauritz H 816 

Running, Ellas A 932 

Buschmeier, Fred 473 

Russell, George 867 

Bussell,!. 891 

Russell, Dr. R. C 9bi 

Russell, B.P 282 

Russell, ^^.S ?26 

Rutan, E. P iW 

Ryan, Mathew 7m 

Rydeen, Swan 4b8 

Sackett, .V, L 667 

Sackett,J.B 667 

Sacred Heart 817 

Sadler, J. C 935 

Safforii, R. L .508 

Sage. L.L 566 

St. Couturier, Hyacinth 731 

St. John, Walter 389 

St. Lawrence, Town of 325 

St. Paul 114, 127 

St. Peter 649 

St. Peter, B 33b 

Sakaraisen, Ole 69u 

Sails, J . Howard 595 

Salskowske, C 741 

Salter.John A 380 

Salter, S.T 816 

Samborn, J. A -566 

Sampson, Ever 953 

Samsal, Ole Erikson 971 

Samson, .John L 619 

Sandberg, John 336 

Sanborn, Charles L 566 

Sanborn. .John 623 

Sand Creek, Town of 320 

Sanden,H.P 881 

Sander, Fred 445 

Sanderlin, Andrew J 741 

Sanders, D. F 879 

Sanders, Joseph 859 

Sanderson, John M 7ol 

Sandmeyer,H. B 741 

Sandnes Township 894 

Sanford, Ira 780 

San Francisco 372 



PAGE. 

Sargent, Joseph Augustus 365 

Satchwell, Lorenzo 9il0 

Sauter, John 392 

Savage, John P 758 

Sawtelle, D, E 905 

Saxton. John L 610 

Scahndel, Minnie .503 

Scatterfood, Theodore .566 

Schabaker, Chas 396 

Schaffer, August 685 

Schafer, B 900 

Schafer, Fidel 423 

Schafer, Henry 995 

S<'haf er, -Joseph 731 

Schafer, R 999 

Schaffer, Joseph 817 

Schatller, Charles 810 

Schaible Quirin 724 

Schaler, Julius 401 

Schanb, Xavier .577 

Schauer, Paul 415 

Scheer, Henry 805 

Schell, August 724 

Schendel, G 840 

Scherkenbach, August 310 

Scheuer John 667 

Schewe, Christ 755 

Schiff er, Herman 491 

Schiller, Ph 396 

Schiltz, Peter 751 

Schilz, John 331 

Schimmel, William 667 

Schleuder, A. H 724 

Schleuder, Julius 667 

Schloman, Emil 731 

Schlumpberger, Christian 685 

Schmid, Charles G 44(.l 

Schmid, JohnB 741 

Schmid, Wolfgang 755 

Schmidt, Christian 445 

Schmidt, Gottlieb 566 

Schmidt. William 724 

Schmitt, C 331 

Schmitz.H 822 

Schmaker. Joseph 724 

Schnackenberg, Behrend 449 

Schneider, Lorentz 759 

Schnobrich, E. J 724 

Schnobrich, Joseph 731 

Schoenborn. N 366 

Schoenfelder, Robert, Sr 831 

Schoepp Brothers 964 

Schogll, Conrad 577 

Schonweiler, B. W 836 

.'^chorregge. Dr. H 828 

Schott, Mrs. Elizabeth 816 

Schramm, C. G 729 

Schrader, Henry 684 

Schrauth, L 525 

Schreppe, Conrad 74? 

Scbriber, Fred H 452 

Schroeder, Charles 602 

Schroeder, Herman 682 

Schroder, Frederick 818 

Schubert, C. C 729 

Schulte, Peter .574 

Schulz, F.G 519 

Schulze'.Rev. K. T 683 

Schumacher, Albert 425 

Schumacher, .J. J 751 

Schutz, Andrew F 392 

Schwalier. John 333 

Schwara, Christian 505 

Schwarz, Frederich 845 

Schweinfurter. Joseph 80.5 

Schweitzer. John 566 

Schweitzer, Peter 566 

Schweadinger, Ignas 724 

Schwerdtfeger, August 749 

Scott County 290 

Scott, J.S H« 

Scudder, Silas D 741 

Scully, Joseph 433 

Seals, Dr. T.D 868 

Seam, O. K 929 

Seamans, J. K 921 

Sear, Christ 729 

Sear, Solomon 94? 

Searles, Joseph b95 

Searing, Edward -566 

Seeger, Frederick P 3bb 

Seeger, Wm. Sr 36(1 

Seeger, Wm. Jr ^9.' 



PAGE. 

Seeley, A 965 

Seeley, Levi 982 

Segur, I. E 873 

Seifert, Christian 729 

Seigneuret, H. A 425 

Seigneuret, H. J., M. D 423 

Seiter, Adolph 724 

Seiter, A, G 724 

Seiter, E. E 725 

Seiter.H. T 725 

Seiter, Wm. F 725 

Selck, John 873 

Selover, George W 876 

Senescall, John E 472 

Sencerbox, J. W « 311 

Sencerbos, William 741 

Senescall, William 822 

Seng, Leopold 777 

Severance, Bent'm 675 

Severance, M. .J 567 

Severancs Township 473 

Severens,J. M 921 

Severin, August 453 

Seward, V.B 859 

Seymour, E. S 263 

Shadinger, Howard 463 

Shakopee, city of 296 

Shank, John T 619 

Shannon, Charles E 891 

Sharon Township 503 

Sharp, Joseph 829 

Shaubut, Henry 567 

Shaubut, John C 567 

Shaubut, J. J 567 

Shaughnessy, Patrick 432 

Shaw, Alfred 438 

Shaw, George M 792 

Shaw, .James -. 999 

Shaw, Samuel D 585 

Sheahan, Thomas 396 

Sheehy, T. W 525 

Sheets, J. H 978 

Sheffield, D.J 781 

Shelby, Charles H 588 

Shelby Township 616 

Shelly, T.E 760 

Sheridan, William 42d 

Sheridan Township 775 

Sheriden, A -519 

Sherk, Theodore J 5i7 

Sherman, David 744 

Sherman. D. W 898 

Sherman.J. M 9a) 

Shible Township 972 

Shields. John J 585 

Shinnick, William 970 

Shoberg, J 468 

Shoemaker, Francis 810 

Shoemaker, F. M., Jr 810 

Shokpay Mission HI 

Shonbeck, John P 692 

Shrip, Frederick - 731 

Shultz. Albert 832 

Shunerson, Berger • • 818 

Sibley, Hon. H. H 115,122, 274 

Sibley Township 450 

Sieben, M 396 

Siemering Hermann 491 

Siebert Mrs. Mary M 

Sieren, John ^'7 

Sigafoos, W.X 378 

Sigel Township.^ 74b 

Silvernail, John H 929 

Simenstad, Ole 971 

Simmons. George H 6i4 

Simmons, J *5 

Simmons, R. M 809 

Simning, John W. ''9 

Simons, Charles W 922 

Simpson, Ira 5^3 

Simpson, P.. 94J 

Simpson, S.J 9*^ 

Simundson, Ole J»J 

Sioux, Origin of word..... lO* 

Different bands of 10* 

Sioux massacar 177 

Sioux Agency Township 892 

Sisler.JohuM 468 

Sisseton Indian Reservation 99M 

Sistermans, Henry H 331 

Six Mile Grove 970 

Sjoquist, Andrew 9bb 

Skahen, Ed.P 999 



lOU 



INDEX. 



PAOE. 

Ski'lton, George W 777 

Skinner, Willmm 729 

Skonc. John D 383 

Sloan. B. F MS") 

Sloan. Thomas .James 77fi 

Sloonm, Ama/iah TSt 

Slocum, Ij<»renzo .- 749 

Slough. Thomas W 445 

Sly. George E 381 

Subilia H. A 72.5 

Small, Hiram 78(1 

Smallcv. Dr. VV 8;)H 

Smedberg. .John liSO 

Smith. A. ('.. JI. D 577 

Smith, .\. M .567 

Smith, Colonel B. F 597 

Smith. K. A 9«9 

Smith, Hon. Eilson B 491 

Smith, Edward 316 

Smith, Kdward M 794 

Smith, Cal .-)67 

Smith, C 499 

Smith, C W 1127 

Smith, Charles W 747 749 

Smith, Daniel 9i«) 

Smith, liev. 1). Z 380 

Smith, G. C 836 

Smith, Henry C 491 

Smith, H. .T 787 

Smith. J. D 867 

Smith. J. H 667 

Smith, J. Harley 922 

Smith. J. 1' 567 

Smith, Jeil. B 879 

Smith. .Tames B 951 

Smith. James L Ka 

Smith, James 845 

Smith. James 438 

Smith, James 926 

Smith, John 438 

Smith, John LeSueur 491 

Smith, .John 687 

Smith. John 758 

Smith, Dr. John Brown 771 

Smith. John F 825 

Smith. Joseph .523 

Smith, Joseph 679 

Smith, Joseph 6S7 

Smith, P.-vtrick W 5(l() 

Smith, Robert 27S 

Smith, Thomas liK7 

Smith, V. M H62 

Smith, Wm 439 

Smithe, Anthony 331 

Snelling. Col. Josiah 92 l(»l. 101 

Snieker. John 847 

Snow, Mrs. Harriet C 491 

Snow, Dr. S. F 568 

Snvder, Ezra W 3« 

Sn.vder, J. H 667 

Sodus Township 879 

Soeff ken F 445 

Solberg. Chriss 922 

Solid. Christian S 930 

Solseth, Kev. O. V. 929 

Somervill. .\. E 759 

Somerville, George W 741 

Sondag, Mathias 697 

Sonderman, Kev. Theodore 381 

Sonnenburg. Fred 453 

Sontag. M. J 568 

Sorenson. L. U 847 

Sorlien. E. H 898 

Boper, German 465 

Soules, John W 341 

South Bend .578 

Sower, George F .577 

Sowers. Theodore 614 

Sowl, HenryT 900 

Speiss, Stephen 667 

Spel brink, Chris, Jr 730 

Spellman, C. H 4.50, 453 

Spencer, B. E 311 

Spencer, C H a44 

Spencer. .Jeffrey 984 

Spalsburj'. Jonas 829 

Sparta Township 923 

Spaulding. C. G 627 

Spaulding. W. D 825 

SpUacy, Catherine 432 

Sporing. Henry 668 

Sprague, Louis 880 

Springdale 782 



PAOE. 

Spring Lake 341 

Stafford. David 873 

Stage. Daniel 746 

Stam. D. t; 978 

Stance, Johan 840 

Stangler. E. J 519 

Stanley Township 879 

Stark. C. G 698 

Stark Township 747 

Starr. E. L 873 

Stately Township 7.56 

Statz. Frank 325 

Stay, Frank 948 

Stearns. L. W 816 

Stceher. A 425 

Steele. Amlrew 898 

Steele. Franklin.... 112. 11.5, 119, 282 

Steenson, O. N 942 

Steff enson. Ole 827 

Stege. Hermann 679 

Steinigeweg. Charles 491 

Steinke, A. K 449 

Steiren, Thomas 831 

Stelzer, J 668 

Stempel, FA 668 

Stenson, Nels 780 

Stephens, Albert M 620 

Stephens, W, L 597 

Sterling. George H 513 

Sterling Township 620 

Stewart. Frank N 741 

Stewart. George 936 

Stewart. L 610 

Stevenhof er, George 742 

Stevens, Alfred 797 

Stevens, Cant. Charles A 311 

Stevens, E. C 826 

Stevens, Eliza Philmore 623 

Stevens, Herman 922 

Stevens, J. J 895 

btevens, Lafayette 924 

Stevens, (). E 895 

Stevenson, Edward 316 

Stevenson, J.J 995 

Stickle. Samuel 772 

Stiles. T. S 922 

Stiebeling. Henry 491 

Stocking. BE 483 

Stockman. Henry 836 

Stoddard. Dr. C. S 772 

Stoddard. Nelson 922 

Stoever. John C 425 

Stokes. (MiarlesF 577 

Stokes. Kdward L 983 

Stolt. Christian 679 

Stoltenberg. Theodore 899 

Stone. A. A 668 

Stone A.W 844 

Stone. M. B 868 

Stone. Ole 760 

Stonebraker. Henry 984 

Stoneham Township 935 

Stony Kun Township 892 

Storer. D. M 298 

Stout, T 876 

Stowe Township 881 

Strache. F 372 

Strait. George F 311 

Strait. Horace Benton 811 

Strait. Samuel Burt<»n 312 

Strand. A . T 826 

Strand, Finger T 832 

Strawsell. John 772 

Streckf uss. Johann F 401 

Street. David 499 

Streich. Fred 483 

Streukens, Leonard 366 

Strenzel, Gustav 805 

Strom, A 8.36 

Strom, Krick 971 

Strom, O. A 844 

Stronach, Geo 788 

Strong Brothers 984 

Strosclieim, August 9it9 

Stroscheim, Michael 9[t9 

Strukmann, C. H 680 

Strunk. Harmon H 312 

Sturm. John B 731 

Stutz. J<i8eph 886 

Sullivan. I\I. C 891 

Sundown Township 780 

Sundt, M. O .568 

Sutherland, H. C 980 



PA8E. 

Sutton, Geo. W 340 

Snnwall, Gust 372 

Svendly. Johan A 848 

Swaim. Asa B 518 

Bwaine, Geo. D, M. D 492 

Swain. J. C 513 

Swan. -James li .597 

Swan. O. J... 9(X) 

Swan. W. W 598 

Swanson. .\ 587 

Swanson. Charles 470 

Swanson, Charles A 468 

Swanson, C. W 680 

Swanson, Elias 383 

Swedes Forest Township 779 

Swcdi' I'rairie 906 

Sweet William 7.59 

Swenoda T<*wnship 971 

Swendson, Charles 902 

Swendson. Iteier ^97 

Swenson. .\ndrew ." 929 

Swenson, A. P 690 

Swenson, Gustaf 690 

Swenson. John 9^)5 

Swenson, Mons 911 

Swenson, P. I, 680 

Swenson, P. W 906 

Swenson, Sander 668 

Swenson, Sweu 693 

Swift County 955 

Swobody, .John 829 

Swoffer, Alfred 790 

SyltcJohn K 932 

Synsteby, Ole 780 

Tabor, Amasa .577 

Taber. John 793 

Tainter, Kev. Naham 844 

Talbot, Freeman .503 

Talbot. Thos. F 742 

Tammany, .Jas 672 

Tara Township 872 

Tarno, Albert .578 

Taylor, .\lexander 936 

Taylor, CD .568 

Taylor, E. E 863 

Taylor, Prof. Edwin A 388 

Taylor, Geo. W 492 

Taylor, John 610 

Taylor, Hobert 627 

Taylor, William 470 

Taylor, W. M 922 

Teachout. S. M 891 

Teas, CO 390 

Teas John 759 

Telfer, George M 984 

Ten Eyck. Levi 789 

Ten Mile Lake 949 

Tennev, Mary 788 

Tennev. W. H 627 

Terry. Thomas 3.33 

Tewkshurv, S. J Ii87 

Thane, George F' 818 

Thayer. W. P 865 ' 

Thcw. J. H 610 

Theis, Henry 427 

Theissen. John 427 

Theissen, Mathias 427 

Theissen, Nicholas 568 

Thiele, Louis 836 

Thingestad, C H 680 

Thoele, Diedrich 449 

Thole, Frank 470 

Thoele. Hermann 449 

Thomas. B. F 877 

Thomas. F. H 367 

Thimias. Ji.hn D 595 

Thomas, John H 772 

Thomas, J. J 525 

Thompson, Abner 620 

Thompson. C. C 995 

Thompstm, Iver 832 

Thompson, .James G 591 

Thompson. J. A 905 

Thompson. -J. J 568 

Thompson. .John 816 

Thompson. .lohnC 815 

Thompson. L. M 821 

Thompson. Nils 383 

Thompson, O. T 836 

Thompson. Peter 944 

Thompson. T 965 

Thoms, Henry G 568 

Thomas, R. ,t 568 



INDEX. 



1015 



PAOE. 

Thorns, Dr. William 336 

Thorndike, F. W 995 

Th..rnc, Jacob 320 

Thome, Stephen 59.5 

Thornton, Frank M 960 

Thorpneas. S. H 875 

Thorson, A 671 

Thiirson, Peder S 947 

Thorstensen, Kev. K 895 

Three Lakes 788 

Tharaton, Dr. Irvin H 591 

Thurston, Rev. .J. M 772 

Thurin, Martin 873 

Tibbils. H.N 9WI 

Tibbets,H C 568 

Tibil Dr. J. C 587 

Tichv, Rev. Francis 339 

Tidball. A 519 

Tierney, Charles 433 

Tiffany, Allen W 4(11 

Tiffany, E. A 568 

Tiffany, Jared J 772 

Tilburg, Henry B 954 

Till. Constantm 331 

Timra. Gottlieb 909 

Titus, M. E 922 

Titus. Z. 862 

Toberer, John C 725 

Todd, Edward 954 

Todd, George 569 

Todd.W. M 874 

Todd. W. P 990 

Tokua Townshijj 984 

Tomlinson, W. H 492 

Tompkins, James, 8r 845 

Tompkins James H 845 

Tompkins, John W 845 

Tooker. Stephen 5119 

Torgeson, Gunder 453 

Torgerson, Nels 867 

Tori, Rev. John 668 

Torrey, Fred'k. 680 

Torrey, John A 758 

Torning Township 969 

Tousley, Frank 519 

Toualey, Orr 492 

Towle, J.S 779 

Tracey, John 809 

Tracey, village of 8G9 

Transit Township 464 

Trask, John W -569 

Traverse des Sioux Ill 

Traverse Township 671 

Traverse County 986 

Tre-idwell, J. N 668 

Treadwell, T. J 795 

Trinkler, Dr. Oscar .569 

Troendle. L 627 

Trotter, Richard 946 

Troutmann, -Joseph 742 

'irosel. Geo 7.59 

Troy Township 838 

Truax, Daniel W 289 

Truax,S.S 874 

Tucker, A. C... 862 

Tucker, Melville A 862 

Tuckey, A. E 990 

Tuckev.R.A 990 

Tuel, Presley 881 

Tunderwold, Tore 760 

Tunsburg 'ownship 927 

Tupper, J. A 789 

Tumer.J. M 578 

Turner, Levi N 610 

Turrell. O, B 772 

Tuttle, B 569 

Tutzloff, Fred 4.53 

Tvedt. John A 903 

Tvedt.T, J 922 

Tyler, Berton 591 

Tyler, C. B 859 

Tyler, W. C 772 

Tyro Township 912 

Tyrone Township 493 

Twedt,P. J 930 

Tweet, Thomas 81b 

Ulrich, Robert 505 

Blrickson, Jul 847 

Underwood Township 788 

Unger, William T 511 

University of Minnesota 90 

Utley, Samuel 924 

Yail Township (92 



PAGE. 

Vaien, Henrv 725 

Vallers Township 874 

Vanasek, I. F 339 

Van Aernam, Abram 620 

V.in Cleve, Mrs. Charlotte 90 

Van Clove, Gen, H. P 90 

Van Fleet, J. A fr79 

Van Fossen, Rev. H.J 492 

Van Hee, A 865 

Van Krevelen. D., M. D 392 

VanOrum, Elbert 821 

Van Patten, A. S 585 

Van Schaack, I, M 773 

Vanvleet. Daniel 503 

Vannice, B. R 836 

Varner, Henry 325 

Vasterling, Frederick 492 

Vasterling. John H 492 

Vaugen. OleC 960 

Vernon, E. U 499 

Vernon Center 611 

Veken,K.K 837 

Veldey. O. G 895 

Vellekson. Kittel 932 

Vesta Township 796 

Vie, Adam A 986 

Vincent, Brother 970 

Vincent, T. G., M. D 569 

Vogt, Christian B13 

Vogt, Phillip 341 

Voigt, Charles 615 

Volen, Jacob A 828 

Volk, Rudolf ...., 668 

Vollmer, Christian 503 

Von Kaufenberg, John 750 

Von Keedon.-John 1.53 

Vorhees, Prof. George L 922 

Voss, Carl 911 

Voss, Henry 440 

Vrooman, James H 680 

Vroman, William 620 

Waconia 39C 

Wadsworth,H.E 922 

Wager. GotlibL 686 

Waglesteen, C. H 923 

Wagner, Charles 725 

Wagner, George 569 

Wagner, GeorgeL 777 

Wagner, I. R 874 

Wagner, James B 578 

Wagner, John ' 312 

Waibel, Alexander 731 

Wait, Asa A 520 

Wait, Rev. Ransom 863 

Waite.Eli 615 

Waite, Hon. Franklin H 569 

Wahlstrom. M 669 

Wakefield, A. J 499 

Walden, Ira A 874 

Waldo, C 840 

Waldo, Frank 367 

Walerius, .Jacob 332 

Walin, John 669 

Wall, Meinrad 686 

Walker,F. A 569 

Walker, James 898 

Walker, W. B 569 

Wallace, William 891 

W^allen, Andrew 375 

Wallen, J. J 869 

Wallin, Alfred 773 

Wallun, John 375 

Walser, John 826 

Walter, Henry 980 

Wardrop. .James 867 

Warner, Dr. Charles F 570 

Warner, Frank 372 

Warner. William 513 

Warnke.H. C 755 

Warrant. .James 499 

Waterburg Township 790 

Watertown 384 

Waterville 513 

Watson, James 788 

Watson, Joseph H 894 

Watson, Robert 773 

Watson, Samuel 894 

Walters, F. L 570 

Wattner. A. A 905 

Watts, H.L 569 

Washburn, E. W 614 

Washburn, Hon W. D 283 

V?ashington Township 499 



PAGE. 

Washington Lake, 435 

Washman, Henry 505 

VVass, Andrew 468 

WasBon, Frank D 865 

Wasson, J. B 773 

Weatherston, H C 805 

Webb, Eli 790 

Webb, William Jr 624 

Webber Charles L 782 

Weber. Anthony 433 

Weber. August 367 

Weber, John 777 

Webster, Andrew 693 

Webster, John 693 

Webster, S 859 

Weddendorf, J. N 725 

Weego, Peter 367 

Wegge, Frederick 427 

Weger, John 499 

Wegner. Franz ; 445 

Weike, C 445 

Weiland, Theodore 313 

Weimier, Henry 456 

Weinmann, Joseph 354 

Weisel, Walker 493 

Weiss. John 795 

Wefsenmoe, Ole 925 

Welch, Henry H 874 

Weldon, A. J 778 

Wellcome, Dr. F. H 891 

Wei Icome, Dr, Jacob W. B 742 

Welles, H.T 283 -^ 

Wellington 880 

Wellmer.G. C 7.55 

Wells, Professor Frank 910 -' 

Wells, Irvin 578 

Well8,P,G 910 - 

Wells, Rufus P 325 — 

Wells, Wallace 591 — 

Wella, William H 923 ^- 

Walter, Nicholas 427 

Wendelsch.afer, F 449 

Wentzlerft', August 446 

Werder, J. J 779 

Wergeland SI07 

Werges, F 449 

Werring, Horatio 735 

Wertes, Albert 340 

Wethern, Benjamin 391 

Wethern, David Y 926 

Wcscheke, Carl, M. D 728 

West. A. E 755 

West, Bank 972 

West, Newton 684 

West, G.C W 316 

Westby J 826 

Westo ver, Noah 614 

Westphal, August 726 

West Bank Township 972 

West Line 790 

Westerheim Township 875 

Weygand, Henry 390 

Weyl, Hon. William 493 

Weymouth, Judge Daniel F 860 

Weymouth, H. E. 620 

Whelan, John C 465 

Whelan, K.F 566 

Wheeler, Charles A 982 

Wheeler,John G 912 

Wheeler, Truman 735 

Whipple, J. L .509 

Whipple, Joseph 925 

Whetston, Thomas 809 

Whitaker, James 805 

Whitcomb, George H 680 

White, C.E 986 

White, E. A 680 

White, G.H 837 

White, N.D 805 

White, W.C 837 

White, William E 602 

White, W E 742 

White J. A 867 

White, John H 82a 

Whitehill, William 383 

Whitford, Charles A 954 

Whitlock, Judge F. J 832 

Whitman, Anson G. C 595 

Whitmore, F. C 923 

Whitmore.J. M 923 

Whitney, Charles C 860 

Whitney.C. H 8.59 

Whitney.J. C 283 



1016 



INDEX. 



PAGE. 

Wichmaun, D «W 

Weidenhopft, H tilO 

Wiest. Andrew 44« 

Wiest, Fredcriuk 449 

Wict'anH, John 427 

Wiest, George ml 

Wii^anii, Ferdinand 427 

Wiijand, Henry 427 

Wisrley, John Sas 

Wiglev. Richard 583 

Wigaud, Thecidor 427 

Wilbcr, A. C liU 

Wilber, J.B ti2(l 

Wilcox, Elijah 946 

Wilcox, C. M 86U 

Wilcox, Geo. U 826 

Wilcox, M. H 425 

Wildes, MarkL 5(KI 

Wildung, F 980 

Wilfcrt Andrew .WS 

Wilkins, Frank 6()2 ' 

Wilkius, Peter 4«4 

Wilkinson, H. J 891 

Wilkinson, J. T 965 

WiUard, D. G 788 

Willard, M. G .TOI 

Williams, O. K 837 i 

Williams, Phillip 805 | 

Williams, Theodore H .570 

Williams, Thomas U.... 583 

Williams, William 396 

Williams. A. T .581 

Williams, Edward 869 

Williams.n 591 

Williams. D. U KU 

Wi 1 liams, .J, \V 800 

Williams Jonathan 929 

Williamson. Kev. T. 8 107, 114 

Willow Lake 781 

Wills, J. U 602 

Willsey. F. G 948 

Willson, Benjamin 426 

Willson, Ezekiel 463 

Willsou, Mrs. Pauline 592 



PAGE. 

Wilson, A. G 690 

Wilson, AlpheuB A 773 

Wilson, Henry 817 

Wilson, J. C 316 

Wilson, Matbew 439 

Wilson, Moses K .503 

Wilson, (). C 894 

Wilson, liobert A 773 

Wilson. Wm. W 999 

Wilson. W.B 923 

Wilt. John 829 

Winjc, Eric h 923 

Winfield Township 816 

Windland. Daniel 730 

Winter, Andrew 891 

Winter. Henry 744 

Winter, John 891 

Winter, Jonn D 9.54 

Wipe, E 847 

Wisdorf. .John 464 

Wise. John C 57(1 

Wiswell, James A ,570 

Witte. Anton 426 

Witsoney. .Joseph 428 

Witt. William F 346 

Woehler, Charles 450 

Wolfe, .T.N. E 742 i 

Wolfif, Rev. August BIO 

Wolff, F.E 8.S8 

Wolstad. Tosten H 832 

Woelpern, John 445 

Wood. Frank L 325 

Wood, G. A 978 

Wood. J. C 978 

Wood, Owen J 923 

W ood, R. G 678 

Woodard. William W 570 

Wood Lake 899 

Woodmans, Dr. H 923 

Woodruff. G. 8 874 

Woods. Charles B 6.54 

Woods, W.H., M. D 525 

Woods Township 936 

Working, David 8 336 



PAGE. 

Workman, Harper M., M. D 742 

Wright, Adam .503 

Wriglit. Egbert L 813 

Wruckc, WiUielm 810 

Wurst, Hev. Maximilian 492 

Wylic. H. D 927 

Yahncke. Fritz 731 

Yager. Jacob 89<l 

Yarns. A. H 909 

Yaund, J. D 755 

Yeakel, Conrad 972 

Yearly, 8. M 898 

Yellow Bank 947 

Yellow Medicine County 882 

Yock, William 826 

Yonker Ernst 450 

Young America 398 

Young, E.T 965 

Young, Henry 367 

Young, Henry 433 

Young, Hiram E 620 

Young. Thomas 446 

Zahler. Michael 392 

Zander, F. H 520 

Zander, H ^ 750 

Zanders. John 610 

■Zeglin, R 403 

Zempel. Daniel 586 

Zempe). Herman 615 

Zenev.:M 367 

Ziegler. John 440 

Zettel. John 699 

Zieske. Frederick 683 

Zieske, JohnO 742 

Zetah, John 829 

Zimmerman, Fred 683 

Zimmerman, H 811 

Ziiine, Fr 847 

Zins, Adam J 696 

Zins, Wilhelm 696 

Zipf, Leopold 523 

Zumwenkil, H 806 




wa/ 



^^ 







• ^>^- 







